JP4270447B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a so-called first type gaming machine, second type gaming machine, third type gaming machine, or a ball ball gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

Conventionally, in a gaming machine in which a variable display device is provided in the center of a game area, it has been proposed to increase the size of the variable display device in order to enable various game modes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). The purpose of this gaming machine is to devise the arrangement of gaming devices such as entrances in the gaming area so that the central device can be enlarged without impairing the taste.
JP-A-10-277221

  However, even in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when a large variable display device is used, it is inevitable that the game area excluding the variable display device on the game board decreases. As a result, the arrangement of gaming devices such as entrances is greatly restricted.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of securing a gaming area while using a large variable display device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of superimposing reflection on a display unit. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of creating a sense of depth in a display portion.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming board having a gaming area in which a gaming device is provided on the surface side and an opening is formed in the gaming area, and an opening of the gaming board. In a gaming machine provided with a variable display device having a display unit that can be displayed in a variable manner, the identification information ,
The variable display device is arranged such that the display unit is separated from the game board to the back side by a predetermined distance, and the display unit is larger than the opening of the game board,
It has a side part that connects the display part of the variable display device and the opening part of the game board, and the angle formed between the inner wall of the side part and the display part of the variable display device becomes an acute angle, and the display part of the variable display device An offset member that surrounds the periphery, and a light emitting means provided outside the side surface of the offset member,
The side portion is provided with a plurality of through holes, and the light emitted from the light emitting means passes through the through holes and is reflected on the display portion of the variable display device .

Thus, by disposing the variable display device at a predetermined distance from the game board on the back side, the variable display device can be made smaller than the actual size. For example, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the variable display device. Even if there is, it becomes possible to use the game area widely.
Further, by providing a plurality of through holes in the side surface of the offset member, light from the light emitting means provided outside the side surface of the offset member can be intentionally reflected on the display unit of the variable display device. In addition, it is possible to easily perform superimposition on the symbol display in the variable display device. Furthermore, by disposing the variable display device on the back side of the game board, a sense of depth such as outer space or deep sea can be created.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a translucent filter member that covers the display unit is provided on the front surface of the display unit of the variable display device, and the variable display device, the offset member, and the light emitting means are covered on the back side of the game board. A shielding member is provided, and the shielding member can shield light from the outside .

Thus, by providing the filter member, it is possible to make the reflected image superimposed on the symbol display in the variable display device clearer. Further, by providing a shielding member on the back side of the game board, it is possible to prevent light from outside the light emitting means from entering from the back side of the game board.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that a plate-like member that is translucent and curved on the back side of the game board is provided in the opening of the game board. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the display unit of the variable display device due to the reflection of external light and to increase the contrast of the screen.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting means comprises a plurality of LEDs, and the through hole is provided at a position corresponding to the LED of the light emitting means. Thereby, the light of each LED can be reflected on a display apparatus through a corresponding through-hole.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A first embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a first type gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

  The lower plate portion includes a launcher unit 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that constitutes launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder 12 (see FIG. 8) that supplies the game ball to the launcher unit. ) Is provided. Furthermore, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit 10 and a shot ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit 10 A foul ball detection switch for detecting a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the launching device unit 10 is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 266 (see FIG. 30) that generates a sound effect or the like corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) and a low tone speaker (woofer).

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a left LED display portion 4b, a right LED display portion 4c, an upper left LED display portion 4d, an upper right LED display portion 4e, and an upper LED display portion 4f as lamps for game effects and the like. . The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in an arc shape on the right side and the left side around the opening 4a, respectively. The upper left LED display portion 4d is provided at the upper left of the left LED display portion 4a, and the upper right LED display portion 4e is provided at the upper right of the right LED display portion 4c. The upper LED display part 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two are provided between the upper end part of the left LED display part 4b and the upper end part of the right LED display part 4c. These LED display portions 4a to 4f are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g. The error LED display unit 4h of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of displaying errors in a plurality of stages as will be described later. The error LED display section 4h is lit or blinks in red when a serious error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where it is necessary to open the front frame 4 for restoration or to perform work or a part needs to be replaced is regarded as a serious error. Is a minor error.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a door switch (not shown). When it is detected by the door switch that the front frame 4 has been opened for a predetermined time (in this example, 1 second) or longer, the payout control unit 230, which will be described later, determines that a front frame open error has occurred, and an error has occurred. The LED display unit 4h is lit in orange, and the launching unit 10 stops firing. The front frame opening error is canceled when the door switch detects that the front frame 4 is closed for a predetermined time (in this example, 1 second) or more. An error signal related to opening the front frame 4 is not transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish portion 5 includes a dish outer edge portion 5a provided with a ball removal button, a game ball rental button, a return button, and the like, and a discharge port 5b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1. ing. Furthermore, a first audio output unit 5c is formed in a substantially central part of the upper plate part 5 in which a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes are formed in the upper part. The first audio output unit 5c is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board 267 (see FIG. 30) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate part 6. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. The ball removal hole is normally closed, and is opened when the game ball stored in the lower dish portion 6 is discharged.

  A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball removal hole is provided on the substantially center front side of the lower dish portion 6. The discharge knob 6 b constitutes a part of the peripheral edge of the lower plate part 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, and is rotatable so that the upper end is tilted toward the front side with the lower end as a rotation axis. The ball hole is linked to the discharge knob 6b. When the discharge knob 6b is in an upright state, the ball hole is closed, and the ball hole is opened by tilting the discharge knob 6b to the front side.

  The discharge knob 6b is configured as a pull lock type. When the player operates so as to scrape out the game balls accumulated in the lower plate portion 6, the discharge knob 6 b rotates to the front side around the rotation axis, and is locked in this state. At the same time, the ball release hole is opened in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge knob 6 b, and the game ball is discharged from the lower dish portion 6. By pushing the discharge knob 6b again, the lock is released, the discharge knob 6b can be returned to its original state, and the ball hole is closed.

  A second audio output unit 6c is provided on the lower surface of the right and left sides of the discharge knob 6b in the lower plate part 6. The second audio output unit 6c is connected to a low-frequency speaker (woofer) among the speakers 266 via a duct, and the audio from the low-frequency speaker is output downward.

  An ashtray 7 is provided on the left side of the lower dish portion 6. Here, the structure of the ashtray 7 is demonstrated based on FIG. FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the ashtray 7. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a slide lid 7 a is provided on the top of the ashtray 7. 2A shows a state where the slide lid 7a is closed, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the slide lid 7a is opened. Thus, the upper surface of the ashtray 7 can be opened and closed by the slide lid 7a sliding in the front-rear direction.

  FIG. 2C is a rear view of the ashtray 7 viewed from the back surface side of the lower plate portion 6 in a state where the slide lid 7a is closed. As shown in FIG. 2C, the ashtray 7 is provided with a fixing member 7b for fixing the slide lid 7a. The fixing member 7b is configured to be rotatable around a rotation shaft on the right end side. In a state where the slide lid 7a is closed, the fixing member 7b is engaged with the slide lid 7a by rotating the fixing member 7b upward, and the slide lid 7a can be fixed. With the above configuration, the ashtray 7 can be disabled.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6 for the player to operate the firing device unit 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. The firing stop switch 8b of this embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with the touch switch 8a.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, a guide rail and a launcher unit for guiding the game ball will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the middle frame 3 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the middle frame 3 as seen from the back side. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the firing rail 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an outer rail 22 is provided on the middle frame 3. The outer rail 22 constitutes a guide rail that guides a game ball onto the game board 20 together with an inner rail 23 (see FIG. 9) described later formed on the game board 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer rail 22 is formed by bending a plate-like member into an arc shape. The outer rail 22 is partially bent at right angles with respect to the plate surface to form mounting portions (screw fixing portions) 14a and 14b. Screw holes are formed in the attachment portions 14a and 14b. The middle frame 3 is formed with a substantially arc-shaped rail mounting portion 3a into which the outer rail 22 can be fitted.

  The outer rail 22 can be fixed to the inner frame 3 by fitting the outer rail 22 inside the rail mounting portion 3a and screwing the mounting portions 14a and 14b to the rail mounting portion 3a. Thus, by bending a part of the outer rail 22 to form the attachment portions 14a and 14b, it is not necessary to separately use a fixing member for fixing the outer rail 22 to the middle frame 3, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, assembly work can be easily performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the firing rail 11 is provided at the lower right of the outer rail 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the above-mentioned launch ball count switch 221 is provided at the launch position of the game ball on the launch rail 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the middle frame 3 is provided with the above-described launcher unit 10. The launcher unit 10 includes a spear 10a (FIG. 3) that reciprocates around the rotation axis to hit the game ball, a stopper portion 10b, 10c (FIG. 3) that restricts the rotation of the spear 10a, and a hit on the spear 10a. A spring portion 10d (FIG. 4) for applying a force, a cam 10e is fixed to the rotating shaft, and a motor portion 10f (FIG. 4) including a firing motor for continuously generating a striking force is provided on the rod 10a.

  Further, a handle shaft 10g (FIG. 3) is connected to the firing handle 8, and the rotational motion of the handle 8 is converted into a linear motion by a pinion 10h and a rack 10i (FIG. 4). The amount of operation of the launch handle 8 by the player is transmitted to the spring portion 10d by the rack 10i.

  6 is an enlarged view of the pinion 10h and the rack 10i when the firing handle 8 is not rotated, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pinion 10h and the rack 10i when the firing handle 8 is rotated. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a launch start switch 10j is provided in the vicinity of the rack 10i. The launch start switch 10j is configured to be switched on / off by the movement of the rack 10i that moves linearly. In this embodiment, a limit switch is used as the firing start switch 10j.

