Enclosed type game machine

Abstract

To solve inconvenience when shooting game balls in an enclosed type game machine.SOLUTION: A frame control device 560 is allowed to bidirectionally communicate with a card unit 80, and the frame control device 560 can store the number of possessed balls, is allowed to replenish the number of possessed balls from the side of the card unit 80 by operation of a ball dispensing button 812, and suggests the replenishment of the number of possessed balls by vibrating a handle when the number of stored, possessed balls becomes less than 10, such that a player can replenish the number of possessed balls before it is used up, thus preventing a situation in which the number of possessed balls is used up and a game cannot be played.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an enclosed gaming machine that stores the number of gaming media used in a game and increases or decreases the number of gaming media according to the result of the game. [Background technology]

[0002] As a gaming machine, the gaming balls used in conventional games are paid out as prize balls depending on the results of the game, and the player can continue playing by using those gaming balls.

[0003] In recent years, an enclosed gaming machine has been proposed in which the gaming balls are circulated within the gaming machine rather than paid out to the player, and the prize balls that were previously paid out are recorded as data so that they can be used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-14546 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Unlike conventional gaming machines, these types of enclosed gaming machines use the prize balls awarded to players as data, which means that there are many differences from conventional gaming machines that pay out game balls, and there is room for improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms.

[0007] (1) An enclosed gaming machine in one form disclosed in this specification is an enclosed gaming machine that is configured to be capable of two-way communication with a unit that reads and rewrites information of value recorded on a recording medium, and circulates gaming balls enclosed inside for use in gaming, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a main control device that controls the progress of the game, and a frame control device that manages the number of balls a player has, which is the number of gaming balls that a player can use for gaming, and is equipped with a ball number determination means that determines when the number of balls held managed by the frame control device falls below a predetermined number, and a special suggestion execution means that executes a special suggestion when the ball number determination means determines that the number of balls held is less than the predetermined number.

[0008] According to this type of enclosed game machine, when the number of balls managed by the frame control device falls below a predetermined number, a special suggestion is executed. Since the number of balls held is displayed digitally in an enclosed game machine, in a conventional game machine, the game balls are in the upper tray, and it is easy to know that the balls are running out from the appearance and sound of the balls flowing, so it is possible to replenish the game balls in the upper tray before they run out, whereas in an enclosed game machine, the number of balls held is only displayed, so it is difficult to know that the balls are running low, but by executing the special suggestion, it becomes easy to know that the number of balls held is running low, and it becomes possible to replenish the balls held before they run out, so this problem can be solved.

[0009] Furthermore, the pinball game machine of the present invention may be characterized by comprising a ball number display means for displaying the number of balls held, the ball number display means being provided in a position near where the special suggestion is executed.

[0010] In this way, when a special suggestion is executed and the player checks the location where the special suggestion was executed, the display showing the number of balls the player has is likely to be in the player's line of sight, making it easier for the player to understand that he or she is running out of balls. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine connected to a card unit. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the card unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by a main control device. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the start winning processing executed by the main control unit. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a special game process executed by the main control device. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a special game process executed by the main control device. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a special game process executed by the main control device. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the winning confirmation process executed by the main control unit. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing each output process executed by the main control device. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing the ball management process executed by the frame control device. [Figure 20]13 is a flowchart showing a ball management process executed by a frame control device in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A. Example 1 FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine 10 connected to a card unit 80. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 10 is an enclosed pinball game machine that circulates game balls enclosed inside and is used for play. The pachinko machine 10 is configured to be able to realize a game using game balls by cooperating with a card unit 80.

[0013] The card unit 80 is a lending unit that controls the lending of game balls. The card unit 80 is configured to be able to lend game balls that can be used for playing on the pachinko machine 10 based on the bills received from the player or information read from a recording card that is a recording medium. When the player finishes playing with balls that are game balls that can be used for playing remaining, the card unit 80 returns to the player a recording card that records information indicating the number of balls that the player has.

[0014] The card unit 80 includes a user interface 810, a card insertion slot 820, and a bill insertion slot 830. The user interface 810 exchanges information related to the lending of game balls with the player. The card insertion slot 820 of the card unit 80 is configured to be capable of receiving and returning a record card from the player. The bill insertion slot 830 of the card unit 80 is configured to be capable of receiving bills from the player.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the card unit 80. In this embodiment, the user interface 810 is provided with a unit display device, which is a touch panel. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the user interface 810 is provided with a balance display section 811, a ball loan button 812, a return button 813, a ball display section 816, and a replay button 817. The buttons displayed here are not actually buttons because they are a touch panel, but are referred to as buttons for ease of understanding. The remaining number in the balance display section 811 displays the balance of game balls that can be loaned to the player based on the amount of money contained in the recording card. The remaining number represents 1 / 100 of the amount, and 100 means that an amount of 10,000 yen is contained. The ball loan button 812 accepts an operation instruction from the player to loan game balls, and with one push, 500 yen worth of game balls are loaned, and the number of the remaining number is reduced by 5. The number of balls loaned is increased by sending ball loan information to the pachinko machine 10. For example, a ball loan of 500 yen increases the number of balls loaned by 125. The return button 813 accepts an operation instruction from the player to return the recording card that records the remaining game balls to the player. The ball lending button 812 can be set on the card unit 80 side, and it is possible to set the amount of balls to be lent with one push and the number of balls to be lent according to that amount.

[0016] The ball count display 816 displays the number of balls held stored in the record card, which is the number of balls held managed by the card unit 80 and stored separately from the number of balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10. When the counting switch 162 described below is operated, control is executed to transfer the number of balls held stored on the pachinko machine 10 side to the record card, and conversely, when the replay button 817 is operated, replay information is sent to the pachinko machine 10 side, and control is executed to transfer the number of balls held. Needless to say, the number of balls held by the player who transfers the balls is deducted, and the number of balls held by the player whose balls are transferred is increased; in other words, when the card unit sends ball lending information, it deducts the balance stored in the record card, and when it sends replay information, it deducts the number of balls held stored on the card unit side. It is preferable that the number of balls added to the number of balls held by the pachinko machine 10 by operating the ball lending button 812 and the number of balls added by operating the replay button 817 are the same. For example, 125 each. This is because the pachinko machine 10 often judges whether the result of a game based on the number of game balls lent by one operation of the ball lending button 817 (for example, the number of winning balls into the first starting hole 241) is good or bad for playing. For this reason, it is possible to make it easy to judge in the same way when replaying with the balls held. In this way, it is preferable that the number of balls added by the ball lending button 812 and the number of balls added by replaying are the same as each other as replenishment to the number of balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 110, an inner frame 120, a front frame 140, and a handle 150. The outer frame 110, the inner frame 120, and the front frame 140 are collectively referred to as the game frame.

[0018] The outer frame 110 of the pachinko machine 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame 110 is fixed to the equipment on which the pachinko machine 10 is installed. The outer frame 110 includes a pair of hinges 115 that support the inner frame 120 so that the inner frame 120 can be opened and closed.

[0019] The inner frame 120 of the pachinko machine 10 has a rectangular shape that fits inside the outer frame 110. The inner frame 120 holds the various components of the pachinko machine 10, including the game board 200. The inner frame 120 includes a pair of hinges 145 that support the front frame 140 so that it can be opened and closed.

[0020] A counting switch 162 and a ball count display device 164 are provided below the front frame 140 in front of the inner frame 120. The counting switch 162 accepts an operation input from the player to transfer information about the balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10 to a recording card in the card unit 80. The ball count display device 164 displays the number of balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, the handle 150 is provided at the lower right when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, so the ball count display device 164 is also provided at the lower right. The ball count display device 164 is provided near the handle 150 and is located in a position that is visible when viewing the handle 150.

