JP7361353B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an enclosed ball type game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are circulated in a closed manner to play a game .

There is a gaming machine as disclosed in Patent Document 1 as a conventional sealed ball type gaming machine.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-081695

However, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement .

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that is an improved version of the conventional gaming machine .

The present invention is
"Equipped with a game board equipped with a game area through which game balls flow, and a main body frame that houses the game board,
The main body frame includes a firing device that fires game balls into the game area, and a transport path that flows down the game area, collects the game balls ejected from the game board, and transports them again to the firing position of the firing device. Equipped with
A gaming machine in which a game is played by circulating a predetermined number of gaming balls without paying out the gaming balls,
The conveying path is provided with a lifting device that lifts and transports game balls by a screw portion, and a ball polishing portion is provided near the lifting device,
The game ball comes into contact with the ball polishing section through the opening provided in the lifting device, and the game ball is polished by movement of the game ball as it is lifted;
The screw part has a short pitch part formed with a narrow pitch interval, and a long pitch part formed with a wider pitch interval than the short pitch part ,
The short pitch portion is used for a portion where the ball polishing portion and the game ball come into contact, and the long pitch portion is used for a portion where the ball polishing portion and the game ball do not come into contact.
The ball polishing section is provided so that the part that comes into contact with the game ball can be changed.
A game machine characterized by : ”.
In addition, the following means will be disclosed for reference as another invention different from the present invention.
The gaming machine management system according to [Solution 1] includes:
An enclosed ball game machine that plays a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls in a closed manner;
a management device connected to the enclosed ball game machine so as to be able to communicate with each other,
The enclosed ball game machine includes:
a game board with a plurality of winning holes into which game balls rolling and flowing down the game area can enter;
a main body frame into which the game board is fitted and stored;
a door frame that is supported so as to be openable and closable on the front surface of the main body frame and has a game window through which the game area of the game board faces the player when the door frame is closed;
a ball launcher that is disposed on the main body frame and launches a game ball toward the game area in response to a player's operation;
a first control board that is included in the game board, includes a first MPU that controls games, and outputs a prize ball signal based on acceptance of game balls into the input prize slot;
a second control board provided in the main body frame and including a second MPU that performs prize ball control based on the prize ball signal;
In order to solve the above problems,
A first MPU ID registration number for self-recognition is stored in the first MPU,
At least an ID registration number for identifying each gaming machine is registered in advance in the management device,
the first MPU transmits the first MPU ID registration number to the management device through the second control board;
The management device determines whether the transmitted first MPU ID registration number matches a pre-registered ID registration number, and transmits the determination result to the second MPU,
The second MPU executes the prize ball control when the transmitted determination results match, and does not execute the prize ball control when the determination results do not match.
It is characterized by

According to the gaming machine management system according to [Solution 1], the first MPU transmits the first MPUID registration number to the management device through the second control board, and the management device registers the transmitted first MPUID registration number in advance. The second MPU determines whether or not the ID registration number matches the received ID registration number, and transmits the determination result to the second MPU. In this case, prize ball control is not executed.

Therefore, without having to connect a verification machine from outside the board box and inspect the MPU individually, it is possible to authenticate whether the game board fitted in the main body frame is genuine. It becomes possible to judge whether the combination is legal or not. In addition, by preventing prize ball control from being performed if the determination results of the authentication process do not match, it is possible to avoid playing games on an unauthorized game board, and also to prevent the MPU from detecting counterfeit chips. It becomes possible to effectively prevent fraudulent acts such as replacement.

The invention according to [Solution 2] is:
An enclosed ball game machine that plays a game by circulating a predetermined number of game balls in a closed manner,
The enclosed ball game machine is
a game board with a plurality of winning holes into which game balls rolling and flowing down the game area can enter;
a main body frame into which the game board is fitted and stored;
a door frame that is supported so as to be openable and closable on the front surface of the main body frame and has a game window through which the game area of the game board faces the player when the door frame is closed;
a ball launcher that is disposed on the main body frame and launches a game ball toward the game area in response to a player's operation;
a first control board that is included in the game board, includes a first MPU that controls games, and outputs a prize ball signal based on acceptance of game balls into the input prize slot;
a second control board provided in the main body frame and equipped with a second MPU that performs prize ball control based on the prize ball signal;
A first MPU ID registration number for self-recognition is stored in the first MPU,
a communication unit capable of transmitting the first MPUID registration number to the outside and receiving a determination result from the outside;
The second MPU transmits the first MPU ID registration number via the communication unit, and when the determination result is received via the communication unit, executes the prize ball control if the determination result is a match. On the other hand, if the determination results do not match, the prize ball control is not executed;
It is characterized by

According to the enclosed ball game machine according to [Solution Means 2], the second MPU transmits the first MPU ID registration number via the communication unit, and when the determination result is received via the communication unit, the determination result is If they match, prize ball control is executed, while if the determination results do not match, prize ball control is not executed.

Therefore, without having to connect a verification machine from outside the board box and inspect the MPU individually, it is possible to authenticate whether the game board fitted in the main body frame is genuine. It becomes possible to judge whether the combination is legal or not. In addition, by preventing prize ball control from being performed if the determination results of the authentication process do not match, it is possible to avoid playing games on an unauthorized game board, and also to prevent the MPU from detecting counterfeit chips. It becomes possible to effectively prevent fraudulent acts such as replacement.

According to the enclosed ball type game machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the conventional game machine and provide a game machine that can efficiently polish the game balls used in the game.

1 is a front view showing a gaming machine and a payment machine attached to the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the gaming machine with the door frame removed. It is a front perspective view showing a main body frame that constitutes a gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing a main body frame constituting the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an upper firing device, a deformed sphere/magnetic sphere ejection unit, and a sphere gathering section. It is a right view showing an upper firing device, a ball supply path member, and a ball lifting device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper firing device and the firing area when looking up at the upper part of the game board from the lower front of the game board. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the upper firing device (launch hammer hitting position). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the front left. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the rear left. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the rear left with the ball feeding unit cover removed. It is a diagram showing an open state of the upper firing device in the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed. It is a right side view showing a vertical section of the gaming machine with the door frame removed. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the joint portion of the upper firing device with the base plate is in contact with the protruding portion of the panel holder on the game board. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the front right side. It is a front view showing an upper firing device (launching hammer standby position). FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the upper firing device (the ball feeding solenoid is not energized, the ball feeding member is in the holding position and the return ball blocking position). 11 is a cross-sectional view of the upper firing device taken along the line BB in FIG. 10 (the ball feed solenoid is not energized, the ball feed member is in the holding position and the return ball blocking position). FIG. It is a perspective view showing a ball feeding member, a ball feeding shaft, and a ball feeding sheet metal in the ball feeding device from diagonally backward. FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the upper firing device (ball feeding solenoid energized, ball feeding member in supply position and allowable position). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the upper firing device taken along line BB in FIG. 10 (ball feed solenoid energized, ball feed member in supply position and allowable position). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main body frame cut in the longitudinal direction to show the upper firing device, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting device. It is a time chart showing the drive timing of a ball feeding solenoid and a firing solenoid. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the ball outlet opening/closing unit. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the ball outlet opening/closing unit. It is a perspective view showing the relationship between the upper firing unit and the ball outlet opening/closing unit in the main body frame. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating a deformed sphere/magnetic sphere ejection unit. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the magnetic ball discharge part cover separated and turned over in FIG. 28; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a deformed sphere/magnetic sphere ejection unit. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a base plate of a deformed sphere/magnetic sphere ejection unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharging unit separated into an irregular-shaped sphere discharging unit and a magnetic sphere discharging unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a path through which irregularly shaped spheres and magnetic spheres are discharged in the irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. It is a figure explaining the situation where a magnetic sphere is separated from a circulation route and is discharged. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the magnetic balls have reached the magnetic ball ejection slope. It is a front left perspective view of a ball collection part and a ball lifting device. It is a front view of a ball gathering part and a ball lifting device. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is removed from the ball collection section. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the case of the ball collecting section and the cover of the ball lifting device are removed. FIG. 41 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the ball gathering portion in FIG. 40; 42 is a further enlarged view of FIG. 41. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sphere gathering portion with the case removed. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which an upper gearbox and a lower gearbox are removed. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the ball lifting device with the cover removed. 46 is an enlarged view of (A) in FIG. 45. FIG. It is a figure showing the state where a screw was disassembled. It is a perspective view showing the upper part of a ball lifting device. It is a figure which shows the fitted/unfitted state of a screw and a fitting member. It is a left side view showing a state where a ball polishing cartridge is installed. It is a perspective view explaining the mechanism which fixes a ball polishing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of installing a ball polishing cartridge. It is a perspective view showing a state in which a game ball and a ball polishing cloth of a ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other. It is a left side view showing a state where the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other. FIG. 55 is a left side view showing a state in which the left side cover of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 54 is removed. This is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 55. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a ball polishing cartridge is installed. FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the right outer side cover is removed in FIG. 57 for illustrative purposes. FIG. 59 is a top perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover is opened in FIG. 58; It is a perspective view of a ball polishing cartridge. It is a front view of a ball polishing cartridge. It is a side view of a ball polishing cartridge. 63 is a side view showing a state in which the left side cover is removed in FIG. 62. FIG. It is a perspective view of a ball polishing cartridge attachment part. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between a ball polishing cartridge and a ball polishing cartridge mounting part. 40 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 39. FIG. It is a side view which shows the 2nd Example of a lifting slope member. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd Example of a lifting slope member. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the lifting device with an upper gearbox removed. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a state in which the lifting section cover of the lifting device is removed. It is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the number of game balls thrown in is less than a predetermined number when game balls are enclosed in an enclosed ball type game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a predetermined number of game balls have been inserted when game balls are enclosed in an enclosed ball type game machine. It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the game balls when the number of game balls thrown in exceeds a predetermined number when the game balls are enclosed in the enclosed ball type game machine. It is a perspective view showing a state in which a game ball introducing member in the game panel protrudes. It is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introducing member in the game panel is stored. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main parts in an embodiment of a main control board installed in an enclosed ball game machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main parts of a ball information control board installed in the enclosed ball game machine. It is a block diagram showing each element connected to a payment machine. 3 is a flowchart showing main control side power-on processing executed by the main control MPU of the main control board. 80 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the main control side power-on processing of FIG. 79; 3 is a flowchart showing main control side timer interrupt processing executed by the main control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on of the ball information control side which is executed by the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board. 83 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the ball information control side power-on processing of FIG. 82; FIG. 84 is a flowchart illustrating a continuation of the process when power is turned on on the ball information ball concession control side following FIG. 83. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the ball information control power supply cut-off process performed by the ball information control MPU of a ball information control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of ball information control side timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball rental process which a ball information control MPU performs. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a process for determining whether or not a ball can be hit, which is performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball count count process performed by ball information control MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball feeding and firing drive process performed by the ball information control MPU. This is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 90. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the launched ball detection process performed by the ball information control MPU. It is a flow chart which shows the subroutine of the number-of-balls subtraction processing which ball information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the lift drive process which a ball information control MPU performs. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of ball jam notification processing performed by ball information control MPU. It is a figure which showed the cushion and following member provided on the back side of the door frame, and the cushion receiving plate provided in the upper firing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a positioning guide member arranged on the inner wall of the left side plate of the main body frame. It is a figure showing fitting of the game board in the second example of the game machine. This is an example of a block diagram showing a game board connected to a drawer connector and a main body frame. This is an example of a block diagram showing a game board connected to a drawer connector and a main body frame. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a conventional example of signal output from a ball information control board to an external terminal board. It is a figure which shows this Example in the signal output from a ball|ball information control board to an external terminal board. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming machine ecosystem. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a gaming machine management system.

[Outline of gaming machine]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine 1 (enclosed ball gaming machine) according to the present embodiment can be installed in the current island equipment in a hall (gaming hall), and the game content is the same as that of a well-known gaming machine. However, this game machine does not use the ball supply mechanism or ball discharge mechanism of the island equipment. That is, in the enclosed ball game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of game balls made of non-magnetic material (for example, stainless steel) are accommodated in the game machine, and the predetermined number of game balls are delivered to the game area by a firing device. A game is played using game balls that have been sealed in the game machine in such a way that the game balls are played by firing them into the game machine, the game balls that have finished the game are collected, and the game balls are guided to the firing device and circulated for use. It looks like this. Game balls can then be fired in accordance with the number of game balls (data on the number of balls held) based on the data on the number of rented balls inputted from a storage medium such as a card via a payment system, etc., and the game balls are fired. Then, data on the number of balls held is subtracted in accordance with the number of game balls fired.

In addition, if the fired game ball enters the winning hole in the gaming area and a prize ball (game ball) is generated, the actual game ball will not be paid out, and the number of prize balls will be included in the data of the number of balls held. is added. Further, when the data of the number of balls held becomes "0", the game ball becomes unable to be fired. In this state, when a numerical value (number of balls rented) is added to the data on the number of balls held based on the amount data and ball storage data stored in a storage medium such as a card, the game ball can be fired again. becomes. Further, the fired game balls are collected within the game machine, sent to the firing position again, and circulated within the game machine. That is, the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment is an enclosed ball type game machine that collects game balls shot into the game area and supplies them again to the game.

First, the main body frame 2 (FIG. 3) and door frame 3 (FIG. 1) that constitute the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Note that the gaming machine 1 in FIG. 1 is also provided with a payment machine 4 as an external device.

The gaming machine 1 has an outer frame 1a (FIG. 12) that is configured in the shape of a rectangular frame and is installed in an island facility on the hall side, and a gaming board 5 (FIG. 2) that is pivotally supported by the outer frame 1a so as to be freely openable and closable. It is configured to include a main body frame 2 that can be mounted, and a door frame 3 that is pivotally supported by the main body frame 2 so as to be freely openable and closable.
A decorative cover 6 is attached to the front surface of the outer frame 1a at a position below the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3, so that the front surface of the outer frame 1a is completely closed by the door frame 3 and the decorative cover 6. It has become. In addition, the outer frame 1a, the main body frame 2, and the door frame 3 are arranged so that their upper ends are substantially aligned, and the main body frame 2 is rotatable by a hinge 7 (FIG. 3) provided on the left side of the outer frame 1a. The main body frame 2 is pivoted, and the main body frame 2 can be opened by moving the right side of the main body frame 2 forward with respect to the outer frame 1a. The door frame 3 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 2 with a pin, and is brought into an open state by moving the right side of the door frame 3 forward.

[Door frame 3]
The door frame 3 includes a game window 9 through which the player can visually confirm the game area 8 into which the game ball is hit on the game board 5, and a game window 9 which is arranged below the game window 9 and which allows the player to enter the game area 8 based on the player's operation. It has a ball hitting handle 10 for hitting a game ball. A transparent plate 11 is attached to the game window 9 so that the front surface (play area 8) of the game board 5 mounted on the body frame 2 side can be visually recognized while the door frame 3 is closed with respect to the body frame 2. It is being The batting ball handle 10 drives a firing solenoid 13 (see FIG. 5) of a batting ball firing device (referred to as an upper firing device 12) attached to the upper left of the main body frame 2 based on the rotation operation of the player. A game ball is driven into the game area 8. The ball-hitting handle 10 includes a microswitch (not shown) that turns ON when rotated, a firing stop switch that turns OFF when pressed while the microswitch is turned on, and the ball-striking handle 10. The ball-hitting handle 10 is equipped with a touch switch that detects the player's contact with the ball-hitting handle 10 through conductive plating applied to the outer peripheral surface of the ball-hitting handle 10. The upper firing device 12 will be described later.

Note that the door frame 3 and the main body frame 2 can be opened by inserting a key into a key device placed in the lower right corner of the door frame 3 and rotating it in one direction. is now possible.

[Touch panel section 14]
The door frame 3 is provided with a horizontally elongated touch panel section 14 in the lower part of the game window 9 (a part corresponding to the upper tray of a well-known non-enclosed ball type game machine). The touch panel section 14 displays the remaining power, the number of balls held by the gaming machine, and the number of balls in play.

Here, the number of remaining balls is the value equivalent to the amount stored on the card used in the payment machine 4, and the number of balls held by the player is the number of balls lent to the player by lending balls. This is the total of the number of balls and the number of prize balls won by the player as a result of playing the game.

The touch panel unit 14 displays a ball lending button as a ball lending command input means operable by the player, and a payment button as a payment command input means operable by the player. The ball rental button is used to instruct the player to rent out balls for playing a game. The payment button is used to end the game and instruct payment.

Further, the touch panel section 14 further displays a number of end balls display button which can be operated by the player and serves as a means for inputting a command to display the number of end balls. Here, the number of odd balls is the number of remaining balls when the number of balls held by the player is divided by the number of balls corresponding to one special prize when exchanging prizes. The touch panel unit 14 can also display a message such as ``Do you want to hit only edge balls?'' when the edge ball number display button is used to instruct display of the edge ball number. A message in the form of an interactive question is displayed together with the edge ball count display button, and a YES button and a NO button are displayed, respectively, for the player to input a selection to respond with either yes or no.

[Body frame 2]
The main body frame 2 is box-shaped and includes a frame-shaped fitting frame 15 and a peripheral wall portion 16 so as to fit within the rectangular outer frame 1a (FIGS. 3 and 4). The fitting frame 15 has a rectangular accommodation opening 17 on its front side for fitting and accommodating the game board 5. A projecting wall 18 projecting inward is integrally formed at the back of the accommodation opening 17 (FIGS. 3 and 12). The back is closed with a back cover. When the door frame 3 is closed to the main body frame 2, the front surface (game area 8) of the game board 5 housed in the main body frame 2 can be seen through the game window 9 of the door frame 3.

An irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere ejecting unit housing part 19 is formed below the housing opening 17, and an irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere ejecting unit 20 is disposed in the irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere ejecting unit housing part 19. . As will be explained later, the ejected ball receiving box 234, which accommodates the irregularly shaped balls and magnetic balls that are smaller in diameter than the regular game balls ejected from the irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball ejecting unit 20, is It can be attached and detached from the front.

Moreover, FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the main body frame cut in the vertical direction to show the upper firing device, the ball supply path member, and the ball lifting device. As seen in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 23, the main body frame 2 is provided with an upper firing device 12, a ball gathering section 21, a ball lifting device 22, and a ball supply path member 24. The ball gathering section 21 is a section that receives the game balls that have passed through the irregularly shaped balls/magnetic ball discharge unit 20 and guides them to the base of the ball lifting device 22 (FIG. 5), and is equipped with a ball polishing device and the like.

A ball firing device 29 for firing game balls toward the game area 8 is arranged on one side (left side) of the front and upper part of the main body frame 2 (FIGS. 3 and 23). In addition, the ball feeding device 28 for feeding the game balls arranged and stored in the guide passage (ball feeding guide gutter 69 described later, see FIG. 11) one by one to the firing position of the hitting ball firing device 29 is connected to the hitting ball firing device 29. They are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction behind the (Fig. 6, Fig. 23). In this embodiment, the ball launcher 29 and the ball feeder 28 form the upper launcher 12 as an upper launcher unit.

In this embodiment, the ball lifting device 22 uses a screw 25 driven by a ball lifting motor 150 (see FIG. 24), and the game balls that have reached the base are rotated to reduce the distance between the game balls. It is opened and lifted to the upper part of the main body frame 2 from below. The ball lifting device 22 is attached to the rear surface of the main body frame 2 behind the upper firing device 12, and the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 is arranged above the ball feeding device 28 (Fig. 3, 4, Figure 23).

Between the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 and the upper part of the upper firing device 12, there is a ball supply device extending in the front-rear direction for feeding the game balls lifted by the ball lifting device 22 to the ball feeding device 28 from above. A path member 24 is provided (FIGS. 3, 4, and 23). In addition, in this embodiment, the ball supply path member 24 is formed at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22, and has a gentle downward slope toward the front, so that the ball feeding path member 24 can move the lifted game balls forward from above. It is composed of a ball sending gutter 23 and a lifting communication gutter 65 formed at the rear upper part of the upper firing device 12, connected to the ball sending gutter 23, and sloped gently downward toward the front. Note that the game balls lifted by the ball lifting device 22 are sent out to the ball sending gutter 23. The ball sending gutter 23 of the ball supply path member 24 is provided with a launch standby ball detection switch 26 that detects the presence or absence of game balls flowing down the ball sending gutter 23 (see FIG. 6).

[Top launcher]
FIG. 8 is a front view of the upper firing device, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the front left. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the rear left, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the rear left with the ball feeding unit cover removed.

Further, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an open state of the upper firing device in the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed, and FIG. 13 is a right side view showing a vertical cross section of the gaming machine shown with the door frame removed. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the joint portion of the upper firing device with the base plate is in contact with the protruding portion of the panel holder on the game board.

The upper firing device 12 includes a metal plate-shaped base plate 39 for attaching and fixing the upper firing device 12 to the main body frame 2, and receives game balls arriving from the ball supply path member 24, and is used for firing by the batted ball firing device 29. A ball feeding device 28 that reliably feeds game balls one by one using a ball feeding solenoid 31 (FIG. 11) and a ball feeding member 32 to the ball firing position of the hammer 30 (FIG. 8), and a ball feeding device 28 that shoots the game balls toward the gaming area 8. (See FIGS. 8 to 11).

The ball sending device 28 receives the game balls arriving from the ball supply path member 24 (FIG. 6), and sends each game ball to the firing position of the firing hammer 30 (FIG. 8) of the ball firing device 29 using the ball sending member 32. This is a device to ensure that each product is sent out one by one.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ball launcher 29 includes a launch hammer 30, a launch solenoid 13, a rail member 33, a launch stopper 34, a return stopper 35, a launch ball confirmation switch 36, an upper launcher hinge 37, and a launch port. It has 38. These members are attached to a base plate 39 (a metal plate in this embodiment) as a substrate. The firing port 38 is formed to face the tip of the firing hammer 30, and the rail member 33 is attached to this portion. The rail member 33 is a member that holds one game ball sent out to the shooting position (ball hitting position) by the ball sending member 32 using the rail portion 332. The game ball fired by the firing hammer 30 is fired into the game area 8 from the firing port 38.

The launched ball confirmation switch 36 is disposed with respect to the rail portion 332 of the rail member 33, and detects the presence or absence of a game ball that is hit by the firing hammer 30, and also changes the detection of a game ball by the launched ball confirmation switch 36 to non-detection. By switching, it is detected that one game ball is fired by the firing hammer 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game ball circulation path includes the above-mentioned irregular-shaped ball/magnetic ball ejection unit 20, ball collection section 21, ball lifting device 22, ball supply path member 24, upper firing device 12, and game area 8. It is something to go through. The game balls fired from the upper firing device 12 to the firing area 40 (FIG. 7) of the gaming area 8 flow down the gaming area from above to the bottom, pass through the winning opening 41 or the out opening 42, and reach the irregular-shaped ball/magnetic ball ejection unit 20. Return to

[Game board]
A game board 5 is attached to a fitting frame 15 of the main body frame 2. In this embodiment, the game board 5 has a structure in which a transparent panel plate 44 is attached to a panel holder 43, and a front component 45 is attached to the front surface of the transparent panel plate 44 to fix the transparent panel plate 44 (FIG. 12). This game board 5 does not have anything equivalent to a conventional inner rail, and the upper part of the inner peripheral surface of the front component 45 is used as a game ball running surface 46 (FIG. 7).

The electrical connection of the game board 5 to the main body frame 2 will be explained using FIG. 99. Mechanical and electrical connections between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 are made using drawer connectors. The game board 5 is provided with a main drawer connector on the game board side and a sub drawer connector on the game board side, and the main body frame 2 is provided with a main drawer connector on the main body frame side and a sub drawer connector on the main body frame side. There is. By fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the main drawer connector on the game board side and the main drawer connector on the main body frame side, the secondary drawer connector on the game board side and the secondary drawer connector on the main body frame side are connected, and the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 are connected mechanically and at the same time electrically. This makes it possible to perform electrical communication between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2.

A notch 47 (FIG. 12) is formed in the upper left corner of the game board 5 to match the shape of the upper firing device 12. The notch 47 reaches a part of the transparent panel plate 44 of the gaming area 8 from the front component 45. The opening 38 of the upper firing device 12 faces the cutout of the transparent panel plate 44, and as shown in FIG. The game area 8 is the firing area 40. Therefore, the game ball fired by the firing hammer 30 of the upper firing device 12 is guided to the game ball running surface 46 of the front component 45 in the firing area 40.

The game area 8 of the present embodiment is provided with a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) and various winning holes such as winning holes, and a predetermined number of prize balls are awarded according to winnings in the various winning holes. It looks like this. In addition, since this embodiment is an enclosed ball type game machine, "1" is subtracted from the data of the number of balls held according to the hitting of one game ball, while the number of prize balls corresponding to winnings in various winning holes is subtracted from the data of the number of balls held. is added to the data on the number of balls held, and the corresponding number of balls held is displayed on the touch panel section 14.

Furthermore, since it is an enclosed ball type gaming machine, prize balls are not paid out, and the number of balls thrown, number of balls entered, number of differential balls, number of balls held, etc. are numerical values based on data rather than the actual number of game balls. That is, the number of game balls actually used is limited to a predetermined number (for example, 50 or 75) that are used cyclically, and the number of balls held is determined by, for example, detecting the game balls fired into the game area 8. The number of balls fired and counted, the number of recovered balls detected and counted by the game balls fired into the game area 8, the number of prize balls in the event of winning, the number of rental balls borrowed from the hall, etc. You can get the number of pitches in, number of pitches out, number of differential pitches, and number of balls held.

That is, unless there is a problem such as the game balls falling out when the door frame 3 is opened, the number of fired balls equals the number of collected balls. Then, the number of pitches entered = number of balls recovered = number of fired balls, number of pitches out = number of awarded pitches (accumulated value) = number of pitches entered - number of pitches lent (number of balls replayed) + number of pitches held, and number of pitches held = number of pitches pitched. Number of pitches (or number of replayed balls) + number of pitches out - number of pitches in, number of pitches out - number of pitches in = number of differential pitches, number of pitches in possession = number of pitches lent (or number of pitches in replay) + number of differential pitches becomes. In this way, games with the gaming machine 1 are played completely based on numerical data, and there are no errors caused by spilling game balls or leaving game balls on the lower tray or upper tray. It can be reliably managed in integer units. Note that foul balls basically do not occur with the structure of the upper firing device 12, which will be described later.

Further, in the above embodiment, the front component 45, the panel holder, and the transparent panel plate 44 are constructed as separate members, but they may be integrated, for example, by adhesive, or integrally molded to constitute a single member. You can also do that. In this way, when the front component 45, panel holder 43, etc. are integrally formed on the transparent panel plate 44, by providing the notch 47 in the game board 5, the front component 45 and the panel holder 43 have It is possible to prevent structural weakening of these members due to the frame structure (connected on all four sides) being cut.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the upper firing device viewed from the front right side, FIG. 17 is a front view of the upper firing device (launching hammer standby position), and FIG. 18 is a right side view of the upper firing device. It is.

[Battered ball launcher 29]
The ball firing device 29 is capable of driving the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 28 into the game area 8 of the game board 5 with a force corresponding to the rotational operation of the ball hitting handle 10. The ball launcher 29 includes a firing solenoid 13 attached to the upper rear surface of a base plate 39 so that a rotational drive shaft 60 protrudes forward, and a firing hammer 30 that is rotatably fixed to the rotational drive shaft 60 of the firing solenoid 13. A hammer tip 61 fixed to the tip of the firing hammer 30, a rail member 33 attached to the front surface of the base plate 39 with a predetermined position on the movement locus of the hammer tip 61 as the firing position, and a rail member 33 that sets the firing position to the firing position. A firing stopper 34 that restricts the hammer tip 61 from rotating counterclockwise beyond the ball hitting position where the parked game ball can be hit, and a firing hammer 30 placed in a standby position (initial position) during its rotational movement. a return stopper 35 for regulating the return time, a firing ball confirmation switch 36 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball parked at the firing position, a hinge 37 for the upper firing device, and a firing ball opening facing the game area 8. and a mouth 38 (see FIGS. 8, 9, 16, and 18).

Although detailed illustration of the firing solenoid 13 in the ball firing device 29 is omitted, a rotary drive shaft 60 rotates back and forth at a strength (speed) corresponding to the rotation angle of the ball hitting handle 10. The firing hammer 30 of the ball launcher 29 has a fixed part 301 fixed to the rotational drive shaft 60 of the firing solenoid 13, and extends from the fixed part 301 in a gentle arc shape, with its tip aligned with the axis of the rotational drive shaft 60. A rod portion 302 faces in the normal direction and has a hammer tip 61 fixed to its tip, and a stopper that extends to the opposite side of the rod portion 302 across the fixing portion 301 and can come into contact with the stopper 34 during firing. A contact portion 303 is provided. The stopper abutting portion 303 of the firing hammer 30 comes into contact with the firing stopper 34, thereby restricting rotation in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front (see FIG. 8).

Further, a ball supply port 63 formed in a ball feeding unit base (described later) of the ball feeding device 28 is arranged directly above the rail member 33 of the ball firing device 29. The rail member 33 stops one game ball sent out from the ball supply port 63 at the shooting position by the ball sending operation of the ball sending member 32 of the ball sending device 28, which will be described later.

The rail member 33 is formed by bending a metal plate, and includes a mounting plate portion 331 that is attached and fixed to the base plate 39, and a rail portion 332 that is bent forward from the mounting plate portion 331. (See Figure 8). The rail section 332 for setting the firing position has a substantially L-shape inclined 45 degrees to the left when viewed from the front, and has a left rail plate 333 forming the left side of the rail section 332 and a right side of the rail section 332. and a right rail plate 334 (see FIG. 8). A through hole 335 is formed in the left rail plate 333, through which the hammer tip 61 passes when the firing hammer 30 hits a ball (see FIGS. 9 and 21).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when viewed from the front, a portion of the right side of the ball launcher 29 of the upper launcher 12 from the center in the vertical direction to the lower end is exposed and arranged facing the game area 8. ing. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16, a firing port decoration member 64 is disposed on the front right side of the base plate 39, and the firing port decoration member 64 is attached to the base plate 39 and a ball feeding unit base 67, which will be described later. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 16, the firing port decoration member 64 is arranged so that the right side portion and the lower side portion thereof face the game area 8 and are exposed. The face part and the lower side part are formed into a ball entry prevention wall 51 that prevents game balls launched into the game area 8 from entering the inside of the ball launcher 29. The launch port 38 is formed in a ball entry prevention wall 51 on the right side of the launch port decoration member 64, and the ball entry prevention wall 51 surrounds the launch port 38 and extends from approximately the same plane as the rear end surface of the game area 8. It has an arch shape that rises toward the front.

As understood with reference to FIGS. 8 and 16, the ejection port 38 is located diagonally above and to the right with respect to the rail portion 332 when viewed from the front. As understood from FIGS. 8 and 17, the distance between the rail portion 332 (launch position) and the launch port 38 is short (about twice the diameter of the game ball P), and therefore, the launch distance is short, It is possible to reliably hit the fired game ball into the game area 8 without generating foul balls.