  The launch start switch 10j is configured to be turned on / off when the player rotates the launch handle 8 by a predetermined angle or more and the rack 10i comes to a predetermined launch start position most suitable for launching a game ball. . The firing start switch 10j of the present embodiment is on output (High) when the firing handle 8 is not operated, and is turned off (Low) when the player operates the firing handle 8, that is, when the player rotates it more than a predetermined angle. Switch to The launch start switch 10j shows a specific example of the launch start position detecting means of the present invention, and the rack 10i shows a specific example of the operation amount transmitting member of the present invention.

  The spring portion 10d incorporates a spring as an elastic body. One end of the spring is connected to the rotating shaft of the flange 10a and the other end is connected to the rack 10i. The rack 10i constitutes a spring slider portion that adjusts the spring force (repulsive force) of the spring (spiral spring) by linear motion. The spring force of the spring spring acts in a direction to move the tip of the flange 10a toward the firing position. The cage 10a is pressed against the stopper portions 10b and 10c by the spring force of the mainspring at a normal time when the game ball is not being launched. At this time, the tip of the basket 10a is located at the launch position immediately before the game ball. The tip of the heel 10a is positioned in front of the firing ball count switch 221 as shown in FIG. In addition, the contact part with the collar 10a in the stopper parts 10b and 10c is comprised from the elastic member.

  In this embodiment, a stepping motor driven by a micro step is used as a firing motor of the motor unit 10f. By adopting such a micro step drive stepping motor, vibration can be reduced. The firing motor is driven by a drive pulse signal having a predetermined frequency.

  Moreover, the engaging part (not shown) which contacts the cam 10e is provided in the rotating shaft of the collar 10a. As the firing motor rotates, the cam 10e presses the engaging portion of the flange 10a, and the flange 10a is pulled away from the firing position while compressing the spring. When the cam 10e rotates to a predetermined firing angle, the cam 10e and the hook 10a are disengaged from each other, and the hook 10a is swung out by the spring force of the mainspring spring. The flange 10a rotates until it comes into contact with the stopper portions 10b and 10c. The stopper portions 10b and 10c are elastically deformed when the heel 10a collides, and as a result, the tip of the heel 10a can hit (fire) the game ball at the launch position.

  Thus, every time the launch motor makes one revolution, one game ball is launched. The above operation is repeated by continuously rotating the launch motor, and game balls can be continuously fired.

  The motor unit 10f is provided with an origin sensor (not shown) for detecting that the firing motor rotation axis is at the origin position (origin angle). The origin sensor constitutes the origin detection means of the present invention, and for example, an optical sensor can be used. In the present embodiment, the origin is defined as a position rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 15 to 20 °) from a predetermined launch angle at which the kite 10a is swung out.

  Further, the player can adjust the striking force (launching force) of the game ball by the kite 10a by adjusting the rotation amount of the firing handle 8. That is, when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the rack 10i linearly moves through the handle shaft 10g and the pinion 10h connected to the handle shaft 10g. Since the rack 10i is connected to the mainspring of the spring portion 10d, the spring force of the mainspring can be changed according to the amount of movement of the rack 10i, and the launching force of the game ball by the basket 10a can be changed.

  Here, the ball feeder 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 8A to 8C are a front view and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the ball feeder 12. The ball feeding device 12 supplies the game ball stored in the upper plate part 5 to the launch position of the launch rail 11. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the ball feeding device 12 includes a ball feeding solenoid 12a and a ball feeding cam 12b. The ball feed cam 12b operates in conjunction with the ball feed solenoid 12a and supplies the game balls of the upper plate portion 5 one by one to the launch position of the launch rail 11.

  FIG. 8A shows a case where the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off and the ball feed cam 12b cannot accept the game ball of the upper plate part 5. In this case, in conjunction with the demagnetization of the ball feed solenoid 12a, the ball feed cam 12b rotates downward (clockwise in FIG. 8A) and cannot accept the game ball in the upper plate part 5. It is in a state.

  FIG. 8B shows a case where the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned on and the ball feed cam 12b is in a state where it can accept the game ball of the upper plate portion 5. In this case, the ball feed cam 12b rotates upward (counterclockwise in FIG. 8B) in conjunction with the excitation of the ball feed solenoid 12a, and can accept the game ball in the upper plate portion 5. It is in a state. The game ball temporarily stops at the concave portion of the ball feed cam 12b.

  FIG. 8C shows the case where the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off again and the ball feed cam 12b cannot accept the game ball of the upper plate part 5, and the game ball is supplied to the firing rail 11. The case where it became possible is shown. In this case, in conjunction with the demagnetization of the ball feed solenoid 12a, the ball feed cam 12b rotates downward (clockwise in FIG. 8C) and cannot accept the game ball in the upper plate part 5. At the same time, the game ball received in the recess of the ball feed cam 12 b is supplied to the launch rail 11.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the back side thereof is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 12) described later. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a substantially circular gaming area 21 is formed in the gaming board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface of the gaming board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a first-type starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 31, a variable winning device 32, a left winning port 34, a right winning port 35, a lower left winning port 36, a lower right winning port 37, and the like. The gaming device is arranged. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the game area | region 21, many obstacle nails are arrange | positioned in consideration of the positional balance with each game device.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the central device 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21. The central device 24 is provided with a substantially arc-shaped decorative member at the top, and a symbol display device 25 below the decorative member. In this example, a 10-inch large liquid crystal display device is used as the symbol display device 25. The game board 20 has an opening 20 a at a position corresponding to the symbol display device 25. The symbol display device 25 shows a specific example of the variable display device of the present invention.

  A special symbol display area (identification information display) that displays one or more special symbols (identification information) while fluctuating one after another in a predetermined direction on the display unit (display surface) 25a of the symbol display device 25, and then stops the display. Region) is formed (not shown). Specifically, the left special symbol display area for displaying the left special symbol, the middle special symbol display area for displaying the middle special symbol, and the right special symbol display area for displaying the right special symbol are set in a substantially horizontal row. They are formed in this order in the arrangement direction (not shown). Each special symbol display area has a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, a symbol variation direction is set in the vertical direction, and a plurality of symbols (ID information) as identification information so as to vary in that direction ( Special symbols) are displayed sequentially.

  The symbol display device 25 variably displays each special symbol displayed in a display area (not shown) of a display unit (display surface) 25a when a game ball enters a first-type starting port 31 described later. After stopping it, stop display. Then, when the symbols are stopped and displayed (determined display) in a state where the symbols are aligned in the same three-digit symbols such as “7, 7, 7”, for example, a special game state (big hit game state) in which a special game advantageous to the player is executed Become. In the special game state, a special winning opening 33a of a special winning device 33, which will be described later, disposed in the variable winning device 32 is opened. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, each special symbol is changed by “satisfaction of a predetermined condition” that “a game ball enters the first type starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 31” ( That is, a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed), and when a stop condition of a specific condition of “the symbols are arranged in the same pattern of three digits” is achieved, a “specific value” of “big hit” is given. The configuration of the symbol display device 25 will be further described later.

  Warp entrances 26 and 27 are provided on the left and right of the central device 24. The game balls that have entered the warp entrances 26 and 27 fall onto a stage (not shown) provided in the central device 24 through a warp passage (not shown). The game ball that has fallen on the stage rolls on the stage and then falls to the front of the stage. At this time, when the game ball falls through the ball outlet 28 provided in the center of the stage, the first-type starting port 31 is disposed below the ball outlet 28, so that the game falls through the ball outlet 28. The ball is more likely to win the first type start opening 31.

  In addition, a normal symbol display area is formed on the display unit 25a of the symbol display device 25 (not shown). The normal symbol display area is formed in a portion that does not hinder the display of the special symbol. In the normal symbol display area, one or a plurality of normal symbols start to change when a game ball passes through either one of the left and right normal symbol operation gates 29 and 30 described later, and is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, when the symbol is stopped and displayed, for example, “7”, the first type start port 31 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  Furthermore, a normal symbol hold display area and a special symbol hold display area are formed on the display unit 25a of the symbol display device 25 (not shown).

  The normal symbol hold display area allows the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gates 29 and 30 to be held up to four, and displays the number of holds sequentially for each pass. Each time the next variable display starts, the number of unstarted times (the number of holdings) is consumed, and the number of holdings in the normal symbol holding display area is decreased by one.

  The special symbol hold display area is configured to hold up to four game balls that have entered the first-type start opening 31, and display the number of holds sequentially for each ball entered. Each time the next special symbol change starts, the number of unstarted times is consumed, and the number of reserved symbols in the special symbol hold display area is decreased by one.

  Below the central device 24, normal symbol operation gates 29 and 30 are provided with a first-type start port 31 in between. In these normal symbol operating gates 29 and 30, left and right normal symbol operating gate detection switches 29s and 30s (see FIG. 18) are arranged, respectively. When either of the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switches 29s, 30s detects the passing of the game ball, the normal symbol in the normal symbol display area is variably displayed as described above.

  The first type starting port 31 is disposed below the central position of the central device 24. The first type starting port 31 is a so-called tulip type and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the first type starting port 31, a first type starting port (ordinary electric accessory) winning detection switch 31s (see FIG. 18) for detecting the passing of the game ball and a first for operating the wing piece part. A seed starting port (ordinary electric accessory) solenoid 31c (see FIG. 21) is provided. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the game in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. .

