JPH07185067A - Sealed ball type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To judge the excess or shortage of game balls and a game possible state or nor by providing,a sealed ball circulating mechanism for circulating game ball with a sealed ball number detecting means for detecting the number of the game balls sealed in the sealed ball circulating mechanism. CONSTITUTION:A sealed ball type game machine has a sealed ball circulating mechanism 16 for circulating sealed game balls which is mounted on the reverse side of a frame 13, and this mechanism 16 has a replacing ball supplying device 17 for charging new balls into the circulating mechanism 16. The sealed ball circulating mechanism 16 has a collecting gutter 43 for collecting prize balls of the game balls shot to a game area, a guide passage 44 for guiding the collected balls in the neatly arranged state, and a supplying gutter 47 for guiding the guided balls toward a shooting device 15. In this case, the supplying gutter 47 has a sealed ball number detecting means 51 for detecting the ball number in the supplying gutter 47 when the game is stopped. This detecting means 51 is provided in such a manner that the ball situated on the upper stream side by a prescribed ball number from the ball in the bottom part of the neatly arranged ball line is detected one by one.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an enclosed ball type gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a circulatory manner and these game balls are sequentially fired to play a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an enclosed ball type game machine (for example, an arrange ball machine) in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a circulatory manner and these game balls are sequentially ejected to perform a game,
It is proposed by the applicant of the present application in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-50058. And, in particular, in an arrange ball machine, a prescribed number of game balls are shot, and a particular combination of winning points of the game balls determines a game result that is advantageous and a disadvantage game result for the player. Has become. From such a game content, if more than a specified number of game balls are enclosed, the number of winning places will increase and the above-mentioned specific combination will be more likely to occur. Therefore, it is detected whether the number of enclosed game balls is a specified number or more than the specified number because an unfair state of giving a value is given.

[0003]

By the way, in such an enclosed ball type gaming machine, when the phenomenon of the ball stopping that the gaming ball stops on the game board occurs, or for some reason, the enclosed ball If the number of enclosed game balls is less than the specified number, such as when the game ball is dropped from the game machine, it will be disadvantageous to the player, or in the worst case, there will be no shot ball. Since it is assumed that the game ball will be lost, it is necessary to once stop the game, adjust the game ball to a specified number, and then restart the game.

When such a procedure is adopted, in the above-mentioned arrangement ball machine, one game is completed by firing a prescribed number of game balls, and therefore it is sufficient to cancel one game. However, in a gaming machine of a type in which a game ball is continuously circulated and a prize ball is awarded for winning a game ball, for example, in a pachinko machine, since the game is continuously played, it is enclosed. Even when the number of game balls becomes less than a predetermined number, it is possible to continue the game for a while as long as there is a game ball that returns to the launch position in time for the next launch, but the following unique problems Dots occur.

That is, there is a problem in that the game is interrupted if the number of ball stops increases and the game ball does not return to the launch position. There are many types of game modes that generate advantageous game modes for a player who is likely to win a game ball for a certain period of time when a certain condition is satisfied for the game mode. However, if there is a problem, that is, a state in which the game cannot be fired, the privilege cannot be effectively utilized even though the advantageous game form is acquired.

In the pachinko machine described above, depending on the function of the game machine provided on the game board surface, a predetermined number of shot game balls are stored and collected when the stored number reaches the predetermined number. There is a type in which a gaming machine having such a configuration is provided. In such a type of gaming machine, the number of gaming balls stored by the gaming machine differs depending on the type of the gaming machine, and the enclosed ball of the gaming ball required to continue the game in a normal gaming state. Also differs depending on the type of the gaming machine. Along with this, there is a problem in that the device for detecting the number of enclosed game balls also needs to be changed in accordance with the game machine to be attached.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and measures the number of enclosed game balls in an enclosed ball type gaming machine of a type in which a game ball is continuously shot to play a game. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an enclosed ball type gaming machine that can easily cope with changes in the number of enclosed game balls.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention,
In an enclosed ball type gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are circulatedly enclosed and the game balls are sequentially emitted to a game area by a launching device to perform a game, the enclosed ball circulation mechanism in which the game balls are circulated. It is characterized in that the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism is provided with an enclosed sphere number detecting means for detecting the number of game spheres enclosed in the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism.

In the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 2, in claim 1, the enclosed ball number detecting means is the lowermost part of the gaming ball row continuously arranged from the most downstream part of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. It is characterized in that it is provided with a detector for detecting one game sphere located at a predetermined number of spheres upstream from the game sphere.

The enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 3 is the enclosed ball number detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the enclosed ball number detecting means includes a plurality of detectors provided corresponding to the alignment intervals of the game balls in the aligned state. It is characterized by

The enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 4 is the enclosed ball number detecting means according to claim 2 or 3,
It is attached to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism so that the position can be adjusted in the alignment direction of the game balls, and the number of enclosed balls for the enclosed ball circulation mechanism is detected between the enclosed ball circulation mechanism and the enclosed ball number detecting means. It is characterized in that a locking means for restricting a mounting position of the means is provided.

The enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 5 is one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the enclosed ball number detecting means is set according to the state of the gaming machine. It is characterized in that it is attached to a specific position of the mechanism.

[0013]

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of claim 1, in the gaming machine in which the enclosed gaming balls are sequentially fired to perform the game, the shot gaming balls are returned to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. At this time, the number of game balls is detected by detecting the number of game balls at a predetermined position by the enclosed ball number detecting means. Then, based on this detection result, it is possible to determine whether the game ball is excessive or insufficient, and it is possible to determine whether or not the game is possible.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of claim 2, among the gaming balls arranged in the enclosed ball circulation mechanism, the gaming balls positioned a predetermined number of upstream from the lowermost part, It is detected by the enclosed sphere number detecting means. Here, since the installation position of the enclosed ball number detection means is a position preset for the game ball at the tip position of the game balls in the aligned state, the number of game balls existing up to the installation position is detected. To be done. Then, by setting this installation position at a position corresponding to the minimum number of game balls that can be played, it is possible to quickly respond to the interruption of the game, and the end of the game ball to be enclosed. By installing in correspondence with the end portion, a shortage state with respect to the set number of game balls is detected.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to claim 3, the enclosed ball number detecting means is constituted by a plurality of detectors provided corresponding to the alignment intervals of the game balls, so that the game is played. Since the number of balls is detected with a certain width, it is possible not only to determine whether the number of balls is excessive or insufficient with respect to the reference value, but also to detect the progress of increase or decrease of the game balls.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of claim 4, the enclosed ball number detecting means is provided to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism so that the position can be adjusted in the game ball alignment direction. Even when the number of enclosed game balls changes, by adjusting the installation position of the enclosed ball number detection means with respect to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism, it is possible to easily cope with the change and the relative position thereof. Since the number of the enclosed balls is regulated by the locking means, the enclosed ball number detecting means and the game sphere in the aligned state are accurately aligned, and thus the number of the enclosed balls is surely detected.

Further, according to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of the fifth aspect, the enclosed ball number detecting means is provided at a specific position of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism which is set corresponding to the state of the gaming machine. Thus, for example, when the detection in the game stopped state is targeted, it is installed in accordance with the rear end of the enclosed game ball and used to detect all enclosed game balls, and in the game state. In the case of detection, the game is installed at a position where the minimum number of game balls necessary for the game can be detected, and a criterion for interrupting the game is obtained.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a description will be given of the overall configuration of a sealed ball type gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as gaming machine) to which the present embodiment is applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a gaming machine, which has a rectangular rear frame 2 and a front frame 3 rotatably attached to the front side of the rear frame 2. First, various members provided on the front side of the front frame 3 will be described. The front frame 3 is rotatably provided so as to cover its front surface, and has a glass support frame 5 in which a transparent glass 4 is fitted,
An opening / closing panel 6 disposed below the glass support frame 5 and rotatably attached to the front frame 3, and a front panel 7 fixed to the front frame 3 below the opening / closing panel 6. , Provided on the right side of the front panel 7,
An operation dial 8 that drives a launching device that repels a game ball enclosed in the gaming machine 1, and a storage recess 9 that is provided in the center of the front panel 7 and that stores small items that the player carries. And the ashtray 1 provided on the left side of the storage recess 9
0, a pilot lamp 11 provided on the upper portion of the front frame 3 for displaying a game state and the like, and a pilot lamp 11 provided on the right side of the front frame 3 for opening and closing the front frame 3 and the glass support frame 5. A lock 12 is provided.

Next, the various members attached to the rear surface side of the front frame 3 will be described. On the rear surface of the front frame 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a substantially square through hole 13a is formed. The frame 13 is attached, and the game board 14 is detachably attached so as to close the through hole 13a of the frame 13.

Further, below the front frame 3, the operation amount is adjusted by the operation dial 8 and an enclosed game ball, which will be described later, is formed in the game area G formed on the front surface of the game board 14. A launching device 15 for launching toward is attached, and further, on the back side of the frame 13,
Enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 for circulating the enclosed game balls
Is attached. And in this embodiment,
The enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 is provided with an exchange ball supply device 17 for loading a new game ball into the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16.

The game board 14 is, in this embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 4, a configuration having a right generation means for generating the right to shift the game form to a special game form advantageous to the player is illustrated, and the game launched by the launching device 15 is illustrated. A guide rail 18 for guiding a ball (enclosed ball) to a game area G formed on the front surface of the game board 14 and a guide rail 18 arranged substantially at the center of the game board 14 to play a variable display game and display when the game is stopped. A variable display device 19 as a right generation device for generating a right to shift to the special game form when the form becomes a specific display form,
A specific winning opening 20 provided below the variable display device 19 as a starting opening for outputting a start signal of a variable display game on the variable display device 19 by winning or passing a game ball, and below the specific winning opening 20. When the display mode when the variable display device 19 is stopped is changed to a specific display mode, the game ball is converted into the first state which is easy for the player to win and is advantageous to the player. It is difficult for players to win a game ball, which is disadvantageous to the player.
The special variation winning device 21 to be in a state, above and to the left and right of the variable display device 19, and the special variation winning device 2
General winning openings 22 provided on the left and right of 1 and below the special variable winning device 21, and the game board 14 without winning.
The game board 1 collected by collecting the game balls dropped below
The game ball collection port 23 taken into the back side of 4, the both sides of the game area G, and outside the game area G, are provided at both upper ends of the game board 14, and are turned on or off depending on the form of the game. A blinking decoration lamp 24 is provided.

Further, a frame board 25 as shown in FIG. 5 is integrally attached to the lower front surface of the frame 13, and the frame board 25 has the frame 13 attached to the front frame 3 when The open / close panel 6 attached to the front frame 3 is configured to be openably / closably covered. Also, its front side,
That is, on the surface opposite to the back surface of the opening / closing panel, game balls shot by the launching device 15 are placed on the game board 1
4, a firing rail 26 for guiding to the guide rail 18 is attached, and in the vicinity of the base end portion of the firing rail 26 of the frame board 25, as shown in FIG.
A launch ball supply port 27 for supplying the game balls to be launched is formed. Further, above the base end portion of the launch rail 26, in cooperation with the launch rail 26, from the launch ball supply port 27. A launch ball holding member 28 for holding the supplied game balls at the launch position is attached.

Also, in the vicinity of the end of the firing rail 26 of the frame board 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the game balls shot from the launch rail 26 return without reaching the game area G. When a so-called foul ball occurs,
A foul gutter 29 is provided for collecting the foul balls and preventing the foul balls from reaching the launching device 15. The foul gutter 29 is provided with a foul sensor 30 for detecting a foul ball passing through the foul gutter 29. It is installed.