The launch ball confirmation switch 36 detects the presence or absence of a game ball that is parked at the launch position, and detects whether or not a game ball is detected by the game ball at the launch position being hit by the launch hammer 30 and fired. By switching to , it is detected that one game ball has been fired by the firing hammer 30.

The fired ball confirmation switch 36 is made of a transmission type photosensor, and has a light projecting part and a light receiving part arranged so as to straddle the rail part 332 that sets the firing position. The shot ball confirmation switch 36 is supported by a photo bracket 361 and positioned relative to the shooting position, and the photo bracket 361 is attached and fixed to the lower front surface of the base plate 39.

The ball launcher 29 includes a stopper cover 62 that covers the front surface of the firing stopper 34 that can restrict the rotation end of the firing hammer 30 toward the ball hitting position, and a stopper cover 62 that covers the front surface of the firing stopper 34 that can restrict the rotation end of the firing hammer 30 toward the ball hitting position. It is provided with a return stopper 35 for regulating the rotation end (the rotation end in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front). The surfaces of the stoppers 34 and 35 are covered with rubber, which can absorb the impact when the firing hammer 30 comes into contact with them, and can also suppress the generation of noise due to the contact. .

Further, in the batted ball firing device 29, a firing solenoid 13 is driven by a ball information control section (described later) with a drive strength corresponding to the rotational operation of the batting ball handle 10, and a ball feeding device 28 is configured to drive a firing solenoid 13 with a drive strength corresponding to the rotational operation of the batting ball handle 10. The solenoid 31 is driven to perform a ball-hitting operation according to the drive timing described later (see FIG. 24). Specifically, in the ball sending device 28 that supplies game balls to the ball launching device 29, when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is activated (ON), the ball sending member 32 sends the received game ball to the ball launching device 29, and the state is changed. When the drive of the ball feeding solenoid 31 is released (OFF), the ball feeding member 32 receives the game ball.

In the batted ball firing device 29, when the batting ball handle 10 is operated for firing, the firing solenoid 13 is repeatedly energized and disconnected at a voltage corresponding to the amount of the operation. By energizing and de-energizing the firing solenoid 13, the firing hammer 30 rotates from the initial position (FIG. 17) in the firing direction (counterclockwise) to the firing position, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 17. After launching the parked game ball with the mallet tip 61 (FIG. 8), the firing operation of rotating clockwise and returning to the initial position is repeated.

[Ball feeding device 28]
Next, the ball feeding device 28 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the ball feeding device 28 is mainly constructed as a unit, and has a ball inlet 66 connected to the front end of the ball feeding gutter 23 of the ball supply path member 24 shown in FIG. The ball feeder is connected to the gutter 65 and the elevating communication gutter 65, and has a ball supply port 63 for supplying the game balls entering from the elevating communication gutter 65 to the batted ball launching device 29, and is open at the rear. A unit base 67, a ball feeding unit cover 68 that closes the rear end of the ball feeding unit base 67 and is open at the front, a ball feeding solenoid 31 disposed at the bottom of the ball feeding unit base 67, and a ball feeding solenoid 31. The ball-feeding member 32 is provided with a ball-feeding member 32 that simultaneously realizes a ball-feeding operation and a return-ball blocking operation, which will be described later, by driving the ball.

The lifting communication gutter 65 is sloped gently downward from the rear end where the ball inlet 66 is formed toward the front end. The ball feeding unit base 67 is attached to the left side of the rear surface of the base plate 39, and the front end of the lifting communication gutter 65 is connected to the right side of the upper part, and is also connected to the front end of the lifting communication gutter 65 when viewed from the rear. A ball feed guide gutter 69 that slopes gently downward from the right side of the upper part to the center in the vertical direction toward the left in the left-right direction, and is bent downward in the middle, and the lower end of the ball feed guide gutter 69. It has a ball supply port 63 penetrating in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11).

In addition, on the rear surface of the ball feeding unit cover 68, which is below the bent portion of the ball feeding guide gutter 69 and facing the upper portion of the ball supply port 63, there is a space for storing game balls waiting in the ball feeding guiding gutter 69. A launch standby ball detection switch 70 is provided to detect the presence or absence of the ball (see FIG. 10). The launch waiting ball detection switch 70 is composed of a flat type proximity switch that detects a game ball as a metal body by changing the impedance of a detection coil of a high frequency oscillation circuit.

The ball feed solenoid 31 of this embodiment is composed of an electromagnet, and is disposed at the lower part of the ball feed unit base 67 with a suction portion that exerts a suction function by energization facing downward. Further, the ball feeding member 32 is disposed adjacent to the left side of the ball feeding solenoid 31 and below the ball feeding unit base 67. The ball feeding member 32 in this embodiment is placed at an allowable position where the ball is allowed to pass through without interfering with the ball fired from the firing position by the ball hitting operation of the ball firing device 29, by energizing and de-energizing the ball feeding solenoid 31. and a return ball prevention part that is movable between the ball return ball and the return ball prevention position that prevents the return ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38.

[Ball feeding member 32]
The ball feeding member 32 will be explained below. FIG. 18 is a right side view showing the upper firing device 12 (the ball feeding solenoid 31 is de-energized and the ball feeding member 32 is in the holding position and the return ball blocking position), and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the upper firing device 12 taken along the line B (the ball feeding solenoid 31 is de-energized and the ball feeding member 32 is in the holding position and the return ball blocking position); FIG. It is a perspective view showing the ball feeding member 32, the ball feeding shaft, and the ball feeding sheet metal from diagonally backward.

21 is a right side view showing the upper firing device 12 (the ball feeding solenoid 31 is energized and the ball feeding member is in the supply position and the allowable position), and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the upper firing device shown broken away along lines (ball feed solenoid 31 is energized, ball feed member 32 is in the supply position and the allowable position).

As shown in FIG. 20, a shaft hole 75 is formed in the middle of the ball feeding member 32 in the vertical direction and extends in the left-right direction. A ball feeding shaft 76 is inserted into the shaft hole 75 with both ends protruding, and both ends of the ball feeding shaft 76 in the left and right direction are supported by a ball feeding unit base 67. Thereby, the ball feeding member 32 is supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction with the ball feeding shaft 76 as the rotation center.

Further, an arm portion 77 is formed extending rearward in the middle of the ball feeding member 32, and a lower end of the arm portion 77 is provided with an actuator extending downward from the ball feeding solenoid 31, as shown in FIG. A rod portion 72 is formed, a sheet metal accommodating portion 73 is formed in the operating rod portion 72, and a ball feeding sheet metal 71 made of a metal material that is attracted by a magnet is stored in the sheet metal accommodating portion 73.

A sheet metal locking pawl 78 is formed directly below the sheet metal accommodating portion 73 to protrude rearward and prevent the ball feeding sheet metal 71 from falling off. This prevents the ball feeding sheet metal 71 from falling off from the sheet metal accommodating portion 73.

As shown in FIG. 20, a latching projection 79 is formed at the end of the operating rod portion 72, and one end of the tension spring 52 shown in FIG. 19 is latched to the latching projection 79. Further, the other end of the tension spring 52 is hooked to a spring locking portion 53 formed on the lower bottom surface of the ball feeding unit base 67, as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a roof-shaped ball feeding portion 74 is formed above the shaft hole 75 of the ball feeding member 32 and integrally with the ball feeding member 32 toward the lower edge of the ball supply port 63. There is. The ball feeding part 74 is formed in a mountain shape with the center of the upper surface rising upward, and extends from the center toward the front, that is, in FIG. The ball feeding guide surface 80 is sloped downward toward the lower edge, and the arcuate convex surface extends backward from the center, that is, toward the ball feeding unit cover 68 that closes the rear end of the ball feeding guide gutter 69 in FIG. A ball holding surface 81 is provided with a downward slope. Furthermore, a hanging piece 82 that hangs downward is formed at the rear end of the ball holding surface 81 of the ball sending part 74.

Moreover, the upper part of the ball feeding member 32 in the vertical direction passes through the ball feeding unit base 67 toward the front, and as shown in FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, the rail portion 332 (launching position) A rectangular frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 is formed extending toward the ball hitting path from the center of the ball returning ball blocking portion 83, and a ball passing opening 85 having a rectangular opening is formed in the center of the returning ball blocking portion 83.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 formed integrally with the ball sending member 32 is arranged adjacent to the firing port 38 in the firing position direction. Further, a ball stopper part 84 is formed on the front side of the frame of the return ball preventer part 83 in the direction of the firing position, the ball stopper part 84 having a horizontal bottom part and protruding in a triangular shape toward the rail part 332. The ball stopping portion 84 is disposed in front of the ball sending portion 74 and facing the ball sending portion 74 at a distance above the firing position.

Further, on the ball feeding unit cover 68, a ball guide protrusion 54 whose longitudinal section is shaped like a dogleg toward the front is formed at a position facing the ball supply port 63 behind the ball supply port 63. A forward guiding surface 55 facing the ball supply port 63 and having an arcuate concave shape is formed on the upper part of the ball guide protrusion 54 facing forward. The lower part of the ball guide protrusion 54 is curved in a convex manner toward the rear, and the ball feed member 32 is rotated about the ball feed shaft 76 in the front-rear direction in a space below the lower part of the ball guide protrusion 54 . In the rotational movement, the ball feeding section 74 is capable of retracting. Further, a stopper piece 56 is formed at the lower end of the ball guide protrusion 54 so as to protrude toward the front.

[Ball feeding operation and return ball blocking operation of ball feeding member 32]
The ball sending operation and return ball preventing operation by the ball sending member 32 of the ball sending device 28 configured as above will be explained. When the ball feed solenoid 31 is in a non-energized state, it is engaged with a locking protrusion 79 at the end of the operating rod portion 72 of the ball feed member 32 and a spring locking portion 53 formed on the lower bottom surface of the ball feed unit base 67. Due to the tensile force of the stopped tension spring 52, the lower end of the ball feeding member 32 is pulled toward the ball feeding unit base 67.

As shown in FIG. 18, in a normal state (when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is in a non-energized state), the ball feeding member 32 is in a rotational posture with the ball feeding shaft 76 as the rotation center. The blocking part 83 assumes a posture tilted toward the rear, and when viewed from the side from the gaming area 8, that is, the ball is immediately ejected from the ejection port 38 on the ball path from the ejection position of the ball ejection device 29 to the ejection port 38. In the position direction side, the portion of the return ball blocking portion 83 located in front of the frame is in a posture that crosses the launch port 38, and the ball passing port 85 is in a position that crosses the launch port 38 in the ball batting path. is shifted to the rear, making it impossible for the ball to pass through the batted ball passage hole 85 on the batted ball path. That is, in this attitude, the return ball blocking portion 83 assumes a return ball blocking position that prevents the return ball returning from the game area 8 to the launch port 38 from entering.

After the ball is fired, the return ball blocking part 83 takes the return ball blocking position, so that the return ball blocking part 83 blocks the game ball shot into the game area 8 from becoming a return ball and entering the launch port 38. Since the ball can be prevented from returning, it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest in the game due to the ball returning.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, in the normal state (when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is in a non-energized state), the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feeding section 74 of the ball feeding member 32 is attached to the ball guiding surface of the ball feeding unit cover 68. The hanging piece 82 formed at the lower end of the ball feeding part 74 comes into contact with the stopper piece 56, and the ball feeding member 32 is in a rotating position about the ball feeding shaft 76. , is restricted to the holding position during ball feeding operation.

In the holding position, the ball feeding guide surface 80 of the ball feeding section 74 is located in front of the lower end of the front guiding surface 55 of the ball guide protrusion 54, and is located on an extension line in the tangential direction of the front guiding surface 55. In addition, the ball stopper 84 approaches the ball supply port 63, the game ball P1 fits into the gap between the lower end of the ball supply port 63 and the ball stopper 84, and the game ball P1 remains. becomes.

[Excitation of ball feed solenoid 31]
When the ball feeding solenoid 31 is excited by energizing, the ball feeding sheet metal 71 is attracted upward by the electromagnetic function, and the operating rod portion 72 of the ball feeding member 32 moves upward against the tensile force of the tension spring 52. The ball feeding member 32 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 19 about the ball feeding shaft 76, and as shown in FIGS. Move to a permissible position that allows.

As a result, the ball stopper 84 moves forward from the position close to the ball supply port 63, and at the same time, the ball feeder 74 moves forward and sends out the game ball P1 that has been staying at the holding position to the firing position (Fig. 22 reference).

As shown in FIG. 21, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is in the energized state, the rectangular frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 assumes an upright posture in a rotating posture about the ball feeding shaft 76, and the game area 8, that is, in the ball hitting path from the firing position of the ball launching device 29 to the firing port 38, at a position immediately on the firing position direction side of the firing port 38, with respect to the firing port 38 in the ball hitting path. The batted ball passage holes 85 are at the coincident position, and the ball is allowed to pass through the batted ball passage holes 85 on the batted ball path. That is, in this attitude, the return ball blocking portion 83 assumes a permissible position that allows the batted ball to pass without interfering with the batted ball fired from the firing position.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the ball feeding solenoid 31 is in an excited state, the ball holding surface 81 of the ball feeding section 74 is located in front of the ball guide protrusion 54 of the ball feeding unit cover 68 at the supply position in the ball feeding operation. However, the subsequent game ball P2 fits into the gap between the upper end of the ball supply port 63 and the ball holding surface 81 of the ball sending part 74, and the subsequent game ball P2 remains in a state. By the ball feeding operation described above, the ball feeding member 32 feeds the game balls aligned and stored in the ball feeding guide trough 69 one by one to the shooting position of the ball firing device 29.

Moreover, FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the drive timing of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the firing solenoid 13. The firing solenoid 13 is turned on when period A has elapsed from the time the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, and the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off when period B has elapsed from the time the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, and the ball is fed. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off after a period C has elapsed from the time when the solenoid 31 was turned off.

In this embodiment, period A is 300 ms, period B is 30 ms, and period C is 50 ms. When the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned on, the ball is sent to the shooting position (rail portion 332) by the ball feeding member 32. That is, the fired ball confirmation switch 36 detects the fired ball. In this embodiment, if a game ball that is stopped at the firing position is detected by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined period of time (period D is 30 ms), it is determined that there is a firing ball. do.

In this way, when a game ball parked at the firing position is detected by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that there is a firing ball, so that firing due to noise can be avoided. Erroneous ball counting can be eliminated, and reliability in detecting shot balls can be increased.

According to the driving timing of the ball feeding solenoid 31 and the firing solenoid 13 shown in FIG. 24, operation control is performed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control section 118, which will be described later. That is, when the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball sending member 32 is in the permissible position, the ball firing device 29 is operated to cause the ball firing hammer 30 to perform a ball hitting operation, and the ball firing device 29 is activated in a manner determined in advance from the time of activation of the ball firing device 29. After the specified time (30 ms) has elapsed, the ball sending solenoid 31 is deenergized and the return ball blocking part 83 is moved to the returning ball blocking position, so that the returning ball is blocked by the returning ball blocking part 83. control.

According to this, when the return ball blocking portion 83 takes the permissible position, the ball is allowed to pass without interfering with the ball fired from the firing position, so there is no interference with the fired ball, so the game It is possible to prevent a player from feeling distrustful about hitting a ball at a targeted position, and it is possible to prevent a decline in interest in the game.

After the ball is fired, the return ball blocking part 83 takes the return ball blocking position, so that the return ball blocking part 83 blocks the game ball shot into the game area 8 from becoming a return ball and entering the launch port 38. Since the ball can be prevented from returning, it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest in the game due to the ball returning.

In this embodiment, since the return ball prevention part 83 is formed integrally with the ball sending member 32, the ball is sent to the firing position by energizing and de-energizing one electric drive source (ball feeding solenoid 31). and prevention of ball return can be achieved at the same time. That is, when the ball sending member 32 assumes the supply position, the ball passing port 85 is located on the ball path through which the game balls fired from the firing position pass, while when the ball sending member 32 takes the holding position, the ball passes through the ball path. A frame-shaped return ball blocking portion 83 is provided such that the ball passing opening 85 is located at the retracted position.

When the ball sending member 32 takes the supply position, the return ball blocking part 83 takes the permissible position and does not interfere with the ball fired from the firing position, which prevents the game ball from hitting the target position. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling distrustful, and it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest in the game.

Further, when the ball sending member 32 moves to the holding position, the return ball blocking part 83 simultaneously moves to the return ball blocking position, so that the game ball fired into the game area 8 becomes a return ball and enters the firing port 38. Since the ball can be blocked and the ball can be prevented from returning, it is possible to prevent the return ball from reducing interest in the game.

Furthermore, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above has a structure in which the ball is forcibly pried open by the ball to prevent a return ball blocking the ball opening, and the ball is shot or pushed out into the game area. For this reason, an electrical drive source to perform the ball-striking action must be of a size and power commensurate with the size and power, and it is necessary to supply a large current to obtain the ball-striking force, which consumes a large amount of power. be.

On the other hand, in the upper firing device 12 of this example, when the firing hammer 30 performs a ball-hitting operation, the return ball blocking portion 83 of the ball sending member 32 is located at the permissible position (the ball passage opening 85) where the ball is allowed to pass through. Since the firing port 38 is in a state in which the ball is aligned with the ball hitting path, and there is no interference with the shot ball, it is sufficient to provide the ball hitting force sufficient to launch the ball into the game area 8, so the power is small. This can be adequately addressed by adopting an electric drive source. Therefore, the electric drive source can be made smaller and thinner, and the power consumption required for driving it can also be kept low.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the firing solenoid 13 is energized for a period C from the time when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, and the hammer tip 61 penetrates and protrudes through the through hole 335 of the rail portion 332 (FIG. 9). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being stopped on the rail portion 332, and it is possible to prevent the ball from returning and to make the erroneous counting of the fired balls more reliable.

Although the return ball prevention portion 83 of this embodiment is shown as having a rectangular frame shape and having a batted ball passage hole 85 in the center, the shape of the return ball prevention portion 83 is not limited to this, and for example, , a piece-like shape, or a rod-like shape, and the ball passing hole 85 may not be provided. That is, on the ball hitting path from the firing position to the firing port 38, the permissible position is provided adjacent to the firing position direction of the firing port 38 and allows the batted ball to pass through without interfering with the batted ball fired from the firing position. and a return ball blocking position that prevents the return ball from entering the firing port 38 from the game area 8.

In the enclosed ball game machine of the present embodiment described above, the ball lifting device 22 is located behind the upper firing device 12 located at the front part of the main body frame 2 and on one side of the upper part of the main body frame 2. The ball lifting device 22 is attached to the rear surface, and the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 is disposed above the ball feeding device 28, and the ball lifting device 22 is installed between the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 and the upper part of the upper firing device 12. A ball supply path member 24 extending in the front-rear direction is provided for feeding the game balls lifted and transported from above to the ball feeding device 28.

With the above-described configuration, the ball supply path member 24 connects various members (movable body, power transmission mechanism for driving the movable body (for example, gear train), left and right) attached to the rear of the game board 5. The ball can be mounted at the rear of the gaming machine without interfering with the slide rail for guiding the direction, the drive motor as the drive source, the position detection sensor for detecting the position of the movable body, the LED board, the relay board, etc. The game ball lifted to the upper part of the main body frame 2 by the lifting device 22 can be smoothly sent to the upper firing device 12.

Furthermore, since the ball supply path member does not obstruct various members attached to the rear of the game board, the space formed at the rear of the upper firing device 12 can be provided at the rear of the game board 5. This can be applied to the placement space of each member.

Further, the upper firing device 12 shown in FIG. 23 employs an electric drive source that is smaller and thinner than the conventional one for the reasons mentioned above. As shown in FIG. 23, the electric drive source (emission solenoid 13) of the batted ball launcher can be made smaller and thinner, so the electric drive source does not protrude behind the upper launcher 12. Accordingly, a wider arrangement space 57 for each member attached to the rear of the game board 5 can be secured.

In addition, the upper firing device 12 of this embodiment can be rotated by the upper firing device hinge 37 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2 (FIG. 12), so that when the game board is attached, the upper firing device 12 Since the upper firing unit can be rotated and placed at a position out of the movement path when inserting the game board, it is easy to attach the game board to the main body frame.

In this case, when the upper firing device 12 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2, even if there are game balls remaining in the ball sending gutter 23, the ball sending gutter 23 is installed so that the game balls do not spill out. It is preferable to provide a ball spill prevention means for blocking the ball outlet 58 of the ball.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the ball spill prevention means (ball outlet opening/closing unit) will be described. FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the ball outlet opening/closing unit, and FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the ball outlet opening/closing unit. Moreover, FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the upper firing unit and the ball outlet opening/closing unit.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 23, the ball supply path member 24 is formed at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22, and includes a ball sending gutter 23 that sends out the lifted game balls from above to the front, and an upper firing unit. 12 and a lifting communication gutter 65 that is connected to the ball sending gutter 23. When the upper firing unit 12 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the front end of the ball sending gutter 23 is By opening the ball outlet 58, the ball outlet 58 and the ball inlet 66 at the rear end of the lifting and feeding communication gutter 65 are communicated with each other, and game balls can be supplied from the ball outlet 58 to the ball inlet 66.

The ball feeding device of the upper firing device 12 includes an opening/closing actuating piece 426 on the right side of the ball feeding unit cover for operating the opening/closing shutter 412 of the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 (FIG. 27). The opening/closing actuating piece 426 rotates the opening/closing crank 413 by contacting the spherical contact portion 424 of the opening/closing crank 413 in the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 when the upper firing device 12 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2. This allows the opening/closing shutter 412 to be opened.

[Ball outlet opening/closing unit]
The ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 in the main body frame 2 of this embodiment is attached to the mounting member 407 attached to the lower surface of the ball sending gutter 23 of the ball lifting device 22, and is attached to the mounting member 407 attached to the lower surface of the ball sending gutter 23 of the ball lifting device 22. When the device 12 is opened, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball sending gutter 23 in the ball lifting device 22 is closed to prevent the flow of game balls from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball sending device 28 of the upper firing device 12. It is something that can be blocked.

The ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 includes a shutter base 411 attached to a hanging wall 408 facing in the vertical direction of the mounting member 407, a plate-shaped opening/closing shutter 412 held slidably in the vertical direction by the shutter base 411, and a shutter base 412 that can be opened/closed. It includes an opening/closing crank 413 that slides the shutter 412 in the vertical direction, and an opening/closing spring 414 that urges the opening/closing shutter 412 to rise via the opening/closing crank 413.

The shutter base 411 of the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 has a pair of slide grooves 415 extending in the vertical direction for holding the opening/closing shutter 412 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the shutter base 411; A rectangular opening 416 that penetrates in the front-back direction between the pair of slide grooves 415, and a crank that is arranged at the front of the left end when viewed from the front and supports the opening/closing crank 413 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the front-back direction. It includes a support portion 417 and a spring locking portion 418 that locks one end (upper end) of the opening/closing spring 414. The crank support part 417 of the shutter base 411 is arranged on the left side of the opening 416 when viewed from the front, and the spring locking part 418 is arranged near the upper left side of the center in the left-right direction when seen from the front.

The opening/closing shutter 412 of the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 includes a flat shutter body 419 and a pair of sliding protrusions (not shown) that protrude from the front surface of the shutter body 419 and slide within the sliding groove 415 of the shutter base 411. ), and a horizontally long rectangular drive hole 420 that is disposed between the pair of sliding protrusions and faces from the opening 416 of the shutter base 411 and penetrates in the front-rear direction.

The opening/closing crank 413 of the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 includes a shaft portion 421 that is rotatably supported by a crank support portion 417 of the shutter base 411 around an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and a shaft portion 421 that is rotatably supported by a crank support portion 417 of the shutter base 411, and a shaft portion 421 that is rotatably supported by a crank support portion 417 of a shutter base 411. A driving rod 422 that extends outward and whose tip extends to near the center in the left-right direction of the opening 416, and a driving rod 422 that protrudes rearward from the tip of the driving rod 422 and is slidably inserted into the driving hole 412b of the opening/closing shutter 412. a driving pin 423 that extends downward from the lower outer periphery of the shaft portion 421 when viewed from the front and has a spherical tip; (lower end).

In the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410, when the opening/closing crank 413 rotates around an axis extending in the front-rear direction, the driving pin 423 of the opening/closing crank 413 rotates in an arc shape in the vertical direction, and at the same time, the driving pin 423 is inserted. The opening/closing shutter 412 is configured to slide in the vertical direction through the drive hole 420.

In this ball outlet opening/closing unit 410, when the upper firing device 12 is closed with respect to the main body frame 2, the contact portion 424 of the opening/closing crank 413 contacts the opening/closing actuating piece 426 of the upper firing device 12, and the contact portion 424 rotates clockwise when viewed from the front against the biasing force of the opening/closing spring 414, and the drive pin 423 rotates together with the contact portion 424 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front. , the opening/closing shutter 412 can be lowered to open the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball delivery gutter 23. That is, the ball outlet 58 and the ball inlet 66 at the rear end of the lifting and feeding communication gutter 65 are communicated with each other, so that game balls can be supplied from the ball outlet 58 to the ball inlet 66.

When the upper firing device 12 is opened with respect to the main body frame 2 from this state, the contact portion 424 of the opening/closing crank 413 and the opening/closing actuating piece 426 of the upper firing device 12 are released, and the opening/closing crank 413 is moved by the opening/closing spring. At the same time as the opening/closing shutter 412 is rotated counterclockwise in the front view by the biasing force of the ball 414, the opening/closing shutter 412 is raised to close the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball sending trough 23 (Fig. 27 ).

In this way, the ball outlet 58 at the front end of the ball sending gutter 23 in the ball lifting device 22 can be automatically opened and closed by the ball outlet opening/closing unit 410 in accordance with the opening and closing of the upper firing device 12 with respect to the main body frame 2. Even if the upper firing device 12 is opened with game balls remaining in the ball sending gutter 23, the game balls can be prevented from spilling out from the ball outlet 58.

[Irregular sphere/magnetic sphere ejection unit]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a deformed sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the magnetic ball discharge part cover separated from FIG. 28 and turned over. FIG. 30 is a plan view of the deformed sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 31 is a rear view of the deformed sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the base plate of the deformed sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharging unit separated into the irregular-shaped sphere discharging unit and the magnetic sphere discharging unit. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a path through which irregularly shaped spheres and magnetic spheres are discharged in the irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the magnetic sphere is separated from the circulation path and discharged. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the magnetic balls have reached the magnetic ball ejection slope.

As shown in FIG. 28, the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere ejection unit 20 has an irregular-shaped sphere ejection function and a magnetic sphere ejection function. Note that the irregularly shaped ball is a spherical object such as a bearing that has a smaller diameter than a regular game ball. The irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball ejecting unit 20 is a transparent resin molded product, and is arranged at the lower part of the game machine main body (the irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball ejecting unit accommodating section 19). It has a configuration in which the sides are covered with a rear plate (ball receiving gutter base 201). At the top, there are out balls that flowed down without winning in various winning holes (special variable winning device, general winning hole, normal variable winning device) and safe balls that entered various winning holes and flowed down the safe ball ejection route. A collection port 202 for collecting game balls is provided. The out ball flows into the collection port 202 via the out port 42 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5). The safe ball flows into the collection port 202 via the winning port 41 (see FIG. 5).

A circulation path within the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 that communicates with the collection port 202 is formed by meandering left and right inside the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 and folding up and down. It is equipped with a detection switch 203, a deformed ball ejection section 204, a magnetic ball ejection section 205, a ball path full detection switch 206, and a ball appropriate amount detection switch 207. The game balls that have flowed into the collection port 202 form a line and move along a circulation path within the irregularly shaped balls/magnetic spheres discharge unit 20, reaching the ball collection section 21 connected to the irregularly shaped balls/magnetic spheres discharge unit 20. However, in order to prevent the irregularly shaped balls and magnetic balls from moving to the ball collecting section 21, they are separated from the regular game ball circulation path within the irregularly shaped balls/magnetic ball ejecting unit 20 and are discharged outside the irregularly shaped balls/magnetic ball discharging unit 20. Ru.

Next, the movement of the game balls collected into the collection port 202 within the odd-shaped ball/magnetic ball discharge unit 20 will be explained in order. The number of game balls collected in the collection port 202 is counted one by one by a collected ball detection switch 203. The game balls that have passed through the recovered ball detection switch 203 reach the irregularly shaped ball discharge section 204. When the difference between the number of game balls detected by the recovered ball detection switch 203 and the fired ball detection means increases, it can be detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.

The irregularly shaped ball ejector 204 includes an irregularly shaped ball ejector base 208 fixed to an irregularly shaped ball ejector base attachment part 212 provided on the ball receiving gutter base 201 and two bases fixed to the irregularly shaped ball ejector base 208. It is composed of deformed sphere separation shafts 209 and 210.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the irregularly shaped ball ejector base mounting portion 212 is a rectangular opening provided in the ball receiving gutter base 201. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 28, the irregularly shaped ball ejector base attachment part 212 is provided at an angle to the ball receiving gutter base 201 so that the side on the collection port 202 side is higher. As a result, the irregularly shaped ball separating shafts 209 and 210 are arranged at an angle, so that the game ball can move from the upstream side 213 (see FIG. 30) toward the downstream side 214.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharging unit separated into the irregular-shaped sphere discharging unit and the magnetic sphere discharging unit. FIG. 33(a) shows the irregularly shaped ball ejecting section 204. FIG. 33(b) shows the magnetic ball ejecting section 205.

The irregularly shaped ball ejecting unit 204 utilizes the difference in diameter between regular game balls and irregular balls to eliminate irregular balls with a smaller diameter than the regular game balls from the circulation path within the irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball discharging unit 20. . As shown in FIG. 30, the irregular sphere discharge section 204 includes two irregular sphere separation shafts 209 and 210 having circular cross sections and arranged in parallel from the upstream side 213 to the downstream side 214 of the circulation path. In order to exclude irregularly shaped balls, that is, inert balls with a smaller diameter than regular game balls, from the circulation path in which regular game balls circulate, the gap distance between the two irregularly shaped ball separating shafts 209 and 210 is set on the upstream side 213. The irregularly shaped ball separating shaft is designed so that it is narrower than the diameter of a regular game ball and wider than the diameter of a regular game ball on the downstream side 214, that is, so that the distance between both irregularly shaped ball separating shafts 209, 210 gradually increases. 209 and 210 are fixed to the base 208 of the irregular-shaped ball ejector.

The game balls that flow down one by one into the irregular-shaped ball discharge section 204 via the collection port 202 and the collected-ball detection switch 203 are rolled down as they straddle the two irregular-shaped ball separation shafts 209 and 210. do. On the upstream side, the gap distance between the two irregular ball separation shafts 209, 210 is narrower than the diameter of the regular game balls, so the regular game balls do not fall from between the irregular ball separation shafts 209, 210.

On the other hand, the irregular ball, which is an irregularly shaped ball with a smaller diameter than the regular game ball, falls from between the two irregularly shaped ball separation shafts 209 and 210. The fallen irregular spheres are discharged to the outside of the irregular sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 from the irregular sphere discharge port 216 via the irregular sphere discharge path 215, as shown in FIG. 33(a). The irregular-shaped ball discharge path 215 is formed by the irregular-shaped ball discharge route forming member 217 attached to the front side of the ball receiving gutter base 201 and below the irregular-shaped ball discharge unit base 208. Note that the irregular-shaped ball ejection path forming member 217 is also integrally provided with a communication path 218 that guides balls having the same diameter as regular game balls to the magnetic ball ejection section 205.