  The variable winning device 32 is disposed below the first-type starting port 31 and includes a large winning device 33. Here, the grand prize winning device 33 is formed at a substantially central position and is opened in a band shape. The big prize winning opening 33a, the opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the big winning prize opening 33a, and the opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing. A grand prize opening solenoid 33c (see FIG. 21), a winning ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 21) for detecting a winning ball, and a specific area (not shown) through which a game ball passes after winning the big winning opening 33a And a general winning opening), an interlocking bowl (not shown), a back box (not shown), and a large winning opening relay board 33d (see FIG. 21). The “variable winning means” of the first embodiment generates a “favorable state for the player” by opening the big winning opening 33a, and includes the main control unit 200, the opening / closing plate 33b, the big winning prize. It includes a mouth solenoid 33c.

  A left winning opening 34 and a right winning opening 35 are respectively disposed obliquely above and to the left and right of the variable winning apparatus 32. Inside these, a left winning opening passing detection switch 34s (see FIG. 21) and a right winning opening passing detection switch 35s (see FIG. 21) are respectively provided.

  On the left and right of the variable winning device 32, a lower left winning port 36 and a lower right winning port 37 are provided. Inside the lower left winning opening 36, a lower left winning opening passing detection switch 36s (see FIG. 21) is provided. Further, the lower right winning opening 37 is disposed on the right side of the first-type start opening 31, and a lower right winning opening passing detection switch 37s (see FIG. 21) is provided therein.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 20, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48, so that the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 21 is again at the launch position. Prevents returning. Further, a foul ball preventing member 59 is attached to the front end portion of the inner rail 23, and the return rubber 60 is attached to the outer rail 22 at a position on the right half side of the game board 20 which is substantially opposite to the position of the foul ball preventing member 59. Attached along the fitting.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of the symbol display device 25. In FIG. 10, the right side is the front side (player side) of the gaming machine 1, and the left side is the back side. As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol display device 25 is arranged so that its display surface 25 a is located on the back side (side away from the player) by a predetermined distance from the surface of the game board 20. In the first embodiment, the symbol display device 25 having a display surface 25a larger than the area of the opening 20a of the game board 20 is used. In this embodiment, a 10-inch liquid crystal display device is used as the symbol display device 25, and the opening 20a of the game board 20 is formed to have a size corresponding to a display device of about 8 inches. Therefore, when the player sees from the front side of the game board 20, the 10-inch symbol display device 25 appears to be about 8 inches smaller than the actual size. An offset member 700 is provided between the game board 20 and the symbol display device 25.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the offset member 700. In FIG. 11, the upper end side of the offset member 700 corresponds to the opening 20a of the game board 20, the lower end side corresponds to the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25, and the upper end side and the lower end side are opened. As shown in FIG. 11, the offset member 700 has a shape in which an upper portion of a quadrangular pyramid is cut, and four side portions are formed in a trapezoidal shape.

  In the offset member 700, the area of the plane formed by being surrounded by each side surface portion corresponds to the size of the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25 and the size of the opening 20a of the game board 20, and the symbol display device 25. It is comprised so that it may become small toward the game board 20 side (front side seeing from a player) from the side (back side seeing from a player).

  As shown in FIG. 11, an LED substrate 701 provided with a large number of LEDs (not shown) is disposed outside each side surface portion of the offset member 700. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a through hole 700 a is formed in each side surface portion of the offset member 700 at a position corresponding to the LED of the LED substrate 701. The angle formed between each side surface of the offset member 700 and the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25 is an acute angle, and each side surface portion of the offset member 700 is viewed when the player views the display surface 25a from the front. The angle is such that the LED light cannot be seen directly.

  The light emitted from the LED of the LED substrate 701 passes through the through hole 700a and is irradiated on the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25, and is reflected toward the opening 20a of the game board 20 by the display surface 25a. Thereby, reflection of LED light can be generated on the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25 intentionally. Further, the angle formed between the side surface portion of the offset member 700 and the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25 is an acute angle, and the offset member 700 has a shape spreading toward the back side, so that external light is transmitted to the symbol display device. 25 can be suppressed from being reflected on the display surface 25a, and a reduction in visibility can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 10, a translucent (gray system) plate member 702 is provided in the opening 20 a of the game board 20. For example, a polycarbonate plate can be used as the plate member 702, and the plate member 702 has a curved shape toward the back surface side (side away from the player) of the game board 20. By using such a plate member 702, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the display surface 25a due to the reflection of external light, to make the black display of the symbol display device 25 clear, and to increase the contrast of the screen. As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol display device 25, the offset member 700, and the LED substrate 701 are covered with a shielding plate 703 that can block light from the outside. Thereby, it can prevent that light other than LED of LED board 701 enters from the outside in the back surface side of the game board 20, and can suppress the visibility fall of the display surface 25a.

  By using the offset member 700 as described above, the symbol display device 25 can be arranged on the back side from the surface of the game board 20 and can surround the periphery of the display surface 25a. It is possible to create a sense of depth like outer space in the internal space between the display unit 25a. Further, by intentionally reflecting the light from the LED light source on the display surface 25a, it can be reflected in a symbol display on the symbol display device 25, and for example, the background of the universe can be expressed. Further, since the offset member 700 is widened toward the back side, the large symbol display device 25 can be shown small, and the gaming area 21 can be widely used even if the large symbol display device 25 is used. It becomes.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the prize ball tank 105 and the tank rail 106, and FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the shape of the case rail 108.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. The tank ball cut detection switch 104 is turned on when a game ball is present in the prize ball tank 105, and is turned off when there is no game ball in the prize ball tank 105. The prize ball tank 105 stores payout game balls supplied from an external supply device. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided. The tank rail 106 is formed to be inclined from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 to above the game ball payout device 109.

  When the off state of the tank ball break detection switch 104 is detected for a predetermined time or more, the payout control unit 230 described later determines that a tank ball break error has occurred, and lights the error LED display unit 4h in orange. The winning ball stop and the lending stop by the game ball payout device 109 are performed. The tank ball run-out error is canceled when the tank ball run-out detection switch 104 is on for more than a predetermined time (1 second in this example). An error signal related to the tank ball breakage is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the tank rail 106 is arranged at a predetermined interval from the wall surface of the back mechanism panel 102. Thereby, the space between the wall surface of the back mechanism board 102 and the tank rail 106 can be used effectively. For example, it is effective when an electronic device such as a large liquid crystal display device is arranged near the center of the game board 20. In the tank rail 106, two rows of baskets 106a and 106b are provided in parallel, in which game balls flow down while being aligned. The game balls in the prize ball tank 105 flow from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 into the cages 106a and 106b of the tank rail 106, and flow down while aligning the tank rail 106.

  Returning to FIG. 12, a ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. On the downstream side of the ball removal lever 107, a game ball payout device 109 and a game ball distribution unit 110 are provided in this order. The game ball payout device 109 will be described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 is changed to the game ball payout device 109. A case rail (game ball guiding passage) 108 for guiding is provided. In the case rail 108, two baskets (game ball passages) are formed in parallel corresponding to the baskets 106 a and 106 b of the tank rail 106.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the case rail 108 is supplied from the upstream side to a bent portion 108 a for changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 to lower the ball speed, and to the game ball payout device 109. And a vertical portion 108b for increasing the ball pressure of the game ball. The downstream end of the bent portion 108a is provided upstream from the substantially central portion of the case rail 108, and the vertical portion 108b is provided so as to have a predetermined length in front of the game ball payout device 109. It has been. Thereby, the vertical part 108b occupies more than half the length of the entire case rail 108. By providing such a vertical portion 108b immediately before the game ball payout device 109, the ball pressure of the game ball supplied to the game ball payout device 109 can be increased by the weight of the game ball.

  Returning to FIG. 12, below the tank rail 106, a back case 111 with a lid for storing the display panel of the symbol display device 25 is provided. A main control board case 112 is provided below the back case 111, a launcher control board case 113 is provided below the main control board case 112, and a payout control board case is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. 118 is provided. In these substrate cases 112, 113, and 118, various control substrates described later are stored. Further, a board surface relay board described later is mounted on the upper right side of the main control board case 112.

  In the upper right part of the back mechanism panel 102, a fuse box 119, a power switch 120, a power relay board 121, a jackpot, a launcher control, a ball break, a door open, a prize ball, a ball rental, etc. A frame external terminal board 122 provided with external connection terminals is provided. A power cable 123 for receiving external power supply is provided on the upper side of the terminal board 122. A connection cable 124 extends upward from the payout control board case 118 and is connected to a prepaid card unit 13 having a power cable 125. Further, a ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism panel 102. The power relay board 121 is connected to a RAM clear switch (not shown) for generating a “RAM clear signal”.

  Next, the configuration of the game ball payout device 109 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game ball payout device 109, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball payout device 109 is disassembled. As shown in FIG. 15, two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b through which the game balls supplied from the case rail 108 can pass are formed inside the game ball dispensing device 109. The game ball payout device 109 includes three casings 109c, 109d, 109e and a payout motor 109f. As the payout motor 109f, for example, a stepping motor can be used. The game ball payout device 109 is configured to pay out game balls alternately from two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the casings 109c, 109d, 109e, cams 109g, 109h for restricting the flow of game balls in the game ball passages 109a, 109b and the driving force of the payout motor 109f are applied to the cams 109g, 109h. A driving force transmission shaft 109i for transmission is provided. The cams 109g and 109h are rotationally driven by the payout motor 109f, and the game ball payout is turned on / off by the rotation / stop of the cams 109g and 109h.

