JP4367629B2 - Combination game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a combination type in which a unit game (game) is completed by firing a predetermined number of game balls on a game board, and award balls according to the score obtained during the game are paid out to the player It relates to gaming machines.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a combination type game machine (arrange ball game machine) is known in which one game is completed by firing a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls on the game board. In this combination type gaming machine, when a game ball that has been launched enters a predetermined entrance, the corresponding winning symbol is lit and displayed, and the combination of the displayed winning symbol is a predetermined symbol combination Is provided with a score, and a prize ball corresponding to the score is paid out to the player. And, as long as it is a game, it is natural to make it difficult to score. In other words, it is considered that making the score establishment easily always has a great disadvantage on the game store side, and if the score establishment is always impossible, the player will not play the game.

  The difficulty of establishing the score is based on the difficulty of entering each entrance (16 consecutive entrances provided at the bottom of the game board). Specifically, a number of obstacle nails are arranged above each of the 16 consecutive entrances, thereby making it easy to make direct entry relatively easy and direct entry. It is formed by interweaving with a relatively difficult entrance, which makes it difficult to establish a score.

However, in general, it is often the case that the entrance hole is virtually impossible to enter (so-called triangular nails), and there are many cases where the winning symbol is not displayed continuously. (Since the winning symbol corresponding to the difficult entrance is not lit), the score is hardly established. For this reason, for example, when the accessory operating port is opened under a predetermined condition and a game ball is inserted into the opened accessory operating port, a plurality of winning symbols including a winning symbol corresponding to the difficult entry port are continuously lit. It is set so that it is displayed and the score is easily established (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-4443

  However, opening the above-mentioned accessory operating port and allowing a game ball to enter the opened above-mentioned accessory operating port is effectively a game for a player to generate a special gaming state. . Therefore, if the special gaming state does not occur, the score is not established, and the return rate (playing rate) for the player is very low. In addition, the occurrence rate of this special gaming state also depends on the nail adjustment on the game store side (for example, the arrangement of nails around the guide symbol operating gate, etc.) Therefore, if the game store sets the occurrence rate of the special gaming state to be low, the return rate for the player can be extremely suppressed. As described above, there is a problem that in a combination type gaming machine, a player is likely to be in a very disadvantageous state from the viewpoint of gaming balance, and the interest in the gaming machine is also reduced.

  In addition, in a combination type gaming machine, even if a predetermined number of game balls have been inserted into any entry port, if any game device is operating, the game proceeds to the next unit game. Because it is not possible, the progress of the game is delayed. Thereby, there is a problem that the interest rate is lowered and the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered.

  Therefore, in view of the above points, the present invention has an object to increase the interest and increase the chances of generating a special gaming state in a combination type gaming machine. Another object of the present invention is to greatly increase the player's expectation for the occurrence of a continuous special gaming state after obtaining a high score. Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the operating rate of gaming machines. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to prevent the euphoria from becoming extremely high.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a winning symbol for displaying a plurality of pitching areas into which a game ball can enter and a winning symbol related to the entrance of the game ball into the pitching region is displayed. Display means, and a predetermined number of game balls are fired on the game board to perform one unit game, and a prize mode is selected based on a combination of winning symbols displayed by the winning symbol display means during the one unit game. A combination game machine that determines and assigns a prize game value corresponding to a prize mode by a prize game value granting device, wherein the judgment is performed by determining whether the game ball has passed the guidance symbol operation gate; A variable display device that variably displays the identification symbol displayed in the display area when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol activation gate, and that stops the identification symbol with a specific symbol when the result of the determination is correct , and variable Stopped on the display device If the identification symbols opens the variable input spheres port when was specific symbol, game balls variable ball entrance opening when the ball entrance, or the unit game a predetermined number of times more than once ended, A variable entry device that closes the variable entrance , a special game device that has a specific area inside and a discharge opening, and the variable entrance is the entrance, and entered the variable entrance can a game ball passes through the specific region, increases with generating for a predetermined number unit game of a special game state, the probability of identification symbols displayed on the variable display device stops displaying in a specific symbol A special game state generating device to be used, and a predetermined ball-entry area that is determined in advance among a plurality of ball-entry areas as a score-increasing device operating port. a score increase device that increases the scores thus established in a game, the specific And distributing means for distributing the game ball to pass or outlet, first moving means for moving the distributing means, the probability that the distributing means first operation pattern and the game ball than the first operation pattern is distributed in a specific area higher Drive control means capable of driving and controlling the moving means so as to move in a plurality of operation patterns including two operation patterns,
The variable pitching device, the special game state generating device, and the score increasing device are composed mainly of a main control unit that controls the basic progress of the game and has a CPU with a built-in ROM, and the CPU is a control program stored in the ROM. Based on the game, the game ball is guided during each unit game in which the special game state generating device is in operation and the remaining unit game count is less than the predetermined number of times of 2 or more. If it is determined that the symbol operation gate has been passed, whether or not the result of the determination is successful or not is determined by the operation of the special gaming state generation device. The symbols are stopped and displayed, and the variable entrance is opened for a predetermined number of unit games of two or more times, and a predetermined number of unit games from the start of operation of the special game state generating device. When it is determined that the game has ended, the operation of the special game state generating device is stopped, the special game state is ended, and the special game is returned to a state in which a specific symbol is stopped and displayed only when the result of the determination is successful. At the start of the first unit game after the end of the state, the variable entrance is kept open, and the drive control means, if the variable entrance is open when the special game state generator is operating , When the moving means is driven and controlled so as to move the sorting means in the second operation pattern, and it is determined that the game ball has entered the variable entrance in this state and the game ball has passed a specific area Is characterized by operating a special game generating device to generate a special game state again .

  As a result, when the variable pitching device starts operating while the special game state generating device is in operation, and the guidance increasing device ends with the variable pitch opening being opened, the first unit game after the special gaming state ends The game ball that has entered the variable entrance can be passed through a specific area with high probability, and the guidance increasing device can be reactivated with high probability. Thereby, a player's expectation with respect to continuous special gaming state occurrence can be remarkably enhanced.

  Further, as in the second aspect of the invention, in the second operation pattern, the drive control means drives the moving means so as to position the distribution means at a predetermined position where the game ball is likely to be distributed to a specific area. It can be configured to control.

  Note that “the distribution means is positioned at a predetermined position with a high probability that a game ball is distributed to a specific area” means that the distribution means is completely stopped at the predetermined position, and the movement of the distribution means is continued. In addition to the case of stopping at a predetermined position for a predetermined time in the middle and the case where the movement of the sorting means is continued and the moving speed at the predetermined position is slowed to increase the staying time at the predetermined position, a specific area is set to the predetermined position. If you want to stop completely, continue the movement of the specific area, stop at a predetermined position for a predetermined time in the middle of the movement, continue the movement of the specific area, slow down the moving speed at the predetermined position And a case where the staying time at the predetermined position is increased.

  In the invention according to claim 3, when a plurality of specific symbols are set and the identification symbol stopped and displayed by the variable display device is a predetermined symbol among the plurality of specific symbols, the drive control means Is characterized in that the moving means is driven and controlled to move the sorting means in the second operation pattern. Thereby, the probability that the 2nd operation pattern advantageous to a player will appear can be adjusted. In addition, the movement pattern of the sorting means can be changed depending on the type of a specific symbol. When a predetermined symbol of a specific symbol is stopped and displayed on a variable display device, a special gaming state is generated with high probability. So that interest can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 4, it is continued that a game ball that has entered the variable entrance in a predetermined number of unit games after the operation of the special game state generating device has ended passes through a specific area. When a special gaming state is generated, it is provided with limiting means for limiting an increase in the probability that the variable entrance will be opened when the number of continuous occurrences of the special gaming state reaches a predetermined number. It is said.

  As a result, after the number of continuous special game state occurrences reaches a predetermined number, the possibility that the variable entrance is kept open at the start of the first unit game after the end of the special game state is reduced. . Therefore, since the probability of occurrence of the next special gaming state is lowered, it is possible to prevent the gambling ability from being remarkably increased.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 5, when all the predetermined number of game balls are fired in the unit game and all of the game balls enter the plurality of entrance areas, the identification symbols are displayed in a variable manner. If it is, the identification symbol variation time shortening means for shortening the variation time of the identification symbol is provided. Thereby, the unit game can be ended quickly, and the game can be advanced promptly, so that interest can be improved and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

(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 an arranged ball gaming machine (combined gaming machine) is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrange ball gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a 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) constituting a game ball launcher that launches game balls onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder 12 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) that supplies the game balls to the launcher unit 10. 8) 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 4b 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, the guide rail for guiding the game ball and the launcher unit 10 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 a later-described middle rail 23 (see FIG. 9) 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 attachment portions (screw fastening portions) 22a and 22b. Screw holes are formed in the attachment portions 22a and 22b. 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 22a, 22b to the rail mounting portion 3a. In this way, by forming the attachment portions 22a and 22b by bending a part of the outer rail 22, there is no need 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. The launcher unit 10 constitutes the launching means of the present invention.

  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 structure of the game board 20 is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing the board surface of the game board 20. The game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the game board 20 is provided with a substantially circular game area 21 formed by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23. The game area 21 includes a 16 consecutive entrance (entrance area) 24, a left entrance 26, a guide symbol operating gate (symbol operating port) 29, a second character guide device operating gate 30, a symbol display device 31, A first accessory operating port (variable entrance) 32, a second accessory operating port 33, a special game device 36, and the like are provided. The game area 21 is provided with a number of obstacle nails (not shown). It should be noted that the interior of each of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the guide symbol operating gate 29, the second accessory guide device operating gate 30, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33. Is provided with a ball detection switch (not shown) for detecting whether a game ball has entered or passed.

  The 16 consecutive entrances 24 are provided in a lower region of the game area 21, and 16 entrances are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. On the front side of the sixteen consecutive ball opening 24, a sixteen consecutive ball opening LED display unit 25 as a pseudo winning symbol display unit is provided. The 16 consecutive entrance LED display unit 25 lights up corresponding to a winning symbol display unit 31c (FIG. 10) provided in a symbol display device 31 described later. When a player enters any of the 16 entrance balls 24, the winning symbol of the winning symbol display unit 31 c corresponding to the entrance is displayed and the 16 consecutive entrance LED display unit 25. LED lights up. Although not shown, at least the third, fifth, eleventh, thirteenth, and fifteenth entrances are difficult entrances that are difficult to enter directly by obstacle nails.

  The left entrance 26 is provided on the upper left side of the 16 consecutive entrance 24. In the present embodiment, when entering the left entrance 26, the same effect as entering the entrance 5h5 in the 16th entrance 24 is obtained, and the 5th in the winning symbol display portion 31c is obtained. The winning symbols are displayed as winning.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the award mode is determined (a score is established) by combining the winning symbols lighted and displayed during one game, with 15 game balls being fired as a unit game (1 game). The award ball is paid out as the corresponding prize game value. For example, when four winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed, one point is awarded and a prescribed number (15) of prize balls are paid out per point. The award game value assigning apparatus of the present invention is mainly composed of a main control unit 200 described later. Further, in this embodiment, three points are given for a special prize mode which is a continuous combination of predetermined winning symbols (12, 13, 14, 15 or 13, 14, 15, 16 in this example). Is granted. However, the maximum number of game balls that can be obtained in one game is 10 times the prescribed number (150).

  Of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the entrance 24a corresponding to the 16th winning symbol also has a function as a scoring device operating opening. The winning symbol is displayed and the score increasing device is activated. The score increasing device as a prize mode increasing device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 to be described later, and increases (doubles in this example) the number of prize balls to be paid out per score in the game. The score increasing device ends its operation when the game ends. The entrance 24a is located at the right end of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 in which 16 entrances are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction, and the game balls enter relatively more than the difficult entrance. Since it is easy to enter the normal entrance, the player is aiming at the second accessory guidance device operating gate 30 and the second accessory operating port 33 provided on the right side of the game area 21, and so on. By hitting, the game ball can easily enter the entrance 24a not only when the special game state is generated but also in the normal game state where the special game is not generated. Here, the entrance 24a constitutes a predetermined entrance area predetermined among a plurality of entrance areas.

  The guide symbol operation gate 29 is provided at the upper left of the game area 21. In addition, a symbol display device 31 having a screen capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol is provided at the center of the game area 21. The symbol display device 31 of this embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal (LCD). The symbol display device 31 can also be configured using a dot matrix or the like. The symbol display device 31 shows a specific example of the variable display device of the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a front view showing the screen configuration of the symbol display device 31. As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol display device 31 includes guidance symbol display units (variable display means) 31a and 31b, a winning symbol display unit (winning symbol display unit) 31c, a remaining ball display unit 31d, and the like. . In the present embodiment, the guide symbol display unit includes a main symbol display unit (main symbol display unit) 31a and a pseudo symbol display unit (pseudo symbol display unit) 31b. The symbol display unit 31 a displays the symbol and is arranged at the lower right in the symbol display device 31. The symbol display unit 31a includes a plurality (two in this example) of symbol display areas, each of which is configured to be displayed in three colors of red, blue, and green, and can display six combinations of symbols. .

