JP6818974B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

An enclosed game machine in which a game ball is enclosed, and a game device (unit) that is communicably connected to the game machine and enables the game to be played on the game machine by using the game value owned by the player. A gaming system comprising the above is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the game system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information such as the number of game balls for playing a game on the game machine is transmitted by bidirectional communication between the game machine and the game device (unit). doing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-042799

However, in the gaming system of Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the transmission of information exchanged between the gaming machine and the gaming device (unit).

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of optimizing information transmission between a gaming machine and a gaming device.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, P unit 2) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming device (for example, CU3).
A receiving means (for example, a frame control board 17 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P unit 2) capable of receiving specific information (for example, rental information) regarding the game value, which is information transmitted from the game device, and
Game information (for example, game machine information) indicating the progress of the game and predetermined information capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value to be counted by the game device are transmitted to the game device. A possible transmission means (for example, a frame control board 17 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P unit 2) and
With
The transmission means
Between Japanese regular (e.g., defined period A) transmits the game information to each,
Before Symbol receiving means the specific short time special than the period from the reception of the specific information (e.g., response time) at a timing different from a transmission timing of the game information to a timing corresponding to, of the specific information Response information (for example, lending response information) is transmitted to the gaming device ,
The predetermined information is transmitted at a timing different from the transmission timing of the game information and different from the transmission timing of the response information.

According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timings of the game information and the response information are separated, it is possible to avoid congestion of the information to be transmitted.

(2) A gaming device (eg, CU3) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming machine (for example, P stand 2).
A transmission means (for example, communication control IC325) capable of transmitting specific information (for example, rental information) regarding the game value to the game machine, and
Receiving means (for example, communication control IC325) capable of receiving game information (for example, game machine information) that is information transmitted from the game machine and indicates the progress of the game, and
With
The receiving means can receive the game information every specific period (for example, a specified period A), and a special period (for example, a response time) shorter than the specific period after the transmitting means transmits the specific information. ), The response information of the specific information (for example, lending response information) can be received from the game machine.

According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timings of the game information and the response information are separated, it is possible to avoid congestion of the information to be transmitted.

(3) In the game machine of (1) above
The specific information includes information on the magnitude of the game value (for example, the number of rented balls), and the information on the magnitude of the game value differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not (for example, ball lending). When the button 321 is pressed, the information of 125 balls is included in the information of the number of rented balls, and when the ball lending button 321 is not pressed, the information of 0 balls is included in the information of the number of rented balls).

According to such a configuration, the information regarding the magnitude of the game value differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is correct or not, and the specific information is periodically transmitted. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the connection between the game device and the game machine. Specific information can be used.

(4) In the game machine of (1) or (3) above
A launching means (for example, launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium, and
Further provided with a launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) for controlling the drive of the launch means.
The launch control means
A specific voltage (for example, power supply VL for connection confirmation) is not detected at the connection terminal between the game machine and the game device (for example, VL = OFF), or the reception status of the specific information by the receiving means. Based on (for example, when the next loan information cannot be received even after 1200 ms has elapsed from the previously received loan information), the launch by the launch means is stopped.

According to such a configuration, the firing can be easily stopped in a state where the connection with the gaming device is defective.

It is a front view which shows the card unit and the pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the glass door and the game machine frame of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the state before and after the game board is attached to the game machine frame. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is the schematic for demonstrating the configuration of the PIF wiring which connects a card unit and a pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the information sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information which is sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the main thing among various data stored in each of a card unit and a pachinko game machine, and the transmission / reception mode thereof. It is a figure which shows the timing of the modification 1 of the information transmitted and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a timing chart of the modification 1 of the information transmitted and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the modification of the timing of the lending information and lending response information sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information when the connection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine occurs. It is a figure which shows the timing of the modification 2 of the information transmitted and received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information when the connection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine occurs. It is a figure which shows another example 1 of the timing of the information when the connection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine occurs. It is a figure which shows another example 2 of the timing of information when the connection between a card unit and a pachinko game machine occurs. It is a figure which shows another example 3 of the timing of information when the connection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine occurs. It is a figure which shows the count notification sequence between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the count notification sequence between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the recovery sequence at the time of a PIF disconnection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the recovery sequence at the time of a PIF disconnection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the connection structure of a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the communication abnormality sequence during counting between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the communication abnormality sequence during counting between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the communication abnormality sequence at the time of lending between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure of the launch mechanism. It is the schematic for demonstrating the state which the ball passage of a launch mechanism is filled with a game ball. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the launching of a game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the processing in a firing mechanism. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the processing in a firing mechanism, and the operation of a hitting ball operation handle. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation of the subtraction mechanism and the game ball number display. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation when the ball clogging is detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of detecting the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor abnormality. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification processing when an abnormality is detected. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of an error and fraud detection which can be notified. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the error and fraud detection which occur in a game machine frame and a game board. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a backup power supply board. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence for demonstrating the communication timing. It is a figure which shows the list of the command which is sent and received between the main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure for demonstrating the response of the game machine installation information notification command and the game machine installation information response. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of the game machine information notification. It is a figure for demonstrating the type information included in the game information. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of a game machine information response. It is a figure for demonstrating the total result of the winning number before and after the game state changes. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the performance display calculation processing executed in a frame control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the passing number addition process in a frame control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game board surface determination-related processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the situation of calculation and display of a base value. It is a list of performance items that are aggregated. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a frame control board. It is the schematic for demonstrating the inspection signal.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Composition of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each game island (not shown) arranged in a plurality of game halls (halls) may be abbreviated as an enclosed circulation pachinko machine (hereinafter, a game machine, a pachinko machine or a P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. A card unit (hereinafter, also abbreviated as CU) 3 which is an example of a gaming device is installed one-to-one with respect to the P stand 2 at a predetermined side position of the P stand 2. There is. The card unit will be described below as an example of the game device according to the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information such as big hits, notification of abnormalities, and number of winnings can be collected by connecting to the P unit 2. It may be a call lamp device to perform.

The P stand 2 contains a game ball (pachinko ball), which is an example of a game medium, inside (hereinafter, also referred to as an enclosed ball), and is provided on the upper left side by the player operating the ball striking operation handle 25. The launching solenoid of the launching mechanism 30 which is a launching device is driven to drive the enclosed balls one by one into the game area 27 on the front surface of the game board 26 so that the game can be played. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the ball striking operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the ball striking operation handle 25, and the player's hand The contact is detected by the touch sensor and the firing solenoid is driven. In this state, the hitting ball launching momentum is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 by the player, and the enclosed ball is launched into the game area 27.

When the firing solenoid is driven to drive the enclosed balls into the game area 27 one by one, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts one ball from the number of game balls that can be played on the P stand 2. The launch strength of the game ball (hereinafter, also simply referred to as launch strength T) can be adjusted according to the rotation operation amount of the hitting ball operation handle 25 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the handle operation amount), and the handle operation amount is increased. The firing intensity T increases accordingly. Therefore, the player can adjust the firing intensity T so that the game ball passes through the area aimed at by the player by adjusting the amount of steering wheel operation.

The P stand 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first-class pachinko gaming machine, and a variable display device (also referred to as a special symbol) 278 is provided in the center of the gaming area 27. Further, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings in which the enclosed ball that has been driven can be won. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one large winning opening (variable winning ball device) 271, three ordinary winning openings 272, 273, 274, and three starting winning openings 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the start winning opening 276 is composed of an electric tulip that can be changed into a first state (for example, an open state) that is advantageous to the player and a second state (for example, a closed state) that is disadvantageous to the player. ..

The variable display device 278 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs), and based on the detection signals of the starting winning balls that have won each starting winning opening 275, 276, 277. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a combination of specific identification information (for example, doublet), a big hit state (also referred to as a big hit game state) is set, and the big winning opening 271 is opened.

Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 is a combination of special identification information (for example, a combination of probabilistic symbols such as 777) among the combinations of jackpot symbols (doublets), so that the probabilistic jackpot state Occurs, and after the end of the jackpot state, a probability fluctuation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is improved occurs.

The enclosed ball driven into the game area 27 wins in one of the winning openings or is collected in the out opening 154 without winning. The enclosed ball that has won a prize in any of the winning openings and the enclosed ball that has been collected in the out opening 154 are returned to the hitting ball launching position through the collection path in the P table 2 again. Then, when the player operates the hitting ball operation handle 25, the enclosed ball at the hitting ball launching position is hit into the game area 27 again.

Further, a game ball number display for displaying the number of game balls is provided at a position above the ball striking operation handle 25 of the P stand 2. The game ball number display 29 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by a frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4). The game ball number display 29 displays the number of game balls, the error number of the error that has occurred, and the like. The game ball number display 29 is not limited to the 7-segment LED display, and may be composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display.

Further, a counting button 28 for counting from the game ball to the holding ball is provided at the left position of the game ball number display 29 on the P stand 2. In the present embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time that the counting button 28 is continuously pressed (for example, the counting process of 250 balls is executed every time the pressing state for 0.3 seconds continues). It should be noted that, regardless of the duration of pressing, if the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 250 balls) may be counted from the game ball to the ball held, or when the counting button 28 is pressed once. May be such that all of the game balls currently owned by the player are counted regardless of the pressing time (whether or not they are pressed for a long time). In addition, the counting speed is further improved when the card return operation is performed, and smooth card return processing is realized.

In this way, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P stand 2 side, the operability of the player sitting facing the P stand 2 can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU3 side. .. Further, the P stand 2 is provided with speakers 270 at the upper right position and the upper left position of the game area 27 for outputting music data to be reproduced according to the effect displayed by the variable display device 278. The position and number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the position and number may be changed as needed.

The P stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and other game machine frames (front frames) 5. In particular, the game board 26 is different for each model of the pachinko game machine developed by each company, while the game machine frame 5 is a common frame regardless of the model. For this reason, it is sufficient for the game store to replace only the game board 26 when replacing the new machine.

<Card unit configuration>
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also called a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a storage medium for games issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member at the game hall. Accepts membership cards, which are storage media for games issued to. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

The CU3 that receives these cards has a function of converting the player-owned game value (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls held, or the number of balls stored) specified by the stored information of the card into "game ball data". .. On the P stand 2, a ball game corresponding to the number of balls specified by the data of the game ball is possible. That is, the "game ball data" is data indicating the number of remaining launchable balls. In the following description, the "game ball data" is simply referred to as a "game ball" in the same manner as the stored ball and the holding ball.

On the front side of the CU 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, and the like are provided. The membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309 is accepted by a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information stored in the card is read.

On the front side of the CU3, when a membership card is received, it is specified by a display 312, a membership card ID (simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID) stored in the membership card, and a membership card ID. A replay button 319 for carrying out a replay game using the number of stored balls is provided.

The display 312 displays the prepaid balance stored in the inserted game storage medium (card), but can display the number of game balls and various other information, and has a transparent touch panel on the surface. It is configured so that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

When the replay button 319 is operated and the number of balls held by the player is stored in the inserted card, a part of the number of balls held is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, and the converted game ball is used. Based on this, it is possible to play a game with the P stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of balls held is not stored and the stored balls are stored in the hall management computer or the like, a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and used as a game ball. It is converted and the game by the P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the possessed ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the possessed ball is preferentially withdrawn. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the ball may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to withdrawing the stored balls.

Here, the "ball storage" is a ball that has been acquired before the previous day and is deposited in the hall, and becomes a game ball by paying out the ball storage. The ball storage is a game medium deposited in the game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

A "holding ball" is a ball acquired on the day of the event, and becomes a game ball by paying out the holding ball. In addition, the number of balls held is the number of balls owned by the player as a result of the player playing the game on the P stand 2, and is the number of balls that have not yet been deposited in the game hall. That is. Generally, the number of balls acquired by the player on the day of the game is called "possessed ball", and the number of balls acquired by the player before the previous day and deposited in the game field is called "stored ball". Say.

The "game ball" is a ball that can be launched by the P stand 2. The data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card, the balls held, or the stored balls, as described above.

The number of balls held may be managed by a management device for managing the number of balls held in the game hall. In short, the difference between "ball storage" and "holding ball" is the number of balls that have been stored in the game hall after the ball storage operation for depositing in the game hall, or the balls are still deposited in the game hall. It is the point whether it is the number of balls at the stage where it is not.

In the present embodiment, the ball storage data is not stored directly in the membership card, but is stored in a server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding ball storage is searched for based on the membership card number. It is configured so that it can be done. On the other hand, the holding ball is stored directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. Even in the case of a visitor card, the ball held is stored directly in the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. When storing the data in the hall server in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server may be written on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged. In addition, the prepaid balance is written directly on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged.

The timing of storing the ball in the card (membership card, visitor card) or hall server is stored at regular intervals, for example, when the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed in real time. It is conceivable that the timing may be such that the cards are to be stored or stored in a batch when the cards are returned.

In addition, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from the CU3, the ball held in the CU3 is temporarily stored in the hall server as a stored ball, and the day when the player receives the card return. When a card is inserted into the same or another CU3 again on the same day, only the balls held for the day once stored as stored balls are stored in the CU3 again, and the game balls can be added and played within the range of the balls held. You may do so.

The bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency classifier (not shown) to identify its authenticity and bill type.

Further, an IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321 and a card return button 322 are provided on the front side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by a staff member of the amusement park, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs the infrared signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes the game, and the fixed number of balls held at the end of the game (the number of balls held when the card is inserted-the number of conversions to game balls + counting) is inserted into the inserted card. It is an operation button for storing and discharging the number of balls held by the operation.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, in the P stand 2, the game machine frame (hereinafter, also referred to as a cell) 5 and the glass door 6 have the left side edge as the swing center with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4. It is provided so that it can be opened and closed.

A pair of upper and lower engaging projections 6a and 6b are provided in the vicinity of the edge (free end side) on the side opposite to the swing center in the game machine frame 5. The engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided at the positions of the outer frame 4 facing the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b. By pressing the game machine frame 5 in the open state against the outer frame 4, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b get over the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b, and in the overcoming state, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are lowered by the urging force of the spring. Moves to and locks.

Then, a staff member of the game hall inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks the key (for example, clockwise rotation) to counteract the urging force of the spring and perform a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a. 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b are released from the engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be in the unlocked state, and the game machine frame 5 is opened.

Further, the gaming machine frame 5 is also provided with an engaging protrusion 8 for the glass door 6, and an engaging hole 9 is provided in the glass door 6 portion facing the engaging protrusion 8. The engaging protrusion 8 is pressed downward by a spring (not shown), and when the open glass door 6 is pressed against the game machine frame 5, the engaging protrusion 8 is pushed up by the lower edge portion of the engaging hole 9. The engaging projection 8 is pushed down by the urging force of the spring, and the engaging projection 8 and the engaging hole 9 are engaged with each other to be in a locked state. In this state, when the staff of the game hall inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks it (for example, counterclockwise rotation), the engaging protrusion 8 is pulled up against the urging force of the spring. Then, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 8 and the engaging hole 9 is released, the lock is released, and the glass door 6 is opened.

A back mechanism opening switch 13 is provided at a position in contact with the outer frame 4 in the lower portion of the game machine frame 5, and it is detected that the game machine frame 5 is opened. Further, the front decoration opening switch 12 is provided at the contact portion with the glass door 6 in the upper portion of the game machine frame 5, and the opening of the glass door 6 is detected by the front decoration opening switch 12.

The number of times the front decoration opening switch 12 and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are opened is counted by a counting counter (not shown). The counting counter is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can be operated by a backup power supply even when the power supply of the P unit 2 is interrupted, such as at night. Even when the power is turned off, the number of times the glass door 6 and the game machine frame 5 are detected to be opened can be counted and the counted value can be transmitted to the frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4). Here, the backup power source is, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery provided in the P unit 2.

The main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes removable from the game board 26 by first opening the game machine frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the game machine frame 5. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the game machine frame 5, so that the back mechanism opening switch 13 The work can always be detected with. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism opening switch 13.

Further, a frame control board 17 is provided on the back surface of the game machine frame 5. The frame control board 17 also needs to be removed from the back surface of the game machine frame 5 after the game machine frame 5 is first opened. Therefore, if the frame control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the game machine frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the frame control board 17 is illegally replaced, it can always be detected by the back mechanism portion opening switch 13.

Next, a configuration in which the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state before and after the game board 26 is attached to the game machine frame 5. As shown in FIG. 3, mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b are provided on the back surface of the game machine frame 5 so as to be openable and closable around hinges 35a and 35b, respectively. The mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b have a U-shaped shape and have a bottom having a width corresponding to the game board 26. By pushing the game board 26 against the game machine frame 5 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 (b), the game board 26 is fixed by the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b as shown in FIG. 3 (a). When the game board 26 is fixed by the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 33A provided on the game board 26 side is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33B provided on the game machine frame 5 side. Here, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B are floating connectors having flexibility against misalignment.

Further, when the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5, the convex drawer connector 33A is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33B to form a main control board 16 on the game board 26 side and a frame on the game machine frame 5 side. The control board 17 will be connected. Further, since the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position and the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B have flexibility against a certain degree of misalignment, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer are provided. These can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship with the connector 33B. Even if the game board 26 is installed in the game machine frame 5 with only the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B without providing the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector Since the 33B itself is a flexible floating connector, these can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship between the game board 26 and the game machine frame 5. Here, the convex drawer connector 33A is connected to the main control board 16 via the internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector 33B is connected to the frame shown in FIG. 2 via the signal cable 360. It is connected to the control board 17.

<Composition of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for the CU 3 and the P stand 2. The outline of the control circuit between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of the CU 3, and is a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripherals. Input / output interfaces are provided to maintain signal consistency with the equipment.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal 340 for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server that manages security. The CU 3 receives the status of the CU 3 and the game machine status information (including the information displayed on the performance display monitor 40) received from the P stand 2 via the external output terminal 340 for the hall management computer (hall controller) and security. It is sent to the outside such as a hall server that manages. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and the frame control board 17 are connected by, for example, an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the frame control board 17 includes lending information (information on an operation for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P unit 2) and lending response information (lending information). (Response information to) is bidirectionally performed, and other counting information (information regarding counting processing from the game ball to the holding ball) and game machine information are transmitted in one direction from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. It is done by communication. Therefore, the P unit 2 side does not recognize whether or not the CU 3 has received the counting information and the game machine information. The CU 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection portions are composed of, for example, connectors.

The authenticity and type of banknotes are identified by the above-mentioned money classifier in the CU control unit 323, and the identification result signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Further, when the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller possessed by a staff member of the amusement park, the CU control unit 323 receives the received signal. The card reader / writer reads the stored information of the inserted card into the CU control unit 323, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323. At the same time, the CU control unit 323 writes the stored information of the inserted card to the card reader / writer. When the data is transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card. The stored information of the card includes the card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer until the end of the game.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's ball when the player is playing. Data such as the balance or the number of balls held is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the display 312 provided on the front surface of the CU 3. An image corresponding to the display data is displayed on the display 312. Further, when the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The P stand 2 has a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P stand 2, a frame control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch solenoid 31a that is driven and controlled based on a command from the frame control board 17. A launch control board 31 for displaying, a variable display device 278, and an effect control board 15 for displaying and controlling the variable display device 278 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 16 are provided.

The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. A game control microcomputer, which is a main control unit 161, is mounted on the main control board 16. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the game machine. The microcomputer for controlling a game machine maintains the consistency of signals with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for this is provided. The main control unit 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26.

When a ball wins a prize in each starting winning opening 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 draws a random number for determining a big hit (or further including a small hit) / loss, and stores the random number. This is called hold memory. The maximum value of the number of reserved storages is, for example, "4". When the main control unit 161 is in a state where a new variable display can be started by the variable display device 278, the main control unit 161 digests one hold memory, makes a jackpot determination based on the hold memory, and derives a display result from the variable start. The variable display time up to that point is determined from multiple types. In addition, when the jackpot is decided, it is also decided whether or not to cause a probability fluctuation. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to make a probability change) and information on the variable display time as commands to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15.

For the commands related to the variable display transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151, the variable start command indicating the start of the variable display, the display result command (big hit / miss) indicating the result of the variable display, and the variable display pattern are specified. It includes a possible variable display time command, a variable stop command that indicates when to derive and display the variable display result, and so on. Further, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 include a command that can specify the progress of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new hold memory, and the occurrence of a game state error. There are commands to show.

The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies the variable display result and the variable display time based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to determine the stop symbol and the variable display pattern (presence / absence of reach, type of reach). And also decide the production pattern of the notice production regarding big hits and reach. The effect control unit 151 displays and controls the variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

The frame control board 17 is provided on the game machine frame 5. A payout control microcomputer, which is a frame control unit 171, is mounted on the frame control board 17. The frame control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the game machine. The payout control microcomputer maintains signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for this is provided.

Further, with respect to the frame control board 17, the counting button 28, the performance display monitor 40, the radio wave sensor 173, the subtraction solenoid 32a, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c, the lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33, and the out ball detection switch 701 , The front decoration opening switch 12, and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are provided in a state of being electrically connected. An out-ball detection signal is input from the out-ball detection switch 701 to the frame control board 17. The main control board 16 calculates a base value (simply also referred to as a base) based on an out-ball detection signal as described later. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting fraudulent acts that illegally transmit radio waves and mainly keep the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b on at all times. The detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the frame control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the frame control board 17. The subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b detects the launch of the game ball by changing from off to on, and the frame control unit 171 subtracts the number of game balls by "1" based on the detection.