  The cams 109g and 109h are composed of two plate-like rotating bodies corresponding to the game ball passages 109a and 109b. Each of the cams 109g and 109h is connected by a rotation shaft. Three substantially arc-shaped concave portions (ball receiving portions) are formed on the outer peripheral portions of the cams 109g and 109h, and one game ball flowing through the game ball passages 109a and 109b enters each concave portion. The recesses formed in the respective cams 109g and 109h are formed by shifting the phases of the respective cams 109g and 109h. Each of the cams 109g and 109h is arranged such that a recess formed in the outer peripheral portion is positioned in each of the game ball passages 109a and 109b. The cams 109g and 109h rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 16, and send the game balls supplied from above to the game ball passages 109a and 109b one by one downward.

  The front side in the cam rotation direction is smoothly formed in the outer edge of each recess. Thereby, when the cams 109g and 109h rotate, the game balls in the game ball passages 109a and 109b can enter the recesses faster, and the payout by the game ball payout device 109 can be further accelerated. Further, since the cams 109g and 109h of this embodiment rotate in only one direction, it is possible to make the cam shape suitable for such high-speed payout. Note that the game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment is configured to pay out game balls at a payout speed of 160 pieces per four seconds (40 pieces per second).

  The rotating shafts of the cams 109g and 109h are provided on the extended lines of the entrance portions in the game ball passages 109a and 109b. That is, the rotation shafts of the cams 109g and 109h are positioned on the extension line of the vertical portion 108b of the case rail 108 described above. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the cam 108 from rotating due to the ball pressure (self-weight) of the game ball existing in the case rail 108 while the game ball dispensing device 109 is stopped. The two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b are provided with payout sensors 109j and 109k for detecting the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109.

  By the way, it is conceivable that the cams 109g and 109h will step out as the payout speed of the game ball payout device 109 increases, which may cause a problem in the accuracy of the payout number. In particular, step-out is likely to occur when the cams 109g and 109h are stopped at a high speed. Therefore, in the game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment, the payout speed of the payout motor 109f is once reduced to a rotation speed slower than the normal rotation speed before the payout of the game ball is finished, and then the payout is made. The motor 109f is configured to stop. For example, before paying out the last ball, the rotational speed of the payout motor 109f is reduced to, for example, half the normal rotation speed, and after the last ball is paid out, the payout motor 109f is stopped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the load applied to the payout motor 109f from changing suddenly and to prevent the step-out accompanying the increase in the speed of payout. The “normal rotation speed” is the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f when the game ball payout device 109 pays out game balls at a steady payout speed (40 balls / second in this example).

  Further, step-out is likely to occur when high-speed rotation is started from a state where the cams 109g and 109h are stopped. For this reason, in the game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment, at the start of payout of the game ball, after starting to rotate the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f from the rotation speed slower than the normal rotation speed, the predetermined number of game balls are paid out. The payout motor 109f is configured to accelerate to a normal rotation speed. For example, before paying out the first ball, the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f is started at, for example, half the normal rotation speed, and the payout motor 109f is accelerated to the normal rotation speed after paying out the first ball. To do. Also by this, it is possible to prevent the load applied to the dispensing motor 109f from changing abruptly, and it is possible to prevent the step-out accompanying the increase in the dispensing speed.

  FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the payout speed of the payout motor 109f and the payout stop time. The game ball payout device 109 of the present embodiment is provided with a predetermined payout stop time for periodically stopping payout during game ball payout. Specifically, every time a predetermined number (for example, 16) of game balls are paid out, the payout motor 109f is stopped for a predetermined payout stop time. The ball pressure of the game ball can be increased during the payout stop time, and as a result, the payout speed can be improved as compared with the case of paying out continuously.

  If the payout stop time is too short, the ball pressure does not increase. Conversely, if the payout stop time is too long, the payout time increases as a whole and the ball pressure increases too much. If the ball pressure is excessively increased, ball biting occurs, and the cams 109g and 109h cannot be rotated, and there is a possibility that accurate payout cannot be performed. For this reason, in this embodiment, the payout stop time is set in an area where the payout speed exceeds 40 per second, for example. Specifically, after paying out 16 balls in 0.3 seconds, the payout motor 109f is stopped for 0.1 seconds.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the electronic control device includes a main control unit (game control unit) 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively.

  The main control unit 200 transmits command signals (command data) for instructing processing contents to the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 perform various controls based on the command signals. It is configured as follows.

  For example, a command such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

  Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. Various symbol control commands are transmitted from the main controller 200 to the symbol controller 280 via the sound lamp controller 260.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each of the control units 200, 230, 260 and 280 via the power supply board 127 and the power supply relay board 121. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.

  The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body. Note that the control cycle of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  FIG. 20 shows a typical memory stored in the built-in RAM 402. As shown in FIG. 20, the RAM 402 stores various memories 402a to 402w.

  Returning to FIG. 18, the main control unit 200 includes a board external terminal board 201, a first-type start opening winning detection switch 31 s, normal symbol operation gate detection switches 29 s and 30 s, a board surface relay board 210, and a game frame relay board 220. It is connected.

  The board external terminal board 201 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown). These test signal terminals are used for gaming machines, and can send a signal such as a prize ball signal or a ball entrance signal to the test apparatus.

  The first type start opening winning detection switch 31 s detects that a game ball has entered the first type start opening 31. The normal symbol operation gate switches 29 s and 30 s detect that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gates 29 and 30.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 21, to the board surface relay board 210, a large winning opening relay board 33d, winning opening passing detection switches 34s, 35s, 36s, 37s, winning ball detection switches 33s, and various solenoids 31c, 33c are connected. .

  The winning opening passing detection switches 34 s, 35 s, 36 s, and 37 s are used to detect the entry of game balls into the winning openings 34, 35, 36, and 37. The winning ball detection switch 33s detects that a game ball has entered the large winning opening 33a. These game ball detection switches can be configured by proximity switches or photo sensors.

  As the various solenoids 31c and 33c, there are a first type start port solenoid 31c for opening and closing the first type start port 31, and a big prize opening solenoid 33c for opening and closing the big prize opening.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 22, a launch ball count switch 221 and a foul ball detection switch 222 are connected to the frame relay board 220. Further, a ball feed count switch 254 is connected to the frame relay board 220 via a ball feed relay board 251 described later.

  The firing ball count switch 221 detects a game ball launched by the launching device unit. The foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launching unit to the lower plate 6 without reaching the game area 21. The ball feed count switch 254 counts the game balls sent from the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit.

  Next, returning to FIG. 18, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the firing control section 250, etc. are connected to the payout control section 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball cut switch 232 detects that the game ball in the prize ball tank 105 has run out. The ball-out signal of the tank ball-out switch 232 is transmitted to the external replenishing device via the frame external terminal board 122, and the game ball is replenished to the prize ball tank 105 from the replenishing device. The lower tray full tank switch 233 detects that the lower tray 6 has become full. The payout control board 230a of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG. The control cycle of the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment is set to 1 ms shorter than that of the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 23, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

  When the payout control unit 230 detects that the prepaid card unit 13 is not connected, the payout control unit 230 turns on the error LED display unit 4h in red and stops the firing by the launching device unit 10. The unconnected error of the prepaid card unit 13 is canceled when the payout control unit 230 detects the connection of the prepaid card unit 13. Note that an error signal related to the non-connection of the prepaid card unit 13 is not transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  The payout control unit 230 is connected with a payout motor 109f and payout sensors 109j and 109k via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED board 241 and an error display via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. An LED substrate 242 is connected. The payout sensors 109j and 109k count the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109. The game balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device 109 include prize balls that are paid out in response to winnings and balls that are lent to players.

  The award ball display LED substrate 241 and the error display LED substrate 242 correspond to the award ball display LED display portion 4g and the error LED display portion 4h (see FIG. 1), respectively. The LED on the prize ball display LED board 241 is turned on or blinked when a prize ball is acquired, and the LED on the error LED board 242 is turned on or blinks when an error occurs. The error display LED substrate 242 includes a plurality of types of LEDs, and the error LED display unit 4h can perform a plurality of types of error notification. In this embodiment, the error LED display section 4h is configured to be lit and blinking in red and orange as error notification.

  Here, signals between the payout control unit 230 and the prepaid card unit 13 will be described. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the payout control unit 230 outputs a gaming machine operation signal (PRDY signal) to the prepaid card unit 13. Further, the prepaid card unit 13 outputs a power signal (VL signal) to the payout control unit 230. The payout control unit 230 determines whether the prepaid card unit 13 is connected or not based on the input state of the VL signal.

  When the payout control unit 230 detects that the prepaid card unit 13 is not connected, the payout control unit 230 turns on the error LED display unit 4h in red and stops the firing by the launching device unit 10. The unconnected error of the prepaid card unit 13 is canceled when the payout control unit 230 detects the connection of the prepaid card unit 13. Note that an error signal related to the non-connection of the prepaid card unit 13 is not transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  When a prepaid card is set in the prepaid card unit 13 and the lending button 237 is operated, the prepaid card unit 13 outputs a card unit READY signal (BRDY signal) to the payout control unit 230. Further, after a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, the prepaid card unit 13 outputs a lending request signal (BRQ signal) to the payout control unit 230.

