JP4375573B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a so-called arrangement ball or the like .

  There is a group of models called combination ball game machines (arrange ball game machines) in game machines commonly called pachinko machines. For example, 16 game balls can be fired in one game, and numbers from 1 to 16 are marked on the entrance provided on the flow path of the game board or on the front side of the lower part of the board. Each time you enter the entrance directly in the case, the corresponding number part of the case lights up. If this lights up in a predetermined combination in one game, a score corresponding to that combination is given, and the total score Based on this, a corresponding game ball is paid out.

  Even in such a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are fired as one game, there is usually an upper limit (100) of game balls that can be fired within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute). The game ball was fired at the time interval (approximately 0.6 seconds). However, in order to clarify the end of the one game, the game proceeds to the next game after a predetermined time (interval time) has elapsed after the end of the game. There may be a problem that the rate decreases. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the operation by speeding up the game ball firing interval to about 0.5 seconds or less. However, even in this case, the following problems may occur. That is, since the firing interval is shorter than usual, the launched game ball may return on the firing guide rail (outer rail) without completely reaching the game area, and the returned game ball (return ball) ) Is discharged as a foul ball to the lower plate, and then collides with the next released game ball in the firing guide rail (outer rail), so that a so-called ball hitting state is obtained. If such a ball-throw state frequently occurs, the player may feel uncomfortable, and there may be a problem that the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered.

  Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to increase the operating rate of the gaming machine and to make the player uncomfortable by preventing or suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned ball hitting state in a gaming machine such as a combination ball game machine. The object is to provide a gaming machine that is rarely given.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is:
A game in which a predetermined number of game balls are fired as a unit game, identification information related to the entry of game balls into a plurality of entry areas in the unit game is displayed, and a prize mode is determined based on the combination of the identification information In the machine
A ball counting means for counting the number of shot balls in the unit game;
Firing interval changing means for changing the firing interval of the game ball according to the number of shot balls in the unit game;
With a firing control device that controls the strength of the launch,
While playing the game ball that has been launched from the launcher unit to reach the game area formed on the game board,
The firing interval changing means sets the firing interval to be shorter as the number of fired balls increases from the first launch of the game ball in accordance with the operation of the launch operation device, and becomes a constant launch interval at a predetermined number of balls. Set as
The game board is formed with an outer rail and an inner rail, and the outer rail is provided with a game ball detection switch for each predetermined distance,
The firing interval changing means controls the firing interval with the next game ball as the first game ball when the game ball detection switch detects the occurrence of a return ball .

  In this way, since it has a firing interval changing means for changing the firing interval of the game medium according to the gaming state, it has a configuration that does not always set a constant firing interval for the decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine as described above. For example, it is possible to improve the operating rate by shortening the time of the firing interval according to the operating rate, and in addition to shortening the firing interval time uniformly to improve the operating rate, the gaming state Therefore, it may be possible to suppress the occurrence of the ball protrusion by increasing the firing interval, for example, at a time when a return ball is likely to be generated. That is, according to the configuration of the present invention, in the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of a ball bump while preventing or suppressing a decrease in the operation rate, and a game that does not cause discomfort to the player. It may be possible to provide a machine. Therefore, for example, the firing interval can be changed according to the operating status of the gaming machine, or the firing interval can be changed according to the time when the return ball is likely to be generated. Here, the return ball is a ball that returns from the launch guide rail (outer rail) in the direction opposite to the launch direction without completely reaching the game area.

  Specifically, the firing interval changing means may change the firing interval of the game medium in accordance with the number of game media fired in the unit game. The following are examples of the cause of the return ball. For example, if a player operates a firing operation device that controls the strength of firing early in the unit game (for example, when the player turns the firing handle quickly), the first firing is performed with a strong striking force. The possibility that the played game medium reaches the game area can be increased. On the other hand, if the launch operation device is operated slowly (for example, when the launch handle is rotated slowly), the first launch is performed with a weak striking force, and the possibility that the launched game medium reaches the game area is low. Thus, a return ball is likely to occur. The return ball collides with the next launched game medium to generate a ball hit. That is, when the number of game media shots is early, the hitting force of the launch is weak and there is a high possibility that a return ball will be generated. Therefore, according to the number of game media shots in a unit game as in the present invention, By changing the firing interval, it becomes possible to prevent or suppress the return ball from striking the next game medium to be launched, and as a result, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine, It can be a gaming machine that does not cause discomfort to the player.

Further, the firing interval changing means may change the firing interval of the game media to be shortened as the number of game media launched in the unit game increases. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent or suppress the occurrence of a ball hit when the number of shots is low in a unit game (especially after the first game medium is shot), and further, the number of shots is high in a unit game. It is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine because the firing interval is controlled to be shortened at the time (the time when the number of fires is close to the upper limit value of the unit game). Specifically, the second game medium is fired after time t1 has elapsed since the first game medium was fired, and the third game medium is fired after time t2 has passed since the second game medium was fired. Can be. For example, t1 = 0.7 seconds and t2 = 0.6 seconds, and t1> t2 can be satisfied. That is, the n-th game media (n + 1) th game medium after a time t _n elapsed since the firing is fired, the x-th game medium from the (n + 1) th game medium is fired to the time t _{n + 1} after Can be fired and satisfy t _n > t _{n + 1} (eg, t _n = 0.7 seconds, t _{n + 1} = 0.5 seconds).

  In order to keep the number of shots per unit time (for example, 1 minute) within a predetermined number (for example, 100), a game waiting time (also called interval time or game confirmation time) between the unit game and the next unit game. ) For changing the game waiting time. By changing (determining) the game waiting time by this game waiting time changing means (game waiting time determining means), the number of firings per unit time (for example, 1 minute) is set within a predetermined number (for example, 100). Can be possible. Specifically, for example, it is provided with a firing time confirmation means for confirming the time taken from the first launch to the firing of the upper limit value when the launch of the upper limit value is completed, and confirmed by the firing time confirmation means When the time is shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 9.6 seconds), the game waiting time change (decision) means provides a game waiting time corresponding to the time difference, while the predetermined time (for example, 9.6 seconds). If it is too long, it is possible to provide a game waiting time as short as possible. It is to be noted that a firing time determination means is provided for determining whether the time taken from the first launch to the launch of the upper limit value is shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 9.6 seconds) when the upper limit launch is completed. Based on the determination result, the game waiting time changing means (game waiting time determining means) may change (determine) the game waiting time.

Next, in the above gaming machine,
A game in which a predetermined number of game media are fired as a unit game, identification information related to the entry of game media into a plurality of ball entering areas in the unit game is displayed, and a prize mode is determined based on the combination of the identification information In the machine
Game control means for controlling the game, and launch control means for controlling a launching device for launching the game medium,
The launch device includes a feed device for sending the game medium to a launch position;
The game control means may transmit at least a firing control signal for operating the feeding device to the firing control means at different time intervals depending on the gaming state.

  That is, by sending at least a launch control signal for operating the feeder to the launch control means at different time intervals depending on the gaming state, the game medium is always at regular time intervals as in the first aspect. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which it is not sent to the launch position. For example, it is possible to improve the operating rate by shortening the time interval (that is, the interval of the launch time) of the game media according to the operating rate of the gaming machine, and to improve the operating rate uniformly. Instead of shortening the feeding interval (feeding interval time), the feeding interval is changed according to the game state. For example, when the return ball is likely to occur, the feeding interval is lengthened to generate a ball hit. It may also be possible to suppress this. That is, according to the configuration of the present invention, in a gaming machine equipped with a unit game, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of a ball-throw while preventing or suppressing a decrease in the operation rate, which gives the player a sense of discomfort. It may be possible to provide a gaming machine that does not occur. Also in this case, for example, the feeding interval can be changed according to the operating status of the gaming machine, or the feeding interval can be changed according to the time when the return ball is likely to be generated.

  Specifically, the launch control signal may be transmitted at different time intervals according to the number of game media to be fed by the feeding device in the unit game. When the number of game media sent in a unit game is small (that is, at the early stage of the number of shots), the hitting force of the launch is weakened and there is a high possibility that a return ball will be generated. By changing the feeding interval of the game media according to the number of feeds, it becomes possible to prevent or suppress the return ball from striking the next game media to be launched. As a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine It is possible to improve the game machine, and it can be a gaming machine that does not cause discomfort to the player.

  The launch control signal may be transmitted at short time intervals as the number of game media sent by the sending device in the unit game increases. Thereby, it may be possible to more effectively prevent or suppress the occurrence of a ball hit when the number of feeds is small in a unit game (particularly after the first game medium is sent).

  And a game control means for controlling the game, and a launch control means for controlling a launch device for launching the game medium, wherein the launch apparatus is a feeder for sending the game medium to a launch position; A batting device for striking the game medium, wherein the game control means sends a sequential control signal for sequentially operating the feeding device and the batting device to the firing control means. Can be sent. In this case, the game medium is launched by sequentially operating the feeding device and the striking device, and the sequential control signal turns the sequential control signal into the gaming state as in the second aspect. Accordingly, if it is transmitted at a short time interval (for example, as the number of game media sent by the feeding device in a unit game increases), it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of a ball-throw as described above. Can be.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the drawings.
First, the structure of an arrange ball gaming machine (also simply called a gaming machine) 1 as a combination gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS.

  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, and a locking device 7. The main body frame 2 is formed by assembling and fixing a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The middle frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, has a frame body portion (not shown) and a lower plate portion (not shown), and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 2. A locking device 7 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3, and the locking device 7 has a substantially rectangular shape with a keyhole when viewed from the front, and is used for locking when the front frame 4 is closed.