Therefore, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is constantly turned off due to an illegal radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. The radio wave sensor 173 detects such fraud due to radio waves.

A performance display monitor 40 is provided on the frame control board 17. The performance display monitor 40 is a 7-segment LED display. The performance display monitor 40 displays predetermined information such as performance information, a base, a bonus ratio, a continuous bonus ratio, and the like regarding the game value (for example, a prize ball) given by the frame control unit 171. The information displayed by the performance display monitor 40 can be output to the hall server or the like via the CU 3, but the P stand 2 may be provided with an external output terminal and directly output to the hall server or the like.

Here, the base is the large winning opening 271, the normal winning opening 272 to 274, and the starting winning opening 275 to 277 provided in the game area 27 with respect to the number of game balls driven into the game area 27 of the P stand 2. It is the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given according to the prize of the game ball to the winning opening such as. Further, the accessory ratio (also referred to as a role ratio) refers to the ratio of the game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours due to the operation of the accessory. In the present embodiment, the accessory ratio corresponds to the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of game balls to be played, a game is played in the starting winning opening 276 composed of an electric tulip, which is one of the winning balls, and the large winning opening 271 composed of the variable winning ball device, which is one of the winning roles. The ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a ball. Further, the continuous bonus ratio (also referred to as the continuous ratio) is the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls fired in 10 hours due to the operation of the bonus when the bonus is continuously operated. Say. In the present embodiment, the continuous bonus ratio is the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of corresponding game balls, the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball to the large winning opening 271 provided with the variable winning ball device which is one of the winning characters. Say.

Information such as the main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, symbol confirmation count, and jackpot information is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17.

The main control chip ID (also referred to as the main chip ID) is a chip ID stored in the main control board 16 of the P stand 2, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P stand 2 is turned on. Information. The winning opening information is information including the types of winning openings (starting winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the stand 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a game ball that has won a prize in a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. The frame control board 17 that receives this detection signal controls to add the number of balls to be given to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of additional balls.

The starting winning opening winning information is information indicating that the game ball has won a prize in any of the starting winning openings. The error information is information for notifying the frame control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

The symbol fixed number of times is information on the symbol confirmed as a display result of the variable display device for winning a prize in each starting winning opening.

The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred, and the breakdown thereof includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot that is commonly adopted by each game machine maker, for example, a 15-round jackpot, and if a probability change occurs due to the jackpot, the probability variation information is included, and the jackpot is accompanied by the probability variation information. When a time saving state (a control state that shortens the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time saving information is included. The manufacturer-specific jackpot is a jackpot state adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as a sudden change (sudden probability).

The game machine installation information reception result, the game machine information reception result, and the frame control state are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16. The game machine installation information reception result and the game machine information reception result are commands for indicating that the game machine installation information and the game machine information have been received from the main control board 16. The frame control state is a command for notifying the control state of the frame control board 17.

The communication control IC 325 of the CU 3 and the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected, and various commands are transmitted from the communication control IC 325 to the frame control board 17 as described later. On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the communication control IC 325 as described later.

In addition to the frame control board 17, the game machine frame 5 is provided with a launch control board 31, a launch solenoid 31a, and a game ball number display 29. The game ball number display 29 may be directly attached to the game machine frame 5, but the game machine frame 5 is like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko game machine on which balls are paid out. It may be provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the relative. This point is the same for the display 54. The frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

A launch permission signal is output from the frame control board 17 to the launch control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31a of the launch mechanism 30. As a result, the game ball is in a state of being shot and fired into the game area 27. The launch control board 31 emits a launch solenoid excitation output when an input signal of a touch ring for detecting that the player is touching the ball striking handle 25 is input, and drives the launch solenoid 31a.

The RAM clear switch 293 is a switch for erasing the game machine information and game information stored in the RAM of the P unit 2, and is initially operated by a store clerk after the P unit is in an error state. It becomes possible to return to the state. The RAM clear switch 293 is operated by a clerk, for example, after the card is ejected.

<Circulation route of game balls>
Here, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the circulation path of the game ball in the P platform 2 will be outlined. When the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a is driven. As a result, one game ball supplied to the launch position is repelled by the hitting hammer, and the game ball is hit into the game area 27.

A subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism 32 in conjunction with the activation of the firing solenoid 31a and the firing of the game ball. In the subtraction mechanism 32, based on the output subtraction reference signal, the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized to move the movable piece to send the game ball to the launch mechanism 30, and the game ball passes through the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b. Subtract the number of game balls.

Of the balls driven into the game area 27, the out ball that has entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1) flows down the out ball flow path and is detected by the out ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle of the out ball flow path. ..

All the winning balls that have won the winning opening or the variable winning ball device are collected on the back of the game machine and guided to the collection ball passing path. Similarly, the out ball and the foul ball are also guided to the recovery ball passage path. A lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 is provided in the collection ball passage path. Therefore, all of the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are detected by the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33. That is, the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 is a switch that detects all of the bounced game balls. When the number of detections of this switch and the number of shots of the game ball repelled by the firing solenoid 31a become equal, it can be determined that all the hit game balls have been recovered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number of detections of the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 and the number of shots is calculated, and when this difference is not 0, the ball driven into the game area 27 is recovered. It is judged that it has not been completed. By making this determination, it is possible to determine whether the game area 27 is rolling or whether there is a floating ball that is caught between nails in the game area and does not fall.

<Connection between CU and P stand>
The CU 3 and the P stand 2 are connected by PIF wiring between the communication control IC 325 shown in FIG. 4 and the frame control board 17. The configuration of the PIF wiring will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the PIF wiring that connects the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 5 (a) illustrates the wiring number and information name of the PIF wiring connecting the CU 3 and the P stand 2, and FIG. 5 (b) shows the direction of information and the explanation of the information for each information name. It is illustrated.

Specifically, the wiring number 1 has an information name of "insulation GND" and is assigned an isolation GND. The information name of the wiring number 2 is "insulated GND", and the wiring number 2 is used for the signal GND of the wiring number 6. The information name of the wiring number 3 is "insulation GND", and the wiring number 3 is used for the signal GND of the wiring number 7. The wiring number 4 has an information name of "PSI" and is used for transmitting connection confirmation information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. The P stand 2 outputs a PSI signal to the CU 3 as a special signal for confirming the connection while detecting the connection with the CU 3 (VL = ON), and PSI while the connection with the CU 3 is not detected (VL = OFF). Do not output the signal to CU3. The information name of the wiring number 5 is "insulation GND", and the isolation GND is assigned. The wiring number 6 has an information name of "rental response information, counting information, and game machine information", and is used to transmit each information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. The wiring number 7 has an information name of "rental information" and is used for transmitting rental information from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The wiring numbers 8 and 9 have an information name of "insulation 5V (VL)" and are assigned as signal lines of 5V for isolation (power supply VL for connection confirmation), respectively.

<Frame configuration used for communication between CU3 and P stand 2>
Next, the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. The telegram used in the communication is composed of frames having a predetermined format. Transmission data (telegram) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the telegram is not divided and transmitted. In addition, when transmitting telegrams continuously, leave an interval of 1 millisecond or more.

<Information sent and received between CU and P unit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the outline of the information (telegram) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described. A common asynchronous message in which (a) lending information, (b) lending response information, (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information are separated from the frame control board 17 of the P unit 2 to the CU3. Communicate via the serial communication port. The four types of information (telegrams) (a) to (d) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 have different telegram headers, and it is possible to distinguish the type of telegram by the header. It has become.

Even if (a) lending information and (b) lending response information are communicated through a common asynchronous serial communication port, (a) lending information and (c) counting information are used in a common asynchronous serial communication port. (A) Lending information and (d) Game machine information may be communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port. Further, even if (b) lending response information and (c) counting information are communicated via a common asynchronous serial communication port, (b) lending response information and (d) gaming machine information are shared in common asynchronous serial communication. Communication may be performed on the port, or (c) counting information and (d) gaming machine information may be communicated on a common asynchronous serial communication port.

Lending information is shown in FIG. 6A. The lending information includes information on the number of lending balls and information on the lending serial number for communication management as information included in the telegram of the lending notification transmitted by the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The information on the number of rented balls is information on the number of game balls related to renting, and includes, for example, information on 125 balls as information on the number of game balls transmitted in one piece of information. When the number of rented balls is 0 (zero), the lending information may be transmitted by including the information of 0 (zero) in the information on the number of rented balls.

FIG. 6B shows lending response information. The lending response information includes information on the number of lending balls received as information included in the telegram of the lending receipt result response transmitted by the P unit 2 to the CU 3, and information on the lending serial number for communication management. The information on the number of rented balls received is information that informs the CU 3 of the result of receiving the information on the number of rented balls transmitted from the CU3.

FIG. 6 (c) shows the counting information. In the counting information, the P unit 2 transmits to the CU 3 as a telegram of the counting notification including the number of counting balls, the cumulative number of counting balls, and the counting serial number for communication management. Note that the P unit 2 does not receive information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The number of counting balls, the cumulative number of counting balls, and the counting serial number are all information for the purpose of counting game balls. Further, the number of counting balls transmitted in one piece of information is, for example, 250 balls. When the number of counting spheres is 0 (zero), the counting information may be transmitted by inserting the information of 0 (zero) in the information of the number of counting spheres.

FIG. 6D shows game machine information. In the game machine information, the P unit 2 transmits the game machine installation information, the game machine performance information, the hall control information, and the fraud monitoring information to the CU 3. Note that the P unit 2 does not receive information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The game machine installation information is information for the purpose of managing the machine history, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of the game machine installation information notification after the power is turned on. The game machine installation information includes information such as a manufacturer code, a model code, and a chip ID number of the main / frame control CPU.

The game machine performance information is information for the purpose of totaling the performance information, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of the game machine performance information notification. The game machine performance information outputs the result calculated based on the game, and includes the total number of launched game balls, the total number of acquired game balls, the ball output rate, the number of minutes acquired game balls (low base), and the minute acquired game balls. Number (high base), total number of acquired game balls by special electric accessory, total number of acquired game balls by ordinary electric accessory, total acquired game ball by accessory continuous differential device, total number of acquired game balls by starting port, normal Total number of winning game balls, total number of operations of special electric accessory, total number of operation of ordinary electric accessory, total number of operation of special symbol display device, total number of operation of ordinary symbol display device, accessory ratio, continuous Includes information such as the character ratio. Further, as conditions for the frame control board 17 to notify the CU3 of the game machine performance information, for example, (1) notification is made 3 minutes after the power of the P stand 2 is turned on, and (2) the number of game balls to be launched is specified. Notification every minute (for example, 60,000 balls) is launched or every specified time (for example, 10 hours), (3) notification is given priority over game machine installation information notification, (4) hall control / fraud monitoring information notification is notified. There are conditions such as notification in the next cycle (after 300 ms). It should be noted that these conditions are examples, and other conditions may be adopted, or only one of the above conditions may be adopted, or a plurality of conditions may be combined and adopted. Good.

The hallcon information is information for the purpose of aggregating the information of the hallcon, and is transmitted to the CU3 as a telegram of the hallcon / fraud monitoring information notification. Hallcon information includes jackpot, probability fluctuation, time reduction, number of winning balls in each winning opening, and the like. The fraud monitoring information is information for the purpose of fraud monitoring by the CU3, and is transmitted to the CU3 as a telegram of the hall computer / fraud monitoring information notification. The hall control information includes information such as the number of game balls (current number of balls held) and the number of game balls serial numbers.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the timing of information transmitted / received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. In the sequence shown in FIG. 7, (b) the lending response information No. 1 shown in FIG. 6 is shown. 3 to No. The information of No. 4, (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through a common asynchronous serial communication port. On the contrary, the No. 1 of (a) lending information shown in FIG. 1-No. The information of 2 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 through a common asynchronous serial communication port.

The sequence shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and may be a sequence in which (c) counting information and (d) gaming machine information shown in FIG. 6 are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 via a common asynchronous serial communication port. .. In the case of this sequence, (a) the lending information No. 1 shown in FIG. 1-No. The information of No. 2 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 through another asynchronous serial communication port, and (b) the rental information No. 3 to No. The information of 4 is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through another asynchronous serial communication port. Further, (a) the loan information No. 1 shown in FIG. 1-No. The information of No. 2 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 through the common asynchronous serial communication port, and the No. 1 of the lending information shown in FIG. 3 to No. It may be a sequence in which the information of 4 and (c) the counting information are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 on a common asynchronous serial communication port. In the case of this sequence, the sequence in which the game machine information (d) shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 via another asynchronous serial communication port may be used.

Of the information transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, (d) the game machine information is transmitted every specified period A as shown in FIG. That is, the period from the transmission of information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 to the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). The P unit 2 can transmit the game machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the game machine information in the CU 3. Therefore, in the P unit 2, it is not necessary to retransmit the game machine information, it is not necessary to store the past game machine information, and the processing load can be reduced.

In this way, information is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 at intervals of 300 ms. On the other hand, in the P stand 2, 100 game balls are hit into the game area 27 per minute by operating the hit ball operation handle 25, so that the hit ball launch time interval is 0.6 seconds. As a result, a plurality of pieces of information are transmitted and received while firing one ball.

The game machine information communicates with the counting information on the common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, if you try to send counting information at the timing of sending game machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur, and communication will not be performed correctly. is there. Therefore, in the P unit 2, when the game machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 for each specified period A, in order to optimize the information transmission, the specified period shorter than the specified period A after the game machine information is transmitted. At the timing corresponding to B (for example, 100 ms), the counting information is communicated with the CU3.

In FIG. 8, after the hall control information and the fraud monitoring information are transmitted to the CU 3 as the game machine information, the game machine information is transmitted immediately before the timing of the next transmission of the game machine information (after the lapse of the specified period A). Then, at a timing within the specified period B, (c) the number of counting balls and the counting serial number are transmitted to the CU3 as counting information. When the operation of the counting button 28 by the player is performed before the game machine information is transmitted, the counting information is specified after waiting for the timing of transmitting the game machine information after the operation. It will be done within period B.

The transmission of the counting information is not limited to the case where the counting information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the game machine information, as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the game machine information, and the next game is performed after the specified period B elapses. It may be until the timing when the machine information is transmitted.

(A) As for the lending information, when the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319, the information on the number of lending balls and the lending serial number is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The rental information communicates with the game machine information on a separate asynchronous serial communication port. On the other hand, the lending response information (b) for the lending information communicates with the game machine information on the common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, if the loan response information is attempted to be transmitted at the timing of transmitting the game machine information, the information may be congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, resulting in data collision and communication not being performed correctly. There is.

Therefore, when the P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 for each specified period A, the CU 3 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 on the condition that the counting information is not received, and then the specified period A. The loan information is transmitted to the P unit 2 at a timing corresponding to the specified period C (for example, 270 ms) different from the specified period B. That is, the P unit 2 receives the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU 3 at the timing after the lapse of the specified period C after transmitting the game machine information, and as a response to the information, the result of receiving the number of rented balls and The lending response information of the lending serial number is transmitted to CU3. When the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the game machine information, the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number is transmitted after the operation on the P unit 2 Waiting for the timing of receiving the game machine information from the player, the game is performed after the specified period C has elapsed from the timing.

The rental information is not limited to the case where the rental information is transmitted after the lapse of the specified period C from the timing of transmitting the game machine information, as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the game machine information, and is specified after receiving the game machine information. It may be until the timing within the specified period C after the elapse of the period B. For the specified periods A to C, different values can be appropriately set so that the communication timings of various information are deviated.

<Transmission / reception mode between the card unit side and the pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 9, the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

In the present embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P stand 2 side, and the current latest number of game balls is stored and managed. The CU3 side also calculates and stores the current number of game balls, but the number of game balls is based on the information transmitted from the P unit 2 side. On the other hand, the number of balls held (the number of balls held on the card), the number of stored balls, and the prepaid balance (remaining amount) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

FIG. 9 shows the stored data of the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and the stored data of the RAM mounted on the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on in a state where the P stand 2 and the CU 3 are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the amusement park, the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side is changed from the main control board 16 to the main chip. The ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and the frame chip ID (frame control chip ID) stored in the frame control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side. ..

On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and frame chip ID are stored. In this state, the information of the main chip ID and the frame chip ID is stored in the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side. When the power is turned on after that, the two pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID and the frame chip ID, are transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side.

On the CU3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the already stored data, and it is determined whether or not the same P unit 2 as the previous time is connected. On the other hand, in the P unit 2, after the power is turned on, information such as main chip ID and frame chip ID information, which is installation information, is transmitted to the CU 3, and then the game machine information is transmitted to the outside including the CU 3 at predetermined intervals. Is possible. Since the game machine information can be output on the P unit 2 without going through the authentication process, the processing load can be reduced.

Both the CU 3 and the P unit 2 transmit the telegram with a "serial number" added. Further, both the CU 3 and the P unit 2 store the "serial number" received from the other party. There are three types of "serial numbers": "game ball number serial numbers", "counting serial numbers", and "rental serial numbers". "Serial number" indicates the sequence number of the telegram. The "serial number" is transmitted by counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission by the transmitting side (primary station side) with the initial value set to "1". However, when resending, the "serial number" is not counted up. The receiving side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. If the continuity of the serial numbers is not established, there is no response. The "game ball number serial number" is a serial number used when the P unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the number of game balls. The "counting serial number" is a serial number used when the P unit 2 requests the CU 3 to count the game balls. The "rental serial number" is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to lend a game ball.

The latest game machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. The latest game machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are stored in the RAM of the frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) on the P unit 2 side. Specifically, the information of the counting ball number counter is included. As for the number of game balls, the count value of the game ball counter is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side as fraudulent monitoring information. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball number counter, the game ball number may be included in the latest game machine performance information.

The information of these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU3 side as game machine information. In CU3, the change in the number of game balls is grasped from the latest game machine performance information and hall control information transmitted from the P unit 2. In CU3, for example, the number of game balls is added based on the "number of prize balls x number of winning balls" included in the hall control information, and the number of game balls is subtracted based on the "number of launch balls". Further, the counting ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of counting balls. The number of counting balls is "the number of balls converted from a game ball to a holding ball by a counting operation". The counting cumulative ball count counter is a counter that counts the counting cumulative ball count. The total number of counting balls is the "cumulative number of balls converted from a game ball to a holding ball by a counting operation", and is the cumulative number of balls counted from the RAM clear (initialization operation) or the cumulative number counted on that day. The number of balls. It is assumed that the cumulative number of balls does not change even if the player changes. Further, a 2-byte data area is allocated to the counting cumulative ball count counter, and information on 0 balls to 65,535 balls can be stored. Therefore, when the counting cumulative number of balls counts up to "0xFFFF (65,535 balls)", the counting cumulative number of balls counter updates the next value to "0x0000 (0 balls)". If a counting operation is accepted during the launch of the game ball, the update process of the game point to be counted is prioritized, the launch of the game ball is stopped, and the update process of the game point corresponding to the launch is performed. Stops execution. As a result, it is possible to prevent the timing of the subtraction of the game points to be counted and the subtraction of the game points corresponding to the firing from overlapping, and the game point update process can be realized more accurately, which is erroneous. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of the update process of. Further, the subtraction of the game points to be counted and the subtraction of the game points corresponding to the firing may be performed at the same time. As a result, the launch of the game ball is not stopped, so that a smooth game can be realized. Here, the "prize ball" is a ball that is paid out when the ball wins a prize in the winning opening, and is a safe ball. The "launched ball" is a ball launched by the game machine, and if there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of launched balls.

By pressing the counting button 28, the frame control unit 171 counts the number of game balls as the number of counting balls, and transmits the value of the counting ball counter (the number of counting balls) from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side. Further, the frame control unit 171 updates the value of the counting cumulative ball counter every time the value of the counting ball counter (counting ball number) is counted, and the value of the counting cumulative ball counter (counting cumulative ball number). Is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

On the P unit 2 side, each time the value of the counting ball counter is transmitted to the CU3 side, the count value is stored (rewritten) as backup data in the previous game machine information storage area (RAM of the frame control unit 171 or the like). After that, the value of the counting ball counter is cleared to 0 (excluding the game ball counter). In the present embodiment, "clear" has the same meaning as "initialization".

As a result, the data of the number of counting balls transmitted to the CU3 side immediately before is stored as backup data in the storage area of the previous game machine information (game machine information transmitted immediately before). This backup data is not only the value of each counter this time but also the value of each previous counter that was not transmitted at the time of the next transmission when the data of the number of counting balls was not transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side. Is also intended to be able to be sent. The number of game balls transmitted immediately before may be further added to the previous game machine information and stored.

Further, the frame control board 17 updates the value of the game ball number counter in response to the occurrence of winning, the firing of balls, and the generation of counting balls (conversion from game balls to possession balls), and the updated game. The value of the ball number counter is transmitted to the CU3 side as the number of game balls.

On the CU3 side, the number of game balls, the number of cards held (simply referred to as the number of balls held), the number of stored balls, the remaining amount, and the number of balls held when the card is inserted are stored in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM. The number of balls held by the card is the number of balls lent out (the number of balls converted from the number of balls held by the card into the number of game balls) added from the number of balls held when the card is inserted. That is, the number of balls held by the card is the number of balls held by the player at the present time.