  Then, the payout control unit 230 raises the lending completion signal (EXS signal) to be output to the prepaid card unit 13, and when the falling of the lending request signal (BRQ signal) is detected, operates the payout motor, Pay the ball to the player. The payout control unit 230 lowers the EXS signal when the ball rental payout is completed, and thereafter ends the ball payout control when the falling of the BRDY signal from the prepaid card unit 13 is detected.

  The payout control unit 230 according to the present embodiment detects a clogged ball in the case rail 106 based on the signal from the tank ball runout switch 232 and the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. Specifically, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k during the operation of the game ball payout device 109, and a ball break is not detected by the tank ball break switch 232, the ball is moved by the case rail 108. It is determined that clogging has occurred. On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k during the operation of the game ball payout device 109 and a ball breakage is detected by the tank ball break switch 232, the ball is broken in the prize ball tank 105. Is determined to have occurred.

  Ball clogging detection by the payout sensors 109j and 109k is performed as follows. First, when a game ball cannot be detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k for a predetermined time or more, the payout motor 109f is rotated several steps by reverse rotation and then rotated forward at the lowest speed. If a game ball cannot be detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k after a predetermined time has elapsed, the payout control unit 230 determines that a ball clogging error has occurred in the case rail 108, and stops the winning ball and lending the ball. Do. The ball clogging error is canceled when a game ball is detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k. Note that an error signal related to ball clogging is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  When it is determined that the ball is clogged in the case rail 108, if no game ball is detected by both the two payout sensors 109j and 109k, the ball clogging occurs in all the cages of the case rail 108. Therefore, it can be determined that the game ball cannot be paid out. On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected by only one of the two payout sensors 109j and 109k, a ball clogging has occurred in only one of the cages in the case rail 108, and the remaining cages It can be determined that the payout is possible.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of stages of error states are set for ball jamming of the case rail 108. Specifically, when the ball clogging occurs only in any one of the plurality of case rails 108, the game ball payout device 109 is not stopped, and the first error state (slight error) is set. A case where ball clogging has occurred in all the baskets is defined as a second error state (serious error) in which the game ball payout device 109 is stopped.

  Specifically, when the first error state occurs, the payout control unit 230 notifies the amusement hall employee of a warning by performing a first error notification that lights in orange on the error LED display unit 4h. The game ball payout by the game ball payout device 109 is continued. Accordingly, the game hall employee is prompted to recover by error notification, and the game ball can be continuously paid out by the non-clogged ball of the case rail 108 until the game hall employee arrives. On the other hand, in the case of the second error state, the payout control unit 230 notifies the game hall employee of the abnormality by performing a second error notification that lights the error LED display unit 4h in red, and the game ball payout device 109 is stopped.

  When the game balls are detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k for a predetermined time (1 second in this example) or more, the payout control unit 230 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the game ball payout device 109, and an error LED display unit 4h is lit red to stop the winning ball and lending the ball. The payout device abnormality error is canceled when the payout sensors 109j and 109k do not detect a game ball for a predetermined time (in this example, 1 second). Note that an error signal regarding an abnormality of the game ball payout device 109 is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the connection confirmation of the connector for connecting the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram for explaining connector connection confirmation on the payout control board 230a. The main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a are connected via a harness having connectors 200e and 230e at both ends. Connectors (not shown) are provided at both ends of the harness.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the main control board 200a is provided with a connector receiving part 200c, and the payout control board 230a is provided with a connector receiving part 230c and a negative logic AND circuit 230d. Harness side connectors 200e and 230e provided at the ends of the harness are inserted and connected to the connector receiving portions 200c and 230c.

  Here, when the connector receiving portions 200c and 230c have a large number of terminals, the insertion becomes easier when the connector is inserted. As a result, a terminal which is not connected is generated, causing malfunction. In such an oblique insertion, one of the terminals at both ends of the connector receiving portions 200c and 230c is not connected. Therefore, in this embodiment, pins (terminals) provided at both ends of the connector receiving portion 230c are used as connection confirmation signal lines. The AND circuit 230d inputs signals from the connection confirmation terminals at both ends of the connector receiving portion 230c with negative logic, takes a logical product of these signals, and outputs a signal to the CPU 230b with negative logic. The CPU 230b determines the connection state of the connector based on the signal input state from the AND circuit 230d.

  The signal from the connection confirmation terminal of the connector receiving portion 230c is Low when the harness is connected, and High when the harness is not connected. Accordingly, when both the connection confirmation terminals at both ends of the connector receiving portion 230c are connected, the output of the AND circuit 230d is Low, and when it is not connected, the output of the AND circuit 230d is High. . When the output of the AND circuit 230d is High, the CPU 230b determines that at least one of the connection confirmation terminals is not connected. Based on this determination, the CPU 230b lights up the error display unit 4h in red to notify a connection error.

  As in this embodiment, the terminals at both ends of the connector 230c are used as signal lines for connection confirmation, and the AND circuit 230d uses these signals to perform a negative logical product, thereby confirming the connection of the connector 230c. 230, the connection between the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 can be ensured. The connection check in the payout control unit 230 can be performed, for example, when the gaming machine 1 is installed in a game store, when the power is turned on or after the power is turned on and the player is not playing a game.

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 25, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. From the launch handle 8 to the launch controller 250, a launch start signal from the launch start switch 10j (FIGS. 6 and 7) indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more, A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a indicating whether or not the touch panel 8 is touched is input.

  As described above, the firing stop switch 8b is connected in series with the touch switch 8a, and ON / OFF of the firing stop switch 8b is output as a touch signal. When the player is touching the touch switch 8a and the firing stop switch 8b is not pressed, the touch signal is turned on. When the player does not touch the touch switch 8a or presses the firing stop switch 8b, the touch signal is turned off.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates the basket 10a for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8. In this embodiment, the frequency of the drive pulse signal of the firing motor 252 is a fixed value, and the rotation period of the firing motor 252, that is, the time required for one rotation is a fixed value (500 ms in this example). As will be described later, in the first embodiment, every time the launch motor 252 makes one revolution, the launch motor 252 is stopped for a predetermined launch interval adjustment time (100 ms in this example), so that the launch interval of the game balls is 600 ms. It is adjusted.

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid 12a and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220.

  The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 via the firing control unit 250. The payout control unit 230 is configured to allow the ball feed permission signal to be permitted (L output) for a predetermined period (60 ms in this example) when the origin is detected by the origin sensor 251. The launch control means of the present invention includes a payout control unit 230 and a launch control unit 250.

  FIG. 26 shows a circuit configuration of the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 26, the launch control unit 250 receives a ball feed permission signal and a launch permission signal from the payout control unit 230 and receives a touch signal and a launch start signal from the launch handle 8. Furthermore, a clock signal from a clock generator (not shown) provided in the CPU of the payout control unit 230 is input to the launch control unit 250. The firing control unit 250 includes three AND circuits 250a, 250b, 250c, a flip-flop 250d, a frequency dividing circuit 250e, and a motor driving circuit 250f.

  The first AND circuit 250a receives a firing permission signal and a signal from the flip-flop 250d (a firing condition establishment signal), and outputs a signal to a motor drive circuit 250f that drives the firing motor 252. The second AND circuit 250b receives the ball feed permission signal and the signal (launch condition establishment signal) from the flip-flop 250d, and outputs a signal to the ball feed solenoid 12a. The third AND circuit 250c receives the touch signal and the firing start signal as inputs, and outputs a signal to the flip-flop 250d. The frequency dividing circuit 250e divides a predetermined clock frequency to generate a reference clock signal having a desired pulse width, and outputs the reference clock signal to the flip-flop 250d. The motor drive circuit 250f outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency to the firing motor 252 when the signal from the first AND circuit 250a becomes High.

  The firing permission signal is Low output (OFF) when launching is permitted, and is High output (ON) when launching is prohibited. The launch permission signal is inverted by an inverter and then input to the first AND circuit 250a. Therefore, the launch permission signal input to the first AND circuit 250a is High when launch is permitted, and is Low when launch is prohibited. Similarly, the ball feed permission signal is Low output (off) when ball feed is permitted, and is High output (on) when ball feed is prohibited. The ball feed permission signal is inverted by an inverter and then input to the second AND circuit 250b. Therefore, the ball feed permission signal input to the second AND circuit 250b is High when the ball feed is permitted, and is Low when the ball feed is prohibited.

  If the player does not operate the firing handle 8 at the time of launching permission and ball feeding permission, since the output signal of the flip-flop 250d is Low, the output signals of the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b are also Low. Become. Here, when the player touches the launch handle 8 and rotates it by a predetermined angle or more, the touch signal and the launch start signal become High, and the output of the third AND circuit 250c becomes High, which is input to the flip-flop 250d. In the flip-flop 250d, when the input signal from the third AND circuit 250c becomes High, the output signal to the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b becomes High at the rising edge of the next reference clock signal (Low → High). Become. As a result, the output signals of the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b become High, and the firing motor 252 and the ball feed solenoid 12a start operating.

  FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feed permission signal and the reference clock signal in the launch control unit 250. As described above, after the origin is confirmed by the origin sensor 251, the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low) for a predetermined time (60 ms), that is, in a firing permission state. In order to reliably operate the ball feed solenoid 12a, the reference clock signal needs to rise while the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low). That is, the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e needs to be shorter than a predetermined time during which the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low).

