JP4627466B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine, a large number of obstacle nails are planted and a game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with various game members including a prize opening, and a prize ball according to the prize of the game ball is obtained. Pachinko machines that play games are known.

  In recent years, such a pachinko machine is provided with a display means such as a liquid crystal display device, and a so-called variable display game is executed on the display means, and if the game result is “big hit”, the game shifts to a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player. What has become possible has become mainstream. The variable display game means that when a game ball launched on the game board enters the start opening, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not a big win is won, and the display is based on the lottery result. A plurality of kinds of symbols corresponding to identification information for identifying “big hit” or “losing” are displayed in a variable manner and stopped on the means.

  In such pachinko machines, data relating to game results such as the number of executions of the variable display game and the number of jackpots are collected in order to manage the gaming machines.

  Further, in order to know the actual behavior of the game ball in the gaming machine and grasp the habit of the game board, it is necessary to collect data on the rolling situation of the game ball on the game board in addition to the above data. As for the rolling situation of the game ball on the game board, for example, a game ball guidance called a “warp route” connected to the stage, which is a game member provided in the approximate center of the game board, is connected to the stage. There are the number of balls entered on the road, the frequency of winning a prize from the stage, etc., but for these, collect data by visual observation with an actual game machine, or add a sensor etc. to the accessory that requires data collection. Had to be installed.

However, visual data collection has many measurement errors, it is difficult to obtain accurate data, and the measurement work takes time and is extremely troublesome.
On the other hand, there has been a technical idea for detecting a game ball using a sensor. For example, a gaming machine having the following configuration has been proposed.
For one thing, a winning hole is provided on the surface of the game board so that a game ball flowing down on the game board can pass through the inside, and the game ball passage part. There is a gaming machine that includes a sensor unit that can individually detect a plurality of gaming balls that pass through the inside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, when a game ball is detected by a ball detection sensor provided at a predetermined position such as an accessory on the game board or a prize opening, the game board keeps repeating collisions with obstacle nails installed on the game board. There is a gaming machine in which the movement of the game ball flowing down can be displayed on the display unit in accordance with the movement of the game ball (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-243208 JP 2004-242792 A

  However, when a sensor is newly attached to an accessory or a prize opening that requires data collection, or a predetermined game member such as the stage, it is necessary to enjoy the game smoothly with the sensor attached. A game board, an object, and a game member have to be modified, which is extremely troublesome.

Moreover, even if sensors are provided in advance, in conventional gaming machines, there is no technical idea to effectively use these sensors for management of gaming machines, and in Patent Document 1, it is used to change the structure of the gaming board itself. In Patent Document 2, it was only used for production.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems.

(1) In the present invention as set forth in claim 1, a game board having various game members, a launching means for launching a game ball on the game board, and a detection means capable of detecting the game ball rolling on the game board. And the detection means is arranged so as to be able to detect a game ball passing through a region in the vicinity of the game member, and the detection means is a predetermined region among a plurality of regions in which the game ball can be detected. Detection result storage means for storing the number of detected game balls in the area as a detection result, related area storage means for storing areas related to each other among the plurality of areas, and detection results of the detection result storage means When deviating from the preset number of game balls to be detected, based on the related area stored in the related area storage means, including a predetermined area and other areas related to the predetermined area, Newly normal And control means shifts to detail detection mode to perform detailed sensing that a longer time to get the sensed data from the knowledge, it was decided to include the.

  (2) In the present invention according to claim 2, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, the game member enters a entrance into which a game ball on the game board enters, and enters the entrance And a ball exit opening for playing a game ball on the game board, and a region near the game member is a region near the entrance and / or exit port.

  (3) In the present invention according to claim 3, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, as the gaming member, a stage for retaining the game ball for a while on the game board, and a game ball for guiding the game ball to the stage A guiding path is provided, and the vicinity area of the gaming member is a vicinity area of the exit opening of the stage and the entrance opening of the gaming ball guiding path.

(4) In the present invention according to claim 4, in the gaming machine according to claim 3, the predetermined area includes an area including a vicinity area of an entrance of the game ball guide path and an exit of the stage. It is an area including a vicinity area of the winning opening arranged immediately below, and the other area is an area including an area near the exit opening of the stage .

(5) In the present invention according to claim 5, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a plurality of the detection means are attached to the peripheral portion of the game board so that the arrangement position can be freely changed. The game ball can be detected in any area on the game board .

(6) In the present invention according to claim 6, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , the control means includes a detection result of the detection means in the mutually related area, and the game. A behavior tendency storage means for storing a correspondence relationship with a behavior tendency of a game ball on the board in advance is provided, and the behavior is determined according to a detection result in the predetermined area based on the detection result and another area related to the predetermined area. Based on the correspondence stored in the trend storage means, a behavior tendency of the game ball is estimated, and an output related to the estimation of the behavior tendency is controlled.

  According to the present invention, the rolling state of the game ball entangled with the game member by detecting the game ball passing through the vicinity region of the game member by the detection means capable of detecting the game ball rolling on the game board This data can be easily collected, and by analyzing the data, it can be used for gaming machine management including the function check of the gaming members.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a game board provided with various game members, a launching means for launching a game ball on the game board, and a detection means capable of detecting the game ball rolling on the game board. The detecting means is arranged so as to detect a game ball passing through a region near the game member.

  Such a gaming machine will be described as a pachinko machine. The gaming board has a variety of gaming nails as well as a number of obstacle nails, a game ball winning opening, a game ball passing gate, and a so-called rolling direction of the game ball. “Windmill”, various electric accessories (for example, so-called “electric tulips”), and further provided in the approximate center of the game board, temporarily receive the game balls flowing down and stay for a while, and place the game balls to a predetermined winning opening A so-called “stage” that can be guided is provided.

