JP7029783B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a ball gaming machine that plays a game by circulating and using a plurality of gaming balls enclosed inside.

There is known a pachinko / pachislot machine that is attached to a ball game machine and lends a ball to a player using an IC card or the like. The machine-to-machine card processing machine described in Patent Document 1 is attached to the enclosed gaming machine, and changes the rate at which the ball is lent according to the operation from the player. In addition, the rate includes the meaning of the unit price of the game ball provided to the player in the ball lending. Further, when the rate is changed, the machine-to-machine card processing machine instructs the attached enclosed gaming machine to change the gaming performance according to the changed rate. Here, in Patent Document 1, as specific examples of the game performance, a jackpot probability, a probability of a probability change or a shift to a shorter time after a jackpot, a probability of performing an effect performed over a long period of time, and the like are described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-106943

By the way, like the enclosed gaming machine in Patent Document 1, there is known a managed gaming machine configured to play a game by cyclically using a gaming ball enclosed inside. The managed gaming machine includes a main control device that controls the progress of the game, and a frame control device that manages the number of balls held by the player. The frame control device is connected to a management computer provided in the pachinko parlor, and the management computer is further connected to the management center via a wide area network.

Therefore, in the management gaming machine, there is a possibility that the main control device is illegally accessed via the wide area network and the frame control device. Therefore, in the managed gaming machine, in order to suppress fraudulent activities, at least information that affects the performance of the game and information that may affect the result of the game (hereinafter referred to as "specific information") is mainly controlled. It is required that the device cannot receive from the frame control device.

On the other hand, in the case of applying the invention described in Patent Document 1 to the managed gaming machine, when the inter-unit card processing machine gives an instruction to change the gaming performance in response to the change in the rate, the main control device is used. It is necessary to acquire information indicating the changed gaming performance from the frame control device, and it is considered that the information corresponds to the above-mentioned specific information. That is, in order to apply the invention described in Patent Document 1 to the managed gaming machine, it is necessary to configure the main control device to be able to receive specific information from the frame control device, which may cause a security problem. There is sex.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately determine the ball lending rate while ensuring security.

The ball gaming machine according to claim 1, which has been made in view of the above problems, has a plurality of set values for playing games having different characteristics, and a plurality of gaming balls enclosed therein are circulated and used. Play a game by doing. The ball game machine sets one of a plurality of set values as the current set value in response to an instruction from the outside, and responds to the current set value according to the launch of the game ball into the game area by the launcher. A main control device for advancing a game having a characteristic characteristic, a circulation means for supplying a game ball entered into a ball entry port and an out port provided in the game area to a launching device, and a player can use the game for the game. It remembers the number of balls held, which is the number of game balls, and when the game ball is launched by the launcher, the number of game balls fired is reduced from the number of balls held, and the entry port It is equipped with a frame control device that increases the number of balls held according to the number of balls entering the ball. Further, when the ball is lent by the card unit provided outside the ball game machine, the frame control device is the number of balls lent by the card unit, which is the number of game balls provided to the player by the ball lending. Is acquired, and the number of rented balls is added to the number of balls. Further, when the current set value is newly determined, the main control device provides the frame control device with the update information generated based on the new current set value. Further, the frame control device provides the card unit with the update information acquired from the main control device. Then, the card unit sets a rate, which is a consideration per predetermined number of game balls, according to the current set value based on the update information acquired from the frame control device, and in ball lending, the number of balls lent according to the rate. If the rate cannot be set according to the current set value, a signal is sent to the frame control device, and when the frame control device receives the signal, the rate cannot be set according to the current set value. Notify that.

According to such a configuration, when the current setting value is changed in the ball gaming machine, update information is provided to the card unit, and the card unit responds to the current setting value based on the update information. Set the ball lending rate. Then, when the card unit changes the ball lending rate, the information is not provided to the main control device. Therefore, the ball lending rate is changed without providing the above-mentioned specific information to the main control device. Therefore, in the above-mentioned managed gaming machine, it is possible to suitably determine the ball lending rate while ensuring security.

As described in claim 2, in the game, the main control device draws a lot due to the entry of the ball into the entrance, and if the lottery is won, the player's ball is increased. May be given a privilege for. The games having different characteristics may be different in both or one of the probability of winning in the lottery and the content of the privilege.
According to such a configuration, the characteristics of the game based on the winning probability in the lottery and the privilege content at the time of winning are determined according to the current set value. Therefore, when the current set value is changed, the winning probability and the privilege content are changed, and the ball lending rate in the card unit is determined according to the changed winning probability and the privilege content. Therefore, the ball lending rate can be preferably determined.

Further, as described in claim 3, the games having different characteristics may have different ball ejection rates, which is the degree to which the player can acquire a game ball.
According to such a configuration, the ball ejection rate of the ball gaming machine is determined according to the current set value. Therefore, when the current set value is changed, the payout rate is changed, and the ball lending rate in the card unit is determined according to the changed payout rate. Therefore, the ball lending rate can be preferably determined.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine in this embodiment. It is a back view of the pachinko machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the pachinko machine in this embodiment. It is a table which shows an example of the playability and rate of the game at each set value of the pachinko machine in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the process that the rate is changed with the change of the current setting value. This is a specific example of the production according to the current rate (in other words, the current set value). It is a flowchart about the main routine in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the start prize confirmation process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the look-ahead determination process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the pass / fail determination process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the pass / fail determination process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the pass / fail determination process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the pass / fail determination process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the jackpot game processing in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the jackpot game processing in this embodiment. It is a flowchart about the jackpot game processing in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments, and various embodiments may be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[Description of configuration]
(1) Overall Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each part of the configuration is held by an outer frame 51 forming a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. An inner frame 70 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the outer frame 51 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 51 via hinges provided on the upper and lower sides of the outer frame 51. Further, a front frame (glass frame) 52 is detachably attached to the front surface of the inner frame 70 with respect to the inner frame 70, and a plate glass (not shown) is detachably provided on the front frame 52. Further, a game board 2 attached to the inner frame 70 is arranged on the back side (rear side) of the flat glass.

Speakers 66 are arranged on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and the game sound and alarm sound emitted from the speaker 66 improve the taste of the game and alert the player. .. Further, the front frame 52 is provided with a plurality of frame-side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game state, and the light emission improves the taste of the game. Further, in the lower central portion of the front frame 52, a mounting portion to which the display device 47 of the card unit 46, which will be described later, is detachably attached is provided. A launch handle 64 is arranged on the right side of this mounting portion. The firing handle 64 is rotated clockwise by the player to move the launching device 31 and launch the game ball toward the game area 3 of the game board 2.

In addition, the front frame 52 displays the number of holding balls (hereinafter referred to as the number of holding balls) that the player can use for the game in the portion directly above the mounting portion (display device 47). The ball number display device 61 and the counting switch 62 for storing the ball number information indicating the information indicating the number of balls stored in the frame control device 81 in the IC card inserted in the card unit 46. Are arranged. Further, on the left side of the counting switch 62, an effect button 63 that can be operated by the player is arranged.

