JP2000024248A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine improved in security of game ball discharge action, hardly allowing illegal action. SOLUTION: Dispensable condition information from a safe sensor 111a, a winning ball dispensing sensor 134, a winning ball incomplete sensor 104a, and an overflow sensor 176 is distributed by distributing circuits 164-167, it is determined if game ball dispensable conditions are satisfied or not based on dispensable condition information by an accessory control circuit 107A and a dispensing control circuit 106A, and winning ball dispensing action is enabled by a dispensing unit based on result of determination in each circuit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine (for example, a pachinko game machine) which distributes and inputs dischargeable information of a game ball to a game control device and a discharge control device so that each of them can monitor a dischargeable condition. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional gaming machines (especially pachinko gaming machines)
In, there are some conditions under which a game ball can be discharged. It is equipped with sensors to confirm that there are game balls at several places in the ball discharge flow path from the upper tank to the discharge port (so-called upper plate and lower plate) to be paid out to the player side,
These sensors detect the presence of a ball, and the sensors (safe sensors) for confirming that a winning ball is detected by the winning ball detection means are in the presence of a ball.

A sensor for confirming that a game ball is present in a ball discharge channel includes a discharge sensor for detecting a ball to be discharged,
An odd sensor located upstream of the discharge sensor by the maximum number of balls that can be discharged at one time, and a ball whose discharged ball is filled with the upper plate and can no longer be stored are discharged through the discharge flow path. An overflow switch and the like are provided to detect a state where the ball is discharged to the plate, the lower plate is full, and the ball is clogged in the ball channel. These sensors and the like are connected to the discharge control device and transmit information on the presence or absence of a ball to the discharge control device. The discharge control device determines the received information and determines whether or not discharge is possible (determines whether or not discharge start conditions are satisfied). Also,
In the discharge control device, based on the prize ball number information (prize ball number data) transmitted from the game control device for controlling the accessory, an electric drive source (discharge solenoid or the like) capable of flowing the game ball to the discharge flow path is provided. In addition to controlling the drive, the discharge control device itself controls the safe solenoid of the safe unit to discharge the safe ball related to the prize ball number information, and ultimately, all the operation control related to discharge is delegated. (However, the prize ball number information is transmitted from the game control device).

[0004]

However, the conventional gaming machine has the following problems. (B) The discharging operation of the game ball is one of the most important components in the gaming machine, and therefore, it is security to execute it by one control circuit (that is, the circuit in the discharge control device). There was a problem in terms of. (B) That is, in the case of a conventional gaming machine, the RO for emission control is used.
M stores not only a program for determining whether or not discharge start conditions are satisfied, but also a drive control of an electric drive source (discharge solenoid or the like) capable of flowing a game ball to a discharge flow path and a prize. Since a control program for ejecting safe balls related to the ball number information was also stored, the capacity of the ejection control ROM was increased. However, the discharge control device controls the driving of the solenoid for discharging the prize ball and the lighting of the lamp related to the discharge of the prize ball, so the control is very complicated. However, it is not efficient to store a program for determining whether the discharge start condition is satisfied, counting the number of discharged balls, and driving the safe solenoid of the safe unit to discharge the safe balls.

(C) As described above, conventionally, the operation control relating to the discharge of the game ball is entirely left to the discharge control device.
There has been a risk that the security of the operation relating to the ejection of the game ball is low. (D) In addition, since the discharge control device is in charge of all the operation control related to the discharge of the game ball, by performing an illegal operation on the discharge control device, the discharge device is not actually prepared. Could malfunction. Therefore, it is desirable to take some measures to prevent such misconduct from being easily performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that enhances security of a game ball discharging operation and is less likely to be fraudulently performed.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a game control device for controlling an operation relating to a game, and a ball discharge for discharging a required number of game balls to a player. In a gaming machine including a discharge device having a mechanism, and a discharge control device for controlling the discharge device so as to discharge a required number of game balls to a player side, a discharge operation of a ball discharge mechanism in the discharge device. Distributing means for distributing dischargeable condition information enabling the start of the game to the discharge control device and the game control device is provided, and the game control device is provided with a game ball based on the dischargeable condition information distributed by the distribution means. To determine whether or not the dischargeable condition is satisfied
A dischargeable condition determination unit; and a transmission unit capable of transmitting dischargeable condition change information to the discharge control device when the determination result of the first dischargeable condition determination unit changes. A control unit configured to determine whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied based on the dischargeable condition information distributed by the distribution unit; and a transmission of the game control device. A determination result comparison unit that compares the dischargeable condition change information transmitted from the unit with a determination result of the second dischargeable condition determination unit, and a game performed by the discharge device based on a comparison result of the determination result comparison unit. Discharging operation command means for performing control for enabling the discharging operation of the sphere.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the dischargeable condition information may be a start condition of prize ball discharge based on a predetermined game result. . For example, the distribution means may be provided in the game control device as described in claim 3 dependent on claim 1 or 2.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the first embodiment will be described. “First Embodiment” A. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a gaming machine called a CR machine, and the gaming machine 1 is provided with a card-type ball lending machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a ball lending machine) 2. The ball lending machine 2 has a built-in card reader. The ball lending machine 2 has a front panel 3 formed with a card insertion slot 4 into which a prepaid card is inserted.
A key device 5 for locking (openable / closable structure) is provided.

The gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 11, a glass frame 12 made of resin for supporting glass, a game board 13 having a game area formed thereon, a front display panel 14, and a lower part of the front display panel 14. And a front operation panel 15. The frame-shaped front frame 11 is supported on a wooden machine frame 16 (see FIG. 2) by an upper hinge 17 and a lower hinge 18 so as to be openable and closable, and the glass frame 12 is supported on the frame-shaped front frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. . The glass frame 12 is locked by a key device 19 so as to be opened and closed.

An upper plate 21 for receiving a prize ball is formed on the front display panel 14, a ball lending button 22 which is operated when purchasing a game ball, and a card frequency display (a card balance) for displaying the balance of a prepaid card. Display) 23, a card ejection button (return button) 24 operated when ejecting a prepaid card, and an opening / closing opening / closing passage for connecting the ball of the upper plate 21 to a lower plate 32 to be described later. A lever 25 is provided. Although a speaker for outputting game sounds and the like is provided inside the upper plate 21, it is not shown. The front operation panel 15 is provided with an ashtray 31 and a lower tray 32, and a ball pulling lever 33 for pulling the balls stored in the lower tray 32 outward and downward. Further, on the right end side of the front operation panel 15, a firing operation knob 34 of the firing device is provided.

The upper plate 21 is formed with a ball storage portion capable of storing game balls by opening the upper surface, and has a front display panel 1.
4 is formed in a bulging shape that protrudes forward from the front side and extends below the upper plate 21 to near the lower end of the front display panel 14. In addition, the lower plate 32 is formed with a ball storage portion capable of storing game balls by opening the upper surface, and has a bulging shape protruding forward from the front side of the gaming machine 1 at a position relatively close to the upper plate 21. , And side wall members 35a, 35b are arranged on both sides of the lower plate 32. The central bottom of the upper plate 21 is symmetrically arranged from the vicinity of the upper plate 21 in contact with the front display panel 14 to the front end of the upper plate 21 in the lower portion of the upper plate 21 formed in the bulging shape. The inclined wall 36 is formed so as to be inclined so as to scrape off the surface. By forming the inclined wall 36,
A large space above the lower plate 32 is ensured, so that the player can easily scrape out the game balls of the lower plate 32 while keeping an eye on the game board 13, and lower the lower plate for a visitor at the rear of the gaming machine 1. 3
It is possible to appeal the throwing ball stored in 2.

Next, if the game area on the game board 13 plays a game using a pachinko ball, it belongs to the so-called "first kind" or the "third kind" provided with a symbol display device. Although it is possible to adopt any configuration even if it is a model or another model, a type belonging to the “first type” is used in the present embodiment as an example.
The game board 13 has an out ball inflow port 41, a rail 42, a special symbol display device 43, and a starting winning port 4 of an ordinary electric accessory type.
4. Variable winning device 45 (large winning opening)
6, 47, a plurality of general winning openings 48 to 50, a special figure starting memory display 51, an ordinary symbol display device 52, a general figure starting memory display 53, side lamps 54 and 55, a hitting direction changing member called a windmill (illustrated) ), And a number of obstacle nails (not shown). On the other hand, at the top of the frame-shaped front frame 11 of the gaming machine 1, there is provided a big hit indicator 56 which lights up (including a blinking state) at the time of a big hit, and the big hit indicator 56
A replenishment lamp 57 that lights up when a ball is replenished from the island facility and blinks when an error occurs, and a prize ball lamp 58 that lights up when a prize ball is ejected and a ball is lent is provided on the side of.

B. Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a back mechanism of the gaming machine 1. In FIG. 2, main components of the back mechanism in the gaming machine 1 include a storage tank (upper tank) 101, a guideway 102, a terminal board (external terminal board) 103, an odd sensor unit 104, a discharge unit 105, a discharge control unit. 1
06, character control unit 107, character relay base 108,
Launch unit 109, card unit connection board 110,
There are a safe unit 111, a base frame 112 of a back mechanism panel (back mechanism base), a sound control unit 113, a firing control unit 115, a display control unit 116, and a decoration control unit 117. In this case, the accessory control unit 107, the accessory relay base 108, and the sound control unit 113 are attached to the back side of the game board 13, and the display control unit 116 is provided with a center accessory (special symbol display device 43). A) at the rear. In addition, the mounting position of each control unit is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. For example, the accessory control unit 107 may be mounted on the base frame 112.

The base frame 112 is formed of an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin, and is attached to a metal frame 121 fixed to the back of the front frame 11 of the gaming machine 1. And
Various components such as a storage tank 101, a guideway 102, a terminal base 103, an odd sensor unit 104, a discharge unit 105, a discharge control unit 106, a firing unit 109, a card unit connection board 110, a safe A unit 111, a firing control unit 115, a decoration control unit 117, and the like are attached (for example, fixed by a one-touch holding member), and these various components and the base frame 112 are collectively referred to as a back mechanism panel 114. It is called.

The metal frame 121 has a rectangular shape, and has a game board storage section 122 for removably storing and fixing the game board 13. A plurality of game board fixing devices (not shown) are arranged in the game board storage section 122, and the game board 13 is fixed by the plurality of game board fixing devices. The storage tank 101 stores balls before being discharged in advance, and a shortage of the number of balls in the storage tank 101 is detected by a replenishment sensor (not shown). You. The sphere in the storage tank 101 is guided by the guide path 102 and discharged by the discharge unit 105. The discharge unit 105 discharges a required number of game balls guided from the storage tank 101 to the player based on a predetermined ball discharge command signal (signal from the discharge control unit 106). And a ball discharging mechanism (including a ball lending discharge).