  The pseudo symbol display unit 31b occupies about one third of the upper side of the symbol display device 31, and includes a plurality (three in this example) of symbol display areas. When the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 31a is a combination of a predetermined winning symbol (specific symbol), a pseudo winning symbol is displayed and the symbol is a combination other than the winning symbol. In such a case, a pseudo-out symbol is displayed. Specifically, each of the three symbol display areas of the pseudo symbol display unit 31b can display four symbols including “three”, “seven”, “ball”, and “flower”, and 64 combinations of pseudo symbols. Can be displayed.

  The guide symbol (the main symbol and the pseudo symbol) as the identification symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate 29, and after the predetermined time period, the stop symbol is displayed. After the guide symbol variation time has elapsed, a guide symbol stop display time is set for the player to confirm the guide symbol. The induced symbol variation time is, for example, 1.1 seconds for the present symbol and 1.4 seconds for the pseudo symbol. In addition, the guidance symbol stop display time in the case of winning and in operation of the guidance increase device is, for example, 4 seconds for both the main symbol and the pseudo symbol, and the guidance symbol stop display time in the case of being off is, for example, 0.5 for the main symbol. Seconds, and the pseudo symbol is 0.2 seconds. When all the game balls launched during one game enter the entrance (16 consecutive entrances 24, left entrance 26, etc.) during the guide symbol change, the guide symbol change time Even if it has not passed, the fluctuation of the guide symbol is stopped.

  Here, the variation time of this symbol is set to be shorter than the variation time of the pseudo symbol, even if the game ball passes through the guidance symbol activation gate 29 during the variation of this symbol, this symbol does not vary, This is to reduce irritation even when the player's symbol does not fluctuate because the symbol fluctuates when the game ball passes through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29 after the symbol fluctuation stops. That is, since the player is usually looking at the pseudo symbol, the player can be shortened by shortening the non-fluctuating period (stop display time in the case of deviation) between one variation and the next variation in the pseudo symbol. Can reduce irritation. Note that this is not the case because the first accessory operating port 32 is opened in the case of winning.

  In addition, the guide symbol stop display time in the case of hitting and when the guidance increase device is operating is set to be longer than the guide symbol stop display time in the case where the guide symbol stop display time is out, as described later. When 12 games are finished, the left-handed stroke is passed through the guiding symbol operating gate 29 to activate the guiding symbol display unit, and the right-handed strike is made after the guiding symbol is stopped. Since the first accessory operating port 32 is opened after the stop display is completed without the opening of the accessory operating port 32, the player mistakenly enters the first accessory operating port 32 and a so-called puncture occurs. This is to prevent the occurrence.

  If the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 31a is a predetermined combination of winning symbols, the first accessory guiding device (variable pitching device) starts operating after a certain period of time, and the game The first accessory operating port 32 serving as a variable entrance provided in the region 21 is in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter. In the present embodiment, a combination of “red-red” for the present symbol is a winning symbol combination, and other combinations are out-of-bound symbol combinations. The first accessory guiding device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 described later, and changes the state of the first accessory operating port 32.

  The random numbers used in the present embodiment include a random number for determination of success / failure, a random number for symbol display, and the like. When the game ball passes through the guiding symbol operation gate 29, the determination whether or not the winning ball is determined is determined whether or not to operate the first accessory operating device (whether or not), and when it is determined that the winning determination is successful. Is used to determine the winning symbol of the main symbol that is stopped and displayed by the main symbol display unit 31a. The random number for symbol display is used to determine a pseudo symbol to be stopped and displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31b when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuating gate 29, and is determined to be out of the right / no-go determination. It is sometimes used to determine an off symbol of the main symbol that is stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit 31a.

  Specifically, the success / failure determination random number is set in advance with a success / failure determination hit value, and the success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 matches the winning value. It is determined that it is a hit. If it is determined that the winning symbol is a winning symbol, the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol displaying unit 31a is determined to be a red / red winning symbol combination. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol is off, the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 31a is determined using a random number for symbol display. Specifically, “blue-blue”, “blue-red”, One of “blue-green”, “green-green”, and “green-red” is determined.

  The pseudo symbol that is stopped and displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31b is determined using a random number for symbol display. Specifically, if it is determined that the winning / non-winning determination is true, it is determined to be a pseudo-hit symbol consisting of any combination of “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7, 7”. If it is determined to be off, it is determined to be a pseudo off symbol composed of a combination other than the pseudo hit symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a winning symbol display unit 31 c is provided below the symbol display device 31. The winning symbol display unit 31c corresponds to the above-described 16 consecutive ball opening 24, and includes 16 winning symbols. In the winning symbol display unit 31c, when a player enters any of the sixteen consecutive entrances 24, the winning symbol is displayed with the winning symbol corresponding to the entrance. In addition, after all 15 game balls have entered, a winning symbol confirmation time (0.5 seconds in this example) is set for the player to confirm the winning symbol.

  FIG. 11 shows a display example of the winning symbol display unit 31c, where (a) shows a state in which a game ball has entered the 16 consecutive entrance 24, (b) shows a state before the score is established, and (c) shows a score. The state at the time of establishment is shown. As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the winning symbol of this embodiment is displayed in the form of fireworks.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when a player enters any of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24 (No. 2 and No. 4 in this example), the winning symbol corresponding to the entrance is shown. The display mode of the winning symbol on the display unit 31c is changed and the winning display is performed. In the present embodiment, the fireworks representing the winning symbol are configured to ignite the lead wire.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (b), in the state before the score is established, that is, when the player enters the three adjacent winning holes (in this example, Nos. 11, 12, and 13) among the 16 consecutive ball openings 24 Changes to a display mode different from the winning display shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the fireworks representing the winning symbols are configured to repeat the enlargement and reduction. Thereby, it can be made to recognize that it is a state just before score establishment.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (c), when the score is established, that is, when the player enters the four adjacent winning holes (11th, 12th, 13th, 14th in this example) among the 16 consecutive balls 24. Displays the score (one point in this example) acquired at the corresponding location.

  Returning to FIG. 10, a remaining ball display portion 31 d for displaying the remaining number of game balls in the game is provided near the left center of the symbol display device 31. Further, although not shown in FIG. 10, the symbol display unit 31 displays a score display unit that displays the score established during one game, and is displayed when the special game state is ended halfway (so-called puncture). A puncture notification unit is provided. The timing at which the display of the puncture notification unit disappears is when the next special gaming state occurs, when a predetermined number of games after the display (for example, 3-4 games) has elapsed, or for a predetermined time after the display (for example, 10-30) Minutes).

  Furthermore, although not shown in the figure display device 31, a message is arbitrarily displayed according to the progress of the game and the round number display section indicating the number of games (number of rounds) since the operation of the induction increasing device is started. A game information notifying unit is provided. In the game information notification section, for example, instruction notification information for instructing information related to a player's profit and information related to a disadvantage can be displayed and navigation can be performed. Specifically, in the game information notification unit, it is possible to instruct and notify the place where the player should aim or should not aim. When displaying a message, the pseudo symbol display unit 31b may be displayed small as necessary.

  The first accessory guiding device operates when there is a ball in the first accessory operating port 32 during the operation of the first accessory guiding device, or when three games are completed including the game at the start of the operation. And the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. The first accessory operating port 32 is provided near the upper center in the game area 21. The first accessory operating port 32 includes a pair of movable pieces, and when these movable pieces operate to the left and right, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened to facilitate entry.

  The first accessory operating port 32 operates a first accessory that simultaneously displays four winning symbols in the winning symbol display unit 31c. When the player enters the first accessory operating port 32, the first accessory is operated and the winning symbols Nos. 12, 13, 15, and 16 are lit and displayed. The first accessory ends its operation when the game ends.

  The second accessory guidance device actuation gate 30 is provided at the upper right of the game area 21. When a guidance increase device described later is activated, the second accessory guidance device actuation gate 30 becomes effective. Further, the second accessory operating port 33 as the second variable entrance is provided on the right side in the game area 21 which is the lower right side of the second accessory guiding device operating gate 30. When the guidance device operation gate 30 is valid, that is, when the guidance increase device is activated, the game ball passes through the second feature guidance device actuation gate 30 and the second feature guidance device (second variable ball entry device). When the operation is started, the second accessory operating port 33 is in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter. The second accessory operating port 33 includes a single movable piece, and when the movable piece operates to the left, the second accessory operating port 33 is opened to facilitate entry.

  The second accessory guiding device operating gate 30 is effective until the first passing of the game ball in each unit game and the second accessory operating port 33 is opened. It becomes invalid until the next unit game is started after it is once opened.

  The second accessory guiding device ends its operation when there is a ball in the second accessory operating port 33 during the operation of the second accessory guiding device, or when the game ends, The working port 33 is closed.

  The second accessory operating port 33 operates a second accessory that simultaneously displays the four winning symbols in the winning symbol display section 31c. When the player enters the second combination operating port 33, the second combination is activated and the winning symbols of Nos. 11, 13, 14, and 15 are lit up. The second accessory ends its operation when the game ends.

  The first accessory operating port 32 also has a function as a specific entrance that enables entry into the special game apparatus 36. The special game device 36 is provided below the symbol display device 31.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the special game apparatus 36. As shown in FIG. 12, the special game apparatus 36 includes two game ball passages 37 and 39, and one reciprocating body 38 disposed therebetween. The reciprocating body 38 is a specific example of the sorting means of the present invention.

  The game ball passages 37 and 39 are configured such that a game ball flows down on the upper surface thereof. The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 flows onto the first game ball passage 37 from the left side in FIG. The upper surface of the first game ball passage 37 is a U-shaped groove, and the game ball moves toward the reciprocating body 38 while being shaken. It passes through the center. The second game ball passage 39 will be described later.

  The reciprocating body 38 disposed between the two game ball passages 37 and 39 simulates the shape of a bridge, and includes a passage 38a having a width through which a game ball can pass. The reciprocating body 38 is driven by a reciprocating body motor 217 (see FIG. 21) and a worm gear (not shown) and reciprocates in the front-rear direction (the direction connecting the front side and the back side as viewed from the player). Specifically, the reciprocating body 38 reciprocates once in 2 to 3 seconds, and is driven so as to temporarily stop at the front side, the back side, and the center portion in the front-rear direction. When the game ball flowing down the first game ball passage 37 reaches the reciprocating body 38, the reciprocating body 38 stops at the center in the front-rear direction or at a position close to the center in the front-rear direction. In some cases, the game ball rides on the passage 38a of the reciprocating body 38 and flows down on the second game ball passage 39 through the passage 38a. On the other hand, the game balls that have not been put on the passage 38a of the reciprocating body 38 fall downward.

  The second game ball passage 39 is provided with a guidance increase device operating region (specific region) 39a in which a game ball can enter. The induction increasing device operation region 39a is configured to be open at the top so that a game ball can pass therethrough. The upper surface of the second game ball passage 39 has a mortar shape, and the game ball that has flowed down to the second game ball passage 39 always passes through the induction increasing device operating region 39a. Although not shown in the drawings, the guidance increase device activation region 39a is provided with a guidance increase device activation region switch 214 (see FIG. 21) that detects the passage of a game ball in the guidance increase device activation region 39a.

  A discharge port 40 (a region other than a specific region) through which a game ball can enter is provided below the special game device 36. It is indicated that all game balls that have not reached the induction increasing device operating area 39a and have dropped on the way enter the discharge port 40 and have passed through the induction increasing apparatus non-operating area. 21).

  The induction increasing device operating region 39a constitutes a specific region in which the induction increasing device is operated. The guidance increasing device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and changes a gaming state to generate a special gaming state (a big hit state) advantageous to the player. The guidance increasing device is a specific example of the special gaming state generating device of the present invention.

  Specifically, the operation of the induction increasing device enables the second accessory induction device operation gate 30 and increases the probability that the first accessory operation port 32 opens to 1/1. As a result, if the game ball passes through the guide symbol operating gate 29 during the operation of the guidance increasing device, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened with a probability of 1/1. The operation of the induction increasing device is ended when a predetermined number of 14 games have been completed from the start of the operation, or when a game ball newly passes through the induction increasing device operation area 39a during operation (so-called puncture).

  Here, the movement pattern of the reciprocating body 38 will be described. As described above, the reciprocating body 38 is driven by the reciprocating body motor 217 so as to temporarily stop at the front side, the back side, and the center portion in the front-rear direction. This is a normal operation pattern. The reciprocating body motor 217 is configured to be driven and controlled by a main control unit 200 which will be described later. The reciprocating body motor 217 corresponds to the moving means of the present invention, and the main control unit 200 controls the driving of the present invention. It corresponds to the means. Further, in the movement path of the reciprocating body 38, a position near the center in the front-rear direction or the center in the front-rear direction, that is, a position where the reciprocating body 38 can connect the upstream game ball path 37 and the downstream game ball path 39. Corresponds to a predetermined position with a high probability of being assigned to the induction increasing device operating region 39a of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, a plurality of operation patterns of the reciprocating body 38 are set, and in addition to the normal operation pattern described above, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 39a. A stop operation pattern having a higher probability than the normal operation pattern is set. In the stop operation pattern, the reciprocating body 38 is positioned at a predetermined position where there is a high probability that the game ball will be distributed to the guidance increasing device operating area 39a. Specifically, the main control unit 200 controls the reciprocating body motor 217 to completely stop the reciprocating body 38 at a predetermined position where there is a high probability that the game ball is distributed to the guidance increasing device operating area 39a. The normal operation pattern corresponds to the first operation pattern of the present invention, and the stop operation pattern corresponds to the second operation pattern of the present invention.