The number of balls held by the card is added based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2, and is subtracted from the number of game balls to update. In this way, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the number of game balls and the number of cards held by the latest game machine information transmitted from the P unit 2 one by one.

As shown in the figure, the CU 3 has an area for storing the number of game balls, and also receives the count value of the game ball counter (also referred to as the number of game balls or the total number of game balls) from the P stand 2 side. .. The CU 3 updates the area for storing the number of game balls by the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 grasps the change in the number of game balls from the latest game machine performance information and the hall control information transmitted from the P unit 2 side, and is based on the value of the counting ball counter and the value of the number of rented balls. , The stored number of game balls is updated, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the game ball counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side and the updated number of game balls match. If they match, the game is allowed to continue, but if they do not match, control is performed to shift to an error state.

As a result, for example, an error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the display 312, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server (in this case, the hall management computer). Or error notification may be performed by the hall server). As a result, a predetermined notification is performed to encourage the staff to take an artificial response.

In addition, instead of shifting to the error state and stopping the game, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side may be replaced with the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, instead, it may be corrected to the average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU3 side, but it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side due to fraudulent activity or other circumstances, it is possible to check that fact. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU3 side. For example, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side are stored by the hall server or hall management computer connected to the CU3. It may be possible to receive the number of game balls and determine whether or not the two are consistent.

Further, when the CU3 cannot receive the counting information, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side do not match, so that special processing is executed. .. As the special processing, a process of displaying the history information of the game machine information is performed in order to compensate the number of game balls based on the game machine information, the number of game balls is supplemented based on the history information, and an error notification is performed. Or

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the prepaid balance of the received (inserted) card, and a ball held when the card is inserted. It also has a storage area for storing. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the stored balls in response to an input requesting the use of the stored balls (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 (however, when there is no ball)). A predetermined number of stored balls are subtracted from the storage area.

The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the holding ball in response to an input requesting the use of the holding ball (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the holding ball is present). Subtract a predetermined number of balls from the area. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the prepaid balance in response to an input requesting the use of the prepaid balance (for example, a pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

When the player performs an operation of lending a value of a predetermined size from the possession value owned by the player (for example, the number of balls held, the number of balls stored, or the balance of the prepaid card) and using it for the game, the number of balls to be withdrawn. The number of rented balls to be added to the game ball number counter is transmitted from the CU3 side to the P unit 2 side. In response to this, the P-unit 2 side adds and updates the game ball number counter.

On the other hand, in the game system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accept an order of a so-called wagon service in which the ownership value owned by the player is deducted and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, receiving the wagon service with a game ball is restricted, and you can only receive the wagon service with your own ball. This is an image that prohibits the conventional enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine in which each machine is equipped, from grasping the uncounted ball remaining on the plate by hand and using it for the wagon service.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the operation of performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of balls held is less than the number of balls corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is urged to perform the counting operation. Has been done. At that time, when the player executes the counting operation, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds the number of cards held to update.

<Modification example 1 of communication between CU and P stand>
7 and 8 have described an example in which the timing of transmission / reception of counting information and lending information is determined based on the timing of transmitting game machine information in the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. As a modification 1, the timing of transmitting the counting information is determined based on the timing of transmitting the game machine information, but the timing of receiving the loan information is determined based on the timing of transmitting the counting information. An example of communication with 2 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the timing of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Of the information transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, (d) the game machine information is transmitted every specified period A as shown in FIG. That is, the period from the transmission of information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 to the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). The P unit 2 can transmit the game machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the game machine information in the CU 3. Therefore, in the P unit 2, it is not necessary to retransmit the game machine information, it is not necessary to store the past game machine information, and the processing load can be reduced.

The game machine information communicates with the counting information on the common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, if you try to send counting information at the timing of sending game machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur, and communication will not be performed correctly. is there. Therefore, in the P unit 2, when the game machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 for each specified period A, in order to optimize the information transmission, the specified period shorter than the specified period A after the game machine information is transmitted. (C) Counting information is transmitted to CU3 at a timing corresponding to B (for example, 100 ms). The counting information is transmitted to the CU 3 every specified period B regardless of the reception status in the CU 3. If the player operates the counting button 28 before transmitting the game machine information, the number of counting balls includes information on, for example, 250 balls, and the player operates the counting button 28 on the game machine information. If not done before sending, the number of counting spheres includes information on 0 (zero) spheres.

The transmission of the counting information is not limited to the case where the counting information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the game machine information, as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the game machine information, and the next game is performed after the specified period B elapses. It may be until the timing when the machine information is transmitted.

In FIG. 8, after the count information is transmitted to the CU 3, the loan information is received from the CU 3 during the reception valid time (for example, 170 ms). The lending information transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 includes information on the number of lending balls and the lending serial number. If the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the game machine information, the number of rented balls includes, for example, information on 125 balls, and the ball lending button by the player. If the operation of 321 or the replay button 319 is not performed before transmitting the game machine information, the number of rented balls includes the information of 0 (zero) balls.

The loan response information communicates with the game machine information via the common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, when the lending response information is transmitted from the CU3 at the timing of transmitting the game machine information, the information is congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision occurs, and communication is not performed correctly. there is a possibility.

Therefore, the CU 3 transmits the lending information to the P unit 2 during the reception valid time after receiving the counting information. That is, the P unit 2 receives the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU 3 at the timing within the reception valid time after the count information is transmitted, and the rented ball number receipt result and the rented serial number are received within the response time. The loan response information is transmitted to CU3.

The CU 3 will explain in more detail the timing of transmitting the loan information within the reception valid time after receiving the count information. FIG. 11 is a timing chart of a modification 1 of information transmitted / received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine.

First, in (i) shown in FIG. 11, when the game becomes possible, the frame control board 17 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms. In (ii), the frame control board 17 transmits the counting information 100 ms after the game machine information is transmitted, regardless of whether or not the counting button 28 is operated by the player. Further, when the counting button 28 is pressed within the cycle of 300 ms, the counting information is transmitted with the number of counting balls set to 250. If the counting button 28 is not operated, the counting information is transmitted by inputting 0 (zero) information into the number of counting balls.

In (iii), the CU 3 transmits the lending information within 170 ms (reception valid time) from the completion of receiving the counting information. Further, when the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is pressed within the cycle of 300 ms, the lending information is transmitted with the number of lending balls set to 125. If the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is not operated, the lending information is transmitted by inserting 0 (zero) information into the number of lending balls. The CU3 transmits the lending information within 170 ms from the completion of receiving the counting information, but the CU3 does not transmit the response information corresponding to the counting information. Therefore, the P unit 2 side does not recognize whether or not the CU 3 has received the counting information.

In (iv), when the frame control board 17 receives the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU3, it receives the rented ball number receipt result and the rented serial number lending response information within 10 ms (response time) from the reception of the information. Send to CU3. (V) After that, the same operation is repeated in a cycle of 300 ms.

At the timing shown in FIG. 11, lending information and lending response information are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 without the player operating the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319. However, if the player does not operate the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319, the lending information and the lending response information may not be transmitted or received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the timing of lending information and lending response information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine.

First, in (i) shown in FIG. 12, when the game becomes possible, the frame control board 17 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms. In (ii), the frame control board 17 transmits the counting information 100 ms after the game machine information is transmitted, regardless of whether or not the counting button 28 is operated by the player. Further, when the counting button 28 is pressed within the cycle of 300 ms, the counting information is transmitted with the number of counting balls set to 250. If the counting button 28 is not operated, the counting information is transmitted by inputting 0 (zero) information into the number of counting balls. After that, the same operation is repeated at a cycle of 300 ms.

In (iv), when the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is pressed, the CU 3 transmits the lending information with the number of lending balls set to 125 within 170 ms (reception valid time) from the completion of receiving the counting information. That is, the operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 by the player is performed before the counting information is transmitted, and after the operation, 170 ms after waiting for the timing of receiving the counting information from the P unit 2. Lending information will be sent within (valid reception time). On the other hand, when the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is not pressed, the CU 3 does not transmit the lending information even if the reception of the counting information is completed. In (v), when the frame control board 17 receives the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU3, the frame control board 17 receives the rented ball number receipt result and the rented serial number lending response information within 10 ms (response time) from the reception of the information. Send to CU3.

Next, when information is transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine at the timing shown in FIG. 11, processing when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the timing of information when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 11, the processing at the timing after (vi) will be described.

In (vi), when the PIF wiring is disconnected between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 and a disconnection occurs, the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 is changed from 5V to 0 (vi). It changes to (zero) V (change from VL = ON to OFF). Based on the change in the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 from 5V to 0V, the frame control board 17 signals the launch control board 31 to stop firing the game ball. Is output. As described above, in the P unit 2, by performing the processing as shown in FIG. 13, the launch of the game ball can be stopped with a simple configuration and processing without performing authentication with the CU 3. Further, based on the change in the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation from 5V to 0V, the operation of the counting button 28 on the counting switch board 37 shown in FIG. 23 becomes invalid. When the P unit 2 is the primary station, when the player operates the counting button 28 and outputs the counting information to the CU3 when the connection occurs due to the PIF wiring being disconnected or the like, the CU3 to the P unit Since the reception of the counting information is not confirmed for 2, it may be difficult for the CU 3 to perform the recovery process using the game machine information. In order not to cause a disadvantage to the player due to such an event, when a disconnection occurs between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, the operation itself of the counting button 28 is invalidated, or the output of the counting information is invalidated. There is.

Even after the disconnection between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 occurs, in (vii), the frame control board 17 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms when the game becomes possible. In (viii), the frame control board 17 transmits the counting information 100 ms after the game machine information is transmitted, regardless of whether or not the counting button 28 is operated by the player.

<Modification example 2 of communication between CU and P stand>
7 and 8 show an example in which the cycle of other information is determined based on the cycle of transmitting the game machine information when the rental information, the counting information, and the game machine information are communicated by the common asynchronous serial communication port. Explained. In the second modification, when the P unit 2 periodically receives the loan information from the CU 3, the transmission interval of the loan response information for the loan information is shorter than the transmission interval of the game machine information. Therefore, even at the timing of the modification 2, it is assumed that the communication between the P unit 2 and the CU 3 is transmitted / received based on the game machine information. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the timing of modification 2 of the information transmitted / received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Here, in FIGS. 7 and 8, P unit 2 is described as a primary station and CU3 is described as a secondary station, but in FIG. 14, CU3 is described as a primary station and P unit 2 is described as a secondary station. Further, the process when a non-connection occurs between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 can be applied to the communication of the modification 2 shown in FIG.

The lending information (information on the number of lending balls and the lending serial number) transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 is as shown in FIG. 14 regardless of the operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 by the player. It is transmitted every specified period A. That is, the period from the transmission of the loan information to the P unit 2 from the CU 3 to the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.2 seconds). If the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the lending information, the number of rented balls includes, for example, information on 125 balls, and the player rents the ball button 321. Alternatively, if the replay button 319 is not operated before the rental information is transmitted, the number of rental balls includes the information of 0 (zero) balls.

When the P unit 2 receives the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number from the CU3, the P unit 2 transmits the rented response information including the information on the number of rented balls and the rented serial number to the CU3 within the response time.

When the loan information is received from the CU 3 every specified period A, the P unit 2 communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port in which the loan response information, the counting information, and the game machine information are common. Therefore, the counting information is transmitted to the CU 3 at a timing corresponding to the specified period B (for example, 100 ms) shorter than the specified period A after receiving the loan information.

In FIG. 14, after receiving the information on the number of rented balls and the loan serial number as the loan information from the CU3, and before the timing of receiving the next loan information (after the lapse of the specified period A), after the information is received, the specified period B The number of counting balls and the counting serial number are transmitted to the CU 3 as counting information within the timing. If the player operates the counting button 28 before transmitting the game machine information, the number of counting balls includes information on, for example, 250 balls, and the player operates the counting button 28 on the game machine information. If not done before sending, the number of counting spheres includes information on 0 (zero) spheres.

The transmission of the counting information is not limited to the case where it is performed within the specified period B from the timing of receiving the loan information, and may be from the time after the specified period B elapses to the timing of receiving the next loan information.

As game machine information, hall control information and fraud monitoring information are transmitted from P unit 2 to CU3. When game machine information is performed at the timing of transmitting the counting information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested within the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur, and communication will not be performed correctly.

Therefore, when the game machine information is transmitted to the CU 3, the P unit 2 performs at a timing corresponding to a specified period C (for example, 200 ms) different from the specified period A and the specified period B after receiving the loan information. That is, the P unit 2 transmits the hall control information and the fraud monitoring information to the CU 3 at the timing after the lapse of the specified period C after receiving the loan information.

The game machine information is not limited to the case where the game machine information is performed after the specified period C elapses from the timing of receiving the lending information, as long as the timing does not cause congestion with the counting information, and after the specified period B elapses after receiving the lending information. It may be up to the timing within the specified period C. For the specified periods A to C, different values can be appropriately set so that the communication timings of various information are deviated.

Next, when information is transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine at the timing shown in FIG. 14, processing when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the timing of information when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timing after (vi) will be described.

In (vi), when the PIF wiring is disconnected between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 and a disconnection occurs, the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 is changed from 5V to 0 (vi). Zero) Change to V. Based on the change in the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 5 from 5V to 0V, the frame control board 17 launches the game ball to the launch control board 31. Outputs information to stop. As described above, by performing the processing as shown in FIG. 15, the P-unit 2 can stop the launch of the game ball with a simple configuration and processing without performing authentication with the CU 3. In CU3, processing such as prohibiting the lending of game balls may be performed based on the change in the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation from 5V to 0V.

As a control for operating or stopping the launching device, in FIG. 15, when the CU 3 is not connected to the P stand 2, the frame control board 17 monitors and connects the power supply VL for connection confirmation supplied from the CU 3. When the power supply VL for confirmation is not supplied, it is determined that the connection is not connected, and the firing stop control is performed. However, the configuration for determining that the connection is not connected and performing launch stop control is not limited to the configuration, and may be another configuration.

For example, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example 1 of the timing of information when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timing after (vi) will be described.

In (vi), a failure disconnection or the like occurs in the wiring for reception from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 (wiring number 7 shown in FIG. 5), and the P unit 2 cannot receive the rental information transmitted from the CU 3. Since the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is not broken, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation remains 5V and does not change. The rental information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 at a cycle of 300 ms. Therefore, the loan information is scheduled to be newly transmitted from the P unit 2 300 ms after the loan information received last time. However, if a failure or disconnection occurs in the reception wiring from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, the rental information is not transmitted from the P unit 2.

In (vii), if the next loan information cannot be received even after 1200 ms has passed from the previously received loan information, it is determined that a failure disconnection or the like has occurred in the reception wiring and the received signal has become a communication non-response state. The frame control board 17 outputs a signal to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch of the game ball. Further, the frame control board 17 also stops transmitting the loan response information, the counting information, and the game machine information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. Further, based on the change in the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation from 5V to 0V, the operation of the counting button 28 on the counting switch board 37 shown in FIG. 23 becomes invalid.

That is, in FIG. 16, in the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, the frame control board 17 monitors the cycle of the message (rental information) transmitted from the CU 3 when the received signal becomes unresponsive. However, if reception is not possible for a certain period of time or longer, it is determined that the received signal is in a non-response state, and launch stop control is performed. As described above, in the P unit 2, by performing the processing as shown in FIG. 16, the launch of the game ball can be stopped with a simple configuration and processing without performing authentication with the CU 3. The CU 3 performs processing such as prohibiting the lending of game balls based on the fact that the response to the lending information transmitted to the P unit 2 (for example, information including the result of receiving the number of lending balls) cannot be received even after a certain period of time has passed. You may.

Next, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example 2 of the timing of information when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timing after (vi) will be described.

In (vi), a failure disconnection or the like occurs in the wiring for transmission from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 (wiring number 6 shown in FIG. 5), and the information cannot be transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. Since the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is not broken, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation remains 5V and does not change. The lending information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 in a cycle of 300 ms, and as a response, the loaned ball number receipt result and the lending response information of the lending serial number are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 within the response time. However, if a failure or disconnection occurs in the wiring for transmission from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, the loan response information is not transmitted from the P unit 2.

In (vii), since the information on the result of receiving the number of loaned balls transmitted from the frame control board 17 does not arrive, the CU 3 retransmits the loan information having the same contents as the previous time. Specifically, when the information of the loan ball number receipt result response transmitted from the frame control board 17 has not arrived, the CU 3 does not update the loan serial number (+1) and retransmits the loan information after 300 ms has elapsed.

In (viii), when the frame control board 17 receives the retransmitted lending information, the lending serial number of the lending information retransmitted from the CU 3 is the same as the lending serial number received last time, so the lending ball having the same contents as the previous time. Resend the receipt result response information. If the failure or disconnection that occurred in the wiring for transmission has been restored, the information of the retransmitted number of rented balls received result response will reach CU3, but if it has not been restored, the number of retransmitted rented balls will be received. The result response information does not reach CU3.

In (ix), if the lending serial number receives the same lending information as the previous one even after 1200 ms has elapsed from the previously received lending information, the frame control board 17 determines that the transmission signal has become a non-responsive state and controls firing. A signal for stopping the firing of the game ball is output to the board 31. Further, the frame control board 17 also stops transmitting the loan response information, the counting information, and the game machine information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3.

That is, in FIG. 17, in the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, when the transmission signal becomes unresponsive, the frame control board 17 monitors the serial number of the message (rental information) transmitted from the CU 3. However, if the serial number cannot be updated for a certain period of time or longer, it is determined that the transmission signal is in a non-response state and the firing stop control is performed. As described above, in the P unit 2, by performing the processing as shown in FIG. 17, the launch of the game ball can be stopped with a simple configuration and processing without performing authentication with the CU 3. In CU3, even if the loan response information (for example, the information on the result of receiving the number of loaned balls) transmitted to the P unit 2 cannot be received even after a certain period of time has passed, the loan of the game ball is prohibited. Good.

Next, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example 3 of the timing of information when a non-connection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timing after (vi) will be described.

In (vi), the wiring for transmission from the P stand 2 to the CU 3 (wiring number 6 shown in FIG. 5) or the wiring for reception from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 (wiring number 7 shown in FIG. Will occur, and information cannot be sent and received between the P unit 2 and the CU 3. Therefore, the lending information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 at a cycle of 300 ms, and the result of receiving the number of loaned balls and the lending response information of the lending serial number are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 as the response information. However, neither information is sent or received.

In (vii), the CU3 changes the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation from 5V to 0V (off state: VL = OFF) when no information can be transmitted or received even after 1200 ms has elapsed from the previously transmitted lending information. Let me. The frame control board 17 outputs a signal to the launch control board 31 to stop firing the game ball when the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation changes from 5 V to 0 V. Further, the frame control board 17 also stops transmitting the loan response information, the counting information, and the game machine information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. Further, based on the change in the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation from 5V to 0V, the operation of the counting button 28 on the counting switch board 37 shown in FIG. 23 becomes invalid.

That is, in FIG. 18, in the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, when the received signal or the transmitted signal becomes unresponsive, the CU 3 changes the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation, and the frame control board. Reference numeral 17 denotes a configuration in which, by monitoring the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation, it is determined that the received signal or the transmitted signal has become a communication non-response state, and the firing stop control is performed. As described above, in the P unit 2, by performing the processing as shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to stop the launch of the game ball with a simple configuration and processing without performing authentication with the CU 3. The CU 3 may perform processing such as prohibiting the lending of the game ball based on the fact that the lending response information transmitted from the P unit 2 cannot be received even after a certain period of time has elapsed.

As described above, when a non-connection occurs between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, it is determined that the CU 3 is not connected and the launch stop control is performed based on various configurations. However, these configurations are combined. The launch stop control may be performed. Of course, regarding the process related to the determination of non-connection between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the information between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 is based on the game machine information shown in FIG. It can be similarly applied to the configuration for transmitting. Further, when the gaming machine is not a pachinko gaming machine (P stand 2) but a slot machine, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, when a connection abnormality occurs with the card unit and it is determined that the gaming machine is not connected, the start is started. Fluctuations shall not be started by disabling the lever or bet button.

<Counting notification sequence>
Next, a counting notification sequence for counting and subtracting a part of the game ball will be described. 19 and 20 are diagrams showing a counting notification sequence between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. 19 and 20 show a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting the card return operation.

Further, in FIG. 19, the number of balls held by the inserted recording medium (membership card or visitor card) is "100", and the initial number of game balls is "1000". ..

Here, an example will be described in which counting in units of 250 balls continues while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected. However, even if the number of game balls to be counted increases according to the time when the count button is pressed and held, and when the count button is pressed and held for a certain period of time, all the number of game balls held is counted. You may.

First, the P unit transmits the game machine information including the telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the game machine installation information notification, or the game machine performance information notification to the CU3. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the information of serial number = n and the number of game balls = 1000 is included, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the information of serial number = n is included and the telegram contains information. If it is a game machine performance information notification, the information of serial number = n is included. Within 100 ms (within the specified period B shown in FIG. 10) after transmitting the game machine information to the CU3, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU3.