Further, a card on which valuable data is written is inserted below the end of the frame board 25 on the side opposite to the side on which the firing rail 26 is provided, so that the valuable data is written on the card. A card reader / writer 31 for reading information stored therein and for writing information according to a gaming state is provided, and a service ball outlet 32 for discharging service balls is formed above the card reader / writer 31. Underneath that, a tray 33 for storing the service balls is provided, and at the side of the service ball outlet 32, the service ball supply device 17 is operated to discharge the service balls. A service ball discharge switch 34 is provided.

Further, the card reader / writer 31
A plurality of through holes B for display of the enclosed ball number indicator 35 for displaying the number of game balls loaded in the gaming machine 1, which will be described later, are formed on the side portion of the launch ball supply port 27. Above the above, a ball feed switch 36 for manually sending the game ball onto the launch rail 26 is provided by operating a ball feed mechanism described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the lower left side of the front surface of the opening / closing panel 6, there is formed a card insertion opening 37 opposed to the card reader / writer 31 provided on the frame board 25, and above it. In the case of leaving the game machine 1 in the middle of the game, a hold button 38 for temporarily ejecting the card, a conversion button 39 for converting the valuable data of the card into the number of game balls, and when terminating the game. , An end button 40 for rewriting the card information such as the number of balls held, valuable data, etc., and ejecting the card, and the card inserted into the card insertion slot 37 at substantially the center of the opening / closing panel 6. A balance display section 41 for displaying valuable data (balance) recorded in
On the right next to it, the number of game balls as prize balls associated with winning is added to the number of game balls converted from the valuable data by the operation of the player, and the number of game balls shot to the game area G is added. A possessed ball number display unit 42 for displaying the result of the subtraction is provided.

On the other hand, the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, as shown in FIG. 2, wins the respective winning openings 20, 22 and the special variation winning device 21 among the game balls shot in the game area G. A collecting gutter 43 that collects the winning balls that have flowed into the back surface of the game board 14, a first guiding path 44 that guides the gaming balls that are collected by the collecting gutter 43 in an aligned state, and the gaming board without winning the prize. From the game ball collection port 23 of 14 to the game board 14
The second guide path 45 for guiding the game balls that have flowed into the back side in an aligned state, the third guide path 46 that is connected to the foul gutter 29 and guides the foul ball, and each of these guide paths 44, 45.・ 46 are connected to each other, and a supply gutter 47 for guiding the game balls guided by the respective guide paths 44, 45, 46 toward the launching device 15,
The supply gutter 47 is provided downstream from the supply gutter 47 and is provided with a discharge gutter 48 for guiding the game balls in the supply gutter 47 to the outside of the gaming machine 1.

The first guiding path 44 is provided with a safe sensor 49 for counting winning balls, and the second guiding path 45 is provided with an out sensor 50 for counting out balls. The supply gutter 47 is provided with enclosed ball number detecting means 51 for detecting the number of game balls in the supply gutter 47 when the game is stopped, and further, the discharge gutter 48 is provided outside the gaming machine 1. A sampling sensor 52 for counting the gaming balls discharged (that is, detecting the sampling number) is provided.

On the other hand, the supply gutter 4 of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16
On the downstream side of 7, a sealed ball discharging mechanism 53 for discharging the game balls in the supply gutter 47 is provided, and
A ball feeding mechanism 54 for feeding the game balls supplied from the supply gutter 47 to the launching device 15 is provided.

The enclosed ball discharge mechanism 53 is provided with the supply gutter 4
An opening / closing plate 55 that forms a part of the bottom surface of the supply gutter 7 and is slidably provided to the supply gutter 47, and that opens and closes a part of the bottom surface of the supply gutter 47 by this sliding operation. 55 and a swing arm 5 for transmitting the operation of the solenoid 56 to the opening / closing plate 55.
7 and 7.

Further, on the upstream side of the supply gutter 47, a loading gutter 58 as a game ball supply unit for supplying a new game ball to the supply gutter 47 is continuously provided. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the loading gutter 58 is provided with the supply gutter 47.
It is erected from the upstream end to the upper side, and its upper end is opened to serve as a game ball loading port 58a. Further, in the present embodiment, a new game ball is stored at the upper end portion of the loading gutter 58, and a replacement ball supply device 17 for supplying the game ball to the loading gutter 58 via the loading port 58a is attached. There is.

As shown in FIG. 2, this exchange ball supply device 17 is an island facility (not shown) in which a large number of the game machines 1 are installed.
It is made to communicate with the game ball supply gutter 60 provided at by a supply pipe 61 composed of a coil spring or the like.
In the present embodiment, the exchange ball supply device 17
Is such that the same number of game balls as the number of game balls required for the game in the game machine 1 are always stored, and the replacement enclosed ball storage device is also used, and inside the A counting and discharging mechanism (not shown) is provided for discharging the loaded game balls one by one and counting the number of discharged balls.

In the middle of the loading gutter 58, a service ball discharging mechanism that is operated by the operation of the service ball discharging switch 34 and sends the game balls discharged from the exchange ball supplying device 17 to the tray 33. 62 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the service ball discharging mechanism 62 is provided so as to be branched from the loading gutter 58, and communicates with the service ball discharging port 32, and the service ball discharging gutter 63. The discharge gutter 63 and the loading gutter 58 are rotatably provided at the branching portion, and the flow path of the game ball is loaded into the loading gutter 5
Flap 64 for switching between 8 and service ball discharge gutter 63
And a solenoid 66 which is connected to the flap 64 via a link piece 65 and rotates the flap 64.

As shown in FIG. 2, the enclosed sphere number detecting means 51 is composed of a plurality of photosensors 67 (five in the illustrated example) as detectors for detecting game spheres. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the photo sensor 67 is mounted in a holder 68 having a U-shaped cross section, and is also attached to the supply gutter 47 via the holder 68.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the holder 68 is formed with grooves 69 into which the respective photosensors 67 are inserted, and these grooves 69 are formed.
The locking claw 70 is integrally formed corresponding to the holder 68, and each photosensor 67 is inserted into the groove 69 and then locked by the locking claw 70.
It can be attached to.

In the supply gutter 47 to which the enclosed ball number detecting means 51 is attached, a plurality of through holes are provided at positions facing the game balls on the rear end side of the game balls in the stopped state, as shown in FIG. 71 is formed, and a ridge 72 is formed at a position sandwiching these through holes 71. The engaging grooves 59 are formed in the holder 68 at the same pitch as the through holes 71, and the holder 68 is supplied so that the protrusions 72 engage with the engaging grooves 59. Gutter 4
By attaching the photosensors 67 so as to cover them, the photosensors 67 can be opposed to the through holes 71.

Enclosed sphere number detecting means 5 constructed in this way
1, for example, when the gaming machine 1 detects the number of enclosed balls when the game is stopped, the mounting position of the holder 68 with respect to the supply gutter 47 is set to the rear end with a prescribed number of gaming balls loaded. The photo sensor 67 in the center is attached to the game ball so as to face it. Therefore, the enclosed ball number detecting means 51 detects two excesses and deficiencies with respect to the regular number of game balls. Further, when detecting the number of enclosed balls during the game, the central photo sensor 67 is attached so as to be located at a position where the minimum number of game balls required for the game can be detected. The mounting position is changed according to the state of the gaming machine 1 when detecting the game ball.

On the other hand, the enclosed sphere number detecting means 51 is shown as an example in which a plurality of photosensors 67 are used in the present embodiment, but as shown in FIG. The enclosed sphere number detecting means 75 including a holder 74 for holding the photo sensor 73 may be used. In the case of using the enclosed ball detecting means 75, by detecting whether or not a game ball exists at the position where the enclosed ball number detecting means 75 is attached, a specified number of enclosed game balls or a game can be played. Of the minimum number (which is determined by the mounting position of the enclosed sphere number detecting means 75 as described above) or less.

Further, the enclosed ball number indicator 35 for displaying the detection result by the enclosed ball number detecting means 51 includes a base 76 attached to the back mechanism board C provided with the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 11, the LED and the like are attached to the base 76 in a state of being opposed to the display holes 77 formed in the base 76.
Each of the lamps 78 and a coupler 79 that electrically connects the lamps 78 to a control device or the like are provided in a recess 80 formed in the back mechanism board C as shown in FIG. It is attached and fixed with screws etc.,
In the state where the coupler 79 is mounted in the recess 80, the coupler 79 is fixed in the recess 80.
It is designed to be connected to. On the other hand, in the case of using the enclosed sphere number detecting means 75 having one photo sensor 73, the enclosed sphere number indicator 35 does not detect the game sphere by the enclosed sphere number detecting means 75, and thus the gaming sphere. When the number is less than the specified number, it is used as a warning display.

On the back surface of the game board 14, as shown in FIG. 2, a game board control device 82 for controlling various devices for games attached to the game board 14 and a variable display device 19. A driver 83 for driving the game machine 1 and a terminal 8 for connecting the game machine 1 to a power source or a centralized management device.
4 are provided, and the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 has
A game machine control device 85 for controlling devices other than the devices controlled by the game board control device is provided.

As shown in FIG. 13, the terminal 84 can be engaged with and disengaged from the game board 14 above the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 via a coupler 86 provided on the upper back surface of the game board 14. It is installed at various positions.

In the present embodiment, a dirt sensor 87 for detecting dirt on the enclosed game ball is provided in the middle of the supply gutter 47. This dirt sensor 87
As for, for example, by detecting a change in the brightness of the surface of the game ball by a reflection type photo sensor, the structure of detecting the dirt degree of the game ball, and the weight change of the game ball due to the adhesion of dirt is detected. Weight detector, or
A resistance measuring device that measures the electrical contact resistance of the game ball that changes due to the adhesion of dirt, and a speed detector that measures the change in the rolling speed of the game ball due to the increase in rolling resistance due to the adhesion of dirt. Is used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the variable display device 19 serves as an informing means for displaying that it is time to replace the enclosed game ball, and the display is switched during the game. Is displayed.

Next, an outline of the control of the gaming machine 1 thus constructed will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

The control of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is performed by the game control (88), the enclosed ball control (89), and the launch control (9).
0) and card control (91), and its control circuit is distributed to the game board control device 82 and the game machine control device 85 provided in the game machine 1, and to the game store. A signal is exchanged with a centralized management device (abbreviated as management device) 92 installed. The transfer of rough signals between these control units will be described below.

The management device (92) is provided for centrally managing the gaming states of a large number of gaming machines 1 installed in a game store, and a dirt detection signal (A) output from the dirt sensor 87. ) Is input to the game control (88), the game interruption command signal (S) when a mischief is performed, and the display switching of the variable display device 19 when it is time to replace the enclosed game ball The special map switching command signal (T) and the abnormal cancellation command signal (U) when the abnormal state of the gaming machine 1 is canceled are output, and the enclosed ball control (89) is performed. When it is determined that it is time to replace the sealed ball replacement command signal (1
2) is output, and a process continuation permission signal (M) for continuing the process at the time of replacing the enclosed ball is output, and the firing control (90) is used to cause the launch device 15 to be operated when the enclosed ball is replaced. If there is a remaining ball in the ball, the forced firing command signal (K) for forcibly firing the remaining ball is output, and it is secured to prompt the player to return to the game machine depending on the interruption time of the game. The period end notification request signal (B) is output to the in-store broadcasting device.