The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called enclosed gaming machine, and is provided with a card unit (CR unit) 46 for reading and writing IC cards. The card unit 46 is provided with a card insertion slot 49 into which an IC card can be inserted and removed, and a bill insertion slot 48 into which bills can be inserted, and further, so as to project to the right from the lower portion of the card unit 46. A display device 47 is provided. The display device 47 is detachably provided on the mounting portion of the front frame 52 described above, and is mounted so as to cover the mounting portion when the card unit 46 is attached to the left side of the pachinko machine 1. The display device 47 is provided with a touch panel type LCD screen, and the credit balance stored in the IC card inserted in the card insertion slot 49 (or can be provided to the player by ball lending within the credit balance). The number of game balls) is displayed. The ball lending means that the game ball is provided to the player as a ball (in other words, the ball is lent out), and the credit balance is the balance of money provided by the player to lend the ball. means. Then, this credit balance (or the number of balls that can be lent out) is updated according to the ball lending or the return of the money provided for the ball lending.

Further, the pachinko machine (enclosed game machine) 1 is configured as a management game machine and is connected to the hall computer via the card unit 46, and the hall computer is provided outside via a wide area network. It is connected to the information management center (not shown), which is a server. As a result, each pachinko machine 1 manages shipping information from the manufacturer, information on the installed game stores, information on movement between game stores, disposal information, etc., based on the authentication information of each machine, and is used illegally. It has a high security ability to prevent unauthorized modification.

The game board 2 is provided with a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by a guide rail 3a, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are planted in the game area 3. A center case (not shown) is arranged in the center of the game area 3, and an LCD screen of the effect symbol display device 6 (not shown as a whole) is arranged in the center of the center case so as to be visible from the front. ing. The center case is also provided with a warp entrance, a warp passage, a stage, etc. (not shown).

A first starting port 11 is arranged below the effect symbol display device 6 (directly below the center case), and a normal symbol operating gate 17 and a second starting port 12 are vertically arranged on the right side of the center case. They are arranged side by side. The second starting port 12 is composed of an ordinary electric accessory provided with a wing piece that can be opened and closed, and the game ball can be won only in the open state of the wing piece. The second starting port 12 may be configured so that a prize can be won at a low frequency even in the closed state and the ball can be easily entered when the second starting port 12 is opened. Further, a large winning opening 14 is arranged immediately below the first starting opening 11. Further, four general winning openings 15 are arranged on the left side of the first starting opening 11. These general winning openings 15 have a configuration in which a game ball can always be won.

An out opening 16 is arranged at the most downstream portion of the game area 3, and the game ball launched in the game area 3 does not win any of the winning openings 14, 15 or the starting openings 11, 12. In this case, the ball enters the out port 16.
At the lower right of the game board 2, there is a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of a plurality of LEDs, a normal symbol holding number display device 8, a special symbol holding number display device 18, and a special symbol display device consisting of a 7-segment display device. 9 and are arranged.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the pachinko machine 1. On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, an inner frame 70 to which the above-mentioned game board 2 is detachably attached is housed in an outer frame 51. A launching device 31 for launching a game ball to the game area 3 is arranged in the upper part of the inner frame 70, and the game ball launched by the launcher 31 is the game from the upper left portion of the game area 3. It jumps out into the area 3 and flows down the game area 3. Further, at the lower part of the inner frame 70, a polishing device (not shown) for collecting the game balls launched into the game area 3 and polishing the collected game balls is installed. This polishing device is communicated with the above-mentioned starting ports 11 and 12, the large winning openings 14, the general winning openings 15, and the out openings 16 via a collection path (not shown), and these starting openings 11 and 12, The game balls that have entered the large winning opening 14, each general winning opening 15, and the out opening 16 are sent through the collection path. Further, the inner frame 70 is provided with a lifting device 33 that sends a game ball polished by the polishing device to the launching device 31 along the vertical direction. The launching device 31, the recovery path, the polishing device, and the lifting device 33 are provided to circulate the game ball. That is, the game ball launched from the launcher 31 to the game area 3 is sent to the polishing device from the recovery path after entering any of the start ports 11 and 12 and the out port 16. It is supplied to the launching device 31 again via the lifting device 33. Since the launching device 31, the recovery path, the polishing device, and the lifting device 33 can be configured to have previously known configurations, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a main control device 80, a frame control device 81, an effect symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, and a power supply device 85 are arranged. The main control device 80, the effect symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 2, and the frame control device 81 and the power supply device 85 are provided on the inner frame 70.
Further, as will be described in detail later, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a plurality of setting values that determine the characteristics of the game, and the manager of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, a clerk in the hall where the pachinko machine 1 is installed) The current setting value is changed according to the operation of. The main control device 80 is provided with a setting device for changing the current set value, and the setting device is housed in a case together with the main control device 80. The setting device is provided with a setting value display device 80a for changing the current setting value, a setting change switch 80b, and a clear switch 80c. These are located on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 (in other words, the back side of the game board 2), and can be visually recognized and operated when the inner frame 70 is opened, and cannot be visually recognized and operated by the player. It has become.

(2) Electrical configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. It should be noted that this block diagram does not simply describe a so-called relay board or power supply board that relays signals. Further, although detailed illustration is omitted, all of the main control device 80, the frame control device 81, the effect symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 have CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, and the like. I have. Then, the CPU of each of these control devices starts the program mounted on each ROM by the interrupt signal having a cycle of 2 ms, and executes various controls. As will be described later, the frame control device 81 handles information on the performance display device 60, information on the number of balls held by the player, information related to the credit balance, and the like. Therefore, in the unlikely event that the power supply is cut off. Also, a non-volatile memory (flash memory, non-volatile RAM, etc.) can be preferably used so that such information can be retained. As a result, even if the power supply is cut off, the possibility that the player suffers a disadvantage can be reduced.

The main control device 80 is provided with a first start port switch 11a for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start port 11 and a game ball that has entered the second start port 12 via the game board relay terminal plate 74. Second start port switch 12a to detect, normal symbol operation switch 17a to detect game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 17, count switch 14a for counting game balls that have entered the large winning opening 14, each general prize Detection signals are input from each general winning opening switch 15a for detecting each game ball that has entered the mouth 15, a magnet sensor for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor for detecting radio waves, and the like.

The main control device 80 operates according to a program mounted in the ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals and the like, and uses the commands as the frame control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device. Output to 83. Further, the main control device 80 controls the display of the special symbol display device 9 and the normal symbol display device 7 via the symbol display device relay terminal board 71, and also controls the display of the special symbol display device 18 and the normal symbol hold. The lighting of the number display device 8 is controlled. Further, the large winning opening solenoid 14b and the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b are also connected to the main control device 80 via the game board relay terminal plate 74. The main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the large winning opening 14 by controlling the large winning opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 12b. Further, the main control device 80 outputs a signal for management such as a symbol variation and a big hit, and the output signal is sent from the frame control device 81 to the hall computer via the card unit 46. Further, the main control device 80 is connected to the prize ball number display device 99, and controls the display of the prize ball number. It should be noted that the prize ball number display device 99 makes it easy for the player to grasp the number of prize balls generated by winning each prize opening (starting opening, general winning opening, large winning opening, etc.). However, since the enclosed gaming machine is provided with a ball holding number display device 61 whose display is controlled by the frame control device 81, it is also possible to grasp the prize ball number with the ball holding number display device 61. The prize ball number display device 99 is not essential.