  These game members are members necessary for making the game more enjoyable, but in some cases may cause clogging of game balls.

  If the clogged state of the game ball on the game board is not cleared, the player will have to interrupt the game, which will be detrimental, so various games will not be jammed. It is desirable to be able to verify the state or quality of the member.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the above-described configuration allows the game ball entangled with the game member to be detected by the detection means, and data on the rolling state (including the clogged state) of the game ball can be easily collected. By analyzing the data, it can be used for gaming machine management including function check of the gaming members.

  In particular, when a game member has a ball entrance and a ball exit, game balls are often clogged in the vicinity of these areas including the ball entrance and the ball exit. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vicinity area of the gaming member is set as the vicinity area of the entrance and / or exit entrance.

  In this way, if it is possible to detect a game ball in the vicinity of the entrance and / or exit, and this detection result can be output externally, for example, the game hall side quickly checks for a ball jam in each gaming machine. It is possible to respond quickly even when a game ball is clogged while actually playing a game.

  In addition, for example, when checking a gaming machine on the game hall side, it is possible to specify a gaming member that is likely to be clogged with balls, and if there is a problem with the quality of the gaming member, the member is actually repaired or replaced. It is also possible to prevent ball clogging during operation.

  By the way, the detection means is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the game ball without contact, but for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element can be preferably used. Alternatively, a reflective optical sensor may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned various game members are arranged on the game board, and in particular, a stage for retaining the game ball for a while is arranged at the approximate center of the game board. Is provided with a game ball guiding path for guiding the game ball. The stage has a function that makes it easy to win a specific winning opening called a `` starting opening '' by discharging the gaming ball from the groove-shaped exit opening while temporarily receiving the gaming ball flowing down and staying for a while. Have. Therefore, this stage is one of the gaming members that are highly interested by the player.

  There are cases where the game balls that flow down while rolling on the game board enter directly on the stage, but the game ball guide path is provided as a dedicated path for the game balls to enter. This is generally called a “warp passage” and is usually formed in a tube shape and provided on the side of the stage. The entrance that is the starting end of the game ball guide path provided on the game board communicates directly with the inside of the stage, and when the game ball enters the entrance, the game ball enters the stage. Will be surely guided.

As described above, in these adjacent areas including the entrance and exit, game balls are often clogged. Therefore, the exit of the stage and the entrance of the game ball guide path (warp passage) In addition to knowing the ball clogging situation of the place where the ball clogging is a concern if each of the adjacent areas is set as an area detected by the detection means, an area including the vicinity area of the entrance of the game ball guiding path, If the area including the vicinity area of the specific winning opening is set as an area detected by the detecting means, the relationship between the number of balls entered into the warp passage and the number of winning prizes at the start opening can be understood. It is possible to analyze problems on the structure of the stage.
In other words, since it is possible to grasp the game ball entry status from the game ball taxiway to the stage and the status of the game ball entry from the stage to a specific winning opening, It is possible to perform up to function check.

  A game ball in a desired area on the game board, such as an area including the vicinity of the stage's exit entrance, an area including the vicinity of a specific winning entrance immediately below, and an area including the vicinity of the entrance of the game ball guide path In order to make this a detectable region, a plurality of the detection means may be attached to the peripheral portion of the game board so that the arrangement position can be freely changed.

  For example, the detection means can be arranged in a position that can be changed. For example, a substantially rectangular frame is provided so as to surround a game area in which a game ball is launched and flows down on the game board. For example, it is conceivable to provide the detection means attaching portions with a fine pitch.

  When the detection means is an optical sensor, the rail body that guides and guides the launched game ball provided on the game board is provided with a slit through which light passes, and each game member on the game board transmits light. It is desirable to form with a transparent material.

  In addition, the pachinko machine described above is arranged in a plurality of areas in which a game ball can be detected (an area near the entrance of the game ball guide path, an area near the exit on the stage, and just below the exit of the stage. If the detection result of the number of game balls in the predetermined area deviates from the preset number of game balls to be detected, the predetermined area and the A control unit that shifts to a detailed detection mode in which detailed detection is newly performed, including other areas related to the predetermined area, can be provided.

  That is, out of a plurality of areas in which the detection means can detect a game ball, a detection result storage means for storing the number of detected game balls in a predetermined area as a detection result, and areas related to each other among the plurality of areas And when the detection result of the detection result storage means deviates from the preset number of game balls to be detected, the related area storage means stores the related area stored in the related area storage means. In addition, the control unit is configured to include a predetermined area and another area related to the predetermined area, and a control unit that shifts to a detailed detection mode in which detailed detection is newly performed.

  The number of game balls to be detected is detected in a predetermined area when a predetermined number (for example, 100) of game balls are fired at an average firing speed in a gaming machine that has finished adjusting the obstacle nail, for example. It is assumed that the number of game balls is assumed to be, and a predetermined allowable range is defined.

  With this configuration, the frequency of entering the entrance of the game ball guide path is lower or higher than expected, and the frequency at which game balls discharged from the exit of the stage enter the specific prize entrance If a case occurs where the value is higher or lower than expected, the control means shifts to the detailed detection mode so that the cause can be accurately grasped, for example, collecting data over a longer time.

  And in this detailed detection mode, the said control means can acquire the detection result in the said predetermined area | region and the other area | region relevant to the said predetermined area, and can estimate the behavior tendency of a game ball from the detection result.