A game ball of regular size that rolls down the two irregularly shaped ball separating shafts 209, 210 falls from between the two irregularly shaped ball separating shafts 209, 210 on the downstream side 214, and passes through the communication path 218. Then, it reaches a circulation path 219 formed in the magnetic ball discharge section 205.

The magnetic ball discharge part 205 is fixed to the ball receiving gutter base 201 as shown in FIG. FIG. 33 shows a state in which the magnetic ball ejection part 205 is removed from the ball receiving gutter base 201. A slope 220 connected to the communication path 218 is formed in the magnetic ball ejecting section 205. A falling surface 221 that descends steeply is connected to the downstream side of the slope 220, and a drop surface 221 that descends steeply is connected to the downstream side of the slope 220. , a magnetic ball ejection inclined surface 222 is formed. A gap between the discontinuous portions 223 is provided so that the inclined surface 220 and the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 are not continuous. In the magnetic ball ejecting section 205, a magnet is attached to at least one of the side wall 224 and the ceiling wall 225 on the front surface, the back surface thereof, or the interior thereof.

FIG. 35 shows an example in which a magnet 229 is attached to a magnet housing space 230 on the back side of a ceiling wall 225. The magnet housing space 230 is formed as a space arranged along the back side of the ceiling wall 225 and has a rectangular cross section. The magnet 229 is a flat magnet, and is a permanent magnet having an N pole or an S pole on one side and an S pole or an N pole on the other side. The magnetic force of the magnet is not so strong that the game balls (magnetic balls 232) made of magnetic material are attracted and their rolling is inhibited, but they flow down the area of the slope 220 and fall from the discontinuous portion 223. It is sufficient that the magnetic ball can reach the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222. Note that the attached magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

The regular game balls 233 flowing from the communication path 218 roll down the slope 220, and flow down from the slope 220 while rolling on the falling surface 221. The regular non-magnetic game balls 233 fall through the discontinuous portion 223 and pass through the circulation path 219 to reach the ball gathering section 21 connected to the irregular ball/magnetic ball discharge unit 20.

On the other hand, the irregular sphere (magnetic sphere 232 ) made of a magnetic material sticks to the inner wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 due to the attractive force of the magnet 229 housed in the magnet housing space 230 , and moves along the circulation path 219 upstream of the inclined surface 220 . It flows down from the side to the downstream side while rolling due to the action of gravity. Then, as shown in FIG. 35, the magnetic balls 232 reach the area of the magnetic ball discharge slope 222 (see FIG. 28) as shown in FIG. 36 without falling from the discontinuous portion 223. Irregular balls made of magnetic material that have reached the region of the magnetic ball ejection slope 222 are ejected to the outside of the irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic ball ejection unit 20 from the magnetic ball ejection port 227 via the magnetic ball ejection path 226 (see FIG. 34). ).

A portion of the ceiling wall 225 above the magnetic ball discharge inclined surface 222 is configured as a magnetic force adjustment section 231. The magnetic force adjustment section 231 is formed such that the distance between the magnet housing space 230 and the magnetic ball ejection path 226 increases as the magnetic ball ejection path 226 goes downstream. In FIG. 35, the magnetic ball ejection path 226 has a curved portion, and this curved portion functions as the magnetic force adjustment section 231. As a result, the distance between the magnetic balls 232 and the magnets 229 becomes longer as it goes downstream of the magnetic ball discharge path 226. Then, the magnetic force (attractive force) of the magnet 229 acting on the magnetic ball 232 gradually decreases. Therefore, the magnetic balls 232 that were stuck to the wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 and were moving in the downstream direction separate from the wall surface of the ceiling wall 225 and fall onto the magnetic ball ejection slope 222. The magnetic ball is then discharged from the magnetic ball discharge port 227 via the magnetic sphere discharge path 226 .

The irregular spheres and the irregular magnetic spheres are discharged to the outside of the irregular sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 from the irregular sphere discharge port 216 and the magnetic sphere discharge port 227, respectively (FIG. 34). The irregularly shaped spheres or magnetic spheres discharged from the irregularly shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 are collected in the discharged ball receiving box 234 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5). In this way, by using the irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball discharge unit 20, irregular balls made of irregularly shaped balls and magnetic substances can be removed from the regular game ball circulation path 219. In this embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by using gravity to discharge the irregular shaped spheres and magnetic spheres to the outside of the irregular shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20. The irregular-shaped sphere discharge path 215 is arranged along the side surface of the magnetic sphere discharge section 205, and the irregular-shaped sphere/magnetic sphere discharge unit 20 can be configured compactly.

The irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball ejection unit 20 can remove irregularly shaped balls or irregular balls made of magnetic material from the regular game ball circulation path 219 without stopping the game, thereby preventing a decrease in player interest. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the chances that game hall employees will be called to each game machine to handle illegal balls and deal with malfunctions of the game machines. Note that the irregularly shaped ball ejecting section 204 and the magnetic ball ejecting section 205 may each be configured independently. That is, when ejecting the irregularly shaped balls is performed by other components within the gaming machine, the magnetic ball ejecting section 205 may be configured alone.

An embodiment of the enclosed ball game machine of the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is partitioned, a main body frame into which the game board is fitted and housed, and a main body frame arranged on the upper part of the main body frame, a batted ball firing device that fires a game ball toward the gaming area; and a batted ball firing device that collects the game balls fired by the batted ball firing device as enclosed balls on the back side of the game board, removes illegal balls, and returns the batted ball firing device to the game board. In order to supply to A ball feeding device that feeds balls one by one to the firing position of the batted ball launching device, a main control board that performs game control processing related to the game, and a main control board that is connected to the main control board so that bidirectional data communication is possible, and in the game control processing control to increase or decrease the number of balls held based on a prize ball command transmitted from the main control board and information on the number of balls fired by the batted ball launcher; and control to launch game balls by the batted ball launcher; , a ball information control board for controlling feeding of game balls to the shooting position by the ball feeding device, and circulating a predetermined number of game balls in a closed manner without paying out the game balls. The ball firing device is configured to perform a game, and the ball firing device performs a ball hitting operation based on the driving of a firing rail for stopping a game ball at the firing position and an electric drive source, and the ball firing device moves the ball to the firing position. The ball information control board includes a shooting member that shoots the parked game ball, and a shot ball confirmation device that detects the game ball parked at the shooting position, and the ball information control board is configured to fire the game ball at the shooting position for a predetermined period of time. a launched ball detection/judgment means for determining that a launched ball is present when the launched ball confirmation means detects a game ball parked at the firing position; and the launched ball detection/judgment means determines that a launched ball is present. on the condition that the game ball is not detected by the shot ball confirmation means, it is determined that the game ball parked at the shooting position has been fired, and the number of held balls is subtracted by one from the number of held balls. It is composed of and.

According to the above embodiment, the launched ball detection and determination means determines that there is a launched ball when the launched ball confirmation means detects a game ball that is stationary at the firing position for a predetermined period of time. On the condition that the shot ball detection and determination means has determined that there is a shot ball, if the shot ball confirmation means does not detect a game ball, it is determined that the game ball that was parked at the firing position has been fired, and the number of balls held is determined. is decremented by one, so if noise enters the shot ball confirmation means, it is possible to eliminate incorrect ball counts due to noise, increase the reliability of shot ball detection, and detect irregularly shaped balls. and magnetic balls can be excluded from the circulation path where regular game balls circulate.

[Sphere gathering part 21]
FIG. 37 is a front left perspective view of the ball collecting section and the ball lifting device, FIG. 38 is a front view of the ball collecting section and the ball lifting device, and FIG. 39 is a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is removed from the ball collecting section. FIG. Moreover, FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the case of the ball collecting section and the cover of the ball lifting device are removed, FIG. 41 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the ball collecting section in FIG. 40, and FIG. is a further enlarged view of FIG. 41, and FIG. 43 is a plan view of the sphere gathering portion with the case removed.

The ball collecting section 21 (FIG. 41) includes a ball feeding passage 275, a ball polishing cartridge 251, a ball polishing cartridge mounting section 273 (FIG. 39), and a lifting/feeding inlet switch 156. The ball feeding passage 275 has a groove structure with walls on both sides disposed at the lower part of the entire ball collecting section 21, and includes a ball receiving port 275a connected to a ball outlet (not shown) of the irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball ejecting unit 20. It has a ball feeding port 275b that opens into the ball feeding rotating body 350 (described later) (FIGS. 41, 42, and 43).

The ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 is an opening provided in the ball collecting portion 21 for attaching and removing a ball polishing cartridge 251, which will be described later (FIG. 39). The ball polishing cartridge 251 is removable from the front side of the gaming machine to the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273, and a ball polishing cloth 263 is attached to the portion of the ball polishing cartridge 251 that faces the ball lifting device 22, which will be described later. (Figure 41). The lifting/feeding entrance switch 156 is provided on the outside of one wall constituting the ball feeding passage 275, and detects the presence or absence of a game ball passing through the ball feeding passage 275 (FIG. 41).

[Ball lifting device 22]
FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the upper gearbox and the lower gearbox are removed. FIG. 45 is a right side view showing the ball lifting device with the cover removed, and FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of section (A) in FIG. 45. Moreover, FIG. 47 is a diagram showing the disassembled state of the screw, FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing the upper part of the ball lifting device, and FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the fitted and unfitted states of the screw and the fitting member. FIG.

The ball lifting device 22 includes a screw 25 (FIG. 40), a ball lifting motor 150 (FIGS. 38 and 48), a lifting guide rail 282 (FIGS. 40 and 44), and an upper gear box 356 (FIG. 37). , FIG. 40), the lower gear box 357 (FIGS. 37, 40), the ball feeding rotary body 350 (FIG. 40), the ball feeding inclined section 351 (FIGS. 40, 41), and the lifting section cover 353 ( 37), a spiral base cover 352 (FIG. 37), a lift slope member 354 (FIG. 46), and a ball delivery gutter 23 (FIGS. 44, 46, and 48).

The spiral base cover 352 and the lifting section cover 353 are cover members 368 arranged to surround the screw 25, and are made of transparent resin (acrylic resin). The spiral base cover 352 has an opening 281 diagonally provided in a portion of the ball gathering portion 21 that opposes the ball polishing cartridge 251 (FIG. 39).
Further, the upper surface of the cover member 368 is formed with a protrusion on which the lower surface of an upper gearbox 356 (described later) is installed (FIG. 69).

The screw 25 is disposed vertically inside the rectangular cylindrical cover member 368 from the base to the upper end of the ball lifting device 22. The cover member 368 is arranged so as to surround the screw 25 by assembling the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting section cover 353. The screw 25 is composed of a screw shaft 25a, two small pitch protruding members 25b located above and below, and four large pitch protruding members 25c located in the center (FIG. 45). . These are fitted into the screw shaft 25a.

The small pitch protrusion member 25b is composed of a cylindrical portion 25e and a spiral protrusion 25d (FIG. 45). As shown in FIG. 47, the small pitch protrusion member 25b is assembled by assembling a half-split body 25bR and a half-split body 25bL, which are divided into two on a vertical plane including the screw shaft 25a, with the screw shaft 25a in between. considered to be one. A pair of a concave portion 25g and a convex portion 25h are formed above and below on the cut surface of the cylindrical portion 25e, which is used to assemble the halves 25bR and 25bL on both sides, so that they can be integrated into one body. can.

Further, an upper edge recess 25j that opens upward is formed on the upper edge 25i of the half bodies 25bR and 25bL, and a lower edge convex portion 25m that projects downward is formed on the lower edge 25k. These upper edge concave portion 25j and lower edge convex portion 25m are for vertically connecting the small pitch protruding member 25b and the large pitch protruding member 25c, and transmitting rotation to each other.

The same applies to the large-pitch protruding member 25c, which is given the same reference numeral and a detailed description thereof will be omitted, but the pitch of the spiral protruding member 25d is larger than that of the small-pitch protruding member 25b. Although the pitch changes in the part where the spiral protrusion 25d of the small pitch protrusion member 25b and the spiral protrusion 25d of the large pitch protrusion member 25c are continuous, they are smoothly continuous. The large pitch protrusion member 25c is composed of a half-split body 25cR and a half-split body 25cL.

Note that the pitch is the interval between the spiral protrusions 25d along a straight line. The pitch of the spiral protrusions 25d of the small pitch protrusion member 25b is smaller than that of the helical protrusion 25d of the large pitch protrusion member 25c. For example, the pitch of the small pitch protruding member 25b is 25 mm, and the pitch of the large pitch protruding member 25c is 43.2 mm.

Note that the screw shaft 25a shown in FIG. 47 is a rotating shaft of the screw 25, and as shown in FIG. (spur gear) is fixed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 49, the lower edge convex portion 25m of the small pitch protrusion member 25b at the lower part of the screw 25 is connected to the fitting recess 366a of the fitting member 366 integrally formed with the lower lifting gear 362. They are fitted using concave-convex fitting, and driven and rotated together with the screw shaft 25a and the lower lifting gear 362.

The ball lifting motor 150 is a motor that drives the screw 25, and is attached to the lower surface of the upper gearbox 356 in the ball lifting device 22 (FIGS. 38 and 48).

The upper gear box 356 is arranged at the upper end of the ball lifting device 22, and houses and pivotally supports a ball lifting motor gear 358, an idle gear 359, and an upper lifting gear 360 (FIGS. 40 and 44). . Ball lifting motor gear 358 is fixed to the drive shaft of ball lifting motor 150 and meshes with idle gear 359. The idle gear 359 is a two-stage gear that integrates an upper gear with a large number of teeth and a lower gear with a small number of teeth on the lower surface.The upper gear meshes with the ball lifting motor gear 358, and the lower gear It meshes with the upper lifting gear 360. These gears are spur gears and have a lower vertical dimension in the upper gearbox. The upper lifting gear 360 is fixed to the upper end of the screw shaft 25a. With these gear configurations, the screw 25 is driven and rotated by the ball lifting motor 150.

The lower gear box 357 is disposed from the lower end of the ball lifting device 22 to the lower end of the ball gathering section 21, and houses and pivotally supports a lower lifting gear 362 and a ball feeding rotor gear 363 (Fig. 44). The lower lifting gear 362 is fixed to the lower end of the screw shaft 25a and meshes with the ball feeding rotor gear 363. The gear ratio between the ball feeding rotating body gear 363 and the lower lifting gear 362 is 2:1.

The ball feeding rotating body 350 is fixed to the gear shaft 363a of the ball feeding rotating body gear 363, and the ball feeding rotating body 350 is driven and rotated by the ball feeding rotating body gear 363. The ball feeding rotary body 350 is a low cylindrical member disposed corresponding to the ball feeding port 275b of the ball feeding passage 275 in the ball gathering section 21, and in this embodiment, the ball feeding rotary body 350 is a low cylindrical member, and in this embodiment, the ball feeding rotary body 350 is arranged so as to correspond to the ball feeding port 275b of the ball feeding passage 275 in the ball collecting section 21. A ball engaging recess 350a is provided to accommodate the ball. The ball engaging recess 350a has a depth that accommodates approximately half of the game ball (FIG. 43).

The ball feeding slope portion 351 (FIG. 42) is a member that is formed around the ball feeding rotating body 350 and has a slope for lifting the game ball. The range in which the ball feeding inclined portion 351 exists is such that the ball feeding rotating body 350 screws the game ball from the position of the ball feeding port 275b which is the exit of the ball feeding passage 275 on the ball feeding rotating body side with respect to the rotational direction of the ball feeding rotating body 350. This is the range up to the delivery position to 25.

As described above, this ball feeding inclined portion 351 has an arc shape along the outer periphery of the ball feeding rotating body 350 from the ball feeding port 275b to the delivery position, and extends 7 mm (approximately 5 to 8 mm) upward from the position of the ball feeding port 275b. ) It has a sloped surface 351a that rises to a high delivery position, and a top sloped part 351b that projects from the top toward the screw 25 and slopes downward. The width of the inclined surface 351a is 4 mm (approximately 3 to 5 mm), and the top inclined surface 351b is formed in a range larger than the diameter of the game ball before and after the delivery position in the rotational direction of the ball feeding rotary body 350.

The positional relationship between the ball feeding rotary body 350 and the screw 25 in a plan view is such that the game ball that has fallen from the top inclined surface 351b can be received between the pitches of the spiral protrusion 25d. A cover member 368 (not shown) is disposed along the outer periphery of the ball feeding slope 351 up to the vicinity of the delivery position to prevent the game ball from falling from the slope 351a.

A guide block 365 (FIGS. 42 and 43) is disposed on the upper surface of the lower gear box 357 in close proximity to the lower front side of the screw 25. The guide block 365 has an arcuate spherical guide surface 365a close to the helical protrusion 25d of the screw 25, and a stopper surface 365b following this. The ball guide surface 365a is formed from the vicinity of the top inclined surface 351b to the opening 281 provided in the spiral base cover 352, and the tip thereof becomes a stopper surface 365b (FIG. 43).

Two lifting guide rails 282 are arranged adjacent to each other in parallel with the screw 25, and have a diameter of approximately 5 mm and serve as guides to guide the game balls lifted and transported by the screw 25 upward in a straight line. This is a round bar-shaped guide member. The lifting guide rail 282 is located on the almost opposite side to the ball feeding rotating body 350 with respect to the rotational direction of the screw 25, and extends from a position corresponding to the upper end of the opening 281 (FIG. 39) provided diagonally in the helical base cover 352. It is arranged vertically upward, and its upper end is fixed to the lower surface of the upper gearbox 356. The interval between two adjacent lifting guide rails 282 is such a width that a game ball (diameter 11 mm) cannot pass through (5 to 8 mm at the inner interval of the lifting guide rails 282).
In addition, when the game ball is lifted, it is lifted while being in contact with the guide rail 282, so the lifting guide rail 282 has a low friction coefficient and is a guide from the game ball generated by the rotation of the screw 25. It is assumed that the rail 282 has enough rigidity not to be deformed by the pressure applied to the rail 282. It is preferable to use stainless steel as the material.

The support member 367 is a cushion member that prevents deformation of the lifting guide rail 282 and absorbs vibrations transmitted between the game balls and the lifting guide rail 282 and to the upper firing device 12. 282 in its original position, and has a thickness that is sufficient to fit between the cover member 368 consisting of the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting section cover 353 and the lifting guide rail 282. It is a plate-shaped block member, and has a flat surface on the side that contacts the cover member 368 and a recessed portion on the side that supports the lifting guide rail 282.
The lifting guide rail 282 has enough rigidity to not be deformed by the pressing force from the game balls to the guide rail 282 caused by the rotation of the screw 25, but the pressing force from the game balls is applied over a long period of time. Then, the lifting guide rail 282 gradually deforms in the pressing direction, and there is a risk that the game ball will come off from being guided by the lifting guide rail 282, so the deformation is regulated.

Furthermore, since the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 are designed with clearance in the parts where the game balls mainly pass, the vibrations generated when the ball lifting motor 150 is driven, for example, are 25 and the lifting guide rail 282, and abnormal noise may occur between the lifting guide rail 282 and the game ball.Furthermore, the lifting device 22 has a cover member 368 that prevents the screw 25, the lifting guide rail 282, etc. is surrounded, so if any abnormal noise occurs within the lifting device 22, it will resonate and the sound will become louder. However, by arranging the support member 367, it is possible to absorb the vibrations generated in the game machine and suppress the generation of abnormal noise.
Note that the number of support members 367 is arranged between the cover member 368 and the lifting guide rail 282 so that deformation of the guide rail 282 can be restricted and no abnormal noise is generated due to vibration.

The lifting slope member 354 shown in FIG. 46 is a block member having a slope formed on the lower surface of the upper gear box 356 facing the upper end of the screw 25, and the slope intersects with the path along which the game ball is sent up. The moving direction of the game balls vertically lifted by the screw 25 is turned to the horizontal direction and guided to the ball sending gutter 23.

The ball sending gutter 23 is provided at the upper end of the spiral base cover 352 and is a path having an inclination for feeding the game balls guided from the lifting slope member 354 to the upper firing device 12. Further, a side surface of the ball sending gutter 23 is provided with a ball removing member 355 that discharges the game balls inside the game machine to the outside of the game machine (FIGS. 44 and 48). The ball removal member 355 is a removable lid member, and can be removed from the side wall of the ball delivery gutter 23 by operating a knob at the bottom to open an opening provided in the side wall. The ball sending gutter 23 has a diagonal section, and a ball extracting member 355 is arranged on the wall on the tip side of the diagonal section (FIG. 44).

Furthermore, a launched ball waiting ball detection switch 26 is arranged on the outer surface of the ball sending gutter 23 to detect the presence or absence of game balls (FIG. 45). When the launch standby ball detection switch 26 does not detect a game ball, the screw 25 is driven and new game balls are supplied one by one from the ball lifting device 22 to the upper firing device 12.

[Operation of ball collecting section 21 and ball lifting device 22]
The game balls sent from the odd-shaped ball/magnetic ball discharge unit 20 that forms part of the circulation route are sent to the ball sending rotary body 350 in the ball lifting device 22 through the ball sending passage 275 of the ball collecting section 21. It will be done. On the other hand, the screw 25 is rotated by the drive of the ball lifting motor 150 via the gear trains 358, 359, and 360, and the ball feeding rotating body 350 is rotated via the screw shaft 25a and the lower gear trains 362, 363. Since the gear ratio between the lower lifting gear 362 and the ball feeding rotary body gear 363 is 2:1, the ball feeding rotary body 350 rotates once for every two rotations of the screw 25. The ball feeding rotary body 350 receives game balls one by one from the ball feeding passage 275 into the ball engaging recess 350a and rotates counterclockwise (FIG. 43).

Thereafter, by the rotation of the ball feeding rotary body 350, the game ball is engaged with the ball engaging recess 350a and moves, and the remaining outer half moves along the slope 351a of the ball feeding slope 351, and the top slope 351b is reached. Since the top inclined surface 351b is inclined downward, the game ball is sent from that position to the spiral protrusion 25d of the small pitch protrusion member 25b. At this time, the game balls sent in from the top inclined surface 351b, which is slightly higher, have a larger distance from the following game balls, and are reliably separated one by one.
In order to stably feed the game balls, it is conceivable to make the terminal end of the top slope 351b and the game ball delivery position of the small pitch protrusion member 25b approximately at the same height.
Further, when feeding the game ball from the top slope 351b to the small pitch protrusion member 25d, the method is not limited to using a downward slope, but may also be configured to use a rail to guide the game ball to the small pitch protrusion member 25d, for example. .
In addition, if the difference in level between the end of the inclined surface 351a and the small pitch protruding member 25d at the bottom of the screw 25 that receives the game ball is small, the game ball may be dropped directly from the inclined surface 351a to the small pitch protruding member 25d. It is possible.

Next, the game ball moves along the ball guide surface 365a of the guide block 365 as the small pitch protrusion member 25b rotates and collides with the stopper surface 365b. During this time, the game ball rises as the screw 25 rotates and reaches the lower end of the opening 281 provided in the spiral base cover 352. In this case, as described above, the ball feeding rotary body 350 is provided with ball engaging recesses 350a every 180 degrees, and rotates at half the speed of the screw 25, so one ball is rotated every half rotation. Game balls will be supplied to the screw 25. Since one half rotation of the ball feeding rotary body corresponds to one pitch of the small pitch protruding member 25b, the game ball sent from the ball feeding rotating body 350 is always one ball between the pitches of the small pitch protruding member 25b. It is sent one by one and continuously. (Figure 41).
In other words, the game balls are prevented from being tied together in the ball transport device 22.

It comes into contact with the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 through the opening 281 . That is, as the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 of the ball lifting device 22, the game ball is rubbed against the ball polishing cloth 263 through the opening 281, thereby cleaning and polishing the game ball (FIG. 39). By being guided obliquely upward, the area of the ball polishing cloth 263 can be effectively utilized.

After passing through the opening 281, the game ball is lifted to the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 as the screw 25 rotates, but at this time, the game ball is moved to the lifting guide rail 282 arranged in parallel. Guided and moved in a straight line. The guide rail 282 allows the game balls lifted and transported by the screw 25 to move in the vertical direction, and restricts the movement in the left and right directions. During this time, the game ball is lifted and transported relatively slowly due to the small pitch at the lower small pitch protrusion member 25a, so that there is no problem in receiving the ball from the ball feeding rotary body 350. There is. Furthermore, since the pitch of the small pitch protrusion member 25b on the upper part is small, the movement of the game ball is relatively slow, so that there is no problem in feeding the ball to the upper firing device 12.
On the other hand, in the middle part of the screw 25, there is no particular problem even if the lifting speed of the game ball is increased, so a large pitch protrusion member with a large pitch is used. The number of game balls circulated within the ball transport device 22 can be reduced. Furthermore, this makes it possible to reduce the burden caused by the weight of the game ball on the screw 25 (FIG. 45).
Furthermore, the term "lifting" in this embodiment is used to mean that the game balls are continuously carried up from the lower part of the gaming machine to the upper part.

The game ball that has reached the upper end of the ball lifting device 22 contacts the slope of the lifting slope member 354 from below, thereby changing the moving direction of the game ball lifted by the screw 25 from the vertical direction to the approximately horizontal direction. The game balls are turned and smoothly sent from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball sending gutter 23. Then, the game ball sent into the ball sending gutter 23 rolls on the gentle slope of the ball sending gutter 23 and is fed into the upper firing device 12 (FIG. 46).
In this case, when the lifted game ball comes into contact with the slope portion of the lifting slope member 354, it is configured to come off the guide of the lifting guide rail 282 and naturally flow down to the floor surface of the ball sending gutter 23. No ball pressure is applied to the lifting guide rail 282 or the screw 25, making it possible to feed the ball smoothly.

When it is necessary to take out the circulating game balls from the game machine for maintenance or the like, they can be easily ejected from the game machine by operating the ball extracting member 355 provided on the outer surface of the ball sending gutter 23 ( Figure 37, Figure 48).

In this embodiment, the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting section cover 353 are made of transparent resin (acrylic resin), and by using transparent resin in this way, the state inside the ball lifting device 22 can be controlled. This is preferable because it can be easily visually confirmed without disassembling the material, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the spiral base cover 352 and the lifting section cover 353 may be made of opaque resin, metal, or the like.

Moreover, although the small pitch protruding member 25b and the large pitch protruding member 25c are configured to be joined in half, they may be cylindrical members that are integrally formed from the beginning. Furthermore, by making full use of synthetic resin molding technology, the entire screw 25 except for the screw shaft 25a can be integrally molded.

In addition, the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 are made of materials that have good sliding properties and are rigid enough not to be deformed by the pressing force from the game ball to the lifting guide rail 282 caused by the rotation of the screw 25. Preferably, metal such as aluminum or synthetic resin may be used. Further, it is conceivable that the spiral protrusion 25d is made of a hard silicone material or the like at least in the portion that receives the game ball from the ball feeding rotary body 350. Thereby, the impact generated when the game ball falls onto the spiral protrusion 25d can be absorbed.

Although the lifting guide rail 282 in this embodiment uses two rails to guide the game balls in the vertical direction, the number of rails is not limited to two. For example, the lifting guide rail 282 may be one rail, and the other rail may be The other guide may have a configuration in which the inner wall of the cover member 368 extends parallel to and adjacent to the transport guide rail 282 to guide the game ball.

Further, the support member 367 is disposed between the cover member 368 consisting of the spiral base cover 352 and the lift section cover 353 and the lift guide rail 282, but if the support member 367 is limited to absorbing vibrations, the support member 367 In addition to the member 368, for example, as shown in FIG. 70, a support member 367 may be placed over both ends of the lifting guide rail 282. This eliminates vibrations generated by the operation of movable accessories (not shown) placed on the game board and electric drive sources such as motors, and the player's operation of the touch panel section 14 placed on the door frame 3. Various vibrations that occur in the game machine, such as vibrations caused by the impact that occurs when playing, are absorbed, so there may be situations where the game ball comes off the guide of the guide rail and cannot be lifted, or the game ball is not released due to vibration. It is possible to suppress instability.

In addition, in this embodiment, the game ball is continuously sent out and conveyed one pitch at a time on the spiral protrusion 25d over the entire length of the screw 25, but the game ball is lifted at all pitches of the screw 25. The configuration is not limited to this, as long as the game balls are continuously lifted and transported even if the game balls are not transported.

The lifting slope member 354 may have any structure as long as it can smoothly send the game balls vertically lifted by the screw 25 and the lifting guide rail 282 to the ball sending gutter 23, and it may be molded integrally with the upper gear box 356. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 67 and 68, the upper surface of the ball delivery path 23 may be extended onto the game ball transport path, and a slope may be formed on the lower surface of the extended portion.

In addition, the ball lifting device 22 of the present invention is configured to lift and transport game balls using a screw 25, but if the game ball is lifted by vertically guiding and conveying it, the screw 25 is used. However, various methods can be selected, such as a belt conveyor that can continuously transport game balls.

[Ball polishing device]
Next, a description will be given of a ball polishing device that cleans and polishes game balls enclosed within a gaming machine. FIG. 38 described earlier is a front view of the ball polishing device with the ball polishing cartridge installed, and FIG. 39 described earlier is a front view of the ball polishing device with the ball polishing cartridge removed. FIG.

Moreover, FIG. 50 is a left side view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is installed, and FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism for fixing the ball polishing cartridge. FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing the state in the middle of installing the ball polishing cartridge.

53 and 54 are diagrams showing a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other, and FIG. 53 shows a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other. FIG. 54 is a left side view showing a game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge being pressed against each other, and FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge shown in FIG. 54 with the left side cover removed. FIG. Moreover, FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 55.

Next, FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is installed, and FIG. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which the right outer side cover is removed for explaining the inside of the right side cover in FIG. 59 is a top perspective view showing a state in which the right side cover is opened in FIG. 58. 60 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge, FIG. 61 is a front view thereof, FIG. 62 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 63 is a side view of FIG. 62 with the left side cover removed.

As shown in FIGS. 38 and 50, a ball collecting section 21 is provided at the lower part of the ball lifting device 22, and a ball polishing cartridge 251 is installed in a ball polishing cartridge mounting section 270 of a part of the ball collecting section 21. is said to be able to be installed. Here, the outside of the ball lifting device 22 is made of a transparent plastic member, so that even if a game ball becomes clogged within the ball lifting device 22, the location where the jam occurs can be easily seen. It looks like this. As shown in FIG. 51, the ball polishing cartridge 251 attached to the ball polishing cartridge mounting section 270 is supported at one end on a shaft and rotating at the other end. By hooking the other end of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 to the ball polishing cartridge fixing stopper 272 also provided in the ball collecting section 21, the ball polishing cartridge 251 can be pressed inward and leftward. It has a structure. In addition, in FIG. 51, in order to make it easy to understand the movement mode of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271, both the open state and the closed state of the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271 are shown.