  As described above, when the operation of the first accessory guide device is started, the pseudo winning symbol that is stopped and displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31b is “7, 7, 7” or “3, 3, 3”. In the first embodiment, the movement pattern of the reciprocating body 38 is changed from the normal operation pattern to the stop operation pattern when the pseudo symbol is “7, 7, 7”. The stop operation pattern is such that the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 39a or the guiding increasing device non-operating region (discharge port 40) and is discharged to the back of the game board. Will continue. The main control unit 200 changes the operation pattern of the reciprocating body 38 from the stop operation pattern to the normal operation pattern when the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is discharged to the back of the game board.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 14 is a plan view of the prize ball tank 105 and the tank rail 106, and FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the shape of the case rail 108.

  As shown in FIG. 13, 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. 14, the tank rail 106 is disposed 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. 13, 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. 15, 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. 15, the case rail 108 is supplied from the upstream side to a bent portion 108a 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. 13, below the tank rail 106, a back case 111 with a lid for storing the display panel of the symbol display device 31 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.

  Next, the configuration of the game ball payout device 109 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game ball payout device 109, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball payout device 109 is disassembled. The game ball payout device 109 and a payout control unit 230 described later correspond to the game ball payout means of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the game ball payout device 109 has two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b through which the game balls supplied from the case rail 108 can pass. 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. 17, 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. 17, 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. The payout sensors 109j and 109k are specific examples of the winning ball number detecting means of the present invention.

  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 the present embodiment, as described later, before the game ball payout is completed, the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f is temporarily reduced to a rotation speed slower than the normal rotation speed to pay out a predetermined number of game balls. After that, 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. 18 shows the relationship between the payout speed of the payout motor 109f and the payout stop time. As will be described later, the payout control unit 230 is provided with a payout operation management timer for the arrange ball game machine and the pachinko game machine. In this embodiment, the game ball payout device 109 is configured to stop paying out periodically for a predetermined payout stop time during the game ball payout by operating a payout operation management timer for the arrange ball game machine. ing. Specifically, each time a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out, the payout operation management timer is activated to stop the payout motor 109f for a predetermined payout stop time. In other words, the payout operation management timer for the arrange ball game machine of this embodiment is activated every time a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out, and a stop time for stopping the payout motor 109f is set. It is what. 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 15 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 this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 19, 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. Further, a discharge control unit 250 is connected to the payout control unit 230, and the discharge control unit 250 includes a discharge control board 250g.

  Note that a command signal is not directly transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the launch control unit 250, a command signal related to launch control is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and the launch control unit 250 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230. The control is performed based on the command signal. This is because, as will be described later, the firing control unit 250 does not include a CPU, and is configured to control the firing control unit 250 by the CPU of the payout control unit 230.

  The main control unit 200 is responsible for the progress of the game, and transmits a command signal (command data) instructing the processing contents to each of the sub control units 230, 260 and 280, and each of the sub control units 230, 260 and 280 Various controls are performed based on the command signal.

  For example, the main control unit 200 transmits commands such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing game start permission, and various launch control commands to the payout control unit 230 (FIG. 34). reference). 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. From the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280, via the sound lamp control unit 260, a guide symbol display control command for instructing display of the present symbol, a winning symbol display command for instructing display of winning symbols 1 to 16, Various symbol control commands such as a winning symbol extinction command instructing extinction of all symbol displays are transmitted. The display control command for instructing the display of the pseudo symbol is transmitted from the sound lamp control unit 260 to the symbol control unit 280. The main control means of the present invention is constituted by the main control unit 200.

  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. 20 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. 20, 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.

  In addition, a random number counter for various random numbers used in the gaming machine 1 is set in the RAM 402. The random numbers used in the present embodiment include a random number for determination of success / failure, a random number for symbol display, and the like. The random number for success / failure determination is used to determine whether or not to operate the accessory guiding device when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 (whether or not determination). A winning value for determining whether or not to win is set in advance, and it is determined that the winning or failing random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29 matches the winning value. The random number for symbol display is used to determine the guidance symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 31 when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuation gate 29.

  Further, the RAM 402 has a ball feed counter for counting game balls sent to the launcher unit 10, a launch counter for counting game balls launched by the launcher unit 10, and an entrance. A counter for counting the number of game balls that have been pitched, and a counter for confirming the number of game balls that have entered the first accessory operating port 32 and that have not been discharged from the induction device operating area 39a or the discharge port 40 Etc. are set.

  Returning to FIG. 19, the main control unit 200 is connected to the board external terminal board 201, the 16-series switch relay board 202, the guidance symbol operation gate switch 204, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220.

  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 include a prize ball signal, a ball entrance signal, a ball entrance signal related to a score increasing device, an accessory operation entrance signal, a specific signal. Entrance entrance signal, guidance increase device operation area passage signal, gate passage signal related to guidance pattern, gate passage signal related to accessory guidance device, accessory operation signal, score increase device operation signal, accessory operation port opening signal It is possible to send a signal such as an accessory guidance device operation signal, a gate valid signal related to a guidance symbol, a gate valid signal related to a feature guidance device to the test device.

  A 16-continuous ball opening detection switch 203 for detecting a ball entering each of the 16-bullet ball openings 24 is connected to the 16-continuous switch relay board 202. A signal is transmitted to the main control unit 200. When the detection signal from the 16 consecutive entrance detection switch 203 detects the entrance to the 16th entrance 24a (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the 16th winning symbol, the score increasing device is activated. To start. The guide symbol operation gate switch 204 detects that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29.

  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, the board surface relay board 210 includes a left entrance switch 211, accessory operation port switches 212 a and 212 b, a guidance increase device operation region switch 214, a guidance increase device non-operation region switch 215, and various solenoids 216. The reciprocating body motor 217 and the second accessory guiding device operating gate switch 218 are connected.

  The left entrance switch 211 is provided inside the left entrance 26 and detects entry of a game ball. The accessory actuating port switches 212a and 212b are provided inside the first accessory actuating port 32 and the second accessory actuating port 33, respectively, and detect entry of a game ball. The guidance increase device operation region switch 214 detects passage of a game ball to the guidance increase device operation region 39a. In the first embodiment, the guidance increase device operation region switch 214 is disabled when a discharge ball unconfirmed error described later has occurred.

  The guidance increase device non-operation area switch 215 detects passage of a game ball to the induction increase apparatus non-operation area. Further, the second accessory guiding device operation gate switch 218 detects that the game ball has passed through the second accessory guiding device operation gate 30. These game ball detection switches and position detection switches can be constituted by proximity switches or photo sensors.

  As the various solenoids 216, there are those that open and close the first accessory operating port 32 and the second accessory operating port 33, respectively, and are composed of an opening solenoid and a closing solenoid. The reciprocating body motor 217 reciprocates the reciprocating body 38 of the special game apparatus 36.

  Here, a description will be given of an incoming ball unconfirmed error and an ejected ball unconfirmed error. The unacknowledged ball entry error indicates that the specified number (15) of the game balls launched by the launcher unit 10 is the 16 consecutive entrance 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, the second combination. This is an error when the number of game balls entering any one of the object operation ports 33 is insufficient. In addition, the discharge ball unconfirmed error is a game that is discharged through the induction increasing device operating area 39a or the discharge opening (induction increasing apparatus non-operating area) 40 with respect to the number of game balls that have entered the first accessory operating port 32. This is an error when the number of balls is insufficient.

  First, a description will be given of an unacknowledged entry error. The main control unit 200 confirms the launch of a specified number (15) of game balls by the launch ball count switch 221, and then enters the entrance switch (16-entry entrance switch 203, left entrance switch 211, If it is not possible to confirm the entry of a specified number of game balls by the accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b), it is determined that an entry unconfirmed error has occurred due to a game ball clogging or the like, and an entry unconfirmed command is issued. Send to. The payout control unit 230 lights the error LED display unit 4h in red.

  The main control unit 200 according to the first embodiment, when an incoming ball unconfirmed error occurs, the incoming ball unconfirmed command, the number of shots detected by the outgoing ball count switch 221, and the incoming port switches 203, 211, 212a, 212b. Is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. The symbol control unit 280 causes the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 to display the number of insufficient balls entered. The main control unit 200, the symbol control unit 280, and the symbol display device 31 show a specific example of the insufficient ball number notifying means of the present invention.

  Thereafter, when the number of game balls that have entered any one of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33 reaches a specified number, The number of game balls launched by the launcher unit 10 and the game balls entered into any of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33. When the difference from the number becomes zero, the main control board 200a transmits a ball unconfirmed release command to the payout control unit 230 and also transmits it to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. Sphere unconfirmed error is canceled. Thereby, the error LED display unit 4h is turned off, and the display of the number of insufficient balls in the symbol display device 31 is cleared.

  Next, the discharge ball unconfirmed error will be described. The main control unit 200 confirms that the discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs due to a clogged game ball or the like if the discharge ball unconfirmed counter does not become zero within a predetermined time after the entry of the game ball is confirmed by the accessory operation port switch 212a. Is determined to have occurred. The discharge ball unconfirmed counter is incremented when a game ball has been entered by the accessory operation port switch 212a, and the game ball is discharged by the induction increase device operation region switch 214 or the induction increase device non-operation region switch 215. Is subtracted if is confirmed.

  The main control unit 200 transmits a discharge ball unconfirmed command to the payout control unit 230 when a discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs. When the payout control unit 230 receives the discharged ball unconfirmed command, the payout control unit 230 lights the error LED display unit 4h in red. In the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the guidance increase device operation area switch 214 is disabled when a discharge ball unconfirmed error has occurred. That is, when a discharge ball unconfirmed error has occurred, even if it is detected that the game ball has passed by the guidance increase device operation region switch 214, the guidance increase device does not operate and no special game state occurs.

  Further, when a discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs, the main control unit 200 of the first embodiment, the discharge ball unconfirmed command, the number of balls detected by the accessory operation port switch 212a, the operation region switch 214 or the non-operation region The number of discharged balls, which is the difference from the number of passing balls detected by the switch 215, is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. When receiving the discharged ball unconfirmed command and the discharged ball shortage number, the symbol control unit 280 displays the discharged ball shortage number on the game information notification unit of the symbol display device 31. The main control unit 200, the symbol control unit 280, and the symbol display device 31 show a specific example of the discharged ball shortage number notifying means of the present invention.

  Thereafter, when the passing of the game ball can be confirmed by the guidance increase device operating region switch 214 or the guidance increase device non-operation region switch 215, that is, the number of game balls that have entered the first accessory operation port 32, and the guidance increase device When the difference from the number of game balls passing through the operation region 39a or the discharge port 40 becomes zero, a discharge ball unconfirmed release command is transmitted from the main control board 200a to the payout control unit 230, and the sound lamp control unit 260 Is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280, and the discharged ball unconfirmed error is canceled. Thereby, the error LED display unit 4h is turned off and the display of the number of discharged balls in the symbol display device 31 is cleared.

  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 10. The foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launcher unit 10 to the lower plate portion 6 without reaching the game area 21. The ball feed count switch 254 counts game balls sent from the upper plate 5 to the launching device unit 10.

  Next, returning to FIG. 19, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 19, to the payout control unit 230, a frame external terminal board 122, a switch relay terminal board 231, a CR connection board 234, a firing control unit 250, and the like are connected. 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.

  In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, a control program for an arrange ball game machine and a control program for a pachinko game machine are prepared in the payout control unit 230, and by using different control programs respectively, Compatible with Arrangeball and Pachinko machines with different launch controls. These control programs are stored in the ROM of the payout control board 230a. Note that the launch control performed based on the control program stored in the ROM of the payout control board 230a will be described later.

  In addition, the payout control unit 230 is provided with a payout operation management timer for the arrange ball game machine and the pachinko game machine. When the control program for the arrange ball game machine is selected, the payout operation management timer for the arrange ball game machine is used, and when the control program for the pachinko game machine is selected, the payout for the pachinko game machine is selected. An operation management timer is used.

  This payout operation management timer is used to change the payout operation mode of the game ball payout device 109 differently between the arrange ball game machine and the pachinko game machine. In the first embodiment, as described above, Since the payout operation management timer for the arrange ball game machine is used, the game ball payout device 109 is charged with a predetermined time based on the payout operation management timer every time a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out. An operation of stopping (for example, 0.1 second) is performed.

  Next, payout control performed by the payout control unit 230 of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the game ball payout speed by the game ball payout device 109 is high speed (40 pieces / second), medium speed (20 pieces / second), low speed (10 pieces / second), and minimum speed (5 pieces / second). Second). The payout control unit 230 is configured to select an optimal payout speed according to the remaining number of game balls to be paid out. Specifically, the game ball is paid out at a high speed when the remaining number is 10 or more, a medium speed when the remaining number is 9-6, a low speed when the remaining number is 5 and 3, and a minimum speed when the remaining number is 2 or less. . The number of game balls to be paid out at each payout speed and the remaining number of game balls to switch each payout speed are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily set.