[0021] The front frame 140 of the pachinko machine 10 is configured to be openable and closable in front of the game board 200. The front frame 140 includes a transparent plate 143 located in front of the game board 200. This allows the player to view the game board 200 through the transparent plate 143. In this embodiment, the transparent plate 143 is glass, and the front frame 140 is also called a glass frame. In this embodiment, the front frame 140 includes a speaker 142 that outputs sound in accordance with the progress of the game, a light-emitting section 144 that emits light in accordance with the progress of the game, and a performance button 146 that accepts the player's operation input for the pseudo performance. Although not shown in this embodiment, a vibration device is provided on the back side of the performance button 146 to transmit vibrations to the player, and is connected to and controlled by the sub-integrated control device 520. The player can confirm that the button 146 is vibrating due to the vibration device when operating it, and the vibration indicates to the player that the player has high expectations. In addition, the vibration device can vibrate not only the button 146 but also the gaming machine itself, so that the vibration can be felt when operating the handle 150, and it is also possible to vibrate the handle even when the button 146 is not being operated, to notify the user of the vibration.

[0022] The handle 150 of the pachinko machine 10 is a firing operation unit that receives an operation input from a player to fire a game ball. The handle 150 is provided on the lower right of the front frame 140 in front of the inner frame 120. In this embodiment, the handle 150 includes a rotating portion 152.

[0023] The rotating part 152 of the handle 150 is a firing intensity adjustment means that adjusts the firing intensity of the game balls by the launching device 310 from an initial intensity to a desired intensity based on the operation by the player. The rotating part 152 accepts an operation input from the player by a rotational operation to adjust the firing intensity of the game balls. In this embodiment, the rotating part 152 is pressed in a direction returning to the initial position by a well-known spring structure. As a result, when the player releases the rotating part 152, the rotating part 152 returns to the initial position. In this embodiment, when the rotating part 152 is in the initial position, the firing intensity (initial intensity) of the game balls is an intensity at which the game balls are not fired onto the game board 200. The firing intensity adjustment means may be configured to allow the strength of the firing to be adjusted by the player's operation, and the strength may be adjusted by the amount of operation, time of operation, and direction of operation of the device that adjusts the firing intensity. For example, the strength may be adjusted according to the amount of rotation (direction of rotation) of the handle, the number of times a button is pressed, the amount of rotation (direction of rotation) of the dial, the time of operation (direction of operation) of the lever, or the amount of sliding (direction of sliding) of a sliding switch.

[0024] The handle 150 is equipped with a touch switch 186 (FIG. 7) which will be described later. The touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player on the handle 150. While the touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player, the launching device 310 executes the action of launching the game ball with the launch strength adjusted in the handle 150. When the touch switch 186 does not detect the touch of the player, the launching device 310 does not execute the launching action even if the launch strength is adjusted in the handle 150.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 200. The game board 200 forms a game area 210 where a game is played using game balls. The game area 210 is substantially circular. The game area 210 is provided with a plurality of game nails (not shown). The game board 200 includes an introduction port 214 for introducing game balls launched from the launching device 310 into the game area 210, and a recovery port 218 for recovering the game balls from the game area 210. In this embodiment, the introduction port 214 is located on the upper left side of the game area 210, and the recovery port 218 is located on the lower center side of the game area 210.

[0026] The game board 200 is provided with a center case 220, a performance symbol display device 230, a first start opening 241, a second start opening 242, a normal symbol operation gate 243, a normal electric role device 245, a normal winning hole 246, and a large winning hole 248 as structures provided in the game area 210. The game board 200 is provided with a first special symbol display device 251, a second special symbol display device 252, a normal symbol display device 253, a first special symbol reserved number display device 261, a second special symbol reserved number display device 262, a normal symbol reserved number display device 263, and a prize ball number display device 286 as display units that display information related to the game.

[0027] The center case 220 is provided in the center of the game area 210 and forms a passage for game balls. The effect pattern display device 230 is provided in the center of the center case 220 and displays pseudo effects according to the progress of the game, including effect patterns. The effect pattern display device 230 is a user interface that provides information to the player by characters and figures.

[0028] The first starting hole 241 is configured to be able to receive game balls. Based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241, a variable display of the first special symbol is performed on the first special symbol display device 251. Based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241, the number of balls held by the player is added up.

[0029] The second starting hole 242 is configured to be able to receive game balls. Based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242, a variable display of the second special symbol is performed on the second special symbol display device 252. Based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242, the number of balls held by the player is added up. The rate of balls entering the second starting hole 242 changes depending on the operating state of the normal electric device 245.

[0030] The normal symbol operation gate 243 is configured to allow the game ball to pass through, and based on the game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 243, a variable display of a normal symbol is performed on the normal symbol display device 253.

[0031] The normal electric device 245 is provided with an opening / closing member configured to be able to open and close the passage of the game ball leading to the second starting hole 242. The normal electric device 245 is in an open state for a predetermined time only when the lottery based on the normal symbol is a winning combination, and forms a passage of the game ball leading to the second starting hole 242. In this embodiment, the normal electric device 245 is a so-called tulip-type normal electric device.

[0032] The normal winning opening 246 is a winning opening configured to be able to receive game balls. The number of balls held by the player is added based on the balls entering the normal winning opening 246. In this embodiment, the game area 210 is provided with four normal winning openings 246.

[0033] The big prize opening 248 is an opening configured to receive game balls in a big win game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The number of balls held by the player is added based on the balls that enter the big prize opening 248. The big prize opening 248 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by a plate-shaped member. The big prize opening 248 opens in a predetermined operation pattern when a big win is won in the drawing based on the first special symbol and when a big win is won in the drawing based on the second special symbol.

[0034] The first special symbol reserved number display device 261 displays the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol. The second special symbol reserved number display device 262 displays the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol. The regular symbol reserved number display device 263 displays the number of reserved memories related to the regular symbol. The prize ball number display device 286 displays the number of prize balls that are added to the number of balls owned depending on the winning.

[0035] In this embodiment, the game area 210 includes a first game area 211 and a second game area 212. The first game area 211 is where game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch intensity mainly roll. The second game area 212 is different from the first game area 211 in that game balls launched at a predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly roll. The first game area 211 occupies the left side of the game area 210 including the inside of the center case 220, and the second game area 212 occupies the right side of the game area 210 mainly including the right side of the center case 220. In this embodiment, the first game area 211 is located with a first start opening 241 and a normal winning opening 246, and the second game area 212 is located with a second start opening 242, a normal symbol activation gate 243, and a large winning opening 248.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko machine 10 includes a launching device 310, a grinding device 320, and a lifting device 330, which are provided on the back of the pachinko machine 10. The launching device 310 launches game balls into the play area 210 based on an operation by a player. The launching device 310 launches game balls into the play area 210 based on a signal from a handle 150. The grinding device 320 grinds game balls collected from the play area 210. The lifting device 330 transports the game balls ground by the grinding device 320 to the launching device 310.

[0037] The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a main control device 510, a sub integrated control device 520, a performance symbol control device 530, and a frame control device 560 as control devices for controlling each part. These control devices are provided on the back of the pachinko machine 10. These control devices are equipped with a one-chip microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and the CPU executes various control processes based on a computer program stored in the ROM.