FIG. 39 is a front view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge 251 is removed. As shown in FIG. 39, the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 has a ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 formed of a hollow portion into which the ball polishing cartridge 251 can be mounted. In addition, in FIG. 39, for ease of viewing, the ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 271, the mounting sensor 291 provided inside the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 and visible from the ball polishing cartridge mounting opening 273, and the drive shaft 290 are shown. Description is omitted.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 in FIG. 39. At the back of the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 inside the ball polishing cartridge mounting section 270, below the right side surface, there is a second drive gear of the ball polishing cartridge 251, which is coaxial with the second drive gear 257 shown in FIG. A drive shaft 290 that fits into the gear shaft 261 of the first embodiment is provided, and an attachment sensor 291 including a pushable button 292 is provided above the right side surface. As a result of a series of mounting operations for the ball polishing cartridge 251, the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pressed, and thus mounting of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is detected. Specific aspects of the mounting operation will be described later.

In addition, in the innermost part of the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 facing the ball lifting device 22, the ball lifting device 22 has a long side that is used to advance the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251, which will be described later. An opening 281 having a different angle from the direction is provided. As a result, a deviation occurs between the direction in which the game balls are lifted and the direction in which the ball polishing cloth 263 travels, so that only a part of the ball polishing cloth 263 having a predetermined width in the width direction is not used. It becomes possible to clean and polish game balls by effectively utilizing the width of 263 mm.

Furthermore, the width between the long sides of the opening 281 is such that at least a part of the peripheral edge of the game ball lifted by the ball lifting device 22 can protrude to the outside of the ball lifting device 22 at the opening position. In this embodiment, the width between the long sides of the opening 281 is set to 8.4 mm for the diameter of the game ball of 11 mm. The game ball is configured to protrude from the opening 281 toward the ball polishing cloth 263 by about 1.5 mm.

As a result, during the game period, a part of the peripheral edge of the game ball being lifted in the ball lifting device 22 protrudes outside the ball lifting device 22 at the position of the opening 281, and the ball is polished. The ball polishing cloth 263 of the cartridge 251 and the game ball can come into contact with each other. In particular, if the ball polishing cartridge 251 has an elastic member and is configured to press the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game balls, the ball polishing cloth 263 can be brought into contact with the game balls more reliably, and Reliable ball polishing is possible.

Furthermore, even if the ball polishing cartridge 251 is removed with the game ball remaining in the ball transport device 22 during a time outside the gaming period, the width of the opening 281 will be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. With this structure, the game balls remaining in the ball lifting device 22 will not spill onto the ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 273 side of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of installing the ball polishing cartridge 251 from the state shown in FIG. 39. As can be seen from FIGS. 39 and 52, in this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is inserted and mounted from the front of the main body frame 2.

60 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge 251, FIG. 61 is a front view thereof, FIG. 62 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 63 is a side view of FIG. 62 with the left side cover removed. Here, 259 is a take-up roller, 260 is a driven roller, 261 is a first gear shaft, and 262 is a second gear shaft. The second gear shaft 262 is configured to be coaxial with the drive gear 257, and the second gear shaft 262 is configured to be coaxial with the driven roller 260. Further, 268 is a game ball contact trace, and as shown in FIG. Since they are at different angles with respect to the vertical direction, the game ball contact traces 268 are formed with an inclination with respect to the long side direction of the ball polishing cloth 263.

53 and 54 are diagrams showing a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other, and FIG. 53 shows a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other. FIG. 54 is a left side view showing a state in which the game ball and the ball polishing cloth of the ball polishing cartridge are pressed against each other.

As shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the game balls are lifted by the screw 25 provided in the ball lifting device 22, and the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is connected to the ball lifting device 22. At the opposing location, the game ball comes into contact with the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 through the opening 281 of the ball lifting device 22, and the game ball is lifted by the screw 25 of the ball lifting device 22. As a result, the ball is rubbed with the ball polishing cloth 263, thereby cleaning and polishing the game ball.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the screw 25 in the ball lifting device 22 has different shapes at the upper and lower portions and at the middle portion. In the upper and lower parts, the inclination angle of the spiral of the screw 25 (the spiral protrusion 25d in FIG. 47) is made smaller to narrow the pitch, whereas in the middle part, the inclination angle of the spiral of the screw is increased to narrow the pitch. It is also wide. Since there is no need to spend time lifting the intermediate part, by increasing the inclination angle of the spiral and increasing the lifting speed, the game balls can be lifted in a short time. It is possible to reduce the number of game balls included in the game machine, and it is possible to reduce the number of game balls enclosed inside the game machine.

In addition, by narrowing the pitch interval at the lower part, the lifting speed of the game ball at the part where the game ball faces the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is reduced, so that the pitch between the game ball and the ball polishing cloth 263 is reduced. To reliably clean and polish a game ball by increasing the contact time with the ball. Furthermore, by narrowing the pitch interval in the upper part, the lifting speed of game balls at the lifting end of the ball lifting device 22 can be reduced, and the balls are transferred from the ball lifting device 22 to the ball sending gutter 23. The occurrence of troubles such as ball biting during delivery can be eliminated, and game balls can be smoothly sent to the ball sending gutter 23.

Further, as shown in FIG. 54, the ball lifting device 22 is equipped with two guide rails 282 that guide the lifting and feeding of game balls. The spacing between both guide rails is set to be approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball, but adjustments are made to make it somewhat narrower for stability in areas where the movement of the game ball being lifted may be violent. be able to. In this way, the game ball is lifted within the ball lifting device 22 while being supported on both sides by both guide rails.

FIG. 55 is a left side view of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 54 with the left side cover removed. Moreover, FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ball polishing cartridge in FIG. 55. Here, 259 is a take-up roller, and 260 is a driven roller, to which driving force from a ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155, which will be described later, is transmitted. The rotation of the second drive gear 257, which is configured to be coaxial with the take-up roller 259, rotates the take-up roller 259, and the frictional force between the take-up roller 259 and the driven roller 260 causes the ball polishing cloth to rotate. 263 is wound up.

Further, a ball polishing cloth 263 is arranged in a portion of the ball polishing cartridge 251 facing the ball lifting device 22, and a tensioner 267 having a function of pressing down the ball polishing cloth 263 is provided behind the ball polishing cloth 263. Behind the tensioner 267, two coiled ball polishing cloth pressing springs 264 are provided which have the function of pressing the tensioner 267 and the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball. Furthermore, a spring presser 266 that supports the ball polishing cloth presser spring 264 is provided behind the ball polishing cloth presser spring 264. Further, a leaf spring 265 is provided at the top of the ball polishing cartridge, and the leaf spring 265 lightly presses and aligns the ball polishing cloth 263, so that the ball polishing cloth 263 is placed in the portion facing the ball lifting device 22. It plays the role of arranging them before sending them in.

Note that the ball polishing cloth 263 wound up by the take-up roller 259 and the driven roller 260 is stored in the ball polishing cartridge 251, but in FIGS. The description of the ball polishing cloth 263 inside the ball polishing cartridge after being wound up is omitted.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ball polishing cartridge is installed, and 253 is a right side cover, which is composed of an outer right side cover 253a and an inner right side cover 253b, which are integrated. 258 is a second drive gear case that covers a second drive gear 257, which will be described later. 58 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the right outer side cover 253a of the right side cover 253 is removed in FIG. 57 for explanation, 253b is the right inner side cover, and 155 is a ball polishing ribbon. This is a feed motor and serves as a driving source for winding up the ball polishing cloth 263 in the ball polishing cartridge 251 . Further, the right side cover 253 is provided with a hinge 255 at the rear end thereof that engages with the hinge receiving portion 254, and the right side cover 253 is rotatable about the hinge 255 as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 consists of a stepping motor. A specific driving mode of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 will be described later.

59 is a top perspective view showing the right side cover 253 in an open state in FIG. 58, and the right side cover 253 is rotatable about the hinge 255 that engages with the hinge receiving portion 254 as a fulcrum. . Between the right outer side cover 253a and the right inner side cover 253b of the right side cover 253, there is a first (not shown) shaft which is coaxial with the rotation axis of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 and rotated by the drive of the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155. A drive gear is provided, and in this embodiment, a gear with 16 teeth is used. Further, a second drive gear that is coaxial with the drive shaft 290 and meshes with the first drive gear is also provided between the right outer side cover 253a and the right inner side cover 253b, and in this embodiment, the number of teeth is 32. gear is used.

Next, the mounting operation and mounting detection of the ball polishing cartridge 251 will be explained. FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the ball polishing cartridge mounting section 270, and FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the ball polishing cartridge 251 and the ball polishing cartridge mounting section 270. The ball polishing cartridge mounting portion 270 is configured such that when the right side cover 253 is rotated using the hinge 255 as a fulcrum, the ball polishing cartridge mounting opening 273 expands using the hinge portion as a fulcrum (direction A in FIG. 64). There is.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 65, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is inserted into the ball polishing cartridge mounting port 273 from the front. At the time of insertion, the ball polishing cartridge mounting opening 273 is widened by the rotation of the right side cover 253, so that the drive shaft 290 and the mounting sensor 291 do not get in the way of insertion. After inserting the ball polishing cartridge 251, rotate the ball polishing cartridge 251 in the direction opposite to A in FIG. 271 to the ball polishing cartridge fixing stop 272, the drive shaft 290 engages with the first gear shaft 261 of the ball polishing cartridge 251, the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is pushed in, and the ball polishing cartridge 251 is activated. It is detected that it is attached.

When the button 292 of the installation sensor 291 is pressed while the power is being turned on to the game machine, it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is correctly installed and no notification is made, but when the power is turned on. Nevertheless, when the button 292 of the mounting sensor 291 is not pressed, a notification is given that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not properly mounted. The notification can be made by displaying that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not installed on a display device (not shown) that is normally included in the game machine and displays effects according to the game mode. . In addition, as another notification mode, the notification can be made by lighting or blinking a decorative lamp for presentation or a dedicated lamp indicating the attachment state of the ball polishing cartridge 251 in a predetermined manner.

In addition, in an enclosed ball type game machine like this embodiment, since the game is played by circulating the game balls enclosed in the game machine, the game can be continued for a long time without cleaning the game balls. This may cause dirt to accumulate on the game balls and cause the balls to roll poorly, so it is preferable to clean the game balls using a ball polishing device somewhere along the circulation path of the game balls. However, it is not impossible to play the game without the ball polishing device, so even if it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge is not installed, the display device or lamp will only notify you and you will not be able to continue playing the game. can.

Furthermore, the playing time of the player is detected by a touch switch 87 provided on the handle, and cumulatively measured by a measuring means (not shown). In this embodiment, the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155 is moved one step every time the cumulative measurement time by the measuring means reaches one minute. In this embodiment, since the winding roller 259 has a diameter of 25 mm, the circumference length is approximately 78.5 mm (=25 x 3.14), and the first drive gear 256 and the second drive gear 257 Considering that the gear ratio of is 1/2, the feed amount of the ball polishing cloth 263 per step is 0.11 mm (=78.5/360/2).

In this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is pressed down and fixed by hanging the lever on the stopper, but the method of fixing is not limited to this method, and other fixing methods can be used. A method can also be used.
In addition, in this embodiment, a coiled ball polishing cloth pressing spring 264 is used as a means for pressing the ball polishing cloth 263 against the game ball, but the pressing means is not limited to this. It is also possible to use shaped springs or other elastic members.

In this embodiment, the ball polishing cartridge 251 is placed at the bottom of the game machine, but the position of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not limited to this position, and may be placed in the middle or upper part of the game machine. It can also be placed. In that case, the opening provided in the portion of the ball lifting device 22 facing the ball polishing cartridge 251 may also be changed to a location corresponding to the arrangement position of the ball polishing cartridge 251.

In addition, in this embodiment, as a method of differentiating the direction in which the game balls are lifted by the ball lifting device 22 and the direction in which the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is wound, the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is The game balls are conveyed in the vertical direction, and the lifting direction of the ball lifting device 22 in the portion facing the ball polishing cloth 263 is tilted from the vertical direction. However, the conveyance direction of the game balls of the ball lifting device 22 may be vertical, and the conveyance direction of the ball polishing cloth 263 of the ball polishing cartridge 251 may be tilted from the vertical direction, or both may be tilted. Various methods can be selected, such as the direction.

Further, in this embodiment, a pushable button 292 is provided as the mounting sensor 291 of the ball polishing cartridge 251, and when the button 292 is pushed in by the mounting operation of the ball polishing cartridge 251, the mounting of the ball polishing cartridge 251 is detected. However, the mounting sensor 291 is not limited to these sensors, and other types of sensors such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor can also be used.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the mounting sensor 291 detects that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not correctly mounted, the game can be continued by simply providing a notification. If it is detected that the ball polishing cartridge 251 is not installed correctly, it is also possible to disable the game.

[Game ball enclosing operation]
Next, we will explain the filling operation of enclosing a predetermined number of game balls into a sealed ball game machine, such as when a new sealed ball game machine is installed or when dirty game balls are taken out and cleaned. do. The enclosing operation is performed while the enclosed ball game machine is not powered on. Therefore, the ball lifting device 22 and various sensors in the enclosed ball game machine are not operating.

In the enclosed ball type game machine, the game ball is fired into the game area by the firing device, and after rolling around the game area, it either enters the winning device or is collected from the outlet 42, and the collected game ball is It is transported again to the firing device, where it is fired again into the game area, and a game is played. In other words, a circulation path for game balls is formed as a whole.
To introduce the game ball in the enclosing operation, the game ball may be introduced into this circulation path, and in this embodiment, the game ball is introduced from the outlet 42. Thereby, there is no need to separately provide a charging port for encapsulating game balls in the sealed ball game machine, and the configuration of the sealed ball game machine can be simplified. Further, instead of the out port 42, the game balls may be introduced through the winning port 41 of the winning device. The game ball that entered the winning opening 41 of the winning device also merges with the gaming ball that entered the out opening 42, and is then conveyed to the firing device, so the game ball enters the winning opening 41 of the winning device. Even if a game ball is introduced into the outlet 42, the game ball can be put into the circulation path in the same way as when the game ball is introduced into the outlet 42. In either case, when introducing the game ball, care must be taken to prevent the game ball, hand, or other objects from hitting the nail. When introducing a game ball into the out port 42, by providing a game ball introduction member 427, which will be described later, it is possible to prevent the game ball from hitting a nail during insertion. In addition, the out opening 42 and the winning opening 41 correspond to a game ball collection opening.

FIG. 71 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the number of game balls is less than a predetermined number when the game balls are enclosed in the enclosed ball type game machine. As described above, during the game ball loading operation, the ball lifting device 22 is not driven because the power is not yet turned on to the sealed ball game machine. Therefore, the game balls thrown in from the out port 42 or the winning port 41 enter from the collection port 202, and after passing through the irregularly shaped ball/magnetic ball discharge unit 20, are lined up with the front of the ball lifting device 22 at the head.

FIG. 72 shows a state in which game balls are further thrown in from the state shown in FIG. 71 and a predetermined number of game balls has been reached. As shown in FIG. 72, when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed, the last game ball 233 inserted is located at a discontinuous portion 222 where the magnetic ball ejection path 226 and the regular game ball path diverge. and is configured to seal off the discontinuous portion 223.

FIG. 73 shows a state in which more game balls have been thrown in from the state shown in FIG. 72, and more than a predetermined number of game balls have been thrown in. As mentioned above, when a predetermined number of game balls have been sealed, the last game ball 233 thrown in is configured to close off the discontinuous portion 223, so that the game balls 233 that are further thrown in are sealed in a predetermined number. The game ball 235 exceeds the normal game ball 233 from the discontinuous portion 223, and is guided to the magnetic ball discharge chest 227 from the magnetic ball discharge path 226 and collected.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the magnetic ball ejecting section, the discontinuous portion 223 to which the regular game balls 233 are guided when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed is sealed, and a predetermined number or more of game balls are removed from the magnetic balls. Although it is configured to be collected at the discharge section, similarly, in the irregular ball discharge route, when a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed, the path through which the regular game balls 233 are guided is blocked, and the irregular shaped ball discharge route is collected. You can also do it like this.

In addition, in order to improve efficiency when throwing game balls into the out port 42, a game ball introducing member 427 is provided on the rail portion of the front component 45 located at the lower edge of the out port 42 (Fig. 74, 75). Since the structure is such that when a game ball is placed on the upper surface of the game ball introduction member 427, the game ball is poured toward the out port 42, the game ball can be efficiently enclosed. Moreover, the game ball can be thrown in without hitting a nearby nail.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introducing member 427 is projected. The game ball introduction member 427 can be projected by opening the door frame 3 and sliding it toward you.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball introducing member 427 is stored. Since it can be stored by pushing the game ball introduction member 427 deep from the state shown in FIG. 74, it does not interfere with the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, the game ball introduction member 427 has a structure that allows it to move forward and backward by manually sliding it, but the method is not limited to the above method. Various methods can be selected, such as automatically moving forward and backward by opening and closing 3.

In this embodiment, the upper firing device 12 is attached and fixed to the upper left side of the main body frame 2.
Therefore, when fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2 when installing a new machine, etc., the upper firing device 12 must be avoided. However, since the upper firing device 12 is arranged on the same surface where the game board 5 is fitted, it is difficult to handle when fitting the game board 5, and when fitting the game board 5, it is difficult to handle the game board 5 by mistake. There is a possibility that the upper firing device 12 may be collided with the upper firing device 12 and the upper firing device 12 and the game board 5 may be damaged. In order to prevent such problems from occurring, a positioning guide member 450 is disposed on the main body frame 2, which plays the role of positioning when the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2.

Next, the positioning guide member will be explained. As shown in FIG. 97, a positioning guide member is arranged on the inner wall of the left side plate of the main body frame 2. As shown in FIG. This member is a member that positions and guides the game board 5 when it is fitted into the main body frame 2, and is rotatably supported by a hinge, allowing rotation of approximately 90 degrees. . In addition, since the game board 5 is biased by a biasing member such as a spring, when the game board 5 is not fitted into the main body frame 2, the point where the lower end of the left side of the game board 5 and the lower left end of the front surface meet is the front side. facing to the side. Further, a floor surface is formed on which the left end of the lower surface of the game board 5 is aligned. Furthermore, in order to achieve stability during fitting, the positioning guide member 450 without a floor surface may be placed above the positioning guide member 450 with a floor surface.

To fit the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, as shown in FIG. 98(A), positioning is performed by aligning the front lower left end, side lower end, and bottom left end of the game board 5 with the positioning guide member 450, respectively. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 98(B), use the positioning guide member as a fulcrum to rotate the game board 5 toward the main body frame 2, and fit it into the main body frame 2 as shown in FIG. 98(C). conduct. By doing this, the positioning guide member 450 presses the lower left end of the front surface of the game board 5 toward the main body frame 2 side when the game board 5 is fitted, so that the positional relationship between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 is fixed without any play. , the launch port 38 of the upper launch device 12 and the launch area 40 of the game board 5 are fixed so as to be flush with each other, and become an obstacle when the game ball runs between the launch port 38 and the game area 8. Stable firing is possible with no steps or the like.

Further, the game board 5 is positioned on the main body frame 2 by aligning the game board 5 with a positioning guide member 450 provided on the inner side wall of the main body frame 2. After that, by fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the positioning guide member 450 rotates in accordance with the fitting operation of the game board 5, so it becomes a guide to pull the game board 5 into the fitting position of the main body frame 2, and the game board 5 is inserted into the main body frame 2. Since the board 5 can be fitted into the main body frame 2 without accidentally colliding with the upper launching device 12, the possibility of damaging the upper launching device 12 and the game board 5 due to collision is reduced as much as possible. be able to.

Next, an overview of the control of the gaming machine 1 and the payment machine 4 as an external device disposed adjacent to one side thereof will be explained. FIG. 76 is a block diagram showing essential parts in an embodiment of a main control board equipped with an RTC and installed in an enclosed ball game machine. The control of the gaming machine 1 is broadly divided into a main board group and a peripheral board group. Of these, the main board group controls gaming operations, and the peripheral board group controls production operations (liquid crystal display device 1400, (lamps, body frame lamps, door frame lamps, sound). The main board group is made up of a main control board 100 and a sphere information control board 110, and the peripheral board group is made up of a peripheral control board 130.

[Main control board 100]
The main control board 100 controls the game. The main control board 100 and a ball information control board 110, which will be described later, are connected to enable bidirectional data communication. As shown in FIG. 76, the main control board 100 that controls the progress of the game includes a main control MPU 101, which is a microprocessor that has a built-in ROM that stores various processing programs and commands, and a RAM that temporarily stores data. , a main control I/O port 102 as an input/output device (I/O device), a main control input circuit 103 into which detection signals from various detection switches are input, and a main control solenoid for driving various solenoids. It includes a drive circuit 104 and a RAM clear switch 105 for completely erasing information stored in a RAM built into the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in RAM").

In addition to its built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in ROM") and main control built-in RAM, the main control MPU 101 also has a watchdog timer to monitor its operation (system) and a watchdog timer to prevent fraud. It also has built-in functions. In addition, the main control MPU 101 has a built-in non-volatile memory, and this non-volatile RAM contains a unique code (a code that exists only once in the world) for identifying each individual by the manufacturer that manufactured the main control MPU 101. ) is stored in advance. This ID code once assigned is stored in non-volatile RAM and cannot be rewritten even using an external device. The main control MPU 101 can retrieve the ID code from the nonvolatile RAM and refer to it.

[RTC control unit]
Further, the main control MPU 101 of the embodiment includes an external real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 107 that is capable of acquiring time information as a time information acquisition means. Although not shown, the RTC 107 includes a register circuit, a clock input circuit, a clock output circuit, an interrupt output circuit, a data input/output circuit, and a control circuit.

The RTC 107 has a clock/calendar function. The clock/calendar function is a timekeeping function that counts the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. Moreover, if necessary, a device that counts the days of the week may be used. The RTC control unit 106 is provided with an RTC 107 and a battery 108 for driving the RTC 107. By including the battery 108, the RTC 107 does not interrupt its timekeeping and calendar functions even when the power to a power supply board (not shown) is cut off.

The battery 108 may be a primary battery (for example, a button battery) or a rechargeable secondary battery, which eliminates the need to provide a backup power source and avoids complicating the configuration of the main control board 100. I can do it. Note that the battery 108 is also used as a backup power source for the RAM 109.

By including the RTC 107, the main control MPU 101 has a function of specifying the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second (calendar information and time information). The main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 acquires time information (hours, minutes, seconds) from the RTC 107 when the gaming machine is powered on.

An upper starting hole detection switch 90 arranged in the gaming area 8 of the game board 5 detects a winning game ball in the upper starting hole (not shown), and detects a winning game ball in the lower starting hole (not shown). Detection signals from the lower starting hole detection switch 91 and the general winning hole detection switch 93 that detects a game ball that has won a general winning hole (not shown) are first input to the main control input circuit 103, and are input to the main control input circuit 103. It is input to the main control MPU 101 via the O port 102.

In addition, a gate switch 92 that detects game balls that have passed through a gate section (not shown), a general winning hole detection switch 94 that detects game balls that have entered a general winning hole (not shown), and a grand winning hole (not shown). The detection signal from the count switch 98 that detects winning game balls is first input to the main control input circuit 103 via the panel relay terminal board 140 attached to the game board 5, and then sent to the main control I/O port. It is input to the main control MPU 101 via 102.

The main control MPU 101 outputs a control signal from the main control I/O port 102 to the main control solenoid drive circuit 104 based on these detection signals, thereby controlling the starting port solenoid 96 and the main control via the panel relay terminal board 140. A drive signal is output to the winning opening solenoid 97, and the upper special symbol display 142, the lower special symbol display 143, and the upper special symbol are output from the main control I/O port 102 to the panel relay terminal board 140 and the function display board 141. A drive signal is output to the symbol memory display 144, the lower special symbol memory display 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol memory display 147, the game status display 148, and the round display 149.

In addition, the main control MPU 101 serially transmits various information related to games (gaming information) and various commands related to prize balls according to winnings to the ball information control board 110, It receives various commands related to the status of 1 in a serial manner. In addition, the main control MPU 101 transmits various commands related to control of game effects and various commands related to the state of the gaming machine 1 to the peripheral control board 130. When the peripheral control board 130 receives the control command transmitted from the main control board 100, the peripheral control board 130 creates various effects (for example, a decorative pattern on the display panel of the liquid crystal display device 1400 to notify the result of the judgment) according to the received control command. It performs control related to the fluctuating display of rows, accompanying performance displays, lamps, sounds, movements of movable decorative objects for performance, etc.).

[Sphere information control board 110]
FIG. 77 is a block diagram mainly showing the main parts of the ball information control board 110 installed in the enclosed ball type game machine. The ball information control board 110 includes a ball information control section 118 that performs various controls related to the management of held balls, the ball lifting device 22, the firing solenoid 13, the ball feeding solenoid 31, the ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 155, and the like. Further, the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 are connected to enable bidirectional data communication.

[Sphere information control unit 118]
As shown in FIG. 77, the ball information control unit 118 includes a ball information control MPU 111, which is a microprocessor that has a built-in ROM that stores various processing programs and various commands, a RAM that temporarily stores data, and the like, and an I/ A ball information control I/O port 112 as an O device, an external watchdog timer 116 (hereinafter referred to as "external WDT 116") for monitoring whether or not the ball information control MPU 111 is operating normally. , a ball lifting motor drive circuit 114 for outputting a drive signal to the ball lifting motor 150 of the ball lifting device 22 that carries out ball lifting, and a ball information control input circuit into which detection signals from various detection switches are input. 113, a CR unit input/output circuit 115 for exchanging various signals with the payment machine 4, and a ball polishing ribbon feed motor drive circuit 119 for outputting a drive signal to the ball polishing ribbon feed motor 155. There is. The ball information control MPU 111 has a built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "ball information control built-in ROM") and RAM (hereinafter referred to as "ball information control built-in RAM"), as well as a built-in ROM (hereinafter referred to as "ball information control built-in RAM"). There are also built-in functions to prevent this.

The ball information control MPU 111 receives various information regarding games (gaming information) and various commands regarding prize balls from the main control board 100 via the ball information control I/O port 112 in a serial manner. An operation signal (detection signal) of the RAM clear switch 105 is inputted via the ball information control I/O port 112.

Detection signals from the door frame release switch 131 that detects the opening of the door frame 3 with respect to the main body frame 2 and the main body frame release switch 132 that detects the release of the main body frame 2 with respect to the outer frame are first input to the sphere information control input circuit 113. and is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I/O port 112. Furthermore, a touch detection signal (ON signal) from the touch switch 87 that detects whether or not the palm or fingers are touching the ball batting handle 10 is input to the ball information control board 110 via the handle relay terminal board 123, and The detection signal is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I/O port 112.

Further, the ball information control MPU 111 is connected to the firing solenoid 13 through the firing solenoid drive circuit 120, and to the ball feeding solenoid 31 through the ball feeding solenoid driving circuit 122, and the firing solenoid 13 is connected to the ball feeding solenoid 31 through the ball feeding solenoid driving circuit 122. and the ball feeding solenoid 31 are driven. Also, the presence/absence of game balls supplied to the launch standby ball detection switches 26, 70, the launch ball confirmation switch 36, the recovered ball detection switch 203, the ball path full detection switch 206, the appropriate ball amount detection switch 207, and the ball lifting device 22. A lifting inlet switch 156 for detecting the rotation speed of the ball lifting motor 150, a lifting motor sensor (photo sensor) 157 for detecting the rotation speed of the ball lifting motor 150, and a ball polishing cartridge containing a ball polishing cloth ribbon are installed. A detection signal from the cassette detection switch 158 for detecting is input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the sensor relay board 124, and is input to the ball information control MPU 111 via the ball information control I/O port 112. There is. The ball information control MPU 111 sends drive signals for driving the ball lifting motor 150, ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 155, firing solenoid 13, and ball feeding solenoid 31 to each drive element via the ball information control I/O port 112. Output to.

Further, a touch panel section 14 is connected to the ball information control MPU 111 so as to be displayable by control output from the ball information control I/O port 112. In addition to relaying electrical connections between the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 133, the ball information control board 110 also connects the door frame release switch 131, the main body frame release switch 132, and the external terminal board 133. It relays electrical connections between Note that the external terminal board 133 is electrically connected to a hall computer installed in a game hall (hall).

Detection signals from a touch switch 87 that detects whether the palm or fingers are touching the ball hitting handle 10, and a firing stop switch 86 that detects whether or not the firing of the game ball is forcibly stopped according to the player's will. is first input to the ball information control input circuit 113 via the handle relay terminal board 123. Further, when the payment machine 4 and the ball information control board 110 are electrically connected, the signal is input to the CR unit input/output circuit 115 as a CR connection signal.

Note that DC power +24V, +12V, and +5.2V are supplied to the ball information control board 110 from a power supply board (not shown). Further, DC power supplies +24V, +12V, and +5.2V are supplied to the main control board 100 via the ball information control board 110.

The power outage monitoring circuit 117 compares and monitors the voltage V1 based on +24V and the reference voltage, and the voltage V2 based on +12V and the reference voltage, and when a sign of a power outage or instantaneous power outage is detected, that is, the voltage V1 or V2 becomes the reference voltage. When the voltage becomes lower than the voltage, a power outage warning signal is output as a power outage warning. The power outage warning signal output from the power outage monitoring circuit 117 is supplied to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 as well as to the main control MPU 101. Although not shown, the power outage warning signal is also input to the peripheral control board 130.

[Electrical connection between game board 5 and main body frame 2]
The electrical connection of the game board 5 to the main body frame 2 will be explained using FIG. 99. FIG. 99 is a block diagram showing a game board and main body frame connected using a drawer connector. Mechanical and electrical connections between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 are made using drawer connectors. The game board 5 is provided with a main drawer connector on the game board side and a sub drawer connector on the game board side, and the main body frame 2 is provided with a main drawer connector on the main body frame side and a sub drawer connector on the main body frame side. There is. By fitting the game board 5 into the main body frame 2, the main drawer connector on the game board side and the main drawer connector on the main body frame side, the secondary drawer connector on the game board side and the secondary drawer connector on the main body frame side are connected, and the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 are connected mechanically and at the same time electrically. This makes it possible to perform electrical communication between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2.

[Authentication of main control board 100 and ball information control board 110]
When it becomes possible to perform electrical communication between the game board 5 and the main body frame 2 as described above, mutual authentication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 is performed when the power is turned on. The authentication functions of the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 will be explained using FIG. 99.

Although it has been explained that the ID code is stored in advance in the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 described above, the ID code described above is also stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110. Hereinafter, the ID code stored in advance in the main control MPU 101 will be referred to as a first MPU recognition number, and the ID code stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 will be referred to as a second MPU recognition number.

The main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 in this embodiment are capable of two-way data communication, and by performing authentication processing between the boards when the power is turned on, each MPU is verified to be a genuine one. The configuration is such that it can be determined whether or not it exists. The details will be explained below.