The details of the discharge unit 105 will be described.
The discharge unit 105 has two ball discharge passages (one of which is shown in FIG. 3). One of the ball discharge passages 131 (see FIG. 3) discharges a prize ball, and the other ball discharge passage. Will discharge for ball lending. That is, the configuration is such that the two ball discharge passages are properly used depending on the application. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the discharge unit 105,
For convenience of explanation, a cross section on the side of the ball discharge passage 131 for discharging a prize ball is shown. As shown in FIG.
A discharge solenoid 133 for driving a discharge cam 132 for the ball and a discharge sensor 134 for detecting discharge of the ball in the ball discharge passage 131 are provided on the 31 side. It should be noted that, within a range that can be understood from FIG. Reference numeral 135 denotes a vibration absorbing member (bound preventing member) that absorbs vibration (bound) of the discharge cam 132.

The discharge unit 105 is a discharge control unit 1
Discharge solenoid 13 based on the ball discharge control signal from 06
3, the discharge cam 132 is displaced to discharge the stopped ball into the ball discharge passage 131. (Specifically, the discharge solenoid 133 moves the distal end upward with the end of the discharge cam 132 as a base point. The ball is lifted to allow the ball (the lowermost ball T passes first) through the ball discharge passage 131 to discharge the ball. The discharge of the ball is detected by a discharge sensor 134, and a signal is distributed to the accessory control unit 107 and the discharge control unit 106 by a distribution circuit 165 (see FIG. 6) described later. In the discharge control unit 106, the discharge sensor 1
The number of discharged balls is counted based on the detection signal from 34, and the game balls are discharged corresponding to the information on the number of prize balls transmitted from the accessory control unit 107. On the other hand, the accessory control unit 10
7 counts the discharge of the game balls by the discharge control unit 106 based on the detection signal from the discharge sensor 134, and when the count is a predetermined count value, transmits the discharge ball information to the discharge control unit 106 side. .

The discharge sensors are provided corresponding to the two passages of the discharge unit 105, and the discharge sensor 1 for the prize ball.
34 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a prize ball discharge sensor 134) and a discharge sensor 178 for lending a ball (see FIG. 7 described later). In addition, the discharge control unit 106 includes the ball rental machine 2
The discharge mechanism of the discharge unit 105 on the side of the ball lending discharge passage is controlled based on a command from a card unit control device 194 (described later) to discharge the commanded ball lending game balls.

Returning to FIG. 2 again, whether or not there are balls for prize ball discharge and ball leasing discharge on the taxiway 102 is detected by the odd sensor unit 104 (to which the odd sensors 104a and 104b are attached), respectively. You. The terminal board 103 relays the input of AC power and the transmission and reception of signals with a hall computer (management device: not shown) in the game arcade, and a relay section and a connector section (connects to the hall computer). ), And both are connected by a cable.

The discharge control unit 106 is attached to the base frame 112, and various electric components (for example,
The control unit controls the electrical drive source of the discharge unit 105, and includes a control board for realizing this control function in a predetermined case. The circuit realized by the control board (including the electronic components on the board) of the discharge control unit 106 is a discharge control circuit 10 shown in FIG.
6A. The accessory control unit 107 performs various controls necessary for the accessory game, and includes a control board for realizing this control function stored in a predetermined case.
The circuit realized by the control board (including the electronic components on the board) of the accessory control unit 107 is described later with reference to FIG.
The accessory control circuit 107A shown in FIG. Character relay base 10
Reference numeral 8 denotes an accessory, a side lamp 5 arranged on the game board 13.
1, 52, the variable winning device 45, etc. and the accessory control unit 10
7 for connection and connection of cables. The firing unit 109 is a mechanism for firing a ball in response to an operation of a firing operation knob 34 provided at a lower part on the front of the gaming machine 1. The card unit connection board 110 is for connecting the cable 123 extending from the ball rental machine 2 to the gaming machine 1 and includes a mounting member (for example, a female connector) for receiving a connector at the end of the cable 123. ing.

On the back side of the game board 13, there is formed a space in which a winning ball can flow down, and a winning ball collecting member 141 for collecting the winning balls is provided.
Is made of, for example, a transparent resin (PC resin or the like).
Has a function of guiding a safe ball (winning ball) that has entered each winning opening. The safe balls guided by the winning ball collecting member 141 are collected by the winning ball collecting shelf 142 below, and then guided to the safe unit 111 through the winning ball flowing down gutter 143. The winning ball collection shelf 142 is formed on the base frame 112 and is formed of a synthetic resin member. The winning ball collecting gutter 143 is also formed on the base frame 112 in the same manner, and is formed of a synthetic resin member.

The safe unit 111 has a winning ball collecting gutter 1
43 is provided at the lower end of the flow, and the winning ball collecting gutter 143 is provided.
A safe sensor 111a is provided for detecting one safe ball (winning ball) flowing down, and each time a prize ball corresponding to the safe ball is discharged, the detected safe ball is discharged one by one. Here, the detected safe ball is the safe ball involved in the determination of the prize ball information because the safe ball has been used as a trigger to determine the prize ball number information. A safe ball for which the payout of the minute game ball to the player has been completed.

The safe unit 111 is mainly composed of a safe solenoid 1 as shown in FIG.
51, a first safe cam 152, a second safe cam 153, and a non-contact safe sensor 111a, and a safe ball passage 154 is formed therein. Similarly, within a range that can be understood from FIG. 4, various fine members (for example,
Rods, screws, washers, etc.) are not numbered. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the safe solenoid 151 is not energized, and a part of the second safe cam 153 protrudes into the safe ball passage 154 to prevent and hold the discharge of the safe ball ST. The held ball (first safe ball ST in the figure) is located at the position of the safe sensor 111a, and is detected as the safe ball ST by the photosensor type safe sensor 111a.
At this time, the first safe cam 152 is drawn out of the safe ball passage 154 and does not contact the safe ball.