The main control device 80 and the frame control device 81 are connected so as to enable communication from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81 in only one direction. That is, a signal can be transmitted from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81, and the frame control device 81 can receive the signal, while the frame control device 81 sends a signal to the main control device 80. Cannot send. Therefore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the information managed or controlled by the frame control device 81 (information on the number of balls held, information on the launch and circulation of game balls, etc.) cannot be transmitted to the main control device 80. The main control device 80 that controls the overall progress of the game cannot input any signal from the outside (excluding the winning information about the game and the input from the various switches described above). As a result, it is possible to structurally eliminate the input of an illegal signal that may affect the gaming performance to the main control device 80, and the configuration is extremely strong (hard to be illegal).

In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the above-mentioned specific information is information that at least affects the performance of the game or may affect the result of the game from the frame control device 81 to the main control device 80. (For example, credit balance, number of balls, jackpot information, jackpot probability, information on the result of hit / fail judgment, information on launch and circulation of game balls, etc.) cannot be transmitted, but other information is not available. It may be possible to transmit from the frame control device 81 to the main control device 80.

Further, the main control device 80 is connected to the setting value display device 80a, the setting change switch 80b, and the clear switch 80c in the above-mentioned setting device, and these are controlled by the main control device 80. The setting change switch 80b is configured as an insertion slot into which a setting key is inserted, and the operation state can be switched to an ON state or an OFF state by rotating the setting key inserted in the setting change switch 80b. Then, a signal indicating the operating state of the setting change switch 80b and the clear switch 80c is transmitted to the main control device 80. Further, the set value display device 80a is provided with, for example, an 8-segment LED or the like, and is configured to display the set value of the pachinko machine 1 in response to a signal from the main control device 80.

The frame control device 81 can communicate with the card unit 46 via the game ball or the like lending device 75. Then, it is communicably connected to the display device 47 of the card unit 46, and signals are input to the frame control device 81 from the lending switch 58 and the return switch 59 provided in the display device 47. The frame control device 81 acquires the credit balance and the number of balls held from the IC card inserted in the card unit 46 from the card unit 46, or the number of balls lent from the card unit 46 when renting a ball. (In other words, the number of balls to be held is set based on the information indicating (in other words, the number of game balls provided to the player by ball lending), the number of balls to be held is generated or updated, or the return received from the return switch 59 is returned. By performing the credit balance return processing according to the signal, transmitting the ball number information stored in the frame control device 81 to the card unit 46 according to the operation of the counting switch 62, and further storing it in the IC card. , Performs ball holding number movement processing to settle the player's holding. Further, the frame control device 81 is communicably connected to the hall computer 87 via the card unit 46, and transmits the game information of the pachinko machine 1 to the hall computer 87.

Further, the frame control device 81 has a rotation amount signal of the firing handle 64 from the handle volume 101, a firing stop signal from the firing stop switch 103, and a launch stop signal from the touch switch 102 via the firing operation unit relay terminal plate 76. Each touch signal is input. The rotation amount signal is output when the player rotates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop signal is the launch stop switch 103 by the player. It is output by pressing. If the touch signal is not input, the game ball cannot be launched, and when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player touches the launch handle 64. There is. Further, the counting switch 62 and the ball holding number display device 61 are connected via the operation unit relay terminal plate 73, and the frame control device 81 receives the operation signal of the counting switch 62 and holds the counting switch 62. The display control of the ball number display device 61 is performed. The ball holding number display device 61 displays the number of balls held by the player indicated by the ball holding number information stored in the frame control device 81 in real time.

Further, the frame control device 81 is connected to the ball feed sensor 104, the launch inlet sensor 105, the launch motor 106, and the ball feed solenoid 107 of the launch device 31 via the launch device relay terminal plate 77. The ball feed sensor 104 detects the game ball sent to the launch position of the launch device 31, and outputs the detection vibration of the game ball. Further, the launch inlet sensor 105 detects a game ball supplied from the above-mentioned lifting device 33 to the launch device 31, and outputs a detection signal of the game ball. Then, the frame control device 81 sets the launch motor 106 and the ball feed solenoid based on the signals transmitted from the handle volume 101, the launch stop switch 103, the touch switch 102, the ball feed sensor 104, and the launch inlet sensor 105. The 107 is driven and controlled to launch or stop the game ball.

Further, in the frame control device 81, a cassette switch 108, a polishing motor sensor 109, a cassette motor 110, and a polishing motor 111 are connected via a polishing device relay terminal board 78, and the cassette switch 108 and the polishing motor sensor 109 are connected to the frame control device 81. The above-mentioned polishing device is driven by driving and controlling the cassette motor 110 and the polishing motor 111 based on the detection signal from the above. Since the polishing device is a consumable item, it has a cassette-type structure that facilitates replacement. Further, the frame control device 81 is connected to the lifting inlet sensor 113, the lifting motor monitoring sensor 114, and the lifting motor 112 via the lifting relay terminal plate 79, and the lifting inlet sensor 113 and the lifting port sensor 113 and the lifting motor 112 are connected to the frame control device 81. The above-mentioned lifting device 33 is driven by driving and controlling the lifting motor 112 based on the detection signal from the feed motor monitoring sensor 114.

Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to the winning ball sensor 120, the out ball sensor 121, the appropriate amount sensor 122, the full tank sensor 123, and the night monitoring switch 124 via the inner frame relay terminal plate 72. Signals from each sensor and switch are input. Here, the winning ball sensor 120 is arranged in a collection path that communicates each winning opening of the starting openings 11, 12, the large winning opening 14, and the general winning opening 15 with the polishing device, and each of these winning openings. It detects the game ball that won the prize. Further, the out ball sensor 121 is arranged in a collection path that communicates the out port 16 and the polishing device, and detects a game ball that has entered the out port 16. Further, the appropriate amount sensor 122 detects an appropriate amount of game balls circulated inside the machine base. Further, a glass frame opening switch 125 and an inner frame opening switch 126 are also connected to the frame control device 81, and detection signals from these are input.

Further, the frame control device 81 updates the number of balls held by the player as the game progresses. That is, every time one game ball is launched by the launching device 31, the frame control device 81 subtracts 1 from the number of balls held by the number of balls held information, and the winning ball sensor 120 determines the starting ports 11 and 12. , The number of winning balls is added to the number of holding balls indicated by the number of holding balls information when the winning to the large winning opening 14 and the general winning opening 15 is detected. Further, when the frame control device 81 receives the number of balls to be rented from the card unit 46, the frame control device 81 adds the number of rented balls to the number of balls held indicated by the number of balls information, and the game is settled. At that time, the information on the number of balls held is transmitted to the card unit 46, and the information on the number of balls held is initialized.