  In other words, the control means includes behavior tendency storage means for storing in advance a correspondence relationship between the detection result of the detection means in the mutually related areas and the behavior tendency of the game ball on the game board, and according to the detection result. In accordance with the detection results in the predetermined area and other areas related to the predetermined area, the behavior tendency of the game ball is estimated based on the correspondence relationship stored in the behavior tendency storage means, and the behavior tendency The output related to the estimation is controlled. Note that the output destination of the behavior tendency estimation result can be a display means provided in the gaming machine, but can also be output to a gaming machine management server or the like installed in a gaming hall, for example. . Furthermore, external output to a printer or the like is also possible.

  For example, the predetermined area is an area near the entrance of the game ball guide path and an area near the specific winning opening arranged immediately below the exit of the stage, and the other area is the exit of the stage. If it is in the vicinity area, rational checks are made such as poor attachment of the members constituting the stage, quality problems of the members, and whether or not the adjustment of the obstacle nail near the entrance of the game ball guide path It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a pachinko machine, and a preferred embodiment thereof will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings.

  1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko machine, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a stage and a game ball guiding path FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are explanatory diagrams of a game ball detection unit including an optical sensor.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 has a base door 13 pivotally attached to a wooden frame 12, and a transparent protective glass 19 is fitted to the base door 13 from a lamp or LED. The front door 11 provided with the decorative lamp 132 is attached to the front door 11 so as to be openable and closable via a shaft support portion 11b. Further, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a card unit 150 called a “sand” so that a game ball can be lent out by a predetermined prepaid card. Reference numeral 151 denotes a prepaid card insertion slot provided in the card unit 150.

  In addition, a resin game board 14 having transparency is disposed behind the protective glass 19 provided on the front door 11 and in front of the base door 13. A liquid crystal display device 32 having a size substantially the same as that of the game board 14 is disposed behind the base door 13, and a display area formed on the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 32 is protected from the game board 14. It can be visually recognized through the glass 19 from the front, that is, from the player side. In FIG. 2, 13 a is an opening formed in the center of the base door 13.

  At the lower part of the base door 13, a tray unit 21 having an upper dish 20 at the upper part and a lower dish 22 at the lower part and an ashtray 23 arranged at the side of the lower dish 22 so as to be positioned below the front door 11. And are provided. The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are formed with payout outlets 20a and 22a for lending game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls). If predetermined payout conditions are met, payout The game balls stored in the device 128 (FIG. 3) will be discharged. In addition, the upper plate 20 can store a game ball to be launched into a game area 15 described later. A control panel 80 is provided on the side of the dish unit 21, and a game ball lending operation unit 82 and a game ball detection operation unit 83 are provided on the control panel 80. In this embodiment, the detection mode SW (switch) 101 is provided so as to be separated from the control panel 80 to the right side. The detection mode SW101 is a switch for setting a later-described game ball detection unit 100, which is a main part of the present embodiment, to an operable state (game ball detection mode). When the detection mode SW101 is ON, the detection mode SW101 is a switch. The operation of the game ball detection operation unit 83 is accepted.

  A launch handle 26 is provided on the right side of the tray unit 21, and the launch device 130 (FIG. 3) is driven by the handle operation, and the game balls stored in the upper tray 20 are sequentially launched into the game area 15.

  As described above, the game board 14 in the present embodiment is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin having translucency. Examples of the light-transmitting resin include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game board 14 has a game area 15 in which the game ball fired by the launcher 130 rolls down on the front surface thereof. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by a guide rail 30 on which a game ball can roll.

  Although a part of the game area 15 is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of game nails N are actually provided with their intervals and planting angles adjusted. The game ball fired by the guide is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14 and moves to the upper part of the game board 14, and then the game ball is changed in its traveling direction by collision with the plurality of game nails N. It flows down toward the bottom of the board 14. In addition, the game ball is guided in a predetermined direction by the game nail N.

The game area 15 is provided with game members made of various transparent materials. As shown in the drawing, a roof portion 58 and a stage 59 (see FIG. 4) each formed of a resin having permeability are provided in the center of the front surface of the game area 15. The roof portion 58 is convex upward, and the stage 59 is attached to the lower portion of the roof portion 58 at a predetermined interval so that the game area 15 can receive and stay in the middle of the game ball. Reference numeral 57 denotes a windmill that distributes the rolling direction of the game ball to the left and right, and is also arranged as a game member.
Between the roof portion 58 and the stage 59, there is a symbol display area in which a game ball does not roll, and the decorative symbol 33 in the special symbol game (to be described in detail later) displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. The change mode and the stop mode can be displayed. The liquid crystal display device 32 has substantially the same area as the game board 14, and in each area except the symbol display area, various effect images relating to the game (for example, background images, character images, and predetermined demos). Image) can be displayed.

  Further, a starting port 44 is provided at a position directly below the center of the stage 59, and on the condition that a game ball has entered the starting port 44, variable display of identification information to be described later is executed. In accordance with the result of the variable display of the identification information, a special gaming state (big hit gaming state, so-called “big hit gaming state”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state is set. In this special gaming state, the shutter 40 that closes the big prize opening 39 provided below the start opening 44 is controlled to be in the open state, and the big prize opening 39 can easily accept the game ball. It becomes a state.

  That is, the special winning opening 39 has a specific area (not shown) having a V / count SW 102 (see FIG. 3) and a general area (not shown) having a count SW 104 (see FIG. 3). The shutter 40 is driven to an open state until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. In other words, when the condition of either winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the big prize opening 39 is put in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. Subsequently, the shutter 40, which has been changed from the open state to the closed state, is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the open state has passed through the V · count SW 102. . In other words, since the game ball received when the special winning opening 39 is in the open state passes through a specific area provided in the special winning opening 39, it is reopened after being closed. is there.