  Here, the frame body portion is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the upper end to the lower side to approximately 2/3 of the entire middle frame 3, and the substantially triangular frame decoration LED lens 4 c of the front frame 4 is formed at the upper end portion. , 4e, a prize ball display LED (not shown) and a prize ball display LED board 4d (see FIG. 5) on the left side, and a stop display LED (not shown) and a stop display LED board 4f (see FIG. 5) on the right side. ) Is arranged.

  The lower plate portion occupies about 1/3 of the entire middle frame 3 from the lower end to the upper portion, and the left end has an effect corresponding to the gaming state so as to correspond to the speaker surface 5a formed on the upper plate portion 5. A speaker 400a (see FIG. 4) for generating sounds and other sounds (sounds) is disposed, and is stored in the upper plate part 5 at a substantially central position with respect to the launching device unit 8 (see FIG. 2) for launching a game ball. A ball feeder or the like (not shown) for supplying the game balls is provided.

  Further, below the lower plate portion, a lower tray portion 6 provided with an ashtray, a ball removal lever, and the like is provided. A discharge port 6a is opened, and a launch handle 9 for operating the launch unit 8 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the right end. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch 9a that detects that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b that is operated by the player to temporarily command the launch stop. Is arranged.

  The front frame 4 is entirely made of plastic, and in order to visually recognize the game board 10 from the front, the upper side thereof has a substantially arc shape corresponding to the shape of the game area 11 formed on the game board 10, and the whole is substantially a bullet. It has the opening 4a opened in the shape. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) fitted with a transparent plate such as a glass plate in accordance with the opening 4a is mounted on the rear surface. The front frame 4 occupies about 2/3 the size of the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 1 and is pivotally attached to the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. Further, a frame decoration lamp lens 4b is also provided at the upper end, and a frame decoration lamp board (game effect lamp board) 4g (see FIG. 5) is formed inside the lens 4b along the arc portion at the upper end of the opening 4a. ) And a plurality of game effect lamps (not shown).

  The upper plate part 5 is attached to the left end of the middle frame 3 below the front frame 4 and is formed to be openable and closable. On the outer edge 5b of the dish, a ball removal button, a game ball rental / return button, and the like are arranged. Further, the upper plate part 5 is provided with a discharge port 5 c for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1. A speaker surface 5a having a plurality of long holes is formed at the left end, and a volume switch substrate 12 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the back surface. A prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left end side of the gaming machine 1.

  Further, a foul ball sensor 197 (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 22) is provided at the back (back side) of the upper plate part 5, and this is because the game ball fired from the launcher unit 8 (see FIG. 2) 11 is a sensor for detecting a game ball that has not returned to 11 and has returned from the outer rail 10c (see FIG. 22) to the lower plate portion 6. Further, a tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIGS. 8 and 22) and a ball feed count switch 95 (see FIGS. 8 and 22) are provided at the back (back side) of the upper plate part 5, and these are fired games. It is a switch for detecting each game ball sent from the ball or the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit 8 (see FIG. 2). The detection information from the switches 94 and 95 and the detection information from the foul ball sensor 197 Thus, when the number of shot balls (effective shot balls) shot in the game area 11 is counted as 16, one game (unit game) is completed.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 10 formed on the front portion will be described. The game board 10 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body, and is held by the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 2). In the game board 10, a substantially circular game area 11 is formed by an outer rail 10 c and an inner rail 10 d provided on the surface of the game board 10, and a guide symbol operation as a start detection device is performed in the game area 11. Gate 16, guidance symbol display device 17 as a variable display device, accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21 as a first variable entrance device, and guidance increase device operation region with a game ball as a specific entrance region A guiding device (also referred to as a guiding tool or a sorting device) 20a that can be guided to 19a, a tool guiding device operating gate 26 as a detecting device for operating a tool, and a tool operating port as a second variable pitching device (Scoring increasing device operating port) 23, 16 consecutive entrance 24 where 16 entrance areas are arranged adjacent to each other, and identification information corresponding to each entrance area of 16 consecutive entrance 24 Entry symbol display device to display (identification information display And location) 25, a number of nails (not shown) or the like are disposed.

  The guide symbol operating gate 16 is disposed above the center of the game area 11 on the left half side, and includes a guide symbol operating port entrance (gate passing) detection switch 16d (see FIG. 3). When a game ball is detected by the incoming ball (passing) detection switch 16d, variable display of a plurality of symbols is started on the guidance symbol display device 17.

  The guidance symbol display device 17 is arranged on the left half side of the center of the game area 11 and below the guidance symbol actuation gate 16, for example, three display areas, that is, a left symbol display area, a middle symbol display area, and a right symbol. A display area (not shown) is provided, and a plurality of symbols can be variably stopped and displayed. In the guidance symbol display device 17, for example, when the symbols are “7, 7 and 7” with the same three-digit symbols and are stopped and displayed (determined display), the accessory guidance device is activated, and the accessory operating port (specific entry ball) Mouth 21 is opened. The accessory guiding device is mainly configured by the main control unit 140 (see FIG. 3), and the state of the accessory operating port (specific entry port) 21 or an after-mentioned accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23. A special device that changes

  The accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21 is disposed at the upper center of the game area 11 and includes a pair of movable pieces 21a and 21b. The movable pieces 21a and 21b are operated (opened) to the left and right. Thus, the player is in an open state that is advantageous for entering the ball. Further, an accessory actuating entrance entrance detection switch 21c (see FIG. 7) is provided inside, and when a game ball is detected by the entrance detection switch 21c, a guidance increase device operation area (specific entry area) described later is provided. ) Entering 19a is effective. In addition, an opening / closing plate is provided in the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21 and the operating port (specific entrance) is based on the opening / closing operation (opening) of the gaming area 11 of the opening / closing plate. It is also possible to make 21 open.

  A game ball that has entered the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21 is a center accessory or a guidance device (distribution) that is a central device disposed below the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21. Device) 20a. The guidance device 20a is a so-called croon-shaped concave accessory, and three holes are formed in the bottom, and one of the holes formed on the front side toward the game board 10 is a guidance increasing device operating region 19a. Thus, the two holes formed on the back side are defined as a non-operation area (non-specific entry area: a discharge port / area outside the operation area) 19b. Here, when a game ball enters the guidance increasing device operating area 19a and is detected by the guidance increasing device operating area passing detection switch 19d (see FIG. 7) provided therein, the guidance increasing apparatus is operated, A special gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player over the state occurs (also referred to as acquiring a special gaming right). The guidance increasing device is a special device that is configured mainly by the main control unit 140 (see FIG. 3) and changes the gaming state.

  The accessory guiding device operation gate 26 is disposed above the center of the game area 11 on the right half surface side, and includes an accessory guiding device operation gate passage detection switch 26a (see FIG. 7). When a game ball is detected by the operation gate passage detection switch 26a during the occurrence of the special game state, the accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23 is opened.

  The accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23 is disposed on the right half surface side from the center of the game area 11 and below the above-described accessory guiding device operating gate 26, and includes a pair of movable pieces 23a and 23b. Based on the movement (opening) of the movable pieces 23a, 23b in the left-right direction of the game area 11, the player enters an open state that is advantageous for entering the ball. In addition, an accessory actuating entrance entrance detection switch 23c (see FIG. 7) is provided inside, and when a game ball is detected by the detection switch 23c, predetermined identification information (generally difficult to enter) of the entrance symbol display device 25 is detected. The identification information corresponding to the correct entry area) is lit and displayed, and the score increasing device (prize mode increasing device) is activated. It is also possible to arrange a single opening / closing plate that can be opened in the front-rear direction of the game area 11 and to open the accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23 based on the operation of the opening / closing plate. It is.

  The 16 consecutive entrance holes 24 are arranged at the lowermost part of the game area 11, and an entrance symbol display device (identification information display device) 25 is arranged on the front side thereof. Each of the sixteen consecutive ball openings 24 is provided with a sixteen consecutive ball detection switch 25a (see FIG. 3). When a game ball is detected by the detection switch 25a, a corresponding ball corresponding to the ball entry area is entered. The identification information (numeric lamp) of the symbol display device 25 is lit up. Note that in the gaming machine 1, the award mode is determined based on the combination of identification information that is lit and displayed in the 16 games, with 16 game balls being emitted as a unit game. For example, when four consecutive number lamps are continuously lit and displayed, a score of 1 is awarded, and 16 prize balls or a corresponding number of prize medals are paid out for each point. Some IC cards or the like accumulate scores, the number of prize balls or the number of prize medals. In addition, the incoming symbol display device (identification information display device) 25 can be constituted by, for example, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix, or a liquid crystal (LCD), and in this case, a game ball is detected by the detection switch 25a. Then, identification information (numerals) is displayed on the 7-segment LED, dot matrix or liquid crystal (LCD) display screen of the incoming symbol display device (identification information display device) 25 corresponding to the incoming ball area.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The front frame 4 (see FIG. 1) is in the middle frame 3 and is supported by a pair of hinges 101 provided at the upper and lower ends of the front frame 4 so as to be opened and closed. The back mechanism board 102 is supported by the pair of hinges 103 provided in the middle frame 3 at the upper and lower ends of the back mechanism board 102 so as to be opened and closed. The game board 10 (see FIG. 1) is detachably attached to the surface side of the middle frame 3. A prize ball tank 105 provided with a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom of the tank and a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 are attached to the left side as viewed from the position of the hinge 101 on the upper end side. ing. Further, a ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, a refill ball break detection switch 108 is provided on the downstream side, and a prize ball payout device 109 is provided on the downstream side. Yes.