  As shown in FIG. 27, in this embodiment, the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e is 1 ms. In this way, the ball feeding process is reliably performed by setting the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e to be shorter than the predetermined time when the ball feeding permission signal is enabled (Low). Can be launched reliably. In addition, when the pulse width of the reference clock signal is smaller, the interval from when the firing permission signal is enabled (High → Low) until the ball feed solenoid 12a starts to operate is shortened, and the ball feed processing is performed quickly. Can do.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the sound lamp control unit 260 is connected to a 16-entry ball opening LED substrate 262, various board surface LED substrates 263, various game frame LED substrates 264, and the like via a lamp interface substrate 261. Yes. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a.

  The 16-continuous ball opening LED substrate 262 is for lighting the LED of the corresponding 16-continuous ball opening LED display unit 25 when entering any of the 16-continuous ball opening 24. A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). The sound lamp control board 260 is provided with a mode changeover switch 268. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the symbol display device 25.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200. The symbol control unit 280 shows one specific example of the symbol control means of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the symbol control unit 280 is connected to a symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the symbol display device 25. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the symbol display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. Further, special symbol image data and reach display mode image data are stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 280a.

  The symbol control unit 280 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals (not shown) for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown). These test signal terminals are used for special symbols, and signals such as a symbol changing signal can be sent to the test apparatus.

  FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing the flow of commands related to symbol control. As shown in FIG. 30, the commands related to symbol control include common commands and symbol control commands. The main control unit 200 transmits a common command to the sound lamp control unit 260, and the sound lamp control unit 260 transmits the common command to the symbol control unit 280 as it is. The sound lamp control unit 260 transmits a symbol control command to the symbol control unit 280 based on the common command received from the main control unit 200.

  Next, game ball launch control by the launch controller 250 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the first embodiment, the time required for one rotation of the firing motor 252 is 500 ms, and the firing is performed for a predetermined firing interval adjustment time (100 ms in this example) every time the firing motor 252 rotates once. The motor 252 is stopped and the firing interval is adjusted to 600 ms.

  FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing launch control during continuous operation of the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, after the origin is confirmed by the origin sensor 251, a ball feeding process and a launch delay process are performed. Specifically, when the trailing edge of the origin sensor signal is detected, the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low) for 60 ms, the ball feed solenoid 12a is activated, and the game ball is sent to the launch position. Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the trailing edge of the origin sensor signal is detected, the firing permission signal is disabled for 100 ms as a firing delay process (High: firing prohibited state), and the firing motor 252 is stopped for 100 ms. . Then, upon completion of the launch delay process, the launch permission signal is enabled (Low), the launch motor 252 rotates, the basket 10a rotates, and the game ball is launched.

  Thereafter, when the player operates the firing handle 8, the firing motor 252 rotates continuously, and origin detection, ball feeding processing, and game ball firing are continuously performed at 600 ms intervals.

  Next, jobs executed by the main control unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 32 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200 based on a program stored in the ROM 403.

  First, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 402 (S10), and it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is operated (pressed) (S12). As a result, when the RAM clear switch is operated, the RAM 402 is initialized (S800). On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not operated, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is set (S15). As a result, when the backup flag is set, the “recovery processing for power interruption” shown in FIG. 34 is performed.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment performs the processing when the power interruption occurs as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 33 when the power interruption occurs due to a power failure or the like. First, the used register is saved in the RAM 402 (S630), and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the RAM 402 (S632). Then, the special winning opening solenoid 33c and the first-type starting opening solenoid 31c are turned off (S634), the polling processing time (for example, about 85 milliseconds) of the winning ball sensor is set (S636), the pre-counting ball sensor and the winning ball After the counting, the passing of the game ball is monitored by the sensor (S638). Next, when the polling processing time elapses (S640), a checksum (excluding checksum, backup flag, and stack area) of the RAM 402 being used is created (S642), saved, and the backup flag is set in the RAM 402 ( S646). Then, access to the RAM 402 is prohibited (S648), and an infinite loop process prepares for power down. Note that it is possible to execute HALT processing or STOP processing instead of the unlimited loop processing.

  In the “power recovery process” shown in FIG. 34, a checksum is calculated (S664), and it is determined whether or not it matches the checksum stored when the power is turned off (S666). As a result, if the checksums do not match, the RAM 402 is initialized (S800). On the other hand, if the checksums match, the stack pointer before power-off is restored (S668), the backup flag is cleared (S670), and a command for returning the sub-board to the state before power-off is transmitted. (S672). Then, each register is returned to the state before the power is turned off (S674), the permission / non-permission of the interrupt is returned to the state before the power is turned off (S676, S678), and the address is returned to the address before the power is turned off (S680). In the first embodiment, since a backup power supply for power interruption measures is added to the gaming machine 1, “information advantageous to the player” that occurred before the power failure even during a power failure in the pachinko hall, etc. Can be saved.

  Returning to FIG. 32, if it is determined in step S15 that the backup flag is not set, the initialization end is determined (S20). As a result, if the initialization has not ended, the initialization end determination in S20 is performed again after executing the initialization job (S190). Note that the initialization process of the RAM 402 is performed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on for the first time from the shipping state, when the RAM clear switch is operated (pressed), when the backup flag is abnormal, and the checksum matches. It is done when there is not.

  On the other hand, when the initialization is completed, each job from the LED job (S30) to the switch job (S70) is executed. In the LED job (S30), the display pattern data of the normal symbol and the normal symbol unstarted count, the display pattern data of the special symbol unstarted count, and the like are output. In the constant speed random number job (S40), a special symbol success / failure random number memory, a general-purpose count memory, and the like in the RAM 402, which will be described later, are updated. In the non-constant speed random number job (S50), the initial value counter and the off-normal symbol random number memory (not shown) are updated. The general-purpose count memory (not shown) is used, for example, for creating values “0” to “255” for each interrupt, executing command jobs, and decoration jobs.

  In the voice job (S60), data related to music and voice is read, and in the switch job (S70), various detection switches are read. That is, various signals such as a left / right winning opening passing detection signal are taken into the main control unit 200 via the relay board 190, and various signals such as a firing stop detection signal, a touch detection signal, and a volume detection signal are supplied to the payout terminal board 191. Via the frame controller 150. Also, the main control unit 200 receives the first type start port winning detection signal from the first type start port winning detection switch 31s, and receives the winning ball detection signal and the normal symbol operation gate passage detection signal from the large winning device 33. It is captured.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in various switches such as a count detection switch, a count detection, and a specific area passage detection switch (S80). As a result, if there is an abnormality (ball clogging, disconnection, etc.), an error job (S130) is executed.

  On the other hand, if there is no abnormality, a special symbol main job (S90) and a normal symbol job (S100) are executed. In the special symbol main job (S90), a job related to data necessary for the main controller 200 and the symbol controller 280 to operate in cooperation is executed. Further, in the normal symbol main job (S100), the display pattern data of the normal symbol and the normal symbol unstarted count is read.

  Thereafter, the state of each flag is set in the backup memory (S140), and a prize ball signal job (S150), an information signal job (S160), a command job (S170), and a remaining time job (S180) are executed. In the prize ball signal job (S150), data relating to prize ball payout is read and output, and in the information signal job (S160), data necessary for outputting information to other control units is read. Further, in the command job (S170), a command for special symbol management or the like is output, and in the remaining time job (S180), a non-constant random number is called. Note that the initial value random number is also updated in the remaining time job of S180.

  Next, the success / failure determination job executed in the flow of the main job will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 35 is a flowchart of the success / failure determination job, FIG. 36 is a flowchart of the jackpot process, and FIG. 37 is a flowchart of the losing process. The success / failure determination job is executed at the time of start winning, that is, when winning at the first type start opening 31. In these jobs, various memories stored in the built-in RAM 402 of the main control unit 200 shown in FIG. 20 are used.

  First, as shown in FIG. 35, it is determined whether or not there is a start prize (S200). As a result, if there is no start prize, the process skips to S250 and confirms whether there is a hold (S250). As a result, when there is no hold (when the number of holds is zero), the process returns to S200, and when there is a hold (when the number of holds is 1 to 4), the process proceeds to S255.

  On the other hand, if there is a start winning, it is determined whether or not the number of pending (unstarted number) exceeds a certain value (“4” in the first embodiment) (S210). If the number of reserves (the number of unstarted times) exceeds a certain value, the start winning is invalid and skips to S255. On the other hand, if the number of holdings (the number of unstarted times) does not exceed a certain value, the number of holdings stored in the special symbol holding number memory 402b is increased by 1 (S220).

  Next, a special symbol success / failure determination random number (hereinafter also referred to as a success / failure random number or a determination random number) is generated (randomness determination random number generation means) and read (S230). The validity random number generation means may use software or hardware. The read determination random number value is stored in a special symbol success / failure determination random number memory 402a (hereinafter also referred to as a determination random number memory) (S240). In this memory, the read determination random number value is stored in the shift memory format in the time series of the start winning prize.

  Next, the oldest first determination random value stored in the determination random number memory 402a is read (S255), and the big hit number (winning determination value) is read from the big hit number memory in the ROM 403 (S260). Then, it is determined whether or not the determined random number value matches the jackpot number (S265). As a result, if the two match, the big hit determination is made, and the big hit processing is performed (S270).

  Next, the jackpot process (S270) will be described with reference to FIG. First, a jackpot symbol determination random number (identification information determination random number) is generated and read (S280). Then, the read determined random number value is stored in the jackpot symbol determined random number memory 402d (S290). Note that the big hit symbol determination random number is read at the same time as the winning random number at the time of starting winning, but it may be read simultaneously with the hit determination or after a predetermined time after the hit determination.

  Next, a reach mode determination random number is generated simultaneously with the jackpot symbol determination random number, and this is read and stored in the reach mode determination random number memory 402k (S295). Also, the determination result of “big hit” (“1” in the first embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory 402j (S300).