In the game control (88),
Based on a signal from the specific winning opening 20, a drive signal is output to the variable display device 19 to start a variable display game, and the special variable winning device 21 operates based on the game result of the variable display game. Control, and also
Pilot lamp 11 and decoration lamp 2 depending on the game state
The control for the game is performed by turning on or blinking 4 or the like. And in connection with the game,
A signal (Q) for recognizing that the enclosed ball type gaming machine 2 is playing a game and the model of the gaming machine 1 is the enclosed ball control (8
9) A signal output to 9) indicating that a magnetic card or IC card storing valuable data (information about the balance or balls), which is the condition for starting the game, is being inserted, and the game is being interrupted. A signal (W) indicating that there is is input from the card control (91). Further, information (X) relating to the number of prize balls is output to the card control 91, and a determination signal (R) indicating whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in an abnormal state is output to the management device 92. In addition, an abnormality cancellation command signal (V) is input from a separately provided abnormality cancellation switch.

The enclosed ball control (89) is for exchanging the enclosed game balls such as withdrawal and replenishment, for detecting the stored amount (the number of enclosed balls), for determining whether the amount is too large, and for adjusting the enclosed number. The management device (9) outputs a signal (L) relating to the number of extracted game balls when exchanging the enclosed game balls.
2), and based on the detection signal from the enclosed ball number detecting means 51, outputs a signal (P) relating to the stored amount of the enclosed game balls to the game control (88), and an enclosed ball number indicator. A display drive signal (N) corresponding to the enclosed ball is output to 35, and a replenishment command signal (O) is input from a replenishment switch that is operated when manually replenishing the game sphere, etc. A drive signal is output to the supply device 17 and the service ball discharge mechanism 62.

In the present embodiment, the firing control (90) is information regarding the firing and the number of firing of the enclosed ball (gaming ball) in the game, and the floating state in the middle of falling in the game board. It manages the information of the ball, the number of shot balls, the number of out balls, the number of foul balls, the information of the number of prize balls, and the information of the ball stop of the game ball. The ball feed request signal from the ball feed switch 36 (9 ), The forced firing command signal (10) from the separately provided forced firing switch, the foul detection signal (6) from the foul sensor 30, the safe detection signal (7) from the safe sensor 49, the out sensor 5
Out detection signal from 0 (8), the card reader
When the test card is inserted into the lighter 31, the forced firing command signal (5) output from the card control (91) is input. In addition, based on the above-mentioned information, when the game machine 1 has a ball stop, it outputs a ball stop determination signal (I) to the management device (92), and also a foul. When a ball is generated, a foul count signal (J) is output, and further, to the game control (88), a signal (2) relating to the information of a floating ball and the number of balls held in a card control (91) described later. An award number request signal (3) used for calculation and a ball stop determination signal (4) similar to the ball stop determination signal (I) output to the management device (92) are output. .

The card control (91) controls presence / absence of insertion of a card, management of valuable data (balance and number of balls held) written in the card, arithmetic processing and display thereof.
Further, the card reader / writer 31 is used for card processing at the time of game interruption or game termination.
A card insertion signal and a card information signal (Y) output from the player, a conversion operation signal (C) output from the conversion button 39 operated when renting a game ball, and an end button 40 operated at the end of the game. The end operation signal (D) output from the terminal and the hold (interruption) operation signal (E) output from the hold button 38 operated when the game is interrupted are input. Three
1, a signal (11) for holding processing at the time of interruption or rewriting processing of valuable data at the time of termination is output, and the number of balls held display signal (Z) for displaying the current number of balls held on the ball holding display section 42. Is output to the balance display section 41,
A balance display signal (1) for displaying the current balance is output.

Further, in the card control 91, after the holding button 38 is operated with respect to the management device (92), a securing period of the gaming machine 1 (that is, a holding period).
, A reservation period notification request signal (F) for issuing a notification according to the elapsed state of the card, an interruption signal (G) output when the hold button 38 is operated, and a card in the card reader / writer 31. The card ejection count signal (H) relating to the number of ejections of the card is output.

Next, each of these controls will be described in more detail. First, as shown in FIG. 15, the centralized management control performed in the management device (92) includes keyboard input operated by a store clerk (step S101), a ball-out rate from each gaming machine 1 and a card issuing machine, and operation. Collection of information such as rate or sales (step S102), insufficient extraction processing when the number of the enclosed balls is insufficient when exchanging the enclosed balls (step S103), determination of replacement time of enclosed balls performed as a subroutine ( Step S1
04), a gaming machine 1 which is also performed as a subroutine
Judgment of mischief (step S105), in-store broadcasting performed in relation to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (step S106), command signal transmission for various processing (step S107), calculation storage processing of various numerical data ( Each process of step S108) and monitor display of the designated information (step S109) is repeatedly performed in a predetermined cycle.

The determination of the replacement time of the enclosed sphere, which is one of the subroutines, is performed in the following procedure. That is,
When the enclosed sphere exchange timing determination process is started, as shown in FIG. 16, first, it is determined whether or not the enclosed sphere exchange is completed (step S110), and if the exchange is completed, Information regarding the next replacement time is set (step S111), and the process returns to the main routine of the centralized management control shown in FIG. Here, the information regarding the next replacement time set in step S111 is stored in the management device (92). On the other hand, step S111
If it is determined that the replacement of the enclosed ball has not been completed in step S11, the process proceeds to the next step S112 for dirt detection.

In this step S112, based on the output signal from the dirt sensor 87 provided in each gaming machine 1 or each gaming machine arbitrarily selected for each model,
The degree of contamination of the enclosed sphere is detected, and it is determined whether the degree of contamination is greater than or equal to the set value. If it is less than or equal to the set value, the process proceeds to the next step S113, and the degree of contamination exceeding the set value is detected. Then, in step S114, it is determined whether or not the enclosed ball is to be replaced. As a result, in the command signal transmission process of step S107 of the centralized control, as shown in FIG. 14, the game control (8
The special figure switching command signal (T) and the special figure switching display information are transmitted to 8), and the enclosed ball exchange instruction signal (12) is transmitted to the enclosed ball control (89).

In step S113, it is determined whether or not the operating period of the gaming machine 1 unit or the island facility unit in which the gaming machine 1 of the same type is installed is equal to or longer than the prescribed operating period, and the prescribed operation is performed. When the period is exceeded, the control after step S114 is performed, and when it is less than the predetermined operation period, the process proceeds to the next step S115. Here, the operating period indicates the actual operating period of the gaming machine 1, and is set in an arbitrary unit among the operating hours, days, weeks, months, and the like.

Further, in step S115, the elapsed period after the installation of the gaming machine 1 is set, it is determined whether or not the set period has elapsed, and if the set period has elapsed, the above-mentioned step is executed. The control after S114 is performed,
If it is less than the set period, the process returns to the main routine of centralized control. This setting period is also set in an arbitrary unit of time, day, week, month, etc., as in the operation period in step 113.

On the other hand, the mischief judgment subroutine (step S105) in the centralized control is performed as follows.

When this mischief judgment control is started, first, in step S116, it is judged whether or not the card ejection count (that is, the number of times the card is inserted into and removed from the card reader / writer 31) is 4 or more. If it is above, it is determined to be mischief (step S11).
7), Step S1 of the centralized management control according to the result
In the command signal transmission process of 07, as shown in FIG. 14, the game interruption command signal (S) is transmitted to the game control (88). This is because if the card reader / writer 31 is unnecessarily operated by repeatedly inserting / removing the card even though there is no intention of playing the game, this is regarded as a mischief and the operation of the gaming machine 1 is forced. By stopping,
This is a measure for preventing a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Then, as described in detail in the card control 91, the card ejection count is cleared and reset when the balance is converted into the number of balls, and the number of ejections of the card which is the criterion for the mischief is set arbitrarily. It is what is done.

On the other hand, if the number of ejected cards is 3 or less in step S116, it is determined that the card is not a mischief, and the process proceeds to step S118. In this step S118, the number of foul balls detected by the foul sensor 30 is counted, and when the count becomes 6 or more, it is determined that the gaming state is a mischief, and the processes in and after step S117 are performed. .
This is because if the game ball is continuously fired in the foul state without reaching the game area G, it is regarded as a mischievous act without the intention of the game, and the game is forcibly interrupted, as in step S116. This is a measure for preventing a decrease in operating rate. Then, the foul count is cleared and reset when a game ball is detected by the safe sensor 49 or the out sensor 50, as described in detail in a floating ball process to be described later, and a foul that is a criterion for the mischief. The count number is set arbitrarily.

If it is determined in step S118 that the foul amount is 5 or less, it is determined that the act is not a mischievous act, and the process proceeds to the next step S119.
In step S119, it is determined whether or not the count (invalid operation count) corresponding to the number of times the conversion button 39 has been operated is 5 or less. If the processing from S117 onward is performed, and if it is 5 or less, the process proceeds to the next step S120. Judgment based on the number of times the conversion button 39 is operated is performed by repeatedly operating the conversion button 39, for example, when there is no card balance or the exchangeable unit is less than the minimum unit. This is to prevent the durability of the button 39 from decreasing. And this invalid operation count is
As will be described in detail later in the card control 91, when the balance is converted into the number of balls, it is cleared and reset, and
The count number of invalid operations, which is the reference for the mischief determination, is set arbitrarily.

In step S120, a change in the operation amount of the operation dial 8 is detected, and it is determined whether or not the count corresponding to the number of times the operation amount is changed is 5 or less. Is judged not to be a mischievous act, and the process returns to the main routine of the centralized management control.
If it exceeds, the processing from step S117 onward is performed. Such processing is performed, for example, to rotate the operation handle 8 despite that there is no ball to occupy the gaming machine 1 for purposes other than game and to deteriorate the operation handle 8. It is based on the fact that it can be regarded as an act. Also in this case, the setting of the count value is optional. Further, as will be described later in the card control 91, the count is cleared and reset when the balance is converted into the number of balls.

Next, the game board control which is one of the game controls (88) will be described with reference to FIG. When the game board control is started, it is determined whether or not the abnormality determination is in progress (abnormal state or interrupted state) based on the presence or absence of the abnormality determination signal (R) from the management device (92) (step S121). If an abnormality is being determined, step S1
If no abnormality determination is in progress, the process proceeds to step S123.

In step S122, it is judged whether or not there is an abnormality cancellation command signal (U) from the management device (92) or an abnormality cancellation command signal (V) from the abnormality cancellation switch, and the abnormality cancellation command signal (U). If it is determined that there is, after the abnormality determination is canceled in step S124, as shown in FIG. 19, the information signal (Q) regarding the gaming machine type and the gaming state is enclosed ball control (89) in step S125. In step S126, the card control (9) is executed based on the prize ball number request signal (3) from the launch control (90) described later.
The signal (X) relating to the number of prize balls is output to 1) and step S1
Return to 21.

When it is determined in step S122 that there is no abnormality cancellation command signal (U) or (V), the process proceeds to step S127, in which the enclosed game ball output from the enclosed ball control (89). Based on the signal (P) relating to the storage amount, it is determined whether or not the storage amount is the specified storage amount, and if the specified number of game balls are enclosed, the processing from step S124 onward is performed to include the game balls. If the number is not the specified number, the process proceeds to step S128, the game interruption process is performed, and then the process of step S125 and thereafter is performed.