Further, a performance display device 60 is also connected to the frame control device 81. The performance display device 60 is arranged to prevent the performance of the pachinko machine 1 from being changed by improperly adjusting the game nail, and displays a base value in a normal state. The base value in the normal state is a ball that sends a game ball to the launching device 31 when the main control device 80 indicates that it is in the normal state (when a signal indicating the normal state is received). The number of fired game balls is confirmed by the detection of the game ball by the feed sensor 104 or the detection of the game ball by the winning ball sensor 120 and the out ball sensor 121, and this number of shots and the transmission from the main control device 80 are transmitted. The number of return balls is calculated and obtained from the number of prize balls shown in the information on the number of prize balls. Here, since the number of shots is about 100 in one minute, for example, the base value when 60,000 shots are fired in about 10 hours can be used as a fixed value.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80, distributes these to data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and issues commands for effect display control and the like. It is transmitted to the effect symbol control device 82, and data for sound control and lamp control is distributed to each control portion (functional component of the voice control device and the lamp control device) included in itself. Then, the functional unit as a voice control device controls the output of voice from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for voice control, and the functional unit as the lamp control device is the data for lamp control. By operating the lamp driver based on the above, various LEDs and lamps 65 are controlled to emit light. The sub-integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 are configured as a circuit for only one-way communication from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Further, switches for detecting the operation of the effect button 63, the jog dial, and the like are connected to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when each switch detects the operation by the player, the signal is input.
The effect symbol control device 82 includes data and commands transmitted from the sub-integrated control device 83 (the one transmitted from the main control device 80, the input from the main control device 80 in the sub-integrated control device 83, and the input of the effect buttons and the like. The control is performed based on (generated based on the above), and the effect image such as the effect symbol is displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6.

The card unit 46 performs a process of reading and writing information such as a credit balance and the number of balls held by the IC card to the IC card inserted in the card insertion slot 49. Then, the information read from the IC card is transmitted to the frame control device 81. As a result, the frame control device 81 appropriately updates and manages information such as the credit balance and the number of balls that can be rented according to the progress of the game, and displays the credit balance and the number of balls that can be lent on the display device 47. Further, at the end of the game, the settled number of balls is transmitted from the frame control device 81 to the card unit 46, and the information on the IC card is updated.

Further, the card unit 46 exchanges the credit balance stored in the inserted IC card for a holding ball at a predetermined rate in response to the operation of the lending switch 58, and lends the ball to the player. The rate may be, for example, the unit price of a game ball when lending a ball. When lending a ball, the card unit 46 transmits the number of balls to be rented to the frame control device 81. The frame control device 81 adds the number of ball rentals received to the number of balls held by the player. Even when money is inserted from the bill insertion slot 48 or the like, the card unit 46 may lend balls according to the balance of the money in the same manner according to the operation of the lending switch 58. ..

[Explanation of operation]
(1) Gaming The pachinko machine 1 has a configuration as a so-called first-class gaming machine, and is opened for a certain period of time by winning a first starting port 11 that can always win a prize and winning a normal symbol lottery. A second starting port 12 is provided, which makes it easy or possible to win a prize. The normal symbol lottery is a winning / failing determination performed by the main control device 80 when the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operating gate 17. When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the main control device 80 displays the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 7, stops and displays the confirmed symbol, and notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery. .. As an example, the main control device 80 performs up to four hold storages for a normal symbol lottery.

Further, when the game ball enters the first and second starting ports 11 and 12, the main control device 80 extracts numerical data (random numbers) and determines whether or not the special symbol is correct or not based on the numerical data (hereinafter, big hit lottery). Also described). When the big hit lottery is performed, the main control device 80 displays the variation of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 9, and also stops and displays these to display the confirmed symbol to notify the result of the big hit lottery.

Then, when the main control device 80 wins the big hit lottery (hereinafter, also referred to as a big hit), the main control device 80 plays a big hit game (hereinafter, also referred to as a special game) in which the big winning opening 14 is opened for a predetermined number of rounds. Award the prize ball. Further, the main control device 80 can shift to the privilege state after the big hit game. In the privilege state, it shifts to both or one of the probability change mode and the time saving mode. In the probability variation mode, the probability of winning in the big hit lottery increases. Further, in the time saving mode, the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is increased, the opening time of the second starting port 12 at the time of winning in the normal symbol lottery is extended, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and the special symbol is shortened. Will be done. This facilitates entry into the second starting port 12. Hereinafter, the state in which neither the probabilistic mode nor the time saving mode is used is referred to as a normal mode.

(2) Setting values As described above, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of setting values for determining the characteristics of the game, and the administrator of the pachinko machine 1 has a plurality of setting values. One of them can be selected as the current setting value of the pachinko machine 1. Further, although the details will be described later, the rate at the time of ball lending by the card unit 46 is determined according to the current set value of the pachinko machine 1.

Here, the characteristics of the game are, for example, the nature of the game (in other words, the nature of the game) determined by both or one of the winning probability of the big hit lottery (hereinafter, the big hit probability) and the content of the privilege given from the big hit. It may be the fun of the game). Hereinafter, such characteristics of the game will be referred to as playability (in other words, game performance). The big hit privilege may be, for example, a big hit game, whether or not to shift to a privilege state (for example, a probability change mode or a time saving mode) after the big hit game, the content of the privilege state, and the like. That is, for example, if the jackpot probability is lowered and the total number of rounds of the jackpot game is increased, the playability becomes high risk and high return. On the contrary, if the jackpot selection probability is increased and the total number of rounds of the jackpot game is reduced, a solid playability of gradually accumulating prize balls while repeating the jackpot is realized.

In the present embodiment, the game of each set value is different, for example, the jackpot probability, the total number of rounds of the jackpot game, the probability of shifting to the privilege state, the content of the privilege state, and the like. The playability of the game is different. As an example, setting values 1 to 3 may be provided as a plurality of setting values. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, six levels of set values may be provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the jackpot probability in the normal mode, the jackpot probability in the probabilistic mode, the probability of shifting to the privilege state, the content of the privilege state, the duration of the privilege state, and the duration of the privilege state in the game with each set value. , The total number of rounds of the jackpot game may be determined.

Here, the payout rates in the games at each set value may be the same or substantially the same, or may be different. The ball output rate is a degree indicating how much a player can acquire a game ball in a game. More specifically, the ball output rate is expected to be given to the player with respect to the total number of game balls fired, for example, when the game is continuously played on the pachinko machine 1 for a certain period of time. It may be a ratio of the number of prize balls. In other words, by changing the set value, both the payout rate and the playability may be changed, or the playability may be changed while suppressing the change in the payout rate. May be.

In addition to this, when the set value is changed, for example, the payout rate may be changed while suppressing the change in playability. Specifically, for example, in the game of each set value, the content of the privilege state, the duration of the privilege state, the total number of rounds of the jackpot game, etc. are the same or the same, and both the normal mode and the probability variation mode are used. Alternatively, the jackpot probabilities on one side may be different.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1, various effects may be performed in a mode corresponding to the current set value or the playability determined by the current set value.
(3) Change of set value The current set value of the pachinko machine 1 is stored in a set value storage device (not shown) which is a rewritable non-volatile storage device provided in the main control device 80. .. The main control device 80 reads the current set value from the set value storage device at the time of turning on the power, and advances the game of the characteristic according to the current set value. Then, the current set value is changed based on the operation on the setting device when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on. Further, as described above, the ball lending rate is changed in the card unit 46 with the change of the current set value. In the following, first, a setting change operation for changing the current setting value will be described.

When the operation state of the setting change switch 80b is ON and the clear switch 80c is pressed by the rotation operation of the setting key inserted in the setting change switch 80b of the setting device when the power is turned on. , The main control device 80 is in the setting change state. In the setting change state, the main control device 80 sets the current setting value read from the setting value storage device as a temporary setting value, and displays the temporary setting value on the setting value display device 80a. Then, the main control device 80 sequentially changes the temporary setting value each time the clear switch 80c is pressed. The changed temporary setting value is displayed on the setting value display device 80a. After that, when the operation state of the setting change switch 80b is turned OFF, the main control device 80 determines the temporary set value at the time of the OFF state as the current set value, and stores the set value in the set value storage device. Then, move to the main routine described later.