If the player presses the counting button 28 before transmitting the counting information to the CU3, the P unit has a counting serial number = m, a counting ball number = 250, and a counting cumulative ball number = 250 in the message of the counting notification. Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information. When the P unit sends a message of counting notification including information on the number of counting balls = 250 to CU3, the number of gaming balls = 750 is obtained by subtracting the counted 250 balls from the information on the number of gaming balls = 1000. Update to information. On the other hand, in the P unit, if the player does not press the counting button 28 by the time the counting information is transmitted to the CU 3, the counting serial number = m, the number of counting balls = 0, the cumulative number of counting balls = in the message of the counting notification. Notify CU3 that there is no count including the information of 0.

For example, when the player has not operated the counting button, the number of counting spheres included in the message of the counting notification transmitted to the CU 3 is the counting data of 0 (zero) spheres. Further, when a continuous operation of less than 0.5 seconds is detected according to the operation of the counting button of the player, the number of counting balls included in the message of the counting notification transmitted to the CU 3 is the counting data of one ball. This is an operation used for adjusting the fraction of the holding ball. When a continuous operation of 0.5 seconds or more and less than 0.8 seconds is detected, the number of counting balls included in the message of the counting notification transmitted to the CU 3 is the counting data of 250 balls. When continuous operation of 0.8 seconds or more is detected, the number of counting balls included in the count notification message first sent to CU3 becomes the count data of 250 balls, and the count notification to be sent to CU3 every 0.3 seconds thereafter. The number of counting balls included in the message of is 250 counting data. That is, when the player continuously operates the counting button, the counting data for 250 balls is transmitted to the CU 3 every 0.3 seconds.

The CU 3 receives the counting information from the P unit 2, adds the number of counting balls to the number of balls held, and updates the number of balls held = 100 + 250 = 350. Within the reception validity period (see FIG. 10) after receiving the counting information from the P unit 2, the CU 3 transmits the lending information including the telegram of the lending notification to the P unit 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. Send. The message of the loan notification includes information of the loan serial number = k and the number of loan balls = 0.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time (see FIG. 10). The message of the loan receipt result response includes the information that the loan serial number = k and the number of loaned balls received = normal.

The P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A (see FIG. 10) after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, a game machine installation information notification, or a game machine performance information notification. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1, and the subtracted number of game balls = 750 information is included. If the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If n + 1 information is included and the telegram is a game machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 information is included.

When the player continues to press the counting button 28 when transmitting new game machine information to the CU 3, the P stand 2 updates the counting serial number = m + 1 and the number of counting balls = 250 in the message of the counting notification. , Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information of the cumulative number of counting balls = 500. When the P unit sends a message of counting notification including information on the number of counting balls = 250 to CU3, the number of gaming balls = 500 is obtained by subtracting the counted 250 balls from the information on the number of gaming balls = 750. Update to information. Further, the P unit 2 adds the information of the current number of balls = 250 to the information of the previous count cumulative number of balls = 250, and updates the information of the count cumulative number of balls = 500.

The CU 3 receives the counting information from the P unit 2, adds the number of counting balls to the number of balls held, and updates the number of balls held = 350 + 250 = 600. The CU 3 transmits the loan information including the telegram of the loan notification to the P unit 2 within the reception valid period after receiving the count information from the P unit 2, regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the loan notification includes the updated information of the loan serial number = k + 1 and the number of loan balls = 0.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the loan receipt result response includes the updated loan serial number = k + 1, and the loan ball number receipt result = normal information.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 20, if the player stops pressing the count button 28 before transmitting new game machine information to the CU 3, the P unit 2 counts after the timing of transmitting the next game machine information to the CU 3. Do not do. Specifically, in the P unit 2, when the player stops pressing the counting button 28 when transmitting new game machine information to the CU 3, the counting serial number = m + 2, the counting ball updated in the message of the counting notification. Notify CU3 of the counting information including the information of the number = 0 and the cumulative number of counting balls = 500.

That is, the P unit sends a telegram of the counting notification including the information of the number of counting balls = 0 to the CU3 without counting, and keeps the information of the number of gaming balls held = 500 and outputs the information of the number of gaming balls. Do not update. Further, the P unit 2 does not update the information by keeping the information of the cumulative number of counting balls as the information of the previous cumulative number of counting balls = 500.

Even if the CU 3 receives the counting information from the P unit 2, the counting ball number = 0 information, so the possessed ball number = 600 is not updated. The CU 3 transmits the loan information including the telegram of the loan notification to the P unit 2 within the reception valid period after receiving the count information from the P unit 2, regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the loan notification includes the updated information of the loan serial number = k + 2 and the number of loan balls = 0.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the loan receipt result response includes the updated loan serial number = k + 2, and the loan ball number receipt result = normal information. The P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3.

<Recovery sequence when PIF is disconnected>
Next, the recovery sequence at the time of PIF disconnection will be described. 21 and 22 are diagrams showing a recovery sequence at the time of PIF disconnection between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. In FIGS. 21 and 22, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation described with reference to FIG. 13 changes from 5V to 0V (off state: VL = OFF), or the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI changes to an off state (PSI = OFF). A case where PIF disconnection is detected by changing the voltage will be described as an example. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, PIF disconnection may be detected by another method.

First, the P unit transmits the game machine information including the telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification to the CU3. It should be noted that the telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification includes information of serial number = n and number of game balls = 1000. Within 100 ms (within the specified period B shown in FIG. 10) after transmitting the game machine information to the CU3, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU3.

In the P unit, since the player has not pressed the counting button 28 by the time the counting information is transmitted to the CU 3, the counting serial number = m, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = 0 in the message of the counting notification. Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information.

Within the reception validity period (see FIG. 10) after receiving the counting information from the P unit 2, the CU 3 transmits the lending information including the telegram of the lending notification to the P unit 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. Send. The message of the loan notification includes information of the loan serial number = k and the number of loan balls = 0.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time (see FIG. 10). The message of the loan receipt result response includes the information that the loan serial number = k and the number of loaned balls received = normal.

The P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A (see FIG. 10) after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification of the new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes the updated serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 1000.

After that, when the PIF disconnection occurs, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation changes from 5V to 0V (off state: VL = OFF), or the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI is off (PSI = OFF). ) Is detected, the PIF disconnection is detected, and the launch of the game ball is stopped. When the CU 3 detects a PIF disconnection, it displays an error and then turns off the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 5 (VL = OFF).

Here, the connection configuration between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described. FIG. 23 is a block diagram for explaining a connection configuration between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. The connection between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 is made by PIF wiring as shown in FIG. Among them, in FIG. 23, as the wiring for connecting the CU 3 and the P stand 2, the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation (wiring numbers 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 5) and the wiring of the insulated GND (wiring number 1 shown in FIG. 5). ), Wiring of rental information (wiring number 7 shown in FIG. 5), and wiring of loan receipt result, counting information, and game machine information (wiring number 6 shown in FIG. 5) are shown.

As shown in FIG. 23, the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are connected by the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation, and a voltage of 5 V is supplied from the onboard power supply 3a of the CU 3. In the P stand 2, the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is connected to the photocouplers 36a and 36b provided on the game ball rental device connection terminal plate 36. In the game ball rental device connection terminal board 36, in addition to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation, the wiring for communicating the rental information is the photocoupler 36c, and the wiring for communicating the rental response information, counting information, and game machine information is photo. Each is connected to the coupler 36d. Since the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are connected by PIF wiring using a photocoupler, information can be communicated, but they are electrically insulated. In the CU3, the wiring for communicating the lending information is connected to the photocoupler 3c, and the wiring for communicating the lending response information, the counting information, and the game machine information is connected to the photocoupler 3d.

The photocoupler 36b is connected to a NOR circuit 17a provided on the frame control board 17. When a voltage of 5V is supplied to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation and the photocoupler 36b is in the ON state, the voltage of 5V of the game machine flows to the GND of the game machine via the photocoupler 36b on the frame control board 17. Therefore, the input of the NOR circuit 17a (the signal from the terminal board 36 for renting a game ball or the like) becomes the Low level. On the other hand, the launch stop signal is supplied from the main control board to the NOR circuit 17a, but since it is at the Low level when the launch is permitted, the launch permission signal output from the NOR circuit 17a to the launch control board 31 becomes the High level. It is possible to launch a game ball.

When the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is cut and the supplied voltage becomes 0V, the photocoupler 36b is turned off, and the 5V voltage of the game machine does not flow to the photocoupler 36b side on the frame control board 17, and the NOR circuit. The input of 17a (the signal from the terminal plate 36 for renting a game ball or the like) becomes the High level. Therefore, the launch permission signal output from the NOR circuit 17a to the launch control board 31 becomes the Low level, and the launch of the game ball is stopped. Even if the launch stop signal supplied from the main control board to the NOR circuit 17a is at the High level, the launch permission signal output from the NOR circuit 17a to the launch control board 31 is at the Low level, and the game ball is launched. Is stopped.

When a 5V voltage is supplied to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation and the photocoupler 36a is in the ON state, the 5V voltage of the game machine is used as the 5V voltage of the counting switch via the photocoupler 36a. It is supplied to the photocoupler 37a of the substrate 37. Therefore, while the voltage of 5V is supplied to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation, the counting switch signal can be supplied from the photocoupler 37a to the frame control board 17. When the player operates the counting button 28, the counting switch signal supplied to the frame control board 17 includes information on the number of counting balls and is supplied.

On the other hand, when the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is cut and the supplied voltage becomes 0V, the photocoupler 36a is turned off, and the voltage of 5V of the game machine becomes the voltage of 5V of the counting switch via the photocoupler 36a. Is not supplied to the photocoupler 37a of the counting switch substrate 37. Therefore, when the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is cut and a communication abnormality occurs, the counting switch signal is not supplied from the photocoupler 37a to the frame control board 17. That is, when the CU 3 and the P unit 2 are not connected and a communication error occurs, the player's operation on the counting button 28 becomes invalid.

Returning to the recovery sequence at the time of PIF disconnection shown in FIG. 21, even if the PIF disconnection occurs, the P unit will send the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU3 within 100 ms after transmitting the game machine information to the CU3. Send to. However, when the PIF disconnection occurs, as described in FIG. 23, even if the player presses the counting button 28, the counting button becomes invalid, so that the CU 3 is notified of the information of the number of counting balls 0. .. That is, the P unit notifies the CU3 of the counting information including the information of the counting serial number = m + 1, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = 0 updated in the message of the counting notification. However, since the PIF disconnection has occurred, the counting information transmitted from the P unit does not reach the CU3. Therefore, the CU 3 does not transmit the lending information to the P unit 2 because it has not received the counting information from the P unit 2.

Even if the rental information is not transmitted from the CU 3, the P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification of the new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes the updated serial number = n + 2 and the number of game balls = 1000. However, since the PIF disconnection has occurred, the game machine information transmitted from the P unit does not reach the CU3.

Further, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU 3 within 100 ms after transmitting the game machine information to the CU 3. The P unit notifies the CU3 of the counting information including the information of the counting serial number = m + 2, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = 0 updated in the message of the counting notification. However, since the PIF disconnection has occurred, the counting information transmitted from the P unit does not reach the CU3.

After that, as shown in FIG. 22, the connection of the PIF wiring is restored. When the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the counting information that could not be normally received by the CU3 during the PIF disconnection is on the CU3 side using the information on the cumulative number of counting balls and the information on the number of playing balls after or after the restoration. It is possible to perform recovery processing with. In addition, when the CU 3 and the P unit 2 are normally connected, the CU 3 notifies the management device that the connection of the PIF wiring has been restored, and the clerk of the game store confirms the number of game balls and normally. The error is recovered by compensating for the number of game balls based on the counting information that could not be received. The CU 3 can output information that can identify a communication abnormality to the management device.

In CU3, after the error is recovered, the power supply VL for connection confirmation becomes ON (VL = ON), and the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation becomes 5V, so that the game ball can be launched on the P unit 2. .. When the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI to the CU3 side also changes to the ON state (PSI = ON).

After the PIF wiring connection is restored, the P unit transmits the game machine information including the telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification to the CU3. The telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification includes the updated serial number = n + 3 and the number of game balls = 1000. Within 100 ms after transmitting the game machine information to the CU3, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU3.

Since the player did not press the counting button 28 by the time the counting information was transmitted to the CU3, the counting serial number = m + 3, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = updated in the message of the counting notification. Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information of 0.

Since the connection of the PIF wiring is restored in CU3, the loan including the telegram of the loan notification is included regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed within the reception valid period after receiving the counting information from the P unit 2. Information is transmitted to P unit 2. The message of the loan notification includes the updated information of the loan serial number = k + 1 and the number of loan balls = 0.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the loan receipt result response includes the updated loan serial number = k + 1, and the loan ball number receipt result = normal information.

<Communication error sequence during counting>
Next, the communication abnormality sequence during counting will be described. 24 and 25 are diagrams showing a communication abnormality sequence during counting between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. The communication abnormality is not limited to the PIF disconnection, but includes the case where the CU 3 and the P unit 2 cannot normally communicate with each other for some reason. 24 and 25 show a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting the card return operation.

Further, in FIG. 24, the number of balls held by the inserted recording medium (membership card or visitor card) is "100", and the initial number of game balls is "1000". ..

Here, an example will be described in which counting in units of 250 balls continues while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected. However, even if the number of game balls to be counted increases according to the time when the count button is pressed and held, and when the count button is pressed and held for a certain period of time, all the number of game balls held is counted. You may.

First, the P unit transmits the game machine information including the telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the game machine installation information notification, or the game machine performance information notification to the CU3. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the information of serial number = n and the number of game balls = 1000 is included, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the information of serial number = n is included and the telegram contains information. If it is a game machine performance information notification, the information of serial number = n is included. Within 100 ms (within the specified period B shown in FIG. 10) after transmitting the game machine information to the CU3, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU3.

Since the player has pressed the counting button 28 before transmitting the counting information to the CU 3, the P stand 2 has the counting serial number = m, the number of counting balls = 250, and the cumulative number of counting balls = 250 in the message of the counting notification. Notify CU3 of the counting information including the information of. When the P unit 2 sends a message of counting notification including information of the number of counting balls = 250 to the CU 3, the number of gaming balls = 750 by subtracting the counted 250 balls from the information of the number of gaming balls = 1000 possessed. Update to the information of.

The CU 3 receives the counting information from the P unit 2, adds the number of counting balls to the number of balls held, and updates the number of balls held = 100 + 250 = 350. The CU 3 transmits the loan information including the telegram of the loan notification to the P unit 2 within the reception valid period after receiving the count information from the P unit 2, regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the loan notification includes information of the loan serial number = k and the number of loan balls = 0.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the loan receipt result response includes the information that the loan serial number = k and the number of loaned balls received = normal.

The P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, a game machine installation information notification, or a game machine performance information notification. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1, and the subtracted number of game balls = 750 information is included. If the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If n + 1 information is included and the telegram is a game machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 information is included.

Since the player continues to press the counting button 28 when transmitting new game machine information to the CU 3, the P stand 2 has the counting serial number = m + 1 and the number of counting balls = 250 updated in the message of the counting notification. , Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information of the cumulative number of counting balls = 500. When the P unit sends a message of counting notification including information on the number of counting balls = 250 to CU3, the number of gaming balls = 500 is obtained by subtracting the counted 250 balls from the information on the number of gaming balls = 750. Update to information. Further, the P unit 2 adds the information of the current number of balls = 250 to the information of the previous count cumulative number of balls = 250, and updates the information of the count cumulative number of balls = 500.

However, the counting information transmitted from the P unit 2 has not reached the CU3 due to a communication error, and the CU3 has not received the counting information from the P unit 2, so the number of counting balls is added to the number of balls held. Do not add, leave the number of balls held = 350. The CU 3 transmits the lending information including the telegram of the lending notification to the P unit 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the loan notification includes the updated information of the loan serial number = k + 1 and the number of loan balls = 0. Since the CU 3 has not received the counting information from the P unit 2, the loan information including the telegram of the loan notification may not be transmitted to the P unit 2.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the loan receipt result response includes the updated loan serial number = k + 1, and the loan ball number receipt result = normal information. However, the rental information transmitted from the P unit 2 has not reached the CU3 due to a communication abnormality.

Further, the P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, a game machine installation information notification, or a game machine performance information notification. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2, the subtracted number of game balls = 500 information is included, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the telegram contains the information of n + 2 and the telegram is the game machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 information is included. However, the game machine information transmitted from the P unit 2 has not reached the CU 3 due to a communication abnormality.

Since the player continues to press the counting button 28 when transmitting new game machine information to the CU 3, the P stand 2 has the counting serial number = m + 2 and the number of counting balls = 250 updated in the message of the counting notification. , Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information of the cumulative number of counting balls = 250. When the P unit sends a message of counting notification including information on the number of counting balls = 250 to CU3, the number of gaming balls = 250 is subtracted from the information on the number of gaming balls held = 500. Update to information. Further, the P unit 2 adds the information of the current number of balls = 250 to the information of the previous count cumulative number of balls = 500, and updates the information of the count cumulative number of balls = 750.

However, the counting information transmitted from the P unit 2 has not reached the CU3 due to a communication error, and the CU3 has not received the counting information from the P unit 2, so the number of counting balls is added to the number of balls held. Do not add, leave the number of balls held = 350. Since 700 ms have passed since the CU3 received the previous game machine information, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is 5 V to 0 V (off state: VL =) after determining that the communication is abnormal and displaying an error. OFF). Further, the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI also changes to the OFF state (PSI = OFF). The P stand 2 detects a communication abnormality (for example, PIF disconnection) based on the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation changing from 5V to 0V or the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI changing to the off state, and plays a game. Stop firing the ball.

Further, the P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, a game machine installation information notification, or a game machine performance information notification. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 3, the subtracted number of game balls = 250 information is included, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the telegram contains the information of n + 3 and the telegram is the game machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 information is included. However, the game machine information transmitted from the P unit 2 has not reached the CU 3 due to a communication abnormality.

The P unit 2 transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU 3 within 100 ms after transmitting the game machine information to the CU 3. However, when a communication abnormality occurs, as described in FIG. 23, even if the player presses the counting button 28, the counting button becomes invalid, so that the CU 3 is notified of the information of the number of counting balls 0. .. That is, the P unit notifies the CU3 of the counting information including the information of the counting serial number = m + 3, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = 750 updated in the message of the counting notification. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the counting information transmitted from the P unit does not reach the CU3.

After that, the CU 3 is in the error recovery waiting state. When the communication error is recovered, the counting information that could not be normally received by the CU3 during the error is recovered on the CU3 side using the information on the cumulative number of counting balls and the information on the number of game balls after the recovery. It is possible to do. As the recovery process on the CU3 side, when one telegram of the counting information is missed, the recovery processing can be automatically performed based on the serial number of the counting information after restoration and the cumulative counting value. In this case, the hall controller or the ball management server may be notified that the recovery process has been performed. In addition, if the telegram of the counting information is missed more than once due to the serial number of the counting information after restoration, an error is notified to the hall controller and the ball management server, and the recovery process is automatically performed on the CU3 side. Instead, notify the clerk to take recovery measures. Further, in CU3, even if the reception history of counting information (individual counting value and cumulative counting value) and the history of recovery processing are retained on the CU3 side so that the clerk can confirm the recovery processing after the fact. Good. Of course, the reception history of the counting information and the history of the recovery process may be held and managed by the hall controller or the ball holding management server. In addition, when the error is recovered, the CU3 notifies the management device that the error has been recovered, confirms the number of game balls and the number of balls held by the clerk of the game store, and the game ball based on the counting information that could not be received normally. Compensate for the number of balls and the number of balls you have to recover from the error. The CU 3 can output information that can identify a communication abnormality to the management device.

In CU3, after the error is recovered, the power supply VL for connection confirmation becomes ON (VL = ON), and the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation becomes 5V, so that the game ball can be launched on the P unit 2. .. When the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI to the CU3 side also changes to the ON state (PSI = ON).

<Communication error sequence at the time of lending>
Next, the communication abnormality sequence at the time of lending will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a communication abnormality sequence at the time of lending between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. The communication abnormality is not limited to the PIF disconnection, but includes the case where the CU 3 and the P unit 2 cannot normally communicate with each other for some reason. The initial number of game balls is "50".

First, the P unit transmits the game machine information including the telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification to the CU3. The telegram of the hall control / fraud monitoring information notification includes information of serial number = n and number of game balls = 50. Within 100 ms after transmitting the game machine information to the CU3, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU3.

In the P unit, since the player has not pressed the counting button 28 by the time the counting information is transmitted to the CU 3, the counting serial number = m, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = 0 in the message of the counting notification. Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information. The CU 3 transmits the loan information including the message of the loan notification to the P unit 2 within the reception valid period (for example, 170 ms) after receiving the count information from the P unit 2. In CU3, since the player presses the ball lending button 321, the P unit 2 is notified of the lending by including the information of the lending serial number = k and the number of lending balls = 125 in the telegram of the lending notification. The CU 3 transmits information on the number of rented balls in the range of 1 to 255 balls to the P unit 2 depending on the lending unit price and the lending amount.

However, the loan information transmitted from the CU 3 has not arrived at the P unit 2 due to a communication error, and the P unit 2 receives the loan within the response time (for example, 10 ms) because the loan information from the CU 3 has not been received. The loan response information including the result response message is not transmitted to CU3. Therefore, the CU3 determines that the loan processing is incomplete because the message of the loan receipt result response has not been received within the response time.