On the other hand, in step S123,
A determination is made as to whether the game is suspended. This judgment is based on the operation of the hold button 38, and the card control 91
The determination is made based on the presence or absence of the interruption signal (W) output from, that is, whether or not the player has made an intention to interrupt the game. When the interruption signal (W) is present, the step S128 is performed. If there is no subsequent processing, the processing proceeds to step S129.

In this step S129, it is judged based on the card information signal (W) from the card control (91) whether or not a card is inserted, and if not inserted, the step shown in FIG. When the process proceeds to S130 and the card is inserted, step S13
Move to 1.

In this step S131, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 1 is playing a game. If the gaming machine 1 is not playing, the process proceeds to step S132 and the amount of the enclosed game balls is insufficient. It is determined whether or not (or, in the case of using the enclosed ball number detecting means 75 provided with the single photosensor 73, whether or not the number of game balls is playable). If the storage amount is insufficient (the number of unplayable game balls), the abnormality determination processing is performed in step S133, and then step S128.
When the subsequent processing is performed and the storage amount is sufficient (the number of game balls that can be played), the step S12 is performed.
The processes after 5 are performed.

If it is determined in step S131 that a game is being played, the number of floating balls is excessive based on the signal (2) relating to floating ball information from the launch control (90) in step S134. If it is determined that the number of floating balls is not excessive, step S1
35, for example, after the game processing such as the control of the variable display game on the variable display device 19 and the drive control of the special variation winning device 21 based on the game result is performed, the processing of step S125 and thereafter. Is done. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S134 that there are too many floating balls, the process proceeds to step S133 and subsequent steps.

In step S130, it is determined whether or not there is a special figure switching command signal (T) from the management device (92). If there is no special figure switching command signal (T), the steps from step S125 onward are executed. If the special figure switching command signal (T) has been processed, the process proceeds to step S136.

In this step S136, it is judged whether or not there is a signal relating to the display information output from the management device (92), and if there is a signal, step S13.
In step 7, the display information is displayed on the variable display device 19 and then the process proceeds to step S125 and thereafter, and if there is no signal, step S13.
After the information held in 8 is displayed in the same way,
The processing moves to step S125 and thereafter. Here, as the display information, for example, there is information regarding the replacement time of the enclosed game balls.

Next, the firing control (90) will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to 0. When this firing control is started,
It is determined by the signal from the launching device 15 whether or not the launching process is being performed (step S139). If the launching process is being performed, the launching process is performed in step S140 and then provided as a subroutine. Floating sphere processing in step S141, and step S14
The ball stopping determination processing of No. 2 is performed, and the above step S13 is performed.
Return to 9.

If the firing process is not performed in step S139, step S143 is performed.
In the ball feeding mechanism 54, game control (88)
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the ball feed processing is being performed based on the ball feed request signals (9) and (13) from the ball feed switch 36, and when the ball feed processing is in progress,
After the ball feeding process is performed in step S144, it is determined whether the ball feeding process is completed (step S145). If the ball feeding process is completed, the ball feeding process is executed in step S146. , It is determined whether or not the process by the signal from the ball feed switch 36, and if the process by the signal from the ball feed switch 36 is not
Then, the process proceeds to step S147.

In step S147, it is determined whether or not the sphere removing process is being performed by the enclosed sphere discharging mechanism 53. If the sphere removing process is in progress,
The foul launch information is set in step S148, and the foul launch process is performed in step S140 based on the foul launch information, and then step S140.
If the process proceeds to the processing of 141 or later, and if the ball removal processing is not in progress, the firing information according to the operation amount of the operation dial 8 is set (step S149), and the firing processing is performed in step S140 based on this firing information. Then, the process proceeds to step S141 and subsequent steps. Here, the foul firing process is performed during the process of extracting the enclosed sphere in order to eject the enclosed sphere on the downstream side of the enclosed sphere discharging mechanism 53.
This is to move the enclosed sphere to the upstream side of the enclosed sphere discharging mechanism 53 by the firing operation, but when the game sphere fed to the gaming area G during the process of extracting the enclosed sphere reaches the game area G, the collection and launch information of the game sphere If it takes a long time to control the collection information and the game ball that reaches the game area G,
This is because it is necessary to stop outputting the winning ball request signal based on the winning because the game is not being played, and to prevent the control from becoming complicated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S145 that the ball feed has not ended, and if it is determined that the ball feed process is performed by the ball feed switch 36, the process proceeds to step S141 and subsequent steps. To do. Therefore, in the case of the ball feeding process by the ball feeding switch 36, only the ball feeding process is performed and the firing process is not performed. As a result, despite the enclosed ball type gaming machine 1, the clerk or the like can handle the delivered gaming ball and can use it as a service ball.

If it is determined in step S143 that the ball feeding process is not in progress, it is determined in step S150 whether a card is inserted. If it is determined that a card is inserted, In step S151, it is determined whether or not there is a ball to be held, and if there is a ball to be held, after the operation amount change counter of the operation dial 8 is cleared in step S152,
In step S153, it is determined whether or not a firing operation is performed using the operation dial, and if the firing operation is performed, the process proceeds to the processing of step S144 and subsequent steps, and if the firing operation is not performed, Then, the processing shifts to the processing after step S141.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S151 that there is no ball to hold, it is determined in step S154 whether or not the operation amount of the operation handle 8 has been changed. If there is no change, step S141
If it is changed to the subsequent processing and changed, the count in the manipulated variable change counter is added (step S155) and then the processing of step S141 and subsequent steps is performed.

Furthermore, when it is determined in step S150 that the card is not inserted,
In step S156, it is determined whether or not the operation amount of the operation dial 8 has been changed. If the operation amount has been changed, the operation amount change counter is incremented in step S157, and then step S158 is performed.
If there is no change in the manipulated variable, go to step S1.
57 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S158.

This step S156 and step S15
7, and when the card is not inserted by the processing of step S154 and step 155, and
When the operation dial 8 is operated when there is no ball to be held, the number of changes in the amount of change is counted and used as a determination factor for the mischief determination (step S105 in centralized control).

Further, in the step S158,
It is judged whether or not the forced emission command signal (K) is output from the management device (92), and if the signal is output, the process proceeds to step S153 and subsequent steps, and further the signal is output. If not, step S15
Move to 9. This process is, for example, a process used when the management device (92) performs a game ball extracting operation.

In step S159, it is determined whether or not the enclosed sphere is being deflated. If it is being deflated, the process proceeds to step S144 and subsequent steps, and if it is not deflated. , And proceeds to step S160.

In step S160, it is determined whether the ball feed switch 36 has been operated. If the ball feed switch 36 has been operated, the operation information is sent to the card control unit 9.
After transmitting to step 1 (step S161), the process proceeds to step S144 and subsequent steps. If the ball feed switch 36 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S141 and subsequent steps. The processing of steps S160 and S161 is to determine the invalid operation determination standard in the card control described later by monitoring the number of operations of the ball feed switch 36.

Next, a subroutine of the floating ball process (step S141) in the launch control will be described with reference to FIG. This floating ball processing is for managing the number of game balls that have not been returned to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 after the game balls have been fired. When the control is started, it is determined whether or not the game balls have been fired. If it is determined (step S162) and the game ball is fired, after the floating ball counter is added in step S163, the process proceeds to the next step S164, and the game ball is fired. If not, the step S16 is directly executed.
Go to 4.

In step S164, the presence / absence of a foul ball is determined based on the presence / absence of a foul ball detection signal from the foul sensor 30, and if there is a foul ball, the foul counter is added in step S165. Then, in step S166, the floating sphere counter is decremented and the process returns to the main routine. If there is no foul ball, the process moves to the next step S167. Then, the count in the foul counter is used to determine the foul count number in the mischief determination (step S118).

In step S167, the presence / absence of a safe ball is determined by the presence / absence of an output signal from the safe sensor 49. If there is a safe ball, the prize ball is transferred to the game control (88) in step S168. After the number request signal (3) is transmitted, the foul counter is cleared in step S169, and step S16 is performed.
The processing shifts to 6 and thereafter. Here, when the award ball number request signal (3) is transmitted, the award ball number signal described above is transmitted from the game control (88) to the card control (91).

If it is determined in step S167 that there is no safe sphere, the next step S1
At 70, the presence or absence of an out ball is determined by the presence or absence of an output signal from the out sensor 50. If there is an out ball, the foul counter clear processing is performed at step S169, and then the processing at step S166 and thereafter is performed. If there is no out ball, the process returns to the main routine. In such a process, the floating ball counter is added by the launch ball, and it is confirmed that the game ball has returned to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 by the detection of the foul ball, safe ball, and out ball, and the number of returns The floating ball counter is subtracted based on the result, and the calculation result is detected as the number of game balls that have not returned to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, that is, the number of floating balls.

In the floating sphere processing, the foul counter is cleared when the safe sphere is detected in step S167 or when the out sphere is detected in step S170. In any case, since the game ball is generated as a result of being launched into the game area G, if these out balls or safe balls occur, it is determined that a normal game is being performed, and foul firing is performed. This is because the mischief caused by is considered to have been resolved. Further, in a normal game state, foul balls do not continuously occur over 5 times shown in step S118 of the mischief judgment, and during that time, the above-mentioned out ball or safe ball always occurs. On the assumption that this is the case, the criterion in step S118 is set to 5 described above.

Next, the ball stopping determination process (step S142), which is another subroutine of the firing control, will be described with reference to FIG. This ball stop determination process detects a state where the game ball is caught on the game board surface for some reason and does not return to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, and the game cannot be performed due to a shortage of game balls that can be launched. This is for avoiding such a situation.

When the ball stopping determination process is started, first,
Judgment criteria according to the type of game and the game state, that is, the number of floating balls that are considered to be ball stops are set (step S17).
1) In the next step S172, it is determined whether or not the number of floating balls is a predetermined number or more based on the number of floating balls detected in the floating ball processing. If the number is a predetermined number or more, it is determined that the ball is stopped. Then, the process returns to the main routine of the firing control (step S173), and when the number of floating balls is less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S174.

In step S174, the stored amount is allowed based on the signal (P) relating to the stored amount of the enclosed sphere output from the enclosed sphere control (89) based on the detection signal from the enclosed sphere number detecting means 51. It is judged whether or not it is below the limit. If it is less than the allowable limit, the process returns to the firing control main routine through step S173.
If the allowable limit is exceeded, the process directly returns to the main routine. As described above, in the ball stopping determination process in the present embodiment, the number of floating spheres pseudo-calculated by each sensor and the number of enclosed spheres in the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism 16 directly detected by the enclosed sphere detector 51 are shown. It is judged by two systems.

Next, the card control (91) will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 28. When the card control (91) is started, first, it is determined whether or not the processing based on the insertion of the card, that is, the processing based on the insertion of the card for starting the game (from step S181) has already been performed. If it is the time when the card is inserted (step S180), the process proceeds to step S182, it is judged whether there is a balance of valuable data recorded in the card, and it is not the time when the card is inserted. In that case, the process proceeds to step S181.

If it is determined in step S182 that there is no balance, it is determined in the next step S183 whether or not there is a holding ball. If there is no holding ball, the card inserted in the next step S184 is determined. After the card is ejected, the card ejection counter addition processing is performed in step S185, and then the possessed ball number calculation processing (step S186) and the card information display processing (step S18) provided as a subroutine.
After 7), the process returns to step S180.