  The special symbol designated by the jackpot symbol determination random number value is subjected to a variable display state on the symbol display device 25 on the basis of the special symbol image data stored in the ROM of the symbol control unit 280, and is then arranged in a predetermined arrangement form. (For example, “7, 7, 7”, three-digit identical symbol arrangement). The special symbol image data is associated with the jackpot symbol determination random value and stored in the RAM 402 of the main control unit 200 as an identification information determination value, and the read jackpot symbol determination random value and the identification information determination value are stored. It is good also as what determines the symbol stopped and displayed by comparing.

  Further, the reach display mode specified by the reach mode determination random number value is determined after the variable display state is passed to the symbol display device 25 based on the reach display mode image data stored in the ROM of the symbol control unit 280. Displayed in a reach form. In this case as well, the reach display mode image data is stored in the reach mode determination value memory 402l of the RAM 402 of the main control unit 200 as a reach mode determination value in association with the reach mode determination random value, and read. The reach mode to be displayed may be determined by comparing the reach mode determination random number value with the reach mode determination value.

  Next, the detachment process (S310) will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined by a random number whether or not an outreach job is performed. Specifically, a reach mode determining random number is generated, read (S315), and the reach number stored in the reach number memory 402i is read (S320). If the reach mode determination random number and the reach number match, it becomes a missed reach job, and if it does not match, it becomes a normal missed job (S330).

  In the case of a miss reach job, at least two special symbols to be aligned (for example, the left symbol and the right symbol among the three types of special symbols) are determined using the miss reach symbol determination random number (S340). Or you may make it match the right design with it referring to the random number of the left design. The determined symbol is removed and stored in the reach symbol number memory 402m (S350). Further, the out-of-line symbol is similarly determined by a random number (S360), and the determined random number value is stored in the out-of-line symbol number memory 402g (S370). Then, the determination result of “outgoing reach” (“2” in the first embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory 402j (S380).

  On the other hand, in the case of a normal off-job, each special symbol (for example, left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol) is determined by random numbers, and the determined random number values are stored in the corresponding off symbol number memories 402e, 402f, and 402g. (S390 to S440). Further, the determination result “normally off” (“3” in the first embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory 402j (S450).

  Next, the general flow of the special symbol main job executed in the series of the main job will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, based on the winning of a game ball at the first kind start opening 31, the special symbol display device 16 starts the variable display of each special symbol on the symbol display device 25 (S500). For example, the left and right and middle symbols are scrolled from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

  Next, the determination result for each winning obtained by the success / failure determination job shown in FIGS. 35 to 37 is read from the determination result memory 402j (S510), and it is determined whether or not the determination result is a jackpot determination (S520).

  As a result, in the case of jackpot determination (“1”), the reach mode determination value stored in the reach mode determination value memory 402l corresponding to the above-described reach mode determination random value is read (S580), and the jackpot number ( The identification information determination value) is read from the jackpot number memory (determination value storage means) (S600). Next, the process proceeds to S610, for example, after the left symbol and the right symbol are aligned with the same symbol and after a predetermined reach display mode, the middle symbol is aligned with the same symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol, and is stopped and displayed (S610). ).

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit determination, it is determined whether or not it is a missed reach determination ("2") (S530). As a result, in the case of the detachment reach determination (“2”), the detachment symbol number is read from the aforementioned detachment symbol number memory 402m, and the detaching symbol number is read from the detaching symbol number memory 402g (S570). Then, a difference between the number of the outreach symbol number and the number of the outlying symbol number (for example, the difference between the left symbol and the middle symbol) is calculated (S571). Determine (S572). For example, when the middle symbol is the symbol immediately before the left symbol and the difference is “−1”, one type is selected from a plurality of types (for example, three types) outliers (for example, a predetermined random number). Can be selected by acquisition) and read. Thereafter, for example, after the left symbol and the right symbol are aligned to the same symbol and subjected to a predetermined reach display mode, the middle symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol different from the other symbols (S610).

  On the other hand, if it is not outlier reach determination, it is normal outage determination ("3") (S540), each outlier symbol number is read from each outnumber memory 402e, 402f, 402g (S550), and each special symbol (for example, , The left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol) are stopped and displayed at a timing shifted from each other (S560). Even in the case of normal deviation determination, the display mode can be changed to various modes by “slip display” or the like. In this case, the display mode image data is stored in a normal out display mode determination value memory (not shown) in the RAM 402 of the main control unit 200 as a normal out display mode determination value in association with the reach mode determination random number value. Alternatively, it is also possible to determine the normal off mode to be displayed by comparing the read reach mode determining random number value with the normal off display mode determining value.

  When the big hit determination is made, a special symbol is confirmed and displayed on the symbol display device 25 in a predetermined arrangement manner (for example, an arrangement manner of the same three-digit symbols of “7, 7, 7”), and then the special game is displayed. A special gaming state to be executed (a big hit gaming state). In the special game state, first, the open / close plate 33b of the big winning device 33 is opened, and the winning of the game ball to the big winning port 33a becomes a gaming ball receiving state that is superior to the player.

  In this special game state, the big winning device 33 is kept in the game ball receiving state until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. For example, when a predetermined time t1 (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or when a predetermined number n1 (for example, ten) winnings are detected by the winning ball detection switch 33s, the end condition is satisfied and the game ball receiving state is established. Is finished once, and the open / close plate 33b is closed to complete one round. After a predetermined time t2 (for example, 0.5 seconds) has passed after the opening / closing plate 33b is closed, if the predetermined continuation condition (passing to a specific area not shown) is satisfied, the opening / closing plate 33b is again opened. Then, the big winning device 33 enters the game ball receiving state. It should be noted that the game ball receiving state in which the end condition is one round is continuously repeated up to a predetermined maximum number of continuous rounds (16 rounds in the first embodiment). Further, if the continuation condition is not satisfied when the end condition is satisfied, the special gaming state ends (so-called puncture) in that round.

  In the gaming machine 1, the probability of success / failure determination (big hit probability) is changed until the next big hit based on the type of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 25 by the hit determination ( Probability changing means for improving) is provided. Specifically, the jackpot symbol determination random number value stored in advance is composed of a random number value for probability change and a random number value for non-probability change. The change symbol is stopped and displayed. In the case where the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a symbol for probability change, the probability of success / failure determination (big hit probability) is improved to about 4 to 5 times the normal value until the next big hit after the special gaming state.

  With the configuration of the gaming machine 1 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) An offset member 700 that is widened toward the back side is arranged between the game board 20 and the symbol display device 25, and the symbol display device 25 is arranged at a position recessed from the game board 20 by a predetermined distance. The symbol display device 25 can be shown smaller than the actual size, and even when a large liquid crystal display device is used as the symbol display device 25, for example, the game area 21 can be widely used.

  Further, by arranging the symbol display device 25 on the back side from the game board 20 and surrounding the periphery of the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25 by the offset member 700, a sense of depth like outer space can be created. In addition, for example, the background of the universe can be expressed by intentionally reflecting the light from the LED light source as the light emitting means on the display surface 25a of the symbol display device 25. By using such reflection of light from the light emitting means, it is possible to easily perform superimposed reflection on the symbol display in the symbol display device 25.

  (2) A plurality of stages of error states are set for the ball jam of the case rail 108, and even when the ball jam occurs in any of the plurality of rods of the case rail 108, the game ball dispensing device 109 is immediately stopped. First, the game can be progressed by continuing the payout with the remaining bag without the ball clogging while giving a warning. Thereby, even when ball clogging occurs in the case rail 108, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine 1.

  (3) Further, the presence or absence of a game ball on the case rail 108 is detected by detecting a ball clogging in the case rail 108 based on the signal from the tank ball out switch 232 and the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. It is not necessary to provide a switch for performing the circuit configuration, and the circuit configuration can be simplified.

  (4) Before the game ball payout device 109 stops paying out the game ball, the cams 109g and 109h are once decelerated and then stopped so that the load applied to the payout motor 109f changes abruptly. It is possible to prevent the cams 109g and 109h from being stepped out due to the speeding up of the payout. Thereby, the payout of the game ball payout device 109 can be performed accurately. Similarly, even when the game ball payout device 109 starts paying out a game ball, the load applied to the payout motor 109f is suddenly increased by starting the rotation of the payout motor 109f from a rotation speed lower than the normal rotation speed. The cams 109g and 109h can be prevented from stepping out. Thereby, the payout of the game ball payout device 109 can be performed accurately.

  (5) Also, by providing a vertical portion 108b having a predetermined length vertically in front of the game ball payout device 109 on the case rail 108, the game balls supplied to the game ball payout device 109 by the weight of the game balls The ball pressure can be increased, and the payout speed can be increased. This is particularly effective when applied to an arrange ball game machine (combination game machine) that cannot move to the next game unless the payout of a predetermined number of game balls is completed. Furthermore, by providing a predetermined payout stop time for periodically stopping payout during game ball payout, the ball pressure can be increased during the payout stop time, and the payout speed can be further increased. By periodically stopping the payout in this way, it is possible to prevent the ball pressure from increasing too much and causing a ball biting or the like, so that the game ball can be paid out accurately. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the cause of an error that is not detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k during the operation of the game ball payout device 109.