In the present embodiment, the clear switch 80c is also used as a ram clear switch, and when the clear switch 80c is operated to change the set value, a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control device 80 is initialized. To. However, the clear switch 80c may be provided as a switch different from the ram clear switch. Further, the clear switch 80c may also be used as an error release button, and in this case, a process for the clear switch 80c to release an error may be performed according to an operation.

Then, when the current set value is changed, the main control device 80 provides the sub-integrated control device 83 and the frame control device 81 with update information indicating the changed current set value, as shown in FIG. Send. Upon receiving the update information, the frame control device 81 transmits the update information to the card unit 46. The card unit 46 that has received the update information resets the ball lending rate according to the current set value indicated by the update information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the rates in each of the settings 1 to 3 may be set. Then, the card unit 46 displays the reset rate on the display device 47.

The update information may be information indicating a new rate calculated based on the current set value after the change. Then, the card unit 46 may change the ball lending rate to the rate indicated by the update information. The main control device 80 may send update information to the sub-integrated control device 83 and the frame control device 81 each time the game progresses (such as when the game state changes such as every start of fluctuation or a big hit game). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 83 can select the effect content based on the set value information and the fluctuation pattern information. Further, since the current setting value is changed only when the power is turned off, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines that the current setting value is abnormal and determines that the current setting value is abnormal when the current setting value is changed without the power being turned off. It can be notified. Further, in the frame control device 81, when the current set value is changed without turning off the power, it is conceivable to send information indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the card unit 46 or stop firing. .. In this way, the update information can be used not only to actually change the rate but also to check whether a problem has occurred in the main control device 80.

Further, while the setting change operation is being performed, the main control device 80 does not execute the process for playing the game, and the pachinko machine 1 cannot play the game. Further, when the setting change operation is started, the main control device 80 may send a command to the card unit 46 via the frame control device 81 to prohibit ball lending. Then, the card unit 46 that has received the command may prohibit ball lending. After that, when the main control device 80 finishes the setting change operation and shifts to the main routine, the main control device 80 may send a command to allow ball lending to the card unit 46 via the frame control device 81. Then, the card unit 46 may allow ball lending after receiving the command.

Further, when the setting change operation is performed, the main control device 80 also transmits the update information to the sub-integrated control device 83, but the sub-integrated control device 83 responds to the current setting value or rate specified from the update information. Various effects may be performed in any manner. 6 (a) to 6 (c) show an example of the effect in each case of setting value 1 (rate is 4 yen), setting 2 (rate is 2 yen), and setting 3 (rate is 1 yen), respectively. There is. 6 (a) to 6 (c) show, as an example, a symbol effect with a variable display of the effect symbol, which is displayed on the effect symbol display device 6. When the rate is high, as shown in FIG. 6A, a production with a strong sense of urgency including a battle scene or the like may be performed. On the other hand, when the rate is low, a gentle effect may be performed as shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c). Note that FIG. 6B shows a character named Tatsuyoshi the bear.

Of course, in addition to the symbol effect, various modes of effect such as hold pattern effect, look-ahead effect, reach effect, SP reach effect, etc. depend on the current set value (in other words, the current rate). May be determined.
(4) Main Routine Next, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle. The main control device 80 executes the game on the pachinko machine 1 by executing the main routine.

In S10, the main controller 80 determines whether or not the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt, and if a positive determination is obtained (S10: Yes), the process shifts to S20 and is denied. If a determination is obtained (S10: No), the process shifts to S15.
In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings such as the CPU and I / O, and shifts the processing to S75.

On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is obtained in S10, the main control device 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the jackpot determination random number (S25), updates the jackpot symbol determination random number (S30), The hit determination random number is updated (S35), the reach determination random number is updated (S40), and the fluctuation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 are updated (S45).
The initial value random number is in the range of 0 to 3899, and the magnitude of the random number is 3900.

The random number for determining the jackpot is in the range of 0 to 3899, and the size of the random number is 3900. The number of big hit values in the normal mode is 13 (big hit probability is 1/300), which is 775 to 778, 1775 to 1778, and 2775 to 2779. Further, in the probability variation mode, the number of values that become a big hit is a number larger than 13.
Further, in the probabilistic mode, the number of values that become a big hit is configured to include the above random number that becomes a big hit in the normal mode. Therefore, depending on the extracted random numbers, some random numbers will be big hits regardless of the mode, and some random numbers will not be big hits in the normal mode even if they are big hits in the probabilistic mode. In other words, even if it is planned to be a big hit by the look-ahead judgment because the time of extraction was the probabilistic mode, the probabilistic mode ends by the big hit based on other random numbers before the start of the fluctuation display based on the random number. If the normal mode is set, a big hit may not occur contrary to the pre-reading determination result.

The value of the random number for determining the jackpot symbol is in the range of 0 to 59, and the size of the random number is 60.
The value of the reach determination random number is in the range of 0 to 228, and the size of the random number is 229. In the normal mode, the number of reach values is 11, and the values are 0 to 10. Further, the number of reach values in the probability variation mode is larger than 11.

The value of the random number 1 for determining the fluctuation pattern is in the range of 0 to 1020, and the size of the random number is 1021.
Further, the value of the random number 2 for determining the fluctuation pattern is in the range of 0 to 600, and the size of the random number is 601.
Then, the main control device 80 has a winning confirmation process for detecting the winning of the game ball to the winning opening such as the starting opening (S50), and a winning / failing determination process for performing a big hit lottery due to the winning to the starting opening (S55). ), The big hit game process for controlling the big hit game performed when the big hit lottery is won, and (S60) are performed. Further, the fraud monitoring process for detecting the fraudulent activity of the player (S65) and the output process for transmitting various information to the hall computer 87 or the like (S70) are executed.

Further, in S75, the main control device 80 repeatedly updates the initial value random number until the next timer interrupt occurs and the main routine is started.
(5) Starting prize confirmation process Next, FIG. 8 shows a starting winning confirmation process that detects winning in the first and second starting ports 11 and 12 and generates a hold memory according to the winning. This will be described using the flowchart of. This process is configured as a subroutine called from the winning confirmation process (S50) executed from the main routine.

In S100, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the first and second starting ports 11 and 12 based on the detection signals of the first and second starting ports SW11a and 12a. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S100: Yes), the process is shifted to S105, and in the case of a negative determination (S100: No), this process is terminated.
In S105, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the number of reserved storages is an upper limit value (4 as an example). Then, in the case of a negative determination (S105: No), the process shifts to S110, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S105: Yes), this process ends.

In S110, the main control device 80 uses a big hit determination random number used for the big hit lottery, a big hit symbol determination random number for determining a special symbol (big hit symbol) that is stopped and displayed when the big hit lottery is won, and a symbol. In order to determine the random number for reach judgment to determine whether or not to perform the effect (normal reach or SP reach) to stop and display the effect symbol indicating the deviation after reaching the reach, the fluctuation time of the special symbol, etc. Random numbers for determining the fluctuation pattern of the above are extracted, and these random numbers (numerical data) are stored as hold storage.