  Subsequently, a game ball distribution unit 110 is provided on the downstream side of the prize ball payout device 109. Below the tank rail 106 is provided a back case 111 with a lid that houses a display board (liquid crystal display board or 7-segment LED display board) in the guidance symbol display device 17 (see FIG. 1). A main control board case 112 storing a main control board 340 (see FIG. 3) is provided as a main control unit 140 (see FIG. 3) to be described later. On the left side of the main control board case 112, a launcher control board case 113 storing the launcher control board 201 (see FIG. 3) and a launch control collective relay board 116 are provided as the launch controller 201a (see FIG. 3). ing. In the lower left part of the back mechanism panel 102, the above-described launching device unit 8 is provided, and in the lower right part, a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 150 (see FIG. 3) is filled with replenishing balls and a lower plate part. A prize ball control board 350 (see FIG. 3) having a frame status indicator 117 for displaying full tank, main power supply voltage abnormality, launch stop, main control board communication abnormality, prize ball motor abnormality, etc. with 7 segment LED is stored. A frame control board case (prize ball control board case) 118 is provided.

  On the other hand, at the upper right end portion of the back mechanism panel 102, a fuse box 119, a power switch 120, a power terminal board 121 and a jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door opening, prize ball, ball lending, etc. A frame external terminal substrate 122 having external connection terminals is provided. A power cable 123 for receiving external power supply is also provided below the frame external terminal board 122. A connection cable 124 extends upward from a frame control board case 118 storing a prize ball control board 350 (see FIG. 3), and is connected to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 13 provided with 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 electronic control device 130 of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the electronic control device 130 includes a main control unit (game control unit) 140, a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 150 connected to the main control unit 140, and a symbol display device control unit (design control unit) 160. The lamp output device control unit (lamp control unit) 170 and the sound output device control unit (sound control unit) 180 are configured. The main control unit 140 includes a main control board 340, and the four control units 150, 160, 170, 180 other than the main control unit 140 are each configured as a sub control unit, and a prize ball control board (payout) serving as a sub control board Control board) 350, symbol display device control board 360, lamp output device control board 370, and audio output device control board 380.

  The main control board 340 includes a CPU 401 shown in FIG. 14, and the CPU 401 includes a CPU core 480. By the control program stored in the ROM 482, the operation control of the entire gaming machine 1 using the RAM 481 as a work area (that is, the basic game) (Progress control). In addition, the CPU 401 is mainly responsible for determining whether or not it is correct based on a determination program stored in the ROM 482 (a determination unit).

  Returning to FIG. 3, the main control unit 140 transmits command data, which is a command signal, instructing the processing contents to the sub-control units 150, 160, 170, and 180. Data is transmitted from the main control unit 140 to each of the sub control units 150, 160, 170, 180 in a unidirectional format. Further, power is supplied to each of the control units 140 to 180 from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power supply 129 via the power supply unit 127 and further the power supply relay board 121. A system reset signal is transmitted to all the control units via the power relay board 121.

  The main control unit 140 is connected to the 16-series switch relay board 31, the relay board 200, the guide symbol operation port entrance (gate passage) detection switch 16 d, the frame external terminal board 122, and the frame relay board 200 b. A 16-continuous ball detection switch 25 a is connected to the 16-continuous switch relay board 31, and a detection signal from the 16-continuous ball detection switch 25 a is transmitted to the main control unit 140. The main control unit 140 is provided with an information output unit (not shown) for outputting game information (including control information) to a test device (inspection device) 807 outside the gaming machine. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the main control board 340 is provided with a game information output circuit unit 347, a conversion circuit unit 341, and an output connector 342. The game information output from the game information output circuit unit 347 is converted into information that can be read by the test device 807 by the conversion circuit unit 341, and the converted game information is output to the test device 807 via the connector 342. The In this case, the control content of the main control unit 140 can be output to the test apparatus 807 only by connecting the harness from the test apparatus 807 to the connector 342. As shown in FIG. 21, a relay board 344 that relays between the main control board 340 and the test apparatus 807 may be provided in the gaming machine 1. In this case, the connector 343 of the main control board 340 and the connector 346 of the relay board 344 are connected, and the harness from the test apparatus 807 is connected to the connector 345 of the relay board 344. The game information is output from the game information output circuit unit 347 of the main control board 340 to the relay board 344 as a conversion circuit part via the connector 343, and converted into a format readable by the test apparatus 807 by the relay board 344. At the same time, the data is output from the relay board 344 to the test apparatus 807.

  Returning to FIG. 3, on the relay board 200, as shown in FIG. 7, the accessory actuating ball entrance detection switch 21 c, the guidance increase device actuating region passage detection switch 19 d, the accessory guidance device actuating gate passage detection switch 26 a, Object operating port solenoid 21d, accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) entrance detection switch 23c, accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) solenoid 23d, panel external terminal board 32, induction increasing device non-operating area A passage detection switch 19e is connected. The accessory operating port solenoid 21d is a solenoid for opening and closing the movable pieces 21a and 21b (see FIG. 1) of the accessory operating port (specific entry port) 21. The accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) solenoid 23d is a solenoid for opening the movable pieces 23a and 23b of the accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23. The board external terminal board 32 is a terminal board for outputting various detection switch data and the like to the outside of the gaming machine.

  Returning to FIG. 3, a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 150, a tank ball breakage detection switch 104, a door switch 202, and the like are connected to the frame external terminal board 122. The frame relay board 200b includes a supply ball breakage detection switch 108, a prize ball counting sensor 198, a base tray full tank switch 199, a foul ball sensor 197, a ball feed count switch 95, a tip ball detection switch 94, A ball lending counting sensor 192 and the like are connected. The replenishing ball breakage detection switch 108 is a switch for detecting a breakage of the ball between the tank rail 106 (see FIG. 2) and the prize ball dispensing device 109 (see FIG. 2), and the prize ball counting sensor 198 is awarded. A sensor for counting the number of balls, a lower tray full tank switch 199 is a switch for detecting that the lower tray of the lower tray 6 (see FIG. 1) is full, and a foul ball sensor 197 is a launcher unit. The game ball launched from 8 (see FIG. 2) does not reach the game area 11 (see FIG. 1) and has returned from the outer rail 10c (see FIG. 22) to the lower plate 6 (see FIG. 22). It is a sensor for detecting. Further, the ball feed count switch 95 corresponds to the firing position of the launching device unit 8 (see FIG. 2) from the upper plate portion 5 (see FIG. 22) by the ball feed solenoid 91 (see FIG. 16) (see FIG. 22). )) For counting the game balls sent to the ball, the tip ball detection switch 94 for detecting the game ball at the launch position, and the ball lending count sensor 192 for the CR unit (prepaid card unit) 13 It is a sensor for counting the number of balls lent out using the.

  The prize ball controller (payout controller) 150 includes a CPU 601 (see FIG. 14) similar to the main controller 140, and includes a memory clear switch board 191, a CR unit (prepaid card unit) 13, a prize ball channel. A switching solenoid 194, a CR operation board 195, a prize ball motor sensor board 196, a launcher control board 201, and the like are connected. The memory clear switch board 191 is a switch board for clearing all the various data remaining when the power is turned on. It is a solenoid for switching the path. The CR operation board 195 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as lending a ball and the number of remaining cards to / from the CR unit (prepaid card unit) 13, and the prize ball motor sensor board 196 relates to the prize ball payout. This is a sensor board for detecting the operating state of the prize ball motor 297.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a ball feed solenoid relay board 92, a firing motor 93, a firing stop switch 9 b, and a firing handle 9 are connected to the firing device control board 201. A ball feed solenoid 91 is connected to the ball feed solenoid relay board 92 to feed game balls stored in the upper plate 5 (see FIG. 1) one by one to the launch position. The launch motor 93 is a motor that operates a launch hammer for driving a game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 11 (see FIG. 1).

  Returning to FIG. 3, the symbol display device controller 160 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output port, and a VDP (video display processor) as arithmetic circuit components (not shown). The components are connected to each other via a bus, and are connected to the main controller 140 at the input / output ports. As shown in FIG. 6, a guide symbol display device substrate 17d having a display panel is connected to the symbol display device control unit 160, and the CPU is a guide symbol display device using the RAM as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM. Operation control of the (display panel) 17 (that is, display control of the display device) is performed. The display control of the incoming symbol display device 25 can be performed by the main control unit 140 or can be performed by the symbol display device control unit 160. In this case, the incoming symbol display device board 25d is connected, and display control of the incoming symbol display device 25 is performed.

  The lamp output device controller 170 includes the same arithmetic circuit components (CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output port, etc.) as the symbol display device controller 160, and is connected to the main controller 140 at the input / output ports. ing. As shown in FIG. 5, the lamp output device controller 170 is connected to an electrical relay board 171a, various LED boards, a score display lamp board 29a, and the like. A game effect lamp board 4g, a prize ball display LED board 4d, and the like are connected to the electrical relay board 171a, and further, a stop display LED board 4f and the like are connected to the prize ball display LED board 4d, and a score display lamp board 29a. Is connected to a score display device 29 (see FIG. 1). These lamps, etc. are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  The audio output device control unit 180 includes arithmetic circuit components (CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output port, etc.) and a sound generator (not shown) similar to the symbol display device control unit 160. It is connected to the main control unit 140. As shown in FIG. 4, the voice relay board 203 is connected to the voice output device controller 180, and the volume switch board 12 connected to the voice relay board 203 outputs a volume corresponding to an operation of a volume switch (not shown). In response to the progress of the game, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output from the speaker 400a.

  In addition, the sound generator mounted on various lamps such as the game effect lamp board 4g and the sound output device control board 380 is a variable / stop display mode of symbols under the control of the symbol display device control unit 160, whether or not reach has occurred, reach display The mode is controlled according to the mode, the special game mode, the game mode, and the like. The command signal of the control command is transmitted from the main control unit 140 in one direction as a command signal that targets the lamp output device control unit 170 or the sound output device control unit 180 as an operation command target.