The P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A (for example, 300 ms) after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, a game machine installation information notification, or a game machine performance information notification. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 50 are included, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1. If the telegram contains information and the telegram is a game machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 information is included. Further, the P unit transmits the counting information including the telegram of the counting notification to the CU 3 within 100 ms after transmitting the game machine information to the CU 3.

Since the player did not press the counting button 28 by the time the counting information was transmitted to the CU3, the counting serial number = m + 1, the number of counting balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counting balls = updated in the message of the counting notification. Notify the CU3 of the counting information including the information of 0. The CU 3 transmits the loan information including the message of the loan notification to the P unit 2 within the reception valid period (for example, 170 ms) after receiving the count information from the P unit 2. Since the player has not pressed the ball lending button 321 in the CU 3, the P unit 2 is notified of the lending including the information of the lending serial number = k + 1 and the number of lending balls = 0 updated in the telegram of the lending notification. Whether or not the CU3 retransmits the telegram of the loan notification of the incomplete loan processing depends on the specifications of the CU3. In the case of use in which the CU3 retransmits, the CU3 determines the completion of the loan processing based on the information of the loan serial number and the loan ball number receipt result included in the message of the loan receipt result response. That is, the CU 3 determines the completion of the lending process based on whether or not the transmitted lending serial number and the lending serial number received from the P unit 2 match, and whether the result of receiving the number of rented balls is normal or abnormal.

The P unit 2 receives the loan information from the CU 3 and transmits the loan response information including the message of the loan receipt result response to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the loan receipt result response includes the information of the loan serial number = k and the loan ball number receipt result = abnormality. The frame control board 17 of the P unit 2 checks the continuity of the lending serial number = k + 1 included in the lending notification telegram received from the CU3 and the lending serial number = k included in the lending receipt result response telegram. If it is not continuous, the CU3 is notified of the result of receiving the number of lent balls as an abnormality.

If the lending process remains incomplete, the P unit 2 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A (for example, 300 ms) after the previous transmission of the game machine information to the CU 3. The new game machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, a game machine installation information notification, or a game machine performance information notification. If the telegram is a hall control / fraud monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2, the number of game balls = 50 remains, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the telegram contains the information of n + 2 and the telegram is the game machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 information is included. Even though the player presses the ball lending button 321, the initial number of game balls remains "50".

<Launch mechanism>
Next, the launch mechanism 30 will be described in more detail. 27 (a) is a front view of the launch mechanism 30, FIG. 27 (b) is a right side view of the launch mechanism 30, and FIG. 27 (c) is a back view of the launch mechanism 30. FIG. 28 is a schematic view for explaining a state in which the ball passage of the launch mechanism 30 is filled with game balls. FIG. 29 is a block diagram for explaining the launch of the game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls.

With reference to FIG. 27, the launch mechanism 30 mainly includes a launch solenoid 31a, a punch 42, a launch pad 43, and a valve 44. Further, a subtraction mechanism 32 is provided in the vicinity (back side) of the launch mechanism 30. The subtraction mechanism 32 mainly includes a subtraction solenoid 32a, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, and a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c.

The launch mechanism 30 plays the game ball p when the launch solenoid 31a can be energized by the launch permission signal to the launch control board 31 and each state of the ball striking operation handle 25 accompanying the direct operation of the player. Fire on board 26. Further, when the firing solenoid 31a is activated, a subtraction reference signal linked with each other is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. 29. The subtraction reference signal serves as a reference for energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a in the subtraction mechanism 32.

In FIG. 23, when the launch stop signal supplied from the main control board is at the Low level and the signal from the game ball rental device connection terminal plate 36 is at the Low level, the NOR circuit 17a is directed to the launch control board 31. The configuration for outputting a high-level launch permission signal that permits the launch of a game ball has been described. However, the configuration for outputting the launch permission signal to the launch control board 31 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 23. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the CU 3 is connected to the game ball or the like rental device connection terminal board. When the launch permission signal is output from the main control board 16, the AND circuit 172 outputs a launch permission signal that permits the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31, and the launch solenoid 31a can be energized. It may be configured. FIG. 30 is a block diagram for explaining the processing in the launch mechanism. As shown in FIG. 30, the AND circuit 172 provided on the frame control board 17 permits firing to the firing control board 31 when the connection state of the CU 3 and the firing permission signal are input from the main control board 16. Output a signal. If the launch permission signal is not output, the launch solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of each state of the ball striking operation handle 25. When the main control board 16 receives a specific error signal from the frame control board 17, the main control board 16 stops the output of the firing permission signal.

Here, the operating principle and each state of the ball striking operation handle 25 will be described. Although not shown, the ball striking operation handle 25 includes a launch stop button, a launch stop switch, a handle lever, a touch sensor, a handle volume, a ring, and the like. When the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a can be activated and stopped, and the firing intensity can be changed. Also, by operating the launch stop button, the game balls can be launched one by one.

When the player touches the ring of the ball striking operation handle 25, the touch sensor connected to the ring outputs a detection signal to the firing control board 31 as shown in FIG. When the launch control board 31 detects this signal, the launch solenoid 31a can be energized on condition that the launch permission signal is output. If the player does not directly touch the ring of the ball striking handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of the state of the ball striking handle 25. When the player stops pressing the firing stop button and the firing stop switch is opened, the firing solenoid 31a can be energized.

When the player turns the handle lever of the ball striking operation handle 25, the detection voltage of the handle volume changes, and the strength of the energizing current to the firing solenoid 31a can be changed according to the turning angle. In FIG. 30, the operation condition determination unit 31b outputs an operation permission signal to the pulse clock generation unit 31c based on a firing permission signal, a touch sensor detection signal, a rotation detection signal from the handle volume, and the like. The pulse clock generation unit 31c generates various pulses and clocks of the emission control board 31 from the operation condition determination unit 31b based on the operation permission signal. By generating various pulses and clocks in the pulse clock generation unit 31c, the constant current control unit 31d fires a solenoid based on the detection value from the handle rotation value detection unit 31e according to the turning angle of the handle volume. The energizing current to 31a is controlled. As a result, the flight distance of the game ball p changes, and the player can launch the game ball p at an arbitrary position on the game board 26.

When the handle lever is in the origin position state and the detected voltage becomes equal to or lower than the set voltage, the firing solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of each state of the handle. In the steering wheel rotation value comparison unit 31f shown in FIG. 30, when the detection voltage is equal to or less than the set voltage, the rotation detection signal is not output to the operation condition determination unit 31b.

When the launch solenoid 31a is driven, the punch 42 moves in the direction of the game ball p and launches the game ball p stopped on the launch pad 43. The fired game ball p passes through the valve 44 and is fired on the game board 26. The valve 44 returns to the fixed position after the game ball p has passed. Therefore, the valve 44 prevents the launched game ball p from returning to the launch pad 43.

When the firing solenoid 31a is activated, a subtraction reference signal linked with each other is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. 29. In the frame control board 17, the CPU of the frame control unit 171 processes the subtraction reference signal by the game ball number management program in the user program area (used area). The subtraction solenoid control unit 32d controls the subtraction solenoid 32a of the subtraction mechanism 32 by the game ball number management program. The subtraction mechanism 32 converts the game ball p recorded by the electromagnetic method into a real ball by energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a and moving the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 28 with reference to the subtraction reference signal, and launches the mechanism. It is sent to 30. When the game ball p passes through the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b, the number of game balls is subtracted and displayed on the game ball number display 29.

Next, the details of the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 will be described. First, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has the game ball p, the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c does not have the game ball p, and the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c has the number of game balls, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is output. The solenoid 32a is energized. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. 28A. When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p moves to the notch portion of the movable piece 45. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is de-energized with the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. 28 (c). When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45 is sent out to the launch pad 43 of the launch mechanism 30.

When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized and the game ball p moves to the notch portion of the movable piece, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects the passage of one game ball. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17, subtracts one game ball number, and displays the subtracted game ball number on the game ball number display 29.

When the energization of the subtraction solenoid 32a is stopped, the game ball p sent to the launch mechanism is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17.

Next, the processing in the firing mechanism and the subtraction mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 31 is a timing chart for explaining the processing by the firing mechanism 30 and the operation of the ball striking operation handle 25. The state (i) shown in FIG. 31 is a state in which the CU 3 is connected and the launch permission signal is changed from off to on from the main control board 16, and the game ball p can be launched.

When the player holds the ball striking handle 25 to play a game, the player directly touches the ring of the ball striking handle 25, and the detection signal of the touch sensor changes from off to on (Fig.). (Ii) shown in 31).

When the player turns the ball striking operation handle 25 clockwise to play a game, the detection voltage of the handle volume of the ball striking operation handle 25 changes from weak to strong and exceeds the set voltage (Fig. 31). (Iii) state).

The firing stop switch of the ball striking operation handle 25 is in the off state (the state of (iv) shown in FIG. 31). When the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied, the firing mechanism 30 turns on the firing solenoid 31a 37.5 ms after the state of (iv).

The launch mechanism 30 turns on the launch solenoid 31a for 16 ms with an energizing current corresponding to the angle of the ball striking operation handle 25, and outputs a subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31 for 37.5 ms (FIG. 31). The state (v) shown).

When the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied 562.5 ms after the launch solenoid 31a is turned on, the launch mechanism 30 turns the launch solenoid 31a on for 16 ms after 37.5 ms to control the launch. The subtraction reference signal is output from the substrate 31 for 37.5 ms (state (vi) shown in FIG. 31). The firing mechanism 30 then turns on the firing solenoid 31a at a cycle of about 600 ms as long as the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied. The firing solenoid 31a is turned on in accordance with the cycle in which the firing reference signal is turned on.

If the states (i) to (iv) are not satisfied 562.5 ms after the firing solenoid 31a is turned on, the firing mechanism 30 does not output the subtraction reference signal from the firing control board 31 to cause the subtraction solenoid 32a. The subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped without turning it on. Since there is a space for three game balls p3 in the ball passage from the subtraction mechanism 32 to the punch 42, even if a ball is clogged in the ball passage, the subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped and only the firing solenoid 31a is used. By turning it on three times, the jammed game ball p can be discharged. Therefore, when the subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped without satisfying the states (i) to (iv), only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on three times as shown in FIG. 31 for the purpose of preventing ball clogging. The minimum number of times that only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on is three, but the number of times may be changed according to the length of the ball passage and the firing conditions. After that, when the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied, the launch mechanism 30 returns to the state (v) shown in FIG. 31 and launches the game ball p. Even if the ball jam is not cleared even if the launch solenoid 31a is turned on three times, only the launch solenoid 31a is turned on every 0.6 seconds in response to the operation of the ball striking operation handle 25 by the player. It may be in a state.

Next, FIG. 32 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 and the game ball number display 29. First, when the states (i) to (iv) shown in FIG. 31 are satisfied and the firing solenoid 31a of the firing mechanism 30 is turned on, a subtraction reference signal is output from the firing control board 31 for 37.5 ms (FIG. 32). (I) shown in (1).

The subtraction mechanism 32 uses the subtraction solenoid 32a for 75 ms on condition that the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is in the off state and the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is in the off state 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is turned on. Turn on (state (ii) shown in FIG. 32).

By turning on the subtraction solenoid 32a, the subtraction mechanism 32 drives the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 28 to move the game ball p parked in front of the movable piece 45. When the game ball p moves, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is turned on (the state of (iii) shown in FIG. 32).

In the subtraction mechanism 32, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is continuously turned on for 10 ms or more during about 600 ms from when the subtraction solenoid 32a is turned off until the firing solenoid 31a is turned on, and detects the game ball p. If so, the number of game balls in possession is subtracted. Then, the game ball number display 29 is changed to the display of the number of game balls of X-1 by subtracting one from the display of the number of X game balls (state of (iv) shown in FIG. 32).

When the subtraction solenoid 32a is turned off, the game ball p moves to the position of the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c and the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is turned on (state (v) shown in FIG. 32). As long as the firing mechanism 30 satisfies the states (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 31, the subtracting mechanism 32 turns on the firing solenoid 31a at a cycle of about 600 ms thereafter, and subtracts the number of game balls. repeat.

Next, FIG. 33 is a timing chart for explaining the operation when the ball clogging is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. First, the frame control board 17 determines that ball clogging has occurred when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the ON state 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is in the ON state (FIG. 33). (I) shown). In this case, the frame control board 17 does not turn on the subtraction solenoid 32a.

When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is turned off, the frame control board 17 determines that the ball clogging has been cleared, turns on the firing solenoid 31a twice, and returns it to the normal state (FIG. 33). The state of (ii) shown).

A process of detecting an abnormality in the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b in the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 and the game ball number display 29 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a process of detecting an abnormality of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor. First, the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction reference signal is in the ON state (step S101). If the subtraction reference signal is not in the ON state (NO in step S101), the subtraction mechanism 32 is in a waiting state for the subtraction process, so the process is returned to step S101.

When the subtraction reference signal is in the ON state (YES in step S101), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the ON state of the subtraction reference signal has elapsed 16 ms (step S102). If the on state of the subtraction reference signal has not elapsed for 16 ms (NO in step S101), the subtraction mechanism 32 waits for the elapse of the period, so the process returns to step S101.

When the subtraction reference signal is on for 16 ms (YES in step S102), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the front decoration is closed with the front decoration release switch 12 off (step S103). If the front decoration is not closed (NO in step S103), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that the game is not in progress and returns the process to step S101.

When the front decoration is closed (YES in step S103), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the number of game balls owned is other than 0 (zero) balls (step S104). When the number of game balls is 0 (zero) (NO in step S104), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that the game is not in progress and returns the process to step S101.

When the number of game balls is other than 0 (zero) balls (YES in step S104), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is in the off state (step S105). When the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is not in the off state (on state) (NO in step S105), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that there is no game ball at the entrance and performs the process in step S101 without turning on the subtraction solenoid 32a. return.

When the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is in the off state (YES in step S105), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is in the off state (step S106). When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is not in the off state (on state) (NO in step S106), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that ball clogging has occurred and performs the process without turning on the subtraction solenoid 32a in step S101. Return to.

When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the off state (YES in step S106), the subtraction mechanism 32 turns on the subtraction solenoid 32a for 75 ms (step S107). Further, the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has been turned on for 10 ms or more (step S108). When the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is in the ON state for 10 ms or more (YES in step S108), the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts the value obtained by subtracting the number of game balls by 1 and subtracts the number of game balls from the game ball number display 29. Display (step S109).

When the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is not in the ON state for 10 ms or more (NO in step S108), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether 600 ms has elapsed since the subtraction solenoid 32a was started in the ON state (NO). Step S110). If 600 ms has not elapsed since the subtraction solenoid 32a was started in the ON state (NO in step S110), the subtraction mechanism 32 returns the process to step S108. When 600 ms has elapsed from starting the on state of the subtraction solenoid 32a (YES in step S110), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b (step S111). The subtraction mechanism 32 determines that the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is abnormal when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b does not turn on for 10 ms or more five times in a row within 600 ms from the start of the subtraction solenoid 32a on state. May be good.

The P stand 2 includes a launching mechanism 30 that launches the game ball p, a subtraction mechanism 32 that conveys the game ball p to the launching mechanism 30 (particularly, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.), and the game ball p in the launching mechanism 30. The launch control board 31 that generates a subtraction reference signal corresponding to the firing operation of the above, and the number of game balls (game points) are managed, and the subtraction mechanism 32 is made to execute the transport operation of the game ball p based on the subtraction reference signal. A frame control board 17 for subtracting the number of game balls based on a subtraction reference signal is provided. As a result, it is possible to realize an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30.

Conventionally, a launch detection signal indicating that a game ball has been launched is input from the launch unit to the frame control board, and the frame control board that receives the launch detection signal detects a single launch ball and subtracts a ball. The number and the number of balls in the game were updated by 1 addition, and the number of balls in the game was subtracted and updated by 1. That is, the subtraction of the number of game balls by launching the game balls and the transportation of the game balls were performed individually. Therefore, when a problem related to the transport of the game ball occurs, such as detecting the foul ball with the foul ball detection switch, the frame control board needs to add and return the number of game balls once subtracted.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the subtraction reference signal corresponding to the launch operation of the game ball p in the launch mechanism 30 is generated, and the subtraction mechanism 32 performs the transport operation of the game ball p based on the subtraction reference signal. As a result, the number of game balls is subtracted, so that the number of game balls is not subtracted even if a problem related to the transportation of the game balls occurs. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the number of game balls can be appropriately subtracted in response to the launch of the game balls p in the launch mechanism 30. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the foul sphere detection switch itself for detecting the foul sphere is not required, and the process related to the detection of the foul sphere can be omitted.

The frame control board 17 executes the subtraction process of the managed game points based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 subtracts one from the number of X game balls based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal, and causes the game ball number display 29 to display the number of game balls of X-1. .. As a result, the frame control board 17 can realize an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30.

The frame control board 17 causes the subtraction mechanism 32 to execute the transfer operation of the game ball p based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 drives the movable piece 45 by controlling the subtraction solenoid 32a based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal, and conveys the game ball p. As a result, the frame control board 17 can realize an appropriate transfer of the game ball p corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30.

After receiving the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31, the frame control board 17 executes the subtraction process of the managed game points based on the detection of the game ball p by the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b. .. Specifically, the frame control board 17 receives the subtraction reference signal, and when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is turned on by transporting the game ball p and detects the game ball p, X games are played. The number of game balls of X-1 is displayed on the game ball number display 29 by subtracting one from the number of balls. As a result, the frame control board 17 can realize an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30 and the operation of the transport mechanism (for example, the movable piece 45).

The frame control board 17 can determine the transport error of the game ball p based on the detection state of the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c within a predetermined period after receiving the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 determines that ball clogging has occurred when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is turned on 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is turned on. As a result, it is possible to detect a malfunction in the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 including the subtraction solenoid 32a and the movable piece 45.

The main control board 16 executes a firing stop process based on receiving a predetermined signal from the frame control board 17 to notify that a special event has occurred. Specifically, the main control board 16 stops the output of the launch permission signal when it receives a specific error signal (a predetermined signal for notifying that a special event has occurred) from the frame control board 17. As a result, the firing operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of a special event detected on the frame control board 17.

<Notification processing of abnormalities that occur in card units and pachinko machines>
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the notification process when an abnormality is detected. With reference to FIG. 35, when an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323, the communication control IC 325, the frame control unit 171 or the main control board 16, notification is given in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 35. The abnormality mentioned here is that the CU control unit 323, the communication control IC 325, the frame control unit 171 or the main control board 16 is replaced with another illegally manufactured one, or malfunctions or fails due to noise or the like. It includes various error states such as when it is dropped or when it goes offline due to disconnection. The machine history management server 800 shown in FIG. 35 manages the ID information written in the P stand 2 by the manufacturer of the P stand 2 or the chip provider, and the ID information written in the CU 3 by the equipment manufacturer. Is to do.

First, when an abnormality occurs due to the communication control IC 325 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the abnormality. When the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality in the communication control IC 325, the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect and transmits an abnormality notification command to the display control unit 350 of the CU 3. The CU control unit 323 causes the display control unit 350 to control the display 312 to indicate that an abnormality has occurred, and also lights or blinks an abnormality notification lamp (not shown) to notify the abnormality. Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal from the external communication unit to the hall management computer to the effect that an abnormality has occurred.

When an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the occurrence of the abnormality and notifies the hall server 801 of a signal (abnormality notification signal) to that effect. When the frame control unit 171 detects an abnormality in the frame control unit 171, it notifies the CU control unit 323 to that effect via the communication control IC 325, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. The communication control IC 325 is connected to the frame control unit 171 by a parallel signal via a PIF circuit which is a parallel interface circuit.

When an abnormality occurs in the main control board 16, the frame control unit 171 detects the occurrence of the abnormality, notifies the CU control unit 323 of a signal indicating the abnormality, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. .. Of course, when an abnormality occurs in the main control board 16, the main control board 16 detects the occurrence of the abnormality, notifies the CU control unit 323 of a signal indicating the abnormality, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. You may notify.

The game machine management server 802 shown in FIG. 35 is provided in, for example, an organization that manages game machines operated by an organization to which a plurality of game machine makers belong, and the game machines installed in the game hall are different from the design values. It is a server that manages game machines by checking whether it is in an abnormal state. The game machine management server 802 may be provided in another organization. The game machine management server 802 can communicate with the hall server 801 and the CU 3 and the P unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the game machine management server 802 designs the game machine for determining the model name of the game machine and the abnormality of the game machine by associating each game machine such as the main chip ID with the identification information. Remember the value.

<Operation after P unit error and fraud detection>
Next, the operation after the error and fraud detection of the P unit 2 will be described. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the types of error and fraud detection that can be notified. In FIG. 36, 26 types of errors are described, and the "error code", "error name", "error and fraud detection content", and "operation after error and fraud detection" of each error are described. There is.

For example, for the error of number 3, the "error code" is "F06", the "error name" is "communication error in the managed game machine", and the "error detection content" is "communication between the managed game machine game board and the managed game machine frame". "No response or non-connection detected" and "Operation after error and fraud detection" detect an abnormality in the game machine frame 5, and the audio output on the game ball number display 29 and the game board 26 side on the game machine frame 5 side. (1st audio output means), LCD effect, and illumination are used to notify and output error information to the hall controller.