If it is determined in step S182 that there is a balance, and if it is determined in step S183 that there is a holding ball, step S18.
In step S189, it is determined whether or not the inserted card is an interrupted card (a card that has been reinserted after interrupting the game), and if it is determined that the card is an interrupted card. It is determined whether or not the card is a corresponding card (that is, a card removed from the gaming machine in which the game is interrupted). If the card is not a corresponding card, the process proceeds to step S184 and thereafter.

Furthermore, if the card inserted in step S189 is a compatible card, the process of canceling the game interruption signal is performed in the next step S190. Here, the interrupted card is, for example, a suspended card when the player presses the hold button 38 of the gaming machine 1 when the game is suspended and the player leaves the gaming machine 1. It is temporarily discharged after the identification information that it is present, the unit number of the game machine 1 that was interrupted, valuable data, etc. at that time is written, and is interrupted in step S188 by the identification information or the like. It is determined whether the card is a card. Also,
When the card is an interrupted card, for example, by checking the unit number recorded on the card, it is determined in step S189 whether or not the card corresponds to the suspended game machine 1.

After the interruption signal is released, it is determined in step S191 whether or not the conversion button 39 is operated. If it is operated, the balance of the card is confirmed in step S192. If the balance is insufficient or insufficient, the invalid operation counter is added (step S193), and then the process proceeds to step S186 and subsequent steps.

Further, if it is determined in step S192 that there is a balance, the balance is converted into the number of balls in step S194, and then the clear processing of the card ejection counter is performed in step S195, and then in step S196. After performing the clear processing of the invalid operation counter, the processing shifts to the processing of step S186 and thereafter. Here, the count result of the card discharge counter in step S185 is used for the card discharge count in step S116 of the mischief judgment, and the count result of the invalid operation counter in step S193 is the invalid operation in step S119 of the mischief judgment. Used for counting. Further, step S1
The reason why the card ejection counter is cleared at 95 and the invalid operation counter is cleared at step S196 is that the conversion of the balance into the number of spheres is considered to be a normal operation. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S188 that the inserted card is not a suspended card, it is determined in step S197 whether the card is a test card. If it is determined that the card is not a test card, steps S191 and subsequent steps are performed. If it is determined that the card is a test card, the process of testing the devices of the gaming machine 1 is performed in step S198, and then the process returns to step S180.

Then, in step S181, it is determined whether a card is inserted. If it is determined that a card is being inserted, the process proceeds to step S197 and subsequent steps, and the card is not inserted. If it is determined, the process proceeds to the next step S199.

In this step S199, it is judged whether the game is suspended (this is the hold button 3
8 is determined by whether or not it has been operated), if it is not suspended, the process proceeds to step S186 and subsequent steps, and if it is suspended, after performing a suspending process as a subroutine (step S200 ), And proceeds to the processing of step S186 and subsequent steps.

If the conversion button 39 is not operated in step S191, step S2
In 01, it is determined whether or not the hold button 38 is operated, and when the hold button 38 is operated, after calculating the securing period of the gaming machine 1 in step S202, the management device (92) After transmitting the interruption signal to (step S203), the card information is rewritten (step S204) and the card is ejected (step S2) based on the information such as the current game state and valuable data.
05) Next, after performing the addition processing of the card ejection counter (step S206), the processing proceeds to step S186 and subsequent steps, and when the hold button 38 is not operated, the processing proceeds to the next step S207. For the calculation of the gaming machine securing period, for example, means for setting the securing time in proportion to the number of balls held can be considered.

In this step S207, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 1 is playing a game. If the gaming machine 1 is playing a game, the process proceeds to step S186 and thereafter, and if it is not playing a game. In the next step S208, it is determined whether or not the end button 40 has been operated.

If it is determined in step S208 that the end button 40 has been operated, it is determined in step S209 whether or not there is a floating ball. If there is no floating ball, the steps after step S204 are performed. If there is a floating ball, the process proceeds to step S1.
The processing shifts to the processing from 86 onward.

Then, in step S208,
If it is determined that the end button 40 has not been operated, it is determined in the next step S210 whether or not there is a holding ball, and if there is no holding ball, step S211.
In step S2, it is determined whether or not there is a balance.
When it is determined in 11 that there is no balance, the process proceeds to step S209 and subsequent steps.

If it is determined in step S210 that there is a ball to be held, and further if it is determined in step S211 that there is a balance, the process proceeds to step S186 and subsequent steps.

Next, the processing during interruption will be described with reference to FIG. When this interruption processing is executed, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine securing period has ended based on the information on the gaming machine securing period set in step S202 of the main routine, and if it has ended, in step S213. After the gaming machine securing period end notification request processing is performed, the interruption signal cancellation processing is performed (step S21).
4) Return to the main routine of the card control (91).

If it is determined in step S212 that the gaming machine securing period has not ended, the process moves to the next step S215 to determine whether or not the gaming machine securing period end time has reached a predetermined period before the gaming machine securing period end time. Decision was made,
If the specified period has not been reached, the card control (9
Returning to the main routine of 1), when the predetermined period has come, the game machine securing period end notice notification request process is performed (step S216), and then the process returns to the main routine.

Then, the request signals from the steps S213 and S216 are collected in the step S102 of the centralized management, and the step S106 is performed.
In-store broadcasting is performed based on these request signals. As a result, the player can be surely urged to return to the gaming machine 1, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

The process of calculating the number of possessed balls will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the process for calculating the number of balls held is started, it is determined in step S217 whether or not a game ball conversion operation has been performed (the conversion button 39 is operated, and the process of converting the balance into the number of balls (step S194)).
If it is determined that the conversion operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S218, and if it is determined that the conversion operation has been performed, the current number of balls held is equal to the number of balls that correspond to the operation. After the number of game balls is added (step S219), the process proceeds to step S218.

In this step S218, it is determined whether or not the game ball has been fired. If it is determined that the game ball has not been fired, then the flow shifts to step S220.
If the ball has been fired, a process of subtracting 1 from the number of balls held is performed in step S221 and then the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, a foul ball is detected (based on the signal from the foul sensor 30). If there is no foul ball, the process proceeds to the next step S222, and if there is a foul ball. In step S223, a process of adding 1 to the number of balls held is performed, and the process proceeds to step S222.

In step S222, the number of prize balls is determined by the prize ball number signal (X) transmitted based on the prize ball number request signal (3) output based on the detection of the safe ball by the safe sensor 49. It is determined whether or not has been received, and if the number of prize balls has not been received, the next step S22
If there is, the process proceeds to step S225 to add the received number of prize balls to the number of owned balls, and the process proceeds to step S224.

In step S224, the presence or absence of an addition command (generated by the operation of the management device 92 or a specially provided addition switch) which is performed separately from the normal prize ball addition is determined by the service of the store clerk. If there is no addition command, the process returns to the main routine of the card control (91). If there is an addition command, a predetermined number of game classes is added to the number of balls in step S226, and in step S227, After the operation information that causes this addition command is transmitted to the centralized control, the process returns to the main routine of the card control (91). The transmission of this operation information is performed to detect an unwarranted addition command.

Next, the card information display processing will be described with reference to FIG. When this process is started, it is determined in step S228 whether or not a card is inserted. If the card is not inserted, the process proceeds to step S229 to determine whether or not the game is suspended. If it is not interrupted, the process returns to the main routine of the card control (91). Also, step S2
When it is determined in 29 that the game is suspended, the display of the number-of-balls-held display section 42 of the gaming machine 1 is switched based on the information on the gaming machine securing period calculated in step S202 of the main routine. After the display processing of the gaming machine securing period is performed (step S23
0), return to the main routine. By this process,
When the player performs the interrupt operation, the player's ball display section of the gaming machine 1 displays the gaming machine securing period,
It is possible to accurately grasp the return time to the gaming machine 1.

If it is determined in step S228 that a card is inserted, step S231.
It is determined whether or not the number of prize balls is received, and if the number of prize balls is received, the process proceeds to step S232, and if the number of prize balls is not received, the process proceeds to step S233. .

In step S232, it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls is being displayed on the balance display portion 41, and if it is being displayed, the transmitted prize ball number display is stored. Processing is performed (step S234),
Then, in step S235, the number of possessed balls to which the award ball being displayed is added is displayed in the number of possessed balls display portion 42 (step S235), and the process returns to the main routine.
If the number of prize balls is not being displayed, the step S231 is executed.
After the display of the balance display unit 41 is switched from the display of the balance to the display of the number of prize balls for a predetermined period based on the number of prize balls received in (step S236), the step S235.
Move to subsequent processing.

On the other hand, in step S233,
It is determined whether or not the number of prize balls is being displayed on the balance display portion 41, and if it is being displayed, after the set time has passed, the process proceeds to step S235 and thereafter. If the number of prize balls is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S237, and it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls is stored. The memory of the prize ball display targeted in this step S237 is the information stored in the step S234.

If it is determined in step S237 that the number of prize balls is stored, the number of prize balls is switched and displayed for a predetermined period in step S236 based on the stored information, and then step S235.
Move to subsequent processing. If the number of prize balls is not stored, the display on the balance display unit 41 is switched to the balance display, and the process proceeds to step S235 and thereafter.

By such card information display control, even when safe balls are continuously generated and the number of prize balls is continuously received, the received number of prize balls is sequentially displayed at predetermined time intervals. However, the supply state of the prize balls can be visually confirmed even in the enclosed ball type game machine in which the prize balls are not actually discharged.

Next, the subroutine of the test process (step S198) will be described with reference to FIG.

When this test process is started, it is judged whether or not the inserted card is an interrupted card (step S981). If it is not an interrupted card, in the next step S982, the inserted card is checked. It is judged whether the card information is preset initial data. If it is not the initial data, the next step S
After the card information abnormality determination processing is performed at 983, the card ejection processing is performed (step S98).
4) Go to the main routine.

If it is determined in step S981 that the card is an interrupted card, step S985.
Then, it is judged whether the card information is test data or not. If it is judged that the card information is not test data, the processing moves to step S983 and thereafter, and if it is judged that it is test data, step In S986, it is determined whether or not there is a balance, and if there is no balance, step S
At 987, it is determined whether or not the end button 40 is operated. If the end button 40 is not operated, the process returns to step S986. If the end button 40 is operated, the process proceeds to step S988. After the interruption information is deleted, initial data is written to the card in step S989, and the process proceeds to step S984 and subsequent steps.

If it is determined in step S986 that there is a balance, it is determined in step S990 whether or not the conversion button 39 has been operated. If not, the process proceeds to step S987 and subsequent steps. If the conversion button 39 is operated directly, the balance is converted into the number of spheres in step S991, and then the process proceeds to step S987 and subsequent steps. In this state, since the number of balls is set in the game machine 1, an actual launch test and a test of the circulating state of the game balls are performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S982 that the card information is the initial data, the process proceeds to step S992, and the display test in the balance display section 41, the number of balls held display section 42, etc. in the gaming machine 1 is performed. After that, the process proceeds to step S993, and it is determined whether the hold button 38 has been operated. If not, the process returns to step S992, and the hold button 38 is operated. If yes, the card reader / writer 31 writes the interruption information to the card (step S994), and further, step S995.
After the test data is written in step S
The processing shifts to 984 and thereafter.