  The symbol display device control unit 160, the lamp output device control unit 170, and the sound output device control unit 180 described above may be configured by the same circuit units as the main control unit 140 and the prize ball control unit 150. it can. That is, a CPU in which a ROM and a RAM are incorporated as shown in FIG. 14 can be used.

  Next, the power supply path in the electronic control unit 130 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a board connection layout in the power supply unit of the electronic control unit 130 (see FIG. 3). The electronic control device 130 (see FIG. 3) receives an AC voltage (AC 24 V) by the power cable 501 at the power receiving board 128. This AC voltage is distributed to the connector 413 and the connector 414 in the power receiving board 128. The connector 413 is connected to a transformation supply cable 503, and an AC voltage is supplied to the power supply unit 127. Further, an AC voltage supply cable 514 is connected to the connector 414, and an AC voltage (for driving the prize ball motor 297) is supplied to the prize ball control board 350 (see FIG. 3). The power receiving board 128 is provided with a power fuse 416 that cuts off the receiving voltage for overcurrent protection and a fuse 417 that cuts off the supply of 24V AC to the prepaid card unit (CR unit) 13 (see FIG. 1). ing.

  The AC voltage from the power receiving board 128 is distributed from the connector 413 to the power supply unit 127 provided with a voltage conversion unit (not shown) through the transformation supply cable 503. The power supply unit 127 is formed with an input connector 421 to which a transformer supply cable 503 is connected, while an output terminal (1, 2, 3, 6) for each conversion voltage, a ground terminal (4, 5), and a backup terminal. An output connector 422 including (7, 8) is provided. Although only one 24V output terminal is drawn in the output connector 422 shown in FIG. 18, two 24V terminals for DC and for pulsating flow are actually formed. In addition, the backup terminal No. 8 is commonly connected to the ground terminal of a voltage converter (not shown) for DC5V, and the capacitor 423 as the power storage means (backup power supply means) is provided so as to straddle the No. 7 terminal. Are connected, and a backup voltage of DC5V is output from the seventh terminal.

  The output connector 422 of the power supply unit 127 is connected to the input connector 433 of the power supply relay board 121 by a cable 504 so that various power supply voltages converted and generated by the power supply unit 127 are supplied. The power supply relay board 121 includes a plurality of control boards that control the operation of various gaming machines of the pachinko machine 1, here a main control board 340, a prize ball control board 350, a symbol display device control board 360, a lamp output device control board. 370, a board-side connector 434 is provided corresponding to each board, in which output terminals for power supply voltages used in each board are grouped to connect the sound output device control board 380 and the launcher control board 201. The power supply voltage and the backup voltage from the input connector 433 are distributed to each terminal. In the drawing, for convenience, one connector 434 is shown, but in reality, a plurality of connectors are provided on the power supply relay board 121 corresponding to each control board. In the case of this embodiment, the backup voltage is supplied to the main control board 340 and the prize ball control board 350 that are directly related to the distribution of the game balls.

  Here, the board-side connectors 434 are all configured not to have spare terminal portions, and wirings toward the corresponding boards are connected to all formed terminal portions. Specifically, the board-side connector 434 includes only an output terminal and a ground terminal for each power supply voltage, or only an output terminal, a ground terminal, and a backup power supply terminal for each power supply voltage. In order to respond flexibly to changes in the design of the power system, etc., it may be convenient to form a spare terminal part in order to facilitate the addition of a new power supply voltage terminal. By adopting a configuration in which all the terminals are used without excess or deficiency without intentionally forming the terminal portions, there is an advantage that illegal operations using spare terminals can be effectively prevented.

  Next, FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an internal configuration including the power supply monitoring module 553 for the power supply unit 127 described above. First, the output voltage from the power receiving board 128 is rectified and smoothed to DC 5 V or the like by the constant voltage circuit section 552 in the power supply unit 127, for example, the power terminal VCC of the prize ball control section 150 (main control section 140). Is connected to a backup terminal via an auxiliary power circuit (power storage means) 556. The auxiliary power supply circuit 556 has a RAM 681 when the power supply from the constant voltage circuit unit 552 is interrupted or the output voltage drops below a predetermined value due to interruption of power supply from the power receiving board 128 due to a power failure or the like. , 481 for ensuring the operating voltage necessary for the CPUs 601 and 401 (see FIG. 14). Here, the power storage means for maintaining the output voltage, specifically, the capacitor 557 forms the main body of the auxiliary power circuit 556. A capacitor 557b is provided on the way from the constant voltage circuit unit 552 to the power supply terminal VCC, and during the period when the backup voltage from the auxiliary power supply circuit 556 is supplied by the capacitor 557b when the power supply is cut off. The voltage supply is compensated. Further, it is desirable that the capacity of the capacitor 557b be set to such an extent that at least the operation of the CPUs 601 and 401 (see FIG. 14) including the RAMs 681 and 481 can be ensured until the backup process described later is completed.

  Capacitor 557 is connected in parallel to the power supply line from constant voltage circuit unit 552 to VCC, and is always charged via power supply from constant voltage circuit unit 552 via diode 558 to maintain the charged state. Yes. When the power supply is interrupted, the capacitor 557 is discharged while being prevented from backflow by the diode 558, and supplies the operating voltage to the CPUs 601 and 401 (see FIG. 14) including the RAMs 681 and 481. Note that the capacity of the capacitor 557 is desirably set to a level that can ensure the operation of the RAMs 681 and 481 at least until a series of processing from backup processing at power interruption to restoration processing is completed. Further, the auxiliary power supply circuit 556 may be configured using a battery (in this case, either a primary battery or a secondary battery) 557a instead of the capacitor 557.

  On the other hand, the output voltage VX from the constant voltage circuit unit 552 is branched and input to a comparator 569 functioning as an abnormality detection means (here, power supply interruption detection means), where it is compared with the voltage level VS of the voltage monitoring reference signal 567. The VS is an output voltage (for example, 12V) from a predetermined terminal of the constant voltage circuit unit 552, and is set corresponding to a lower limit voltage level at which, for example, the CPUs 601 and 401 (see FIG. 14) cannot be stably operated. Can do. Normally, VX> VS and the output of the comparator 569 is in the first state (here, L level), but when VX <VS due to a power failure or the like, the output of the comparator 169 is different from the first state described above. Two states (here, H level) are entered.

  The output of the comparator 569 is input to one terminal of an AND gate 570 (abnormality confirmation information generating means) which is an output means for a power cutoff signal (abnormality detection signal). A power cutoff signal generation reference signal 568 is input to the other terminal of the AND gate 570. The power cutoff signal generation reference signal 568 has a voltage level VY corresponding to the second state of the comparator 569 (here, VS = VY is used for convenience). Accordingly, only when the output of the comparator 569 is in the second state described above, the AND gate 570 outputs the power cutoff signal VK (here, L level), which is an interrupt terminal of the CPUs 601 and 401 (see FIG. 14). Is input.

  The operating voltages of the comparator 569 and the AND gate 570 are supplied by a constant voltage circuit unit 552 (output: + 12V). Since the operating voltage of the AND gate 570 is + 5V, the voltage is adjusted by an adjusting unit 570c (which may be a DC-DC converter or the like) including voltage dividing resistors 570a and 570b. The voltage monitoring reference signal 567 and the power cutoff signal generation reference signal 568 are also generated by the constant voltage circuit 552 (the voltage level is adjusted by the adjusting unit 560 including the voltage dividing resistors 563 and 564). Since power supply from the constant voltage circuit 552 is interrupted during a power failure, a reference signal auxiliary power circuit 559 having a diode 562 and a capacitor 561 and having the same configuration as the auxiliary power circuit 556 is provided.

  In this embodiment, when a power interruption such as a power failure occurs, game medium information for establishing a game mode is stored and retained in the RAMs 681 and 481 (see FIG. 14) by supplying auxiliary power from the power storage means ( Backup). For example, when the CPU 601 or 401 (see FIG. 14) receives an NMI interrupt signal when an abnormality occurs, the control program information for establishing the game mode written in the registers of the CPU 601 and 401 (see FIG. 14) is stored in the CPU 601. , 401 (see FIG. 14) is transferred to the RAMs 681, 481 (see FIG. 14), and the control program information is stored and retained (backed up). Further, game information stored in the RAMs 681 and 481 (see FIG. 14) at the time of occurrence of an abnormality is also stored and held in the RAMs 681 and 481.

  It is also possible to monitor the other voltage level values such as AC 24 V from the power receiving board 128 and supply the backup voltage when the voltage level falls below a predetermined value. The voltage value to be monitored and the timing for changing the power interruption signal (NMI interrupt signal) can be variously changed according to the control unit to be backed up. For example, in order to prevent excessive payout of the above-described prize ball motor 297 (see FIG. 3), it is possible to determine with reference to the drive voltage of the motor 297. In addition, it is possible to determine the timing for changing the power interruption signal and the system reset signal in consideration of the time required for payout.

A modification of the power supply unit 127 shown in FIG. 18 will be described. In the power supply unit 420 shown in FIG. 29, the input AC voltage (AC24V) is converted and output in the following procedure. The power supply unit 420 is provided with CN1 to CN4 as the input / output connectors 421 and 422.
First, the AC voltage input from the power receiving board 410 is rectified in a rectifier circuit 760a including a rectifier circuit element such as a diode (for example, full-wave rectification by the diode bridge 574 or the like). The rectified voltage may be output as a pulsating current (24 V) from, for example, the 10th terminal of the connector CN2 to the sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board 380). Is possible. The pulsating voltage can be smoothed according to various purposes in each control board as the supply destination, and can be smoothed by a capacitor or a three-terminal regulator. For example, when used for lighting driving of lamps in a light emitting device including a resistive filament, for example, a lamp control board, a pulsating voltage can be used as it is, and a driving motor for driving a torque motor for a launching apparatus can be used on the firing control board. In the case of using for the above, it is possible to smooth the pulsating flow in the launch control board and use a stable DC voltage.