[0038] The main control device 510 controls the progress of the game using game balls. The sub integrated control device 520 controls each performance device according to the progress of the game. The performance pattern control device 530 controls the display of pseudo performances, including the variable display of performance patterns on the performance pattern display device 230. The frame control device 560 manages the number of balls, which are game balls that the player can use for the game, based on information about the game transmitted from the main control device 510. In addition to managing the balls, the frame control device 560 controls the handle 150, the launch device 310, the grinding device 320, and the lifting device 330.

[0039] 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an inner frame opening switch 121 and a front frame opening switch 141. The inner frame opening switch 121 detects the open state of the inner frame 120, and outputs a detection signal to the main control device 510. The front frame opening switch 141 detects the open state of the front frame 140, and outputs a detection signal to the main control device 510.

[0040] The pachinko machine 10 includes a symbol display device relay terminal board 250 and a game board relay terminal board 270 as circuit boards relaying between the main control device 510 and the game board 200. The pachinko machine 10 includes a first start hole switch 271, a second start hole switch 272, a normal symbol operation switch 273, a left winning hole switch 274, a count switch 276, a magnet sensor 277, and a radio wave sensor 278 as electrical components that output signals to the main control device 510 via the game board relay terminal board 270. The pachinko machine 10 includes a large winning hole solenoid 282, a normal electric device solenoid 284, and a prize ball number display device 286 as electrical components that operate based on signals from the main control device 510 via the game board relay terminal board 270. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an electrical configuration which operates based on a signal from the main control unit 510 via the pattern display device relay terminal board 250, including a first special pattern display device 251, a second special pattern display device 252, a first special pattern reserved number display device 261, a second special pattern reserved number display device 262, a normal pattern display device 253, and a normal pattern reserved number display device 263.

[0041] The first start gate switch 271 detects a ball entering the first start gate 241 and outputs a detection signal. The second start gate switch 272 detects a ball entering the second start gate 242 and outputs a detection signal. The normal symbol operation switch 273 detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 243 and outputs a detection signal. The left prize gate switch 274 detects a ball entering the normal prize gate 246 and outputs a detection signal. The count switch 276 detects a ball entering the big prize gate 248 and outputs a detection signal. The magnet sensor 277 detects fraudulent acts using magnets against the pachinko machine 10 and outputs a detection signal. The radio wave sensor 278 detects fraudulent acts using radio waves against the pachinko machine 10 and outputs a detection signal.

[0042] The large prize opening solenoid 282 opens and closes the large prize opening 248 based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal electric device solenoid 284 opens and closes the normal electric device 245 based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The prize ball number display device 286 displays the number of prize balls to be added to the number of balls held based on a control signal from the main control device 510.

[0043] The first special symbol display device 251 displays the first special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The second special symbol display device 252 displays the second special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The first special symbol reserved number display device 261 displays the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The second special symbol reserved number display device 262 displays the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal symbol display device 253 displays normal symbols based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal symbol reserved number display device 263 displays the number of reserved memories related to normal symbols based on a control signal from the main control device 510.

[0044] The sub-integrated control device 520 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 510 and the frame control device 560 in one direction from the main control device 510 and the frame control device 560. The sub-integrated control device 520 controls various performance devices according to the progress of the game based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The speaker 142 is a user interface that outputs sound based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. In this embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 520 includes a volume adjustment switch 522 that is configured to adjust the volume output from the speaker 142. The light-emitting unit 144 is a user interface that emits light based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance button 146 is a user interface that detects the player's operation input for the pseudo performance, and outputs the detection signal to the sub-integrated control device 520. The sub-integrated control device 520 is a user interface control device that controls the user interface (the speaker 142, the light-emitting unit 144, the performance button 146, and the performance pattern display device 230) based on information related to the game received from the main control device 510. The sub-integrated control device 520 is further configured to be able to communicate with the frame control device 560 in one direction from the frame control device 560, and controls the user interface (speaker 142, light-emitting unit 144, performance button 146, and performance pattern display device 230) based on information received from the frame control device 560.

[0045] The performance pattern control device 530 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance pattern control device 530 controls the display of pseudo performances, including the display of the change in the performance pattern in the performance pattern display device 230, based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance pattern display device 230 executes the display of pseudo performances, including the display of the change in the performance pattern, based on data and commands received from the performance pattern control device 530.

[0046] 7, the frame control device 560 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 510 in both directions. The frame control device 560 manages the number of balls that a player has available for playing a game, based on information about the game transmitted from the main control device 510. In addition to managing the balls, the frame control device 560 manages the processes related to the launch, collection, and circulation of the game balls.

[0047] The card unit 80 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the frame control device 560. The card unit 80 includes a user interface 810, a game ball etc. lending device 850, and a CR unit 860. The game ball etc. lending device 850 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the frame control device 560 and the CR unit 860. The game ball etc. lending device 850 processes the lending of game balls to players in cooperation with the frame control device 560 based on the information on the balls held recorded in the memory card in the card insertion port 820 and the information on the lending of game balls from the CR unit 860. The CR unit 860 controls the lending of game balls based on the bills inserted into the bill insertion port 830. The CR unit 860 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the hall computer 90 that manages the pachinko machine 10. The hall computer 90 is configured to be able to receive information relating to games played on the pachinko machine 10 from the main control device 510 via the frame control device 560 and the card unit 80.

[0048] The pachinko machine 10 includes an operation unit relay terminal board 160, a firing operation unit relay terminal board 180, a firing unit relay terminal board 312, a grinding unit relay terminal board 322, a lifting relay terminal board 332, and an inner frame relay terminal board 342 as circuit boards relaying between the frame control device 560 and the inner frame 120. The pachinko machine 10 includes a counting switch 162 and a ball holding number display device 164 as electrical components for exchanging signals with the frame control device 560 via the operation unit relay terminal board 160.

[0049] The pachinko machine 10 includes a handle volume 185, a touch switch 186, and a firing stop switch 187 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the firing operation unit relay terminal board 180. The pachinko machine 10 includes a ball sending sensor 314, a firing entrance sensor 315, a firing motor 316, and a ball sending solenoid 317 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the firing device relay terminal board 312.

[0050] The pachinko machine 10 includes a cassette switch 324, a grinding motor sensor 325, a cassette motor 326, and a grinding motor 327 as electrical components that exchange signals via the grinding device relay terminal board 322. The pachinko machine 10 includes a lifting motor 334, a lifting inlet sensor 336, and a lifting motor monitoring sensor 338 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the lifting relay terminal board 332.

[0051] The pachinko machine 10 includes an winning ball sensor 344, an out ball sensor 345, an appropriate amount sensor 346, and a full tank sensor 347 as electrical components that output signals to the frame control device 560 via the inner frame relay terminal board 342. The pachinko machine 10 includes an alarm speaker 354 as electrical components that operate based on signals from the frame control device 560 via the inner frame relay terminal board 342.

[0052] The counting switch 162 detects the player's operation input to transfer the information about the balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10 to the recording card of the card unit 80, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The ball count display device 164 displays the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

[0053] The handle volume 185 detects the rotational position of the rotating part 152 of the handle 150 as the firing strength, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player on the handle 150, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The firing stop switch 187 detects the operation input by the player to stop the firing of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560.