When a signal for instructing discharge of the safe ball (predetermined discharge operation command) is input from the discharge control unit 106 to the safe solenoid 151 and the safe solenoid 151 is turned on, FIG. As shown, first, the second safe cam 153 is connected to the safe ball passage 154.
Safe ball ST that was pulled out from inside and held until now
(I.e., the first safe ball) is discharged one by one, and at the same time, a part of the first safe cam 152 temporarily protrudes into the safe ball passage 154, and the subsequent safe ball (second safe ball) Safe spheres).

Next, at the same time that the second safe cam 153 again projects into the safe ball passage 154, the first safe cam 152 is pulled out from the safe ball passage 154. As a result, the second safe ball comes into contact with and is held by the second safe cam 153, and the third safe ball comes into contact with and continues to the second safe ball. That is,
Each time the safe solenoid 151 is turned on, one safe ball is moved and discharged, and immediately thereafter, the next safe ball is held and stopped. By temporarily holding the safe ball in this manner, it is possible to confirm that the safe ball has actually been generated by winning, thereby preventing fraud and avoiding trouble with the player. The discharge of the safe ball is detected by the safe sensor 111a, and the detection signal is input to the accessory control unit 107 and the discharge control unit 106.

Returning to FIG. 2, an out ball down gutter (not shown) is provided on the back side of the game board 13, and the out ball down gutter flows into the out port 41 at the lower part of the game area. The ball is caused to flow down and is discharged from the ball discharge port 144 to the outside of the gaming machine 1 (that is, the out-ball is guided to flow down to the back side of the gaming machine 1). The ball discharge port 144 also discharges the ball discharged from the safe unit 111 to the outside. In addition, the sound control unit 113 performs control for appropriately outputting various sound effects according to a gaming state from a speaker (not shown) disposed on the front of the gaming machine 1 or the like. A control board that realizes this control function is housed and configured. The sound control unit 113 is connected to the control board of the accessory control unit 107 via a cable, and exchanges a signal indicating a gaming state and the like.

The launch control unit 115 controls various electric components (for example, an electric drive source of the launch unit 109) necessary for launching the ball, and a control board for realizing this control function in a predetermined case. Are stored. The display control unit 116 is
The center item is controlled in accordance with a command output from the center item 7 and a predetermined image is displayed on a display unit on the front of the center item (that is, the display unit of the special symbol display device 43). And a control board for realizing this control function. Decoration control unit 11
7 controls the operation (lighting or extinguishing) of the decorative lamps arranged on the front face of the gaming machine 1 and the like, and a control board for realizing this control function is housed in a predetermined case. It is configured.

C. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the accessory control circuit 107A implemented by the control board of the accessory control unit 107. The accessory control circuit 107A performs an accessory control required for a pachinko game or the like. Game processing unit 16 consisting of one-chip microcomputer
0, an oscillator 161 that divides the oscillation frequency of the crystal to obtain a predetermined clock, an input interface 162 that accepts various sensor signals, and an output interface 163
And a plurality of distribution circuits 164 to 168. The game processing unit 160 includes a CPU, ROM, R
Built-in AM, so-called I for amuse chip
C, and stores a unique ID for determining the validity of a chip, for example.

The input interface 162 includes a continuation sensor 171 for detecting a so-called continuous winning (V winning) ball among the balls entering the variable winning device 45, a special figure starting winning opening (a starting winning opening of an ordinary electric character type). ) Special figure start sensor 172 for detecting a prize to 44, count sensor 173 for detecting all balls entering the variable prize device 45, and general figure start for detecting that a ball has passed through the general figure start gates 46 and 47. Signals from the gate sensor 174 and the supply sensor 177 are input. On the other hand, the distribution circuits 164 to 168 include a safe sensor 111a and a discharge sensor 13 for discharging a prize ball.
4. Prize ball irregular sensor 104a (irregular sensor unit 1)
Signals from a sensor in the award ball passage in FIG. 04), a metal frame sensor 175 for detecting the opening of the glass frame 12, and an overflow sensor 176 for detecting the full state of the lower plate 32 (excessive accumulation of balls). ing.

The distribution circuit 164 distributes the signal from the safe sensor 111a to two, one of which is input to the game processing unit 160 via the input interface 162, and the other is input to the discharge control circuit 106A. . The distribution circuit 165 distributes a signal (ball detection signal) from the discharge sensor 135 for discharging a prize ball into two, one of which is input to the game processing unit 160 via the input interface 162, and the other is discharge control. Input to the circuit 106A.
The distribution circuit 166 distributes the signal from the odd ball sensor 104a to two, one of which is input to the game processing unit 160 via the input interface 162, and the other is input to the discharge control circuit 106A. . Distribution circuit 167
Distributes the signal from the overflow sensor 176 into two, one as an input to the game processing unit 160 via the input interface 162, and the other as an input to the discharge control circuit 106A. The distribution circuit 168 distributes the signal from the frame sensor 175 into two, one of which is input to the game processing unit 160 via the input interface 162, and the other is input to the discharge control circuit 106A.