The main control board 100 includes at least a main control MPU 101, and the main control MPU 101 includes a first MPU identification number storage section 101a in which a first MPU identification number stored in advance is stored, and whether the second MPU identification number is appropriate. A first authentication unit 162 that performs authentication processing, and a main encrypted communication unit 160 that encrypts information sent to the ball information control MPU 111 and decrypts information sent from the ball information control MPU 111, Furthermore, the first authentication section 162 includes a second MPU identification number storage section 161 that stores a second MPU identification number.

Further, the ball information control board 110 includes at least a ball information control MPU 111, and the ball information control MPU 111 includes a second MPU identification number storage section 111a in which a second MPU identification number stored in advance is stored, and a second MPU identification number storage section 111a in which a second MPU identification number stored in advance is stored. A second authentication unit 167 performs authentication processing to determine whether the information is proper, and a sphere information encryption communication unit 165 encrypts information transmitted to the main control MPU 101 and decrypts information transmitted from the main control MPU 101. The second authentication section 167 further includes a first MPU identification number storage section 166 that stores the first MPU identification number.

When the gaming machine is powered on, the first MPU identification number is encrypted by the main encryption communication unit 160 from the first MPU identification number storage unit 101a through bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. The second MPU identification number from the ball information control MPU 111 is encrypted by the ball information encryption communication unit 165 and then transmitted to the main encryption communication unit 160.

Next, the main control MPU 101 decrypts the second MPU identification number transmitted from the ball information encryption communication section 165 from the ball information control MPU 111 using the main encryption communication section 160, and then decrypts the second MPU identification number transmitted from the ball information encryption communication section 165 from the ball information control MPU 111 using the main encryption communication section 160. The ball information control MPU 111 decrypts the first MPU identification number transmitted from the main control MPU 101 using the ball information encryption communication section 165 and then stores it in the second MPU identification number storage section 161 . 1MPU identification number storage unit 166.

Next, the main control MPU 101 performs authentication processing in the first authentication section 162 based on the second MPU identification number stored in the second MPU identification number storage section 161, and determines whether the second MPU identification number is appropriate. do.

On the other hand, the ball information control MPU 111 performs authentication processing in the second authentication section 167 based on the first MPU identification number stored in the first MPU identification number storage section 166, and determines that the first MPU identification number is appropriate. to judge.

If it is determined that the main control MPU 101 and the ball control MPU 111 are appropriate based on the results of authentication by the first authentication section 162 and the second authentication section 167, when the main control side power is turned on in FIG. Processing and ball information The start of the control-side power-on process shown in FIG. The start of the control-side power-on process is not permitted, making it impossible to play games.

With these configurations, mutual authentication processing is performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111, and if the authentication processing is not performed properly, the game is not played. It becomes possible to effectively prevent fraudulent acts such as replacing the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 with counterfeit chips.

As described above, when it is determined that the mutual authentication results are appropriate in the mutual authentication processing performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111, the main control side power-on processing and the diagram of FIG. The start of the ball information control side power-on processing of 82 is permitted. In other words, the game board 5 is properly attached to the main body frame 2 on the condition that the mutual authentication results are determined to be appropriate in the mutual authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111. It is guaranteed that the game board 5 exists.

[Combination authentication of main body frame and game board]
Next, the manufacturer authentication process execution means regarding the combination of the main body frame 2 and the game board 5 will be explained using FIGS. 100 to 102.
When delivering or replacing game machines such as pachinko and pachislot to a game hall (gaming hall), it is necessary to apply and obtain permission each time. It is mandatory to apply for the frame including the main frame 2 and door frame 3 as a set as a gaming machine. Therefore, even if the main body frame is common to all manufacturers, the combination of the main body frame and the game board must be the combination that has been applied for.

Furthermore, even if the game board 5, main body frame 2, and door frame 3 are applied as a set of game machines, the main body frame in this example has a structure common to each manufacturer, so different combinations of the main body Even if a game board is fitted into the frame, it is difficult to determine whether the combination is incorrect just by looking at it, and whether the game board from which manufacturer is actually fitted into the body frame in the correct location? There is a risk that problems may arise where it is difficult to understand and manage the information. This example presents a specific solution for solving the above problem.

First, a specific implementation method for authenticating whether or not the combination of the game board 5 and the frame including the main body frame 2 and the door frame 3 is the combination that has been requested will be described.

In addition to the first MPU identification number and second MPU identification number used to authenticate whether the MPU is genuine or not, as described above, the main control MPU 101 on the main control board 100 also stores manufacturer information, model number, etc. of the game board. Game board manufacturer identification information necessary for recognition is stored in advance, and frame manufacturer identification information is stored in advance in the ball information control MPU 111 in the ball information control board 110.

It should be noted that different game board manufacturer identification information is stored for each individual game board 5, and it is possible to individually recognize each game board based on the difference in the character strings of the identification information. In addition, separate frame maker identification information is stored in the main body frame 2 for each individual, and it is possible to separately recognize the frames based on differences in the character strings of the identification information.

Next, the mutual relationship between the terms of the present invention and this example will be presented. The main control board 100 corresponds to the first control board, the ball information control board 110 corresponds to the second control board, the main control MPU 101 corresponds to the first MPU, and the ball information control MPU 111 corresponds to the second MPU.

The main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 in this embodiment are capable of two-way data communication, and after the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2, when the power is turned on, the communication between the two boards is possible. By performing the combination authentication process at , it is possible to determine whether or not the game board and main body frame are a legitimate combination. The details will be explained below.

As shown in FIG. 100, the main control board 100 includes at least a main control MPU 101, and the main control MPU 101 includes a game board manufacturer identification information storage section 4101 storing pre-stored game board manufacturer identification information, and a frame manufacturer A first authentication unit 162 that performs authentication processing to determine whether identification information is appropriate; and a main cryptographic communication unit that encrypts information sent to the ball information control MPU 111 and decrypts information sent from the ball information control MPU 111. 160, and the first authentication section 162 further includes a frame maker identification information storage section 4112 that stores frame maker identification information.

The ball information control board 110 includes at least a ball information control MPU 111, and the ball information control MPU 111 includes a frame maker identification information storage section 4112 in which frame maker identification information stored in advance is stored, and a frame maker identification information storage section 4112 that stores frame maker identification information stored in advance. A second authentication section 167 that performs authentication processing to determine whether the ball is a device, and a sphere information encryption communication section 165 that encrypts information sent to the main control MPU 101 and decrypts information sent from the main control MPU 101 are provided. The second authentication section 167 further includes a game board manufacturer identification information storage section 4101 that stores game board manufacturer identification information.

When the game board 5 is fitted into the main frame 2 and the power is turned on to the game machine, bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 allows the game board manufacturer identification information to be detected from the game board manufacturer identification information storage section 4101. The information is encrypted by the main encryption communication unit 160 and then sent to the ball information encryption communication unit 165, and the frame manufacturer identification information from the frame manufacturer identification information storage unit 4112 is encrypted by the ball information encryption communication unit 165. The information is transmitted to the main cryptographic communication unit 160.

Next, the main control MPU 101 uses the main encryption communication unit 160 to decrypt the frame maker identification information transmitted from the ball information encryption communication unit 165 from the ball information control MPU 111, and then decrypts the frame maker identification information in the first authentication unit 162. The ball information control MPU 111 decrypts the game board manufacturer identification information sent from the main control MPU 101 using the ball information encryption communication section 165 and then decrypts the game board manufacturer identification information stored in the manufacturer identification information storage section 4112 in the second authentication section 167. It is stored in the game board manufacturer identification information storage section 4101.

Thereafter, the main control MPU 101 performs authentication processing in the first authentication section 162 based on the frame maker identification information stored in the frame maker identification information storage section 4112, and determines whether the frame maker identification information is appropriate. do.

Then, the ball information control MPU 111 performs authentication processing in the second authentication section 167 based on the game board manufacturer identification information stored in the game board manufacturer identification information storage section 4101, and confirms that the game board manufacturer identification information is appropriate. Determine if there is.

If it is determined that the game board 5 and main body frame 2 are an appropriate combination at the time of application based on the results of authentication by the first authentication unit 162 and the second authentication unit 167, the game is started. If it is determined that the game is not appropriate, it becomes impossible to start the game.

With these configurations, the authentication process is performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111, and if the authentication process is not performed properly, the game is not played. This will effectively prevent players from accidentally fitting the game board into a different frame than the one at the time of application and starting playing with a combination different from the set of game machines applied for. Become.

Furthermore, the configuration is such that the result of the authentication process performed between the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 is transmitted to the hall computer installed in the gaming hall via the external terminal board 133. If the combination of the game board manufacturer identification information and the frame manufacturer identification information is determined to be abnormal, an error signal is output from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer, so that the game board 5, main body frame 2, and door frame It becomes possible to accurately grasp the combination abnormality of 3.

[Information output from conventional external terminal board]
Next, how information has conventionally been output and managed from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer will be explained using FIG. 101. As the game progresses, various signals are sent from the ball information control board 110 to the external terminal board 133, and these signals are sent to the hall computer installed in the game hall, thereby controlling all the devices installed in the game hall. It is a system for managing gaming machines. Specifically, in addition to the door frame release signal and the main body frame release signal, a prize ball number information output signal indicating the number of prize balls to the player, and a 15 round jackpot signal are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the ball information control board 110. In addition to jackpot information output signals such as the information output signal and the 2nd round jackpot information output signal, there are information output signals during probability fluctuation, special symbol display information output signal, normal symbol display information output signal, time saving information output signal, and start. It is configured to output game information signals such as winning information output signals to the external terminal board 133.

As explained above, as the information output from the ball information control board 110, for example, a signal such as 15 round jackpot information is transmitted to the external terminal board 133, and then output from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer. However, the timing at which the signal is transmitted is after the gaming process has started.

In the authentication process of this embodiment, the timing at which the result of the authentication process described above is output from the external terminal board 133 to the hall computer is when the power is turned on after fitting the game board into the main body frame (see step S20 in FIG. 79). ). Therefore, the output line output to the external terminal board 133 during the game can be used as the output line for outputting the result of the authentication process.

Conventionally, the ball information control board 110 and the external terminal board 133 are directly connected, and after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed after the game board 5 is fitted into the main body frame 2 and the power is turned on. , a code that identifies the manufacturer of the gaming machine, a code that identifies the model name of the gaming machine, and various information such as MPU specific information are output to the external terminal board, and then output from the external terminal board to the hall computer. Therefore, the various information transmitted from the ball information control board 110 was configured to be directly output to the external terminal board.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, in addition to the code that identifies the manufacturer of the gaming machine, the code that identifies the model name of the gaming machine, and the MPU specific information, the authentication information regarding the authentication described above is used as an authentication information output signal, which will be described later. The configuration is such that the signal is output to the hall computer through the external terminal board 133.

[Information output from the external terminal board of this embodiment]
In this embodiment, a switching circuit switch is provided between the ball information control board 110 and the external terminal board 133 to select either a 15-round jackpot information output signal or an authentication information output signal that transmits MPU-specific information, authentication results, etc. A pulse width changing circuit C1 is provided (FIG. 102). This pulse width changing circuit C1 has a switching circuit switch of two circuits, a normally open contact and a normally closed contact, inside, and each time the pulse width changing circuit C1 receives a switching control signal S1 transmitted from the ball information control board 110. The normally open contact and the normally closed contact are switched and controlled to select either the 15 round jackpot information output signal or the authentication information output signal.

The 15 round jackpot information output signal transmitted from the ball information control board 110 is output through LINE1. During the game, the ball information control board 110 connects to a connection point with LINE 2 (described later) through the normally closed contact of the pulse width changing circuit C1, and then outputs to the external terminal board 133 through LINE 3. It is controlled by a control signal S1.

Further, the authentication information output signal from the ball information control board 110 is output through LINE2. When the gaming machine is powered on and enters the authentication process in the above-mentioned main control side power-on process and ball information control side power-on process, each contact is switched by the switching control signal S1 from the ball information control board 110. , the normally closed contacts are in the open state, and the normally open contacts are in the closed state. Then, the pulse width of the authentication information output signal including the MPU-specific information and the authentication result is changed through LINE2 by the memory PMC provided in the pulse width changing circuit C1 (described later). Thereafter, the signal is outputted from LINE3 connected to the connection point of LINE1 and LINE2 to the external terminal board 133, and then outputted to the hall computer.

Before being outputted to the external terminal board 133, the MPU specific information and the authentication signal are converted by the memory PMC provided in the pulse width changing circuit C1 into a pulse with a width of, for example, 1 bit of 125 ms (equivalent to 8 bps). ), the pulse width is expanded to a pulse width that can be reliably received by the hall computer and output. When transmitting this information by serial transmission, for example, if one frame consists of 1 start bit, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit, a total of 10 bits, MPU-specific information, game board information, etc. Assuming 4 bytes for the manufacturer identification information and frame maker identification information, and 1 byte for the authentication result, a total of 5 bytes of data and 1 start bit and 1 stop bit are added to each byte data, resulting in a 50-bit signal. will be sent. Assuming that the pulse width of one bit is 125 ms, it takes 125 ms x 50 bits = 6.25 seconds to send out all bits.

With the configuration described above, it is possible to output the signal for outputting the authentication information output signal and the signal for outputting the jackpot information by switching between the normally open contact and the normally closed contact, so the external terminal board Output can be performed without adding a dedicated terminal for 133.

In this embodiment, the terminal that transmits the 15 round jackpot information output signal during the game is used as the terminal that outputs the authentication information output signal only when the power is turned on, but this is just one example. It is. During the power-on process, the output terminals other than the 15 round jackpot information output signal do not output signals, so it is possible to select and use various terminals.

[Payment machine 4]
FIG. 78 is a block diagram mainly showing each element connected to the payment machine 4. As shown in FIG. The payment machine 4 and the ball information control board 110 are connected to enable bidirectional data communication. Although not shown, the control unit of the payment machine 4 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input/output interface, a communication interface, and the like.

The adjustment machine 4 is connected to the operation input signals of the ball rental button and the adjustment button provided on the touch panel section 14 of the enclosed ball game machine 1 so that they can be inputted, for example, through an interface. Further, a remaining power display section and an operable notification lamp provided on the touch panel section 14 of the enclosed ball game machine 1 are connected so as to be displayable by the control output from the payment machine 4. Further, the payment machine 4 is provided with a card processing machine 402 at the back of the card insertion slot shown in FIG.

[Card 403]
The card 403 used in the embodiment is composed of, for example, a magnetic card or an IC card, and is issued by a card issuing machine (not shown) and provided to the player when the player pays a predetermined amount of money. In FIG. 78, the data structure stored in the card 403 is shown.

The card 403 includes an ID storage unit 404 that stores an ID number (hereinafter simply referred to as ID) as identification information individually assigned to the card 403, which corresponds to the amount paid when purchasing the card 403. A remaining number storage unit 305 stores the remaining number of balls as valuable information to be played, and a number-of-balls storage unit 406 stores the number of balls held by the player (number of balls held by the gaming machine) obtained by the player as a result of playing a game. is set. Note that when the card 403 is issued, the ID is stored in the ID storage section 404, and the remaining points corresponding to the amount paid when purchasing the card 403 are stored in the remaining points storage section 405 (for example, the amount paid is 5000 yen). In this case, "5000" is stored as the remaining power, but "0" is stored in the ball count storage section 406 as the initial value of the number of balls held.

The card processing machine 402 is conventionally known, and includes a card sensor that detects the card 403, a card reader/writer that reads data stored in the card 403 and writes data to the card 403, and a card reader/writer that reads data from the card 403. A card conveying means is provided for feeding the card 403 to the writing position and ejecting the card 403 to the card insertion slot. When the card 403 is inserted into the card insertion slot, the card processing machine 402 sends the card 403 to a predetermined data reading/writing position, and uses the card reader/writer to read the stored data, i.e., ID, remaining power, and remaining power. The number of pitches is read and output to the payment machine 4. In addition, in response to a write command from the payment machine 4, the ID, remaining power, and number of balls held are written (stored) in each of the aforementioned storage sections.

The payment machine 4 stores in the RAM the ID, remaining power, and number of balls that are read from the card 403 through the card processing machine 402.

[Ball lending using card 403]
When the payment machine 4 reads the data on the card 403, it displays the remaining points stored in the RAM on the remaining points display section. If the card 403 can be used, the payment machine 4 lends balls in response to the operation of the ball lending button. In this ball rental, for example, 125 balls (ball unit price: 4 yen) will be loaned for each operation of the ball rental button. In addition, when renting balls, if the number of balls held is less than 125, the total number of balls held is set as the number of balls loaned. The payment machine 4 transmits the number of rental balls to the ball information control board 110. In addition, the adjustment machine 4 calculates the compensation for renting balls by multiplying the set ball unit price by the number of pitches rented, and subtracts the determined compensation (the compensation corresponding to renting balls as the remaining score) from the current remaining score. Furthermore, if there is a number of balls in hand and balls are lent from the number of balls in hand, the number of balls to be lent is subtracted from the current number of balls in hand. The payment machine 4 displays this result on the remaining power display section. Further, the remaining power is written in the remaining power storage section 405 of the card 403.

[Start of game]
When the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 receives the number of rental balls transmitted from the adjustment machine 4, it adds it to the number of balls held by the gaming machine, and displays the addition result on the touch panel section 14. The upper firing device 12 is made ready to fire and the game becomes possible.

[While playing]
When the player operates the batting ball handle 10, the batting ball firing device 29 is activated, and when the game ball at the ball firing position is launched into the game area 8 by the firing hammer 30, this causes the ball detection switch 36 to detect the ball. Based on this, the hitting of each game ball into the game area 8 is detected. Then, the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 sequentially calculates "1" from the game machine ball number data stored in the game machine ball number storage area in response to the detection of hitting each game ball one by one. is subtracted, and the number of balls held is displayed on the touch panel section 14.

On the other hand, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls a gate switch 92 arranged at a gate (not shown) through which a game ball can enter and pass through on the 5th side of the game board, and a normal winning opening (not shown). General winning opening detection switches 93 and 94 arranged for the big winning opening (not shown), a count switch 98 arranged for the big winning opening (not shown), and a starting opening (not shown) arranged for the upper starting opening. In addition, processing related to the game is performed based on the detection signals from the lower starting port detection switches 90 and 91, and commands and signals as processing results are sent to the ball information control board 110, peripheral control board 130, upper and lower special symbols. It outputs to displays 142, 143, upper and lower special symbol memory displays 144, 145, normal symbol display 146, normal symbol memory display 147, starting opening solenoid 96, big winning opening solenoid 97, etc.

When the game ball launched by the upper firing device 12 enters any of the various winning holes (starting prize hole, big winning hole, etc.) in the gaming area 8, the game ball enters various winning detection switches provided for each winning hole. (Upper starting opening detection switch 90, lower starting opening detection switch 91, general winning opening detection switch 93, general winning opening detection switch 94, count switch 98).

The main control MPU 101 responds to detection signals from detection switches provided for each winning opening (general winning opening detection switches 93 and 94, count switch 98, and upper and lower starting opening detection switches 90 and 91 correspond). , outputs a prize ball command to the ball information control board 110 as necessary, instructing the number of prize balls set according to the winning hole in which the game ball has won.

Further, the main control MPU 101 periodically outputs a gaming state signal (status) indicating the type of the current gaming state to the peripheral control board 130. The gaming state is, for example, when a winning/losing lottery is performed due to winnings in the starting slot and the starting opening, and a special symbol is displayed variably based on the lottery result, the symbols are stopped, and the lottery result is a winning/losing lottery. In the case of the first type pachinko gaming machine, which shifts to a special gaming state (jackpot gaming state) in the case of , the normal gaming state (the probability of winning by lottery is normal probability, and the variable display time of normal symbols is normal), and the time saving Game state (state where the variable display time of normal symbols is shorter than usual, time saving information output signal), jackpot game state (15 round jackpot information output signal or 2 round jackpot information output signal), high probability game state (state where the probability of winning by lottery is higher than usual, probability changing information output signal), special symbol is changing (special symbol display information output signal), state where there is reservation based on starting opening winning (starting There is a winning information output signal), etc.

Note that the peripheral control board 130 controls the liquid crystal display device 1400, the accessory decoration board (not shown), the board decoration board (not shown), and the frame decoration board (not shown) based on commands output from the main control board 100. By outputting a control signal to the LCD display (not shown), the lighting display of various decorative LEDs is controlled, the sound (voice, sound, sound effects, etc.) output from the speaker (not shown) is controlled, and the liquid crystal display The device 1400 controls the symbols to be displayed.

The ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 displays the firing solenoid 13, the ball feeding solenoid 31, the ball lifting motor 150, the ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 155, and the number of balls held on the touch panel section 14 based on various input signals. and outputs a signal to the payment machine 4.

The ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 receives the game status signal and prize ball command output from the main control board 100.

In response to receiving such a prize ball command, the ball information control MPU 111 adds the value of the number of prize balls preset for each winning opening to the game machine ball number data stored in the game machine ball number storage area. are added and displayed on the touch panel section 14.

[End of game, payment]
Thereafter, when the player operates the payment button to end the game, the payment machine 4 transmits a game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110.

When the payment machine 4 sends a game end command to the ball information control MPU 111 in response to the operation of the payment button, the ball information control MPU 111 receives the game end command sent from the payment machine 4, and the ball information control The MPU 111 transmits “end possible” to the payment machine 4. Next, the ball information control MPU 111 stops the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feeding solenoid 31 to stop the game. The current number of balls held by the game machine stored in the storage area for the number of balls held by the game machine is transmitted to the adjustment machine 4.

Then, when the processing of the payment machine 4 corresponding to the number of balls held by the game machine transmitted from the ball information control MPU 111 is completed, the payment machine 4 sends a notification that the processing has ended, so the ball information control MPU 111 receives the notification that the processing has completed. Then, the memory area for the number of balls held by the gaming machine in the RAM is cleared to 0, and the process ends.

On the other hand, after the payment machine 4 receives "end possible" as a reply regarding the end state to the game end command, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits the number of balls held by the game machine to the payment machine 4, so that the payment machine 4 When the number of balls held by the game machine is received, the received number of balls held by the game machine is added to the number of balls held by the payment machine stored in the RAM when the card is inserted, and the addition result is stored as the number of balls held by the payment machine. As a result, the total number of balls held by the player as a result of the game is stored as the number of balls held by the adjustment machine. Then, it transmits the completion of the process to the ball information control MPU 111, writes the number of balls held by the adjustment machine in the number of balls held memory section 406 of the card 403, ejects the card 403 from the card insertion slot, and ends the process. As a result, the card 403, which has been rewritten with the number of balls held by the gaming machine as a game result added thereto, is returned to the player.

[Various control processing of main control board]
First, various control processes performed by the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 76 in accordance with the progress of the game on the gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 79 to 81. FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing the main control side power-on process executed by the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100, FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the main control side power-on process of FIG. 79, and FIG. is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt processing executed by the main control MPU 101.

[Main control side power-on processing]
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter simply referred to as main control MPU) of the main control board 100 performs main control side power-on processing as shown in FIGS. 79 and 80. When this main control side power-on process is started, the main control MPU sets a stack pointer (step S10). For example, the stack pointer can indicate an address placed on the stack to temporarily store the contents of a storage element (register) in use, or it can temporarily indicate the return address of this routine when returning to this routine after exiting a subroutine. It indicates the address loaded onto the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is loaded. In step S10, an initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the register contents, return address, etc. are stacked on the stack from this initial address.
The stack pointer returns to the initial address by sequentially reading from the stack stacked last to the stack stacked first.

Following step S10, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S12), and it is determined whether a power outage warning signal has been input (step S14). The voltage does not rise immediately from when the power is turned on until it reaches the predetermined voltage. On the other hand, in the event of a power outage or instantaneous power outage (a phenomenon in which the supply of power suddenly stops temporarily), the voltage drops and when it becomes lower than the power outage warning voltage, the power outage monitoring circuit 117 of the bulb information control board 110 issues a power outage warning as a power outage warning. A signal is output and input to the main control MPU. Similarly, if the voltage becomes lower than the power failure warning voltage during the period from when the power is turned on until the voltage rises to a predetermined voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 of the bulb information control board 110.

Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S12 is a process for waiting after the power is turned on until the voltage becomes higher than the power failure warning voltage and becomes stable. In this embodiment, the wait time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds ( ms) is set. The determination in step S14 is made based on the power outage warning signal from the power outage monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110. After the power is turned on, when the voltage becomes higher than the power failure warning voltage and becomes stable, the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 117 is not output, and the main control MPU proceeds to step S16.

Proceeding to step S16, the main control MPU determines whether the RAM clear switch 105 (FIG. 76) is operated (step S16). This determination is made based on whether the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and the operation signal (detection signal) is input to the main control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated, while when the detection signal is not being input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not being operated.

When it is determined in step S16 that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to the value 1 (step S18), and the process moves to step S30, while the RAM clear switch 105 is operated in step S16. When it is determined that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG has not been operated, the value 0 is set to the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG (step S19), and the process moves to step S20.

This RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is used for games related to probability fluctuations, unpaid prize balls, etc. stored in the RAM built in the main control MPU 101 (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in RAM"). This is a flag indicating whether or not to erase information, and is set to a value of 1 when gaming information is to be erased, and is set to a value of 0 when gaming information is not to be erased. Note that the value of the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG set in steps S18 and S19 is stored in a general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the main control MPU.

Proceeding to step S20, a combination authentication process is executed to determine whether the combination of the main control MPU 101 and the ball information control MPU 111 is appropriate. The frame maker identification information output from the ball information control board is stored in the frame maker identification information storage section 4112 of the main control MPU 101, and it is verified whether or not proper frame maker identification information has been output. If the authentication is properly performed, the process proceeds to step S30, whereas if it is determined that the authentication is not proper, an abnormality notification is performed using a speaker, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

When the main control MPU moves to step S30, it performs wait timer processing 2 (step S30). In this wait timer processing 2, the system waits until the liquid crystal control section of the peripheral control board 130 starts up (boots) a system that controls drawing of a liquid crystal display device (not shown). In this embodiment, 2 seconds (s) is set as the time until booting (boot timer).

Following step S30, it is determined whether the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is 0 (step S32). As described above, the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is set to the value 1 when the gaming information is to be erased, and to the value 0 when the gaming information is not to be erased. If it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is 0, that is, if the gaming information is not to be erased, a checksum is calculated (step S34). This checksum is calculated by considering the game information stored in the main control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculating the total thereof.

Following step S34, whether or not the calculated checksum value (sum value) matches the checksum value (sum value) stored in the main control side power-off processing (power-off) described later. (Step S36). If they match, it is determined whether the backup flag BK-FLG is 1 (step S38). This backup flag BK-FLG stores and holds backup information such as game information, checksum value (sum value), and backup flag BK-FLG value in the main control built-in RAM in the main control side power-off processing described later. This flag is set to a value of 1 when the main control side power-off processing is normally completed, and is set to a value of 0 when the main control-side power-off processing is not normally completed.

When the backup flag BK-FLG has a value of 1 in step S38, that is, when the main control side power-off processing is normally completed, a work area of the main control built-in RAM is set for when the power is restored (step S40). In addition to setting the backup flag BK-FLG to a value of 0, this setting reads out power recovery information from the ROM built in the main control MPU (hereinafter referred to as "main control built-in ROM"), and Set the time information in the work area of the main control built-in RAM. In addition, "power restoration" refers to not only the state where the power is turned on from a state where the power was cut off, but also the state where power is restored after a power outage or momentary power outage, and the state where high frequency radiation is detected and reset. It also includes the state of return after that.

Following step S40, a power-on command creation process is performed (step S42). In this power-on command generation process, gaming information is read from the backup information and various commands corresponding to this gaming information are stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the RAM clear notification flag RCL-FLG is not 0 (value 1), that is, when erasing gaming information, or if the checksum values (sum values) match in step S36, If the backup flag BK-FLG is not 1 (value 0) in step S38, that is, if the main control side power-off processing has not been completed normally, the main control built-in RAM is The entire area is cleared (step S44). Specifically, this is done by writing the value 0 to the main control built-in RAM (note that a predetermined value may be read from the main control built-in ROM and set as the initial value). In addition, the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination used for determining the initial value of the random number for determining jackpot is used when the RAM clear switch 105 is operated to erase gaming information, when the sum values do not match, or when the RAM clear switch 105 is operated to erase gaming information. If the main control side power-off processing has not been completed normally, the unique ID code stored in advance in the non-volatile RAM of the main control MPU is retrieved, and the random number for jackpot determination is updated based on the retrieved ID code. An initial value derivation process is executed to always derive the same fixed value from the fixed numerical value range of the counter, and this fixed value is set as the initial value.

Following step S44, the work area of the main control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S46). For this setting, initial information is read from the main control built-in ROM and this initial information is set in the work area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S46, RAM clear notification and test command creation processing are performed (step S48). In this RAM clear notification and test command creation process, a power-on command classified as power-on to notify that the main control built-in RAM has been cleared and initial settings have been performed is created, and various types of peripheral control board 130 are Test commands classified into test-related items for performing inspections are created and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S42 or step S48, interrupt initialization is performed (step S50). This setting sets the interrupt cycle when main control side timer interrupt processing, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 4ms.

Following step S50, interrupt permission settings are performed. (Step S52). With this setting, the main control side timer interrupt processing is repeatedly performed at the interrupt cycle set in step S50, that is, every 4 ms. Note that the processing from step S10 to step S52 is referred to as "main control side power-on processing".

Following step S52, a value A is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S54). The watchdog timer is cleared by sequentially setting value A, value B, and value C in this watchdog timer clear register WCL.

Following step S54, it is determined whether a power outage warning signal has been input (step S56). As described above, when the power to the gaming machine 1 is cut off or there is a power outage or instantaneous power outage, if the voltage drops below the power outage warning voltage, a power outage warning signal is sent to the power outage monitoring circuit 117 of the ball information control board 110 as a power outage warning. Input from The determination in step S56 is made based on this power outage warning signal.

If no power outage warning signal is input in step S56, a non-winning random number update process is performed (step S58). In this non-winning/losing random number updating process, for example, the random numbers for reach determination, the random numbers for variable display patterns, the random numbers for determining initial values for jackpot symbols, the random numbers for determining initial values for small winning symbols, etc. are updated. In this way, in the non-winning random number updating process, random numbers that are not related to winning/losing determination (jackpot determining) are updated. In addition, the random number for normal symbol hit determination, the random number for determining the initial value for normal symbol hit determination, the random number for normal symbol fluctuation display pattern, etc. are also updated by this non-winning random number update process.

Following step S58, the process returns to step S54 again to set the value A in the watchdog timer clear register WCL, and in step S56 it is determined whether or not a power outage warning signal is input. For example, a non-winning random number update process is performed in step S58, and steps S54 to S58 are repeatedly performed. Note that the processing from step S54 to step S58 is referred to as "main control side main loop processing."

On the other hand, when a power outage warning signal is input in step S56, interrupt prohibition is set (step S60). This setting prevents the main control side timer interrupt processing, which will be described later, from being performed, prevents writing to the main control built-in RAM, and protects game information from being rewritten.