  The voltage input from the power receiving board 410 and rectified in the rectifier circuit 760b is transformed and stabilized by a step-down chopper regulator IC 763 having a three-terminal regulator similar to the above, and then again the rectifier circuit element and Rectification / smoothing is performed in a rectification / smoothing unit (smoothing filter) 764 including a smoothing circuit element, and output as DC12V-A. The DC12V-A is output from the eighth terminal of the connector CN2 to the symbol control board 360, the lamp control board 370, and the voice control board 380 via the power relay board 121 (see FIG. 18), for example. ing.

  Further, the voltage input from the power receiving board 410 and rectified in the rectifier circuit 760c is further rectified and then DC32V, for example, from the ninth terminal of the connector CN2 to the sub control board (the prize ball control board 350, the symbol control board 360). , The lamp control board 370, the voice control board 380) and the fourth terminal of the connector CN4 to the main control board 340. Similarly, the voltage rectified in the rectifier circuit 760c is transformed and stabilized by a two-output chopper regulator IC 765 having a three-terminal regulator similar to the above, and then again includes a rectifier circuit element and a smoothing circuit element. -Rectified and smoothed by a smoothing unit (smoothing filter) 764, and DC12V-B and DC5V, for example, from the seventh, fourth, and fifth terminals of the connector CN2, the sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360) , The lamp control board 370, the sound control board 380), and from the third and second terminals of the connector CN4 to the main control board 340. This DC12V-B is output to the main control board 340, the frame control board 350, and the launch control board 201, and DC5V is the main control board 340 and the sub-control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol). Control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board 380). The output of DC5V is supplied to CN2 via a backup circuit 769 including an electric double layer capacitor in order to compensate for the voltage supply for backing up the contents of the built-in RAMs 481 and 681 (see FIG. 14) when the power is shut off. Is output to the third terminal.

  Next, the voltage input from the power receiving board 410 and rectified in the rectifier circuit 760 c is output to the power interruption detection circuit 771. The power interruption detection circuit 771 is a circuit that monitors the power supply voltage, and is a circuit unit that outputs a power interruption signal when the output power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less. This power interruption signal is output from the output buffer 772 through the filter 773 to the main control board 340 and the prize ball control board 350 from the second terminal of the connector CN3. When a power interruption signal is input to the main control board 340 and the prize ball control board 350, the main control board 340 and the prize ball control board 350 perform backup processing.

  The power interruption detection circuit 771 outputs a memory clear signal. This memory clear signal is a signal for erasing (clearing) the contents of the RAMs 481 and 681 (see FIG. 14) of the main control board 340 and the prize ball control board 350 when the power is turned on. Specifically, a memory clear signal is generated by turning on the power while artificially pressing a memory clear switch (provided on the power supply unit 420 (not shown)) that is valid only when the power is turned on. , Output from the first terminal of CN3 to the main control board 340 and the prize ball control board 350.

  On the other hand, the power interruption detection circuit 771 outputs a system reset signal for the sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board 380). That is, in this embodiment, the system reset signal for the main control board is generated by the main board power supply control unit 870, and the system reset signal for the main control section and the sub control board (the prize ball control board 350, the symbol control). System reset signals for the board 360, the lamp control board 370, and the sound control board 380) are generated by different circuit units and are output via different connectors and signal lines. The system reset signal for this sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, voice control board 380) is supplied to the third terminal of connector CN3 on each of the sub control boards 350 to 380 when the power is turned on. And is initialized by the sub-control boards 350 to 380. Thereafter, a system reset signal for the main control board is output from the main board power supply control unit 870, and the main control board 340 is initialized.

  Next, the output of the power supply voltage to the main control board (main board) 340 is the power supply voltage to each sub-control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, voice control board 380). It is supposed to be done after the output is done. Specifically, such output control is performed by a main board power supply control unit (main control board power supply control unit) 870 shown in FIG. The main board power supply control unit 870 controls the output of the power supply voltage to the main control board 340, and each sub-control board (the prize ball control board 350, the symbol control board 360, the lamp control board 370, the voice control board). A power supply voltage is supplied to the main control board 340 based on a signal from the board 380). That is, a power supply voltage is supplied to each sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board 380), and the sub control boards (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360). Output from the sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, voice control board 380) when control (operation) in the lamp control board 370 and voice control board 380 is started. When a generated operation signal (start signal) is input to the main board power supply control unit 870, a power supply voltage is supplied to the main control board 340. In the sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board 380), an operation generating signal is output when the power supply voltage is supplied and the control is started. An occurrence signal output means (CPU of each sub-control unit) is provided, and the action occurrence signal output by the action occurrence signal output means is transmitted to the connector CN4 of the power supply unit 420 via the relay board 121 (see FIG. 18). Input to terminals 5-8. Note that the operation occurrence signal may be directly input to the power supply unit 420.

  The main board power supply control unit 870 includes an AND gate (logic circuit) 871 and a relay (relay) 872 as shown in FIG. The operation occurrence signals from the sub control boards (the prize ball control board 350, the symbol control board 360, the lamp control board 370, and the voice control board 380) inputted to the 5th to 8th terminals (see FIG. 29) of the connector CN4 are When all of the inputs are input to the AND gate (logic circuit) 871 and become H level, an H level signal is output from the AND gate (logic circuit) 871 to the relay 872, and the relay 872 is activated. The operation of the relay 872 energizes each power supply voltage (5V, 12V-B, 32V) that can be supplied to the main board power supply control unit 870. Based on this, a reset IC 873 generates a system reset signal, and A system reset signal is output to the main control board 340 and control of the main control board 340 is initialized. Further, each power supply voltage (5V, 12V-B, 32V) is output to the main control board 340, and control (operation) of the main control board 340 is started.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the main board power supply control unit 870 is mainly composed of a CPU 877, which is a sub-control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board). 380), a power supply voltage to the main control board 340 can be output based on the operation occurrence signal. That is, an operation occurrence signal from each sub-control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, sound control board 380) is input to the CPU 877 via the I / O port 875 and the decode circuit 876. Then, based on the input, the CPU 877 can output an operation command signal to the relay 872.

  By providing such a main board power supply control unit 870 shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, control activation in the sub control board (prize ball control board 350, symbol control board 360, lamp control board 370, voice control board 380). However, it becomes faster than the start of the control of the main control board 340, and it may be difficult to cause a problem such as missing a control signal from the main control board 340. In the present embodiment, when the control of the main control unit 140 is started, an operation start permission signal (see FIG. 23) described later is transmitted to the prize ball control unit 150.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 will be described focusing on the processing executed by the CPU 401 of the main control unit 140. When the gaming machine 1 is activated, the CPU 401 executes an initial setting process and thereafter repeats the main job shown in FIG. 31 every time the timer is reset (in this embodiment, the reset cycle is 2.048 ms). Execute.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the main job, as a start switch check job (S100), the CPU 401 determines whether or not the start / stop switch attached to the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 16) is in the start state. It is determined whether or not the game start flag is set and whether or not the count values of the various entrance detection switches 25a, 23c and 21c (see FIGS. 3 and 7) provided in the entrance area are less than 16. .

  Next, in the game start job (S200), as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the game end flag is “1” in S201. If the determination is affirmative, the game end flag is cleared to 0 in S202. Then, processing such as confirmation, setting or clearing is performed on various flags and timers necessary for starting the game, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns. Note that the game end flag is set by the above-described initial setting, and thereafter, is set in the game end job of S1000 (see FIG. 9).

  Returning to FIG. 9, in the subsequent firing job (S300), the CPU 401 confirms the set time and the operation state of the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 16), and based on the confirmation result, the firing motor of the launching device unit 8 (see FIG. 2). ON / OFF control 93 (see FIG. 16) is executed. Then, following the firing job (S300), a firing number count job (S400) is executed. In this firing number count job (S400), a ball feed count switch 95 (see FIG. 8) and a tip ball detection switch 94 ( Based on the detection information (see FIG. 8) and the signal from the foul ball sensor 197 (see FIG. 8), each of the foul spheres is confirmed and the firing number counter is updated. Note that the firing number counter provided in the main controller 140 (see FIG. 3) includes the number of fired balls counted by the ball feed count switch 95 (see FIG. 8) and the foul ball sensor 197 (see FIG. 8). The difference from the detected foul ball, that is, the number of effective firing balls is written. Further, the presence or absence of a game ball at the launch position is detected by the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8).