Here, the safe sensor 111a, the discharge sensor 135 for discharging the prize ball, and the odd sensor 104 for the prize ball.
a, The overflow sensor 176 constitutes dischargeable condition information detecting means for detecting dischargeable condition information that enables the discharge operation of the ball discharging mechanism in the discharge unit 105 (discharge device) as a whole. The dischargeable condition information in this case is a start condition of prize ball discharge based on a predetermined game result. In the present embodiment, the discharge sensor 135 for prize ball discharge is turned on and overflowed as specific dischargeable condition information. Sensor 176 is off, award sensor 1
04a is off (light transmission state) and the safe sensor 111a is on. In addition, the distribution circuits 164 to 167 constitute a distribution unit that can distribute the dischargeable condition information to the discharge control unit 106 (discharge control device) and the accessory control unit 107 (game control device). Distribution circuits 164 to 167
Is provided in the accessory control circuit 107A realized by the control board of the accessory control unit 107. Since the accessory control unit 107 is provided at a portion located substantially at the center of the back surface of the gaming machine, various functions are provided. There is an effect that it is easy to perform a wiring process from a member for detecting dischargeable condition information provided at a position.

As described above, the discharge unit 105
Is provided with a discharge sensor corresponding to the two passages. In this case, the discharge sensors other than the discharge sensor 134 for discharging the prize ball are used for ball lending as shown in FIG. Discharge sensor 178, discharge sensor 1 for ball lending
The signal from 78 (ball detection signal) is directly sent to the discharge control circuit 1.
06A.

From the output interface 163, a discharge control circuit 106A, an external output terminal plate 181 on the veneer (game board 13) side, an external output terminal plate 182 on the frame side, and a display control device for controlling the display of the special symbol display device 43 are provided. 183, a special winning opening solenoid 184 for opening and closing the special winning opening, which is the variable winning device 45, a normal electric accessory solenoid 185 for driving the normal variable winning device (that is, the normal electric accessory of the starting winning opening 44), and voice control. A signal is output to the circuit 186 and the decoration display control circuit 187. The external output terminal board 181 for the game board is for outputting necessary information related to the game to the outside, and outputs, for example, jackpot information, special figure stop information, special figure stop symbol information, and certainty change information to the outside. The frame-side external output terminal plate 182 is the above-mentioned terminal base, and is a signal for opening a gold frame (glass frame), a supply signal, a prize ball signal, a ball lending signal to a hall computer (management device). Outputs an error signal (abnormal signal). Although not shown, a control signal is output to a special figure start storage display, a normal symbol display device, and a general figure start storage display.

D. Control System FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a control system in the gaming machine 1. FIG.
In the accessory control circuit 107A implemented by the control board of the accessory control unit 107, the safe signals 111a distributed by the sensor signals from the game board 13, the sensors 171 to 174 and 175, and the distribution circuits 164 to 168 are provided. Based on signals from the prize ball discharge sensor 134, the prize ball odd-end sensor 104a, the overflow sensor 176, and the metal frame sensor 175, the game control of the game board 13 (that is, the game progress management control) is performed. It is determined whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied based on the dischargeable condition information distributed by the distribution circuits 164 to 167. When the determination result changes, the dischargeable condition change information is determined. A process for transmitting to the discharge control unit 106 is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, the accessory control circuit 107A counts game balls from the discharge unit 105 discharged under the control of the discharge control unit 106 based on a ball detection signal from the discharge sensor 134 for award balls, It is determined whether or not a predetermined count value has been reached,
When the determination result is a predetermined count value, the discharged ball information (the discharged ball information includes a difference number signal, and the difference number signal when the difference number = 0 indicates a command to drive the safe solenoid 151 ( (A safe ball discharge operation command: a safe SOL operation signal) is transmitted to the discharge control unit 106 side. Therefore, the accessory control unit 107 including the accessory control circuit 107A realizes a function as a game control device, and constitutes a first dischargeable condition determination unit and a transmission unit.

As a process of managing and controlling the progress of the game, the accessory control circuit 107A outputs a control signal to the display control circuit 183 to display a special figure on a display device (special symbol display device 43), or to control voice. A control signal is output to the circuit 186 to drive the speaker 188 with the sound signal generated by the sound control circuit 186, and further, to control the decoration control circuit 18.
7 to output various control devices 189 (for example,
Various decorations on the game board 13 are driven to perform a decoration effect. An abnormal signal is output from the accessory control circuit 107A to the abnormal lamp 190, and the abnormal lamp 1 is output.
An error such as an error is notified by 90.

Next, the discharge control circuit 106A includes a CPU, R
It is configured to include a discharge processing IC 191 composed of a one-chip microcomputer including an OM and a RAM, an input interface 192, and an output interface 193, and prize ball control information is input from the accessory control circuit 107A to the discharge control circuit 106A. It is supposed to be. A ball lending control signal is exchanged between the discharge control circuit 106A and the card unit controller 194 of the ball lending machine 2.

The discharge control circuit 106A further includes a safe sensor 111a distributed from the five distribution circuits 164 to 168, a discharge sensor 134 for discharging prize balls, an odd sensor 104a for prize balls, an overflow sensor 176,
The signal from the metal frame sensor 175 is input and the signal from the ball lending discharge sensor 178 is directly input, and the discharge control circuit 106A is controlled by the accessory control circuit 107A.
In order to perform the discharge control of the ball based on the prize ball control information from the player, the discharge solenoid 133 for the prize ball is driven (that is, the discharge unit 105 is controlled to discharge the required number of game balls to the player side). ), And drives the safe solenoid 151 (that is, outputs a predetermined discharging operation command to the winning ball discharging device (safe unit 111) based on the discharged ball information transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A).