Following step S60, the starting opening solenoid 96, big winning opening solenoid 97, upper special symbol display 142, lower special symbol display 143, upper special symbol memory display 144, and lower special symbol memory display are shown in FIG. The driving signals output to the machine 145, the normal symbol display 146, the normal symbol memory display 147, the game status display 148, the round display 149, etc. are stopped (step S62).

Following step S62, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S64). This checksum is calculated by considering the game information in the work area of the main control built-in RAM as a numerical value, excluding the storage area for the above-mentioned checksum value (sum value) and backup flag BK-FLG value.

Following step S64, the backup flag BK-FLG is set to the value 1 (step S66). This completes storage of the backup information.

Following step S66, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S68). This clear setting is performed by sequentially setting value A, value B, and value C in watchdog timer clear register WCL, as described above.

Following step S68, a loop process is entered in which a state in which nothing is executed is repeated. Note that the processing from step S60 to step S68 and the loop processing are referred to as "main control side power-off processing." In this loop process, the watchdog timer is not cleared and set because the value A, value B, and value C are not sequentially set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL. Therefore, the watchdog timer times out and outputs a timeout signal, and the timeout signal causes the main control MPU to be reset, and then the main control MPU performs the main control side power-on process again from the beginning.

The gaming machine 1 (main control MPU 101) is reset when there is a power outage or instantaneous power outage, and then performs the main control side power-on process when the power is restored.

In addition, in step S36, it is checked whether the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM is normal or not, and then in step S38, it is checked whether the main control side power-off processing has been completed normally. It is being inspected. In this way, by double checking the backup information stored in the main control built-in RAM, it is verified whether the backup information has been stored by fraudulent activity.

[Main control side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main control side timer interrupt processing will be explained. This main control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed at every interrupt period (4 ms in this embodiment) set in the main control side power-on process shown in FIGS. 79 and 80.

When the main control side timer interrupt processing is started, the main control MPU of the main control board 100 sets the value B in the watchdog timer clear register WCL, as shown in FIG. 81 (step S70). At this time, the value B is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL following the value A set in step S54 of the main control side main loop processing.

Following step S70, the interrupt flag is cleared (step S72). By clearing this interrupt flag, the interrupt cycle is initialized, and the next interrupt cycle is counted from the initial value.

Following step S72, switch input processing is performed (step S74). In this switch input processing, various signals input to the input terminal of the main control I/O port 102 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S74, timer subtraction processing is performed (step S76). In this timer subtraction processing, for example, the time during which the upper special symbol display 142 and the lower special symbol display 143 are lit according to the variable display pattern determined by the special symbol and special electric accessory control processing described later, the normal symbol and In addition to the time when the normal symbol display 146 lights up according to the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern determined by the normal electric accessory control process, the ball information control board 110 receives various commands sent by the main control board 100 (main control MPU). Time management is performed such as the ACK signal input determination time set as a determination condition when determining whether or not a ball information main ACK signal indicating normal reception has been input. Specifically, when the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is 5 seconds, the timer interrupt cycle is set to 4ms, so every time this timer subtraction process is performed, the fluctuation time is subtracted by 4ms. However, when the result of the subtraction becomes 0, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display pattern or the normal symbol fluctuation display pattern is accurately measured.

In this embodiment, the ACK signal input determination time is set to 100 ms. Each time this timer subtraction process is performed, the ACK signal input determination time is subtracted by 4 ms, and the ACK signal input determination time is accurately measured when the subtraction result becomes 0. Note that these various times and ACK signal input determination time are stored as time management information in the time management information storage area of the main control built-in RAM.

Following step S76, a winning/losing random number update process is performed (step S78). In this win/loss random number update process, the above-mentioned random numbers for jackpot determination, random numbers for jackpot symbols, and random numbers for small win symbols are updated. In addition to these random numbers, a random number for determining the initial value for the jackpot symbol, which is updated in the non-winning random number update process of step S58 in the main control side power-on process (main control side main process) shown in FIG. And the random number for determining the initial value for small winning symbols is also updated. These random numbers for determining the initial value for the jackpot symbol and the random number for determining the initial value for the small winning symbol are updated in the main control side main processing and this main control side timer interrupt processing to further enhance randomness. . On the other hand, the random numbers for jackpot determination, the random numbers for jackpot symbols, and the random numbers for small win symbols are random numbers related to win/loss determination (jackpot determination), so each counter is updated only every time this win/loss random number update process is performed. counts up. For example, the counter that updates the random numbers for jackpot determination is, as mentioned above, an initial value update type counter, and has a predetermined fixed numerical range from the minimum value to the maximum value (in this embodiment, the minimum value is the value 0 to the maximum value (32767), and the range from this minimum value to the maximum value is counted up by adding 1 each time this main control side timer interrupt processing is performed. The random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is counted up toward the maximum value (value 32767), and then the count is counted up from the minimum value (value 0) toward the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination. When the counter for updating the random number for jackpot determination finishes counting up the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the random number for jackpot determination, the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is updated by this win/loss random number update process. At this time, the updated value is always the same from the fixed numerical range of the counter where the main control MPU retrieves the ID code from its built-in non-volatile RAM and updates the random number for jackpot determination based on the retrieved ID code. Initial value derivation processing is executed to derive a fixed value of , and this derived fixed value is set as the initial value. In other words, the random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination is always overwritten and updated as the initial value with the same fixed value derived based on the ID code by executing the initial value derivation process. In addition, the above-mentioned random numbers for normal symbol hit determination and initial value determination random numbers for normal symbol hit determination are also updated by this win/loss random number update process. The random numbers for normal symbol hit determination, etc. are the same as the method of updating the random numbers for jackpot determination described above, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

Following step S78, prize ball control processing is performed (step S80). In this prize ball control process, input information is read from the input information storage area mentioned above, and based on this input information, a prize ball command is created to be sent to the ball information control board 110, and the ball information is communicated with the main control board 100. A self-check command for checking the connection state between the control board 110 and the board is created. The created prize ball command and self-check command are then transmitted to the ball information control board 110 as main ball information serial data. For example, when one game ball enters the big prize opening, a prize ball command representing 15 balls as the number of prize balls is created and sent to the ball information control board 110, or this prize ball command is sent to the ball information control board 110. If the ball information main ACK signal indicating that the ball information control board 110 has been successfully received is not input within a predetermined time, a self-check command is created to check the connection state between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110. It is also transmitted to the ball information control board 110.

Following step S80, frame command reception processing is performed (step S82). The ball information control board 110 transmits various 1-byte (8-bit) commands divided into status displays. In the frame command reception process of step S82, when these various commands are normally received as ball information main serial data, information that informs the ball information control board 110 to that effect is stored as output information in the output information storage area of the main control built-in RAM. Remember. Further, the command normally received as the ball information main serial data is formatted into a 2-byte (16-bit) command and stored as transmission information in the transmission information storage area described above.

Following step S82, fraud detection processing is performed (step S84). In this fraud detection process, an abnormal state regarding the prize ball is checked. For example, when input information is read from the above-mentioned input information storage area and the detection signal from the count switch 98 is input when the jackpot game state is not (when a game ball enters the jackpot hole), etc. A winning abnormality display command that is classified as a notification display as an abnormal state is created and stored in the transmission information storage area described above as transmission information.

Following step S84, special symbol and special electric accessory control processing is performed (step S86). In this special symbol and special electric accessory control process, the value of the counter that updates the random number for jackpot determination described above is taken out, and it is determined whether it matches the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM (jackpot It determines whether or not to generate a gaming state (referred to as a "special lottery"), takes out the value of the counter that updates the random number for the jackpot symbol, and uses it as the probability variable hit determination value that is stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM. Determine whether or not they match (determine whether or not a probability fluctuation is generated). Here, "probability fluctuation" means that the probability of hitting the jackpot changes to a high probability (when the probability changes) that is set higher than when it is normal (low probability). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned jackpot judgment value range (jackpot judgment range) is set to a value of 32,668 to 32,767 for low probability, and is read from the normal judgment table, whereas for high probability, the value is 32,438. ~ value 32767 is set and read from the probability change time determination table. In this way, in the special symbol and special electric accessory control process of step S86, it is determined whether the value of the counter that updates the random number for jackpot judgment matches the jackpot judgment value stored in advance in the main control built-in ROM. The determination is made based on whether the value of the counter that updates the jackpot determination random number is included in the jackpot determination range.

If these determination results are based on the upper starting port detection switch 90, various commands related to the special figure 1 synchronization effect are created, while if the lottery results are based on the lower starting port detection switch 91, special commands are created. Figure 2 Various commands related to synchronized production are created and stored in the transmission information storage area as transmission information, and the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is turned on according to the variable display pattern of the determined special symbol. The output of the lighting signal to the upper special symbol display 142 or the lower special symbol display 143 is set and stored as output information in the output information storage area mentioned above.

In addition, depending on the gaming state to be generated, for example, when it becomes a jackpot gaming state, various commands classified as jackpot-related are created and stored in the transmission information storage area as transmission information, or commands such as commands to open and close the opening/closing member are created. If the output of the drive signal to the winning hole solenoid 97 is set and stored in the output information storage area as output information, or if the number of times (round) that the big winning hole changes from the closed state to the open state is 2, the round display is displayed. The output of the lighting signal to the 2nd round indicator lamp is set to light up the 2nd round indicator lamp of the round indicator 149, and is stored as output information in the output information storage area, and when the number of rounds is 15, the output of the lighting signal to the 2nd round indicator lamp of the round indicator 149 is set. Set the output of a lighting signal to the 15th round indicator lamp so that the 15th round indicator lamp lights up, store it in the output information storage area as output information, or set the game state to turn on the 15th round indicator lamp in a predetermined color to indicate whether a probability change has occurred. It sets the output of a lighting signal to the display 148 and stores it in the output information storage area as output information.

Following step S86, normal symbol and normal electric accessory control processing is performed (step S88). In this normal symbol and normal electric accessory control process, input information is read from the above-mentioned input information storage area and gate winning processing is performed based on this input information. In this gate winning process, it is determined from the input information whether the detection signal from the gate switch 92 has been input to the input terminal. Based on this determination result, when the detection signal is input to the input terminal, the value of the counter for updating the above-mentioned normal symbol hit determination random number is extracted and used as gate information in the gate information storage area of the main control built-in RAM. to be memorized.

Following step S88, port output processing is performed (step S90). In this port output processing, output information is read from the output information storage area mentioned above from the output terminal of the main control I/O port 102, and various signals are output based on this output information. For example, when various commands from the ball information control board 110 are successfully received from the output terminal of the main control I/O port 102 based on the output information, a main ball information ACK signal is output to the ball information control board 110. When in the jackpot game state, it outputs a drive signal to the big winning opening solenoid 97 that opens and closes the opening and closing member of the big winning opening, and outputs a driving signal to the starting opening solenoid 96 that opens and closes the movable piece. In addition, 15 round jackpot information output signal, 2 round jackpot information output signal, probability fluctuation information output signal, special symbol display information output signal, normal symbol display information output signal, time saving information output information, starting opening winning information output signal Various information (game information) signals related to games such as the following are outputted to the ball information control board 110.

Following step S90, peripheral control board command transmission processing is performed (step S92). In this peripheral control board command transmission process, transmission information is read from the above-mentioned transmission information storage area and is transmitted to the peripheral control board 130 as main serial data. This transmission information includes various commands classified as related to special figure 1 synchronized performance, various commands classified as related to special figure 2 synchronized performance, and various commands classified as related to jackpot created in the main control side timer interrupt processing of this routine. various commands categorized as power-on, various commands categorized as related to general figure synchronization effects, various commands categorized as related to ordinary electric role effects, various commands categorized as notification displays, various commands categorized as status display. Various commands that are classified, various commands that are classified as test-related, and various commands that are classified as others are stored. One packet of the main cycle serial data is composed of 3 bytes.

Specifically, the main cycle serial data includes a status that indicates the type of command that has a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), a mode that indicates a variation of the effect that has a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits), and a status. and a sum value calculated by considering the mode as a numerical value and calculating the sum value, and this sum value is created at the time of transmission. Note that the processing from step S74 to step S92 will be referred to as "gaming control processing".

Following step S92, a value C is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S94). By setting the value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL in step S94, the value C is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL following the value B set in step S70. As a result, value A, value B, and value C are set in order in the watchdog timer clear register WCL, and the watchdog timer is cleared.

Following step S94, register switching (return) is performed (step S96), and this routine ends. Here, when the main control side timer interrupt processing, which is this routine, is started, the main control MPU stacks and saves the contents of the general-purpose register on the stack using hardware. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose registers used in the main processing on the main control side from being destroyed. In step S96, the contents saved on the stack are read and written to the original register. Note that the main control MPU sets interrupt permission after returning in step S96.

[Various control processing of the ball information control board]
Next, various control processes performed by the ball information control board 110 shown in FIG. 77 will be described with reference to FIGS. 81 to 86. FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing the ball information control side power-on processing executed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110, and FIG. 83 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the ball information control side power-on processing of FIG. 84 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the ball information control side power-on processing following FIG. 83, and FIG. 85 is a flowchart showing the ball information control power-off processing executed by the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110. FIG. 86 is a flowchart showing an example of ball information control side timer interrupt processing.

[Processing when power is turned on on the ball information control side]
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the ball information control MPU 111 (hereinafter simply referred to as the ball information control MPU) of the ball information control section 118 in the ball information control board 110 controls the ball information control MPU 111 (hereinafter simply referred to as the ball information control MPU) to Performs power-on processing on the information control side. When this ball information control side power-on process is started, the ball information control MPU sets an interrupt mode (step S500). This interrupt mode sets the interrupt priority of the ball information control MPU. In this embodiment, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is set as the highest priority, and when an interrupt of this ball information control unit timer interrupt process occurs, that process is performed preferentially.

Following step S500, input/output settings (I/O input/output settings) are performed (step S502). In this I/O input/output setting, input/output settings of the I/O port of the ball information control MPU, etc. are performed.

Following step S502, output of a power outage clear signal to the power outage monitoring circuit 117 shown in FIG. 77 is started (step S504). This power failure monitoring circuit 117 is composed of a voltage comparison circuit and a D-type flip-flop IC. The voltage comparison circuit compares the voltages between +24V and the reference voltage, or compares the voltages between +12V and the reference voltage, and outputs the comparison results. If a power outage or instantaneous power outage does not occur, the result of this comparison becomes HI and is input to the PR terminal, which is the preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop. The logic becomes LOW and is input to the PR terminal, which is the preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop. In step S504, output of a power failure clear signal is started to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of this D-type flip-flop. This power failure clear signal is input to the clear terminal via the ball information control I/O port 112 of the ball information control unit 118 with its logic set to LOW. As a result, the sphere information control MPU can release the latched state of the D-type flip-flop, and invert the logic input to the PR terminal, which is the preset terminal of the D-type flip-flop, until the latched state is set. It is possible to output from the 1Q terminal which is the output terminal, and the signal from the 1Q terminal can be monitored.

Following step S504, wait timer processing 1 is performed (step S506), and it is determined whether a power outage warning signal has been input (step S508). The voltage does not rise immediately from when the power is turned on until it reaches the predetermined voltage. On the other hand, in the event of a power outage or instantaneous power outage (a phenomenon in which power supply is suddenly temporarily stopped), the voltage drops and becomes lower than the power outage warning voltage, and a power outage warning signal is input from the power outage monitoring circuit 117 as a power outage warning. Similarly, when the voltage becomes lower than the power failure warning voltage during the period from when the power is turned on until the voltage rises to a predetermined voltage, a power failure warning signal is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 117. Therefore, the wait timer process 1 in step S506 is a process for waiting after the power is turned on until the voltage becomes higher than the power failure warning voltage and becomes stable. In this embodiment, the wait time (wait timer) is 200 milliseconds ( ms) is set. In the determination at step S508, it is determined whether the power outage warning signal has been input. This determination is made based on the signal output from the 1Q terminal, which is the output terminal of the above-mentioned D type flip-flop, as the power outage warning signal.

Following step S508, the output of the power failure clear signal to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D-type flip-flop, is stopped (step S510). By stopping the output of this power outage clear signal, its logic becomes HI and is input to the CLR terminal, which is a clear terminal, via the ball information control I/O port 112. Thereby, the ball information control MPU can set the D type flip-flop to the latched state. When the D type flip-flop latches a state in which the logic is LOW and is input to its preset terminal PR terminal, it outputs a power outage warning signal from its output terminal 1Q terminal.

Following step S510, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated (step S512). This determination is made based on whether the RAM clear switch 105 of the main control board 100 is operated and the operation signal (detection signal) is input to the ball information control MPU. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is being operated, while when the detection signal is not being input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 105 is not being operated.

If it is determined in step S512 that the RAM clear switch 105 is operated, the ball information RAM clear flag is set to a value of 1 (step S514), and the process proceeds to step S518, while the RAM clear switch 105 is operated in step S512. If it is determined that the ball information RAM is not cleared, a value of 0 is set in the ball information RAM clear (step S516), and the process proceeds to step S518.

This ball information RAM clear flag is stored in, for example, various flags and various information storage areas stored in the RAM built into the ball information control MPU (hereinafter referred to as "ball information control built-in RAM"). This is a flag indicating whether or not to delete various kinds of ball information.It is set to a value of 1 when the ball information is to be deleted, and to a value of 0 when the ball information is not to be deleted. Note that the ball information RAM clear flag set in steps S514 and S516 is stored in a general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register) of the ball information control MPU.

Following step S514 or step S516, settings are made to permit access to the ball information control built-in RAM (step S518). With this setting, the ball information control built-in RAM can be accessed, and, for example, ball information can be written (stored) or read.

Following step S518, a stack pointer is set (step S520). For example, the stack pointer can indicate an address placed on the stack to temporarily store the contents of a storage element (register) in use, or it can temporarily indicate the return address of this routine when returning to this routine after exiting a subroutine. It indicates the address loaded onto the stack for storage, and the stack pointer advances each time the stack is loaded. In step S520, an initial address is set in the stack pointer, and the register contents, return address, etc. are stacked on the stack from this initial address. The stack pointer returns to the initial address by sequentially reading from the stack stacked last to the stack stacked first.

Following step S520, when the process proceeds to step S521, a combination authentication process is executed to determine whether the combination of the ball information control MPU 111 and the main control MPU 101 is appropriate. The game board manufacturer identification information output from the main control board 100 is stored in the game board manufacturer identification information storage section 4101 of the ball information control MPU 111, and it is verified whether or not proper game board manufacturer identification information has been output. If the authentication is properly performed, the process proceeds to step S527, whereas if it is determined that the authentication is not proper, an abnormality notification is performed using a speaker, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

Following step S521, the ball information control MPU proceeds to step S527. In step S527, it is determined whether the ball information RAM clear flag has a value of 0 (step S527). As described above, the ball information RAM clear flag is set to the value 1 when the ball information is to be deleted, and to the value 0 when the ball information is not to be deleted.

When the ball information RAM clear flag is 0 in step S527, that is, when the ball information is not to be deleted, a checksum is calculated (step S528). This checksum is calculated by considering the ball information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM as a numerical value and calculating the sum thereof.

Following step S528, it is determined whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value stored in the ball information control unit power-off processing (power-off time) described later (step S530). ). If they match, it is determined whether the ball information backup flag has a value of 1 (step S532). This ball information backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not ball information backup information such as ball information and checksum value has been stored and retained in the ball information control built-in RAM in the ball information control section power-off processing described later. It is set to a value of 1 when the ball information control unit power-off process is completed normally, and is set to a value of 0 when the ball information control unit power-off process is not completed normally.

When the ball information backup flag has a value of 1 in step S532, that is, when the ball information control section power-off processing has been successfully completed, a work area of the ball information control built-in RAM is set for when the power is restored (step S534). In addition to setting the ball information backup flag to a value of 0, this setting reads the power recovery information from the ROM built into the ball information control MPU (hereinafter referred to as "ball information control built-in ROM"), and Set power restoration information in the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM. As a result, information used for various processes is set based on various flags, various information stored in various information storage areas, etc., which are the above-mentioned ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM. . Note that "power restoration" includes not only the state where the power is turned on after being cut off, but also the state where the power is restored after a power outage or instantaneous power outage.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S527 that the ball information RAM clear flag is not 0 (value 1), or if the checksum values do not match in step S530, or if the ball information backup flag is determined to be a value 1 in step S532, When it is determined that it is not 1 (the value is 0), that is, when the ball information control section power-off processing has not been completed normally, the entire area of the ball information control built-in RAM is cleared (step S536). As a result, the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM is cleared.

Following step S536, the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM is set as an initial setting (step S538). For this setting, initial information is read from the ball information control built-in ROM and this initial information is set in the work area of the ball information control built-in RAM.

Following step S534 or step S538, interrupt initialization is performed (step S540). This setting is for setting the interrupt cycle when the ball information control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, is performed. In this embodiment, it is set to 2ms.

Following step S540, interrupt permission settings are performed (step S542). With this setting, the ball information control unit timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed at the interrupt cycle set in step S540, that is, every 2 ms.

Following step S542, it is determined whether a power outage warning signal has been input (step S544). As described above, when the power to the gaming machine 1 is cut off or there is a power outage or instantaneous power outage, if the voltage falls below the power outage warning voltage, a power outage warning signal is input from the power outage monitoring circuit 117 as a power outage warning. The determination in step S540 is made based on this power outage warning signal.

If no power outage warning signal is input in step S544, it is determined whether the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1 (step S546). This 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that measures 2ms in the ball information control unit timer interrupt processing that is processed every 2ms, which will be described later.It takes a value of 1 when 2ms have elapsed, and a value of 0 when 2ms have not elapsed. Each is set.

If it is determined in step S546 that the 2 ms elapse flag HT-FLG is 0, that is, if 2 ms has not elapsed, the process returns to step S544, and it is determined whether a power outage warning signal has been input.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S546 that the 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1, that is, when 2ms have elapsed, the 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is set to 0 (step S547), and the process proceeds to step S550. , outputs an external WDT clear signal to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 (turns ON, step S550). This external WDT 116 monitors the operation (system) of the ball information control MPU, and sends a reset signal to the ball information control MPU and ball information control I/O port 112 when the external WDT clear signal is not stopped within the clear signal release time. (The ball information control MPU system is periodically diagnosed to see if it is out of control.)

Following step S550, port output processing is performed (step S552). In this port output processing, various types of information are read from the output information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM, and various signals are outputted from the output terminal of the ball information control I/O port 112 based on the various types of information.

The output information storage area includes, for example, ball information main ACK information that indicates that various commands related to prize balls (prize ball commands and self-check commands) have been successfully received from the main control board 100, and information to the ball transport device 22. Various information such as drive information for drive control is stored, and when a prize ball command from the main control board 100 is normally received from the output terminal of the ball information control I/O port 112 based on this output information. It outputs a ball information main ACK signal to the main control board 100 and outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 13.

Following step S552, port input processing is performed (step S554). In this port input processing, various signals input to the input terminal of the ball information control I/O port 112 are read and stored as input information in the input information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM. For example, door frame release switch 131, main body frame release switch 132, launch standby ball detection switches 26, 70, launch ball confirmation switch 36, recovered ball detection switch 203, ball path full detection switch 206, ball appropriate amount detection switch 207, Lifting and feeding inlet switch 156, lifting motor sensor (photo sensor) 157, cassette detection switch 158, firing stop switch 86, touch switch 87, BRQ signal, BRDY signal and CR connection signal from the payment machine 4, command transmission processing to be described later The main ball information ACK signal etc. from the main control board 100 that informs that the main control board 100 has successfully received the various commands sent by the controller 100 are read and stored in the input information storage area as input information.

Following step S554, timer update processing is performed (step S556). The various judgment times are stored as time management information in the time management information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM. In the timer update process, it is determined whether or not the timer values of various timers are set, and if the timer values are set, the timer values are subtracted by 1. For example, if "1000" is set in the timer as a value equivalent to 2 seconds (2000ms), the timer interrupt cycle is set to 2ms, so each time the timer subtraction process is performed at the 2ms cycle, the timer value increases by 1. When the subtraction result becomes 0, the time is up and the time is accurately measured.

Following step S556, payment machine communication processing is performed (step S558). In the payment machine communication process, input information is read from the above-mentioned input information storage area, and based on this input information, it is determined whether various signals (BRQ signal, BRDY signal, and CR connection signal) from the payment machine 4 are being input. Determine. Based on various signals from the payment machine 4, the ball information control MPU exchanges various signals with the payment machine 4. For example, when the ball information control MPU receives the number of rental balls transmitted from the adjustment machine 4, it adds the number of rental balls to the gaming machine ball number data.

Following step S558, command reception processing is performed (step S560). In this command reception process, various commands regarding prize balls (prize ball commands and self-check commands) are received from the main control board 100. When these various commands are received normally, ball information main ACK information that conveys the fact is stored in the output information storage area mentioned above. On the other hand, when the various commands cannot be received normally, the connection indicates that there is an abnormality in the connection between the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 (an abnormality has occurred in the various command signals). Abnormality information is stored in the status information storage area mentioned above.

Following step S560, command analysis processing is performed (step S562). In this command analysis process, the command received in step S562 is analyzed, and the analyzed command is stored as received command information in the received command information storage area of the ball information control built-in RAM.

Following step S562, main operation setting processing is performed (step S564). In this main operation setting process, the ball information control MPU performs operation settings of the firing solenoid 13, the ball feeding solenoid 31, the ball lifting device 22 (ball lifting motor 150), the ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 155, etc. In addition, the ball information control MPU sequentially updates the game machine ball count data stored in the game machine ball count storage area with “1 ” is subtracted. Further, when a prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area, the number of prize balls corresponding to this prize ball command is added to the game machine ball number data stored in the game machine ball number storage area.

Following step S564, LED display data creation processing is performed (step S566). In this LED display data creation process, for example, the data on the number of balls held by the gaming machine stored in the above-mentioned storage area for the number of balls held by the gaming machine is read out, display data for displaying the number of balls held on the touch panel section 14 is created, and the LED display data is read out. It is stored in the output information storage area mentioned above as display information.

Following step S566, command transmission processing is performed (step S568). In this command transmission process, various types of information are read from the above-mentioned status information storage area, and based on the various types of information, various commands classified into status displays are created and transmitted to the main control board 100.

Following step S568, the output of the external WDT clear signal to the external watchdog timer (external WDT) 116 is stopped (turned OFF, step S570). This clears the external WDT 116 and prevents the ball information control MPU and ball information control I/O port 112 from being reset. Furthermore, when the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped, the external WDT 116 starts measuring the clear signal release time.

Following step S570, the process returns to step S544 again, and it is determined whether or not a power outage warning signal has been input. If this power outage warning signal has not been input, the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is set to the value 1 in step S546. If the 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is 1, that is, 2ms have elapsed, the 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is set to 0 in step S547, and the external WDT 4120c is set to 0 in step S550. The WDT clear signal is output (ON), port output processing is performed in step S552, port input processing is performed in step S554, timer update processing is performed in step S556, payment machine communication processing is performed in step S558, and in step S560 Command reception processing is performed, command analysis processing is performed in step S562, main operation setting processing is performed in step S564, LED display data creation processing is performed in step S566, command transmission processing is performed in step S568, and external WDT 116 is performed in step S570. Then, the output of the external WDT clear signal is stopped (OFF), and steps S544 to S570 are repeated. Note that the processing from step S544 to step S570 is referred to as "ball information control main processing."

On the other hand, when a power outage warning signal is input in step S544, interrupt prohibition is set (step S572). With this setting, the ball information control section timer interrupt processing described later is not performed, preventing writing to the ball information control built-in RAM, and protecting the above-mentioned ball information from being rewritten.

Following step S572, a power failure clear signal is output to the CLR terminal, which is the clear terminal of the D-type flip-flop of the power failure monitoring circuit 117, via the sphere information control I/O port 112 (step S574). Thereby, the D type flip-flop can release the latched state by outputting the power failure clear signal.

Following step S574, the output of the drive signal to the firing solenoid 13 is stopped (step S576). This stops the game ball from being launched. Following step S576, the output of the drive signal to the ball feed solenoid 31 is stopped (step S578). As a result, feeding of game balls to the batted ball firing device 29 side is stopped.

Following step S578, an external WDT clear signal is output to the external WDT 116 and its output is stopped (ON/OFF, step S580). This clears the external WDT 116. Following step S580, a checksum is calculated and the calculated value is stored (step S582). This checksum is calculated by considering the ball information in the work area of the built-in RAM for ball information control as a numerical value, excluding the storage area for the checksum value calculated in step S528 and the value of the ball information backup flag HBK-FLG. do. Following step S582, the ball information backup flag is set to a value of 1 (step S584). This completes the storage of the ball information backup information. Following step S584, prohibition of access to the ball information control built-in RAM is set (step S586). This setting prohibits access to the RAM with built-in ball information control, making writing and reading impossible, and protecting the ball information backup information stored in the RAM with built-in ball information control.

Following step S586, a loop process is entered in which a state of doing nothing is repeated. In this loop processing, a clear signal is not turned ON/OFF to the external WDT 116. Therefore, the external WDT 116 outputs a reset signal to the ball information control MPU and the ball information control I/O port 112 to reset them. Thereafter, the ball information control MPU performs the ball information control side power-on process again from the beginning. Note that the processing from step S572 to step S586 and the loop processing are referred to as "ball information control power-off processing."

The gaming machine 1 (ball information control MPU) is reset when there is a power outage or instantaneous power outage, and after the power is restored, the ball information control side power-on process is performed.

In addition, in step S530, it is checked whether the ball information backup information stored in the built-in RAM for ball information control is normal or not, and then in step S532, the ball information control section power-off processing is normally completed. We are checking to see if it is true or not. In this way, by double checking the ball information backup information stored in the ball information control built-in RAM, it is examined whether or not the ball information backup information has been stored by fraudulent activity.

[Sphere information control side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the ball information control side timer interrupt processing will be explained. This ball information control side timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed at every interrupt period (2 ms in this embodiment) set in step S540 of the ball information control side power-on process shown in FIG.

When the timer interrupt processing on the ball information control side is started, the ball information control MPU of the ball information control unit 118 in the ball information control board 110 sets the timer interrupt to disabled and switches the register ( evacuation) (step S590). Here, the general-purpose memory element (general-purpose register) used in the above-mentioned ball information control section main processing is switched to the auxiliary register. By using this auxiliary register in the ball information control side timer interrupt processing, the value of the general-purpose register will not be overwritten. This prevents the contents of the general-purpose register used in the main processing on the ball information control side from being destroyed.

Following step S590, the 2 ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is set to a value of 1 (step S592). This 2ms elapsed flag HT-FLG is a flag that measures 2ms each time this ball information control section timer interrupt processing is performed, that is, every 2ms, and the value is 1 when 2ms have passed, and the value is 0 when 2ms have not passed. are set respectively. Following step S592, register switching (return) is performed (step S594). In this return, the auxiliary register used in the ball information control side timer interrupt processing is switched to a general-purpose storage element (general-purpose register). By using this general-purpose register in the ball information control side main processing, the value of the auxiliary register will not be overwritten. This prevents the contents of the auxiliary register used in the ball information control section timer interrupt processing from being destroyed. Following step S594, interrupt permission is set (step S596), and this routine ends.