Here, when the game machine frame 5 is used for notification, in addition to displaying an "error code" on a display device (for example, variable display device 278, etc.) such as the game ball number display 29, the frame control board 17 is used for notification. An "error code" may be displayed on the provided 7-segment LED display for notification. Further, instead of displaying the "error code", the game may be stopped to notify the error, or the error information may be output to the outside.

For example, the error number 23 does not start even if the "error code" is "F97", the "error name" is "main control board startup abnormality", and the "error detection content" is "main control board does not start even after the specified period elapses." "Detected that" and "Operation after error and fraud detection" detect an abnormality on the game board 26, notify by audio output, LCD effect, and illumination on the game board 26 side, stop firing, and hall. Output error information to the LCD.

Depending on the type of error, the notification means may notify the error by outputting voice on the game board or turning on the illumination. Further, the notification means may notify the error by outputting error information output or invalid information output to the hall controller depending on the type of error.

Next, the plurality of errors shown in FIG. 36 will be described in more detail. FIG. 37 is a block diagram for explaining an error and fraud detection that occur in the game machine frame 5 and the game board 26. First, when the game machine frame 5 detects no communication response between the dedicated unit (CU3) and the management game machine frame (game machine frame 5), the frame control board 17 does not respond to the communication of the dedicated unit (error code = F05). ) Error notification. Specifically, when the frame control board 17 detects an error of no response in the dedicated unit communication, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29, and the counting process does not function even if the counting button 28 is operated. The counting is stopped, and a dedicated unit communication non-response signal is output to the main control board 16 as shown in FIG. 37. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the dedicated unit communication non-response signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the audio output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker). 270B), LCD production, and illumination will notify the error. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall controller, and the operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 becomes invalid in the CU3.

Next, in the game machine frame 5, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects ball clogging or detects a failure of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, the frame control board 17 causes the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality (error code). = F14) error notification is performed. Specifically, when the frame control board 17 detects an error of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and subtracts from the main control board 16 as shown in FIG. 37. Mechanism entrance sensor Outputs an error signal. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker). 270B), LCD production, and lighting will notify the error. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall controller.

Next, in the game machine frame 5, when the number of game balls exceeds 40,000, the frame control board 17 notifies an error that the number of game balls is exceeded (error code = F23). Specifically, when the frame control board 17 detects an error that the number of game balls is exceeded, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and, as shown in FIG. 37, displays the game balls with respect to the main control board 16. Outputs a few over signals. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the game ball number over signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the audio output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B). ), LCD production, and lighting to notify the error. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall controller.

Next, when the game board 26 detects that there is no communication response or no connection between the management game machine game board and the management game machine frame, the main control board 16 causes an error of communication abnormality (error code = F06) in the management game machine. Notify. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the communication abnormality detection 16c in the management game machine, the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B). The error is notified by LCD production and illumination. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs error information to the hall controller.

Here, since the game machine frame 5 and the game board 26 perform serial communication, the error and fraud detection detected on the main control board 16 side are notified to the frame control board 17 via the serial communication. .. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can grasp the error and fraud detection detected on the main control board 16 side. For example, when the main control board 16 side detects a communication abnormality (error code = F06) in the management game machine and the frame control board 17 side detects a game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17), the frame control board 17 , It is possible to grasp the error detection on the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the error information by the information of the "game machine error state" included in the game machine information notification command shown in FIG. 43, which will be described later. In the "game machine error state", the error code information is displayed in Bit0 to Bit5, and the information on whether the frame control board 17 ("0") or the main control board 16 ("1") detects the error in Bit6. Bit7 includes information on the output destination of error information. When Bit 7 of the "game machine error state" is "0", only the error notification (reporting) is performed on the frame control board 17 side. Further, when Bit 7 of the "game machine error state" is "1", in addition to the error notification (reporting) on the frame control board 17 side, the error information is output (HC output) to the hall controller. That is, when the error information is notified from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17, the frame control board 17 includes the error information in the game machine information (for example, hall control information) shown in FIG. 6 and sends the error information to the CU 3. Send. The CU 3 outputs the error information included in the game machine information to the hall controller via the external output terminal 340.

Therefore, in the frame control board 17, the error notification of the communication abnormality in the management game machine performed by the voice output on the main control board 16 side (for example, the game board side speaker 270B) and the voice output on the frame control board 17 side (game machine frame). The error priority is set so as to limit the error notification of the game ball circulation device abnormality so as not to overlap with the error notification of the game ball circulation device abnormality performed by the side speaker 270A). That is, in the frame control board 17, the error notification from the game board side speaker 270B has a higher priority, and the error notification from the game machine frame side speaker 270A is restricted while the error notification is being performed.

The frame control board 17 can detect the occurrence of an error (specific event) different from the error (predetermined event) on the main control board 16 side, and the error notification (predetermined notification) is the audio output (third) on the main control board 16 side. An error notification (specific notification) based on the fact that an error (specific event) is detected by the frame control board 17 when not performed by the 1 voice output means) is output to the voice output (second) on the frame control board 17 side. When the error notification (predetermined notification) is performed by the voice output on the main control board 16 side, the error notification (specific notification) is performed by the voice output on the frame control board 17 side. Not done at. For example, when a game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) is detected on the frame control board 17 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is notified when the error notification is not performed on the main control board 16 side. Therefore, when the error is notified on the main control board 16 side, the game ball circulation device abnormality is not notified. By determining the priority of the error to be notified in this way, even when the game board 26 of one manufacturer is mounted on the game machine frame 5, the game board 26 of another manufacturer is mounted on the game machine frame 5. It is possible to perform unified error notification even at any time.

Further, the frame control board 17 can detect the occurrence of a special event different from the specific event, and when the occurrence of the special event is detected, the frame control board 17 transmits information regarding the detection of the special event to the main control board 16. For example, unlike an error in which notification is performed only on the frame control board 17 side, such as an error in the game ball circulation device (error code = F17), when the number of game balls is exceeded (error code = F23), notification is also performed on the main control board 16 side. When the frame control board 17 detects an error (special event), information regarding the detection of the error (special event) is transmitted to the main control board 16. Specifically, the frame control board 17 transmits information regarding the detection of the error to the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The main control board 16 is the sound output (for example, the game board side speaker 270B) controlled by the effect control board 15 based on the reception of information regarding the detection of the error (special event), the LCD effect, and the illumination. Notify the error. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately notify the occurrence of an error (special event) detected on the frame control board 17.

When the game board 26 detects the opening of the front decoration (detects the ON state of the front decoration opening switch 12), the main control board 16 notifies the error of the opening of the front decoration (error code = F64). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the front decoration release switch open detection 16d, the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B). The error is notified by LCD production and illumination. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a launch stop signal (for example, an off signal of the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs illegal information to the hall controller.

When the game board 26 detects that the back mechanism portion is open (detects the ON state of the back mechanism portion open switch 13), the main control board 16 notifies the error of the back mechanism portion opening (error code = F65). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the back mechanism portion open switch open detection 16e, the audio output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B). , LCD production, and illumination to notify the error. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs illegal information to the hall controller.

Here, the back mechanism portion release switch 13 is connected to the backup power supply board 174, and can detect the opening even at night when the power is turned off. FIG. 38 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the backup power supply board 174. Since the backup power supply board 174 is connected to the power supply circuit 400, power is supplied from the power supply line DC5V-1 shown in FIG. 38 when the power supply is turned on. Further, the backup power supply board 174 has a backup power supply II (5V) 17c. The backup power supply II (5V) 17c is charged by the power from the power supply line DC5V-1 via the charging circuit 174a of the power generation function when the power is turned on, and is backed up by the diode circuit 174b of the power supply selection function when the power is turned off. The power supply can be switched to the power supply board 174.

The backup power supply board 174 also backs up the power supply for the configuration in which the disconnection opening detection is determined based on the game board connection confirmation signal and the clear signal and the detection signal of the back mechanism portion opening switch 13.

The frame control board 17 stores a program used for communication control with the main control board 16 in the use area (in the specific area) of the user program. The frame control board 17 is different in the event that can be detected between the process executed in the used area of the user program and the process executed outside the used area (outside the specific area). For example, since the game ball number display process is executed in the used area of the user program, an error of exceeding the game ball number (error code = F23) can be detected in the used area and is outside the used area of the user program. Since the game ball circulation process is executed in, the error of the game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) can be detected outside the used area. Therefore, an error (event) detected by a process executed in the area used by the user program can be transmitted to the main control board 16 by executing the program (particularly, communication process). As a result, the process can be executed without straddling the inside and outside of the used area of the user program.

The main control board 16 can control the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30, and stops the firing operation of the firing mechanism 30 based on receiving information regarding the detection of an error (special event) from the frame control board 17. As a result, the firing operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of an error (special event) detected on the frame control board 17.

When the frame control board 17 detects the occurrence of an error (either a specific event or a special event), the number of game balls is displayed regardless of the detection status of the error (predetermined event) by the main control board 16. Information (for example, an error code) that can identify the detected error may be displayed on the device 29. As a result, the detected error can be identifiable and displayed regardless of the control state on the game board 26 side.

<Communication between the main control board and the frame control board>
Next, communication between the main control board 16 (main control unit 161) and the frame control board 17 (frame control unit 171) provided in the P stand 2 (see FIG. 4) will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 39, a sequence processed between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 when the power is turned on will be described. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17.

Further, the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed by the polling method with the main control board 16 as the primary station, and the polling interval is, for example, 100 ms. The power-on notification and power-on reception communications are excluded. If the main control board 16 cannot receive the response for 100 ms after transmitting the notification message, the main control board 16 retransmits the notification message. If the response cannot be received 10 times in a row, the communication line is disconnected. If the frame control board 17 cannot receive the next notification for 1000 ms after receiving the notification message, the frame control board 17 disconnects the communication line.

Further, the frame control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 only when normal data is received. The serial numbers used for transmission and reception are stored in the storage unit for both the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17, and are used for command normality confirmation, power failure recovery, and communication line disconnection recovery.

Specifically, to explain the communication sequence, first, when the power is turned on, the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 are waited for activation, and communication is started between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17. For example, a maximum of 10000 ms is used for starting the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17. Although the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed in plain text, encrypted communication may be performed.

First, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information after the start-up. Specifically, the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying the game machine installation information to the frame control board 17 with the communication serial number set to "1". The frame control board 17 that has received the command for notifying the game machine installation information transmits the response of the game machine installation information response to the main control board 16 with the communication serial number set to "1" without counting up.

After notifying the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine information at a fixed cycle (100 ms). Specifically, the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying game machine information to the frame control board 17 with the communication serial number set to "2". The frame control board 17 that has received the game machine information notification command transmits the response of the game machine information response to the main control board 16 with the communication serial number set to "2" without counting up. After that, when the main control board 16 transmits a command to the frame control board 17, the game machine information is notified to the frame control board 17 while counting up the communication serial number.

Here, the relationship between the communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 and the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P stand 2) and the CU 3 will be described. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for explaining the communication timing. As shown in FIG. 40, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of the game machine information at a fixed cycle (100 ms). On the other hand, the frame control board 17 transmits the game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle (300 ms) slower than a fixed cycle (100 ms) of communication with the main control board 16. The frame control board 17 may transmit game machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 200 ms instead of 300 ms.

That is, it is a communication timing in which the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 are communicated three times while the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 are communicated once. When the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 has a cycle of 200 ms, the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed by 2 while the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 is performed once. It is the communication timing to be performed. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can acquire the game machine information from the main control board 16 more frequently, so that the change of the game machine can be grasped more accurately, and the game machine information can be obtained at appropriate intervals by the CU3. Can be sent to. Even if the communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 and the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P stand 2) and the CU 3 have the same cycle of 300 ms, the timing is different from that in FIG. 40. There may be.

<Command between main control board and frame control board>
Next, commands transmitted and received between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 will be described. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted and received between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17.

As shown in FIG. 41, the commands transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 include a game machine installation information notification and a game machine information notification. The game machine installation information notification command is a command for notifying the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information. The game machine information notification command is a command for notifying the frame control board 17 of the game machine information.

On the other hand, the response transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16 includes a game machine installation information response and a game machine information response. The response of the game machine installation information response is a response for responding to the main control board 16 with the result of receiving the game machine installation information. The response of the game machine information response is a response for responding to the main control board 16 with the result of receiving the game machine information.

<Notification of game machine installation information / Response of game machine installation information>
Next, the command of the game machine installation information notification and the response of the game machine installation information response will be described in detail. FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining the response of the game machine installation information notification command and the game machine installation information response. The command for notifying the game machine installation information shown in FIG. 42A is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information, and the game machine installation information is "main control chip". Includes "ID number", "main control CPU maker code", and "main control CPU model code". When the main control board 16 transmits a command for notifying the game machine installation information to the frame control board 17, the communication serial number is 1. In addition, the telegram of the game machine installation information notification must be completed in one frame and not divided and transmitted. Further, if the frame control board 17 cannot receive the checksum within 20 ms after receiving the telegram length of the game machine installation information notification, the frame control board 17 cancels the received data up to that point and receives it again from the telegram length. The same is done for the following commands and responses.

The response of the game machine installation information response shown in FIG. 42B is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the main control board 16 with the receipt result of the game machine installation information notification, and is "game machine installation information". Includes "receipt result". The frame control board 17 responds as it is to the communication serial number received in the game machine installation information notification. However, when the frame control board 17 receives a communication serial number other than 1, it makes no response.

<Notification of game machine information>
Next, the command for notifying game machine information will be described in detail. FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining a command for notifying game machine information. The game machine information notification command is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of game machine information (hall control information, fraud monitoring information, etc.), and is "main control" as game machine installation information. Includes "status", "game machine error status", "fraud detection status", and "game information". The main control board 16 adds 1 to the communication serial number when the game machine information is notified. The communication serial number has a maximum of 255, and the count is returned to 1 after 255. Also, when the message is resent, the communication serial number is not added (updated) by 1.

The "main control state" is information on the gaming state of the P unit 2, and includes "main control state 1" and "main control state 2". The "main control state 1" includes information on jackpot 1 (all jackpots), jackpot 2 (specific jackpot), jackpot 3 (short-time jackpot), and information on game machine status signals 1 to 5. The game machine status signals 1 to 5 are used to output the status from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3, and correspond to the "external terminal status output signals 1 to 5" output from the external output terminal of the CU 3. The "main control state 1" includes information during the jackpot + time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), high probability, and time reduction (shortening of fluctuation time), and information of game machine state signals 6 to 9. The game machine status signals 6 to 9 are used to output the status from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3, and correspond to the "external terminal status output signals 6 to 9" output from the external output terminal of the CU 3.

The "game machine error state" includes information on an error code occurring in the game machine. The "fraud detection state" includes information indicating that board frauds 1 to 6 have been detected.

The "game information" includes information for notifying the frame control board 17 of the starting opening winning, the large winning opening winning, the number of times the symbol is confirmed, and the like generated on the main control board 16. The "game information" is composed of a total of 2 bytes of type information (upper 1 byte) and count information (lower 1 byte). The type information is composed of a data type and a data number, and a data number is set for each data type.

The type information will be described in more detail. FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining the type information included in the game information. The type information is set for each value of the data type (Bits 4 to 7). For example, when the value of the data type is 1, it is the information of the starting opening winning. Further, a data number (Bit 0 to 3) is set for each data type. For example, if the data number is 1, the starting port 1 and the starting port number are indicated.

When the value of the data type is 2, it is notified that the big winning opening has been won, and when the data number is 1, the big winning opening 1 and the like are shown. When the value of the data type is 4, the number of times the symbol changes is notified, and when the data number is 1, the special figure number such as special figure 1 is indicated. When the value of the data type is 8, the continuous operating device for the accessory notifies the opening of the large winning opening when it is not operating, and if the data number is 1, the accessory number such as the accessory 1 is indicated. When the value of the data type is 13, it is instructed to output a pulse from CU3, and the terminal of the external output terminal 340 of CU3 is indicated by the data number. When the value of the data type is 14, the state required for the calculation of the performance information is notified, and the data number is fixed at 1.

As the count information, different number of times information is set for each data type. Data type is 1 = starting mouth prize, 2 = big winning mouth prize, 3 = winning mouth prize, 9 = starting mouth prize by operating the character, 10 = big winning mouth winning by continuous operation of the character, 11 = depending on the character operation In the case of winning a prize, the count information is composed of the number of prize balls (top 4 bits) and the number of prizes (bottom 4 bits). For example, when two prizes are won in the starting port 1 of three prize balls, the data type (Bit4 to 7) is "1 = starting port 1", the data number (Bit0 to 3) is "1 = starting port 1", and the prize. The game information (0x1131) in which the number of balls (Bits 4 to 7) is "3 = 3 prize balls" and the number of prizes (Bits 0 to 3) is "1 = 1 prize" is 2 data.

When the data type is 4 = the number of times the symbol is confirmed, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of times the symbol is confirmed (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 5 = big hit and 6 = small hit, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and number of hits (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 7 = gate passage, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of gate passages (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 8 = the number of bonuses (the number of times the large winning opening is opened), the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of bonuses (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 12 = passage through a specific area, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of passages in the specific area (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 13 = the number of pulse counts, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of pulse outputs (lower 4 bits).

When the data type is 14 = performance information status notification, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and status flag (lower 4 bits). In the state flags (Bits 0 to 3), Bit0 indicates the base state, Bit0 indicates "0" in the low base, "1" indicates the high base, Bit1 indicates the jackpot state, and Bit1 indicates the base state. "0" indicates a normal time, "1" indicates a big hit, Bit2 indicates a high probability state, Bit1 indicates a low probability, and "1" indicates a high probability. There is.

<Game machine information response>
FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining a command for responding to game machine information. The response of the game machine information response shown in FIG. 45 is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the main control board 16 with the reception result of the game machine information notification, and is the “game machine information reception result” and the “frame”. Includes "control state". The frame control board 17 responds as it is to the communication serial number received in the game machine information notification. However, when the frame control board 17 receives a communication serial number whose continuity is not established, the frame control board 17 makes no response.

The "frame control state" includes the state information of the frame control board 17, and specifically, Bit0 includes information on the number of game balls being exceeded. The frame control board 17 mainly transmits information related to detection of an error of exceeding the number of game balls (error code = F23) shown in FIG. 36 by transmitting a game machine information response to the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The control board 16 can be notified. Therefore, the error that the number of game balls is exceeded (error code = F23) can be notified even on the main control board 16 side.

<Aggregation of the number of prizes>
Next, the total result of the number of winnings will be described. When the data type included in the game information is 14 = performance information status notification, Bit0 of the status flag (Bit0 to 3) indicates the base state, Bit1 indicates the state of a big hit, and Bit2 indicates the state of high probability. ing. That is, based on the information of the data type 14 = performance information status notification included in the game information, it is possible to indicate the game status changed from the previous game machine information notification to the current game machine information notification.

By being able to represent information on the gaming state that changed between the previous game machine information notification and the current game machine information notification, winning a prize from the previous game machine information notification to the game state change. It has become possible to distinguish between the cumulative number of pieces and the total number of winnings from the change in the game state to the notification of the game machine information this time, and notify the frame control board 17. In addition, 14 = performance information status notification is provided for the data type in the game machine information notification command, and changes from the previous game machine information notification to the current game machine information notification from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17. Although it is possible to notify the information of the game state, the information of the game state may be notified to the CU3 which is a game device, the hall server 801 which is a higher-level server, the hall computer, and the like.

Specifically, a configuration capable of distinguishing the cumulative total of winning numbers before and after the game state changes will be described. First, before that, a problem will be described when the cumulative number of winnings cannot be distinguished before and after the game state changes. FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining the aggregation result of the number of winnings before and after the game state changes. FIG. 46 (a) is a diagram for explaining the aggregation result of the number of winnings before and after the change of the conventional gaming state, and FIG. 46 (b) is a diagram before and after the change of the gaming state in the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the total result of the winning number of. In the example shown in FIG. 46 (a), the gaming state changes from the normal state to the jackpot state in the middle, and the main control board 16 receives the prize ball commands a to from the winning sensor 162 (see FIG. 4) before and after the state change. f is being received. More specifically, the main control board 16 receives the prize ball commands a to c during the normal state period, and receives the prize ball commands d to f during the jackpot period.

However, the main control board 16 does not notify the frame control board 17 of the number of winnings for each received prize ball command, but is cumulatively transmitted to the game machine information notification command transmitted every 100 ms. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 46A, the number of winning balls commands a and b is accumulated and transmitted to the frame control board 17 by the communication command A, and the number of winning balls commands c and d is accumulated. The communication command B is transmitted to the frame control board 17, the winning numbers of the prize ball commands e and f are accumulated, and the communication command C is transmitted to the frame control board 17.

On the other hand, the change in the game state means that the game state information such as the type of jackpot is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 in the "main control state 1" included in the game machine information notification command shown in FIG. Has been sent. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 46 (a), it is transmitted to the frame control board 17 that the game state of the big hit is changed by the "main control state 1" of the communication command B immediately after the change from the normal state to the big hit state. Therefore, the change in the gaming state that can be known on the frame control board 17 side is from the time when the communication command B is received as shown in the jackpot state of the communication telegram.