In this case, the discharge control circuit 106A controls the dischargeable condition information (that is, the safe sensor 111a, the discharge sensor 134 for discharging a prize ball, the odd sensor 104a for a prize ball) distributed by the distribution circuits 164 to 168 (distribution means). Based on the signal from the overflow sensor 176), and determines whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied, and compares the determination result with the dischargeable condition change information transmitted from the accessory control device 107A. Then, control is performed to enable the discharging unit 105 to discharge the game balls based on the comparison result. Further, the discharge control circuit 106 </ b> A, based on a ball lending command from the card unit control device 194,
The discharge solenoid 195 for lending a ball is driven. Therefore, the discharge control unit 10 including the discharge control circuit 106A
Reference numeral 6 realizes a function as a discharge control device, and constitutes a second dischargeable condition determination unit, a determination result comparison unit, and a discharge operation command unit.

The prize ball control information (for example, a prize ball discharge request) from the accessory control circuit 107A includes a transmission clock and prize ball data. The transmission clock takes a signal timing. Numbers (e.g. 6, 10, 15
). The discharge control circuit 106A controls the discharge of the prize balls by driving the prize ball side of the discharge unit 105 based on the prize ball number information, and controls the discharge unit 1 based on the ball lending signal from the card unit control device 194.
The discharge control is performed to drive the ball lending side 05 to lend the ball to the player. At this time, the ball lending irregular sensor 104b
It is determined whether or not a game ball for lending a ball is waiting based on a signal from the player. The card unit control device 194 of the ball rental machine 2 includes a ball rental operation unit 196 (ball rental button 22, card return button 2) provided on the upper plate 21 of the gaming machine 1.
Based on the signal from 4), control necessary for ball lending (ball lending request to the discharge control circuit 106A) is performed, and
For example, the display of the ball lending display unit 197 (the card frequency display unit 23) provided in the unit 1 is controlled. That is, the ball lending unit on the gaming machine 1 side is controlled by the card unit control device 194 on the ball lending machine 2 side.

Further, regarding the launching of a sphere, the discharge control circuit 106A outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control circuit 115A realized by the control board (including electronic components on the board) of the launch control unit 115, and launches. Control circuit 11
In the case of 5A, a motor 198 for projecting a ball based on a permission signal is provided.
, The touch plate 199 detects that the player is touching the firing operation knob 34, and the single shot switch 200 allows the player to intentionally stop firing the ball according to the player's intention.

Next, the operation will be described. "Main Routine for Controlling Accessory" FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main routine for controlling the accessory performed by the accessory control unit 107. This control processing is performed in step S1.
The sequence from to step S22 is repeatedly executed at every predetermined reference time (for example, every 2 ms reset interrupt). When the process is started, a power-on determination process is first performed in step S1. In this case, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on. If the power is turned on, an initialization process is performed. In the initialization processing, initialization of the work memory in the RAM, register setting processing, flag initialization, and the like are performed. Next, the process proceeds to step S2 to perform an input process. Here, a process of taking in signals from all switches and sensors input to the accessory control circuit 107A is performed, but details will be described later in a subroutine.

Next, one of the steps S4 to S11 is sequentially executed for each routine of this program. The outline of steps S4 to S11 is as follows. Step S4: Prize Ball Control Information Editing Process In the prize ball control information editing process, prize ball control information to be transmitted to the discharge control circuit 106A in step S5 described later is edited.
The prize ball control information is prize ball data, state change data, a difference number signal, and a safe solenoid actuation signal described later. Step S5: Prize Ball Parallel Communication Processing In the prize ball parallel communication processing, the prize ball control information is transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A to the discharge / discharge circuit 106A in parallel. Step S6: Through Process In the through process, the process exits from step S3 to step S12 without doing anything.

Step S7: Audio Parallel Communication Processing In the audio parallel communication processing, sound control information is transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A to the audio control circuit 186 in parallel. Step S8: Prize Ball Control Information Editing Processing In the prize ball control information editing processing, the prize ball control information transmitted to the discharge control circuit 106A in step S9 described later is edited. Step S9: Prize Ball Parallel Communication Processing In the prize ball parallel communication processing, prize ball control information is transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A to the discharge / discharge circuit 106A in parallel. Here, the program is executed every reference time, for example, 2 m.
s is repeatedly executed for each reset interrupt,
Step S5, Step S every four reset interrupts
9 is performed. Therefore, the prize ball control information is 8 m
It is possible to switch the signal in s units.

Step S10: Decoration Parallel Communication Processing In the decoration parallel communication processing, decoration control information is transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A to the decoration control circuit 187 in parallel. Since the process of step S10 is performed every eight reset interrupts, the decoration control information can switch the signal in units of 16 ms. The decoration control circuit 18
The control of the lamps, LEDs, ordinary symbols, storage display, and the like on the game board 13 is performed by 7 based on the decoration control information. Step S11: Display control circuit parallel communication processing In the display control circuit parallel communication processing, display control information is transmitted in parallel from the accessory control circuit 107A to the display control circuit 183.
Send to Step S1 every eight reset interrupts
Since process 1 is performed, the display control information can switch the signal in units of 16 ms.