Then, a "holding number command" indicating the number of undigested hold storages is generated, this is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the process is transferred to S115.
The hold information (command) transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 in S110 may be configured to transmit information indicating an increase in hold storage, not a command indicating the number of hold storage that has not been digested (disappeared). ..

Further, the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received the hold number command may perform the hold symbol effect via the effect symbol display device 6 to display the hold symbol corresponding to the hold storage.
In S115, the main control device 80 executes a look-ahead determination process for determining the value of a random number for determining a jackpot or the like corresponding to the newly generated hold storage (hereinafter, also referred to as a look-ahead determination), and ends this process. ..

(6) Look-ahead determination process Next, a look-ahead determination process for determining a value such as a random number for jackpot determination corresponding to a newly generated reserved memory will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is called from the start winning confirmation process.
In S150, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the value of the random number for determining the jackpot related to the newly generated reserved memory is a specific value (a value that is a hit in the jackpot lottery), and when a positive determination is obtained. (S150: Yes) shifts the process to S155, and if a negative determination is obtained (S150: No), shifts the process to S160.

In S155, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 1 indicating that the value of the random number for determining the jackpot related to the newly generated hold storage is the above-mentioned specific value, transmits it to the sub-integrated control device 83, and performs this processing. To finish.
On the other hand, in S160, in the main control device 80, is the value of the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 related to the newly generated hold storage a specific value (a value that becomes SP reach in the symbol effect)? Whether or not it is determined, and if an affirmative determination is obtained (S160: Yes), the process is transferred to S165, and if a negative determination is obtained (S160: No), the process is transferred to S170. ..

In S165, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 2 indicating that the values of the reach determination random numbers and the fluctuation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 related to the newly generated hold storage are the above-mentioned specific values, and substituting them. It is transmitted to the integrated control device 83 and the present process is terminated.
Further, in S170, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the value of the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 related to the newly generated hold storage is a specific value (a value that becomes a normal reach in the symbol effect). If an affirmative determination is obtained (S170: Yes), the process is transferred to S175, and if a negative determination is obtained (S170: No), the process is transferred to S180.

In S175, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 3 indicating that the values of the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 related to the newly generated hold storage are the above-mentioned specific values, and substituting them. It is transmitted to the integrated control device 83 and the present process is terminated.
On the other hand, in S180, the main control device 80 determines that the newly generated random number for determining the jackpot, the random number for reaching determination, and the random numbers 1 and 2 for determining the fluctuation pattern related to the held storage are not any of the above specific values. The read-ahead command 4 shown is generated and transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and this process is terminated.

As described above, in the look-ahead determination process of the present embodiment, prior to the pass / fail determination process described later, whether or not the numerical data is a specific value by referring to the numerical data stored in the extraction random number hold storage process of S110. The look-ahead determination result indicating the above is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. In the look-ahead determination process, it is determined whether or not the numerical data extracted in the start winning confirmation process is a specific value. Therefore, not only the numerical data stored as the hold storage in S110, but also the numerical data extracted by the start winning confirmation process and stored by various methods can be used for the look-ahead determination process.

Further, in S155, S165, S175, and S180 of the "look-ahead determination process", not only various look-ahead commands are transmitted, but also the "holding number command" generated in S110 of the above-mentioned "starting prize confirmation process" (FIG. 8). May be also configured to be transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. With this configuration, in S110, it is preferable to generate a "hold number command" and store the "hold number command" in a predetermined buffer until any one of S155, S165, S175, and S180 is executed. Is.

Further, the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received the look-ahead command may perform a look-ahead effect via the effect symbol display device 6. Specifically, for example, by changing the hold symbol for the hold memory corresponding to the look-ahead command based on the type of the look-ahead command, it may be suggested whether or not the hold memory becomes a big hit.
(7) Win / Fail Judgment Process Next, a win / fail determination process in which a jackpot lottery is performed using a random number for determining a jackpot stored as a hold memory will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 13. This process is a process executed from the main routine.

First, with respect to FIG. 10, in S200, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the special electric accessory is operating, that is, whether or not the jackpot game is being executed. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S200: Yes), this process is terminated, and in the case of a negative determination (S200: No), the process is shifted to S205.
In S205, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the variation display of the special figure is in progress. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S205: Yes), the process is transferred to S280 in FIG. 12, and in the case of a negative determination (S205: No), the process is transferred to S210.

In S210, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the special figure is being fixedly displayed. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S210: Yes), the process shifts to S290 in FIG. 13, and in the case of a negative determination (S210: No), the process shifts to S215 in FIG.
Subsequently, with respect to FIG. 11, in S215, the main control device 80 determines whether or not there is a hold storage, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S215: Yes), the process shifts to S220, and in the case of a negative determination (S215: Yes). S215: No), this process is terminated.

In S220, the main controller 80 decrements the number of reserved memories, selects the oldest reserved memory, and refers to it in S230, S235, S245, S250, S255, S260, S265, etc., which will be described later. , The information (numerical data such as a random number value) stored in the hold storage is moved to a predetermined buffer for jackpot determination, and the processing is transferred to S225.

In S225, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the probability change flag indicating the probability change mode is 1, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S225: Yes), the process shifts to S230 and a negative determination is made. In the case (S225: No), the process is transferred to S235.
In S230, the main control device 80 executes a big hit lottery based on the big hit determination random number related to the selected hold storage and the hit / fail determination table (probability change table) corresponding to the probability change mode, and whether or not the lottery is won. Is determined, and the reserved memory is digested. Then, the process shifts to S240.

On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot determination related to the selected hold storage and the hit / fail determination table (normal table) corresponding to the normal mode, and wins the lottery. Whether or not it is determined, and the reserved memory is digested. Then, the process shifts to S240.
In S240, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the player has won the big hit lottery by referring to the determination result of S230 or S235, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S240: Yes), the process shifts to S245. , In the case of a negative determination (S240: No), the process shifts to S260.

In S245, the main control device 80 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the digested hold memory, thereby determining the total number of rounds of the jackpot game predetermined in advance corresponding to the jackpot symbol. do. The jackpot symbol may be selected according to the current set value or with a probability according to the current set value. Then, the process shifts to S250.
In S250, the main control device 80 determines the fluctuation time and the like of the special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the like related to the digested hold storage, and shifts the processing to S255.

In S255, the main control device 80 sets the content of the big hit game, whether or not to shift to the privilege state after the big hit game, the content of the privilege state, and the like, and shifts the process to S270. The content of the big hit game may be, for example, the total number of rounds of the big hit game, the opening pattern of the big winning opening, the production time related to the big hit game, the interval time, the production mode of the big hit game, and the like. Further, these may be selected according to the current set value or with a probability according to the current set value.

On the other hand, in S260, which shifts to the case where a negative determination is obtained in S240 (that is, shifts to the case of losing in the big hit lottery), the main control device 80 is based on a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern related to the digested hold memory. , The fluctuation time of the special symbol, etc. is determined, and the process is shifted to S265.
In S265, the main control device 80 updates the counter indicating the remaining number of big hit lottery that can be executed in the probabilistic mode, the counter indicating the remaining number of big hit lottery that can be executed in the time saving mode, and the like, and processes it in S270. To migrate.

In S270, the main control device 80 transmits a “hold number command” indicating the number of hold storages remaining as a result of decrementing in S220 described above to the sub-integrated control device 83, and shifts the process to S275.
The hold information (command) to be transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 in S270 may be configured to transmit information indicating a decrease in hold storage, not a command indicating the number of hold storage remaining due to digestion (disappearance). ..