[0054] The ball sending sensor 314 detects a game ball sent to the launching device 310 and outputs a detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch entrance sensor 315 detects a game ball launched from the launching device 310 and passing through the introduction port 214 and outputs a detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launching motor 316 launches the game ball based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The ball sending solenoid 317 sends the game ball to a position where it can be launched based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

[0055] The cassette switch 324 detects that a polishing cloth cassette (not shown) that contains a polishing cloth for polishing game balls is installed in the polishing device 320, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The polishing motor sensor 325 detects the operation of the polishing motor 327, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The cassette motor 326 winds up the polishing cloth in the polishing cloth cassette (not shown) based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The polishing motor 327 polishes the game ball by pressing the game ball against the polishing cloth based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

[0056] The lift motor 334 sends out game balls from the lift device 330 to the launch device 310 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The lift inlet sensor 336 detects game balls sent from the grinding device 320 to the lift device 330, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The lift motor monitoring sensor 338 detects the operation of the lift motor 334, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560.

[0057] The winning ball sensor 344 detects a game ball that wins a prize on the game board 200 and is then collected from the game board 200 to the grinding device 320, and outputs a detection signal. The out ball sensor 345 detects a game ball that passes through the collection port 218 on the game board 200 and is then collected from the game board 200 to the grinding device 320, and outputs a detection signal. The proper amount sensor 346 detects that the amount of game balls transferred from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 is the proper amount, and outputs a detection signal. The full tank sensor 347 detects that the amount of game balls transferred from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 is excessive, and outputs a detection signal. The alarm speaker 354 outputs a sound based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

[0058] The pachinko machine 10 judges whether the normal symbol is a winning symbol or not based on the ball entering the normal symbol activation gate 243. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 253 based on the result of the judgment of whether the normal symbol is a winning symbol. If the judgment of whether the normal symbol is a winning symbol or not is a winning symbol, the pachinko machine 10 displays the normal symbol, which is the winning symbol, on the normal symbol display device 253 and opens the normal electric role device 245 for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to win the second starting hole 242.

[0059] The pachinko machine 10 performs a hit / miss judgment regarding the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 251 based on the hit / miss judgment result regarding the first special symbol. The pachinko machine 10 performs a pseudo performance using a performance pattern on the performance pattern display device 230 in accordance with the variable display using the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 251. If the hit / miss judgment result regarding the first special symbol is a big hit, the pachinko machine 10 displays the first special symbol, which is a big hit symbol, on the first special symbol display device 251, and then transitions to a big hit game state (special game state) in which the big win hole 248 is opened in a predetermined operation pattern. This makes it possible to win a prize in the big win hole 248. The main control device 510 functions as a hit / miss determination means for determining whether or not a big hit game state is executed upon the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 241.

[0060] The pachinko machine 10 performs a win / loss judgment regarding the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 252 based on the result of the win / loss judgment regarding the second special symbol. The pachinko machine 10 performs a pseudo performance using a performance pattern on the performance pattern display device 230 in accordance with the variable display using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 252. If the result of the win / loss judgment regarding the second special symbol is a jackpot, the pachinko machine 10 displays the second special symbol, which is a jackpot symbol, on the second special symbol display device 252, and then transitions to a jackpot game state. This makes it possible to win a prize in the jackpot winning hole 248. The main control device 510 functions as a win / loss judgment means for judging whether or not a jackpot game state is executed due to the game ball entering the second starting hole 242.

[0061] The pachinko machine 10 stops judging whether the first special symbol and the second special symbol are hit or not while the jackpot game is being played. When there are reserved memories for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 10 prioritizes judging whether the reserved memories for the second special symbol are hit or not. After the jackpot game state ends, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to one of the following states according to a predetermined condition: a normal game state, a time-saving game state, or a time-saving game state with a certain probability of winning. The normal game state is a game state in which a judgment is made on whether the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol are hit or not with a normal probability of winning. The time-saving game state is a game state in which the time for which the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol are displayed in a variable manner is shortened from that of the normal game state, and the average opening time of the normal electric device 245 is extended from that of the normal game state. The time-saving probability game state is a game state in which, in addition to the operation of the time-saving game state, a winning / losing judgment of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed with a higher winning probability than in the normal game state. When a predetermined condition (for example, a winning with a predetermined jackpot symbol) is satisfied, the main control device 510 operates as an opening extension execution means for executing an opening extension state (time-saving game state and time-saving probability game state) in which the opening time per one time of the normal electric role device 245 is extended more than in the normal game state after the jackpot game state ends.

[0062] In the normal game state, since the first start hole 241 is located in the first game area 211, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the first game area 211 to play the game (so-called "left hit"). In the big win game state, since the big prize hole 248 is located in the second game area 212, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the second game area 212 to play the game (so-called "right hit"). In the time-saving game state and the time-saving game state with a certain probability of winning, since the normal symbol operation gate 243 and the second start hole 242 are located in the second game area 212, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the second game area 212 to play the game (right hit).

[0063] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by main control device 510. Main control device 510 starts the main routine of Fig. 8 based on an interrupt signal with a period of 2 ms (milliseconds). The period of the interrupt signal may be 4 ms or another period.

[0064] After starting the main routine, the main control device 510 judges whether the current interrupt signal is a normal interrupt signal (step S100). If the current interrupt signal is not a normal interrupt (step S100: "NO"), the main control device 510 executes an initial setting process (step S115) to set various control variables to initial values. Thereafter, the main control device 510 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers until the next interrupt signal is received (step S111).

[0065] If the current interrupt signal is a normal interrupt signal (step S100: "YES"), the main control device 510 executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers (step S101). After that, the main control device 510 updates the random number for determining a jackpot, which is a random number used to determine whether or not a win is won for the first special symbol and the second special symbol (step S102). After that, the main control device 510 updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern, which is a random number used to determine whether or not a win is won for the first special symbol and the second special symbol (step S103). After that, the main control device 510 updates the random number for determining a win, which is a random number used to determine whether or not a win is won for the normal symbol (step S104). After that, the main control device 510 updates the random number for determining the reach, which is a random number used to determine whether or not a win is won for the normal symbol, and the random number for determining a variation pattern, which is a random number used to determine whether or not a win is won for the normal symbol (step S105, S106). Although the present application uses software random numbers, these random numbers or at least the random numbers related to the outcome of the game, such as the random numbers for determining a jackpot, may be generated by a hardware random number generator.

[0066] After updating the random number (steps S101 to S106), the main control device 510 executes a winning confirmation process (step S107) for confirming the detection of a gaming ball by each switch connected to the main control device 510. After that, the main control device 510 executes a winning / losing determination process (step S108) for determining whether or not a winning / losing is performed for the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol. In the winning / losing determination process (step S108), the main control device 510 operates as a winning / losing determination means for determining whether or not a jackpot gaming state is to be executed due to the entry of a gaming ball into the first start hole 241 and the second start hole 242.

[0067] After executing the winning / losing judgment process (step S108), the main control device 510 executes each output process (step S109) to output signals to each part of the pachinko machine 10. In each output process (step S109), the main control device 510 outputs various signals to the sub-integrated control device 520, the frame control device 560, the large winning port solenoid 282, etc., and to the hall computer 90 via the frame control device 560 and the card unit 80, depending on the progress of the game, the detection state of the fraudulent activity based on the magnet sensor 277 and the radio wave sensor 278, and the opening state based on the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141. Thereafter, the main control device 510 executes a fraud monitoring process (step S110) to monitor the fraudulent activity against the pachinko machine 10. Thereafter, the main control device 510 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers until the next interrupt signal is received (step S111).

[0068] 9 is a flowchart showing the start winning process executed by main control device 510. The start winning process in FIG. 9 is a subroutine included in the winning confirmation process (step S107) in FIG.