According to the processing branches of steps S3 to S11, each time the sequence of this program is repeated, steps S3 to S11 are sequentially executed. Next, in the main routine shown in FIG. 8, after the above processing branch is performed, next, a random number generation process is performed in step S12. The random number generation process is a process of generating a random number by updating the random number. The random number generation process obtains an initial value from a random number generation circuit (not shown). Generated. This allows
The random numbers of the special figure and the ordinary figure change, and the random number extraction value per the big hit or the ordinary figure maintains the randomness. Then
In step S13, a switch winning process is performed. For this, processing corresponding to signals from all switches and sensors taken into the accessory control circuit 107A is performed, and details will be described later in a subroutine.

Next, steps S14 to S21
Is sequentially executed for each routine of this program. The outline of steps S14 to S21 is as follows. Step S14: Special symbol game process In the special symbol game process, a special symbol game is performed in accordance with the start winning of the special symbol. For example, a big hit or a stop symbol is determined, a big hit game is performed, and the stop symbol is a reach symbol. In the case of, after the reach flag is set, the effect of the reach is performed in the symbol variation processing of the next and subsequent sequences. Step S15: Ordinary symbol game process In the ordinary symbol game process, a general symbol game associated with the start winning of the general symbol is performed, and for example, a hit symbol or a non-stop symbol is determined, and a general symbol hit game is performed. Step S16: Symbol variation process In the symbol variation process, a process of varying and stopping the symbol of the special figure is performed. By transmitting the display information set in this process to the display control circuit 183 in the output process of step S3, the display control circuit 183 controls the display of the special figure on the special symbol display device 43.

Step S17: Decoration Control Information Editing Processing In the decoration control information editing processing, decoration control information to be transmitted to the decoration control circuit 187 in the decoration parallel communication processing in step S10 is edited. Step S18: Solenoid Editing Process In the solenoid editing process, the solenoid control information to be transmitted to various solenoids (for example, the discharge solenoid 133 for prize balls) is edited. Step S19: Fraud Monitoring Process In the fraud monitoring process, for example, monitoring for no-count fraud and the like are performed.

Step S20: Display Control Circuit Transmission Command Editing Process In the display control circuit transmission command editing process, the transmission command transmitted to the display control circuit 183 is edited. Step S21: External Information Editing Process In the external information processing, external information (a signal for outputting a jackpot or the like to the external hall computer) is edited. According to the processing branches of steps S14 to S21 described above, each time the sequence of this program is repeated, steps S14 to S21 are sequentially executed. Next, in the main routine shown in FIG. 8, after the above processing branch is performed, the remaining time processing is then performed in step S22. The remaining time processing is performed by this program every reference time,
For example, since the process is repeatedly performed every 2 ms reset interrupt, the process waits for the remaining time until the reset interrupt timing.

"Input processing subroutine" Next, FIG.
(A) is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the input process in the main routine of accessory control. In this subroutine, the edge of the special figure start SW (the special figure start sensor 172, the same applies hereinafter) is detected in step S31, and the general figure start SW (general figure start gate sensor 1) is detected in step S32.
73, the same applies hereinafter). In step S33, the edge of the count SW (the count sensor 173, the same applies hereinafter) is detected, and in step S34, the edge of the continuous SW (the continuation sensor 171, the same applies hereinafter) is detected.

Next, in step S35, the safe sensor 1
Save level 11a. Next, the level of the discharge sensor 135 for discharging the prize ball is stored in step S36, and the edge of the discharge sensor 135 for discharging the prize ball is detected in step S37. Next, at step S38, the level of the overflow sensor 176 is stored, and at step S39, the level of the award winning ball odd-end sensor 104a is stored. In step S40, a metal frame opening sensor (a metal frame sensor 175,
Hereinafter, the level of the metal frame opening sensor (shown in the drawing) is saved, and the process returns to the main routine. Thus, the level of each sensor is stored and the edge is detected.

[Subroutine of Switch Winning Process] Next, FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the switch winning process in the main routine for controlling the accessory. In this subroutine, a winning process of the special figure start SW is performed in step S41. This means that, by detecting the edge of the output signal of the special figure start SW, the random number for special figure determination is extracted and stored (stored), and the first specific winning number is further increased by +1.
Only update. Here, the accessory control circuit 107
The storage data of A will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, there are six types of stored data of 7A. The first specific winning number is the number of game balls that are discharged as prize balls when a winning is made to a winning opening (here, the first specific winning opening) in which the number of prize balls is determined in advance. . For example, if the starting winning opening (ordinary electric accessory type starting winning opening 44) is set as the first specific winning opening with six prize balls, the first specific winning number = 6. The storage data of the first specific winning number can take a value of 0 to 255. Similarly,
As the second specific winning port, a variable winning device 45 of 15 prize balls is used.
(Large winning opening) is set, the second specific winning number = 15, and the storage data of the second specific winning number can take a value of 0 to 255. It should be noted that ten winning balls are set as default values when the general winning ports 48 to 50 are won.

Of the other stored data, the safe sensor state is data for storing the state of the safe sensor 111a determining the presence or absence of a ball. This is data for storing the presence / absence determination state. The overflow sensor state is data that stores the occurrence of a sphere without a ball, the occurrence of a sphere with a ball, the maintenance of a sphere with a ball, and the maintenance of a sphere without a ball. Set when a transition occurs. The ball-abnormality occurrence is set when the state transitions from the state where the ball is confirmed to the state where the ball is confirmed. The ball-abnormal maintenance is set when the ball-abnormal state continues, and the ball-absence maintenance is set when the ball-absent state continues. The prize ball irregular sensor state is data for storing the sphere-abnormal occurrence, sphere-occurrence, sphere-maintain, and sphere-abnormal maintenance of the prize-ball irregular sensor 104a. It is set when the state transits from to the state where no ball is determined. The presence of a sphere is set when the state transitions from the state without the sphere to the state with the sphere determined. The maintenance with the ball is set when the state with the ball continues, and the abnormal maintenance without the ball is set when the state without the ball continues.