  When the payout speed immediately before the end of paying out the specified number of game balls is high, before the last game ball paid out from the payout motor 109f is detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k, an extra game ball is removed by the payout motor 109f. There is a possibility of paying out, and there may be a problem in the accuracy of the number of paying out game balls. On the other hand, by setting a plurality of payout speeds as in the first embodiment and reducing the payout speed from the low speed to the minimum speed immediately before the game ball payout is finished, the last game ball is set by the payout sensors 109j and 109k. It is possible to prevent the game ball from being paid out before detecting the game ball, and to accurately pay out the game ball. In this case, the payout speed of the game ball immediately before the end of payout is that the next game ball is paid out by the payout motor 109f after the game ball paid out by the payout motor 109f is detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k. It may be reduced to a speed that can

  Further, when the drive power supply is turned off, the payout motor 109f is free from excitation because the discharge motor 109f is not excited. As a result, depending on the stop position of the cams 109g and 109h, the cams 109g and 109h may be rotated by the weight of the game ball, and about one or two extra game balls may be paid out. On the other hand, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of payout speeds are set and the payout speed is decelerated to the lowest speed immediately before the game ball payout is finished, so that the cams 109g and 109h do not rotate with the ball pressure. The cams 109g and 109h can be stopped at the position. In this case, the payout speed may be any payout speed that can surely stop the cams 109g and 109h at desired positions when the payout motor 109f stops immediately before the game ball payout ends.

  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.

  FIG. 24 shows the flow of signals output from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. As shown in FIG. 24, signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are input to the payout control unit 230. The payout control device 230 counts the number of payouts in the game ball payout device 109 based on signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. As described above, the number of payouts in the game ball payout device 109 includes the number of prize balls and the number of balls lent. Of these, the number of winning balls needs to be counted by the main control unit 200, so that only a signal relating to the number of winning balls is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 is configured to pay out game balls in response to a prize ball payout command (prize ball command) from the main control unit 200 or a lending request signal (BRQ signal) from the prepaid card unit 13. Yes. Therefore, the payout control unit 230 can determine whether the currently paid game ball is for a prize ball or a rental ball. Therefore, when the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are the number of winning balls, the payout control unit 230 transmits a pulse signal corresponding to the number of payouts to the main control unit 200. Since the main control unit 200 does not need to know the number of rented balls, when the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are the number of rented balls, no signal is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  When the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are the number of prize balls, a pulse signal corresponding to the number of prize balls is softly output from the CPU of the payout control board 230a to the counter of the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a. Since the reading operation of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200 is performed every 4 ms, the pulse signal output interval from the payout control unit 230 needs to be longer (4 ms or more) than the reading interval of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200. In this embodiment, the output interval of the pulse signal for each ball transmitted from the payout control unit 230 is 10 ms. Since the payout motor 109f of this embodiment has a payout speed of 160 pieces per 4 seconds, it takes 25 ms to pay out one piece.

  In addition, since it is configured to input to the counter of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200, noise is mixed in the pulse signal transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200, and the main control unit 200 erroneously detects the number of winning balls. There is a risk. Therefore, the payout control unit 230 is configured to output a plurality of pulse signals for one prize ball. The payout controller 230 of this embodiment outputs 3 pulses per ball. When the main controller 200 reads a pulse transmitted from the payout controller 230 every 4 ms, it counts as one ball with three pulses.

  FIGS. 25A to 25D show pulse signals transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200. FIG. As shown in FIG. 25 (a), even if noise is generated for one pulse and has a total of four pulses, one pulse can be determined as noise and counted as one ball.

  Note that the detection accuracy in the main control unit 200 can be further improved by further increasing the number of pulses per sphere. That is, when there is no payout and noise is generated for three pulses, the main control unit 200 determines that one ball is used. For example, if a larger number of pulses are set per ball (for example, 10 pulses per ball). ), Such false detection can be avoided.

  Further, when noise corresponding to three pulses is generated in addition to the prize ball pulse signal within the reading interval of the main control unit 200, it becomes a total of six pulses, and it is considered that two balls are erroneously detected. However, since the output interval of the pulse signal transmitted from the payout control unit 230 is set to 10 ms as described above (see FIG. 25B), even if it is 3 pulses or more per 10 ms, it exceeds 3 pulses. The minute is judged as noise and is counted only for one ball.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), when the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200 reads the value of the counter during transmission of three pulses for one ball, it is less than 3, so the pulse transmission is in progress. It judges that it is and returns without doing anything. If the value of the counter is read again after 4 ms, if it is 3 or more, it is judged as one ball and the counter is cleared.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (d), if the first counter value reading is less than 3 and the second reading value is the same as the first reading value, it is judged as noise and the counter is cleared. To do.

  Here, a prize ball shortage error will be described. A prize ball shortage error occurs when the number of prize balls actually paid out by the game ball payout device 109 is insufficient with respect to the number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of prize balls for the score obtained by the player). Error.

  After a prize ball command (see FIG. 34) for delivering a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls is transmitted from the main control part 200 to the payout control part 230, the number of prize balls paid out within a predetermined time, that is, When the number of prize balls detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k is insufficient with respect to the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command, the main control unit 200 determines that a prize ball shortage error has occurred, and the payout control unit 230. Send a prize ball shortage command. When the payout control unit 230 receives the winning ball shortage command, the error LED display unit 4h blinks red. At this time, the game ball payout operation by the game ball payout device 109 continues. The payout sensors 109j and 109k are specific examples of the winning ball number detecting means of the present invention.

  In the arrange ball gaming machine, the game cannot be shifted to the next game unless the winning ball is finished. Therefore, when a winning ball shortage error occurs, an error notification is performed in distinction from other errors. Specifically, the error LED display unit 4h is turned on when another error occurs, whereas the error LED display unit 4h blinks when a prize ball shortage error occurs.

  Further, the main control unit 200 according to the first embodiment, when a prize shortage error occurs, determines the prize ball shortage command, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command, and the number of prize balls actually paid out. The number of shortage prize balls, which is the difference, is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. When the symbol control unit 280 receives the winning ball shortage command and the winning ball shortage number, it displays the winning ball shortage number on the game information notification unit of the symbol display device 31. The main control unit 200, the symbol control unit 280, and the symbol display device 31 are specific examples of the award ball shortage notifying unit of the present invention.

  When the number of prize balls that have been paid out reaches the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command, the main control unit 200 issues a prize ball shortage release command via the payout control unit 230 and the sound lamp control unit 260. Is transmitted to the unit 280, and the shortage of prize balls error is canceled. As a result, the error LED display unit 4h is turned off, and the display of the number of winning balls in the symbol display device 31 is cleared.

  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. 26 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. 26, 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. 27 is a block diagram illustrating various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 27, 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).

  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 portion 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit 10. 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 sub-control means of the present invention includes a payout control unit 230 and a launch control unit 250.

  FIG. 28 shows a circuit configuration of the launch control unit 250. Here, the launch control unit 250 does not include a CPU, and performs launch control using a control program stored in the CPU of the payout control unit 230 and the ROM of the payout control unit 230.

  As shown in FIG. 28, 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 launch control board 250g of the launch controller 250 includes three AND circuits 250a, 250b, 250c, a flip-flop 250d, a frequency divider circuit 250e, and a motor drive 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. 29 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. 29, 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. 30 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. 30, various board surface LED boards 263, various game frame part LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp controller 260 via a lamp interface board 261. 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.

  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 31.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 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. 31, the symbol control unit 280 is connected to a symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the symbol display device 31. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the symbol display device 31 using the RAM as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. 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 induction symbols, and signals such as a symbol variation signal can be sent to the test apparatus.

  FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the flow of commands related to symbol control. As shown in FIG. 32, commands related to symbol control include common commands and symbol control commands. The common command includes a display control command for the main symbol displayed on the main symbol display unit 31a, and is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control unit 260 transmits the common command to the symbol control unit 280 as it is. The symbol control command includes a pseudo symbol display control command displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31 b, and the sound lamp control unit 260 transmits the symbol control unit 280 to the symbol control unit 280 based on the common command received from the main control unit 200. .

  Next, the game confirmation time will be described with reference to FIG. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a game confirmation time (16 ms in this example) is provided between games. FIGS. 33A and 33B are output timing charts of in-game signals output from the main control unit 200 to the external inspection device. FIG. 33A shows when the power is turned on and FIG. 33B shows that the game is in progress.

  When the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 33 (a), a game signal indicating that a game is being played from the main control unit 200 to an external inspection device is output from the test signal terminal until a game result is obtained after the power is turned on. Is output. After the next game, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), an in-game signal is output from the end of the game confirmation time until the game result of the next game is obtained. The time during which no game signal is output is the game confirmation time. Based on this game confirmation time, the external inspection device can clearly grasp the start and end of one game.

  In addition, the game confirmation time is that all 15 game balls in the previous game have a plurality of entrances (for example, a 16 consecutive entrance 24, a 1st accessory operating port 32, a 2nd accessory operating port 33, a left After entering / passing into the entrance 26, the guidance increase device operating area 39a, the exit 40), after an interval time of 2 seconds (fixed time) to be described later, and / or the above-mentioned 0.5 second winning symbol. It is set when a game result is obtained after the confirmation time has elapsed. For this reason, in addition to the entry / passage of 15 game balls to the entrances, etc., each game device provided in the gaming machine 1 (for example, the game ball payout device 109, the accessory guidance device, the guidance increase device) Etc.) can be clarified, and the division of one game can be completely clarified.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) is provided before all the 15 game balls are fired in one game and before proceeding to the next game. When the main control unit 200 detects that all 15 game balls have been launched by the firing ball count switch 221, the main control unit 200 starts the interval function. The main control unit 200 transmits a firing prohibition command to the payout control unit 230 at the start of the interval function. Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 250 is turned off, and the firing control unit 250 prohibits the operation of the firing motor 252. As a result, the launcher unit 10 stops during the interval function operation. The interval function stops after 2 seconds from the start of operation, and the interval time ends.

  Next, the launch control of the game ball by the launch control unit 250 will be described based on FIGS.

  FIG. 34 shows main commands transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Each command consists of 2 bytes of data. As shown in FIG. 34, different game machine identification commands are prepared when applied to an arrange ball game machine and when applied to a pachinko game machine.

  One of the gaming machine identification commands shown in FIG. 34 is output from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned on. The payout controller 230 selects a control program corresponding to the arrange ball game machine or the pachinko game machine based on the game machine identification command. The payout control unit 230 is configured not to execute each control unless a gaming machine identification command is received.

  The gaming machine identification command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230 after completion of a predetermined initialization process (initialization) at power-on. The payout control unit 230 determines that a communication error has occurred when the gaming machine identification command cannot be received within a predetermined time (in this example, 5 seconds) after the initialization is completed. This communication error error is canceled when the power is turned on again. Since the present embodiment is an arrange ball game machine, a game machine identification command (10H01H) for designating the arrange ball game machine is output from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned on. The prize ball commands (13H01H to 13H0AH) of the arrange ball gaming machine are used as the prize ball commands output from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230.

  The firing control of the first embodiment is performed based on a firing control sequence composed of four jobs, job 0 to job 3, shown in FIGS. 35 (a) to 35 (d). Job 0 mainly performs firing preparation processing, Job 1 mainly performs firing motor drive processing, Job 2 mainly performs edge detection processing of the origin sensor 251, and Job 3 mainly performs idle shooting processing. It is configured. Job 0 to job 2 constitute a normal firing process, and job 3 is performed when the origin sensor 251 cannot detect the origin of the firing motor 252 when the power is turned on.

  In addition, the payout control unit 230 of the first embodiment includes various timers (shooting interval adjustment timers) related to launch control, and uses these timers to determine the launch interval of the arrange ball game machine and the launch interval of the pachinko machine. Adjust the difference. A timer table storing timer setting values of the arrange ball gaming machine and a timer table storing timer setting values of the pachinko gaming machine are stored in the RAM of the payout control board 230a.

  Next, the launch control sequence performed by the launch controller 250 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 35A to 35D are flowcharts showing a firing control sequence, and FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing a timer used for firing control. 36, the job 0 timer and the management timer are different between the arrange ball game machine and the pachinko game machine, and by arranging these timers differently, the arrange ball game machine and the pachinko game machine are used. The difference in the firing interval is adjusted. Note that the lengths of the various timers set in each job are examples, and these are values that can be arbitrarily set.

  The payout control unit 230 first confirms reception of the gaming machine identification command when the power is turned on, and selects a control program. In this example, a gaming machine identification command for designating an arranged ball gaming machine is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned on. As a result, the payout control unit 230 selects the control program for the arrange ball, selects the timer table for the arrange ball, and performs the firing control based on the selected control program and the timer table.

  Next, the origin sensor 251 confirms the origin of the firing motor 252. As a result, if the origin can be detected, the process proceeds to job 0, and a firing control sequence is repeated in which jobs 0 → 1 → 2 are repeated. On the other hand, if the origin cannot be detected when the power is turned on, the process shifts to job 3 and performs blank shots, then detects the origin in job 2, then shifts to job 0, and repeats job 0 → 1 → 2 Perform a sequence.

[Job 0]
As shown in FIG. 35A, it is determined whether or not a predetermined firing condition is satisfied (S10). The “firing condition” includes the state of the firing handle 8, the open / close state of the front frame 4, the connection state of the prepaid card unit 13, the reception state of the gaming machine identification command, and the reception state of the game start permission signal.

  As a result, when the firing condition is not satisfied, the process waits until the firing condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if the firing condition is satisfied, a management timer and a job 0 timer are set (S11, S12).

  The management timer is for managing the launch interval of the game balls, and is set to 502 ms in this example. The job 0 timer is used as a standby time (launch preparation period) until the game ball launch process is started, and is set to 90 ms in this example. The management timer and the job 0 timer are subtractive formulas, and are terminated when 0 is reached.