In such a process, first, the test card to be inserted is not the interruption card and the initial data is written, so that the test card is inserted into the gaming machine 1 for the test. Then, first, after the display test of the gaming machine 1 is performed, the test card is made an interrupted card. Then, when this test card is inserted into the gaming machine 1 again, the card information is test data, and it is determined that the card is an interrupted card, so that the operation of the hold button 39 is confirmed, and the card reader / writer. The writing / reading operation of 31 is confirmed, and the operation of the conversion button 39 is confirmed by confirming the operation of converting the balance into the number of balls by operating the conversion button 39.

Further, when the operation of the end button 40 is surely performed, the interruption information of the inserted card is deleted and the initial data is written, so that the card is inserted into the next gaming machine 1. When the test is started, a display test is performed based on this initial data, so that the operation of the end button 40 is confirmed.
Since this test card is not an interrupt card in the initial setting and the initial data is written, the control of the gaming machine 1 is surely changed to the test mode, and various tests of the gaming machine are performed. Is surely done. Further, when the card is ejected after the test is finished, the card information is rewritten to the initial data, so that the valuable data of the card is not changed by the test, and thus the abuse of the test card is prevented.

Then, based on FIG. 29, the enclosed ball control (8
9) will be described. In the following explanation,
An example of the enclosed ball control when the gaming machine 1 is in the game stopped state will be described. When the enclosed ball number detecting means 75 is used, the enclosed ball number detecting means 75 is in the state where the prescribed number of game balls are loaded in the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 and the game ball at the end of the game ball. When using the enclosed ball number detecting means 51 mounted at a position capable of detecting a plurality of photosensors 67, the photosensor 67 at the center thereof can detect the game ball at the rearmost end. Be attached to.

For the control of the enclosed spheres, three types of control methods are set according to the difference in the processing performed after the excess / deficiency of the number of enclosed spheres after the replacement of the enclosed spheres. One of them is shown by the flow on the left side of FIG. 29, and the replacement of the enclosed sphere and the subsequent processing are all automatically performed. The details will be described below. When this enclosed ball control is started, step S240
In the control of the enclosed ball exchange timing determination of the centralized control, the presence / absence of the enclosed ball exchange command signal (12) output from the management device (92) is determined based on the enclosed ball exchange determination process of step S114. If there is no replacement command signal, the process proceeds to the next step S241, and if there is a replacement command signal, after performing the enclosed ball replacement processing provided as a subroutine (step S242), The process moves to S241.

In this step S241, the stored amount of the enclosed game balls is detected based on the detection signal from the enclosed ball number detecting means 51, and then the next step S241.
After shifting to 243 and determining the number of excesses and shortages of the enclosed game balls, the routine proceeds to step S244.

In the processing of step S243, the enclosed sphere number detecting means 51 is provided with a plurality of photosensors 67, and is provided with a function of detecting the reference number of enclosed spheres and the number of excesses and deficiencies with respect to the reference value. This is the process performed by. Therefore, the enclosed ball number detecting means 5
In the case of using the enclosed sphere number detection means 75 having a single photo sensor 73 instead of 1, it is determined whether or not a prescribed number of game spheres are loaded.

In step S244, it is determined whether the gaming machine 1 is playing a game. If it is determined that the gaming machine 1 is playing, the process returns to step S240.
If it is determined that the game is not in progress, after the enclosed game balls are supplemented and extracted (step S
245), and returns to step S240.

Next, the enclosed ball exchange process in step S242 will be described with reference to FIG. When the enclosing exchange process is started, first, the enclosing process of the game balls enclosed in step S246 is performed. In this extraction process, a drive signal is output to the solenoid 56 of the enclosed ball discharge mechanism 53, and the opening / closing plate 55 is slid through the swing arm 57, so that the downstream end of the supply gutter 47 is discharged. The game ball in the supply gutter 47 is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 via the discharge gutter 48 in communication with the gutter 48.

Then, after such a process for extracting the enclosed sphere, the process proceeds to the next step S247, and it is determined whether or not the process for extracting the enclosed sphere is completed. The determination of the end of the enclosed ball removing process is performed by, for example, stopping the operation of the enclosed ball discharging mechanism 53 at the time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the ball removing process, and outputting an end signal together with this stop. Be done.

If it is determined in step S247 that the ball removal processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S246 repeatedly until the ball removal processing is completed, and on the condition that the ball removal processing is completed, Then, the process proceeds to next step S248.

In this step S248, whether or not a predetermined number of enclosed game balls have been extracted based on the extraction number signal (L) detected by the extraction sensor 52 while the above-mentioned ball removal processing is being performed. If it is determined that the number of samplings is a predetermined number, step S
In step S249, a drive signal is output to the exchange ball supply device 17, and the exchange ball supply device 17 transfers the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 through the loading gutter 58 as a game ball supply unit. Loading of new balls into the supply gutter 47 is started.

Then, following the enclosed ball loading process in step S249, it is determined in step S250 that the loading is completed. If the loading is completed, the process returns to the main routine of the enclosed ball control, and otherwise, in step S2.
Returning to step 49, step S249 and step S250
The process of is repeated.

The judgment of the end of loading of the enclosed ball is made by, for example,
The exchange ball supply device 17 is provided with a counting and discharging mechanism for discharging new balls one by one and counting the number of discharged balls.
The counting and discharging mechanism counts the number of new balls supplied from the exchanged ball supply device 17, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value (that is, the number of balls to be enclosed), the exchanged ball supply device 17 This is performed by stopping the supply operation of the new spheres by the above and outputting a loading end signal to the enclosed sphere control 89 at the same time when the supply operation is stopped.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S248 that the number of extracted game balls is not the predetermined number, a signal (L) relating to the number of extracted game balls is output regardless of whether the number of extracted game balls is large or small. To the variable display device 1 (step S251), and whether or not the sampling number is small is determined in step S252.
In step 9 (step S253), the clerk is informed, and if the number is large, the process proceeds to step S249 and subsequent steps. This excessive number of withdrawals occurs when an extra game ball is put in due to a service or the like during the game, and the insufficient number of withdrawals is conditioned on the regular number of game balls being enclosed. In this case, the state in which the enclosed ball is caught on the nail in the game area G of the game board 14,
This occurs when the game area G is stopped in the middle of reaching the supply gutter 47.

Then, after the above-described display process of the insufficient number of samplings is performed in step S253, the process proceeds to step S254 to determine whether the control (process) continuation permission signal (M) is input. When the determination is made and the permission signal is present, the processing from step S249 is performed, and when the permission signal is not present, the process waits until the command is output.

The control continuation permission signal (M) is a command signal output from the management device (92), and processes the floating sphere based on the insufficient extraction indication (for example, confirmation or removal of the floating sphere by a store clerk). (Processing etc.) is completed, or after only the information of the floating spheres is collected without performing the processing of the floating spheres, the information is output by the operation of a clerk.

Next, a supplementary withdrawal process (step S245) which is another subroutine of the enclosed sphere control will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case will be described where the number of enclosed spheres detecting means 51 including a plurality of photosensors 67 is used to detect the number of enclosed spheres.

When this replenishment sampling process is performed, it is determined whether or not the excess / deficiency number exceeds 3 based on the information of the excess / deficiency number determination (step S243) performed in the main routine (step S255). ), If the number of excesses and deficiencies exceeds 3, in step S256, the same processing as the enclosed ball exchange (step S242) described as the subroutine is performed, and the process returns to the main routine.

In step S255, it is determined whether or not the number of enclosed game balls loaded is excessive. If the number of enclosed game balls is excessive, the enclosed ball discharging mechanism 53 is operated. As a result, one game ball is extracted (step S258), and then the step S25.
Returning to 7, these steps are repeated until the excess state of the number of enclosed balls is resolved.

Furthermore, when it is determined in step S257 that the number of enclosed bodies is not excessive, it is determined in the next step S259 whether or not the number of enclosed bodies is insufficient. By supplying the new balls one by one by operating the supply device 17 (step S260), the process returns to step S259, and these steps are repeatedly performed until the insufficient filling is eliminated, and the insufficient number of enclosed is reduced. When it is resolved, it returns to the main routine.

By such an enclosed ball control, when an instruction to replace the enclosed ball is output, the device side automatically performs the process of extracting and loading the game ball, and the number of withdrawals, the number of loads, and the excess / deficiency number are sure. And the specified number of game balls are surely loaded.

On the other hand, the replenishment sampling process (step S
245), when using the enclosed sphere number detecting means 75 including one photosensor 73, step S25
The processing from 5 to step S258 is omitted, and the processing from step S259 is performed. This is because the enclosed sphere number detecting means 75 does not have a function of detecting the excess and deficiency or excess of the enclosed spheres.

Next, another example of the enclosed ball control will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to steps S261 to S263 shown in FIG. This control is performed after the process of determining the excess / deficiency number in step S243 (when the number of enclosed balls is insufficient, when the enclosed ball number detecting means 75 is used), and the manual loading of the enclosed balls is performed. It is for adjustment. In this control, the step S24
After the excess / deficiency number determination of 3 (determination of the number of enclosed balls is insufficient), the presence or absence of the replenishment command signal (O) is determined (step S261). This replenishment command signal (O) is generated by operating a replenishment switch installed in the gaming machine 1 or the like by a clerk or the like, and the clerk or the like confirms the display of the enclosed ball number display 35. At the same time, the refill switch is operated.

When it is determined in step S261 that the replenishment command signal (O) is not output, the process proceeds to the next step S262, and the number of enclosed game balls is displayed as the number of enclosed balls. After being displayed in the container 35, the process returns to the step S240. In the enclosed ball number display 35, a plurality of lamps 78 are selectively turned on according to the number of enclosed game balls based on the output signal from each photosensor 73 of the enclosed ball number detecting means 51. In this embodiment, two excess / deficiency states are displayed with respect to the prescribed number of enclosed balls, and the enclosed state is surely visually recognized. Further, when the enclosed ball number detecting means 75 including the single photo sensor 73 is used, the alarm in the enclosed ball number display 35 confirms that the game balls are insufficient.

If it is determined in step S261 that the replenishment command signal (O) has been output, one gaming ball is supplied in step S263, and then the process proceeds to step S262 and thereafter. To do.
The supply of this game ball, the exchange ball supply device 17 is operated by the operation of the replenishment switch, the game ball 1
It is carried out by supplying the supply gutter 47 to the supply gutter 47 through the loading gutter 58, and with the supply of such game balls, of the lamps 78 constituting the enclosed ball number display 35, plus The lamp is newly turned on and it is confirmed that the game ball has been supplied.

Therefore, when the number of enclosed balls is insufficient after the completion of the process of exchanging the enclosed balls, the clerk or the like can perform the supplement operation while confirming the number of supplement balls by the enclosed ball number display 35, or By stopping the alarm in the enclosed ball number display 75, it is confirmed that a prescribed number of game balls have been loaded, and the insufficient enclosed ball number is reliably avoided. In such a process, when the enclosed game balls are excessive, it is possible to adjust by operating the ball feed switch 36 to forcibly send the game balls to the firing position and then withdrawing them.

Further, another enclosed ball control will be described based on steps S271 to S277 shown in FIG. This enclosed ball control is designed to directly supply the game sphere lacking the above-mentioned control to the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism 16, while the game sphere to be supplied is once taken out to the front side of the gaming machine, This is a process for supplying from the front side of the gaming machine to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16.

This enclosed ball control is performed by the above-mentioned step S243.
This is a process after the excess / deficiency number determination process is performed in step S271, and it is determined in step S271 whether there is a replenishment command signal (O) from the replenishment switch, and if there is no replenishment command signal (O), step S272. After the number of enclosed spheres is displayed on the enclosed sphere number indicator 35, the process returns to step S240.