  (6) As the payout speed in the game ball payout device 109 increases, the passing speed of the game balls in the payout sensors 109j and 109k increases. In this case, if the output time of the payout sensors 109j and 109k is shorter than the control interval of the payout control unit 230, it may not be possible to detect the passing of the game ball. However, in the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment, the control interval is set to the main control. Since it is set shorter than the unit 200, it is possible to reliably detect the passing of the game ball.

  (7) In addition, an origin sensor 251 for detecting the origin of the launch motor 252 is provided, and the launch control unit 250 performs the ball feed process after confirming the origin of the launch motor 252, so that accurate ball feed can be performed. A game ball can be launched. Further, after the power is turned on, when the player touches the firing handle 8, the base 10a can be surely checked when the power is turned on by performing the blank shot of the basket 10a once. Thereby, the first ball feeding can be reliably performed after the power is turned on. Furthermore, since the tip of the heel 10a is disposed at a position retracted from the firing ball count switch 222, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the firing sphere due to detection of the tip of the heel.

  In addition, by setting the pulse width of the reference clock signal to be shorter than the time during which the ball feed permission signal is in the firing permitted state, the ball feeding process can be performed reliably and the firing can be performed reliably.

  (8) In addition, the launch start switch 10j that detects that the player has started to turn the launch handle 8 is configured to be turned on / off by the movement of the rack 10i that moves linearly. Even when rattling or deterioration occurs, it is possible to accurately detect a launch start position suitable for launching a game ball. Thereby, it becomes possible to always start the game ball at the same handle position. Furthermore, the mechanism in the firing handle 8 is simplified, and the assembling property of the firing handle 8 can be improved.

  Further, the circuit configuration can be simplified by incorporating the firing stop switch 8b into the touch switch circuit and connecting it in series with the touch switch 8a.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration around the symbol display device 25.

  FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the symbol display device 25 of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 39, in the second embodiment, the plate member 702 is not provided in the opening 20a of the game board 20, and the filter member 704 is provided on the surface of the display unit 25a of the symbol display device 25. . The filter member 704 may be provided directly on the surface of the display unit 25a of the symbol display device 25, or may be provided in the large opening of the offset member 700, that is, the opening on the symbol display device 25 side. As the filter member 704, a semi-transparent (for example, smoked or gray) surface having a smooth surface without unevenness, for example, a translucent polycarbonate plate or a translucent film can be used.

  By providing such a filter member 704 on the surface of the display unit 25a of the symbol display device 25, the reflection of the LED light becomes clearer than when the LED light is directly irradiated on the surface of the symbol display device 25. Therefore, clearer superimposed display is possible. Further, the black display can be made clearer.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment differs from the above embodiments in the configuration around the symbol display device 25.

  In the third embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are combined, and a plate member 702 is provided in the opening 20a of the game board 20 as shown in FIG. As shown, a translucent (for example, smoke-like or gray) filter member 704 is provided on the surface of the display unit 25a of the symbol display device 25. Also with such a configuration, the reflection of the LED light can be made clearer, and a clearer superimposed display is possible. Further, the black display can be made clearer, and the deterioration of the visibility of the display surface 25a due to the reflection of external light can be suppressed.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the example in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to the first type gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention includes a symbol display device such as a second type / third type gaming machine or a combination type gaming machine. It can also be applied to other gaming machines.

  Further, the game ball payout device 109 may be provided with a lock mechanism for the cams 109g and 109h for locking the rotation of the cams 109g and 109h when the payout motor 10d is stopped. For example, a lock mechanism including a gear and a solenoid-type engaging means that engages with the gear can be provided on the rotation shafts of the cams 109g and 109h. At the time of rotation of the payout motor 109f, the engagement means and the gear are disengaged by exciting the solenoid so that the payout motor 109f can be rotated. Further, when the payout motor 109f is stopped, the engaging means and the gear are engaged by demagnetizing the solenoid, and the payout motor 109f is locked. By providing such a locking mechanism, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cams 109g and 109h from rotating due to the ball pressure of the game ball when the payout motor 109d is stopped.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although comprised so that a signal might flow in order of the main control part 200-> sound lamp control part 260-> symbol control part 280, not only this but main control part 200-> symbol as shown in FIG. You may comprise so that a signal may flow in order of the control part 280-> sound lamp control part 260. FIG.

  Moreover, in the said Example, as shown in FIG. 13, although the connection part with the tank rail 106 in the bottom part of the prize ball tank 105 is provided in the same location, not only this but FIG. 41 (a) of FIG. As shown in the plan view of the prize ball tank, the connecting portions 105a and 105b between the prize ball tank 105 and the tank rail 106 may be configured to be shifted by the rods 106a and 106b, respectively. With this configuration, as shown in the prize ball tank cross-sectional view of FIG. 41B, the game balls in the prize ball tank 105 are easily broken, and the balls 106a and 106b are arranged while the game balls are quickly aligned. Can flow into.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, different colors can be displayed by displaying different colors (red and orange) on one error LED display unit 4h. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of stages of error display may be performed by lighting / flashing on the display unit. For example, when a serious error occurs, the left LED display unit 4b is turned on / flashes, and when a minor error occurs, the right LED display unit 4c is turned on / flashes to display a plurality of levels of errors. .

It is a front view which shows the game machine by each said Example and modification. It is a figure which shows the ashtray provided in the game machine of each said Example and modification, (a) is a perspective view of the state in which the slide lid was closed, (b) is a perspective view of the state in which the slide lid was opened, c) is a rear view. It is a perspective view which shows the inner frame of the game machine of each said Example and modification. It is a perspective view which shows the inner frame of the game machine of each said Example and modification. It is an enlarged view of the launch rail of each said Example and modification. It is an enlarged view of a pinion and a rack when the firing handle is not rotated. It is an enlarged view of a pinion and a rack when the firing handle is rotated. It is the front view and sectional drawing of the launching device of each said Example and modification. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the game board of each said Example and modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the symbol display apparatus of the said 1st Example. It is a perspective view which shows the offset member of each said Example and modification. It is a rear view which shows the game machine of each said Example and modification. It is a top view which shows the prize ball tank of each said Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the tank rail and case race of each said Example and modification. It is a perspective view which shows the game ball dispensing apparatus of each said Example and modification. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the game ball dispensing apparatus of each said Example and modification. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the payout speed of the payout motor of each said Example and modification, and payout stop time. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic control apparatus of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of the main control part of each said Example and modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typical examples, such as various memories stored in the built-in RAM of the main control part of each said Example and modification. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board | substrate relay board | substrate of each said Example and modification. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the game frame relay board | substrate of each said Example and modification. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the payout control board of each said Example and modification. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the connector connection confirmation of the payout control board of each said Example and modification. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the launch control board of each said Example and modification. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the launch control part of each said Example and modification. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the ball | bowl advance permission signal in the launch control part of each said Example and modification, and a reference | standard clock signal. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the sound lamp control board of each said Example and modification. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control board of each said Example and modification. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the command regarding the symbol control of each said Example and modification. It is a timing chart which shows the launch control in the continuous operation | movement by the launch control part of each said Example and modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main job which the main control part of the game machine concerning each Example and each modification performs. It is a flowchart which shows a process when power supply interruption (power failure etc.) generate | occur | produces in the game machine which concerns on each Example and each modification. It is a flowchart which shows a power recovery process when a power failure (power failure etc.) generate | occur | produces in the game machine which concerns on each Example and each modification. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a success / failure determination job in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating jackpot processing in the gaming machine concerning each example and each modification. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a detachment process in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of a special symbol main job in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the symbol display apparatus of the said 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the electronic control apparatus of each said Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the prize ball tank of each said Example, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine (1st type game machine), 10 ... Launching device unit (launching means), 20 ... Game board, 20a ... Opening part, 25 ... Symbol display apparatus, 25a ... Display part (display surface), 29, 30 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 31 ... First-class start port, 33 ... Large winning device, 34, 35, 36.37 ... Winning port, 108 ... Case rail (game ball guide passage), 109 ... Game ball payout device, 200 ... main control part (award game value assigning device, winning / failing judging means, variable pitching device, special game state generating device), 230 ... payout control part (payout error notification means, launch control means), 242 ... error display LED substrate ( (Dispensing error notification means), 250... Launch control section (launch control means), 260... Sound lamp control section, 280... Design control section (symbol control means), 700 ... offset member, 701 ... LED substrate, 702 ... plate member, 703蔽部 material.

Claims (4)

A gaming board having a gaming area provided with a gaming device on the front side and having an opening formed in the gaming area;
In a gaming machine provided with a variable display device having a display unit provided at an opening of the game board and capable of displaying an identification symbol in a variable manner,
The variable display device is arranged such that the display unit is separated from the game board to the back side by a predetermined distance, and the display unit is larger than the opening of the game board,
A side portion connecting the display portion of the variable display device and the opening portion of the game board; and an angle formed between an inner wall of the side portion and the display portion of the variable display device is an acute angle, and the variable display An offset member surrounding the periphery of the display unit of the device;
A light emitting means provided outside the side surface of the offset member,
A plurality of through holes are provided in the side portion, and light emitted from the light emitting means passes through the through holes and is reflected on a display portion of the variable display device . A translucent filter member covering the display unit is provided on the display unit front surface of the variable display device,
The shielding board which covers the said variable display apparatus, the said offset member, and the said light emission means is provided in the back surface side of the said game board, The said shielding member can shield the light from the outside. The gaming machine described. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plate-like member that is translucent and curved on the back side of the gaming board is provided in the opening of the gaming board . The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light emitting means includes a plurality of LEDs, and the through hole is provided at a position corresponding to the LED of the light emitting means .

Images