By the way, a game ball guiding path 590 called a “warp route” is attached to the left and right side portions of the stage 59, and a ball entrance 591 is opened at the upper starting end of the game ball guiding path 590. . The game ball guide path 590 is formed in a tube shape from a resin material having permeability, and is provided along the side of the stage 59 from the entrance 591 as shown in FIG. The game ball that has entered the ball 591 is guided and discharged to the inside of the stage 59.
In addition, a groove-shaped exit opening 592 for guiding the game ball to the start opening 44 provided immediately below is formed in the approximate center of the stage 59.
That is, the game ball guided and discharged to the inside of the stage 59 moves on the stage 59 as indicated by the symbol f in the figure, and a certain game ball reaches this ball outlet 592, and normally falls vertically. Therefore, it becomes very easy to win the start opening 44. In this way, entering the game ball guiding path 590 is advantageous for the player.

  In addition, ball gates 54 and 54 are provided at the left and right positions in the game area 15. When the passing gate SW 114 (see FIG. 3) provided in the passing gate 54 detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 54, a normal symbol (not shown) is displayed in a predetermined display area of the liquid crystal display device 32. After the predetermined time elapses, the normal symbol variation display is stopped. This normal symbol is information including numbers, symbols, and the like, for example, symbols such as “◯” and “x”. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members 48 provided on the left and right sides of the start port 44 are changed from the closed state to the open state, and a game ball enters the start port 44. It becomes easier. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 48 is in the open state, the blade member 48 is closed so that it is difficult for the game ball to enter the start port 44.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, reference numeral 56 denotes a general winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22 by winning game balls. Reference numeral 110 denotes a variable pitching device provided at the start port 44. By satisfying a predetermined condition, the blade members 48, 48 provided on the left and right are expanded so that a game ball can easily win. 46L and 46R are left and right speakers provided on the upper part of the game board 14, and 46 'is a speaker cover provided on the front door 11.

  Here, the special symbol game will be described. The special symbol game is started when a game ball is won at the start opening 44, and in the special symbol display device 330 (see FIG. 3) omitted in FIGS. The derivation display of the identification information is performed by 7 segments, etc., and the identification information derived and displayed is in a specific display form (for example, “3” or “7” is a derivation display of “big jackpot display form”). Based on this, the gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state (big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player. Further, when the identification information derived and displayed is in a non-specific display mode (for example, “out-of-phase” in which “−” is derived and displayed), the special gaming state is not entered.

  Further, based on the fact that the identification information derived and displayed is a special display mode (for example, “probability big hit display mode” in which “7” is derived and displayed) among specific display modes, When a special gaming state advantageous to the player is made and the special gaming state is finished, the state is changed to a probability changing state (high probability gaming state, probability improving gaming state). On the other hand, the identification information derived and displayed has become a non-special display mode (for example, “normal jackpot display mode” in which “3” is derived and displayed) among the specific display modes. Based on the above, the game state is shifted to a special game state advantageous to the player, and when the special game state is ended, the game state is shifted to a normal game state relatively unfavorable to the player. In the probability variation state described above, the probability of shifting to the special game state is relatively improved as compared to the normal game state.

  During the execution of the special symbol game, according to the variable display of the identification information on the special symbol display device 330, the liquid crystal display device 32 has decorations corresponding to a plurality of symbol rows (for example, three rows) at the back side position of the symbol display area. The symbol 33 is variably displayed. In the plurality of symbol sequences, when the result of variable display of the identification information in the special symbol display device 330 is a specific display mode, the combination of the plurality of decorative symbols 33 that are derived and displayed is a specific combination (for example, , A state in which all of “1” to “12” are aligned and displayed in each of the plurality of symbol rows, so-called “hit display mode”), and the game state is a special advantage that is advantageous to the player Transition to a gaming state (so-called “big hit”).

  In addition, when the result of variable display of the identification information in the special symbol display device 330 is the probability variation jackpot display mode, the combination of the plurality of derived symbols 33 that are derived and displayed is a special combination (for example, a specific combination) A mode in which each of a plurality of symbol rows is derived and displayed in a state where any one of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, “11” is arranged, so-called “probability change”. When the game state shifts to a specific game state advantageous to the player (so-called jackpot) and the specific game state ends, the game state shifts to a probability change state. In addition, in this embodiment, although the decorative design 33 was comprised in 3 rows, it is not restricted to this, For example, you may comprise the decorative design 33 in 1 row.

  In the pachinko machine 10 having the above-described configuration, the feature of the present embodiment is that the game ball detection unit 100 is provided as a detection means capable of detecting a game ball rolling on the game board 14, and The game ball detector 100 can detect a game ball passing through a region near the stage 59 as the game member.