  Subsequently, the firing control job in S450 is performed with reference to the firing number counter updated in the firing number count job. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, for example, in one game, when the number of effective firing balls is less than the upper limit 16 (S451: YES), the process proceeds to S452, and the main control unit 140 moves the ball feed solenoid 91 ( In order to operate (see FIG. 16), a control signal is transmitted to the firing control unit 201a via the prize ball control unit 150 (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, if a negative determination is made in S451, the presence or absence of detection of the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8) is confirmed in S453, and a game ball is detected by the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8). If so, the process proceeds to S454 and a control signal is similarly transmitted to the firing control unit 201a so as to operate only the firing motor 93 (see FIG. 16). The operation of the ball feed solenoid 91 and the firing motor 93 is performed by separately transmitting a control signal, but a sequence signal (sequentially) for sequentially actuating the ball feed solenoid 91 and the firing motor 93. Signal) to the firing control unit 201a, it is possible to sequentially operate each device in the same sequence. In addition, when there is no detection of the game ball by the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8) (S453: NO), the count values of the various entrance detection switches 25a, 23c, and 21c (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). It is determined whether or not the number is less than 16, and if there are 16, the firing control in the unit game is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the firing interval control job in S <b> 470 is performed with reference to the firing number counter updated in the firing number count job. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, after the first game ball is fired in S471, 0.7 seconds after the first game ball is fired with reference to the firing number counter. When the time has elapsed (S472: YES), the process proceeds to S473 and the second game ball is fired. Further, after the second game ball is fired, if 0.6 seconds have elapsed after the second game ball is fired with reference to the fire number counter (S474: YES), the process proceeds to S475. The 3rd to 16th game balls are fired at 0.5 second intervals. The second ball is fired when 0.6 seconds have passed since the first ball is fired, and 0.5 seconds from the third ball to the 16th ball after 0.5 seconds have passed since the second ball is fired. It is also possible to fire at intervals of seconds. That is, in the launch interval control job (S470), the launch interval of the game balls is controlled according to the number of launch balls, and specifically, after the first game ball is launched. The firing interval is controlled to be longer than the firing interval after the second ball. In other words, the firing interval between the Nth and N + 1th balls (N ≧ 2) is controlled to be shorter than the firing interval between the first and second balls. In this way, the number of fired balls per unit time (for example, 1 minute) may increase excessively (for example, 100 or more) by controlling the firing interval to be shortened for the second and subsequent balls. Therefore, in the present invention, there is provided game waiting time determining means (made by the main control unit 140) capable of determining an interval time (game waiting time) between the respective games according to the gaming state. Details will be described later.

  As for the operating state of the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 16), when the player releases his / her hand from the firing handle 9, that is, when the touch switch 9a (see FIG. 1) provided on the firing handle 9 is no longer detected. Is repeatedly performed until the remaining number of game balls in the game at the time when the detection is lost is fired in the firing interval control job from S471. For example, when the detection by the touch switch 9a (see FIG. 1) is lost before the fourth ball is fired, the remaining 4 to 16 game balls (13 balls) are fired according to the firing interval control job. Specifically, after the first game ball is fired (corresponding to the fourth ball) after 0.7 seconds, the next game ball (corresponding to the fifth ball) is fired for another 0.6 seconds. After the lapse, game balls corresponding to the 6th to 16th balls (11 balls in total) are fired at intervals of 0.5 seconds.

  Next, a random number update job (S500) is performed to update the count value of the random number counter for determination of success / failure. This is a random number update job for determining whether a symbol is correct or not in the guide symbol display device 17 using random numbers. As shown in FIG. 11, in the random number update job (S500) executed as random number processing, the CPU 401 In S501, the value of the random number provided in the setting area of the RAM 481 (see FIG. 14) is incremented by 1, and in S502, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number incremented by 1 is 50 or more. If an affirmative determination is made that the random number value is 50 or more, a process of clearing the random number value to 0 is performed in S503. Thereafter, when a negative determination is made that the value of the random number is less than 50, the process returns. The random number value updated in this way is acquired at a predetermined timing (at the time of detection of passage at the guide symbol operation gate 16), and compared with a predetermined determination value for determining whether or not the determination is correct (a determination determination job) ).

  Returning to FIG. 9, the game job (S600) is subsequently executed. As a subroutine of this game job (S600), a symbol display job (S610) shown in FIG. 12 is performed. In this symbol display job (S610), in step S611, the CPU 401 detects the accessory actuating entrance entrance detection switch 21c (see FIG. 7) and the accessory actuating entrance (score increasing device actuating entrance) entrance detection switch 23c (see FIG. 7). , The entrance detection switch of each entrance area provided in the game area such as the 16 consecutive entrance ball detection switch 25a (see FIG. 3) is scanned. If there is a detection signal from these, a numerical lamp corresponding to the incoming symbol display device 25 is turned on in S612. In the incoming symbol display device 25, for example, if four consecutive number lamps are displayed in combination lighting, a score is established, and a predetermined number of game balls and the like are paid out.

  Further, a guide symbol display job (S620) shown in FIG. 17 is separately performed as a subroutine of the game job (S600). The above-mentioned success / failure determination job is performed based on the entrance to the guide symbol operation gate 16 (that is, the detection at the guide symbol operation port entrance (gate passage) detection switch 16d), and further, the symbol determination for determining whether to come off. The random number and the reach mode determining random number are acquired, and the result is stored in the RAM 482 (see FIG. 14). First, in S621, on the basis of the passage of the game ball to the guidance symbol operating gate 16, the guidance symbol display device 17 starts variable display of each symbol (in this case, a three-digit guidance symbol). Next, in S622, the success / failure result obtained in the success / failure determination job is referred to. In the case of a hit determination (“1”) (S623: YES), the flow proceeds to S632, and the reach mode determination value determined by the random number is determined. In step S633, the jackpot number determined by a random number is read out. In step S631, the left symbol and the middle symbol are aligned with the same symbol, for example, and after the predetermined reach display mode, the right symbol is left. Stop and display the symbols in the same pattern as the middle and middle symbols.

  On the other hand, in the case of the miss reach determination (“2”) (S624: YES), the process proceeds to S628, and the miss reach symbol number determined by the random number and the miss right symbol number are read. In S629, the read out reach symbol number is compared with the out right symbol number, and the out reach mode is determined based on the difference between them (S630). Specifically, in S629, the difference between these numbers (ie, the difference between the left symbol and the right symbol, for example) is calculated, and the outreach mode stored in advance in the RAM 481 (see FIG. 14) based on the difference. Detach reach mode data from the memory. For example, when the difference is “−1” (that is, when the right symbol is the symbol immediately before the left symbol, for example), one type is selected from a plurality of types (for example, three types) of outliers (for example, Can be selected by obtaining a predetermined random number). After that, for example, after the left symbol and the middle symbol are aligned to the same symbol and after a predetermined reach display mode, the right symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol different from the other symbols.

  Further, in the case of the normal detachment determination (“3”) (S625), the process proceeds to S626, the detachment symbol number determined by the random number is read, the process proceeds to S627, and the guidance symbols are shifted at a timing shifted from each other. Stop and confirm. In the case of the normal deviation determination, it is possible to change the display mode to various modes such as delaying the variable display time for only one symbol.

  The display mode determined in such a guide symbol display job (S620) is output as corresponding command data (command signal) from the main control unit 140 to the symbol display device control unit 160 at a predetermined time interval. The symbol display device control unit 160 performs display control by selecting a control mode within a range assigned based on the command data. The symbol display device control unit 160 stores a display pattern group consisting of a plurality of display patterns corresponding to the command data, and displays the display pattern corresponding to the command data transmitted as the command signal in the display pattern group. It is possible to select from among them (can be selected by acquiring random numbers or the like) and to perform display control in the guidance symbol display device 17 in the symbol display device control unit 160.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the interval timer set job (S700) is subsequently executed. As shown in FIG. 15, in this interval timer set job (S700), the CPU 401 determines whether or not the game is in progress in S701. If the game is in progress, the CPU 401 makes a positive determination. It is determined whether or not the count value of 21c (see FIGS. 3 and 7) is less than 16. If a negative determination is made, it is determined in subsequent S703 whether or not the count value of the interval timer (game confirmation time) is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made, the interval flag is set to “1” in subsequent S704. If a negative determination is made in S701 and S703 and an affirmative determination is made in S702, the process returns. For example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the 16th last game ball, which is a set ball, has been fired by the ball feed count switch 95 and the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8) (for example, 5 seconds) ) That the 16th last game ball, which is the set ball, has entered the various entrance areas provided in the game area, various entrance detection switches 25a, 23c, 21c (see FIGS. 3 and 7). A predetermined time is set as the start time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection by the detection signal from (for example, 2 seconds), and the interval between the start time and the start of the next game is determined as the interval period. It is done.

  In the present embodiment, the game waiting time (interval time) is determined for each game by the main control unit (game waiting time determining means) 140. Specifically, a game waiting time determination job shown as an example in FIG. 28 is executed. First, when the first game ball in one game is fired, a firing time counting timer is set. When the firing of the 16 game balls is completed (S752: YES), the counting time t1 of the firing time counting timer is read in S753. If the read counting time t1 is shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 9.6 seconds) (S754: YES), (9.6-t1) seconds are set as the game waiting time in S755. In S754, when it is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 9.6 seconds), the game waiting time is not provided, or the game waiting time as short as possible can be provided. Thus, by determining (or changing) the game waiting time for each game, the number of shot balls per unit time (for example, 1 minute) is prevented from excessively increasing (for example, 100 or more). Can be possible. The predetermined time is a reference time and can be set as an arbitrary time. Therefore, for example, 8.0 seconds can be used instead of 9.6 seconds.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the score calculation job (S800) is subsequently executed. As shown in FIG. 13, in the score calculation job (S800), the CPU 401 determines in S801 whether or not the combination display related to the score establishment in the incoming symbol display device 25 is established during one game, and affirmative determination is made. If so, the process proceeds to S802 and the score for the combination is added. In subsequent S803, it is determined whether or not the score increasing device is operating. If the determination is affirmative, the score added in S802 is doubled, and if the determination is negative, the process returns. If a negative determination is made in S801, the process skips to S803. However, the skip to S803 may be omitted and the process may return to the return.