  Next, the process waits until the job 0 timer expires (S13). When the job 0 timer expires, the process proceeds to the following job 1.

[Job 1]
As shown in FIG. 35 (b), in the job 1, first, detection of the game ball supplied to the launch position on the launch rail 11 (see FIG. 5) is started (S14). Here, monitoring of a game ball detection signal that changes every time the shot ball count switch 221 detects a game ball is started.

  Next, a job 1 timer and an error timer are set (S15, S16). The job 1 timer is for driving the launch motor 252 to launch a game ball, and is set to 400 ms in this embodiment. The error timer is for detecting the origin by the origin sensor 251 and is set to 496 ms. The job 1 timer is a subtraction formula and ends when it reaches zero. The error timer is an addition type and ends when the set value is reached.

  Next, a ball feeding process is performed by the ball feeding device 12 (see FIG. 8) (S17). One game ball is supplied to the launch position on the launch rail 11 by this ball feed process. Then, since the game ball supplied to the launch position on the launch rail 11 is detected by the launch ball count switch 221, the game ball detection signal changes from, for example, Low to High. When the game ball detection signal is in a high state, the launch control unit 250 recognizes that the game ball exists at the launch position.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the origin can be detected by the origin sensor 251 (S18). As a result, when the origin cannot be detected (S18: NO), error processing is performed (S19). On the other hand, if the origin can be detected (S18: YES), the firing motor 252 is driven (S20) and waits until the job 1 timer expires (S21). As described above, when the launch motor 252 starts driving (rotating), the game ball can be launched. Note that while the job 1 timer is operating, the edge detection of the origin sensor 251 is not performed so as not to pick up noise. When the job 1 timer expires, the process proceeds to the following job 2.

[Job 2]
As shown in FIG. 35C, the origin sensor 251 confirms the origin of the firing motor 252 (S22). In the confirmation of the origin in step S22, the edge of the sensor signal that changes when the origin sensor 251 detects the origin of the firing motor 252 is detected.

  As a result, when the origin cannot be detected, the origin confirmation by the origin sensor 251 is repeatedly performed until the error timer expires (S23). If the error timer is up, error processing is performed (S24). On the other hand, if the origin can be detected, the driving of the firing motor 252 is stopped (S25), and the error timer is cleared (S26). By detecting the return of the firing motor 252 to the origin position with the edge of the sensor signal, even if the firing motor 252 fails and does not move from the origin, it can be detected as an error.

  Next, the process waits until the management timer expires (S27). When the management timer expires, the process proceeds to job 0. The length of the job 2 is a value obtained by subtracting the job 0 timer (20 ms) and the job 1 timer (400 ms) from the management timer (502 ms), and is 82 ms in this example.

[Job 3]
When the origin sensor 251 cannot detect the origin of the firing motor 252 when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 35D, it is determined whether or not a predetermined firing condition is satisfied, as in step S10. S30).

  As a result, when the firing condition is not satisfied, the process waits until the firing condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if the firing condition is satisfied, an error timer is set (S31), and the firing motor 252 is driven (S32). As a result, the firing motor 252 is driven before the ball feeding process is performed, and the idle driving is performed once. Thereafter, the process proceeds to job 2 and the origin sensor 251 detects the origin, and then the process proceeds to a firing control sequence starting from job 0.

  In this way, when the power is turned on, the origin sensor 251 confirms the origin of the firing motor 252 and performs the idle shot only when the origin cannot be detected, and does not perform the idle shot when the origin can be detected. By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary idle shots. In this embodiment, the blank shot (job 3) is performed once only when the origin cannot be detected when the power is turned on. However, the blank shot is always performed when the power is turned on regardless of whether the origin is detected. It may be performed once. Furthermore, a plurality of control programs are prepared in the payout control unit 230, and a control program that is different during the game can be selected by selecting a control program based on a gaming machine identification command transmitted from the main control unit 200 only when the power is turned on. It is possible to prevent unauthorized actions such as changing the launch control and the payout control.

  Also, when the origin sensor 251 cannot detect the origin even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the firing motor 252, or when the origin sensor 251 continues to detect the origin after the operation of the firing motor 252 for a predetermined time. The payout control unit 230 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the launching device unit 10, turns on the error LED display unit 4h in red, and stops firing by the launching device unit 10. An abnormal error of the launcher unit 10 occurs when the origin can be detected when the origin sensor 251 cannot detect the origin, or when the origin is not detected when the origin sensor 251 continues to detect the origin. Canceled. An error signal related to the abnormality of the launching device unit 10 is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 37 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 400 based on a program stored in the ROM of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 37, after executing the power-on process S100, is a game start process S200, a game management process S300, a winning symbol process S400, an accessory process S500, a score increasing apparatus process S600, a guidance increasing apparatus process S700, a guidance Each step of the symbol and accessory guiding apparatus processing S800 is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In this embodiment, the reset period is set to 4 ms.

  The power-on process S100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power-on process is performed when power is turned on and when power is restored after a power failure occurs. First, various settings required when the power is turned on are performed (S101). Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM is permitted.

  Next, when the RAM clear switch is pressed or when the backup flag (power failure occurrence information) is not set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is turned on and the RAM initialization process is performed. Return (S102, S103, S104). As the RAM initialization processing, initial setting of built-in devices around the CPU is performed, all areas of the RAM are cleared to 0, initial values during normal game are set, and interrupts are permitted. Also, a game start flag is set.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is restored when the power is turned off, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power is turned off (S105). (S106). If these checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM are broken, and the RAM initialization process of S104 is performed. When the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed.

  First, the stack pointer immediately before power-off is restored and the backup flag is cleared. Next, a return setting is made to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the register is returned to the state immediately before the power is turned off. Thereafter, the program is resumed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power is turned off.

  Next, the game start process S200 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, all the switches other than the RAM clear switch connected to the main control unit 200 are read (S201), the respective switch states are determined, and the detection information is stored (S202).

  Next, various random numbers such as a random number for determination of success / failure and a random number for symbol display are updated (S203). Specifically, the value of the random number counter set in the above-described RAM is incremented by 1 between an initial value (for example, 0) and a predetermined value (for example, 255). When the value of the random number counter exceeds a predetermined value, the initial value is restored.

  Next, prize ball control in S204 to S212 is performed. First, each of the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is checked by the 16 consecutive entrance switch 203, and when a combination of winning a game ball entering the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is obtained. Corresponding score information is stored in the RAM (S204, S205). Next, it is determined whether the ball is full or full by the case rail ball switch 108 and the lower tray full tank switch 224 (S206).

  If the winning ball is not stopped because the ball is full or full, a payout disable designation command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S207, S208). When the award ball is not in a full or full state, a payout enable designation command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S209, S210). If there is saved score information, a prize ball command corresponding to the score is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S211 and S212).

  Next, the game management process S300 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the game is started based on the game start flag (S301). As a result, if it is time to start the game, the setting at the time of starting the game is performed (S302), and the process returns. As setting at the start of the game, processing such as confirmation, setting or clearing is performed for various flags and timers necessary for starting the game.

  On the other hand, if it is not at the start of the game, the ball feed is first monitored by the ball feed count switch 254 (S303). When the ball feed count switch 254 is on, the ball feed counter is incremented by one. When the ball feed counter reaches 15 or more, a ball feed prohibit command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and the ball feed is terminated.

  Next, the shot ball is monitored by the shot ball count switch 222 (S304). When the firing ball count switch 222 is on, the firing counter is incremented by one. When the firing counter reaches 15 or more, a firing prohibition command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and 15 firings are completed.

  Next, the foul sphere is monitored by the foul sphere detection switch 223 (S305). Specifically, when the foul ball detection switch 223 is on, the ball feed counter and the launch counter are decremented by one.

  Next, a plurality of entrance ports (16 consecutive entrance ports 24, left and right) are provided by a plurality of entrance ports switches (16 consecutive entrance ports switch 203, left and right entrance ports switch 211, and accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b). The entrance is monitored at the entrances 26 and 27 and the accessory operation entrances 32 and 33) (S306). When the entrance to any of the plurality of entrances 24, 26, 27, 32, 33 is detected by the plurality of entrance switches 203, 211, 212a, 212b, the entrance counter is incremented by 1, When the entrance counter reaches 15 or more, 15 entrances are completed.

  Next, the game end check process of S307 to S314 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained, that is, whether or not one game has been completed. A game result is obtained if all of the following requirements are met.

  That is, it is determined that 15 game balls have been launched by the launch counter (S307), it is determined that the interval time has elapsed (S308), and it is determined by the entrance counter that all 15 game balls have entered (S309) It is determined that the symbol confirmation time has elapsed (S310), it is determined that the operation of the guiding symbol display units 31a and 31b has been completed (S311), and the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 operates the guidance increasing device. When it is determined that the region 39a or the discharge port 40 has been passed (S312), and it is determined that the payout of the acquired game ball (prize ball) has been completed (S313), it can be determined that a game result has been obtained.

  As a result, if a game result is obtained, that is, it is determined that one game is finished, the game end flag is set to 1 as a game end process, and the process returns (S314). If it is determined that any of the above requirements is not satisfied, the process returns. When the game end flag is set to 1, a game result is obtained, and the in-game signal shown in FIG. 33 is turned off for 16 ms. Therefore, a game confirmation time is set, and after the time has elapsed, the next game can be started.

  If it is determined in the above-described processing of S311 that the guidance symbol is changing (S311: YES), instead of returning as it is, the fluctuation time of the guidance symbol is shortened to immediately change the guidance symbol that is changing. You may make it stop and may make it progress to the process of S312 (identification symbol variation time shortening means). This is because when 15 game balls have been launched in one game and all of those 15 game balls have been entered, if the guiding symbol is changing, the change ends. Since the game result cannot be obtained until (stopped), it is not possible to proceed to the next game, resulting in useless waiting time for the player. It is desirable to prevent such a waiting time from occurring as much as possible. As described above, when the guiding symbols are changing in a state where all the 15 game balls have been entered, the changing guiding symbols are changed. By immediately stopping the game, it is possible to shorten the time until a game result is obtained, and the progress of the game can be accelerated. If it is determined in the above-described processing of S311 that the guiding symbol is changing, the changing guiding symbol is stopped when the game result is obtained by stopping the guiding symbol, that is, acquisition This may be performed when the payout of game balls (prize balls) has been completed, or when there is no possibility of payout of acquired game balls (prize balls).

  Next, the winning symbol process S400 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained by the game end flag (S401). As a result, if it is determined that a game result has been obtained, a winning symbol turn-off command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 and an LED turn-off command is transmitted to the sound lamp control unit 260 as settings at the end of the game ( S401, S402). Then return. Thereby, the fire of the fireworks lead wire representing the winning symbol on the winning symbol display unit 31c is extinguished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result is not obtained, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress (S403), and it is determined whether or not 15 balls have been entered by the pitch counter (S404). It is determined whether or not there is an incoming ball at each of the 16 entrance balls 24 by the 16 entrance ball switch 203 (S405). As a result, if there is a game entry and there is a game entry at the entrance before 15 completions, a winning symbol display command corresponding to each entrance is sent to the design control unit 280, and the sound is displayed. An LED display command is transmitted to the lamp controller 260, and the process returns (S406). Otherwise, return as is. As a result, the fireworks lead indicating the winning symbol of the winning symbol display unit 31c is lit.

  Next, the accessory game process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (S501). As a result, when the game is not in progress, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when the game is in progress, the first combination processing of S502 to S507 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the first accessory is operating (S502).

  As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory is not in operation, the first accessory operation process is performed (S503, S504, S505). Specifically, it is determined whether or not 15 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter, and it is determined whether or not there is an entrance to the first accessory operating port 32 by the accessory operating port switch 212a. As a result, if there is a ball entering the first accessory operating port 32 in a state where 15 game balls have not been inserted, the operation of the first accessory is started, Move on to processing. In other cases, the process proceeds to the second accessory processing as it is. The winning symbols of Nos. 12, 13, 15, and 16 are turned on by the operation of the first character.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first accessory is in operation, a first accessory operation end process is performed (S506, S507). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained based on the game end flag. As a result, when it is determined that a game result has been obtained, the operation of the first accessory is finished and the second accessory processing is started. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result is not obtained, the process proceeds to the second accessory processing as it is.

  Next, the second accessory processing of S508 to S513 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the second accessory is operating (S508).

  As a result, when it is determined that the second accessory is not in operation, a second accessory operation process is performed (S509, S510, S511). Specifically, it is determined whether or not 15 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter, and it is determined by the accessory operating port switch 212b whether or not there has been an entrance to the second accessory operating port 33. As a result, when it is determined that 15 balls have not entered the second combination object operating port 33, the operation of the second combination starts and the process returns. Otherwise, return as is. The winning symbols of Nos. 11, 13, 14, and 15 are turned on by the operation of the second character.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second accessory is in operation, a second accessory operation termination process is performed (S512, S513). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained based on the game end flag. If it is determined that a game result has been obtained, the operation of the second accessory is terminated and the process returns. On the other hand, if the game result is not obtained, the process returns as it is.

  Next, the score increasing device process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress. If it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process directly returns (S601). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is in progress, it is determined whether or not the score increasing device is operating (S602).