Then, in the step S271,
If it is determined that the replenishment command signal (O) is present, the operation information indicating that the replenishment switch has been operated is transmitted to the central management control in the next step S273, and then the process proceeds to step S274.

In step S274, the solenoid 66 of the service ball discharging mechanism 62 is operated,
By swinging the flap 64 from the position shown by the solid line to the position shown by the chain line in FIG. 7, the communication between the loading gutter 58 and the supply gutter 47 is interrupted, and the loading gutter 58 is discharged from the service ball discharge gutter. Switching processing of the enclosed sphere supply path communicated with 63 is performed, and step S275
Move to.

In this step S275, the counting and discharging mechanism of the exchange ball supply device 17 is operated to supply one game ball from the exchange ball supply device 17 to the loading gutter 58. The game ball supplied to the loading gutter 58 is guided to the service ball discharging gutter 63 by the flap 64, and then discharged from the service ball discharging port 32 formed on the frame board 25 to the tray 33, After this processing is performed, the next step S27
Go to 6. In such processing, the saucer 3
Since 3 is provided on the front side of the frame board 25, the clerk directly grabs the game ball on the front side of the gaming machine, and wins various winning holes in the game area G or the game ball collecting port 2
3 or to the foul gutter 29 provided on the frame board 25.

In step S276, a flow path switching process is performed in which the loading gutter 58 communicated with the service ball discharge gutter 63 is communicated with the supply gutter 47, and then the process proceeds to step S277. This flow path switching process is performed by the solenoid 6 of the service ball discharging mechanism 62.
The operation of 6 is stopped, and the flap 64 is swung to the position shown by the solid line in FIG.

In step S277, it is determined whether or not the foul sensor 30, safe sensor 49, and out sensor 50 have confirmed the passage of the game ball. As a condition, the process proceeds to step S272 and subsequent steps, and waits until the passage is confirmed. By the processing in this step S227, it is confirmed that the discharged game balls have been securely enclosed, and the problem of enclosure leakage is prevented.

The game machine 1 in this embodiment is controlled by the above procedure. When the enclosed ball control is performed during the game, the number of game balls staying in the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 is reduced. Therefore, the enclosed ball number detecting means 51/75 is located downstream of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16. The game balls located at the rear end (upstream end) are detected in a state in which the game balls are installed so as to be shifted to the side, and the minimum necessary game balls necessary for the game are retained in the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16. If the number of game balls is detected to be less than the specified number in the detection result, the signal is the step S of the game board control.
It is output to 127 and game interruption processing (step S12
8) is done.

As described above, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even in a gaming machine of a type in which a predetermined number of enclosed gaming balls are sequentially shot to play a game, while the game is stopped. , The number of enclosed game balls is the enclosed ball number detecting means 51.
(75). As a result, the procedure for the enclosed ball is performed quickly and surely, and a problem such as interruption of the game due to lack of the game ball is avoided. Further, in the present embodiment, the enclosed ball number detecting means 51 (75) is
For the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 in which game balls are circulated,
Since the mounting position is adjustable, even when the number of enclosed balls varies depending on the type of gaming machine 1,
The detection position of the enclosed game ball can be adjusted to an appropriate position, and it is possible to quickly respond to changes in the model. Furthermore, by installing the enclosed ball number detecting means 51 (75) on the downstream side of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, by detecting the presence or absence of the minimum number of game balls required for playing the game ball 1, Occurrence of a game interruption due to a shortage of game balls is quickly detected, and the countermeasure is surely taken.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 in which the enclosed game balls are circulated is provided with the loading gutter 58 as a game ball supply section,
A new game ball is directly made to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 through the loading port 58a of the loading gutter 58, so that the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 1 is like a cassette type exchange ball supply method.
The exchange balls are supplied without removing a part of 6. Therefore, not only the structure of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 is simplified, but also the exchanged balls are easily handled,
The game balls are reliably supplied.

Since the loading gutter 58 is connected to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 1 is inserted from the game ball supply gutter provided in the island facility through the loading gutter 58.
The game ball is directly supplied to 6, and the enclosed ball can be automatically replaced.

Furthermore, since new game balls can be supplied without affecting the structure and function of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16, the replacement ball supply device 17 can be installed in the loading gutter 58, and this replacement is also possible. With the installation of the ball supply device 17,
This exchange ball supply device 17 can be provided with a counting and discharging mechanism for discharging the game balls one by one and counting the number of discharged balls. From this point as well, the supply control of the new game balls is surely performed. As a result, the automation of the exchange of the enclosed balls is promoted.

On the other hand, a space is provided in a part of the exchange ball supply device 17 so that the exchange ball supply device 17 also serves as an exchange enclosed ball storage device for storing at least one game ball as an enclosed ball in the gaming machine 1. Even in the case where the enclosed balls are simultaneously replaced in a large number of gaming machines 1, a situation such as insufficient supply of gaming balls is prevented from occurring.

Further, in this embodiment, when the dirt sensor 87 causes the degree of dirt of the enclosed ball to reach a preset dirt degree, the number of operating days, or the elapsed time after the installation of the gaming machine, When a predetermined number of days or a predetermined period has passed, the variable display device 19 notifies that the replacement time has come. At the same time, the enclosed sphere discharging mechanism 53 and the exchange sphere supply device 17 are operated to discharge the old enclosed sphere and then supply a new enclosed sphere to automatically replace the enclosed sphere. . This allows for proper replacement of the enclosed sphere,
The progress of dirt on the game board 14 due to dirt on the enclosed ball is suppressed, and unevenness of the flying distance of the enclosed ball during the game, or occurrence of delay in supply to the launching device due to unevenness of circulation is suppressed, and a stable game is achieved. The state is obtained.

The shapes, sizes, etc. of the respective constituent members shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and can be variously changed based on the type of game of the gaming machine to be applied, design requirements, and the like.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the exchanged enclosed sphere storage device is provided side by side with the exchanged sphere supply device 17, but instead of this, for example, as shown by reference numeral 93 in FIG. A mini tank that can be attached to and detached from the loading port 58a of the gutter 58 is provided.
An opening / closing plate 94 is rotatably provided below the table, and an operation lever 95 for rotating the opening / closing plate 94 is attached to the mini tank 9.
3 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall, and at a suitable time, the mini-tank 93 is removed from the gaming machine 1 and filled with a new number of new game balls required for one exchange, and then the gaming machine 1 is again loaded. It can also be attached to. With such a configuration, without affecting the operation of the gaming machine 1, it is possible to perform an operation such that the gaming machine 1 is detached from the loading gutter 58, a new game ball is loaded, and then mounted on the gaming machine 1 again. So, one for one gaming machine 1
Only one mini tank needs to be provided, and it is not necessary to secure a separate storage space for it, thus saving space. However, when using the above-mentioned mini tank 93,
The supply of new game balls must be done manually.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the ball stop determination process, a game ball in a state in which the game ball is caught on the game board surface and does not return to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 is a floating ball, and the number of floating balls is predetermined. Although the example in which it is determined that the ball is stopped when the number is equal to or more than the number is shown, depending on the model of the game machine 1, the game ball is supplied to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism 16 for a certain period of time in spite of a normal game state other than that. There is a case where it does not return, and in this case, it is necessary to reset the determination definition of the number of floating balls in step S171 of the ball stopping process.

For example, the gaming machine 1 provided with the gaming machine 94 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 corresponds to the above-mentioned situation. That is, this gaming machine 96 is attached to the gaming board 14, and when the gaming machine 1 enters a specific gaming state,
A game ball that is launched into the game area G is converted into a state in which it is easy to win a prize, and a pair of swingable arm 97 that is rotatable for temporarily holding the game ball that wins a prize, and these swing arms. 9
7 By swinging, the swinging ends of these swinging arms 97 are swung so that they approach each other, thereby forming an actuator 9 that forms a storage space S in which the game ball is stored.
8 and.

This gaming machine 96 has both swing arms 9 when the gaming machine 1 is brought into a specific gaming state as a result of the game.
By swinging 7 in the direction of approaching each other,
As shown in FIG. 32, a storage space S is formed between them, and the game balls shot in the game area G are converted into a state in which the gaming machine 96 can easily win a prize. In this state, gaming balls are successively won into the gaming device 96,
Most of the winning game balls fall into the storage space S and are stored. The direction in which the two swing arms 97 are separated from each other by the actuator 98 when the duration of a specific game state reaches a predetermined time, or when the number of winnings to the gaming machine 96 reaches a predetermined number. As shown in FIG. 33, the storage space S is largely opened by rocking the storage space S. Along with this, the stored game balls are dropped all at once toward a plurality of winning openings 99 provided in front of the swing arm 97, and are collected by these winning openings 99.

Therefore, the gaming machine 96 of such a type.
In the gaming machine 1 using, if the gaming ball stored in the gaming machine 96 is determined as a floating ball like the gaming ball caught in an obstacle nail or the like, it is determined in the gaming machine 1 as a ball stop. Therefore, the game is interrupted despite the normal game state. Therefore, in this case, in step S171 in the ball stop determination process (step S142) of the game launch control, the gaming machine 9
While the 6 is converted to a specific game form, the floating ball counter is stopped from adding, or the gaming machine 96
When the number of game balls to be stored in is predicted, the above-mentioned interruption of the game is prevented by performing a process such as subtracting the stored number from the floating ball counter.

The enclosed ball discharging mechanism 53 is shown in FIG.
Modifications shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 35, and FIG. 36 are possible.

The enclosed ball discharge mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 34 is swingably provided at the communicating portion between the upstream end of the discharge gutter 48 and the downstream end of the supply gutter 47. A switching plate 101 that alternately opens and closes a ball feed passage R from the supply gutter 47 to the launch ball supply port 27, and an actuator 102 that swings the switching plate 101.

Then, the enclosed ball discharging mechanism 10 shown in this example.
0 is the switching plate 101 by the actuator 102 in the normal game state, as shown in FIG.
As indicated by the solid lines in (a) and (b), the game ball sent from the supply gutter 47 by the ball feeding mechanism 54 is held at a position that closes the upstream end of the discharge gutter 48, The ball is guided to the ball feeding channel R and fed from the launch ball supply port 27 to the launch position.

When the ball removing process is performed, the switching plate 10 is moved by the actuator 102.
34 is swung as shown by the chain line in FIG. 34 (a), the upstream end of the discharge gutter 48 is opened, and the ball feeding flow path R is closed. From this state, the ball feeding mechanism 54 is operated to send the game sphere from the supply gutter 47 toward the ball feeding channel R, but as described above, the ball feeding channel R is closed. From above, the game ball is dropped into the discharge gutter 48 and discharged.

With such a structure, when the game balls are removed, the game balls are moved one by one by the ball feed mechanism 54, so that the game balls are extracted by the extraction sensor 52 provided in the discharge gutter 48. The detection is reliable.

Further, the enclosed ball discharging mechanism 103 shown in FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b) has a structure having a ball feeding function, and is provided in the continuous portion of the supply gutter 47 and the discharge gutter 48.
A substantially annular guide wall 104 formed in communication with both
35, a rotary disk 105 coaxially and rotatably accommodated in the guide wall 104, and as shown in FIG. 35 (b), connected to a rotary shaft 106 of the rotary disk 105 to rotate the rotary disk 105. A stepping motor 106 for rotating the disk 105 is provided.