  Returning to FIG. 9, a payout job is executed in S900, and data acquisition for winning ball payout is performed based on the score data set in the score calculation job (S800). When one game is completed, the score established in one game is displayed as a payout score on the score display device 29 (see FIG. 1), and 16 game balls are paid out as prize balls for each score of the game. The incoming symbol display device 25 is turned off. However, the upper limit of the score is 10 points, and the amount exceeding 10 points is not eligible for prize ball payout.

  In the last game end job (S1000) to be executed, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the interval flag is set to “1”. If the determination is negative, after 16 effective firing balls have been fired. It is determined whether or not the adjustment time (game waiting time (see FIG. 28)) has elapsed. If the adjustment time has elapsed, the interval flag is set to “1”, and if the interval timer is counted up, the game end (unit game end) flag is set to “1” and the process returns.

  Next, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. First, the game mode in the normal game state will be described. When the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate 16, the guide symbol display device 17 operates. When a predetermined symbol combination is confirmed and displayed on the guidance symbol display device 17, the accessory guiding device (main control unit 140) is activated, and the movable piece 21a of the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21a. , 21b are opened. When a game ball enters the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21 during the opening operation, or after a predetermined number of unit games (for example, 2 times) have elapsed, the opening is terminated. In addition, when a game ball enters the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21, Nos. 5 and 8 of the incoming symbol display device 25 are lit and displayed. The numbers 5 and 8 correspond to the entrance holes of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24 that are difficult to enter.

  The game ball that has entered the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21 is guided to either the induction increasing device operating region 19a or the induction increasing device non-operating region 19b, 19b. Here, when the game ball enters the guidance increasing device operating region 19a and is detected by the guidance increasing device operating region passing detection switch 19d (see FIG. 7), the guidance increasing device (main control unit 140) is operated, A special gaming state occurs. This induction increasing device is supposed to operate continuously up to 14 unit games (14 games). The score obtained in each unit game is displayed on a score display device 29 (see FIG. 1) provided below the pitched symbol display device 25.

  The above is the game mode related to the normal gaming state. The guide symbol operating gate 16, the guide symbol display device 17, the accessory operating port (specific entrance) 21, the guiding device 20a, and the guidance increasing device operating region 19a are the first. It functions as a game device group for the game mode (for generating special games).

  Next, the game mode in the special game state will be described. If the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate 26 during the operation of the guidance increase device, that is, in the special game state, the accessory guidance device (main control unit 140) is activated, and the accessory operation port (score) (Increasing device operating port) 23 is opened for a predetermined time. When the game ball enters the accessory operating port 23 or when the unit game at the time of the release ends, the release operation is finished. When a game ball enters the accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23, the 8th, 9th, 12th, and 13th of the incoming symbol display device 25 are lit and displayed, and the game (unit game) ) The score gained during will be doubled. The numbers 8, 9, 12, and 13 correspond to the entrance holes of the 16 entrance holes 24 that are difficult to enter. This special game state is repeated with 14 unit games as the upper limit, and is ended when the unit game reaches the 14th time or when a game ball enters the guidance increase device operating area 19a. The above is the game mode related to the special game state, and the accessory guiding device operating gate 26 and the accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23 are a gaming device group for the second game mode (special game state). It is functioning. Note that the upper limit for continuing the special gaming state may be selected by lottery. For example, a guide increase device operation frequency determination symbol display device is arranged in the game area 11, and after a game ball enters the guidance increase device operation region 19a, based on the symbol fixedly displayed by the frequency determination symbol display device, The maximum number of continuations of the special gaming state may be determined.

  Next, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, after the number of game balls that can be fired in a unit game (launch upper limit ball number: for example, 16 balls) is fired for a predetermined time before proceeding to the next unit game. Interval time is provided. As an opportunity to start the interval time, for example, after 16 game balls have been fired, all the gaming devices have finished operating (interval function). In this case, in the interval time from the launch of 16 game balls to the end of the game, the fact that the interval time has elapsed is indicated to the player by means of interval notification means such as a lamp (including LEDs) or voice. It is possible to inform. As such an interval notification means, it is possible to provide a separate display device on the front surface of the gaming machine, or to perform notification using a guidance symbol display device (variable display device) 17.

  In addition, the operation trigger of the guidance symbol display device (variable display device) 17 is that the game ball has passed to the guidance symbol actuation gate (starting detection device) 16. A variation pattern (variable display pattern) displayed on the guidance symbol display device (variable display device) 17 is selected based on the number of game balls (number of fired balls). The variation pattern (variable display pattern) can include, for example, several patterns having different variation display times (variable display times) from the start of variation (variable) display to the final display of the symbols. For example, as in the variation pattern selection job shown in FIG. 25, when the passing of the game ball is detected by the guiding symbol operation gate (start detection device) 16 in S951, the unit game (one game) is shot or fired in S952. Check the number of shot balls considered. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the number of shot balls is a predetermined number (for example, 10) or more. If the number is less than the predetermined number, a variation pattern having a relatively long variation time is selected in S954. On the other hand, when the number of shot balls is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, a variation pattern having a relatively short variation time is selected. Based on the variation pattern thus selected, variation display (variable display) is performed in the guidance symbol display device (variable display device) 17. The variation pattern selection job is performed mainly by the main control unit 140, but may be performed mainly by the symbol display device control unit 160. Further, with respect to the variation pattern, a plurality of variation patterns may be stored in advance according to the variation time, and each may be selected according to the number of shot balls. It should be noted that the number of shot balls regarded as the above-mentioned launch or launch is detected by the foul ball sensor 197 (see FIG. 8) from the number of feed balls counted by the ball feed count switch 95 (see FIG. 8). The number of game balls (foul balls) deducted.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 has an error detection function. For example, in a single unit game, a certain time (for example, about 5 seconds or more as a time for confirming entry to each entry device (entrance entrance)) has elapsed since the release of a maximum of 16 game balls. After that, when all the game balls that have been launched do not enter the entrance device (entrance entrance), the ball throwing error process is performed. It should be noted that the launching of a game ball with 16 firing upper limit balls has 16 effective firing balls counted by the ball feed count switch 95 (see FIG. 8) and the foul ball sensor 197 (see FIG. 8), and When a game ball is not detected by the tip ball detection switch 94 after a predetermined time (for example, about 2 seconds or more as a return ball confirmation time) has elapsed in the ball detection switch 94, a game with a maximum number of balls to be fired is 16 The ball launch may be complete. Such an error function suggests the possibility that the game ball is caught in the game area 11 by a failure nail or the like. In this case, error processing shall be performed by notifying an error to a display device (an error display device or a variable display device can be used) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1. In this case, the number of game balls caught can be calculated by subtracting the number actually entered from 16 in particular, and the number of game balls can be displayed on the display device. The error cancellation can be performed, for example, by entering a game ball caught by a store clerk or the like into any of the entry devices (entrance entrance). Note that error processing (including error detection) is performed mainly by the main control unit 140 with reference to various switches and a ball detection mechanism.

  As another error detection function, for example, an invalid condition for a launched game ball is set. Specifically, the number of game balls fired in the game area 11 is calculated by referring to the tip ball detection switch 94 and the ball feed count switch 95 (see FIG. 8) and the foul ball sensor 197 (see FIG. 8). Counting is possible by calculating the difference from the detection result, and when the number of game balls more than the number of game balls fired enters the entrance device (entrance entrance) in one unit game ( When it is detected by the entrance detection switch of each entrance area), the entrance is invalidated and error processing is performed. Specifically, when such an error occurs, various switches and entrance detection mechanisms of each entrance device (entrance entrance) are invalidated and an error display device or the like is used to display an error. it can.

  A game ball (prize ball) payout control mode will be described as a prize mode of the gaming machine of the above embodiment. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game ball is paid out when a prize mode (score) is found. After a game ball has been paid out, when an effective ball entering the accessory operating port (score increasing device operating port) 23 is detected and the score increasing device is activated, an increase due to the operation of the score increasing device at the time of operation is performed. It is supposed to pay out the game balls for the minute. It should be noted that payout of an increased amount of game balls due to the operation of the score increasing device is performed when the 16th launch of the activated unit game is completed, or when the 16th ball is detected, or It can be performed when the next unit game of the unit game is started, and can be paid out when it is confirmed that all the gaming devices have been operated. In addition, it is possible to pay out the game ball after the interval time has expired, and it is also possible to pay out the game ball after the elapse of a predetermined time (game confirmation time) after the operation of all the game devices has ended. is there.

  Next, the launch motor 93 connected to the launcher control board 201 (see FIG. 16) is a motor that operates a launch hammer for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 11 (see FIG. 1). Thus, the operation of the motor 93 can be detected and output externally. For example, a launch motor detection switch that detects that the launch device is in operation is provided in the launch device unit 8 (see FIG. 2), and the launch device is sent to the main control unit 140 (see FIG. 3) by sending the detection signal. It may be possible to determine whether it is operating. Further, it is possible to output a detection signal from the firing motor detection switch from the test terminals 342 and 343 (see FIGS. 20 and 21) to the test apparatus 807 (see FIG. 3) to determine the firing timing, that is, the game start timing. It becomes. Therefore, it may be possible to perform an accurate and quick test by a third-party inspection organization.

  Hereinafter, the contents of the control signal transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the prize ball control unit 150 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 23 (a diagram illustrating an example of a control signal transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the prize ball control unit 150) as a signal transmitted from the main control unit 140 serving as a transmission-side control unit, , A firing stop signal, a hammer actuation signal (a striking device special actuation signal), and these signals are transmitted to a prize ball control unit 150 as a reception side control unit, and the prize ball control unit 150 sends a predetermined control signal to the launch control unit 201a. It is supposed to be transmitted at the timing. Then, when the above signals cannot be received at a predetermined time in the prize ball control unit 150 or the firing control unit 201a, error detection can be performed. Here, the release stop release signal is detected by 16 game balls detected by the respective ball detection switches 25a, 21c, and 23c, and the operation of the game device such as the guidance symbol display device 17 provided in the game region is finished. The firing stop signal is transmitted when 16 game balls are counted by the ball feed count switch 95 (see FIG. 8). The hammer operation signal is transmitted when a game ball is detected by the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8) after 16 game balls are fired. An error is detected when each of these signals (launch control signal) is transmitted at an inaccurate timing different from the respective transmission timing.