  As a result, when it is determined that the score increasing device is not in operation, the score increasing device operating process is performed (S603 to S605). Specifically, it is determined whether or not 15 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter, and the 16th entrance entrance (score increasing device) corresponding to the 16th winning symbol is provided by the 16 consecutive entrance entrance detection switch 203. It is determined whether or not a ball has entered the operation port 24a. As a result, when it is determined that 15 game balls have not entered the 16th entrance 24a, the operation of the score increasing device is started and the process returns. Otherwise, return as is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the score increasing device is in operation, a score increasing device operation end process is performed (S606, S607). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained by the game end flag. When it is determined that a game result has been obtained (when the game has ended), the operation of the scoring device is ended. And return. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game result is not obtained, the process directly returns.

  Next, the guidance increase device processing S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (S701). As a result, if it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process returns as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is in progress, it is determined whether or not the guidance increase device is operating (S703). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance increase device is not operating, it is determined by the operation region switch 214 whether or not the game ball has passed the guidance increase device operation region 39a (S704).

  As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 39a, it is determined whether or not the extended game flag is set (S705). When the extended game flag is set, the extended game counter is incremented by 1 (S706), and the extended game flag is cleared (S707). On the other hand, if the extended game flag is not set, the extended game counter is cleared (S708). The extended game flag is set when the operation of the induction increasing device is completed with the first accessory operating port 32 opened, and the extended game counter is increased with the first accessory operating port 32 opened. After the device is finished, a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32 in the first game or the next game, and increases by 1 when the game ball passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 39a It is. Further, in this embodiment, the initial value of the extended game counter is set to 1, and clearing the extended game counter means returning to the initial value.

  Then, the operation of the induction increasing device is started and the process returns (S710). Due to the operation of the induction increasing device, the second accessory induction device operation gate 30 becomes effective, and a special gaming state is generated that increases the probability that the first accessory operation port 32 is opened. Specifically, the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 is opened is increased to “1/1”. Then, when the game ball passes through the second accessory guide device operating gate 30 during the occurrence of the special game state, the second accessory operating port 33 is opened.

  If it is not determined in S704 that the game ball has passed the guidance increase device operating area 39a, and if it is determined in S709 that the extended game counter has exceeded the predetermined number, the extended game flag is cleared. Return (S711).

  When it is determined in S703 that the guidance increase device is in operation, a guidance increase device operation end process is performed (S712, S713, S714). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation region 39a by the operation region switch 214, and it is determined whether or not 14 games have been completed since the operation start of the guidance increase device. As a result, when the game ball passes through the guidance increase device operation area 39a, or when 14 games have been completed since the start of the operation of the guidance increase device, the operation of the guidance increase device is stopped. The special gaming state is terminated by stopping the guidance increasing device, and the second accessory guidance device operating gate 30 becomes invalid.

  Here, when the special game state disappears in the middle (so-called puncture) (YES in S712), the puncture notification unit of the symbol display unit 31 is displayed (S715). When a player complains to a game hall employee about having a puncture, the game hall employee confirms that the puncture notification unit is displaying, so that the game ball is guided and increased during the special game state. It can be explained to the player that the puncture has passed through the operation area 39a. Therefore, troubles between the player and the game hall employee due to the puncture can be prevented, and the soundness of the game can be improved.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first accessory guiding device is operating when the operation of the guidance increasing device is stopped (S716). As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is operating when the operation of the guidance increasing device is stopped, the extended game flag is set and the process returns (S717).

  If it is determined in S712 that the game ball has not passed through the guidance increase device operation area 39a, and it is determined in S713 that 14 games have not ended since the operation start of the induction increase device, the process directly returns.

  Next, the guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing S800 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 45 (a) and 45 (b). First, it is determined whether or not the first accessory guide device is operating (S801). As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is in operation, the accessory guiding device termination process shown in S816 to S818 described later is performed (S801). On the other hand, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is not in operation, it is determined whether or not the guiding symbol is changing (S802).

  As a result, when it is determined that the guiding symbol is changing, the process proceeds to the changing time elapsed determination process shown in S809 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol is not changing, it is determined whether or not it is during the guide symbol stop display time (S803).

  As a result, when it is determined that it is during the stop display time of the guide symbol, the process proceeds to a stop display time elapsed determination process shown in S811 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not during the guide symbol stop display time, it is determined by the guide symbol operation gate switch 201 whether or not the game ball has passed the guide symbol operation gate 29 (S804).

  As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29, the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29, the guide symbol determination is made (S805).

  Here, the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for success / failure determination corresponds to a preset hit value (S8051). The random number for determination of success / failure is acquired from the random number counter at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operating gate 29.

  As a result, if it is determined that the value of the random number for success / failure determination is winning, a winning stop symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 at the time of winning is set (S8052). Here, this symbol is set as a winning symbol, and the pseudo symbol is set as a false symbol.

  Next, the form of the pseudo symbol is determined (S8053). As a result, when the set pseudo symbol is “3, 3, 3”, the hit schedule flag 1 is set (S8054), and when the set pseudo symbol is “7, 7, 7” Sets the expected hit flag 2 (S8055).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the random number for determination of success / failure is not a hit, a disconnection stop symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 at the time of disconnection is set (S8056). Then, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is operating (S8057).

  As a result, when it is determined that the guidance increasing device is in operation, the extended game counter that has been increased in S706 (see FIG. 44) is referred to, and whether or not the extended game counter has exceeded a predetermined number of times. Is determined (S8058). As a result, if it is determined that the extended game counter has not exceeded the predetermined number of times, the hit schedule flag 2 is set (S8055). In this case, the pseudo symbol is set to a pseudo hit symbol composed of “7, 7, 7”. On the other hand, if it is determined in S8057 that the guidance increase device is not in operation, or if it is determined in S8058 that the extended game counter has exceeded a predetermined number of times, the process directly returns. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times (the upper limit of the extended game counter) is set to 5. Further, the winning symbol and the off symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 are determined using a symbol random number for symbol display.

  When the hitting schedule flag 1 is set in S8054, the main control unit 200 drives and controls the reciprocating body motor 217 so that the reciprocating body 38 operates in a normal operation pattern. When the hitting schedule flag 2 is set in S8055, the main control unit 200 drives and controls the reciprocating body motor 217 so that the reciprocating body 38 operates in the stop operation pattern. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 and stops and displays the pseudo symbol as “7, 7, 7”, the reciprocating body 38 has a probability that the game ball is distributed to the guidance increase device activation region 39a. Stop at a high predetermined position. For this reason, when a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, the game ball can be passed through the induction increasing device operation region 39a with high probability, and the operation of the induction increasing device can be started.

  When the hitting expected flag (the expected hitting flag 1 or the hitting expected flag 2) is set, the first accessory guiding device is activated in the process of S813 described later, and the first accessory operating port 32 is In this embodiment, the induction increasing device is in operation even when the random number for success / failure determination is not hit (S8051: NO) and even when the off stop symbol is set (S8056). If (special gaming state is occurring), the hit scheduled flag is set. In other words, when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuation gate 29 while the guidance increase device is in operation, the first feature guidance device is actuated regardless of the result of determination of whether or not the guidance symbol is correct. Will be released.

  In addition, when it is determined in S8058 that the extended game counter has exceeded the predetermined number of times, the player enters the first accessory operating port 32 that is opened at the start of the first game after the operation of the induction increasing device is completed. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the guidance increasing device operating area 39a, that is, the number of times that the guidance increasing device has been continuously operated (number of consecutive games) exceeds the predetermined number. As described above, when the number of consecutive resorts exceeds the predetermined number (in this example, 5 times), if the result of the determination of whether or not the guidance symbol is correct is not satisfied, even if the guidance increasing device is in operation, Is not set. As a result, it is limited to increase the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 opens during operation of the induction increasing device, and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened in the first game after the operation of the induction increasing device. Since the possibility of becoming a state can be reduced, it is possible to limit the continuous operation of the induction increasing device, and it is possible to prevent the euphoria from becoming extremely high. This S8058 corresponds to the limiting means of the present invention.

  Next, returning to FIG. 45A, the variation time setting and variation pattern setting of the guidance symbols displayed on the guidance symbol display units 31a and 31b are performed (S806), and a predetermined symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280. Then, the variation of the guiding symbol is started (S807). In the present embodiment, the guide symbol variation time is 1.1 seconds for the present symbol and 1.4 seconds for the pseudo symbol.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol variation time has elapsed (S808). As a result, if it is determined that the guidance symbol variation time has not elapsed, it is determined by the entrance counter whether or not 15 game balls have been entered (S8081), and 15 entrances are completed. If it is determined that it is not, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance symbol variation time has elapsed (S808: YES), or when it is determined by the entrance counter that 15 game balls have been entered (S8081: YES), guidance is performed. The symbol is stopped (S809), and the guide symbol stop display time (0.5 seconds in this example) is set. Note that the processing from S8081 to S809, that is, the processing for stopping the guidance symbol when it is determined by the entrance counter that 15 game balls have been entered, shortens the guidance symbol variation time that has not yet elapsed. Thus, the guidance symbol is stopped, and this process corresponds to the identification symbol variation time shortening means of the present invention.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol stop display time has elapsed (S811). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance symbol stop display time has not elapsed, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance symbol stop display time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the hit schedule flag is set (S812).

  As a result, if it is determined that the hit schedule flag is not set, the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the expected hit flag is set, the operation of the first accessory guiding device is started (S813).

  Next, the guide process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 47 is performed (S814). Here, the aiming point is guided to the player so that the first accessory operating port 32 remains open at the start of the first game after the end of the special gaming state, and thereby the continuous special gaming state This is to increase the probability of occurrence (so-called renso).

  First, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is in operation (S8141). If the induction increasing device is not in operation, the processing returns as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in S8141 that the guidance increase device is operating, it is determined whether or not 12 games have been completed since the operation of the guidance increase device was started (S8142). As a result, when it is determined that 12 games have not ended, the process returns as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the 12 games have ended, it is determined whether or not the first accessory operating port 32 is closed (S8143), and when the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. Transmits a symbol control command to the symbol control unit 280, and guides the player to make a left turn at the game information notification unit of the symbol display device 31 (S8144). By left-handed, the game ball easily passes through the guide symbol operation gate 29, and the guide symbol display portions 31a and 31b start operating. At this time, since the induction increasing device is in operation, the first accessory operating port 32 regardless of whether or not the random number value for determining whether or not the induction symbol is appropriate corresponds to the winning value (regardless of the combination of the stop symbol of the induction symbol). Is released.

  After guiding the left strike, it is determined whether or not the hit schedule flag is set (S8145). As a result, if it is determined that the hit schedule flag is not set, the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning schedule flag is set, a symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280, and the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right turn ( S8147). Also, if it is determined in S8143 that the first accessory operating port 32 is not closed (opened), the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right turn ( S8147). In addition, when the hitting expected flag is set after guiding the left strike in S8144, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened after a predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds) has elapsed since the hitting expected flag was set. It has become.

  In this way, the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 can guide the player to make a right turn as information related to the start of operation of the guidance increasing device, thereby avoiding entry into the first accessory operating port 32. On the other hand, the player can aim the second accessory guide device operating gate 30, the second accessory operating port 33, and the like.

  Then, the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right strike, and avoids entering the first accessory operating port 32, thereby starting the first game after the end of the special gaming state. In some cases, the first accessory operating port 32 can be opened. At this time, the game ball is inserted into the first accessory operating port 32 and the game ball is placed in a specific region (guide increase device operating region 39a). ), The special gaming state can be generated again. Therefore, the player's expectation for the recreational resort can be remarkably increased and the interest can be improved.

  In addition, when 12 games are over from the start of the operation of the guidance increasing device, the game ball is guided by the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 so that the game ball moves the guidance symbol operation gate 29 in the thirteenth game. Even if it does not pass, the game ball will pass through the guiding symbol operating gate 29 with a high probability in the 14th game, and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened. Therefore, it is possible to make the first accessory operating port 32 open at the beginning of the first game after the end of the special gaming state with a higher probability than when the left game is guided when the 13 games are completed.

  Since the operation of the first accessory guiding device ends at the end of the third game after starting the operation, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened at the 14th game from the start of the operation of the induction increasing device, and the guiding is performed. In the first game after the increase device operation is finished, when the game ball is finished without entering the first accessory operating port 32, the first accessory operating port 32 is not closed and the next game Even in the game (second game), the game is opened.

  Next, returning to FIG. 45 (b), if it is determined in S801 that the first accessory guiding device is in operation, the accessory guiding device termination process is performed (S816, S817, S818). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a ball has entered the first accessory operating port 32, and it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained three times. As a result, if it is determined that a ball has entered the first accessory operating port 32 or that a game result has been obtained three times, the operation of the first accessory guiding device is stopped. As a result, the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. On the other hand, if any of the conditions is not satisfied, the process returns as it is.

  Next, the power interruption occurrence processing S900 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power cut-off generation process is performed when a non-maskable interrupt occurs due to a power cut due to a power failure or the like.

  First, the used register is saved in the RAM, and the value of the stack pointer is saved (S901, S902). Next, in order to confirm the remaining number of prize balls of the game ball payout device 109, the payout sensors 109j and 109k are monitored for a predetermined time (in this example, 84 ms), and the first and second accessory operating ports 32 and 2 are operated. The game balls passing through the accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b of the mouth 33 are monitored for a predetermined time (84 ms in this example) (S903, S904). Next, a checksum is calculated and stored, and a backup flag is set (S905, S906). Next, access to the RAM is prohibited, and infinite loop processing is performed until a system reset occurs (S907). The RAM data is compensated by a backup power supply unit (not shown). If a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100.