Therefore, if the prize ball commands are distinguished based on the jackpot state of the communication message, the prize ball commands a and b are accumulated as the number of prizes in the normal state (prize ball total result), and the prize ball commands c to f are prizes in the jackpot state. It will be accumulated as the number (results of totaling prize balls). However, when the number of prizes is accumulated based on the actual game state, the prize ball command c needs to be accumulated as the number of prizes in the normal state period, not as the jackpot period. Therefore, there is a problem that an error occurs in the prize ball totaling result by the number of prize balls of the prize ball command c, and it is not possible to accurately calculate the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio described later.

Therefore, in the main control board 16 according to the present embodiment, 14 = performance information status notification is provided for the data type in the game machine information notification command, and between the previous game machine information notification and the current game machine information notification. A configuration is adopted in which the number of winning ball commands can be distinguished by changing the game state. Specifically, even in the example shown in FIG. 46 (b), the gaming state changes from the normal state to the jackpot state in the middle, and the main control board 16 receives a prize from the winning sensor 162 (see FIG. 4) before and after the state change. The ball commands a to f are received. More specifically, the main control board 16 receives the prize ball commands a to c during the normal state period, and receives the prize ball commands d to f during the jackpot period.

Also in the example shown in FIG. 46B, the winning numbers of the prize ball commands a and b are accumulated and transmitted to the frame control board 17 by the communication command A, and the winning numbers of the prize ball commands c and d are accumulated and the communication command. It is transmitted to the frame control board 17 by B, and the winning numbers of the prize ball commands e and f are accumulated and transmitted to the frame control board 17 by the communication command C.

However, in the game machine information notification command according to the present embodiment, 14 = performance information status notification is provided for the data type of the game information, and the winning number of the prize ball command c and the winning number of the prize ball command d are distinguished. There is. Specifically, the communication command B includes the information of the prize ball command c and the prize ball command d, and the game state has changed due to a big hit between the prize ball command c and the prize ball command d. The state change information (14 = performance information state notification) indicating the above is included. Therefore, the main control board 16 uses the winning number of the prize ball command c received in the normal state as the type information 1 and the count number information 1 (see FIG. 43), and the state change information as the type information 2 and the count number information 2. , The winning number of the prize ball command d is stored in the type information 3 and the count number information 3, respectively, and the game machine information notification command is generated. Then, the main control board 16 transmits the game machine information notification command to the frame control board 17, so that the game information of the type information 1 and the count number information 1 to the type information 3 and the count number information 3 is sequentially transmitted to the frame control board. It will be sent to 17. That is, when the gaming state is changed, the main control board 16 transmits the winning number (type information 1 and count number information 1) of the prize ball command c before the change, and then notifies the change of information F (type). After transmitting the information 2 and the count number information 2), the winning number (type information 3 and the count number information 3) of the prize ball command d after the change is transmitted.

Therefore, the frame control board 17 distinguishes the prize ball command c received before the state change information as the number of prizes in the normal state and the prize ball command d received after the state change information as the number of prizes in the jackpot state. The prize ball commands a to c are accumulated as the number of prizes in the normal state (prize ball total result), and the prize ball commands d to f are accumulated as the number of prizes in the jackpot state (prize ball total result). Therefore, there is no error in the prize ball totaling result, and the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio, which will be described later, can be accurately calculated.

<Performance display calculation processing>
Next, the performance display calculation processing executed on the frame control board 17 will be further described. FIG. 47 is a flowchart for explaining the performance display calculation process executed on the frame control board 17. With reference to FIG. 47, first, the frame control board 17 executes the pass number addition process (step S300). FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining the passing number addition process on the frame control board 17. Here, for example, the nth winning opening without a character (the winning opening other than the large winning opening 271 is numbered n. For example, the ordinary winning openings 272 to 274 are numbered 1 to 3, that is, the first winning opening ~ The 3rd winning opening and the starting winning opening 275 to 277 are designated as numbers 4 to 6, that is, the 4th winning opening to the 6th winning opening. Therefore, the winning opening without a character is the 1st winning opening to the 4th winning opening. The number of prize balls for one prize of the winning opening and the sixth winning opening (for example, the first winning opening to the third winning opening are three, the fourth winning opening and the sixth winning opening are five. As (for example, 5) for one prize of the starting winning opening 276 (here, the 5th winning opening) with a character, and a prize for one winning of the large winning opening 271. The number of balls is Ab (for example, 3). These settings can be changed according to the model of the game board 26.

With reference to FIG. 48, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not it is in the jackpot gaming state (step S351). When it is determined that the game is not in the jackpot game state (NO in step S351), the frame control board 17 determines whether or not it is in the high base state (step S352). Here, it is assumed that there are two types of gaming states in the P stand 2: a high accuracy high base state (hereinafter, simply referred to as a high base state) and a low accuracy low base state (hereinafter, simply referred to as a low base state). To do. When it is determined that the base is not in the high base state (NO in step S352), that is, when it is not in the jackpot game state and in the low base state, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 701 ( Step S353). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S353), the number of passing through the out port at the time of low base pl is added by 1 (step S354).

Further, each of the nth winning openings (from the first winning opening to the sixth winning opening in the present embodiment) is provided with a detection switch for detecting the winning game ball. Whether or not the frame control board 17 has received the detection signal of the nth winning opening when it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S353) and after step S354. Is determined (step S355).

When it is determined that the reception is received (YES in step S355), the count number (winning number) is added to the number of passing through the nth winning opening at the time of low base (step S356). However, when the gaming state changes to the high base, the frame control board 17 adds the count number (the number of winnings) of the nth winning opening after that to the number of passes through the out opening at the time of the high base, phn.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the player is in the high base state (YES in step S352), that is, when the player is not in the jackpot game state and is in the high base state, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 701. Determine (step S357). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S357), the passing number ph of the out port at the time of high base is added by 1 (step S358).

Whether or not the frame control board 17 has received the detection signal of the nth winning opening when it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S357) and after step S358. Is determined (step S359). If it is determined that the reception is received (YES in step S359), the count number (winning number) is added to the passing number qhn of the nth winning opening at the time of high base (step S360). However, when the gaming state changes to a low base, the frame control board 17 adds the subsequent count number (number of winnings) of the nth winning opening to the number of passing through the out opening at the low base pln.

If it is determined that the game is in the jackpot game state (YES in step S361), and if it is determined that the command including the detection information of the nth winning opening has not been received (NO in step S355 and step S359), after step S356, Then, after step S360, the frame control board 17 receives the detection signals of the nth winning opening (in the present embodiment, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening) having no accessory. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S361). When it is determined that the reception has been received (YES in step S361), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the number of passages qn of the nth winning opening (step S362).

When it is determined that the detection signal of the nth winning opening is not received (NO in step S361), and after step S362, the frame control board 17 receives the detection signal of the starting winning opening 276 having the accessory. Whether or not it is determined (step S363). When it is determined that the reception is received (YES in step S363), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qs of the starting winning opening 276 having the accessory (step S364).

When it is determined that the detection signal of the start winning opening 276 having the accessory is not received (NO in step S363), and after step S364, the frame control board 17 receives the detection signal of the large winning opening 271. Whether or not it is determined (step S365). When it is determined that the reception has been received (YES in step S365), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qb of the large winning opening 271 (step S366).

Whether or not the frame control board 17 has received the detection signal from the out ball detection switch 701 when it is determined that the detection signal of the large winning opening 271 has not been received (NO in step S365) and after step S366. Is determined (step S367). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S367), the frame control board 17 adds 1 to the number of launch balls r (step S368).

Further, when it is determined that the detection signal is not received from the out-ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S367), and after step S368, the frame control board 17 receives a command including the detection signals of all winning openings. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S369). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S369), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the number of launched balls r (step S370).

When it is determined that the frame control board 17 has not received the detection signals of all the winning openings (NO in step S369), the frame control board 17 ends this pass number addition process.

Returning to FIG. 47, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not it is in the high base state (step S301). When it is determined that the base state is not high (NO in step S301), the frame control board 17 calculates the number of out balls rl = pl + Σqln at the time of low base (step S302). Further, the frame control board 17 calculates the number of safe balls at low base sl = Σ (An × pln) (step S303).

The frame control board 17 determines whether or not the calculated out-ball number rl = 100 at the time of low base (step S304). When it is determined that the number of out balls at low base is rl = 100 (YES in step S304), the frame control board 17 calculates the base value at low base bl = 100 × sl / rl and stores it in the RAM. (Step S305).

When it is determined that the high base state (YES in step S301), the number of out balls at the time of low base is not rl = 100 (NO in step S304), and after step S305, the frame control board 17 is high. The number of out balls at the time of base rh = ph + Σqhn is calculated (step S306). Further, the frame control board 17 calculates the number of safe spheres sh = Σ (An × phn) at the time of high base (step S307).

Then, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not the calculated out-ball number rh = 100 at the time of high base (step S308). When it is determined that the number of out balls at high base is rh = 100 (YES in step S308), the frame control board 17 calculates the base value bh = 100 × sh / rh at high base and stores it in the RAM. (Step S309).

When it is determined that the number of out balls rh = 100 at the time of high base (NO in step S308), and after step S309, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not the number of launched balls r = 100 (NO). Step S310). When it is determined that the number of launch balls r = 100 (YES in step S310), the frame control board 17 calculates the base value b = 100 × (sl + sh) / r and stores it in the RAM (step S311).

After calculating the base value b and the like, the frame control board 17 further executes the game board surface determination-related processing (step S312). The frame control board 17 may simply display the calculated base value b or the like on the performance display monitor 40 without performing the game board surface determination-related processing.

Next, the design value corresponding to the model of the game board 26 is acquired from the main control board 16, or the design value according to the model of the game board 26 is selected from the set values stored in the frame control board 17. , The frame control board 17 performs game board surface determination-related processing. Here, the set values include values such as a low base lower limit value Bll, a low base upper limit value Blu, a high base time base lower limit value Bhl, and a high base time base upper limit value Bhu.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart for explaining the game board surface determination related processing. With reference to FIG. 49, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not the period is not subject to determination value calculation (step S381). The period outside the judgment value calculation target is a period during which the judgment value is excluded from the calculation of the base, the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, and the like. For example, the glass door 6 and the game machine frame 5 are open. During a certain period, a non-launching period of the game ball (for example, a period 15 seconds after the last launch of the game ball), and a period during which the game hall is closed, during which a clerk can cheat. is there. When it is determined that the period is not subject to the determination value calculation (YES in step S381), the frame control board 17 ends the game board surface determination-related process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

When it is determined that the period is not subject to the determination value calculation (NO in step S381), the frame control board 17 is a winning opening without a bonus (here, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening). The number of prize balls sn = Σ (An × qn) is calculated (step S388), and the number of prize balls ss = As × qs of the winning opening with the accessory (here, the fifth winning opening) is calculated (step S389). , The number of prize balls sb = Ab × qb of the large winning opening 271 is calculated (step S390).

Next, the frame control board 17 calculates the accessory ratio u = 100 × (ss + sb) / (sn + ss + sb) and stores it in the RAM (step S391), and the continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × sb / (sn + ss + sb). Is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S392).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of launched balls r = 60,000 (step S393). The P stand 2 of the present embodiment can launch 100 game balls into the game area 27 in one minute. Therefore, 60,000 balls is the number of balls that can be launched in 10 hours. When it is determined that the number of launched balls r = 60,000 (YES in step S393), the frame control board 17 is displayed on the 7-segment LED display of the game ball number display 29, and the large winning opening 271 calculated in step S164 is used. Information such as the number of prize balls is lit and displayed (step S394).

When it is determined that the number of launched balls r = 60,000 (NO in step S167), the frame control board 17 is displayed on the 7-segment LED display of the game ball number display 29, and the prize of the large winning opening 271 calculated in step S390. Information such as the number of balls is blinked and displayed (step S395).

After step S394 and after step S395, the frame control board 17 ends the game board surface determination-related processing, and returns the processing to be executed to the caller.

FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining a situation of calculation and display of a base value. With reference to FIG. 50, when the game information capable of specifying the winning opening type, the winning opening number, the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls is received from the main control board 16, the steps S302 to S311 of FIG. 47 are performed. The calculation is performed as shown and added to the number of safe balls at low base sl, the number of safe balls at high base sh, and the number of launched balls r = (rl + rh) stored in the addition area.

Every time the number of launched balls r reaches 6000, the number of safe balls at low base sl, the number of safe balls at high base sh, and the number of launched balls r = (rl + rh) stored in the addition area are moved to the holding area. .. Before this movement, the oldest holding area 10 has a low base safe ball number sl10, a high base safe ball number sh10, and a launch ball number r10 = (rl10 + rh10), and the holding area 1 to the holding area 9 have a low base. The number of safe balls sl1, the number of safe balls at high base sh1, and the number of launched balls r1 = (rl1 + rh1) are shifted and stored from the holding area 2 to the holding area 10, respectively.

Then, when the display process is performed, the base value is calculated and displayed on the performance display monitor 40 of the 7-segment type.

When the base value is not displayed on the performance display monitor 40, nothing in particular may be displayed, or the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, and the number of launched balls r may be displayed. ..

<Performance items>
Next, the performance items tabulated by the P unit 2 will be described. FIG. 51 is a list of performance items that are aggregated. The "actuating port" in the table is a starting port at which the accessory operates, and is, for example, two types of otoshi. As shown in FIG. 51, the performance items such as the total number of launched game balls and the total number of acquired game balls are the information transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 by the command of the game machine information notification shown in FIG. 43. Based on this, the total is calculated on the frame control board 17. Further, performance items such as the number of game balls acquired by the ordinary electric accessory and the accessory ratio are totaled on the frame control board 17 based on the information collected on the main control board 16. The information collected by the main control board 16 is transmitted to the frame control board 17 by the command of the game machine information notification shown in FIG. 43.

Here, the accessory ratio (also referred to as a role ratio) refers to the ratio of the game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours due to the operation of the accessory. The rules regarding the certification of game machines and the certification of types, etc. stipulate that the ratio of accessories must be 70% or less. In the present embodiment, the bonus ratio is the game value given by winning all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls because 100 balls can be fired per minute). Of the number of game balls corresponding to the above, to the start winning opening 276 composed of the electric tulip which is one of the characters and the large winning opening 271 composed of the variable winning ball device which is one of the characters. It is the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball.

The continuous bonus ratio (also referred to as the continuous ratio) refers to the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls fired in 10 hours due to the operation of the bonus when the bonus is continuously operated. .. The rules regarding the certification of game machines and the certification of types, etc. stipulate that the ratio of continuous accessories must be 60% or less. In the present embodiment, the continuous bonus ratio is a game given by winning a prize in all the winning openings of the game balls fired in 10 hours (60,000 balls can be fired in 1 minute). Of the number of game balls corresponding to the value, the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball to the large winning opening 271 provided with the variable winning ball device which is one of the accessories. Refers to the ratio.

The aggregation of performance items is performed based on the information necessary for calculation and the calculation method shown in FIGS. 47 to 49. For example, the total number of launched game balls can be totaled by accumulating the number of launched balls. In addition, the bonus ratio is obtained by calculating the cumulative value of each using the number of prize balls and the number of prize movement prize balls, and the cumulative value of the number of prize movement prize balls divided by the cumulative value of the number of prize balls is multiplied by 100. It can be totaled by doing.

The output of the performance item can be output to the CU3, displayed on the performance display monitor 40 of the frame control board 17, the game ball number display 29, or the like, or displayed on the display 312 of the CU3. For example, performance items such as the total number of launched game balls and the total number of acquired game balls are output to the CU 3, displayed on the display of the frame control board 17, and also displayed on the display 312 of the CU 3. Performance items such as the number of game balls acquired by the ordinary electric accessory and the accessory ratio are not output to the CU3, are not displayed on the display of the frame control board 17, and are not displayed on the display 312 of the CU3. The display methods on the frame control board 17 and the CU3 display are as follows: (1) Accumulate information from the start of launch, (2) Flashing display until the total number of launched game balls is less than 60,000, (3) ) When the total number of game balls is 60,000 or more, the display is switched to the lighting display, and thereafter, the information is accumulated and displayed. The display switching method on the display of the frame control board 17 or CU3 is as follows: (1) Select a display item by pressing the game ball clear switch (for example, select by display number), and (2) Confirm the display item with the ball removal switch. indicate.

<Inspection signal output configuration>
Next, a configuration for outputting an inspection signal of the game machine will be described. FIG. 52 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the frame control board. FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram for explaining the inspection signal. The P stand 2 may be connected to the test apparatus 900 to perform a predetermined inspection, and an inspection signal output unit 80 may be provided on the frame control board 17 so that the inspection signal can be output to the test apparatus 900. it can. The inspection signal output unit 80 is not provided on all mass-produced P units 2, but is provided only on the P units 2 to be inspected. However, the frame control board 17 is manufactured as a board on which the inspection signal output unit 80 can be mounted so that the P stand 2 to be mass-produced and the P stand 2 to be inspected can be used in common. Therefore, only the circuit pattern and the mounting space for mounting the inspection signal output unit 80 are formed on the frame control board 17 of the mass-produced P stand 2, and the inspection signal output unit 80 itself is not mounted. That is, the parts are standardized between the frame control board 17 used for the P stand 2 to be inspected and the frame control board 17 used for the mass-produced P stand 2.

The frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 52 is used for the P stand 2 to be inspected, and is provided with an inspection signal output unit 80. The inspection signal output unit 80 is provided with an inversion buffer 81 that inverts the signal (subtraction mechanism inlet sensor signal) from the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b inverted by the inversion buffer in the frame control board 17. The inverting buffer 81 inverts the subtraction reference signal output from the oscillation circuit of the emission control board 31 inverted by the inverting buffer in the frame control substrate 17 again.

The inspection signal output unit 80 includes an inspection output connector 82 for connecting to an I / F board 901 for communicating with the test device 900. The inspection output connector 82 receives a signal (for example, a prize ball signal, a frame error signal, etc.) output from the frame control unit 171 via the data bus, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor signal, and a signal based on the subtraction reference signal. It is output to the test apparatus 900 via the F substrate 901. Specifically, the inspection output connector 82 can specify the launching operation of the game ball by specifying the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor signal from the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b and the subtraction reference signal in conjunction with the firing of the game ball. It is output to the I / F board 901 as a signal, and the launch ball signal described later is generated by the I / F board 901 and output to the test apparatus 900. Of course, the launch ball signal may be generated by the frame control unit 171 instead of being generated by the I / F substrate 901.

As a signal output to the test apparatus 900, for example, there is a signal shown in FIG. 53. Specifically, the signal includes a subtraction solenoid drive signal that outputs one operation of the subtraction solenoid 32a as one pulse, and a subtraction mechanism inlet that outputs one game ball detected by the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b as one pulse. A sensor signal and a subtraction reference signal that outputs one operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 as one pulse are included. Further, to the signal, a prize ball signal output as one pulse corresponding to the addition of one game point based on a command from the main control board 16, F06, F16, F21, 24, 25 shown in FIG. Includes a frame error signal that is continuously output at the H (High) level during abnormality detection, and a launch ball signal that is output as one pulse in response to the output of both the subtraction solenoid drive signal and the subtraction reference signal. Is done.

<Structure of Embodiment>
(1) A gaming device (1) that is connected to an enclosed gaming machine in which a gaming ball is enclosed so as to be communicable with the gaming machine, and enables the gaming machine to play using the gaming value owned by the player. A gaming system including a unit) is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-042799). In the game system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information such as the number of game balls for playing a game on the game machine is transmitted by bidirectional communication between the game machine and the game device (unit). doing. However, in the gaming system of Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the transmission of information exchanged between the gaming machine and the gaming device (unit). The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine and a game device capable of optimizing information transmission between the game machine and the game device. Is.

(1-1) A gaming machine (for example, P stand 2) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming device (for example, CU3).
A receiving means (for example, a frame control board 17 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P unit 2) capable of receiving specific information (for example, rental information) regarding the game value, which is information transmitted from the game device, and
A transmission means (for example, a frame control board 17 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P unit 2) capable of transmitting game information (for example, game machine information) indicating the progress of the game to the game device, and
With
The transmitting means transmits the game information every specific period (for example, a specified period A), and during a special period (for example, response time) shorter than the specific period after the receiving means receives the specific information. At the corresponding timing, the response information of the specific information (for example, the loan response information) is transmitted to the gaming device.

According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timings of the game information and the response information are separated, it is possible to avoid congestion of the information to be transmitted.

(1-2) A gaming device (eg, CU3) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming machine (for example, P stand 2).
A transmission means (for example, communication control IC325) capable of transmitting specific information (for example, rental information) regarding the game value to the game machine, and
Receiving means (for example, communication control IC325) capable of receiving game information (for example, game machine information) that is information transmitted from the game machine and indicates the progress of the game, and
With
The receiving means can receive the game information every specific period (for example, a specified period A), and a special period (for example, a response time) shorter than the specific period after the transmitting means transmits the specific information. ), The response information of the specific information (for example, lending response information) can be received from the game machine.

According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timings of the game information and the response information are separated, it is possible to avoid congestion of the information to be transmitted.

(1-3) In the game machine of (1-1) above
The specific information includes information on the magnitude of the game value (for example, the number of rented balls), and the information on the magnitude of the game value differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not (for example, ball lending). When the button 321 is pressed, the information of 125 balls is included in the information of the number of rented balls, and when the ball lending button 321 is not pressed, the information of 0 balls is included in the information of the number of rented balls).