In the present embodiment, a region including at least the vicinity of the entrance 591 of the game ball guiding path 590 provided on the side portion of the stage 59 (hereinafter referred to as “first detection region a1”) as the vicinity region of the game member. ), An area including the vicinity of the exit opening 592 of the stage 59 (hereinafter referred to as “second detection area a2”), and the start opening provided close to the exit opening 592 of the stage 59 44 (hereinafter referred to as “third detection region a3”), and the detection means is arranged so that game balls passing through these regions can be detected.
In the present embodiment, when a game ball is actually detected, the detection mode SW101 is turned on to enable the game ball detection after the game ball detection mode is set. In this game ball detection mode, It is assumed that a game cannot be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game ball detection unit 100 as detection means is configured by vertically and horizontally lining up a plurality of optical sensors 123 that form a pair of a light emitting element 123a and a light receiving element 123b. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, a portion where the horizontal and vertical rays of the optical sensor 123 cross is used as a game ball detection point, and a set of vertical and horizontal sets indicates that the game ball has passed through the gaming ball detection point where the vertical and horizontal rays cross. By simultaneously detecting with the optical sensor 123, the position of the game ball on the game area 15 can be counted while being specified by coordinates.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the light emitting element 123 a is provided on the first vertical rail portion 100 a and the first horizontal rail portion 100 b provided outside the guide rail 30, and the second vertical rail portion 100 d and the second vertical rail portion 100 b are similarly provided. A light receiving element is provided on the horizontal crosspiece 100c so that the position of the light receiving element can be adjusted, and the optical sensor 123 is appropriately arranged so that the game balls passing through the first detection area a1 to the third detection area a3 can be detected. . A light transmitting slit 30a is formed in the guide rail 30 (see FIG. 6), and various game members (windmill 57, roof 58, stage 59, passing gate 54, variable entrance ball) disposed in the game area 15 are provided. Since the device 110 or the like is formed of a transparent member, there is no problem in detecting the game ball by the optical sensor 123.
With this configuration, the gaming ball detection unit 100 can easily grasp the rolling situation of the gaming ball passing through a desired area without disturbing the game. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 100e denotes a circuit unit having a sensor driver and the like.

  Here, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit in the present embodiment is composed of a main control circuit 60 mainly functioning as a game state control means, and a sub-control circuit 200 functioning as a control means for effect display according to the progress of the game. Has been.

  The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game, and includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, a main RAM (read / write memory) 70, an I / O controller 63, and the like.

The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68.
In particular, in the present embodiment, in addition to the game program including the special symbol game, a behavior estimation program for estimating the behavior tendency of the game ball from the detection result of the game ball in the game ball detection mode is stored. The behavior estimation program is read out, and the behavior of the game ball can be estimated based on the detection result by the game ball detection unit 100.
In addition, the main control circuit 60 draws a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player in the special symbol game, and a predictive notification indicating the possibility of shifting to the special game state. It will function as various means such as a sign means to be performed.

  In addition to the game program and behavior estimation program described above, the main ROM 68 selects a jackpot determination table that is referred to when determining a jackpot by random lottery, a variation pattern table of identification information in a special symbol game, and an effect. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first detection area a1 to the third detection area among a plurality of areas such as an effect pattern table that is referred to when the game ball is detected. A related area table that stores a3 as related areas that are related to each other is stored. Furthermore, when a certain game ball is launched into the game area 15 in a good state such as the game member or the game nail N, it is assumed that the detection is performed in each of the first detection area a1 to the third detection area. An assumed value comparison table storing a standard assumed ratio of the number of game balls is stored.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded and recorded in the main RAM 70 after the power is turned on. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium. In this embodiment, the main CPU 66, the main ROM 68, and the main RAM 70 are provided separately. However, a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

  The main RAM 70 stores various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. For example, a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a variation pattern (effect condition) selection random number counter, a big prize opening number counter, a big prize winning prize A counter, a waiting time timer, a special winning opening time timer, a variable related to an output including data indicating the number of holdings in a special symbol game, data for supplying a command to the sub-control circuit 200 described later, a variable, and the like are positioned. ing.

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game. The specific area passing flag is for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area. The high probability flag indicates whether or not to relatively increase the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state that is the specific gaming state.

  The jackpot determination random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining identification information derived and displayed when a jackpot of a special symbol is determined. The variation pattern selection random number counter is for determining a variation display pattern of identification information. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The special prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the special prize opening 39. Note that the timer in the present embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening 39 is opened (so-called “round number”) in the big hit gaming state. The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the big prize winning opening 39 during one round and passed through the V · count SW 102 or the count SW 104. Further, the data indicating the number of reserved items is retained when the game ball is won at the start port 44, but the variable display of the identification information cannot be executed. Indicates the number of times.

Further, the main RAM 70 detects the number of game balls detected by the optical sensor 123 of the game ball detection unit 100, that is, the number of game balls detected in the first detection area a1 to the third detection area a3 as a detection result. Remember each one. That is, the main RAM 70 also functions as a detection result storage unit.
In the present embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 includes an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a command output port 61 for supplying commands to the sub-control circuit 200 described later. It is connected to the CPU 66.

  The main control circuit 60 includes a special symbol display device 330, a detection mode SW101, a V / count SW102, a count SW104, a general winning port SW106, a passing gate SW114, a starting port SW116, a starting port SOL (solenoid) 118, and a grand prize. Various devices such as the mouth SOL 120, the seesaw SOL 122, the optical sensor 123 constituting the game ball detection unit 100, and the backup clear SW 124 are connected.

The special symbol display device 330 performs variable display of identification information as a special symbol in the special symbol game in accordance with a signal from the main control circuit 60.
The detection mode SW101 is a transition switch from the normal game mode to the game ball detection mode. When turned on using a predetermined key, the game ball on the game area 15 is detected by the game ball detection unit 100, and the behavior is detected. According to the estimation program, the behavior of the game ball is estimated based on the detection results in the first detection area a1 to the third detection area a3 and the number of game balls to be detected, which will be described later, and the estimation result is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 or a predetermined value. A signal can be output to an external output device.
The V / count SW 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 39, and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the specific area in the special winning opening 39.
The count SW 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39, and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the general area in the special winning opening 39. .