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

  (1) A plurality of operation patterns of the reciprocating body 38 serving as game ball distributing means are set, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game ball operates to increase the operation pattern of the reciprocating body 38 during operation of the first accessory guiding apparatus. By using a stop operation pattern located at a predetermined position with a high probability of being assigned to the region 39a, the induction increasing device can be started to operate with a high probability. Furthermore, the probability that the stop operation pattern appears can be adjusted by setting the stop operation pattern only when the pseudo symbol stops at “7, 7, 7” among a plurality of pseudo hit symbols.

  Moreover, when the operation pattern of the reciprocating body 38 becomes a stop operation pattern, the stop operation pattern is continued until the operation of the first accessory guiding apparatus is completed. For this reason, in the 13th game or the 14th game in which the induction increasing device is in operation, when the first accessory induction device starts operating due to the establishment of a predetermined condition, when the induction increasing device finishes operating, The mouth 32 is opened, and the operation pattern of the reciprocating body 38 can be set to a state where the game ball is located at a predetermined position where the probability that the game ball is distributed to the guidance increasing device operating region 39a is high. As a result, it is possible to pass the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 in the first unit game after the operation of the induction increasing device to the induction increasing device operation area 39a with high probability, and increase the induction with high probability. The device can be reactivated.

  Further, when the number of continuous special game state occurrences reaches a predetermined number of times, it is limited to increase the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 will be opened, thereby generating a continuous special game state occurrence. After the number of continuations reaches the predetermined number, the possibility that the variable entrance is left open at the start of the first unit game after the end of the special game state can be reduced, and the next special game state Can be reduced. Thereby, it can restrict | limit that an induction | guidance | derivation increase apparatus operate | moves continuously, and can prevent that euphoria becomes remarkably high.

  (2) When a prize ball shortage error occurs, a prize ball shortage, which is the difference between the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command and the number of prize balls actually paid out, is displayed on the symbol display device 31. By notifying, the cause and contents of the error are clarified. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can be quickly released from the shortage of prize balls error. In particular, in the case of an arranged ball gaming machine, the game interruption time can be shortened and the operating rate can be improved. Furthermore, since the details of the prize shortage error are clarified, the player's confidence can be improved.

  In addition, in the case of an unacknowledged entry error, an insufficient number of entrances, which is the difference between the specified number of game balls launched by the launcher unit 10 and the number of game balls entered into a plurality of entrances, is obtained. By displaying and notifying on the symbol display device 31, the cause and contents of the error become clear. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can be promptly released from the unacknowledged entry error.

  Further, when a discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs, the difference between the number of game balls that have entered the first accessory operating port 32 and the number of game balls that have passed through the guidance increase device operating region 39a or the guidance increase device non-operation region The cause and content of the error are clarified by displaying a certain number of insufficient discharges on the symbol display device 31 for notification. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can be promptly released from the discharge ball unconfirmed error.

  By the way, in the case where a game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is clogged in the middle and a discharge ball unconfirmed error has occurred, the following game fairness may be impaired. .

  First, the player vibrates the gaming machine 1 in accordance with the timing at which the reciprocating body (sorting device) 38 moves to a position where the game ball can easily enter the guidance increasing device operating area 39a, thereby causing the game ball to be It is conceivable to release the clogging and pass the guidance increasing device operating area 39a to increase the winning probability. In this case, the probability of occurrence of a special gaming state increases, and the fairness of the game is impaired. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the guidance increase device operation area switch 214 is invalidated during the occurrence of the discharge ball unconfirmed error. Even if the device operation area switch 214 detects the passing of a game ball, a special game state does not occur, and the fairness of the game can be ensured.

  (3) By outputting a gaming machine identification command from the main control unit 200 to the dispensing control unit 230 when the power is turned on, the dispensing control unit 230 selects a control program corresponding to the type of gaming machine specified by the gaming machine identification command It is possible to perform appropriate game ball launch control and game ball payout control according to the type of gaming machine. This makes it possible to clearly switch between game ball launch control and game ball payout control according to the type of gaming machine, and between the payout control unit 230 and the launch control unit 250 between gaming machines having different game characteristics. The configured sub-control means can be shared.

  In addition, since the control of the game ball by the sub-control means is performed based on the launch control sequence composed of job 0, job 1, job 2, and job 3, unnecessary idle shots do not occur during the game. Accurate launch control can be performed.

  The payout control unit 230 is provided with a plurality of timers having different lengths for adjusting the launch interval of the game balls by the launching device unit 10, and the payout control unit 230 selects a timer corresponding to the gaming machine identification command, and the launching device unit 10 can adjust the launch interval of game balls. Thereby, it is possible to share the sub-control means constituted by the payout control unit 230 and the launch control unit 250 between gaming machines having different game ball launch intervals.

  Further, the payout control unit 230 is provided with a payout operation management timer having a different length for adjusting the payout of the game ball by the game ball payout device 109, and the payout control unit 230 is used for payout operation management corresponding to the gaming machine identification command. A timer can be selected to adjust the payout of game balls by the game ball payout device 109. Thereby, among the gaming machines having different game ball payout controls, it is possible to appropriately select the game ball payout control in accordance with the type of the game machine and to share the sub-control means.

  Furthermore, when the payout control unit 230 performs the launch control based on the gaming machine identification command transmitted from the main control unit 200 only when the power is turned on, the launch control of the launch control means is illegally changed during the game. It can prevent cheating.

  (4) The structure of the symbol control unit 280 for controlling symbol display is simplified by configuring the guiding symbol display units 31a and 31b and the winning symbol display unit 31c to be displayed on the same symbol display device 31. can do. Thereby, since the number of terminals of the symbol control board 280a can be reduced, the cost of the symbol control board 280a can be reduced.

  Furthermore, by configuring the symbol control unit 280 to control one symbol display device 31, there is no need to provide an LED drive circuit or the like on the symbol control board 280a, and the symbol control unit 280 is shared with the pachinko gaming machine. Can do.

  Furthermore, by providing the winning symbol display unit 31c in the symbol display device 31 that can display an arbitrary symbol, the winning symbol can be expressed using, for example, a character or a number. The arrangement of the winning symbols is not limited to one horizontal row as in this embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed. In this way, winning symbols can be displayed by various display methods.

  Furthermore, by providing a game information notifying unit that arbitrarily displays a message according to the progress of the game in the symbol display unit 31, for example, an instruction for instructing and informing information related to the player's profit and information related to the disadvantage Notification information can be displayed and navigation can be performed. Specifically, in the game information notification unit, it is possible to instruct and notify the place where the player should aim or should not aim. As in the first embodiment, the game information notification unit is used to display the number of winning ball shortages, the number of shortage of entering balls, and the number of shortage of discharged balls, so that these can be displayed easily. Further, since various information can be displayed together in one place, movement of the player's line of sight can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, and the launch control and the payout control are different from the first embodiment (arranged ball gaming machine) described above. Here, the difference between the launch control and the payout control will be described, and the description of the common points will be omitted. Further, the configurations of the game ball launching device and the game ball paying device are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof is omitted here. In addition, the board configuration and game contents (special symbol variation stop mode, special game state, etc.) of the pachinko gaming machine of the second embodiment are different from the game arrangement of the first embodiment above. Thus, although different from the first embodiment described above, a well-known aspect can be applied to the board surface configuration and game content of the pachinko gaming machine, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  In the second embodiment, a game machine identification command (10H00H, see FIG. 34) for designating a pachinko gaming machine is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned on. Thereby, the payout control unit 230 selects a control program for the pachinko gaming machine. In the case of a pachinko gaming machine, since no game start permission signal is used, in the second embodiment, the “launch condition” in step S10 of the first embodiment does not include the reception state of the game start permission signal.

  Also, the payout control unit 230 selects a timer table for pachinko gaming machines. Based on the control program for the pachinko machine selected by the payout control unit 230 and the timer table, the launch control by the launch control sequence shown in FIGS. 35A to 35D of the first embodiment is performed. Done. Specifically, the management timer for managing the game ball firing interval is set to 602 ms, and the job 0 timer used for the ball feeding process is set to 120 ms. Due to the difference in the set times of these timers, the firing interval is different between the arrange ball game machine of the first embodiment and the pachinko game machine of the second embodiment.

  In this way, various timers related to launch control are provided, and the launch interval of game balls can be adjusted by changing the length of some of the timers, and game machines with different launch intervals such as arrange ball game machines and pachinko game machines It is possible to share the launch control unit 250 between them. In this case, since the adjustment of the firing interval is performed in software, the firing interval can be easily adjusted.

  The payout control unit 230 of the second embodiment uses a payout operation management timer for pachinko gaming machines based on the gaming machine identification command transmitted from the main control unit 200 when the power is turned on. On / off control of the payout motor 109f is performed based on the management timer, and the payout motor 109f is stopped at a predetermined interval for a predetermined time. Specifically, after the dispense motor 109f is powered on for 320 ms, the power is turned off for 125 ms repeatedly. The period during which these payout motors 109f are turned on / off is an example, and can be arbitrarily set. In other words, the payout operation management timer for the pachinko gaming machine of the second embodiment starts to operate simultaneously with the start of payout of the game ball, and the operation time for continuously operating the payout motor 109f and the operation time have elapsed. After that, a stop time for stopping the payout motor 109f is set. As long as the game ball payout operation by the game ball payout device 109 continues, the payout operation management timer for the pachinko game is operated. Based on this payout operation management timer, the game ball payout device 109 is operated. And the stop will be repeated.

  In the arrangement ball gaming machine, the payout of the game ball is stopped every game, but in the pachinko game machine, the payout of the game ball may be continuous. In this case, since the payout motor 109f continues to rotate, the payout motor 109f may be seized. For this reason, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine as in the second embodiment, by periodically providing a stop time of the payout motor 109f, it is possible to prevent the payout motor 109f from being burned. Further, since the second embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, the winning ball commands (11H01H to 11H0FH) of the pachinko gaming machine are used as the winning ball commands output from the main control unit 200 to the paying control unit 230, and the paying control unit 230. Controls the prize ball based on the prize ball command.

  As described above, the second embodiment uses the same payout control unit 230 and launch control unit 250 as those in the first embodiment (arrange ball game machine) described above to set the game ball launch interval to the first embodiment. It is possible to perform the launch control for the pachinko gaming machine different from the first embodiment and the payout control for the pachinko gaming machine in which the game ball payout operation mode is different from that of the first embodiment. Thereby, the sub control means comprised by the payout control part 230 and the launch control part 250 can be shared between the gaming machines of the first embodiment and the second embodiment having different game characteristics.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the error detection method in the payout control unit 230.

  In the first embodiment, the payout control unit 230 determines that a ball clogging error has occurred when a game ball cannot be detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k even though a drive command for the payout motor 109f has been issued. . However, there is a high possibility that the ball clogging error is restored by performing a ball clogging recovery process in which the payout motor 109f is rotated forward at the lowest speed. If the ball clogging recovery process cannot be performed, it is considered that a motor idle error such as a failure or disconnection of the payout motor 109f or a failure or disconnection of the payout sensors 109j and 109k has occurred. Such a motor idle error is a serious error that cannot be restored in a game arcade.

  The game ball payout device 109 is also stopped when other errors such as a payout device abnormality error, a tank ball run-out error, an underfill full tank error, etc. that cause a prize ball stop and a ball lending stop occur. For this reason, even when such other errors occur, it is detected as a motor idle error and an error notification is issued. As a result, each time another error as described above occurs, the game hall must also check for a motor idle error that has not occurred originally, resulting in a problem of a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, in order to detect the motor idle error by distinguishing it from other errors, a motor idle timer for detecting the motor idle error is set in the payout control unit 230. Control. Note that the motor idle detection timer monitors game ball detection by the payout sensors 109j and 109k, and is set for each of the payout sensors 109j and 109k. It becomes possible to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in either one.

  The payout controller 230 activates the motor idle detection timer when issuing a drive command for the dispense motor 109f, and either or both of the payout sensors 109j and 109k until the motor idle detection timer reaches zero. If a game ball cannot be detected, it is determined that a motor idle error has occurred. While the motor idle detection timer is in operation, after the dispensing motor 109f is operated in several steps by reverse rotation, a ball clogging recovery process is performed in which the motor rotates forward at the lowest speed.

  Specifically, the payout control unit 230 detects a game ball with one or both of the payout sensors 109j and 109k even if a first predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after issuing a drive command for the payout motor 109f. If it is not possible, the ball clogging recovery process is performed. If a game ball cannot be detected by either one or both of the payout sensors 109j and 109k even after the second predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed, it is determined that a motor idle error has occurred. In this example, the sum of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time is the time set by the motor idle detection timer.

  When it is determined that a motor emptying error has occurred, the error LED display section 4h is lit in red, and the prize ball is stopped and the ball lending is stopped. The motor idle error is cleared when the error release switch is raised. Note that an error signal related to the motor idle error is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  When the dispensing control unit 230 issues a stop command for the dispensing motor 109f due to another error (such as a dispensing device abnormality error, a tank ball running out error, or a full tray error) during operation of the motor idle running detection timer, Pause the detection timer. When another error is released and the stop command for the payout motor 109f is released, the motor idle detection timer is restarted.