[0069] After starting the start winning process, the main control device 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the first start hole 241 based on a detection signal from the first start hole switch 271 (step S200). When a ball has entered the first start hole 241 (step S200: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S201). When the reserved memory for the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for reaching a reach, and the random number for determining a variation pattern, which are extracted in response to the ball entering the first start hole 241, are stored as reserved memories for the first special symbol, and the first reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is incremented (step S202). After that, the main control device 510 executes a look-ahead judgment process (step S203) for looking ahead to the contents of the reserved memory for the first special symbol. Thereafter, the main control device 510 transmits a first pre-reading judgment command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment process (step S203) to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S204). Thereafter, the main control device 510 transmits a first reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the first reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S205). The sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-effect displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the first pre-reading judgment command and the first reserved number instruction command. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 520 increases the display number of the first reserved pattern indicating the number of reserved memories related to the first special pattern displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the first reserved number instruction command, and changes the first reserved pattern to a state according to the expectation of a jackpot based on the first pre-reading judgment command.

[0070] After completing the process for the first start hole 241 (step S200: "NO", step S201: "NO", step S205), the main control device 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the second start hole 242 based on the detection signal from the second start hole switch 272 (step S206). When a ball has entered the second start hole 242 (step S206: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S207). When the reserved memory for the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for reaching a reach, and the random number for determining a variation pattern, which are extracted in response to the ball entering the second start hole 242, are stored as reserved memories for the second special symbol, and the second reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the second special symbol is incremented (step S208). Then, the main control device 510 executes a look-ahead judgment process (step S209) for reading ahead the contents of the reserved memory related to the second special symbol. Then, the main control device 510 transmits a second look-ahead judgment command indicating the judgment result of the look-ahead judgment process (step S209) to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S210). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a second reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the second reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S211). The sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the second look-ahead judgment command and the second reserved number instruction command. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 520 increases the display number of the second reserved pattern indicating the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the second reserved number instruction command, and changes the second reserved pattern to a state according to the jackpot expectation based on the second look-ahead judgment command. The main control unit 510 may send a single command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 that is a combination of the first look-ahead determination command and the first hold number instruction command, or may send a single command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 that is a combination of the second look-ahead determination command and the second hold number instruction command.The main control device 510 may transmit to the sub integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the first look-ahead determination command, the second look-ahead determination command, the first hold number instruction command, and the second hold number instruction command.

[0071] In the look-ahead judgment process (steps S203, S209), the main control device 510 checks whether the value of the random number for determining a jackpot for the first special symbol and the second special symbol is a value (jackpot value) that causes a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot value, checks the type of the jackpot symbol. If the value of the random number for determining a jackpot is a miss value different from the jackpot value, the main control device 510 checks whether the fluctuation pattern associated with the miss value is a fluctuation pattern that makes the player expect a jackpot. The look-ahead judgment process may be a process of directly reading out the random number value stored in the reserved memory area and executing a judgment, or a process of reading out the random number value stored in a memory area for look-ahead judgment different from the reserved memory area and executing a judgment. The look-ahead judgment process may be executed in parallel with the process of storing the random number for determining a jackpot in the reserved memory area after obtaining the random number for determining a jackpot, or may be executed prior to the process of storing the random number for determining a jackpot in the reserved memory area. Regardless of the method of pre-reading judgment processing, the contents of the reserved memory can be grasped prior to the correct / incorrect judgment processing (step S108).

[0072] After completing the process related to the second starting hole 242 (step S206: "NO", step S207: "NO", step S211), the main control device 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 243 based on the detection signal from the normal symbol operation switch 273 (step S212). When a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 243 (step S212: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the normal symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S213). When the reserved memory for the normal symbol is less than the upper limit number, the winning determination random number extracted in response to the ball entering the normal symbol operation gate 243 is stored as a normal symbol reserved memory, and the normal symbol reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the normal symbol is incremented (step S214). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a normal reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the normal reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S211). Then, the main control device 510 returns. The sub-integrated control device 520 may control the pseudo-effect displayed on the effect pattern display device 230 based on the normal reserved number instruction command.

[0073] 10, 11, 12, and 13 are flowcharts showing the special drawing hit / miss judgment processing executed by the main control device 510. This special drawing hit / miss judgment processing is a subroutine corresponding to the hit / miss judgment processing (step S107) in FIG.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, after starting the special symbol hit / miss judgment process, the main control device 510 judges whether the condition device is not yet activated based on the big win flag (step S300). The big win flag is a flag that is activated when the hit / miss judgment regarding the first special symbol and the second special symbol is a big win, and when the big win flag is activated, the condition device is activated. If the condition device is activated (step S300: "NO"), the main control device 510 moves to the special game process that controls the big win game state. If the condition device is not activated (step S300: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether it is a special symbol change stop period that stops the change display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (step S301). If it is a special pattern variation stop period (step S301: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether it is a fixed pattern non-display period in which the fixed patterns of the first special pattern and the second special pattern are not displayed (step S302).

[0075] 11, if it is the fixed symbol non-display period (step S302 in FIG. 10: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory for the second special symbol (step S310). If there is no reserved memory for the second special symbol (step S310: "NO"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory for the first special symbol (step S311).

[0076] If there is a reserved memory for the first special symbol or the second special symbol (step S310: "YES", step S311: "YES"), the main control device 510 reads out the oldest reserved memory from the reserved memory for the target special symbol to be processed among the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and decrements the reserved memory counter for the target special symbol (step S312). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the reserved memory counter for the target special symbol to the sub integrated control device 520 (step S313).

[0077] After that, the main control device 510 compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol with a judgment table for determining a jackpot (step S314). In this embodiment, the judgment table for determining a jackpot includes a normal probability table in which the jackpot probability is set to a low probability (e.g., 1 / 358.1148) and a high probability table in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (e.g., 1 / 37.6855). The main control device 510 uses the normal probability table in the normal game state and the time-saving game state, and uses the high probability table in the time-saving game state with a certain probability change. The main control device 510 judges whether the target special symbol is a jackpot or not based on the comparison between the random number for determining a jackpot and the judgment table for determining a jackpot (step S314) (step S315).

[0078] If the target special symbol is a jackpot (step S315: "YES"), the main control device 510 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S316). After that, the main control device 510 sets various conditions (performance time, performance pattern, etc.) for the jackpot game state (step S317). After that, the main control device 510 selects a variation pattern based on the random number for determining the variation pattern read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S318). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a variation instruction command indicating the jackpot symbol and the variation pattern, etc. to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the variation instruction command. In addition, in conjunction with sending a variation instruction command to the sub integrated control device 520, the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special chart display device 251 or the second special chart display device 252 to instruct them to perform a variation display.

[0079] If the target special symbol is a miss (step S315: "NO"), the main control device 510 determines the miss symbol based on the random number read as the reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S319). After that, the main control device 510 selects a variation pattern based on the random number read as the reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S318). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a variation instruction command indicating the miss symbol and the variation pattern to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the variation instruction command. In addition, the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special symbol display device 251 or the second special symbol display device 252 to instruct the variation display in accordance with the transmission of the variation instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520.

[0080] If there is no reserved memory for the first special pattern and the second special pattern (step S310: "NO", step S311: "NO"), and after sending a change instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320), the main control device 510 transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

[0081] 12, if it is not the special symbol variation stop period (step S301 in FIG. 10: "NO"), in other words, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is varying, the main control device 510 judges whether the variation time set based on the variation pattern related to the target special symbol that is varying has elapsed (step S330). If the variation time has not elapsed (step S330: "NO"), the main control device 510 moves to the special game processing that controls the jackpot game state. If the variation time has elapsed (step S330: "YES"), the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special symbol display device 251 or the second special symbol display device 252 to display the jackpot symbol or the losing symbol, and transmits a symbol stop command to the sub-integrated control device 520 to display the jackpot symbol or the losing symbol (step S331).