The general winning port SW 106 is provided in each general winning port 56, and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through each general winning port 56.
The passing gate SW 114 is provided in the passing gate 54, and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the passing gate 54.
The start port SW 116 is provided in the start port 44, and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start port 44.
The start port SOL118 is connected to the blade member 48 (see FIG. 1) via a link member (not shown), and the blade member 48 is opened or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. And
The special winning opening SOL120 is connected to a shutter 40 attached to the special winning opening 39, and the shutter 40 is driven in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66, so that the special winning opening 39 is opened or closed. To do.
The seesaw SOL 122 is connected to a seesaw provided in the shutter 40 in a plate shape, and in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66, the seesaw is displaced to change the inclination of the seesaw. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the game ball is switched so as to easily pass through the specific area or pass through the general area.
The backup clear SW 124 is built in the pachinko machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  Further, a payout / firing control circuit 126 is connected to the main control circuit 60, and a card unit 150 is connected to the payout / firing control circuit 126. A lending operation unit 82 is connected to the card unit 150, and an operation signal is supplied to the card unit 150 in accordance with the operation.

The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls and a launch device 130 that fires game balls. The operation of the launching device 130 is controlled according to the operation of the firing handle 26.
That is, the launch device 130 includes a solenoid, and when the launch handle 26 is detected by a touch sensor and is rotated in a predetermined direction (usually clockwise), the launch handle 130 is detected. The control circuit performs control so that electric power is supplied to the solenoid according to each rotation angle, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired onto the game board 14 by the solenoid.

  A sub control circuit 200 is connected to the command output port 61 of the main control circuit 60. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32 according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60, control related to sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R, control of a decoration lamp 132 including LEDs, and the like. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of game balls detected by the game ball detection unit 100 is also displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 as a detection result. I have to. That is, the sub control circuit 200 also functions as a display control unit that performs display control of the detection result in the game ball detection mode. In the present embodiment, a command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200, and a signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control of the sub CPU 206 functioning as display control means, the program ROM 208 as work storage means, the work RAM 210, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 32 as display means for effect images and game ball detection results. Image control circuit 250, speaker 46L. The voice control circuit 230 controls the sound generated from 46R, and the lamp control circuit 240 controls the decoration lamp 132.

  The sub CPU 206 is connected to a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and a command input port 260. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 basically controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60 via the command input port 260. The sub CPU 206 includes various means to be described later. Will function as.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko machine 10 by the sub CPU 206. Various effects are displayed according to this program. The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of data relating to various display patterns including effect pattern storage means.

  In this embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage unit for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as the storage means. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 of the sub-control circuit 200 is stored in the main ROM 68 and executed by the main CPU 66. May be. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 68 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various data, flags, and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The image control circuit 250 is a circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 32, and is an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP), an image data ROM that stores data for generating various image data, an image A frame buffer for buffering data, a D / A converter for converting image data as an image signal, and the like are included.

  The image control circuit 250 stores data for generating various image data such as decorative design image data indicating the decorative design 33, background image data, effect image data, and detection result image data.

  Further, the image control circuit 250 reads various image data such as decorative design image data indicating the decorative design 33, background image data, presentation image data, such as reading out image data in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206. Image data for displaying the data on the liquid crystal display device 32 is generated. Then, the image control circuit 250 temporarily stores the generated image data in the frame buffer. Then, the image control circuit 250 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing, whereby an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals, and the like. The sound source IC controls sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R. The sound source IC selects one sound data from a plurality of sound data stored in the sound data ROM in accordance with a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206. The sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the audio signal and generates audio from the speakers 46L and 46R.

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a decoration data ROM that stores a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns, and the like.

  The configuration of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is as described above. Here, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 when actually operating the detection mode SW101 to enter the game ball detection mode will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main process of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the game ball detection process, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display form of the detection result, and FIG. 11 is a detection process in the detailed detection mode. A flowchart and FIG. 12 are explanatory drawings of a game ball behavior estimation result.

First, the main processing of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 first sets a predetermined initial value for normal operation of the pachinko game based on the power being turned on. Is performed (step S11). That is, initialization processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is performed.
Next, it is determined whether the game mode or the game ball detection mode is set (step S12). That is, the pachinko machine 10 is normally in the game mode state, but when the detection mode SW101 is operated to enter the game ball detection mode, the game ball detection process is executed according to the behavior estimation program (step S14). On the other hand, when the game ball detection mode is not set, that is, in the game mode, the game process is executed according to the normal game program (step S13).
Note that the mode determination in step S12 is performed by a system timer interrupt process. The system timer process is a process performed by the main CPU 66 so that various switch input processes and command main processes are interrupted and executed even when the main process is being executed.

When a gaming machine administrator such as a game hall staff operates the detection mode SW101, the gaming ball detection process shown in step S14 is executed. In the present embodiment, as the vicinity region of the stage 59, a first detection region a1 that is a region including the vicinity of the entrance 591 of the game ball guide path 590 (warp route), and immediately below the exit port 592 of the stage 59. A game ball passing through a third detection area, which is an area including the vicinity of the start port 44 provided close to the start opening 44, is detected (see FIG. 5).
In the game ball detection process, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not there is a detection time designation input (step S21), and waits until there is an input. That is, in the game ball detection process, the game machine administrator inputs the detection time and acquires the detection data of the game ball within the specified time.
When the designation of the input time is completed (for example, 5 minutes), the game hall staff successively fires game balls.
The main CPU 66 stores the detection data from each light sensor 123 of the game ball detection unit 100 in the main RAM 70 (step S22).
Next, it is determined whether or not the specified period has elapsed (step S23). If it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S22. If it has elapsed, the main CPU 66 displays the detection result on the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200 that has received the command displays the detection result on the liquid crystal display device based on the detection data (step S24). In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a display mode in which the number of detected game balls is displayed in numbers in a section including a detection area by the optical sensor 123 is conceivable.