[Each process executed in the ball information control main process]
Next, each process executed by the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110 every 2 ms in the ball information control main process of FIG. 84 will be described. First, the ball lending process will be explained, followed by the process of determining whether or not to hit a ball, the process of counting the number of held balls, the process of feeding/launching a ball, the process of detecting a shot ball, and the process of subtracting the number of balls held. Note that the process of determining whether or not to hit a ball, the process of counting the number of held balls, the ball feeding/launching drive process, the shot ball detection process, the process of subtracting the number of balls held, and the lifting drive process is one of the main operation setting processes in step S564. The process is executed in the following order: determining whether or not to hit a ball, counting the number of balls held, ball sending/launching drive process, shot ball detection process, subtracting the number of balls held, and lifting drive process.

When the player inserts the card 403 into the card insertion slot, the payment machine 4 detects the insertion of the card 403, and the card processing machine 402 reads the data stored on the card 403. That is, the ID stored in the ID storage section 404 of the card 403 in FIG. is stored in a predetermined storage area (ID storage area, remaining power storage area, number of balls held storage area).

Next, the payment machine 4 determines whether the inserted card 403 can be used or not. In this embodiment, when the read remaining power is 0 and the read number of balls held is 0, it is determined that the card 403 is unusable, and the card 403 is ejected from the card insertion slot. Therefore, if it is determined that the card 403 is unusable, the processes of counting the number of held balls, ball feeding/ejection driving process, and subtracting the number of held balls, which will be described below, are not executed.

On the other hand, if the read remaining power is not 0, or if the read remaining power is 0 but the read number of balls is not 0, the payment machine 4 determines that the card is usable and the ball information is Card usability information is transmitted to the control board 110.

When a player presses the ball rental button to play a game, an operation signal of the ball rental button is input to the payment machine 4. In response to the operation signal from the ball rental button, the payment machine 4 performs ball rental processing, for example, transmits the specified number of rental balls to the ball information control MPU of the ball information control board 110, and then sends the ball information control MPU to the ball information control MPU. Wait until you receive the sent ball rental end notice.

[Ball rental processing]
Here, the ball rental process executed by the ball information control MPU will be explained. FIG. 87 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball rental processing performed by the ball information control MPU. Note that the ball rental process is executed as one of the payment machine communication processes in step S558 that are executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When starting the ball rental process, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the card usable information transmitted from the payment machine 4 is received (step S600). In step S600, if the card usage information transmitted from the payment machine 4 is received, the process advances to step S601, where the number of balls held counter (game machine The pitch count storage area) is cleared to 0 (step S601), and the process advances to step S602. On the other hand, if the card usability information transmitted from the payment machine 4 is not received in step S600, the process directly moves to step S602. Note that the initial value of the number-of-balls-held counter is set to "0" by setting the RAM work area at the time of power restoration in step S534.

Proceeding to step S602, the ball information control MPU determines whether or not the number of rental balls transmitted from the payment machine 4 is received (step S602). In step S602, if the number of rented balls transmitted from the payment machine 4 is received, the process advances to step S603, where the received number of rented balls is added to the value of the number of balls held counter (step S603), and The end of rental is transmitted to the payment machine 4 (step S604), and the ball rental processing subroutine is exited.

On the other hand, if the number of rental balls transmitted from the adjustment machine 4 is not received in step S602, the process does not proceed to steps S603 and S604 and directly exits the ball rental processing subroutine.

In this way, card usability information is transmitted to the ball information control board 110 only when a new usable card 303 is inserted into the payment machine 4. In addition, only when a ball rental button operation signal is input to the payment machine 4 after the card usage information is received, the number of rental balls is transmitted to the ball information control MPU. Then, when the number of pitches to be lent is received, the number of pitches to be lent is added to the value of the number-of-balls-held counter and stored for the first time.

[Ball hitability determination process]
Next, a description will be given of the ball hitting/unballing determination process executed by the ball information control MPU. FIG. 88 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of ball hitting/unball determination processing performed by the ball information control MPU. It should be noted that the ball-hittable/impossible-to-hit determination process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the process of determining whether or not a ball can be hit, it determines whether the number of balls held is 0, that is, whether the value of the number of balls held counter is 0 (step S710). If it is determined in step S710 that the value of the number of balls held counter is not 0, that is, if the determination in step S710 is NO, the process moves to step S711, and the firing waiting ball detection switch 70 (see FIG. 10) ) is on, that is, whether there is a waiting ball in the ball feeding device 28 (step S711).

If it is determined in step S711 that the firing standby ball detection switch 70 (see FIG. 10) is on, the firing flag is set to 1 (launching possible) (step S712), and the ball hitting determination process is performed. Exit the subroutine. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that the value of the held balls counter is 0, and if it is determined in step S711 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is not on (off), The possible flag is set to 0 (unable to shoot) (step S713), and the process exits from the subroutine for determining whether or not the ball can be hit.

In this way, when the value of the held ball number counter is not 0 and there is a waiting ball in the ball feeding device 28, the firing solenoid 13 and the ball feeding solenoid 31 can be driven, and the ball feeding area 8 of the game ball is substantially The game is in a playable state where you can type into the game. Further, when the value of the held ball number counter is 0 or when there is no waiting ball in the ball feeding device 28, the firing solenoid 13 cannot be driven, and the ball is not actually driven into the game area 8. You are in a state where you cannot play the game. At the same time, the ball feed solenoid 31 cannot be driven.

[Counting the number of balls held]
Next, a process for counting the number of balls held, which corresponds to ball information processing during a game, will be explained assuming that the game has become substantially possible. FIG. 89 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for counting the number of balls held by the ball information control MPU. Note that the held ball count process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the process of counting the number of balls held, it determines whether or not there is a prize ball command analyzed in the command analysis process of step S562 (step S720). That is, it is determined whether or not the prize ball command is stored in the received command information storage area. If the prize ball command is stored, step S720 is determined to be yes, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command stored in the received command information storage area is added and stored to the value of the number of balls held counter (step S722 ), the subroutine for counting the number of balls held is exited. On the other hand, if there is no memory of the prize ball command, step S720 is determined to be none, and the process exits from the subroutine for counting the number of balls held.

For example, if a winning occurs in a winning slot set to the number of prize balls "4", the number of prize balls "4" is added to the value of the number of balls held counter and stored, and for example, the number of prize balls "15" is added. When a prize is won in the winning hole (big winning hole) set to , the number of prize balls "15" is added and stored to the value of the number of balls held counter.

[Ball feeding/launch drive processing]
Next, the ball feeding/shooting drive process will be explained. FIGS. 90 and 91 are flowcharts showing an example of a subroutine of ball feeding/emission drive processing performed by the ball information control MPU. Note that the ball feeding/launching drive process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

Moreover, FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the drive timing of the ball feed solenoid 31 and the firing solenoid 13. The firing solenoid 13 is turned on when period A has elapsed from the time the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, and the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off when period B has elapsed from the time the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, and the ball is fed. The firing solenoid 13 is turned off after a period C has elapsed from the time when the solenoid 31 was turned off.

In this embodiment, period A is 300 ms, period B is 30 ms, and period C is 50 ms. When the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned on, the ball is sent to the shooting position (rail portion 332) by the ball feeding member 32. That is, the fired ball confirmation switch 36 detects the fired ball. In this embodiment, if a game ball that is stopped at the firing position is detected by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined period of time (period D is 30 ms), it is determined that there is a firing ball. do.

In this way, when a game ball parked at the firing position is detected by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that there is a firing ball, so that firing due to noise can be avoided. Erroneous ball counting can be eliminated, and reliability in detecting shot balls can be increased.

When the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball held at the firing position is launched into the game area 8 by the firing hammer 30, and the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. This reduces the number of balls held by -1.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball feeding/shooting drive process, it first determines whether or not the shooting enable flag is 1 (shooting possible) (step S730). When it is determined that the ball can be fired in the hittable/unavailable determination process described above, the firing flag is set to 1 (shottable). If it is determined in step S730 that the firing flag is not 1 (firing possible), that is, if the firing flag is 0 (firing not possible), the process exits from the subroutine of the ball feeding/firing drive process. In this case, the ball feeding/shooting driving process is not actually executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S730 that the firing flag is 1 (fireable), the process moves to step S731, and it is determined whether the processing flag is 0 (step S731).

Here, the processing flag is a flag for identifying whether the ball information control MPU branches to any one of the processes in the ball feeding/launching drive process described below.In other words, the control in the ball feeding/launching drive It is a flag for identifying the state, and "0" means initial setting, and "1" defines the period from turning on the ball feed solenoid 31 until turning on the firing solenoid 13. Yes, "2" defines the period from when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on until the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned off, and when "3" is set, the firing solenoid 13 is turned off after the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned off. This stipulates the period until.

At the time when the ball feeding/shooting drive process is started, the value of the process flag is set to 0. Therefore, it is determined YES in step S731, the process proceeds to step S732, a timer value corresponding to period A (see FIG. 24, 300 ms) is set in the timer (step S732), and the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned on (step S733). , sets the processing flag to 1 (step S734), and exits from the subroutine of ball feeding/shooting drive processing. Note that the timer value set in the timer is subtracted by 1 at a 2 ms cycle in the timer update process of step S556 in FIG.

The next processing cycle of the ball feeding/shooting drive processing will be 2 ms later. As a result of the processing flag being set to 1, in the next cycle of ball feeding/ejection drive processing, it is determined YES in step S730, NO is determined in step S731, and the process moves to step S735. In step S735, it is determined whether the value of the processing flag is 1 (step S735). In this case, since the processing flag is set to 1, it is determined YES in step S735, and the process proceeds to step S736, where it is determined whether the timer has timed up (step S736). If the timer has not timed up, the determination in step S736 is NO, and the process exits from the subroutine of the ball feeding/shooting drive process.

Thereafter, until the timer that has set period A times up, based on the value 1 of the processing flag, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as YES, and step The processing routine in which S736 is determined to be NO is repeated.

Then, when the timer times out, it is determined as YES in step S736, and it is assumed that period A has elapsed, and the process proceeds to step S737, where a timer value corresponding to period B (see FIG. 26, 30 ms) is set in the timer. (Step S737), the firing solenoid 13 is turned on (Step S738), the processing flag is set to 2 (Step S739), and the subroutine of the ball feeding and firing drive processing is exited.

As a result of the processing flag being set to 2, in the next cycle of ball feeding/shooting drive processing, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and the process proceeds to step S740. . In step S740, it is determined whether the value of the processing flag is 2 (step S740). In this case, since the processing flag is set to 2, it is determined as YES in step S740, and the process proceeds to step S741, where it is determined whether the timer has timed up (step S741). If the timer has not timed up, the determination in step S741 is NO, and the process exits from the subroutine of ball feeding and firing drive processing.

Thereafter, until the timer that set period B times up, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, and step The processing routine of determining YES in S740 and NO in step S741 is repeated.

Then, when the timer times out, the determination in step S741 is YES, and it is assumed that period B has elapsed, and the process proceeds to step S742, where a timer value corresponding to period C (see FIG. 24, 50 ms) is set in the timer. (Step S742), the ball feeding solenoid 31 is turned off (Step S743), the processing flag is set to 3 (Step S744), and the subroutine of ball feeding/ejection drive processing is exited.

As a result of the processing flag being set to 3, in the next cycle of ball feeding and firing drive processing, step S730 is determined to be YES, step S731 is determined to be NO, step S735 is determined to be NO, and step S740 is determined to be NO. It is determined, and the process moves to step S745. In step S745, it is determined whether the timer has timed up (step S745). If the timer has not timed up, the determination in step S745 is NO, and the process exits from the ball feeding/shooting drive process subroutine.

Thereafter, until the timer that set the period C times up, based on the value 3 of the processing flag, step S730 is determined as YES, step S731 is determined as NO, step S735 is determined as NO, and step The processing routine of determining NO in step S740 and NO in step S745 is repeated.

Then, when the timer times up, it is determined as YES in step S745, and it is assumed that period C has elapsed, and the process proceeds to step S746, where the firing solenoid 13 is turned off (step S746), and the processing flag is set to 0. It returns to the initial value (step S747) and exits from the subroutine for ball feeding and firing drive processing.

[Projected ball detection processing]
Next, the shot ball detection process will be explained. FIG. 92 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the launched ball detection process performed by the ball information control MPU. Note that the launched ball detection process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the shot ball detection process, it first determines whether the shot ball confirmation switch 36 is on (step S750). As described above, when the ball feed solenoid 31 is turned on, the ball is sent to the shooting position (rail portion 332) by the ball sending member 32. That is, the fired ball confirmation switch 36 detects the fired ball.

If it is determined that the shot ball confirmation switch 36 is on, the value of the time counter, which is a counter for counting the time the ball is on, is incremented by 1 (step S751), and the process proceeds to step S753.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the shot ball confirmation switch 36 is not on, that is, if the shot ball confirmation switch 36 is off, the time counter is set to 0 (step S752), and the process proceeds to step S753.

Proceeding to step S753, it is determined whether the value of the time counter has reached a predetermined specified time D (30 ms in this example) (step S753). If the value of the time counter has not reached the predetermined time D, the determination in step S753 is NO, and the process exits from the subroutine of the shot ball detection process.

Since the firing ball detection process is executed every 2 ms, if the game ball that is stopped at the firing position by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 continues to be detected for a predetermined period D, the timing counter will be activated every 2 ms. The value increases by 1 until the value of the time counter reaches a predetermined specified time D (in this example, 30 ms, count value 15). In this case, it is determined YES in step S753, it is assumed that a shot ball has been detected, the shot ball detection flag is set to 1 (detected) (step S754), and the subroutine of the shot ball detection process is exited.

On the other hand, when noise enters the launched ball confirmation switch 36, the launched ball confirmation switch 36 is momentarily turned on, but then the launched ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. Therefore, since the value of the time counter is set to 0 in response to the firing ball confirmation switch 36 being turned off, the value of the time counter is set to a predetermined period D (in this example, 30 ms, count value 15). will never reach.

In this way, when a game ball parked at the firing position is detected by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that there is a firing ball, so that firing due to noise can be avoided. Erroneous ball counting can be eliminated, and reliability in detecting shot balls can be increased.

[Ball count subtraction process]
Next, the process of subtracting the number of balls held will be explained. FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for subtracting the number of balls held by the ball information control MPU. Note that the holding ball number subtraction process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the ball count subtraction process, it first determines whether the shot ball detection flag is 1 (detected) (step S760). If it is determined that the launched ball detection flag is not 1 (detected), that is, if the determination in step S760 is NO, the process exits from the subroutine for subtracting the number of balls held. In this case, the number of balls held is not subtracted.

If it is determined in step S760 that the launched ball detection flag is 1 (detected), that is, if it is determined as YES in step S760, the process proceeds to step S761, and whether the launched ball confirmation switch 36 is off or not is determined. It is determined whether or not (step S761). If it is determined in step S761 that the launched ball confirmation switch 36 is not off, that is, if the determination in step S761 is NO, the subroutine for subtracting the number of balls held is exited.

As described above, when the firing solenoid 13 is turned on, the game ball parked at the firing position is launched into the game area 8 by the firing hammer 30, and the firing ball confirmation switch 36 is turned off. This reduces the number of balls held by -1. In step S761, if it is determined that the launched ball confirmation switch 36 is off, that is, if it is determined as YES in step S761, the value of the number of held balls counter is -1 (step S762), and the value of the launched ball detection flag is set. 0 (no detection) is set (step S763), and the subroutine for subtracting the number of balls held is exited.

In this way, when a game ball that is stopped at the firing position is detected by the firing ball confirmation switch 36 for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that there is a firing ball, and it is determined that there is a firing ball. If the game ball is not detected by the shot ball confirmation switch 36 under the condition that the game ball is not detected by the shot ball confirmation switch 36, it is determined that the game ball that was parked at the shooting position has been fired, and the number of balls held is reduced by one. 36, it is possible to eliminate incorrect ball counts of shot balls due to the noise, and it is possible to increase the reliability in detecting shot balls.

[Ball lifting drive processing]
Next, the lifting drive process will be explained. FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the lifting drive process performed by the ball information control MPU. Note that the lifting drive process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process.

When the ball information control MPU starts the transport drive process, it first determines whether or not the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on (step S770). If it is determined in step S770 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is OFF, that is, if it is determined NO in step S770, the process proceeds to step S771, and it is determined whether or not the lifting/feeding inlet switch 156 is ON. (Step S771). In step S771, if it is determined that the lifting entrance switch 156 is on, that is, if it is determined as YES in step S771, the ball lifting motor 150 is driven (step S772), and the subroutine of the lifting drive process is performed. Go through.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S770 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on, that is, if it is determined as YES in step S770, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S773), and the lifting drive process is started. Exit the subroutine.
Also, if it is determined in step S771 that the lifting inlet switch 156 is off, that is, if it is determined NO in step S771, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S773), and the lifting drive process is started. Exit the subroutine.

In this way, when no game ball is detected by the launch standby ball detection switch 26, it is determined that the required number of game balls is not present in the ball supply path member 24, and the ball feeding path When game balls waiting in line are detected in the ball supply path member 275, the ball lifting motor is driven and the ball feeding motor is activated to send the balls into the ball supply path member 24 by the launch waiting ball detection switch 26. On the condition that game balls waiting in line are detected, the driving of the ball lifting device 22 is stopped and the lifting of game balls is stopped. This can prevent ball clogging from occurring. As a result, since the game balls are lifted and transported, the game balls can be sent to the ball supply path member 24 in just the right amount.

Furthermore, compared to the game ball firing cycle of the batted ball firing device 29 in the upper firing unit 12 and the ball feeding cycle of the game balls of the ball feeding device 28, the game ball feeding frequency of the ball feeding device 22 to the ball supply path member 24 is The ball delivery cycle is set short. In this embodiment, the game ball firing cycle of the batted ball firing device 29 and the game ball feeding cycle of the ball feeding device 28 are 600 ms (100 shots per minute), and the ball feeding path member by the ball lifting device 22 The sending cycle of game balls to 24 is 384 ms.
As a result, during a game, the operation of the upper firing unit 12 causes the ball launcher 29 to launch the game ball into the gaming area, and the ball feeder 28 to send the game ball to the launch position. In addition, since the cycle of feeding the game balls to the ball supply path member 24 by the ball lifting device 22 is shorter than the cycle of feeding the game balls to the firing position, the ball is placed on standby before being lifted by the lifting/feeding inlet switch 156. If the state where the number of game balls is sufficient is maintained, the game balls in the ball supply path member 24 are no longer detected by the launch standby ball detection switch 26 while the game balls are being driven. Then, the ball lifting device 22 is driven to start lifting and transporting game balls, and the game balls are sent out to the ball supply path member 24 at a faster pace than the driving pace of the game balls. When the detection switch 26 detects the game balls waiting in line within the ball supply path member 24, the ball lifting device 22 stops driving, and the lifting of the game balls is stopped. In other words, during the game, the ball lifting and feeding operation of the ball lifting device 22 is performed intermittently, which prevents ball clogging from occurring and also allows the game to be carried out efficiently and stably. To efficiently supply a stable number of game balls to an upper firing unit.

In this embodiment, the game ball firing cycle of the batted ball firing device 29 and the game ball feeding cycle of the ball feeding device 28 are 600 ms (100 shots per minute), and the ball feeding device 22 has a ball feeding cycle of 600 ms (100 shots per minute). Although the feeding period of the game ball to the path member 24 is 384 ms, the method is not limited to this, and the shooting period of the game ball, the ball feeding period, and the feeding period of the game ball to the ball supply path member 24 are set as 384 ms. Various methods can be selected, such as setting the times to be 600 ms from each other.

[Ball jam notification process]
Next, the ball jamming notification process will be explained. FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball jam notification processing performed by the ball information control MPU. The ball jamming notification process is executed as one of the main operation setting processes in step S564, which is executed every 2 ms in the ball information control main process. Further, the ball jam notification process is performed after the ball hitting/unball determination process shown in FIG. 88. Note that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 corresponds to a first launch standby ball detection means, and the launch standby ball detection switch 70 corresponds to a second launch standby ball detection means.

When the ball information control MPU 111 starts the ball jam notification process, it first determines whether or not the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on (step S780). If it is determined in step S780 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is on, that is, if it is determined as YES in step S780, the ball lifting motor 150 is stopped (step S782), and the process proceeds to step S786, where the launch standby is performed. It is determined whether the ball detection switch is on (step S786). If it is determined in step S786 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is off, that is, if it is determined NO in step S786, the abnormality detection flag is set to 1 (step S788), and the notification means is turned on. (Step S789) The process exits from the subroutine for ball jamming notification processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S786 that the launch standby ball detection switch 70 is on, that is, if it is determined as YES in step S786, the process advances to step S787, and it is determined whether the abnormality detection flag is 1 ( Step S787). When the abnormality detection flag is determined to be 1 in step S787, that is, when it is determined as YES in step S787, the abnormality detection flag is cleared to 0 (step S790), the abnormality notification means is turned off (step S792), and the recovery notification means is turned on (step S794), and the subroutine of the ball jamming notification process is exited.

Further, if it is determined in step S780 that the launch standby ball detection switch 26 is off, that is, if it is determined NO in step S780, the ball lifting motor 150 is driven (step S784), and the abnormality detection flag is set. It is determined whether or not it is 1 (step S787). When it is determined that the abnormality detection flag is 0 in step S787, that is, when it is determined that step S787 is NO, the subroutine of the ball clogging notification process is exited.

In this way, the ball supply path member 24 and the ball feeding device 28 are equipped with sensors for detecting game balls, so that the game balls in the ball feeding path member 24 are detected, and the game balls in the ball feeding device 28 are detected. On the condition that the ball is not jammed, it is determined that the abnormal state is due to ball clogging, and an abnormality notification means (not particularly shown, but for example, by displaying a message to the effect of ball clogging on the touch panel part 14) is used to notify. Thereby, for example, it is possible to reliably notify the staff at the game hall that the balls are jammed.

In addition, the upper firing device 12 of this embodiment can be rotated by the upper firing device hinge 37 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body frame 2 (Fig. 12), so that the staff member who receives the notification of ball jamming can After opening the door frame 3, the state of the upper firing device 12 can be immediately grasped, and ball jamming can be easily cleared. When the ball jam is cleared, the abnormality detection flag is cleared to 0 and the abnormality notification means stops. After that, the recovery notification means will notify you (for example, by displaying on the touch panel 14 to the extent that the game hall staff can recognize that the ball has recovered from the jammed ball condition (for example, 5 to 10 seconds)), so It can be recognized that the ball blockage has been cleared.

Further, the firing standby ball detection switch 70 is installed so as to detect a game ball near the firing position on the path of the ball feeding device 28, but it detects a game ball passing through the path of the ball feeding device 28. Various arrangement positions can be selected as long as it is possible to do so.

[Pachinko and Pachinko Machine Ecosystem]
By the way, interest in ecology (environmental issues, resource issues, etc.) is increasing in the industrial world. In the gaming machine industry as well, there is a need to consider how to deal with the increasing number of dismantled gaming machines from an eco-friendly standpoint. For example, if a dismantled game machine that contains many parts that can be reused is simply destroyed or otherwise disposed of, it is a waste of reusable resources.

When recycling gaming machines, it is effective to trace the gaming machines that have been sold, but in order to do this, it is conceivable to use an identification ID or the like to identify the gaming machine. Even if a game machine has been removed, for example, the liquid crystal display panel, proximity switch, etc. can be reused as is, and the motor, solenoid, etc. can be melted and separated into iron, copper, or steel and reused as materials. . The ABS resin that makes up the transparent resin panel and the back box can be recycled by crushing them into flakes, sorting them by type and color, and then reusing them as materials for new gaming machine parts. Therefore, it is preferable for gaming machine manufacturers to reliably collect and recycle gaming machines that have been removed from halls.

Therefore, the embodiment described below allows game machine manufacturers to reliably trade in game machines from halls (stores where they are installed) for recycling, and also allows them to determine what the current recycling rate is. The present invention relates to a game machine ecosystem that provides an environment in which information such as information can be obtained at any time.

[Overview of the gaming machine ecosystem]
The premise is that all new gaming machines shipped from manufacturers will eventually be traded in by the manufacturer after going around the market. A game machine to be shipped is given a game board identification ID as a unique ID that allows the game board 5 to be individually identified.

The game board identification ID is, for example, the first MPU recognition number stored in advance in the first MPU recognition number storage section 101a of the main control MPU 101 mounted on the main control board 100 installed in the game board 5 described in FIG. or the unique ID code described in FIG. 76. Note that the first MPU identification number corresponds to the first MPU ID registration number according to claim 1. Hereinafter, the first MPUID registration number will be explained as a game board identification ID. Further, the center management device, the manufacturer management device, and the hall management device are connected through a communication network.

Each management device includes a computer such as a PC, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, database, manual input device, and the like. Then, the following process is performed when a new gaming machine is shipped and when the gaming machine is traded in.

[When shipping a new gaming machine]
Shipping information of gaming machines is input and recorded in the manufacturer management device. The manufacturer management device transmits to the center management device the recorded content regarding the gaming machine, which is the shipping information input at the time of shipping the new gaming machine. The shipping information includes at least the game board identification ID, the hole identification ID of the shipping destination hall, the shipping date, and the manufacturer ID.

On the other hand, when this new gaming machine is installed in a hall, the hall management device that recognizes the installation transmits installation information regarding this new gaming machine to the center management device. The installation information includes at least a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, an installation date, a manufacturer ID, and the like. The center management device collates the shipping information transmitted from the manufacturer management device and the installation information transmitted from the hall management device based on the game board identification ID, and records the verification result (new machine shipping process).

The comparison result is a "pair" of shipping information and installation information with matching game board identification IDs, and this pair is recorded in the database. This data can be accessed from outside using the game board identification ID as a key.

[When trading in]
When a manufacturer trades in an old game machine to replace it with a new machine, trade-in information for the trade-in game machine is input and recorded in the manufacturer management device. The manufacturer management device transmits this input trade-in information to the center management device. The trade-in information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a trade-in date, a manufacturer ID, and the like.

On the other hand, on the hall side, when the old gaming machine is removed due to replacement with a new machine, information about the removal of the gaming machine is transmitted to the center management device through the hall management device. The removal information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a removal date, a manufacturer ID, and the like.

The center management device compares the trade-in information sent from the manufacturer with the removal information sent from the hall management device, and records the comparison result (trade-in management processing). The comparison result is a "pair" of trade-in information and removal information with matching game board identification IDs, and this pair is recorded in the database. This data can be accessed from outside using the game board identification ID as a key.

As described above, the gaming machine ecosystem accumulates the matching results in the database, so by searching the database using the gaming board identification ID as a key, it is possible to know the current status of the gaming machine with that gaming board identification ID. I can do it. For example, if the verification result stops at shipping information and installation information, the gaming machine must exist in the hall with the hall identification ID, and removal and trade-in information must also be added to the verification result. For example, the game machine will be traded in from the hall that has the hall identification ID.

Since shipping information, installation information, removal information, and trade-in information should be paired in the center management device, it is abnormal for the center management device to have only one of them for a long period of time, and it is an eco-friendly issue. From this point of view, you can also move on to investigating the cause.

Furthermore, if there is shipping information, installation information, removal information, or trade-in information for which the verification results are not recorded in the center management device for a certain period of time due to a discrepancy in the game board identification ID, the manufacturer will be determined based on the game board identification ID. , informs the manufacturer that one or more of these pieces of information cannot be verified by the center management device. This makes it possible to confirm at what point the whereabouts of the gaming machine became unknown. As a result, basically all gaming machines can be collected and traded, and useful resources such as liquid crystal display screens, proximity switches, transparent panels, motors, solenoids, and ABS resin can be recycled.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine ecosystem]
FIG. 103 shows the overall configuration of the gaming machine ecosystem 1010. In this embodiment, in addition to a center management device 1020, a manufacturer management device 1040, and a hall management device 1050, an eco unit 1060 and a used dealer management device 1070 are used. and a decryption management device 1080, which are connected to each other via a communication network. The communication network uses the Internet 1100 (the communication network may be a dedicated line). Note that the eco unit 1060 is connected only to the hall management device 1050 through an I/O (not shown). Further, from the viewpoint of security, the decryption management device 1080 is exclusive to the center management device 1020, and is connected to the center management device 1020 through a dedicated line.

The gaming machine ecosystem 1010 of this embodiment is based on a center management device 1020, a manufacturer management device 1040, and a hall management device 1050, so first, the basic configuration will be explained.

The center management device 1020 is, for example, a device centered on a personal computer, and includes memory such as a CPU, a database, a ROM, a RAM, a manual input device, an I/O, a display, and a hard disk, although these are not shown. are organically connected by internal computer wiring. It is also connected to the Internet 1100 and the decryption management device 1080 through I/O.

The manufacturer management device 1040 is, for example, a device centered on a personal computer, and includes memory such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, manual input device, I/O, display, hard disk, etc. (not shown), and these are typically They are organically connected by internal wiring in the computer. It is also connected to the Internet 1100 through I/O.

The hall management device 1050 is, for example, a device centered on a personal computer, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, manual input device, I/O, eco unit 1060, and memory such as a hard disk, although these are not shown. They are organically connected by normal computer wiring. It is also connected to the Internet 12 through I/O.

When a manufacturer ships a new gaming machine to a hall, shipping information is manually entered into the manufacturer management device 1040, and the shipping information is sent to the center management device using the shipping information line L1 configured on the Internet 1100 (communication network). 1020. Installation information is manually input to the hall management device 1050 of the hall where the new gaming machine is installed, and the input installation information is transmitted to the center management device 1050 using the installation information line L3 configured on the Internet 12 (communication network). sent to.

For security reasons, all information sent from the hall management device 1050 to line L3 is encrypted and sent, including installation information, removal information, and non-operation information (described later). The center management device 2 collates the shipping information and installation information sent from the manufacturer management device 1040 and the hall management device 1050 based on the game board identification ID, and selects information whose game board identification ID matches. This pair is used as the matching result. The verification result is transmitted to the database 1030 using the verification result line L5 and recorded. This database 1030 can be accessed from the outside.

When an old game machine is traded in by the manufacturer for replacement with a new machine, the removal information is manually input into the hall management device 1050, and the removal information is transmitted through the removal information line L3 formed on the Internet 1100 (communication network). It is transmitted to the center management device 1020.

Trade-in information is manually entered into the manufacturer management device 1040, which is the side that traded in the old gaming machine, and the trade-in information is transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the trade-in information line L4 configured on the Internet 1100 (communication network). . The center management device 1020 collates the trade-in information sent from the manufacturer management device 1040 and the removal information sent from the hall management device 1050 based on the game board identification ID, and when the game board identification IDs match, A "pair" of these pieces of information is transmitted as a verification result to the database 1030 through the verification result line L5 and recorded.

Next, in this embodiment, an eco unit 1060, a used sales company management device 1070, and a decryption management device 1080 are attached to the above-mentioned basic configuration. The eco unit 1060 is located between the gaming machine 1 and the hall management device 1050, and in FIG. 103, the gaming machine 1 and the eco unit 1060 are connected via the ECO gaming machine interface. Since the eco unit 1060 serves as a relay device that connects the gaming machine 1 to the hall management device 1050, it can also be used in a currently known CR unit or the payment machine 4 shown in FIG. 76. Further, the decryption management device 1080 is exclusive to the center management device 1020 and is connected to the center management device 1020 through a dedicated line.