  A specific example of error detection related to the transmission timing of the launch control signal as described above will be described with reference to FIG. For example, an error is detected when a hammer operation signal is received after receiving a firing stop release signal by the prize ball control unit 150 and before receiving a firing stop signal (FIG. 24 [2] upper stage). . In this case, an error occurs because the winning ball control unit 150 receives the hammer operation signal before the firing of the 16 game balls is completed. That is, when a game ball is detected by the tip ball detection switch 94 (see FIG. 8) even though 16 shots are finished, a hammer operation signal transmitted to fire only the game ball is received. , An error due to being sent when 16 firings have not ended. As error processing in this case, the error is detected by the main control unit 140 and an error notification means (for example, the guidance symbol display device 17 can be used) such as a lamp, sound, or display provided in the gaming machine. This can be done by notifying and shutting off the power supply for operating the gaming machine and then returning the power supply.

  Further, it is possible to detect an error when receiving the firing stop signal or the hammer operation signal before the prize ball control unit 150 receives the firing stop release signal (FIG. 24 [3]). In this case, an error occurs because the firing stop signal or the hammer activation signal is transmitted before the suspension of the launch is released, that is, before the launch is permitted. Specifically, error processing may be performed when a firing stop release signal is not received after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a firing stop signal or a hammer actuation signal. As error processing in this case, the error is detected by the prize ball control unit 150, and error notification means (for example, the guide symbol display device 17 can be used) such as a lamp, sound, and display provided in the gaming machine. This can be done by notifying an error and shutting off the power source for operating the gaming machine, then returning the power source and transmitting a firing stop release signal from the main control unit 140 to the prize ball control unit 150.

  Also, after receiving the firing stop release signal and receiving the firing stop signal, a larger number of game balls than the number of game balls detected by the foul ball switch 197 (see FIG. 8) are transferred to the ball feed count switch 95. An error can be detected when the error is counted. In this case, it is possible to fire more game balls than the foul balls (game balls that have returned to the lower plate 6 from the outer rail 10c (see FIG. 22) without reaching the game area). Error (ie, more than 16 game balls can be fired in one game). As error processing in this case, the error is detected by the main control unit 140 and an error notification means (for example, the guidance symbol display device 17 can be used) such as a lamp, sound, or display provided in the gaming machine. This can be done by notifying and shutting off the power supply for operating the gaming machine and then returning the power supply.

  Next, among the control signals transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the prize ball control unit 150, signals relating to the prize ball will be described. As shown in FIG. 23, in this embodiment, there are 10 types of prize ball control contents, and prize balls are paid out in an integral multiple (up to 10 times) of 16 balls as a unit. Yes. The ten types of payout processing programs are stored in advance in the payout processing program storage means (ROM 482 (see FIG. 14) of the main control unit 140) in association with payout control commands (60h01h to 60h0Ah) for each of the integral multiple payout numbers. It is remembered. For example, when there is a prize mode, the main control unit 140 transmits one of the payout control commands (60h01h to 60h0Ah) to the prize ball control unit 150 according to the prize mode, and the prize ball control unit 150 is transmitted. A processing program corresponding to the payout control command is read from the payout processing program storage means, and control related to payout of the game ball is performed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control program including the launch control content and the payout control content is stored in advance in the main control unit 140 in association with the control command (launch control command and payout control command). The main control unit 140 transmits a control command to the prize ball control unit 150 at a predetermined timing. Further, the firing control command is transmitted from the prize ball control unit 150 to the firing control unit 201a, and the firing control unit 201a operates the launching device in various modes.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, an operation start permission command is transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the prize ball control unit 150 as shown in FIG. For example, when power is input or power is restored, the power supply voltage is output to the prize ball control unit 150 and before the power supply voltage is output to the main control unit 140 (that is, the main control unit 140 starts operating). In some cases, the prize ball control unit 150 may start to operate due to the storage state before power interruption, etc. In this case, the management of the prize ball payout may not be performed on the main control unit 140 side. Therefore, for example, by sending the operation start permission command from the main control unit 140 to the prize ball control unit 150 after the main control unit 140 is activated, the prize ball control unit 150 waits for the operation start permission signal. Thus, it becomes possible to perform control related to the prize ball payout. Therefore, the main control unit 140 can surely manage prize ball payout, and can more accurately control the operation of the gaming machine.

  Next, the firing interval control job (see FIGS. 9 and 27) in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. When the player touches the launch handle 9 (see FIG. 16), the first game ball is fired. For example, 0.5 seconds after the launch, when the second ball is fired with a short firing interval, or After 0.6 seconds, when the second ball is fired at a normal firing interval, a so-called return ball is generated in which the first game ball does not reach the game area 11 and returns to the outer rail 10c as shown in FIG. In other cases, the first game ball and the second game ball collide with each other to generate a so-called ball hit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, in the firing interval control job of this embodiment, the launch interval of the game balls is controlled according to the number of shot balls. Specifically, the first game The firing interval after the ball is launched (for example, 0.7 seconds) is controlled to be longer than the firing interval after the second ball (for example, 0.6 seconds or 0.5 seconds).

  As such a firing interval control job, firing is performed at intervals of 0.8 seconds for a predetermined time t1 (for example, within 1 second) after the player touches the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 16), and fires continuously. If it is performed (when a return ball is not generated), the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 16) is touched, and after the predetermined time t1, it can be performed at intervals of 0.5 seconds. Specifically, in the outer rail 10c (see FIG. 22), for example, a plurality of game ball detection switches are provided at predetermined intervals, and the next game ball is controlled to be fired according to the return ball generation state. can do.

  By controlling the firing interval in this way, it becomes possible to prevent the ball from hitting without changing the shape of the firing rail 918 (FIG. 22) and the outer rail 10c (see FIG. 22). Without changing or reducing the operating rate of the gaming machine without changing the distance, the launch angle to the gaming area 11 (depending on the shape of the rail), etc., and making the player uncomfortable It can be less. In addition, it is possible to operate the gaming machine by providing the firing interval changing means for changing the firing interval as described above and the game waiting time determining (changing) means for determining (or changing) the game waiting time for each game. It may be possible to prevent the number of fired balls per unit time (for example, 1 minute) from becoming excessively large (for example, 100 or more) while preventing or suppressing a decrease in rate.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Moreover, unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, The range that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art can be added as appropriate, and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be added as appropriate.

The front view of the game machine which is one Example of the game machine of this invention. The back view of the gaming machine of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of the electronic controller of the gaming machine of FIG. The block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to an audio | voice output apparatus control board. The block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a lamp output device control board. The block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a symbol display apparatus control board. The block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a relay board | substrate. The block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a frame relay board | substrate. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a main job in the electronic control device of FIG. 3. The flowchart which shows the flow of a game start job. The flowchart which shows the flow of a random number update job. The flowchart which shows the flow of a symbol display job. The flowchart which shows the flow of a score calculation job. The block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of a main control part and a prize ball control part. The flowchart which shows the flow of an interval timer set job. The block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a launcher control board. The flowchart which shows the flow of a guidance symbol display job. The circuit diagram which shows an example of the board | substrate connection layout in the power supply part of an electronic controller. The circuit diagram which shows an example of a power supply monitoring circuit. The block diagram which shows an example of the connection state of a main control part and an external test device. The block diagram which shows the modification of FIG. The front schematic diagram and its partial perspective view which show the structure inside the upper part of the gaming machine of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the command content transmitted to a prize ball control part from the main control part. The figure which shows an example of the launch control error which generate | occur | produces in the gaming machine of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a variation pattern selection job. The flowchart which shows the flow of a firing control job. The flowchart which shows the flow of a firing interval control job. The flowchart which shows the flow of a game waiting time determination job. The block diagram which shows the modification of a power supply unit. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a main board | substrate power supply control part. The block diagram which shows the modification of a structure of a main board | substrate power supply control part.

Explanation of symbols

1 Arrange ball game machine (game machine)
8 Launcher unit 9 Launch handle 10c Outer rail 17 Guidance symbol display device (variable display device)
24 16 consecutive entrance 25 entrance symbol display device (identification information display device (winning symbol display device))
140 Main control unit (guidance increasing device, special game generating device, success / failure determining means, prize mode increasing device, firing interval changing means)
150 prize ball control part (payout control part)
201a launch control unit

Claims (1)

A game in which a predetermined number of game balls are fired as a unit game, identification information related to the entry of game balls into a plurality of entry areas in the unit game is displayed, and a prize mode is determined based on the combination of the identification information In the machine
A ball counting means for counting the number of shot balls in the unit game;
Firing interval changing means for changing the firing interval of the game ball according to the number of shot balls in the unit game;
With a firing control device that controls the strength of the launch,
While playing the game ball that has been launched from the launcher unit to reach the game area formed on the game board,
The firing interval changing means sets the firing interval to be shorter as the number of fired balls increases from the first launch of the game ball in accordance with the operation of the launch operation device, and becomes a constant launch interval at a predetermined number of balls. Set as
The game board is formed with an outer rail and an inner rail, and the outer rail is provided with a game ball detection switch for each predetermined distance,
The firing interval changing means controls the firing interval with the next game ball as the first game ball when the game ball detection switch detects the occurrence of a return ball .

Images