At the same time, the main CPU 66 collates the detection data with the assumed value comparison table (FIG. 7B) in the first detection area a1 and the third detection area a3 stored in the main ROM 68 in advance, and the detection result, that is, It is determined whether or not the ratio of the number of game balls detected in the first detection area a1 and the third detection area a3 is within an assumed range (step S25). And if it is in an assumption range, this game ball detection processing will be ended.
On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines in step S25 that it is outside the assumed range, the main CPU 66 detects the detected first detection area a1 and the first detection area based on the first detection area a1 to the third detection area stored in the main ROM 68. Three detection areas a3, and a second detection area a2 (an area including the vicinity of the ball outlet 592 of the stage 59), which is another area related to the first detection area a1 and the third detection area a3. A new detailed detection is executed (step S26).

  For example, when 100 game balls are fired during a specified time, when 20 balls are detected in the vicinity of the entrance 591 of the game ball guide path 590, which is the first detection area a1, the assumption value comparison table is displayed. According to this, in the region including the vicinity of the start port 44 that is the third detection region a3, it is assumed that 10 to 18 are detected, but if this is 6 as the actual detection results, the inside of the stage 59 May be defective, or there may be a problem in the adjustment of the game nail N planted immediately above the start port 44, so that the vicinity of the exit port 592 of the stage 59 which is the second detection region a2 Even the region including it is shifted to the detailed detection mode in order to acquire more detailed data as the detection region. In the case of shifting to the detailed detection mode, the main CPU 66 outputs a command for instructing the sub-control circuit 200 to notify the liquid crystal display device 32 of shifting to the detailed detection mode.

In the detailed detection mode, as shown in FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 first sets a detection time (step S31). The detection time set here is automatically set to twice the time specified in the previous step S21 in order to obtain detailed data.
When the detection time is set, the game hall staff fires game balls one after another, but the main CPU 66 focuses on the first detection area a1, the second detection area a2, and the third detection area a3. Detection data from each applied optical sensor 123 is stored in the main RAM 70 (step S32).
Next, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the detection time set in step S31 has elapsed (step S33), and when the detection time has elapsed, the detection result stored in the main RAM 70 and the above-mentioned stored in the main ROM 68. The assumed value comparison table (FIG. 7B) is collated, the behavior tendency of the game ball is estimated based on the collation result (step S34), and then the estimation result is output (step S35).

For example, if the detection result in the third detection region a3 is still outside the assumed range with respect to the detection result in the first detection region a1, the detection result in the second detection region a2 is within the assumed range. It can be seen that the game ball flowing down from the exit port 592 does not take a behavior to enter the start port 44 directly, and as a result, it is estimated that there is a defect in an area below the exit port 592 of the stage 59. Is done.
In that case, since it is considered that there is usually a problem in the adjustment of the game nail N including the distance between the pair of left and right game nails N provided immediately above the start port 44, the main CPU 55 causes the sub control circuit 200 to A command is output, and “estimated nail adjustment” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 as an estimation result, for example, as shown in FIG.

Further, in the detailed detection mode, for example, the detection result in the third detection region a3 still deviates from the assumed range with respect to the detection result in the first detection region a1, and the detection result in the second detection region a2 However, there may be cases where it deviates from the expected range.
In other words, some of the plurality of game balls that have entered the entrance 591 of the game ball guide path 590 normally reciprocate left and right on the stage 59 to reach the center exit 592 and continue to the start entrance. It falls vertically toward 44 (indicated by reference sign f in FIG. 4). The fact that the detection result in the second detection area a2 deviates from the expected range means that the number of game balls reaching the ball outlet 592 is extremely small, and this is because of the game balls on the stage 59 There seems to be a problem with the behavior. As a cause of the problem, it is presumed that a ball is blocked at the stage 59 or that the stage 59 has some defect. Therefore, in this case, “stage inspection” or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 as an estimation result (not shown).

  The estimation result is not necessarily displayed only on the liquid crystal display device 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control circuit 60 is provided with a signal external output means 62 provided with a wireless communication circuit or the like to estimate the estimation result. The result may be output to a server in a game room management room.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by selecting the game ball detection mode, it is possible to grasp the tendency of the rolling state of the game ball in the region near the stage 59, and further, the game ball detection unit 100 The behavior of the game ball is estimated by collating the detected result data indicating the rolling state of the detected game ball with an assumed value, and the necessity of adjustment of the game nail N and defects such as the stage 59 are estimated from the estimation result. It becomes possible to confirm also about.

Further, in the pachinko machine 10, since the area that can be monitored by the game ball detector 100 can be freely set, the area near the game member where the game ball is easily clogged, for example, a windmill that is a game member as shown in FIG. It is also possible to utilize for the detection of the clogging of the balls by intensively monitoring the space between 57 and the entrance 591 of the game ball guiding path 590.
In this case, when the ball clogging is detected, the main control circuit 60 is provided with a signal external output means 62 provided with a wireless communication circuit or the like, and a lighting signal is output from the signal external output means 62 to a lamp indicating an abnormality in the gaming machine. Or a signal indicating abnormality of the gaming machine may be output to a terminal carried by the game hall staff. In this case, it is desirable that an identifier indicating a machine number or the like can be displayed on the terminal so that the pachinko machine 10 in which an abnormality has occurred can be identified.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, it has only illustrated a specific example and does not specifically limit this invention. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  For example, the game ball detection process (including the detailed detection mode) described above can be performed outside business hours for the inspection of the pachinko machine 10 in particular, but the player is detecting the game ball. Since this is not known, it can be performed even when the game is used for a normal game, and it is possible to accumulate the detection results over a long period of time and determine whether the game member is good or bad. In this case, in the game ball detection process (S14 in FIG. 8), control is performed so that the normal game process is also performed in parallel.