Then, in the rotary disk 105, a concave portion 105a having a size which is opened outward in the radial direction and in the thickness direction and which accommodates one game ball is formed.
The side wall 10 is formed such that both side surfaces of the rotating disk 105 cover both end portions of the guide wall 104.
Covered by 7. Thereby, the recess 10
The opening in the thickness direction of 5a is closed, and the recess 105
It is designed to prevent the game balls dropped in a from falling off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 35B, the supply gutter 47 is provided on a side wall of the side wall 107 opposite to the side where the stepping motor 106 is provided.
At a position spaced apart by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis of the rotating plate 105, a game ball discharge port 108 communicated with the launch ball discharge port 27 is formed, and the game ball discharge port 10
8, an opening / closing plate 109 for opening and closing is slidably inserted, and an actuator 110 for sliding the opening / closing plate 109 to open / close the game ball discharge port 108 is connected to the opening / closing plate 109. ing.

The enclosed ball discharging mechanism 10 configured as described above
3, during normal ball feeding, the opening / closing plate 109 is held in a state in which the game ball discharging port 108 is opened, and the rotating plate 105 is opened by the stepping motor 106 in the radial direction of the recess 105a. The recess 105 is reciprocally rotated between a position where a part is opposed to the supply gutter 47 and a position where a side opening is opposed to the game ball discharge port 108.
By a, the game ball is received from the supply gutter 47 and sent to the launch ball supply port 27. Further, when the enclosed ball is pulled out, the opening / closing plate 109 is held in a state of closing the game ball discharge port 108, and the rotary plate 105 is rotated in a predetermined direction, so that the game is performed from the supply gutter 47. The ball is received and sent to the discharge gutter 48. The stepping motor 106 may be rotated at a predetermined speed other than the reciprocating rotation.

With such a structure, like the above-described embodiment, the game balls are reliably discharged one by one when the enclosed balls are extracted, and the detection accuracy of the extraction sensor 52 is improved. To be Further, in this example, the rotation of the rotary plate 105 at the time of extracting the enclosed ball is within the range in which the concave portion 105a does not pass through the game ball discharge port 108, and the supply gutter 47.
The enclosed ball can also be discharged by reciprocally rotating so as to face the discharge gutter 48 and the discharge gutter 48. In this case, since it is not necessary to close the game ball discharge port 108, the opening / closing plate 109 and the actuator 1
10 is omitted.

Further, in this enclosed ball discharging mechanism 103, as shown in FIG. 36, a plurality of recesses 105a may be formed in the rotary plate 105, and the supply gutter 47 and the discharge gutter 48 may be provided. And may be arranged adjacent to each other. With such a configuration, the transport distance of the game ball by the rotating plate 105 is shortened, and the ball feeding and extracting speeds are increased.

Further, the replacement time of the enclosed sphere is determined by detecting the degree of contamination of the enclosed sphere by the stain sensor 87, detecting the progress of the set operating time, and detecting the progress of the set elapsed time. Although the examples have been described, these may be used independently to determine the exchange timing, and it is also possible to determine the exchange timing when the number of game balls fired reaches a predetermined number. . As described above, by using the actual number of shots as the replacement timing determination means, the replacement timing is determined according to the actual usage time of the enclosed sphere, so that the degree of contamination can be detected almost directly.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the enclosed sphere number indicator 35 is constituted by a plurality of lamps 78 such as LEDs is shown, but instead of this, the constitution as shown in FIG. 37 and FIG. It is also possible to do so.

That is, the enclosed ball number indicator 111 is
As shown in FIG. 38, the segment type L
Using the ED, the first display unit 113 that displays positive and negative and 2
A second display unit 114 for displaying a digit number is formed. By using the first display unit 113 and the second display unit 114 together, an excess or deficiency display of the number of enclosed balls is performed, and a second display unit 114 is also provided.
By using the display unit 114 alone, the number of enclosed spheres is displayed as a number. And the enclosed ball number indicator 11 shown in this example
1, the connector 112 is provided on the back surface, and the base 112 is mounted in the recess 80 like the base 76, and is connected to the coupler 81.

[0184]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The enclosed ball type gaming machine described in (1) is a sealed ball type gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a circulatory manner, and the game balls are sequentially emitted to a game area by a launching device to perform a game. It is provided with an enclosed ball circulation mechanism in which the game balls are circulated, and the enclosed ball circulation mechanism is provided with an enclosed ball number detecting means for detecting the number of game balls enclosed in the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. It is a feature and has the following excellent effects.

It is possible to detect the number of enclosed game balls by detecting the game ball at a predetermined position by the enclosed ball number detecting means when the launched game ball is returned to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. it can. And by obtaining this detection result, it becomes possible to determine whether the game ball is over or under,
This can be dealt with before the game is suspended.

According to the enclosed sphere type gaming machine of claim 2, in claim 1, the enclosed sphere number detecting means of the gaming sphere row continuously arranged from the most downstream portion of the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism. , Is equipped with a detector for detecting one game ball located upstream of a predetermined number of balls from the lowest game ball, and means for detecting the number of enclosed balls from the lowest game ball. It is possible to detect the number of game balls that exist up to the installed position, thereby reliably detecting the insufficient state with respect to the number of detected balls set by the installation position, and enabling highly accurate enclosed ball control. .

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of claim 3, in claim 1, the enclosed ball number detection means is provided with a plurality of detections provided corresponding to the alignment intervals of the game balls in the aligned state. The number of game balls to be detected can be detected with a certain width, for example, it is possible not only to detect excess or deficiency with respect to a reference value, but also to increase or decrease the number of game balls. The progress of can be detected.

According to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of claim 4, in claim 2 or 3, the enclosed ball number detecting means is positioned in the game ball alignment direction with respect to the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. It is attached so as to be adjustable, and locking means is provided between the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism and the enclosed sphere number detecting means to regulate the mounting position of the enclosed sphere number detecting means with respect to the enclosed sphere circulating mechanism. The number of enclosed balls can be detected by adjusting the installation position of the enclosed ball number detector even when the specified number of enclosed balls changes, and the number of enclosed balls can be detected. It is possible to easily deal with the change in the specified value of. Moreover, the adjusting position is regulated by the locking means, and the positional relationship between the enclosed ball number detecting means and the game sphere can be easily matched with each other, whereby the game sphere can be detected with high accuracy.

Further, according to the enclosed ball type gaming machine of claim 5, in claim 1 to claim 4, the enclosed ball number detecting means is set corresponding to the state of the gaming machine.
It is characterized in that it is attached to a specific position of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. For example, in the case of detection in a game stopped state, the rear end of the game balls aligned in the enclosed ball circulation mechanism. It is possible to detect the total number of enclosed balls by installing the enclosed ball number detection means in accordance with the part, that is, the end on the upstream side, and when the detection in the game state is targeted, it is necessary for the game. By installing the enclosed ball number detecting means corresponding to the minimum number of game balls, it is possible to detect the interruption of the game due to the shortage of the game balls in advance, and to quickly respond to the interruption of the game. It is possible to improve the service to players and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an enclosed ball type gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a game board used in an enclosed ball type gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a frame board constituting the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the surroundings of the enclosed ball circulation mechanism that constitutes the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a service ball discharging mechanism provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing enclosed ball number detecting means provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing a main part of the enclosed ball number detecting means provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing an enclosed ball number display provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an enclosed ball number indicator provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a mounted state of the enclosed ball number indicator provided in the enclosed ball type gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection structure of terminals for connecting a game board and an external device in a sealed ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of an enclosed ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of centralized management control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for determining the enclosed ball replacement timing, which is performed as a subroutine in the centralized management control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for mischief determination performed as a subroutine in the centralized management control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of game board control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of game board control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of firing control in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a control procedure of floating ball processing performed as a subroutine in launch control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of ball stopping determination processing which is performed as a subroutine in the firing control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of card control in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of card control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of processing during interruption which is performed as a subroutine in card control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of ball holding number calculation performed as a subroutine in the card control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a card information display control procedure performed as a subroutine in card control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of test processing performed as a subroutine in card control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for inclusion sphere control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of enclosed sphere exchange performed as a subroutine in enclosed sphere control in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a supplemental withdrawal process performed as a subroutine in the enclosed ball control in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows another embodiment of the present invention and is an external perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine attached to the gaming board.

FIG. 33 shows another embodiment of the present invention and is an external perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine attached to the gaming board.

34A and 34B show another embodiment of the enclosed ball discharging mechanism of the present invention, wherein FIG. 34A is a front view and FIG. 34B is a plan view.

35A and 35B show another embodiment of the enclosed ball discharging mechanism of the present invention, wherein FIG. 35A is a front view and FIG. 35B is a plan view.

36A and 36B show another embodiment of the enclosed ball discharging mechanism of the present invention, wherein FIG. 36A is a front view and FIG. 36B is a plan view.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the appearance as seen from the back side, showing another embodiment of the enclosed ball number display of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a front view showing another embodiment of the enclosed sphere number indicator of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Gaming Machine 14 Gaming Board 15 Launching Device 16 Enclosed Ball Circulation Mechanism 17 Exchanged Ball Supply Device 19 Variable Display Device 30 Fal Sensor 31 Card Reader / Writer 32 Service Ball Ejection Port 33 Receiving Plate 34 Service Ball Emission Switch 35 Enclosed Ball Number Indicator 38 Hold button 39 Conversion button 40 End button 41 Balance display section 42 Number of balls held display section 43 Collecting gutter 44 First taxiway 45 Second taxiway path 46 Third taxiway path 47 Supply gutter 48 Discharge gutter 49 Safe sensor 50 Out sensor 51 Inclusion Number of balls detecting means 52 Extraction sensor 53 Enclosed ball discharging mechanism 54 Ball feeding mechanism 58 Loading gutter (gaming ball supplying part) 58a Loading port (gaming ball supplying part) 59 Engaging groove (locking part) 62 Service ball discharging mechanism 67 Photo Sensor (detector) 72 Ridge (locking means) 73 Photo sensor Chromatography (detector) 75 sealed ball speed detecting means 82 gaming machine controller 85 the game machine control device 87 dirty sensor 93 mini tank (exchange sealed bulb storage device)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An enclosed ball type gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a circulatory manner, and the game balls are sequentially emitted to a game area by a launching device so that the game balls are circulated. An enclosed sphere circulation mechanism is provided, and the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism is provided with an enclosed sphere number detection means for detecting the number of game balls enclosed in the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism. Type game machine. 2. The enclosed sphere number detecting means detects the gaming spheres located a predetermined number of spheres upstream from the lowest gaming sphere in the gaming sphere row continuously arranged from the most downstream part of the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism. The enclosed ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a detector for detecting one address. 3. The enclosed sphere according to claim 1, wherein the enclosed sphere number detecting means includes a plurality of detectors provided corresponding to an alignment interval of the game spheres in an aligned state. Type game machine. 4. The enclosed sphere number detecting means is attached to the enclosed sphere circulating mechanism so as to be positionally adjustable in the alignment direction of the game spheres, and the enclosed sphere circulating mechanism and the enclosed sphere number detecting means. 4. An interlocking means for restricting a mounting position of the enclosed sphere number detecting means with respect to the enclosed sphere circulation mechanism is provided therebetween.
The enclosed ball-type gaming machine according to any one of 1. 5. The enclosed ball number detection means is attached to a specific position of an enclosed ball circulation mechanism, which is set corresponding to the state of the gaming machine. Enclosed ball type game machine according to any of the above.