In S275, the main control device 80 notifies the sub-integrated control device 83 of the variation time of the special symbol, the result of the big hit lottery, etc. by transmitting the variation start command, the symbol designation command, etc., and also causes the variation of the special symbol. Start and end this process. In this way, the main control device 80 notifies the result of the big hit lottery by the result of the variation display of the special symbol.
The sub-integrated control device 83 that has received the fluctuation start command or the like is a production symbol display device from the production of the same time as the fluctuation time of the special symbol based on the result of the big hit lottery and the fluctuation time of the special symbol. Select the symbol effect to be displayed in step 6 and display the selected symbol effect. Further, the variable start command is that the hold memory digested by the big hit lottery is generated by winning the first starting port 11 or by winning the second starting port 12. You may indicate if there is one.

Subsequently, with respect to FIG. 12, in S280, which shifts to the change display of the special figure, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the change time of the special figure has elapsed, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S280: Yes). , The process is shifted to S285, and in the case of a negative determination (S280: No), this process is terminated.
In S285, the main control device 80 ends the variable display of the special figure, displays the confirmed symbol of the special figure, and transmits a symbol confirmation command for causing the sub-integrated control device 83 to confirm the effect symbol. This process ends.

Subsequently, with respect to FIG. 13, in S290, which shifts to the final display of the special map, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the duration of the final display of the special map has expired. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S290: Yes), the process is shifted to S295, and in the case of a negative determination (S290: No), the present process is terminated.
In S295, the main control device 80 ends the confirmation display of the special figure, and shifts the processing to S300.

In S300, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the special figure that has been confirmed and displayed is the one at the time of a big hit, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S300: Yes), the process shifts to S305 and a negative determination is made. In the case of (S300: No), the process is transferred to S340.
In S305, the main control device 80 refers to the probability change flag indicating that it is in the probability change mode, clears the probability change flag when the probability change flag is 1, (S310), and then shifts the process to S315.

In S315, the main control device 80 refers to the time saving flag indicating that the time saving mode is set, clears the time saving flag when the time saving flag is 1, (S320), and then shifts the process to S325.
Then, the main control device 80 sequentially executes the condition device operation start process (S325), the accessory continuous operation device operation start process (S330), and the big hit start effect process (S335), thereby indicating a command indicating the mode of the big hit game. Alternatively, the jackpot game is started by transmitting a command instructing the start of the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83, and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, in S340, which shifts to the case where a negative determination is obtained in S300, the main control device 80 refers to the probability change flag, and if the flag is 1, (S340: Yes), it is executed during the probability change mode. Refer to the remaining number of possible jackpot lottery (probability variation number) (S345). Then, when the number of probability changes is 0 (S345: Yes), the probability change flag is cleared (S350), and the process shifts to S355.

In S355, the main control device 80 refers to the time saving flag, and when the flag is 1 (S355: Yes), refers to the remaining number of big hit lottery (time saving number) that can be executed in the time saving mode (S355: Yes). S360). Then, when the number of time reductions is 0 (S360: Yes), the time reduction flag is cleared (S365), and the process shifts to S370.
In S370, the main control device 80 executes a state designation command transmission process and ends this process.

(8) Big hit game processing Next, the big hit game processing for controlling the progress of the big hit game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 16. This process is a process executed from the main routine.
In S400, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating, that is, whether or not the jackpot game is being executed. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S400: Yes), the process is shifted to S405, and in the case of a negative determination (S400: No), this process is terminated.

In S405, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the large winning opening 14 is open, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S405: Yes), the process shifts to S430 in FIG. 15 and a negative determination is made. In the case of (S405: No), the process is transferred to S410.
In S410, the main control device 80 determines whether or not it is in the interval of each round in the jackpot game, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S410: Yes), the process shifts to S450 in FIG. 15 and is denied. In the case of determination (S410: No), the process shifts to S415.

In S415, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the end effect of the big hit game is in progress, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S415: Yes), the process shifts to S470 in FIG. In the case (S415: No), the process is transferred to S420.
In S420, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the start effect time in the jackpot game has elapsed, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S420: Yes), the process shifts to S425 and in the case of a negative determination. (S420: No) ends this process.

In S425, the main control device 80 executes a large winning opening opening process for opening the large winning opening 14, and ends this process.
Subsequently, with respect to FIG. 15, in S430, which shifts to the opening of the large winning opening 14, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the number of game balls winning in the large winning opening 14 is 10. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S430: Yes), the process is transferred to S440, and in the case of a negative determination (S430: No), the process is transferred to S435.

In S435, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the opening time of the large winning opening 14 has ended, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S435: Yes), the process shifts to S440 and in the case of a negative determination. (S435: No), this process is terminated.
In S440, the main control device 80 executes the large winning opening closing process for closing the large winning opening 14, and shifts the process to S445.

In S445, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot interval process for setting an interval for each round of the jackpot game, and ends this process.
On the other hand, in S450 which shifts to the interval of each round, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the interval time of the big hit game has elapsed, and in the case of affirmative determination (S450: Yes), processing is performed in S455. At the same time as shifting, in the case of a negative determination (S450: No), this process is terminated.

In S455, the main control device 80 determines whether or not it is the final round of the big hit game, shifts the process to S460 in the case of an affirmative determination (S455: Yes), and shifts the process to S460, and in the case of a negative determination (S455: Yes). No), the process shifts to S465.
In S460, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot end effect process for producing an effect when ending the jackpot game, and ends this process.

On the other hand, in S465, the main control device 80 executes a large winning opening opening process for opening the large winning opening 14, and ends this process.
Subsequently, with respect to FIG. 16, in S470 which shifts to the end effect of the jackpot game, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time of the end effect has ended, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S470: Yes). , S475, and in the case of a negative determination (S470: No), this process is terminated.

In the following S475 and S480, the main control device 80 stops the accessory continuous operation device and the condition device, and shifts the processing to S485.
In S485, the main control device 80 determines whether or not to shift to the probability variation mode after the jackpot game, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S485: Yes), the number of jackpot lottery that can be executed during the probability variation mode (probability variation number). ) Is set (S490), the probability change flag is set (S495), and the process is transferred to S500.

In S500, the main control device 80 determines whether or not to shift to the time saving mode after the big hit game, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S500: Yes), the number of big hit lottery that can be executed during the time saving mode (time saving number of times). ) Is set (S505), the time saving flag is set (S510), and the process is transferred to S515.
In S515 and S520, the main control device 80 executes a process of transmitting a jackpot end command for ending the effect related to the jackpot game and a state designation command transmission process to the sub-integrated control device 83, and ends this process. ..

The main control device 80 transmits a command indicating the progress of the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83 during the jackpot game. Upon receiving the command, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs an effect via the effect symbol display device 6 and notifies the player of the progress of the big hit game.
[effect]
According to the pachinko machine 1 of the above embodiment, when the current setting value is changed, update information is provided to the card unit 46, and the card unit 46 is set to the new current setting value based on the update information. Set the ball lending rate accordingly. Then, when the card unit 46 changes the ball lending rate, information is not provided to the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 1. Therefore, the ball lending rate is changed without providing the above-mentioned specific information to the main control device 80. Therefore, in the above-mentioned managed gaming machine, it is possible to suitably determine the ball lending rate while ensuring security.