According to such a configuration, the information regarding the magnitude of the game value differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is correct or not, and the specific information is periodically transmitted. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the connection between the game device and the game machine. Specific information can be used.

(1-4) In the game machine of (1-1) or (1-3) above,
A launching means (for example, launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium, and
Further provided with a launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) for controlling the drive of the launch means.
The launch control means
A specific voltage (for example, power supply VL for connection confirmation) is not detected at the connection terminal between the game machine and the game device (for example, VL = OFF), or the reception status of the specific information by the receiving means. Based on (for example, when the next loan information cannot be received even after 1200 ms has elapsed from the previously received loan information), the launch by the launch means is stopped.

According to such a configuration, the firing can be easily stopped in a state where the connection with the gaming device is defective.

(2) As a game machine, when a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device and the game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is a game machine. The launching device that launches the game ball launches the game ball from the hit ball supply plate into the game area according to the control of the launch control circuit provided on the launch control board. In such a game machine, it is necessary to perform a test firing test in order to confirm whether the winning rate, the winning ball acquisition rate, etc. for each winning area are as designed values (for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-). No. 253698)). However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, the gaming ball from the hitting ball supply plate is launched by the launching device, but in the enclosed gaming machine in which the gaming ball is enclosed, the game corresponds to the managed game point. It is necessary to launch a ball (game medium) and subtract the game points that are electromagnetically managed in response to the firing operation. Further, in the enclosed game machine, it is necessary to output to the outside that the game points are subtracted in response to the firing operation. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to subtract an appropriate game point in response to the launch of a game medium and output information corresponding to the launch of the game medium to the outside. It is to provide a game machine and a game frame that can be played.

(2-1) A game machine (for example, P unit 2) that manages information on a game point (for example, the number of game balls) as a game value and can play a game based on the game point.
A launching means (for example, a launching mechanism 30) that launches a game medium corresponding to a game point, and
A transport means (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) that transports the game medium to the launch means in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means.
A subtraction means (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, a subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c, etc.) that performs a subtraction process of a game point managed by the game machine in response to the launching operation of the game medium in the launching means.
It is provided with an output means (for example, an inspection signal output unit 80, etc.) capable of outputting a signal (for example, a subtraction solenoid drive signal, a subtraction reference signal, etc.) capable of specifying a firing operation of the game medium to the outside.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to subtract an appropriate game point in response to the launch of the game medium, and it is possible to output information corresponding to the launch of the game medium to the outside.

(2-2) A game frame (for example, a game machine frame 5) of a game machine (for example, P machine 2) that manages information on a game point (for example, the number of game balls) as a game value and can play a game based on the game point. ) And
A launching means (for example, a launching mechanism 30) that launches a game medium corresponding to a game point, and
A transport means (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) that transports the game medium to the launch means in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means.
A subtraction means (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, a subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c, etc.) that performs a subtraction process of a game point managed by the game machine in response to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means.
It is provided with an output means (for example, an inspection signal output unit 80) capable of outputting a signal (for example, a subtraction solenoid drive signal, a subtraction reference signal, etc.) capable of specifying a firing operation of the game medium to the outside.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to subtract an appropriate game point in response to the launch of the game medium, and it is possible to output information corresponding to the launch of the game medium to the outside.

(2-3) In the game machine of (2-1) above
The output means includes a special signal (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor signal) corresponding to the entry of the game medium into the transport means, and a specific signal (for example, a launch ball) corresponding to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means. (Signal) can be output to the outside as a signal that can identify the firing operation of the game medium.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the outside of the more accurate launch of the game medium in response to both the launch operation of the launch means and the operation of the transport means.

(2-4) In the game machine of (2-1) or (2-3) above
The output means can output an error signal related to a predetermined error (for example, a frame error signal) and a prize ball signal (for example, a prize ball signal) based on information from the game control means to the outside.

With such a configuration, the error status of the game machine and the prize ball status can be notified to the outside.

(2-5) In the game machines (2-1), (2-3), and (2-4) above,
A mounting area (for example, an inspection output connector 82) for mounting a test signal output terminal (for example, an inspection output connector 82) is mounted on a board (for example, a frame control board 17) for mounting a frame control unit provided in a game frame of the game machine. An area where the inspection signal output unit 80 is provided) is provided in advance.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to standardize the components between the test substrate and the mass-produced substrate.

(3) In the enclosed gaming machine in which the gaming ball is enclosed, information is bidirectionally communicated with the gaming device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-248251). There is. Therefore, in the game machine, when the counting operation is performed, as a response to the state information request from the game device, when the state information response is transmitted to the game device, the information on the number of counting balls is also transmitted. A process of converting a game ball (game point) into a ball (holding point) is performed. However, if the state information request cannot be normally received from the game device after the state information response is transmitted due to a communication abnormality or the like, the game machine cannot subtract the number of game balls. Since the game machine of Patent Document 1 is premised on bidirectionally communicating information with the game device, the number of game balls is erroneously subtracted on the game machine side when a counting operation is accepted during a communication abnormality. It was possible to process it so that it would not happen. However, in a game machine that communicates information with the game device in one direction, the same processing cannot be performed, and the number of game balls is erroneously subtracted to appropriately manage the game value including the number of game balls. There was a problem that I couldn't do. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is a gaming machine capable of appropriately managing the gaming value even when a communication abnormality occurs with the gaming device. Is to provide.

(3-1) A game machine (for example, P unit 2) that can communicate with a corresponding game device (for example, CU3) and can manage information on a game value (for example, the number of game balls).
A storage means that can store information about the game value (for example, a game ball counter),
A reception means (for example, a counting button 28) capable of accepting a predetermined operation by a player, and
A transmission means (for example, a frame control board 17) capable of transmitting predetermined information (for example, counting information) capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value to the game device based on the acceptance of the predetermined operation. )When,
When the predetermined information is transmitted, the updating means for updating the game value stored in the storage means (for example, subtracting the counted number of balls) corresponding to the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information. It is equipped with a frame control board 17) that updates the information on the number of game balls.
Based on the fact that the predetermined conditions regarding the communication abnormality with the game device (for example, when the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation changes from 5V to 0V (off state: VL = OFF)) are satisfied, the above The reception of the predetermined operation is invalidated (for example, the operation of the count button 28 is invalidated).

According to such a configuration, the game value can be appropriately managed in consideration of the communication abnormality.

(3-2) In the game machine of (3-1) above
The transmission means transmits the predetermined information to the gaming device at predetermined intervals regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the counting information is defined regardless of the reception status in the CU 3). It is sent to CU3 for each period B.),
The information regarding the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information differs depending on whether or not the predetermined operation is accepted by the reception means (for example, before the operation of the counting button 28 by the player transmits the game machine information. If this is done, the number of counting balls contains information of, for example, 250 balls, and if the player does not operate the counting button 28 before transmitting the game machine information, the number of counting balls is 0 (zero). Sphere information is included.).

According to such a configuration, the transmission processing of the predetermined information is continued regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition regarding the communication abnormality is satisfied with the game device, and the prohibition processing of the transmission processing of the predetermined information becomes unnecessary. At the same time, it is possible to appropriately manage the game value in consideration of the communication abnormality in that the predetermined operation becomes invalid.

(3-3) In the game machine of (3-1) or (3-2) above
A receiving means (for example, a frame control board 17) capable of receiving specific information (for example, rental information) regarding the game value, which is information transmitted from the game device, is further provided.
The response information corresponding to the predetermined information is not transmitted from the gaming device to the receiving means (for example, the counting information and the gaming machine information are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323 in one direction. The gaming machine does not recognize whether or not the gaming device has received the predetermined information.

According to such a configuration, the predetermined information is output in one direction, and it is possible to prevent the game value from fluctuating even in a situation where the predetermined information cannot be received by the game device, which is disadvantageous to the player. Can be prevented.

(3-4) In the game machines (3-1) to (3-3) above,
Special signal output means (for example, wiring number of PIF wiring) that outputs a special signal for connection confirmation (for example, PSI signal) to the game device while detecting connection with the game device (for example, VL = ON). With 4)
The special signal output means stops the output of the special signal to the gaming device based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition (for example, PSI = OFF).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the gaming device of the disconnection detection status on the gaming machine side.

(3-5) In the game machines (3-1) to (3-4) above,
A launching means (for example, launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium, and
Further provided with a launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) that controls the operation of the launch means.
The reception means invalidates the reception of the reception means (for example, invalidates the operation of the counting button 28) based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition.
The launch control means stops the launch by the launch means based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition (for example, outputs a signal to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch of the game ball).

According to such a configuration, by stopping the game in a situation where the game device is not connected, it is possible to appropriately manage the game value in consideration of the communication abnormality.

(3-6) In the game machines (3-1) to (3-5) above,
The predetermined information is a cumulative combination of first information (for example, information on the number of counting balls) capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value corresponding to the predetermined operation and the magnitude of the game value of the first information. Includes second information that can be specified in (for example, information on the cumulative number of counting spheres).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the management of the game value in the game machine, and it is possible to transmit appropriate information for performing the recovery processing of predetermined information in the one-way communication.

(4) In the enclosed gaming machine in which the gaming ball is enclosed, information is bidirectionally communicated with the gaming device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-134101). There is. Therefore, in the game machine, when the counting operation is performed, as a response to the state information request from the game device, when the state information response is transmitted to the game device, the information on the number of counting balls is also transmitted. A process of converting a game ball (game point) into a ball (holding point) is performed. When the recovery process of the counting operation is performed due to the occurrence of a communication abnormality or the like, the recovery process is performed using the counting history stored on the game machine side each time the counting operation is performed. Since the game machine of Patent Document 1 is premised on bidirectionally communicating information with the game device, when the recovery process of the counting operation is performed, the counting history stored in the game machine side by the game device side is recorded. It is possible to request transmission. However, there is a problem that the processing load on the game machine side increases because a process for updating the counting history stored on the game machine side is required every time the counting operation is performed. Further, in a game machine that is premised on communicating information with a game device in one direction, there is a problem that the same process cannot be performed and the game value cannot be properly recovered. .. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of reducing a processing load and appropriately performing a game value recovery process.

(4-1) A game machine (for example, P unit 2) that can communicate with a corresponding game device (for example, CU3) and can manage information on a game value (for example, the number of game balls).
A storage means that can store information about the game value (for example, a game ball counter),
A reception means (for example, a counting button 28) capable of accepting a predetermined operation by a player, and
A transmission means (for example, a frame control board 17) that transmits predetermined information (for example, counting information) capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value to the game device based on the acceptance of the predetermined operation. When,
When the predetermined information is transmitted, the updating means for updating the game value stored in the storage means (for example, subtracting the counted number of balls) corresponding to the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information. It is equipped with a frame control board 17) that updates the information on the number of game balls.
The predetermined information is a cumulative combination of first information (for example, information on the number of counting balls) capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value corresponding to the predetermined operation and the magnitude of the game value of the first information. Includes second information that can be specified in (for example, information on the cumulative number of counting spheres).

According to such a configuration, the processing load for storing the history related to the predetermined operation is reduced, and the second information that can cumulatively specify the magnitude of the game value of the first information is transmitted to the game device. The game value recovery process can be performed appropriately.

(4-2) In the game machine of (4-1) above
Whether the transmission means satisfies a predetermined condition regarding an abnormality in communication with the game device (for example, when the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation changes from 5V to 0V (off state: VL = OFF)). Regardless of whether or not, the predetermined information is transmitted to the gaming device at predetermined intervals (for example, the counting information is transmitted to the CU 3 every specified period B regardless of the reception status in the CU 3).
The information regarding the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information differs depending on whether or not the predetermined operation is accepted by the reception means (for example, the operation of the counting button 28 by the player transmits the game machine information. If it has been done before, the number of counting balls contains information of, for example, 250 balls, and if the player does not operate the counting button 28 before transmitting the game machine information, the number of counting balls is 0 ( Zero) Sphere information is included.).

According to such a configuration, the transmission processing of the predetermined information is continued regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition regarding the communication abnormality is satisfied with the game device, and the prohibition processing of the transmission processing of the predetermined information becomes unnecessary. At the same time, it is possible to appropriately manage the game value in consideration of the communication abnormality in that the predetermined operation becomes invalid.

(4-3) In the game machine of (4-1) or (4-2) above,
A receiving means (for example, a frame control board 17) capable of receiving specific information (for example, rental information) regarding the game value, which is information transmitted from the game device, is further provided.
The response information corresponding to the predetermined information is not transmitted from the gaming device to the receiving means (for example, the counting information and the gaming machine information are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323 in one direction. The gaming machine does not recognize whether or not the gaming device has received the predetermined information.

According to such a configuration, the predetermined information is output in one direction, and it is possible to prevent the game value from fluctuating even in a situation where the predetermined information cannot be received by the game device, which is disadvantageous to the player. Can be prevented.

(4-4) In the game machines (4-1) to (4-3) above,
Special signal output means (for example, wiring number of PIF wiring) that outputs a special signal for connection confirmation (for example, PSI signal) to the game device while detecting connection with the game device (for example, VL = ON). With 4)
The special signal output means stops the output of the special signal to the gaming device based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition (for example, PSI = OFF).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the gaming device of the disconnection detection status on the gaming machine side.

(4-5) In the game machines (4-1) to (4-4) above,
A launching means (for example, launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium, and
Further provided with a launch control means (for example, a launch control board 31) that controls the operation of the launch means.
The reception means invalidates the reception of the reception means (for example, invalidates the operation of the counting button 28) based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition.
The launch control means stops the launch by the launch means based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition (for example, outputs a signal to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch of the game ball).

According to such a configuration, by stopping the game in a situation where the game device is not connected, it is possible to appropriately manage the game value in consideration of the communication abnormality.

(4-6) In the game machines (4-1) to (4-5) above,
The transmitting means transmits the predetermined information to the gaming device at a timing corresponding to a predetermined period (for example, a predetermined period B) after transmitting game information (for example, game machine information) indicating the progress of the game. ..

According to such a configuration, information transmission can be optimized, and since the transmission timings of the game information and the predetermined information are separated, it is possible to avoid congestion of the information to be transmitted.

<Modification example>
(1) By operating the operation switch for displaying the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio provided on the frame control board 17, the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio is displayed on the performance display monitor 40. You may do so. Further, by operating an operation switch (for example, an error release switch, a RAM clear switch) for displaying the accessory ratio provided on the frame control board 17, the accessory ratio is displayed and the frame control board 17 displays the accessory ratio. The continuous accessory ratio may be displayed by operating an operation switch (for example, a ball removal switch, a game ball clear switch) for displaying the provided continuous accessory ratio. At this time, it may be added as a display condition that the game machine frame 5 is open.

(2) The accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v may be displayed on the performance display monitor 40. Further, it may be displayed on a part other than the performance display monitor 40 of the game machine. For example, it may be displayed on the display 312 or displayed on the game ball number display 29. You may. Even if it is displayed on a portion other than these performance display monitors 40, it may be displayed according to a predetermined operation. Further, it may be displayed on a dedicated display different from the performance display monitor 40. For example, a dedicated display may be provided on the main control board 16.

(3) The accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated and displayed by the frame control unit 171. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated or displayed by a control unit other than the frame control unit 171 of the game machine, for example, the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16. You may try to do it.

(4) The start winning opening 276 described above may be such that the game ball cannot win a prize in a state where the accessory is closed. The game ball can be won and is open regardless of whether the accessory of the start winning opening 276 is closed (the accessory is not operating) or open (the accessory is operating). May be easier to win than the closed state.

(5) In the above-described embodiment and modification, the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified and transmitted by the game machine or the game device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned predetermined information is used for card management that manages the cards handled by the internal server (hall server 801, hall computer, etc.) or the external server (game machine management server 802, CU3) of the amusement park. It may be specified by a management device such as a company card management server).

(6) In the management device or the gaming device that has received the predetermined information, the base, the bonus ratio, or the continuous combination is based on the predetermined information itself (for example, the determination result of the suitability of the base, the bonus ratio, or the continuous bonus ratio). The abnormality of the object ratio may be monitored, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the abnormality may be notified, or predetermined information (for example, low base time base, high base time base, continuous accessory ratio, accessory ratio, out From the number of balls + the number of safe balls, the number of out balls + the number of safe balls for each winning opening), calculate the base, bonus ratio or continuous bonus ratio, monitor the abnormality, and notify the abnormality if it is judged to be abnormal. You may try to do it.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified by the frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be specified by another control unit of the game machine, such as the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16.

(8) In the above-described embodiment or modification, when the predetermined information is specified in the gaming machine or the gaming device, the gaming machine or the gaming device may notify the abnormality based on the predetermined information.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, if communication is disabled (offline state) when the above-mentioned predetermined information is transmitted to the outside of the game hall, the game machine, the game device, etc. on the game hall side. The predetermined information may be temporarily stored in the management device, and when the communication is restored, the predetermined information may be transmitted to the external management device.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are calculated, and the above-mentioned predetermined information is transmitted at each predetermined opportunity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned predetermined information may be transmitted periodically (for example, every hour).

(11) In the above-described embodiment, the fact that the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are abnormal indicates that the performance display monitor 40 (FIGS. 4 and 4) is a 7-segment LED display of the frame control board 17. (Refer to 42), it is notified by displaying it on the display unit. This notification may be performed according to a specific operation. Further, the values of the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous accessory ratio may be displayed on the display unit of the frame control board 17. Further, the display may be displayed on a display unit that can be viewed by a player different from the display unit that the player cannot normally see, such as the display unit of the frame control board 17, for example, the display 312. In this case, the display may be displayed according to a specific operation on the touch panel of the display device 312. Further, it may be always displayed even if there is no specific operation. Also, even if the base, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are abnormal, and at least one or more of the base, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are displayed. Good. Also, information suggesting one or more of these pieces of information (eg, displaying a red icon, making the background red) or related information (eg, base, bonus ratio, or continuous bonus ratio). A graph display such as a bar graph or a line graph) may be displayed.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, when the base, the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio are continuously determined to be abnormal, when it is determined that the abnormality has been resolved, information indicating that fact is provided. It may be transmitted to the management device outside or inside the game hall.

(13) In the above-described embodiment, both the subtraction solenoid drive signal and the subtraction reference signal are output as the signal capable of specifying the launch operation of the game ball, such as the launch ball signal output to the test device 900. It was explained that it is output as one pulse correspondingly. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the signal for driving the launch solenoid 31a of the launch mechanism 30 may be a signal capable of specifying the launch operation of the game ball.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that an inspection signal for outputting an inspection signal to the test apparatus 900 is output. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control board 16 is provided with an inspection signal output unit for outputting an inspection signal to the test device 900, and the main control board 16 is required to inspect the test device 900. A process of outputting a signal (for example, a signal indicating a winning status (such as a prize ball signal) or a signal indicating a gaming state) may be executed. When the inspection signal output unit is mounted on the main control board 16, the inspection signal output unit is mounted on the main control board 16 of the P stand 2 to be inspected, but the main of the mass-produced P stand 2 Only the circuit pattern for mounting the inspection signal output unit is formed on the control board 16, and the inspection signal output unit itself is not mounted.

(15) In the above-described embodiment, when the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected and a communication error occurs as shown in FIG. 23, a voltage of 5 V is not supplied to the photocoupler 37a of the counting switch board 37. By setting, the operation of the counting button 28 is invalidated in terms of hardware. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the CU 3 and the P unit 2 are not connected and a communication abnormality occurs, the operation of the counting button 28 may be invalidated by software. For example, when the CU 3 and the P unit 2 are not connected and a communication abnormality occurs, the frame control unit 171 does not process the counting switch signal, so that the operation of the counting button 28 is invalidated by software. Further, when the CU 3 and the P unit 2 are not connected and a communication error occurs, even if the player operates the counting button 28, the number of counting balls included in the telegram of the counting notification is set to 0 (zero) to count. The operation of the button 28 is invalidated. Further, when the CU 3 and the P unit 2 are not connected and a communication error occurs, the operation of the counting button 28 is invalidated by software so that the frame control unit 171 itself does not accept the operation of the counting button 28 by the player. When the frame control unit 171 detects a communication abnormality, the operation of the counting button 28 may be invalidated by software by controlling so as to stop the power supply to the counting switch board 37.

(16) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is changed from 5V to 0V is described as a condition for stopping the firing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the specific information (for example, lending information) includes the serial number information, and the status of the serial number information included in the specific information received by the receiving means (for example, the same serial number even after the lapse of a predetermined period) is launched. It may be a condition to stop.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

2 Pachinko game machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 frame control board, 26 game board, 29 game ball number indicator, 171 frame control unit, 309 card insertion / ejection port, 319 replay button, 320 IR light receiving Unit, 321 ball lending button, 322 return button, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can communicate with the corresponding gaming device
A receiving means that can receive specific information on the game value, which is information transmitted from the game device.
A transmission means capable of transmitting game information indicating the progress of the game and predetermined information capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value to be counted by the game device to the game device.
With
The transmission means
Transmitting the game information to each specific period,
At a timing different from that of the transmission timing before Symbol the game information to a timing corresponding to the shorter time special than receiving means the specific period from the reception of the specific information, for the game response information of the specific information Send to the device
A game machine that transmits the predetermined information at a timing different from the transmission timing of the game information and at a timing different from the transmission timing of the response information.

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