[0082] When the jackpot pattern is to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S332: "YES"), the main control device 510 sets the time for displaying the jackpot pattern as a confirmed winning symbol (step S333) and activates the condition device by setting the jackpot flag to a valid value (step S334). After that, the main control device 510 resets the probability variable flag and the time-saving flag to invalid values, and resets the probability variable counter and the time-saving counter to invalid values ​​(step S335). The probability variable flag is a flag that sets whether or not a winning judgment of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is performed with a winning probability higher than that of the normal game state. The time-saving flag is a flag that sets whether or not a time-saving game state is performed. The probability variable counter is a counter that sets the number of times that a winning judgment of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is performed with a winning probability higher than that of the normal game state. The time-saving counter is a counter that sets the number of times that a time-saving game state is performed. After resetting various counters (step S335), the main control unit 510 transmits a state designation command indicating the game state after the determined pattern display to the sub-integrated control unit 520 and the frame control unit 560, and then transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

[0083] When the losing symbol is to be displayed as a confirmed symbol (step S332: "NO"), the main control device 510 sets the time for the losing symbol to be displayed as a confirmed symbol (step S337). After that, if the probability variable flag is a valid value "1" (step S338: "YES"), the main control device 510 decrements the probability variable counter (step S339). After that, if the probability variable counter is "0" (step S340: "YES"), the main control device 510 sets the probability variable flag to an invalid value "0" (step S341).

[0084] After completing the processing related to the probability change flag and probability change counter (step S338: "NO", step S340: "NO", step S341), if the time-saving flag is a valid value "1" (step S342: "YES"), the main control device 510 decrements the time-saving counter (step S343). After that, if the time-saving counter is "0" (step S344: "YES"), the main control device 510 sets the time-saving flag to an invalid value "0" (step S345). After completing the processing related to the time-saving flag and the time-saving counter (step S342: "NO", step S344: "NO", step S345), the main control device 510 transmits a state designation command indicating the game state after the pattern determination display to the sub-integrated control device 520 and the frame control device 560, and then transitions to a special game process that controls the big win game state.

[0085] 13, if it is not the fixed pattern non-display period in which the fixed patterns of the first special pattern and the second special pattern are not displayed (step S302 in FIG. 10: "NO"), in other words, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed as fixed, the main control device 510 judges whether the fixed display time set based on the variable pattern related to the target special pattern displayed as fixed has elapsed (step S350). If the fixed display time has not elapsed (step S350: "NO"), the main control device 510 moves to the special game processing for controlling the big win game state. If the fixed display time has elapsed (step S350: "YES"), the main control device 510 outputs a control signal for terminating the fixed display to the first special pattern display device 251 or the second special pattern display device 252, and transmits a command for terminating the fixed display by the performance pattern to the sub integrated control device 520 (step S351). Thereafter, the main control device 510 transitions to a special game process for controlling the big win game state.

[0086] 14, 15 and 16 are flow charts showing the special game processing executed by the main control device 510. This special game processing is a subroutine that controls the big win game state. As shown in FIG. 14, after starting the special game processing, the main control device 510 judges whether or not the condition device is operating based on the big win flag (step S400). If the condition device is not operating (step S400: "NO"), the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0087] When the condition device is operating (step S400: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether the big prize opening 248 is closed (step S401). When the big prize opening 248 is closed (step S401: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether the big prize start performance prior to the big prize game state is being performed (step S402). When the big prize start performance is being performed (step S402: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether it is time to end the big prize start performance (step S403). When it is time to end the big prize start performance (step S403: "YES"), the main control device 510 executes the big prize opening opening opening process (step S404) to open the big prize opening 248. If it is not time to end the big win start performance (step S403: "NO"), and after executing the big win opening process (step S404), the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0088] If the big win start performance is not being performed (step S402: "NO"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not it is during an interval, which is a period during which the big win opening 248 is temporarily closed between the previous opening period and the next opening period (step S405). If it is during an interval (step S405: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not it is time to end the interval (step S406). If it is time to end the interval (step S406: "YES"), the main control device 510 executes a big win opening opening process (step S408) that opens the big win opening 248. If it is not time to end the interval (step S406: "NO"), and after executing the big win opening opening process (step S408), the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0089] If it is not during an interval (step S405: "NO"), the main control device 510 judges whether or not the big win end presentation is in progress (step S411). If it is not during the big win end presentation (step S411: "YES"), the main control device 510 executes a big win start presentation process (step S412) that transmits a command instructing the sub integrated control device 520 to start a big win presentation. If it is during the big win end presentation (step S411: "NO") and after executing the big win start presentation process (step S412), the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0090] 15, when the large prize opening 248 is not closed (step S401 in FIG. 14: "NO"), in other words, when the large prize opening 248 is open, the main control device 510 judges whether the number of winnings in the large prize opening 248 that is open is less than a prescribed number (for example, 9) (step S430). When the number of winnings in the large prize opening 248 that is open is less than a prescribed number (step S430: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges whether the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has elapsed (step S431). When the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has not elapsed (step S431: "NO"), the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0091] If the number of winnings in the open big prize opening 248 exceeds the specified number (step S430: "NO"), or if the opening time for opening the big prize opening 248 has elapsed (step S431: "YES"), the main control device 510 executes a big prize opening closing process (step S432) to close the big prize opening 248. After that, the main control device 510 judges whether the round of the big prize game that ended in the previous big prize opening closing process (step S432) is the final round (for example, the 13th round) (step S433). If it is not the final round (step S433: "NO"), the main control device 510 executes an interval to temporarily close the big prize opening 248 between the previous opening period and the next opening period (step S438). After that, the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0092] If the round of the jackpot game that ended in the previous jackpot opening closing process (step S432) is the final round (step S433: "YES"), the main control device 510 transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 to instruct a jackpot end performance that indicates the end of the jackpot game state (step S436). After that, the main control device 510 executes a condition device stop process (step S437) that stops the condition device.

[0093] 16, after executing the condition device stop process (step S437 in FIG. 15), the main control device 510 judges whether the bonus flag is a valid value "1" or not (step S440). In this embodiment, the main control device 510 sets the bonus flag to a valid value "1" according to the type of the jackpot pattern. In another embodiment, when a game ball enters a special bonus hole (not shown) provided inside the big prize hole 248 in the final round of the jackpot game, the main control device 510 may set the bonus flag to a valid value "1".

[0094] If the bonus flag is a valid value "1" (step S440: "YES"), the main control device 510 sets the probability variable flag to a valid value "1" (step S441) and sets the probability variable counter to a value "160" (step S442). After that, the main control device 510 sets the time-saving flag to a valid value "1" (step S443) and sets the time-saving counter to a value "160" (step S444).

[0095] If the bonus flag is not a valid value "1" (step S440: "NO"), in other words, if the bonus flag is an invalid value "0", the main control device 510 sets the probability variable flag to an invalid value "0" (step S451) and sets the probability variable counter to a value "0" (step S452). After that, the main control device 510 sets the time-saving flag to an invalid value "0" (step S453) and sets the time-saving counter to a value "0" (step S454).