From the embodiments described above, the following gaming machines can be realized.
A game board 14 provided with various game members (for example, stage 59), a launching means (for example, launch handle 26 and launcher 130) for launching a game ball onto the game board 14, and rolling on the game board 14 In a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine 10) including a detecting means (for example, an optical sensor 123) capable of detecting a gaming ball to be played, the detecting means can detect a gaming ball passing through a region near the gaming member. A gaming machine arranged as described above.

  The game member (for example, the stage 59) is inserted into the entrance (for example, the entrance 591 of the game ball guide path 590) into which the game ball on the game board 14 enters and the entrance to the entrance. A game machine having a ball outlet 592 for putting the game ball on the game board, and setting a region near the game member as a region near the ball entrance and / or ball outlet.

  As the gaming member, a stage 59 for retaining the game ball for a while on the game board 14 and a game ball guiding path 590 for guiding the game ball to the stage are provided, and an area in the vicinity of the game member is provided at the exit of the stage. A gaming machine having a ball opening 592 and an area in the vicinity of the entrance 591 of the gaming ball guide path.

  In the gaming machine, a plurality of the detecting means (for example, optical sensors 123) are attached to the peripheral portion of the gaming board 14 so that the position of the gaming machine can be changed, and the gaming ball can be detected in any area on the gaming board 14. Game machine.

  Of the plurality of areas in which the detection means (for example, the optical sensor 123) can detect the game ball, the detection result storage means (for example, the main control circuit 60) Main RAM 70), related area storage means (for example, main ROM 68 of main control circuit 60) that stores areas related to each other among the plurality of areas, and detection results of the detection result storage means are preset. When deviating from the number of game balls scheduled to be detected, based on the related area stored in the related area storage unit, a predetermined area (for example, an area including the vicinity of the entrance 591 of the game ball guide path 590) A region including the vicinity of the start port 44 provided close to the ball outlet 592 of the stage 59) and another region related to the predetermined region (for example, near the start port 44). Including the region) including the control means shifts to detail detection mode for executing a new detailed detection (e.g., the main control circuit 60) and a game machine provided with.

  The control means includes behavior tendency storage means (for example, a main ROM 68) that stores in advance a correspondence relationship between the detection result of the detection means in the areas related to each other and the behavior tendency of the game ball on the game board, In accordance with the detection result in the predetermined area based on the detection result and other areas related to the predetermined area, the behavior tendency of the game ball is estimated based on the correspondence stored in the behavior tendency storage means, A gaming machine that controls output related to the estimation of the behavior tendency.

  The predetermined region includes a region including a region near the entrance 591 of the game ball guide path 590 and a region near a winning opening (for example, the start port 44) disposed immediately below the exit port 592 of the stage 59. A gaming machine in which the other area is an area including a vicinity area of the ball outlet 592 of the stage 59.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of the pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing of a stage and a game ball guide path. It is explanatory drawing by the front view of the game ball | bowl detection part which comprises an optical sensor. It is explanatory drawing by the side view of the game ball | bowl detection part which comprises an optical sensor. (A) It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a related area table. (B) It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an assumed value contrast table. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of this pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process of game ball detection mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of a detection result. It is a flowchart which shows the process of detailed detection mode. It is explanatory drawing which supports an example of the display screen of an estimation result. It is explanatory drawing which shows a ball clogged state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 14 Game board 15 Game area 32 Liquid crystal display device 59 Stage 60 Main control circuit 100 Game ball detection part 101 Detection mode SW
123 Optical sensor 200 Sub control circuit 590 Game ball guiding path 591 Entrance part 592 Exit port N Game nail

Claims (6)

A game board comprising various game members;
A launching means for launching a game ball on the game board;
Detection means capable of detecting a game ball rolling on the game board;
In a gaming machine comprising
The detection means is arranged so as to detect a game ball passing through a region near the game member ,
A detection result storage means for storing, as a detection result, the number of game balls detected in a predetermined area among the plurality of areas in which the detection means can detect the game balls;
Of the plurality of areas, related area storage means for storing areas related to each other in advance;
When the detection result of the detection result storage means deviates from the preset number of game balls to be detected, the predetermined area and the predetermined area are related based on the related area stored in the related area storage means. Control means for shifting to a detailed detection mode for executing detailed detection with a longer time to acquire detection data than normal detection, including other areas
Game machine characterized by comprising a.   The gaming member includes a entrance for entering a game ball on the game board, and a exit entrance for exiting the game ball entered the entrance on the game board. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a region near the member is a region near the entrance and / or exit gate.   As the gaming member, a stage for retaining the game ball for a while on the game board and a game ball guiding path for guiding the game ball to the stage are provided, and a region in the vicinity of the game member is defined as an exit port of the stage and 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming ball guide path is a region near the entrance. The predetermined area is an area including an area near the entrance of the game ball guide path and an area including an area near the winning opening arranged immediately below the exit of the stage, and the other areas are The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the gaming machine is a region including a region near a ball outlet of the stage . The plurality of detection means are attached to a peripheral portion of the game board so that the position of the game board can be freely changed, and the game ball can be detected in an arbitrary area on the game board . The gaming machine according to item 1. The control means includes behavior tendency storage means for preliminarily storing a correspondence relationship between a detection result of the detection means in the areas related to each other and a behavior tendency of a game ball on the game board, and the predetermined result based on the detection result According to a detection result in an area and another area related to the predetermined area, a behavior tendency of a game ball is estimated based on the correspondence relationship stored in the behavior tendency storage unit, and the behavior tendency is estimated. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein output control is performed.

Images