  In this way, when the payout motor 109f stops due to another error, by temporarily stopping the motor idle detection timer, the payout sensors 109j and 109k cannot detect the game ball due to another error. However, it is possible to avoid erroneously detecting a motor idle error. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the motor idle error by distinguishing it from other errors. As a result, the game arcade can smoothly perform processing when an error occurs, and can suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine 1. Further, the gaming machine manufacturer can accurately check the error, and the player can shorten the game interruption time due to other error causes that are not motor idle errors.

  In addition, there is a case where an illegal act (going action) is performed in which one of the two payout sensors 109j and 109k is removed. In this case, since only one of the two game balls to be paid out by the payout device 109 can be detected, double game balls will be paid out. According to the configuration of the third embodiment, the payout control unit 230 determines that one of the payout sensors 109j and 109k is broken or disconnected even when such an illegal act is performed. It can be accurately detected as an empty error. Thereby, such a fraudulent act can be suppressed.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the variation time of the guide symbol (the main symbol and the pseudo symbol) is fixed. However, in the fourth embodiment, a specified number (15) of game balls are in 16 consecutive balls during the variation display of the guide symbol. When the guidance symbol is variably displayed when entering any of the mouth 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33, the main control unit Reference numeral 200 is configured to perform a guide symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the guide symbol. In the guide symbol variation time shortening control, the guide symbol may be stopped after the specified number of game balls have entered, or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the specified number of game balls have been inserted, the variation stop is performed. May be. The main controller 200 corresponds to the guiding symbol variation time shortening means of the present invention.

  In the combination-type gaming machine, a specified number of game balls have entered into any of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33. However, if any of the gaming devices are operating, it is not possible to proceed to the next unit game. However, according to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, after the completion of the entry of the specified number of game balls, It is possible to prevent the end of the unit game from being delayed due to the fluctuation of the symbols. As a result, the unit game can be quickly ended and the game can be advanced promptly. Thereby, the game performance can be improved and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. The guide symbol variation time shortening control may be performed only when the game ball payout device 109 is not operated or when there is no possibility that the game ball payout device 109 is operated.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, when the present invention is applied to a combination type gaming machine in the above embodiment, the unit game is a launch of 15 game balls. However, the present invention is a combination type game machine having a unit game of 16 game balls. Is also applicable.

  In the first embodiment, the operation pattern of the reciprocating body 38 is changed to the normal operation pattern when the pseudo symbol is stopped and displayed with the pseudo hit symbol of “7, 7, 7” regardless of the operating state of the induction increasing device. However, the operation of the reciprocating body 38 is performed only when the guidance increasing device is in operation and the pseudo symbol is “7/7/7”. The pattern may be changed from the normal operation pattern to the stop operation pattern. Also in this case, when the operation of the induction increasing device is finished with the first accessory operating port 32 opened, the first unit game after the operation of the induction increasing device has finished is entered into the first accessory operating port 32. The game ball can be reliably passed through the guidance increase device operating area 39a, and the guidance increase device can be reliably restarted.

  Further, the stop operation pattern of the reciprocating body 38 is not limited to the case where the reciprocating body 38 described in the first embodiment is completely stopped at a predetermined position, and the movement of the reciprocating body 38 is continued and predetermined during the movement. It can be configured to stop at a position for a predetermined time, or the movement of the reciprocating body 38 can be continued and the moving speed of the reciprocating body 38 at the predetermined position can be slowed to increase the staying time at the predetermined position. You can also

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the position of the induction | guidance | derivation increase apparatus operation area | region 39a was fixed, it comprised so that the reciprocating body 38 as a distribution means might move, but it is not restricted to this, For example, it shows to FIG. 49, FIG. As in the example, the guidance increase device operating region 39a itself may move to distribute the game ball to either the guidance increase device operating region 39a or the guidance increase device non-operating region 40. In this case, the guidance increase device operating area 39a constitutes a distribution means.

  In the example of the game board 20 shown in FIG. 49, a disk-like rotating body 41 is arranged in parallel with the board surface of the game board 20, and the rotating body 41 is rotationally driven by a motor with the direction orthogonal to the board surface as a rotation axis. One of a plurality of recesses (five in the example of FIG. 49) provided around the rotating body 41 constitutes the induction increasing device operating region 39a, and the other recesses constitute the induction increasing device non-operating region 40. Yes. The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is supplied to the top position of the rotating body 41, and when any of the recesses 39a, 40 reaches the top position, the game ball is guided to the induction increasing device operation region 39a or It will pass through the induction increasing device non-operation area 40. The main control unit 200 may drive and control the motor so that the rotating body 41 is rotated at a constant speed in the normal operation pattern, and the induction increasing device operation region 39a is stopped at the top position or before the top position in the stop operation pattern. .

  FIG. 50 shows only the configuration of the rotating body 41. In the example shown in FIG. 50, two recesses are formed around the rotating body 41, one being the induction increasing device operating region 39 a and the other being the induction increasing device non-operating region 40. The rotating body 41 is configured to be rotatable in the clockwise direction. When the game ball is positioned on the front side in the rotation direction of the guidance increase device operating region 39a, the game ball passes through the guidance increase device operation region 39a, and when the game ball is positioned on the front side in the rotation direction of the guidance increase device non-operation region 40, guidance is performed. Pass through the increase device inactive area 40. Also in this case, the main control unit 200 may drive and control the motor so that the induction increasing device operating region 39a stops at the top position or before the top position in the stop operation pattern.

  In the example shown in FIG. 50, by adjusting the ratio of the outer peripheral lengths between the two recesses 39a, 40, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 39a. Probability can be adjusted. In the example of FIG. 50, the outer peripheral length of the rotating body 41 partitioned by two recesses is a ratio of 1: 4 in front of and behind the induction increasing device operating region 39a in the rotation direction. As a result, if the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is supplied between the induction increasing device operating region 39a and the induction increasing device non-operating region 40, the gaming ball is in the induction increasing device operating region 39a. Therefore, the probability of passing through the induction increasing device operating region 39a can be reduced to ¼. In addition, since the size of the rotating body 41 having only the two concave portions 39a and 40 formed on the outer periphery can be reduced, the area of other gaming devices arranged in the gaming area 21 can be increased. For example, it is advantageous when using a large liquid crystal device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a prize ball shortage error occurs, a configuration in which the difference between the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out from the main control unit 200 and the number of prize balls actually paid out is displayed and notified. Although applied to a combination type gaming machine, the configuration for informing the number of winning balls is applicable to other types of gaming machines.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 46, during the operation of the guidance increasing device, even if the random number for determination of success / failure is out, as long as the extended game counter does not exceed the predetermined number, However, it may be configured as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In other words, a stop stop symbol that is “largely off” is set in advance, which does not necessarily set the expected hit flag, regardless of whether or not the induction increasing device is operating in the pattern of the stop stop symbol. Then, when the come-off stop symbol set in S8056 is greatly out (S8059: YES), the hitting expected flag is not set regardless of the operating state of the induction increasing device.

  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. .

  In the above embodiment, one motor idle error detection timer is set for each of the payout sensors 109j and 109k. However, one timer may be set for both the payout sensors 109j and 109k. Good.

It is a front view which shows the combination type game machine by the said Example. It is a figure which shows the ashtray provided in the game machine of the said Example, (a) is a perspective view in the state in which the slide lid was closed, (b) was a perspective view in the state in which the slide lid was opened, (c) was the back surface FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the inner frame of the game machine of the said Example. It is a perspective view which shows the inner frame of the game machine of the said Example. It is an enlarged view of the launch rail of the said Example. 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 launcher of the said Example. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the game board of the said Example. It is a front view which shows the symbol display apparatus of the said Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the winning symbol display part of the said Example. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the special game device of the said Example. It is a rear view which shows the combination type game machine of the said Example. 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 the said Example. It is a perspective view which shows the game ball dispensing apparatus of the said Example. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the game ball dispensing apparatus of the said Example. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the payout speed of the payout motor of the said Example, 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 the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board surface relay board | substrate of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the game frame relay board | substrate of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the payout control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the signal output from the payout sensor of the said Example. It is a timing chart which shows the pulse signal transmitted to the main control part from the payout control part of the said Example. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the connector connection confirmation of the payout control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the launch control board of the said Example. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the discharge control part of the said Example. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the ball | bowl advance permission signal in the launch control part of the said Example, 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 the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the command regarding the symbol control of the said Example. It is a timing chart of the signal output to the external test | inspection apparatus from the main control part of the said Example, Comprising: (a) is at the time of power activation, (b) is in game. It is a graph which shows the main commands transmitted to the payout control part from the main control part of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge control sequence of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge control sequence of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge control sequence of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge control sequence of the said Example. It is a timing chart which shows the timer used for the discharge control of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the main job of the main control part of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game management process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the winning symbol process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the accessory game process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the score increase apparatus process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance increase apparatus process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol of the said Example, and an accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol of the said Example, and an accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guide process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure generation | occurrence | production process of the said Example. It is a front view which shows the game board surface of the modification of the said Example. It is a front view which shows the rotary body of the modification of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the said Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 10 ... Launching device unit (game ball | bowl launching means), 20 ... Game board, 24 ... 16 consecutive entry entrance (entrance area | region), 25 ... Winning symbol display apparatus, 29 ... Guidance symbol action | operation gate, 31 ... Symbol display device (variable display device), 32 ... First accessory operating port (variable entrance), 38 ... Reciprocating body (sorting means), 39a ... Guidance increasing device operating region (specific region), 40 ... Exhaust Exit 109, game ball payout device, 200 ... main control unit (variable entrance device, special game generating device, drive control means), 271 ... reciprocating motor (moving means), 230 ... payout control unit, 250 ... launch Control part 260 ... Sound lamp control part 280 ... Symbol control part.

Claims (5)

A plurality of entrance areas into which game balls can enter, and a winning symbol display means for displaying winning symbols related to the entrance of the game balls into the entrance ball area, and a predetermined number of game balls on the game board A one-unit game is performed and a prize mode is determined based on a combination of winning symbols displayed by the winning symbol display means during the one-unit game. A combination gaming machine that gives award gaming value to
A determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the guidance symbol operating gate;
A variable display device that variably displays the identification symbol displayed in the display area when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol activation gate, and displays the identification symbol at a specific symbol when the result of the determination is correct ,
The opens the variable input spheres port when the variable display identification symbols displayed stopped in device was the specific symbol, the variable ball entrance opening to the game ball when the ball entrance, or two or more times A variable pitching device that closes the variable pitching slot when a predetermined number of unit games are completed;
A special gaming device having a specific area inside and a discharge port, and the variable ball port as a ball port;
The variable ball entrance can and ball entrance to the game ball passes through the specific region in port, along with generating between the unit game number defined the special game state previously, the identification symbols displayed on the variable display device A special gaming state generating device that increases the probability of stop display with the specific symbol ,
A predetermined predetermined entrance area among the plurality of entrance areas is used as a point increasing device operating port, and when a game ball enters the scoring device operating port, a score established during the unit game A score increasing device to increase
A distribution means for distributing game balls to the specific area or the discharge port ;
Moving means for moving the sorting means;
The moving means moves the sorting means in a plurality of action patterns including a first action pattern and a second action pattern having a higher probability that a game ball is assigned to the specific area than the first action pattern. Drive control means capable of controlling the drive, and
The success / failure determination means, the variable pitching device, the special game state generating device, and the score increasing device are configured mainly by a main control unit that has a CPU with a built-in ROM and manages basic progress control of the game,
The CPU executes a main job based on a control program stored in the ROM,
During each unit game in which the special game state generating device is in operation and the remaining unit game count is less than the predetermined number of times of 2 or more, the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate. If it is determined that the winning / non-winning determination has been made, the specific display is performed on the variable display device regardless of whether the result of the winning / failing determination is hit or missed by the operation of the special gaming state generating device. The symbol is stopped and displayed, and the variable entrance is opened for the predetermined number of unit games of the two or more times.
If it is determined that the predetermined number of unit games have ended since the start of the operation of the special game state generation device, the operation of the special game state generation device is stopped, the special game state is ended, Returning to the state where the specific symbol is stopped and displayed only when the determination result is a win, and at the start of the first unit game after the end of the special game state, the variable entrance is kept open,
It said drive control means, wherein when the special game state generator is opened is the variable ball entrance opening when in operation, drives the moving means to move said sorting means in the second operation pattern control and,
In this state, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the variable entrance and the game ball has passed the specific area, the special game generating device is operated to generate the special game state again. A combination game machine characterized by In the second operation pattern, the drive control unit drives and controls the moving unit so that the distribution unit is positioned at a predetermined position where a probability that a game ball is distributed to the specific area is high. Item 4. A combination game machine according to Item 1. When a plurality of the specific symbols are set and the identification symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device is a predetermined symbol among the plurality of specific symbols, the drive control means sets the sorting means to the first The combination type gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving means is driven and controlled to move in accordance with two operation patterns. When the special game state occurrence that the game ball that has entered the variable entrance in a predetermined number of unit games after the operation of the special game state generation device has ended passes through the specific area, 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising limiting means for limiting an increase in a probability that the variable entrance is opened when the number of continuous occurrences of the special gaming state reaches a predetermined number. A combination type gaming machine according to any one of the above. When all the predetermined number of game balls are fired in the unit game and all of the game balls enter the plurality of entrance areas, the identification symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The combination game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising identification symbol variation time shortening means for shortening the variation time.

Images