[0096] After setting the time-saving counter (steps S444, S454), the main control device 510 resets the privilege flag to an invalid value "0" (step S445). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 to notify the game state after the big win game, which is set based on the probability change flag and the time-saving flag (step S446). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 and the frame control device 560 to indicate the game state after the big win game, which is set based on the probability change flag and the time-saving flag (step S447). After that, the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

[0097] Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the winning confirmation process executed by the main control device 510. This winning confirmation process is a subroutine included in the winning confirmation process (step S107) of Fig. 8. After starting the winning confirmation process, the main control device 510 judges whether or not a winning has been detected (step S512). The main control device 510 judges whether or not a winning has been detected based on detection signals from the first start port switch 271, the second start port switch 272, the left winning port switch 274, and the count switch 276.

[0098] When a winning is detected (step S512: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be added to the player's balls (step S514). When the detection signal is from the left winning hole switch 274 that detects a winning in the normal winning hole 246, the main control device 510 judges that the number of prize balls is 10. When the detection signal is from the first start hole switch 271 that detects a winning in the first start hole 241, and when the detection signal is from the second start hole switch 272 that detects a winning in the second start hole 242, the main control device 510 judges that the number of prize balls is 3. When the detection signal is from the count switch 276 that detects a winning in the large winning hole 248, the main control device 510 judges that the number of prize balls is 13. The number of prize balls corresponding to each winning hole can be set appropriately.

[0099] After determining the number of winning balls (step S514), and if no winning is detected (step S512: "NO"), the main control unit 510 instructs the prize ball number display device 286 to display the number of winning balls (step S516). As a result, the prize ball number display device 286 displays the number of winning balls for each winning slot. If no winning is detected, the prize ball number display device 286 displays the number "0" indicating that no winning has occurred. After instructing the display of the number of winning balls (step S516), the main control unit 510 completes the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 and returns to the main routine.

[0100] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing each output process executed by the main control device 510. Each output process is a subroutine corresponding to each output process (step S109) of FIG. 8. In each output process, the main control device 510 transmits prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls based on the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 to the frame control device 560 by one-way communication from the main control device 510 (step S522). After that, the main control device 510 transmits prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls based on the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 to the sub integrated control device 520 by one-way communication from the main control device 510 (step S524). In each output process, the main control device 510 outputs various information to the frame control device 560 and the sub integrated control device 520 in addition to the prize ball information. After outputting various information, the main control device 510 ends each output process of FIG. 18 and returns to the main routine.

[0101] The main control device 510 transmits the following information as game status information indicating the game status of the pachinko machine 10 from the frame control device 560 to the hall computer 90 via the card unit 80. <Name of information: Content of information> Information A1: Jackpot Information A2~A8: Spare Information A9: During the jackpot and time reduction Information A10: During the special period Information A11: Time-saving Information A12: Pattern changing Information A13: Detection of fraudulent activity by radio wave sensor (error) Information A14: Detection of fraudulent activity using magnet sensor (error) Information A15: Detection of fraudulent winnings (error)

[0102] The main control device 510 transmits the following information to the frame control device 560 as game status information indicating the game status of the pachinko machine 10. This information is not transmitted to the hall computer 90. <Name of information: Content of information> Information B1: Start of jackpot game Information B2: Interval between rounds in jackpot games Information B3: End of jackpot game Information B4: Number of rounds of jackpot play Information B5: Pattern change pattern Information B6~B10: Spare Information B11: There is a special chance (with time reduction) Information B12: There is a special chance (no time reduction) Information B13: No special bonus (time-saving) Information B14: No special rate (no time reduction) Information B15: Start of standby mode (power saving mode) Info B16: Exiting standby mode Information B17: Winning count for the main prize slot Information B18: Number of winnings for normal electric gadgets Information B19: Number of reserved items in the first reserved memory Information B20: Number of reserved items in the second reserved memory Information B21: Number of reserved memories Information B22: Winning at the general prize slot

[0103] In addition, the game status information related to the above-mentioned information B is also transmitted from the main control device 510 to the sub-integrated control device 520.

[0104] Regarding the start of the standby mode of information B15, the main control device 510 starts the standby mode when a predetermined time has passed since the end of all the pattern variations in a state where there is no reserved memory of the normal pattern, the first special pattern, or the second special pattern. Regarding the end of the standby mode of information B16, the main control device 510 ends the standby mode when any of the reserved memory of the normal pattern, the first special pattern, or the second special pattern is stored during execution of the standby mode.

[0105] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the ball management process executed by the frame control device 560. This ball management process is a process for managing the number of balls in possession. The frame control device 560 repeatedly executes the ball management process at a predetermined timing. After starting the ball management process, the frame control device 560 judges whether or not it has received ball lending information or replay information from the card unit 80 (step S612). The ball lending information from the card unit 80 is output when the ball lending button 612 is operated, and the replay information is output when the replay button 817 is operated. When the ball lending information or replay information is received (step S612: "YES"), the frame control device 560 adds 125 to the number of game balls in possession managed by the frame control device 560, based on the lending information (step S614).

[0106] After adding the number of balls held based on the rental information (step S614), and when rental information has not been received (step S612: "NO"), the frame control device 560 judges whether or not a launched ball, which is a game ball launched from the launch device 310 to the game area 210, has been detected (step S622). The frame control device 560 judges the detection of a launched ball based on a detection signal from the launch entrance sensor 315. When a launched ball is detected (step S622: "YES"), the frame control device 560 subtracts the number of launched balls from the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S624).

[0107] After subtracting the number of balls held based on the shot ball (step S624), and when the shot ball is not detected (step S622: "NO"), the frame control device 560 judges whether or not prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls has been received from the main control device 510 (step S632). When the prize ball information has been received (step S632: "YES"), the frame control device 560 adds the number of prize balls based on the prize ball information to the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S634).

[0108] After adding up the number of balls held based on the prize ball information (step S634), and if no prize ball information has been received (step S632: "NO"), the frame control device 560 instructs the ball number display device 164 to display the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S642).

[0109] Then, it is determined whether the number of balls stored is less than 10 (step S652), and if the number of balls stored is less than 10 (step S652: "YES"), a replenishment suggestion is executed to encourage the player to replenish the number of balls stored by a ball replenishment suggestion execution process (step S654). After step S654 or if the number of balls stored is 10 or more (step S652: "NO"), the frame control device 560 ends the ball management process of Fig. 19. Note that the replenishment suggestion ends when the number of balls stored becomes 10 or more. In this embodiment, the replenishment suggestion is continuously executed when the number of items is less than 10, but the replenishment suggestion may be executed only when the number of items is less than 10, and the replenishment suggestion may be terminated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0110] In the ball replenishment suggestion execution process, the effect button 146 is vibrated to inform the player that the number of balls he has is low, and this allows the player to perform an operation to borrow game balls, making it possible to prevent the player from running out of balls and temporarily interrupting the game. Since the number of balls is low when the handle 150 is being operated, the vibration of the effect button 146 can reliably inform the player. As mentioned above, the vibration of the vibration device is strong enough to vibrate not only the effect button 146 but also the gaming machine itself, and the player can feel the vibration when operating the handle 150. Furthermore, the ball number display device 164 is provided near the handle, and the player is likely to check the handle 150 when the handle 150 vibrates during operation, and at that time the ball number display device 164 comes into view, making it possible for the player to easily grasp that the number of balls he has is low. In addition, the system was designed to continue to execute replenishment suggestions when there are fewer than 10 balls, but since it was thought that some players would find the constant vibration irritating, the system was designed to vibrate at set intervals when there are fewer than 10 balls. Also, since there is no point in vibrating when no game is being played, the system was designed not to execute replenishment suggestions even if there are fewer than 10 balls in a situation where no operation of the handle or the release of game balls has been detected.