When the game machine 1 is installed in the hall and the power is turned on, the eco unit 1060 receives the game board identification ID from the installed game machine 1 and transmits it to the hall management device 1050. The hall management device 1050 stores the game board identification ID for business management.

If the operation information does not reach the hall management device 1050 through the eco unit 1060 even though the hall management device 1050 has already acquired the game board identification ID, the hall management device 1050 will become inoperable after a preset period. Information is automatically transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the non-operating information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100. The non-operating information includes at least the game board identification ID, the hall identification ID, the non-operating date, and the manufacturer ID.

The used sales company management device 1070 consists of devices such as a personal computer, for example, and includes memory (not shown) such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, manual input device, I/O, display, and hard disk. These are organically connected by a normal computer communication network.

The decryption management device 1080 consists of a computer-based device, etc., and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, manual input device, I/O, display, etc. (not shown), and these are organically connected by normal internal computer wiring. combined.

As described above, the installation information, removal information, and non-operation information are encrypted when they are transmitted from the hall management device 1050 so as not to leak to the outside. Therefore, the information received by the center management device 1020 is decoded so as to be readable by the decryption management device 1080, and is directly transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the line L3 configured on the dedicated line.

The operation of the embodiment is summarized as follows. It is activated when a new car is shipped, when a used car is moved, and when a used car is traded in. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of the gaming machine 1 is equipped with a security function. This main control MPU 101 has a security function, for example, a function to determine whether the built-in ROM is a ROM that has been authenticated, and a function to determine whether an area other than a predetermined area is accessed. A function that generates a reset in the main control MPU 101, and a function to read out the game board identification ID stored in the ROM built in the main control MPU 101, data stored in the ROM, etc. from a terminal provided outside the main control MPU 101. It has functions that can be used.

[When shipped from new machine]
When a manufacturer ships a new game machine, it is given a game board identification ID that can identify the main control MPU 101 of each game machine, as described above. Then, in FIG. 103, at the time of shipment, the game board identification ID, the hall identification ID of the hall to which the product is shipped, the shipping date (for example, year, month, and day), etc. are input into the manufacturer management device 1040 from the manual input device.

The manufacturer management device 1040 records shipping information in a memory (not shown) based on the operating software stored in the ROM. Next, when a command to send shipping information to the center management device 1020 is input from a manual input device (not shown), the manufacturer management device 1040 adds manufacturer identification information (manufacturer ID) to the shipping information stored in memory. The information is then sent as shipping information to the center management device 1020 via the shipping information line L1 configured on the Internet 1100.

When the center management device 1020 receives shipping information from the manufacturer management device 1040, the center management device 1020 stores and registers this shipping information in a shipping information file set in the database 1030. In this way, each time shipping information is transmitted from the manufacturer management device 1040, the shipping information is accumulated and stored in the shipping information file. The shipping information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a shipping date (for example, year, month, and day), and a manufacturer ID.

On the other hand, at the shipping destination hall, when the power is turned on to the installed new gaming machine 1, the game board specific to the gaming machine built in the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of the new gaming machine 1 is identified. ID is read out and sent to the eco unit 1060 (see FIG. 103).

The eco unit 1060 automatically recognizes the installation of the new game machine 1 together with the game board identification ID and transmits this to the hall management device 1050. When the hall management device 1050 receives the game board identification ID from the eco unit 1060, it records it in a memory based on operating software stored in a ROM (not shown).

Next, the hall management device 1050 sends the game board identification ID, the hall identification ID for identifying its own hall, the installation date (for example, year, month, day), manufacturer ID, etc. as installation information on the Internet 1100. It is transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the configured installation information line L3.

Note that installation information and non-operation information (described later) transmitted from the hall management device 1050 are encrypted and transmitted to the Internet, decrypted by the decryption management device 1080, and transmitted to the center management device 1020.

The decryption management device 1080 receives the encrypted installation information from the hall and stores it in the RAM (not shown), decrypts the encrypted installation information using decryption software stored in the ROM (not shown), and once stores it in the RAM. (not shown), and then transmits the installation information to the center management device 1020 through the installation information line L3 configured on a dedicated line.

When the installation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 receives the installation information and verifies it using verification software stored in a ROM (not shown). The shipping information file is searched using the game board identification ID included in the received installation information as a search key. If shipping information including a game board identification ID that matches the game board identification ID included in the received installation information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, the hall identification ID included in the received installation information and the , it is determined whether the hall identification ID of the hall that is the shipping destination included in the matched shipping information matches, and if they match, it is assumed that the verification has been established.

Then, as a verification result, the "pair" of these pieces of information is transmitted to the database 1030 using the verification result line L5 and recorded. It should be noted that if the verification is successful, the verified information may be added to the shipping information stored in the shipping information file and the information may be stored and registered again. This data is set to be accessible (inquiry) from the outside using the game board identification ID as a key.

As a result, information from the shipping side (manufacturer) and installation side (hall) associated with the shipment of a new gaming machine is combined using the gaming board identification ID as a key, and is recorded as consistent (correctly processed) information. Ru.

Furthermore, for example, if the installation information is not transmitted from the hall management device 1050, or if the IDs for identifying game boards in the installation information and shipping information do not match, the verification result will not be recorded, so the verification result corresponding to the shipping information will not be recorded. data is missing. Note that in the case of the configuration described above, verified information is not added to the shipping information stored in the shipping information file.

Then, in this embodiment, if the center management device 1020 cannot obtain a verification result for the shipping information stored in the shipping information file for a certain period of time (for example, 3 days have passed since the shipping date), the center management device 1020 uses the game board identification ID The center management device 1020 then informs the manufacturer management device 1040 of the manufacturer through the notification line L6 configured on the Internet 1100 that the ID for identifying the game board could not be verified. to notify.

Note that the notification information includes the game board identification ID, the hole identification ID of the hole, the shipping date (for example, year, month, and day), and the fact that verification is not possible. By doing this, it is possible to ascertain the cause of the problem and prevent the appearance of gaming machines that cannot be traded in again.

[Game board verification]
By the way, currently, each manufacturer independently develops and produces the body frame into which the game board is fitted, but from the viewpoint of reducing development costs and preventing environmental damage, it is recommended that all manufacturers use the frame in common. It is conceivable to develop a body frame that allows for this.

However, if the body frame is a common frame that does not depend on the manufacturer, the structures of the body frames are the same, so even if a different combination of game boards is fitted into the body frame, it will be difficult to see if it looks wrong. It is difficult to judge whether the combination is correct or not, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to ascertain and manage whether or not a legitimate game board fits into the main body frame.

The embodiment described below is for authenticating whether the game board 5 fitted in the main body frame 2 is genuine. FIG. 104 is a block diagram schematically showing a gaming machine management system according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 99 and 104, the game machine 1 includes a first MPU (main control MPU 101) that is provided on the game board 5 and controls games, and is used to receive game balls into the winning opening. A first control board (main control board 100) that outputs a prize ball signal based on the prize ball signal, and a second MPU (ball information control MPU 111) that is provided in the main body frame 2 and performs prize ball control based on the prize ball signal. 2 control board (sphere information control board 110).

As explained earlier, when the installed gaming machine (described as a new machine, but the same applies to a used machine as described below) 1 is turned on at the destination hall, the main control board 100 and the ball information control board 110 are turned on. Through bidirectional communication with the first MPU identification number storage section 101a, the game board identification ID is read out, encrypted by the main encryption communication section 160, and then sent to the ball information encryption communication section 165, where it is sent to the ball information control MPU 111. The second MPU identification number is encrypted by the sphere information encryption communication section 165 and then transmitted to the main encryption communication section 160 (see FIG. 99).

The ball information control MPU 111 decrypts the game board identification ID transmitted from the main control MPU 101 using the ball information encryption communication unit 165 and then stores it in the first MPU identification number storage unit 166 in the second authentication unit 167. (See Figure 99). Next, the ball information control MPU 111 transmits the game board identification ID stored in the first MPU identification number storage section 166 to the eco unit 1060 via the communication section 1110 (see FIG. 104).

The eco unit 1060 automatically recognizes the installation of the new game machine 1 together with the game board identification ID and transmits this to the hall management device 1050. When the hall management device 1050 receives the game board identification ID from the eco unit 1060, it records it in a memory based on operating software stored in a ROM (not shown).

Next, the hall management device 1050 sends the game board identification ID, the hall identification ID for identifying its own hall, the installation date (for example, year, month, day), manufacturer ID, etc. as installation information on the Internet 1100. It is transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the configured installation information line.

Note that installation information and non-operation information (described later) transmitted from the hall management device 1050 are encrypted and transmitted to the Internet, decrypted by the decryption management device 1080, and transmitted to the center management device 1020.

The decryption management device 1080 receives the encrypted installation information from the hall and stores it in the RAM (not shown), decrypts the encrypted installation information using decryption software stored in the ROM (not shown), and once stores it in the RAM. (not shown), and then transmits the installation information to the center management device 1020 through an installation information line configured on a dedicated line.

When the installation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 receives the installation information and verifies it using verification software stored in a ROM (not shown). The shipping information file is searched using the game board identification ID included in the received installation information as a search key. If shipping information including a game board identification ID that matches the game board identification ID included in the received installation information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, a "match" is determined as a determination result by the hall management via the Internet 1100. reply to device 1050; Note that the determination result may include the game board identification ID, the hole identification ID of the hole, and the shipping date (for example, year, month, and day).

On the other hand, if the shipping information including the game board identification ID that matches the game board identification ID included in the received installation information is not stored and registered in the shipping information file, in other words, the game board with the installation information and the shipping information If the identification IDs do not match, "does not match" is returned to the hall management device 1050 via the Internet 1100 as a determination result.

Upon receiving the determination result, the hall management device 1050 transmits the received determination result to the eco unit 1060, and the eco unit 1060 sends the received determination result to the ball information control MPU 111 of the ball information control board 110 through the ECO gaming machine interface. Send. Upon receiving the determination result transmitted via the communication unit 1110, the ball information control MPU 111 executes award ball control if the determination result is "match", and executes prize ball control if the determination result is "not match". Do not perform ball control.

Therefore, without having to connect a verification machine from outside the board box and inspect the MPU individually, it is possible to authenticate whether the game board fitted in the main body frame is genuine. It becomes possible to judge whether the combination is legal or not. In addition, if the determination result of the authentication process is "does not match", prize ball control is not performed, which makes it possible to avoid playing a game on an unauthorized game board, and also prevents the MPU from using counterfeit chips. This makes it possible to effectively prevent fraudulent acts such as replacing the

[When moving used goods]
When a used game machine is moved by a used game machine to a hall, the used game machine is input from a manual input device (not shown) to the used game machine management device 1070 along with the ID for specifying the game board of the used game machine to be moved (which does not change from the time the new machine is shipped). , movement information (installation information) including a movement destination hall identification ID, movement date (for example, year, month, and day), and manufacturer identification information (manufacturer ID) are input. These data are once stored in the memory, and when a transmission command is input from a manual input device (not shown), movement information is transmitted from the used sales company management device 1070 to the center management via the used movement line L2 configured on the Internet 1100. It is sent to device 2. Note that the second-hand sales company acquires the gaming machine 1 by purchasing the gaming machine 1 that has been removed from the hall.

When the center management device 1020 receives movement information from the second-hand sales company management device 1070, it stores this movement information in its memory. Note that the center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the movement information as a search key, and collates the movement information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is also possible to have a configuration in which

In this case, if shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received movement information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

In this way, the center management device 1020 can recognize how many years have passed since the shipping date of the used gaming machine involved in the movement by comparing the shipping date and the moving date. For example, if a sellable period is set from shipment, this system will allow you to know when the sellable period has passed, so you can, for example, set a deadline alarm from the center management device 1020. This makes it possible to provide guidance information to halls for proper optimization.

At the destination hall of the used game machine, the same process as that for installing a new game machine described above is performed. When the moved and installed gaming machine is powered on, the eco unit 1060 recognizes the gaming board identification ID of the gaming machine 1 and transmits the gaming board identification ID to the hall management device 1050.

The hall management device 1050 once records the game board identification ID in the memory, and then determines that the game machine 1 having the game board identification ID has been installed based on the software stored in the ROM (not shown), and installs it. The encrypted installation information is encrypted as information and transmitted to the center management device 1020 via the decryption management device 1080 through the installation information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100. The decryption management device 1080 decrypts the encrypted installation information and transmits it to the center management device 1020 through the installation information line L3 configured on a dedicated line.

Then, the center management device 1020 collates the installation information with the movement information from the second-hand sales company management device 1070, and when the IDs for specifying both game boards match, the "pair" of these pieces of information is displayed as a collation result. It is transmitted to the database 1030 through the matching result line L5 and recorded. The recorded verification results can be referenced from the outside using the game board identification ID as a key. This makes it possible to understand that the game machine has been moved from the second-hand sales company to the hall.

In addition, if the game board identification IDs of the information to be paired do not match and the information of the other party to be paired does not arrive after the set period, the center management device 1020 sends the manufacturer information as the set period passes. The verification failure information is automatically transmitted to the management device 1040 via the notification line L6.

The information that cannot be verified includes the ID for specifying the game board in the movement information (does not change from the time the new machine is shipped), the ID for specifying the hall to which it has been moved, the date of movement (for example, year, month, and day), the manufacturer ID, and the fact that it cannot be verified. include. This makes it possible to prevent the gaming machine from becoming missing.

Note that, as described above, the hall management device 1050 determines which gaming machines are out of operation based on the gaming machine operation information received from the eco unit 1060, and uses the non-operating information regarding the gaming machines to identify the gaming machine. It is automatically transmitted to the center management device 1020 along with the user ID via the decryption management device 1080 and the Internet 1100 using the non-operation information line L3. This transmission is encrypted in the hall management device 1050, decrypted in the decryption management device 1080, transmitted to the center management device 1020 via a dedicated line, and stored in the RAM (not shown) of the center management device 1020. This non-operation information is managed by a timer in the center management device 1020 and is associated with the next trade-in information.

[When trading in]
When a gaming machine is traded in from a hall, such as when replacing it with a new gaming machine, the power to the gaming machine 1 is first turned off, so the eco unit 1060 does not recognize the operation of the gaming machine 1. The eco unit 1060 notifies the hall management device 1050 that this operation cannot be recognized, and the hall management device 1050 uses this as non-operation information and assigns the ID for identifying the game board of the game machine that is not in operation, the hall The identification ID, non-operating date, manufacturer ID, and the fact that the device is non-operating are transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the non-operating information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100. Since the transmission of this information is encrypted, it is decrypted by the decryption management device 1080, and the non-operation information is transmitted to the center management device 1020 through the non-operation information line L3 configured on a dedicated line.

When the center management device 1020 receives the non-operation information from the hall management device 1050, it stores this non-operation information in its memory. Note that the center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the non-working information as a search key, and combines the non-working information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the

In this case, if shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received non-operating information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

When removal information is input from a manual input device (not shown) about a game machine that has been removed for trade-in, the hall management device 1050 sends this to the center management device 1020 on the Internet 1100 along with the game board identification ID. It is transmitted through the configured removal information line L3. Note that the removal information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a removal date (for example, year, month, and day), and a manufacturer ID.

When the center management device 1020 receives the removal information from the hall management device 1050, it stores this removal information in its memory. Note that the center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the removal information as a search key, and collates the removal information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is also possible to have a configuration in which

In this case, if shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received removal information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

On the other hand, when the manufacturer trades in the game machine 1, the manufacturer management device 1040 sends the trade-in information about the traded-in game machine 1 to the center management device 1020 along with the game board identification ID. It is transmitted through information line L4. Note that the trade-in information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a trade-in date (for example, year, month, and day), and a manufacturer ID.

When the center management device 1020 receives trade-in information from the manufacturer management device 1040, it stores this trade-in information in its memory. Note that the center management device 1020 searches the shipping information file using the game board identification ID included in the trade-in information as a search key, and collates the trade-in information with the shipping information registered in the shipping information file set in the database 1030. It is also possible to have a configuration in which

In this case, if shipping information including a game board specifying ID that matches the game board specifying ID included in the received trade-in information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, it is assumed that the verification is successful.

The center management device 1020 collates the above-mentioned non-operation information with removal information and trade-in information, and if these game board identification IDs match, this information is stored in the database 1030 using the collation result line L5. Record as. That is, the non-operating information and the removal information are recorded as being caused by trading in the gaming machine.

However, non-operation information may occur due to reasons other than these, so if you set a period as described above and the other information that should be paired does not reach the center management device 1020 within that period, The trade-in manufacturer is alerted to any abnormality. According to this, it can be determined that the gaming machine has been correctly traded in by matching the withdrawal information and the trade-in information.

Furthermore, if the removal information is not sent for a long time after storing the non-operation information, the center management device 1020 determines that there is an abnormality and notifies the manufacturer management device 1040 of the abnormality information. Note that the abnormality information includes a game board identification ID, a hall identification ID, a non-operation date (for example, year, month, and day), a manufacturer ID, and a notification that there is a non-operation abnormality. This allows you to take action before a trade-in becomes impossible due to an abnormal situation.

In addition, when removal information is sent from the hall management device 1050 to the center management device 1020, the center management device 1020 sends trade-in possibility information (game board identification ID, hall identification ID, removal date, trade-in It is also possible to provide a notification via the notification line L6. By implementing this, the manufacturer can reliably trade in gaming machines that have been removed from halls.

[Notification line]
By the way, gaming machines are tested to see if they meet the specified conditions by the Security Communications Association, which is a designated testing agency of the National Public Safety Commission, and then tested by the public safety commission of each prefecture (hereinafter referred to as the testing agency). Only after receiving the approval can it be installed in the hall.

The certification is valid for three years, and gaming machines that have expired cannot be installed in halls. If you would like to continue operating the game machine in the future, if it is installed in a game hall before the three-year validity period has elapsed, and if it is installed in a game hall, then the game hall must be brought to the police station with jurisdiction (hereinafter referred to as It is possible to carry out procedures with the certifying body (certified body) and operate for an additional three years from the date of certification.

In other words, if the valid certification period of 3 years has passed without being certified, you will no longer be able to obtain certification, so even if you wish to continue operating the gaming machine, you will not be able to leave the gaming hall. It will have to be removed.

In order to solve this problem, when the deadline approaches (for example, 6 months before), a deadline alarm is sent from the center management device 1020 to the hall management device 1050 via the notification line L6, and a deadline is sent to the hall management device 1050 to determine how much time is left for the validity period of the certification. I will inform you if that is the case. As a result, it is possible to prevent a gaming machine whose certification has expired from being installed, and it is also possible to prevent a situation where the gaming machine cannot be certified by a certification body. The details will be explained below.

The configuration in which the center management device 1020 notifies the hall management device 1050 of a notification alarm regarding the test date through the notification line L6 first includes test date information (including the game board identification ID) about the gaming machine 1 that has been certified by the certification organization. ) is input using a manual input device (not shown) and stored in the center management device 1020.

After that, when the gaming machine that has passed the certification is installed in the gaming hall and the power is turned on, the gaming machine specific ID unique to the gaming machine built into the main control MPU 101 of the main control board 100 of the gaming machine is read out. and sent to the eco unit 1060 (see FIG. 103).

The eco unit 1060 automatically recognizes the installation of the gaming machine 1 together with the gaming board identification ID, and transmits this to the hall management device 1050. Upon receiving the game board identification ID from the eco unit 1060, the hall management device 1050 records it in the memory. Next, the hall management device 1050 encrypts the game board identification ID, the hall identification ID for identifying its own hall, the installation date (for example, year, month, day), manufacturer ID, etc. as installation information. Then, it is transmitted to the decryption management device 1080 through the installation information line L3 configured on the Internet 1100.

The decryption management device 1080 receives encrypted installation information from the game hall, decrypts it using decryption software, stores it in a RAM (not shown), and then sends it through the installation information line L3 configured on a dedicated line. The decrypted installation information is sent to the center management device 1020.

When the installation information is transmitted from the hall management device 1050, the center management device 1020 receives the installation information and verifies it using verification software stored in a ROM (not shown). Using the game board identification ID included in the received installation information as a search key, a shipping information file stored at the time of shipping a new machine is searched.

If shipping information including a game board identification ID that matches the game board identification ID included in the received installation information is stored and registered in the shipping information file, the hall identification ID included in the received installation information and the , it is determined whether the hall identification ID of the hall that is the shipping destination included in the matched shipping information matches, and if they match, it is assumed that the verification has been established.

Next, if the installed game machine 1 is not removed due to second-hand sale or trade-in and remains installed, the center management device 1020 determines whether the game machine 1 is installed before the valid certification period reaches 3 years (for example, , 6 months ago), compare the inspection date information stored at the time of shipment of the new machine with the current date and installation information, and compare the date stored in the inspection date information with the current date information. However, when the difference between the test date and the current date information reaches a preset number of days (for example, 6 months), a due date alarm is sent to the hall management device 5 through the notification line L6.

As a result, it will be possible to notify gaming halls before the three-year period in which they are allowed to operate the gaming machines in gaming halls. It is possible to instantly know the machine, and it is possible to prevent a situation where the game machine becomes out of certification and cannot be certified.

The embodiments have been described above. According to this, the manufacturer can grasp the location and condition (whether new or used) of the gaming machine from shipment to trade-in. If the recycling rate is low, search various databases. By identifying the cause by notifying the manufacturer management device 1040 from the center management device 1020 through the notification line L6, it becomes possible to increase the recycling rate of the gaming machine 1 and lead to eco-friendly activities.

Furthermore, since the center management device 1020 can also manage the location information of the gaming machines 1, the manufacturer can grasp the current and past locations of each gaming machine based on the gaming board identification ID. This allows for specific tracking in the event of a drop in the recycling rate, leading to the prevention of illegal dumping, for example.

In the embodiment described above, the Internet 1100 is used for communication between the center management device 1020, the manufacturer management device 1040, and the used sales company management device 1070, but these may be communication lines such as dedicated telephone lines. In this case, there is no need to encrypt the information transmitted from the hall management device 1050 through line L3. Further, along with this, the decryption management device 1080 is also no longer necessary.

In addition, although it is assumed that all information sent from the hall management device 1050 to the center management device 1020 is encrypted, it is also possible to encrypt only important information for management and to send other information without encryption. Conceivable.

1 Game machine 1a Outer frame 2 Main body frame 3 Door frame 4 Settlement machine 5 Game board 6 Decorative cover 7 Hinge 8 Game area 9 Game window 10 Ball hitting handle 11 Transparent plate 12 Upper firing device (upper firing unit)
13 Firing solenoid 14 Touch panel section 15 Fitting frame 16 Peripheral wall section 17 Accommodation opening 18 Projecting wall 19 Irregular ball/magnetic ball ejection unit accommodating section 20 Irregular ball/magnetic ball ejection unit 21 Ball gathering section 22 Ball lifting device 23 Ball Delivery gutter 24 Ball supply path member 25 Screw 25a Screw shaft 25b Small pitch protrusion member 25bL Half body 25bR Half body 25c Large pitch protrusion member 25cL Half body 25cR Half body 25d Spiral protrusion 25e Cylindrical part 25g Recessed part 25h Convex portion 25i Upper edge 25j Upper edge concave portion 25k Lower edge 25m Lower edge convex portion 26 Launch standby ball detection switch 28 Ball feeder 29 Batted ball launcher 30 Launching hammer (launching member)
301 Fixed part 302 Rod part 303 Stopper contact part 31 Ball feeding solenoid 32 Ball feeding member 33 Rail member 331 Mounting plate part 332 Rail part 333 Left rail plate 334 Right rail plate 335 Through hole 34 Stopper when firing 35 Stopper when returning 36 Firing Ball confirmation switch 361 Photo bracket 37 Hinge for upper firing device 38 Launch port 39 Base plate 39a Contact part 40 Launch area 41 Winning port 42 Out port 43 Panel holder 44 Transparent panel board 45 Front component 46 Game ball running surface 47 Notch 48 Protrusion part 49 Fixture 50 Screw receiving member 51 Ball entry prevention wall 52 Tension spring 53 Spring locking part 54 Ball guide protrusion 55 Front guide surface 56 Stopper piece 57 Arrangement space 58 Ball outlet 60 Rotation drive shaft 61 Hammer tip 62 Stopper Cover 63 Ball supply port 64 Launch port decoration member 65 Lifting and feeding communication gutter 66 Ball inlet 67 Ball feeding unit base 68 Ball feeding unit cover 69 Ball feeding guide gutter 70 Launch standby ball detection switch 71 Ball feeding plate 72 Operating rod part 73 Sheet metal housing Part 74 Ball feeding portion 75 Shaft hole 76 Ball feeding shaft 77 Arm portion 78 Sheet metal locking pawl 79 Locking protrusion 80 Ball feeding guide surface 81 Ball holding surface 82 Hanging piece 83 Ball return prevention portion 84 Ball stop portion 85 Ball passing opening 86 Firing stop switch 87 Touch switch 90 Upper starting opening detection switch 91 Lower starting opening detection switch 92 Gate switch 93 General winning opening detection switch 94 General winning opening detection switch 96 Starting opening solenoid 97 Big winning opening solenoid 98 Count switch 100 Main control board 101 Main control MPU
101a 1st MPU identification number storage section 102 Main control I/O port 103 Main control input circuit 104 Main control solenoid drive circuit 105 RAM clear switch 106 RTC control section 107 RTC
108 Battery 109 RAM
110 Ball information control board 111 Ball information control MPU
111a 2nd MPU identification number storage section 112 Ball information control I/O port 113 Ball information control input circuit 114 Ball lifting motor drive circuit 115 CR unit input/output circuit 116 External WDT
117 Power failure monitoring circuit 118 Ball information control unit 119 Ball polishing ribbon feed motor drive circuit 120 Firing solenoid drive circuit 122 Ball feed solenoid drive circuit 123 Handle relay terminal board 124 Sensor relay board 130 Peripheral control board 131 Door frame release switch 132 Main body frame release Switch 133 External terminal board 140 Panel relay terminal board 141 Function display board 142 Upper special symbol display 143 Lower special symbol display 144 Upper special symbol memory display 145 Lower special symbol memory display 146 Normal symbol display 147 Normal symbol memory display Device 148 Game status display 149 Round indicator 150 Ball lifting motor 155 Ball polishing ribbon feeding motor 156 Lifting and feeding inlet switch 157 Lifting motor sensor 158 Cassette detection switch 160 Main encryption communication section 161 2nd MPU identification number storage section 162 1st Authentication section 165 Ball information encryption communication section 166 First MPU identification number storage section 167 Second authentication section 201 Ball receiving gutter base 202 Collection port 203 Collected ball detection switch 204 Irregular ball discharge section 205 Magnetic ball discharge section 206 Ball path full detection switch 207 Proper amount of balls detection switch 208 Irregular sphere discharge unit base 209 Irregular sphere separation shaft 210 Irregular sphere separation shaft 212 Irregular sphere ejection unit base mounting portion 213 Upstream side 214 Downstream side 215 Irregular sphere discharge path 216 Irregular sphere discharge port 217 Irregular sphere discharge Path forming member 218 Communication path 219 Circulation path 220 Inclined surface 221 Falling surface 222 Magnetic ball discharge slope 223 Discontinuous portion 224 Side wall 225 Ceiling wall 226 Magnetic ball discharge path 227 Magnetic ball discharge port 228 Magnetic ball discharge section cover 229 Magnet 230 Magnet Accommodation space 231 Magnetic force adjustment part 232 Magnetic ball 233 Regular game ball 234 Ejected ball receiving box 251 Ball polishing cartridge 252 Left side cover 253 Right side cover 253a Right outer side cover 253b Right inner side cover 254 Hinge receiving part 255 Hinge 258 Second Drive gear case 259 Take-up roller 260 Driven roller 261 First gear shaft 262 Second gear shaft 263 Ball polishing cloth 264 Ball polishing cloth presser spring 265 Leaf spring 266 Spring presser 267 Tensioner 268 Game ball contact trace 270 Ball polishing cartridge installed Part 271 Ball polishing cartridge fixing lever 272 Ball polishing cartridge fixing stopper 273 Ball polishing cartridge mounting port 275 Ball feeding passage 275a Ball receiving port 275b Ball feeding port 281 Opening 282 Lifting guide rail 290 Drive shaft 291 Mounting sensor 292 Button 350 Ball Feed rotary body 350a Ball engaging concave portion 351 Ball feeding inclined portion 351a Inclined surface 351b Top inclined surface 352 Spiral base cover 353 Lifting section cover 354 Lifting slope member 355 Ball removal member 356 Upper gear box 357 Lower gear box 358 Ball lifting Motor gear 359 Idle gear 360 Upper lifting gear 362 Lower lifting gear 363 Ball feeding rotating body gear 363a Gear shaft 365 Guide block 365a Ball guide surface 365b Stopper surface 366 Fitting member 366a Fitting recess 367 Support member 368 Cover member 402 Card processing Machine 403 Card 404 ID storage 405 Remaining power storage 406 Number of balls stored 407 Mounting member 408 Hanging wall 410 Ball outlet opening/closing unit 411 Shutter base 412 Opening/closing shutter 413 Opening/closing crank 414 Opening/closing spring 415 Slide groove 416 Opening 417 Crank Support part 418 Spring locking part 419 Shutter body 420 Drive hole 421 Shaft part 422 Drive rod 423 Drive pin 424 Contact part 425 Spring locking part 426 Opening/closing operation piece 427 Game ball introduction member 450 Positioning guide member 500 Following member 1010 Game machine Ecosystem 1020 Center Management Device 1030 Database 1040 Manufacturer Management Device 1050 Hall Management Device 1060 Eco Unit 1070 Used Dealer Management Device 1080 Decryption Management Device 1100 Internet 1110 Communication Department 1400 Liquid Crystal Display Device 4101 Game Board Manufacturer Identification Information Storage Unit 4112 Frame Manufacturer Identification Information Storage part C1 Pulse width change circuit S1 Switching control signal

Claims (1)

A game board including a game area where game balls flow down, and a main body frame housing the game board,
The main body frame includes a firing device that fires game balls into the game area, and a transport path that flows down the game area, collects the game balls ejected from the game board, and transports them again to the firing position of the firing device. Equipped with
A gaming machine in which a game is played by circulating a predetermined number of gaming balls without paying out the gaming balls,
The conveying path is provided with a lifting device that lifts and transports game balls by a screw portion, and a ball polishing portion is provided near the lifting device,
The game ball comes into contact with the ball polishing section through the opening provided in the lifting device, and the game ball is polished by movement of the game ball as it is lifted;
The screw part has a short pitch part formed with a narrow pitch interval, and a long pitch part formed with a wider pitch interval than the short pitch part ,
The short pitch portion is used for a portion where the ball polishing portion and the game ball come into contact, and the long pitch portion is used for a portion where the ball polishing portion and the game ball do not come into contact.
The ball polishing section is provided so that the part that comes into contact with the game ball can be changed.
A gaming machine characterized by :

Images