[Other embodiments]
(1) The pachinko machine 1 of the above embodiment has a configuration as a so-called type 1 gaming machine, and the pachinko machine 1 is a so-called type 2 gaming machine or a type 1 type 2 mixing machine. It may have the configuration of. In the type 2 gaming machine and the type 1 type 2 mixing machine, a small hit game is performed according to the entry of a ball at the starting port, and in the small hit game, a large winning opening provided with a specific area is opened. Then, when the game ball that has entered the large winning opening in the small hit game enters a specific area, the big hit game is performed.

Even in the type 2 gaming machine and the type 1 type 2 mixing machine, by adjusting the probability that the game ball enters a specific area in the small hit game, the total number of rounds of the big hit game, etc., the playability and the ball output rate It is considered possible to change the characteristics of the game. Therefore, in such a pachinko machine, the characteristics of the game are changed according to the current set value, and further, as in the above embodiment, when the current set value is changed, the card unit is used. The rate of the ball lending of 46 may be changed.

It is also conceivable that the number of prize balls at the time of winning the same prize opening will be different depending on the current set value. In that case, when the frame control device 81 receives the update information from the main control device 80 when the current set value is changed, the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning opening according to the current set value specified from the update information. May be set, and then the update information may be transmitted to the card unit 46.
Further, since the rate is originally set by the game store, if the rate cannot be changed to the rate corresponding to the current set value specified by the main control device 80, the disapproval signal from the card unit 46 is sent to the frame control device 81. It is conceivable that the frame control device 81 that receives the signal is notified. Since the setting value of the gaming machine is operated by the gaming store, it is unlikely that the setting value corresponding to the undesired rate is set, but it can be found by notification when the setting value is set by an erroneous operation.

(2) In the pachinko machine 1 of the above embodiment, a plurality of set values having different playability and ball ejection rate are provided. However, in the pachinko machine 1, for example, a plurality of set values may be provided in which the playability and the payout rate are the same or substantially the same, and the mode of the effect is different.
Further, the plurality of set values of the pachinko machine 1 may be set values for changing only the ball lending rate, although the characteristics and effects of the game do not change. This makes it possible to set the rate at which the characteristics of one game are to be operated via the game machine. On the contrary, a set value that specifies the same rate even for different game characteristics can be considered.

(3) In the above embodiment, one card unit 46 is provided corresponding to one pachinko machine 1. However, one card unit may be provided corresponding to a plurality of pachinko machines 1, and the card unit may lend a ball to each corresponding pachinko machine 1. Then, when the current set value is changed in the corresponding pachinko machine 1, the rate in the ball lending corresponding to the pachinko machine 1 in which the set value is changed is changed in the same manner. Is also good.

(4) In the ball lending of the above embodiment, the card unit 46 may provide the player with a ball based on the number of game balls stored in the IC card (hereinafter, ball ejection information). The payout information may be, for example, the number of balls held by the player first acquired and stored in the IC card, or the stored balls (balls held by the player at the pachinko parlor). It may be a number. That is, the ball lending based on the ball ejection information may be to provide the holding ball or the stored ball stored in the IC card as the holding ball used for the game. Further, each game ball related to the ball ejection information may be stored in the IC card together with the ball lending rate (hereinafter referred to as the corresponding rate) when the game ball is obtained.

Then, the card unit 46 has a corresponding rate of the game ball provided as a holding ball at the time of ball lending based on the ball ejection information stored in the IC card, and a current rate determined according to the current set value. In other words, the number of balls held (in other words, the number of loans) may be determined based on the above. That is, when lending a ball based on the payout information, the value of the game ball related to the payout information may be converted based on the current rate, and the number of game balls corresponding to the current rate may be provided. To give a specific example, it is assumed that the number of game balls related to the payout information is 100, the corresponding rate of these game balls is 4 yen, and the current rate is 1 yen. In this case, when lending a ball based on the ball ejection information, 400 gaming balls may be provided by 100 gaming balls related to the ball ejection information. Further, it is assumed that the number of game balls related to the payout information is 100, the corresponding rate of these game balls is 1 yen, and the current rate is 2 yen. In this case, when lending a ball based on the ball ejection information, 50 gaming balls may be provided by 100 gaming balls related to the ball ejection information. That is, the rate determined according to the current set value is used not only for ball lending based on money, but also for calculating the number of lending at the time of ball lending based on the ball payout information stored in the IC card. Is also good.

[Correspondence with claims]
The correspondence between the term used in the description of the above embodiment and the term used in the description of the claims is shown.
The pachinko machine 1 in the above embodiment is an example of a ball game machine, and the first and second starting ports 11 and 12, the large winning opening 14 and the general winning opening 15 are examples of the entry opening, and the collection path and the polishing device. , And the lifting device 33 corresponds to an example of the circulation means.

1 ... Pachinko machine, 2 ... Game board, 3 ... Game area, 11 ... 1st start port, 12 ... 2nd start port,
14 ... Large winning opening, 15 ... General winning opening, 16 ... Out opening, 31 ... Launching device, 33 ... Lifting device, 46 ... Card unit, 64 ... Launching handle, 80 ... Main control device, 80a ... Set value display device , 80b ... Setting change switch, 80c ... Clear switch, 81 ... Frame control device, 83 ... Sub-integrated control device, 87 ... Hall computer.

Claims (3)

It is a ball game machine that has a plurality of set values for playing a game with different characteristics and that plays the game by circulating and using a plurality of game balls enclosed inside.
One of the plurality of set values is set as the current set value according to an instruction from the outside, and the characteristic according to the current set value is set according to the launch of the game ball into the game area by the launching device. The main control device that advances the game and
A circulation means for supplying the game balls that have entered the entry / exit openings and the out openings provided in the game area to the launching device.
The player remembers the number of possessed balls, which is the number of game balls that can be used for the game, and when the game ball is launched by the launching device, it is launched from the number of possessed balls. It is equipped with a frame control device that reduces the number of game balls and increases the number of balls held according to the number of balls entering the ball entry port.
When the ball is lent by a card unit provided outside the ball game machine, the frame control device is the number of game balls provided to the player by the ball rent from the card unit. Obtain the number of balls, add the number of rented balls to the number of balls held, and
When the current set value is newly determined, the main control device provides the frame control device with update information generated based on the new current set value.
The frame control device provides the card unit with the update information acquired from the main control device.
The card unit sets a rate, which is a consideration per predetermined number of game balls, according to the current set value based on the update information acquired from the frame control device, and corresponds to the rate in the ball lending. The number of balls to be rented is determined , and if the rate cannot be set according to the current set value, a signal is transmitted to the frame control device.
Upon receiving the signal, the frame control device notifies that the rate cannot be set according to the current set value.
A bullet game machine featuring. In the bullet game machine according to claim 1,
In the game, the main control device draws a lot due to entering the ball into the entrance, and when the lottery is won, the player is given a privilege to increase the number of balls held by the player.
The game having different characteristics means that the probability of winning in the lottery and / or one of the contents of the privilege are different.
A bullet game machine featuring. In the bullet gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.
The game having different characteristics has a different ball ejection rate, which is a degree indicating how much a player can acquire a game ball.
A bullet game machine featuring.

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