[0111] Although not described in the description of this process, the number of balls held can also be output to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by operating the counting switch 162, so that the number of balls held as stored in the pachinko machine 10 is subtracted. A single press of the counting switch 62 subtracts a predetermined number of balls, and pressing the counting switch 62 for a predetermined period of time or more can continuously subtract a predetermined number of balls or more. The subtraction by the counting switch 62 transfers the information on the number of balls held to the record card when the game is interrupted or ended, so if the subtraction by operating the counting switch 62 results in less than 10 balls, no replenishment suggestion is executed.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the number of balls held by the frame control device 560 becomes less than 10, the vibration device can vibrate to inform the player. Therefore, in an enclosed pachinko machine, it is difficult to tell that the number of game balls is low compared to a conventional pachinko machine, and there is a possibility that the balls will run out frequently, but since the notification is made before the balls run out, it is possible to notify the player before that happens. Note that in an enclosed pachinko machine, the number of balls held is managed by data, so unlike a conventional pachinko machine in which game balls to be shot to the upper tray are stored, it is possible to measure the exact number of remaining balls, so it is possible to suggest adding to the number of balls held only when the number of balls is definitely low, and since it is managed by data, there is no need to consider providing a device to detect the situation where the number of balls held is low, and it can be easily implemented.

[0113] In this embodiment, the vibration of the vibration device is transmitted to the handle 150 to inform the player that the number of balls held is low, but it is not limited to vibration. It is also possible to suggest replenishment by displaying a dedicated display on the performance pattern display device 230, or to suggest by outputting a dedicated sound from the speaker 142. In addition, when outputting a dedicated sound from the speaker 142, it may be output directly from the frame control device 560 to the sub-integrated control device 520, or it may be output to the sub-integrated control device 520 via the main control device. In addition, a dedicated sound may be output from the alarm speaker 354 instead of the speaker 142. Of course, it is no problem to execute the suggestion by combining two or all of the vibration, display, and sound, and it may be suggested by other means. It is also good to inform the player by changing the display color of the ball count display device 164 or the color of the surrounding lamps. In this way, it becomes easier to inform the player that he has few balls when a refill is suggested. The ball number display device 164 is also provided near the speaker 142 when a replenishment suggestion is output from the speaker 142. When a replenishment suggestion is made by the performance pattern display device 230, the ball number display device 164 may be provided on the game board 200 in order to be provided in the vicinity, or a separate display device may be provided, or the size of the performance pattern display device 230 may be increased or the position may be shifted to an offset position, so that the display device can display up to the edge of the transparent plate 143. In this way, by providing the ball number display device 164 near the position where the replenishment suggestion is made, it is preferable to check the ball number display device 164 when making a replenishment suggestion and inform the player that the number of balls is low. The vibration device is provided on the back side of the performance button 146, but since the replenishment suggestion is notified by vibration transmitted from the handle 150, the replenishment suggestion position is the handle 150.

[0114] In the first embodiment, when the number of balls held is less than 10, a ball is lent out to suggest refilling the balls held. However, it is also possible to set the number of balls held to be less than a predetermined number, and to notify when the number of balls held reaches 0 (less than 1), or to suggest when the operation of the handle 150 is detected for a predetermined period of time when the number of balls held is 0. This does not prevent balls from running out, but it does prevent players from being distracted by other things and not realizing that they have run out of balls, resulting in a situation where no balls are fired. Also, some players prefer this method, since notifying the player every time before the balls run out can be annoying.

[0115] The player may also be allowed to choose whether or not to execute the suggestion to replenish the number of balls held, or the player may be allowed to choose the type and timing of the suggestion to replenish the number of balls held.

[0116] B. Modifications Also, as a modified example, although the first embodiment suggests that a ball be lent before the number of balls held reaches 0, the pachinko machine 10 may automatically lend a ball when the number of balls held reaches 0. Since the process other than that is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. In the modified example, the ball management process shown in FIG. 20 is executed, unlike the ball management process shown in FIG. 19 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the process up to S642 is the same as in FIG. 19, so the description will be omitted. When the ball number display device executes display of the ball number (S642), it is determined whether the ball number is 0 (660), and it is determined whether a ball loan or replay is possible (S662). If the result of S662 is a positive determination, the ball number managed by the pachinko machine 10 is replenished by ball loan or replay from the card unit by the ball replenishment process (S664). The number of game balls to be replenished is 125 game balls, the same as when the ball loan button or replay button is operated in the past. If both are possible, replay is prioritized. Then, when the ball number is replenished, a replenishment notification process is executed to notify the player that the replenishment has been performed (S666). If it is determined in S662 that ball lending or replay is not possible, there will be no bills received from the player, and there will be no balls managed by the card unit, so a notification that replenishment is not possible will be executed by the ball out notification process in S668. Note that the replenishment notification process is a notification by vibration of the vibration device as in the first embodiment, and the ball out notification process notifies the player by outputting a display and sound on the performance pattern display device so that the difference can be understood.

[0117] In addition, since automatic conversion from cash to the number of balls to be replenished may cause a player to lose money if the replenishment is unintended, the number of balls to be replenished on the pachinko machine 10 side may be automatically replenished only from the number of balls managed on the card unit 80 side (the number of balls stored in the record card). Therefore, when the number of balls to be replenished on the pachinko machine 10 side becomes 0, if the number of balls to be lent on the card unit side is less than a predetermined number, which is the number of balls to be lent at one time, the player may be notified that there is a shortage of balls. If the number of balls is less than the predetermined number, all the balls may be replenished to the number of balls to be replenished on the pachinko machine 10 side, suggesting that the number of balls to be replenished on the card unit side has run out. This suggestion may be made on the card unit side or on the pachinko machine 10 side, and either may be used as long as it is conveyed to the player. When the number of balls held on the pachinko machine 10 is automatically replenished, the fact may be indicated by a sound, vibration, display, etc. Also, although the number of balls held is automatically replenished when the number of balls held reaches 0, the number of balls held may be replenished when the number of balls held reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) instead of 0.

[0118] [Correspondence to claims] The pachinko machine 10 corresponds to an example of an enclosed type gaming machine, and the unit that reads and rewrites the information on the value recorded on the recording medium corresponds to an example of the card unit 80. The process of S652 corresponds to an example of a ball count determining means, and the process of S654 corresponds to an example of a special suggestion executing means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10. Pachinko machine 80…Card unit 110…Outer frame 120…inner frame 140...Front frame 146...Performance button 150…Handle 164…Ball count display device 200…Game board 210…Game area 230...Performance pattern display device 241…First starting point 242…Second starting point 246…Regular prize slot 248…Big Winner 510...Main control device 520...Sub-integrated control device 530...Performance pattern control device 560...Frame control device 810...User interface 812...Ball loan button 817…Replay button

Claims

[Claim 1] A sealed-type gaming machine configured to communicate bidirectionally with a unit that reads and rewrites valuable information recorded on a recording medium, and which launches and collects game balls enclosed inside for use in games, A main control device that controls the progress of the game, A frame control device that manages information on the number of game balls a player can use to play the game, The unit includes a counting switch that moves the ball count information to the unit, A means for determining whether the number of balls held is less than a predetermined number, The ball count determination means determines that the number of balls held is less than the predetermined number, and the ball count determination means provides a special suggestion execution means that indicates that the number of balls held has decreased. The special suggestion execution means does not make the suggestion when the game balls are not being launched, or when the ball count information is being moved by the counting switch. A sealed-type gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images