The state of the metal frame opening sensor means that the metal frame sensor 17
5 is the data for storing the occurrence of the opening abnormality, the occurrence of the closing, the maintenance of the closing, and the maintenance of the opening abnormality.
Reference numeral 75 is set when the abnormal opening of the glass frame 12 is detected, and the occurrence of the closing is set when the metal frame sensor 175 detects the closing of the glass frame 12. The maintenance of the closed state is set when the metal frame sensor 175 detects that the closed state of the glass frame 12 continues, and the maintenance of the abnormal opening is performed by the metal frame sensor 1.
75 is set when detecting that the abnormal open state of the glass frame 12 continues. The number of discharge confirmations is set when the number of discharges discharged from the discharge unit 105 is detected in a range of 0 to 15.

Returning again to the description of FIG.
After passing through No. 41, then, in step S42, the general-purpose starting SW
And a random number for general figure determination is extracted and stored (saved) by detecting the edge of the output signal of the general figure start SW. Next, in step S43, winning processing of the count SW is performed. Thus, the number of winnings to the variable winning device 45 (large winning opening) is detected by detecting the edge of the output signal of the count sensor 173, and the second specific winning number is increased by +1.
Just update. Next, in step S44, a continuation SW winning process is performed. Thereby, the process of continuing the round in the big hit game is performed by detecting the edge of the output signal of the continuation sensor 171 in the variable winning device 45 (big winning opening). Next, in step S45, the state of the safe sensor 111a is determined. In this processing, the safe sensor 11
The holding time of the level of the output signal 1a (eg, active level (“H”) when there is a safe ball, non-active level (“L”) when there is no safe ball) is monitored, and the level is determined to be a predetermined level. If the time has continued, the content of the storage area in the safe sensor state (see FIG. 10A) is updated to a corresponding one (for example, with or without a ball). That is, a state as to whether or not there is a winning ball in the safe sensor 111a is determined.

Next, in step S46, a state grasping process of the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is performed. In this processing, the output signal level of the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is monitored for the level holding time,
If the level has continued for a predetermined time, the content of the storage area of the prize ball discharge sensor state (see FIG. 10A) is updated to a corresponding one (for example, with or without a ball). That is, the state of whether or not there is a winning ball in the winning ball discharge sensor 134 is determined. Next, by detecting the edge (rising) of the prize ball discharge sensor 134 in step S47, the number of passing game balls is counted, and the content of the area of the discharge confirmation number (see FIG. 10A) is updated by -1. I do. As a result, the game balls discharged from the discharge unit 1905 are counted and monitored by the accessory control circuit 107A based on the output of the prize ball discharge sensor 134.

Next, at step S48, the state of the overflow sensor 176 is determined. In this process, the holding time of the level of the output signal of the overflow sensor 176 is monitored. Update to what you do. in this case,
When a transition is made from the state where the ball is confirmed to the state where the ball is confirmed, “abnormal occurrence with ball” is set in the contents of the storage area. Conversely, when the state transitions from the state of determining the presence of a sphere to the state of confirmation of the absence of a sphere, “occurrence of a sphere” is set in the content of the storage area.

Next, in step S49, a state grasping process of the award winning ball odd-end sensor 104a is performed. In this processing, the holding time of the level of the output signal of the odd-ball award sensor 104a is monitored, and when the level has continued for a predetermined time,
The content of the storage area in the state of the awarded ball odd sensor (see FIG. 10A) is updated to the corresponding one. In this case, when the state transitions from the state with the sphere determined to the state with the sphere not determined, the content of the storage area is changed from 4 “maintained with the ball” to “abnormal occurrence of the ball”
When the ball-absent state continues, the state is set to “ball-abnormality maintenance”. Conversely, when the state transitions from the state without the ball to the state with the ball present, the content of the storage area is set from “abnormal absence of the ball” to “occurrence of the ball”. Set to "Keep". Next, in step S50, a state grasping process of the metal frame sensor 175 is performed. In this process, the holding time of the level of the output signal of the metal frame sensor 175 is monitored, and if the level has continued for a predetermined time, the metal frame opening sensor state (FIG. 10A)
Update the contents of the storage area (see (3)) to the corresponding one. For example, it is set to one of the occurrence of an abnormal opening, the occurrence of a closing, the maintenance of a closed state, and the maintenance of an abnormal opening of the metal frame sensor 175. After step S50, the process returns to the main routine. In this way, a corresponding process is performed based on the output signal of each sensor.

[Transmission Method of Award Ball Control Information] Here, an example of a method of transmitting the prize ball control information transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A to the discharge control circuit 106A will be described. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a method of transmitting prize ball control information. In this example, six data lines (bit 0 to bit 5) are used.
And one strobe line, so that either the low level or the high level can be set for each data line by the accessory control circuit 107A. To transmit the data, first, the accessory control circuit 107A
Information of each bit of data to be transmitted on the side (D0 to D5)
, The strobe signal is set to the high level, the logic of the information (D0 to D5) of each bit is inverted, and then the strobe signal is set to the low level.
At this time, the discharge control circuit 106A reads the information (D0 to D5) of each bit at the rising edge of the strobe signal, and then reads the inverted values of the information (D0 to D5) at the falling edge of the strobe signal, and reads each bit. Check whether the read information is contrary. With such a configuration, if the data line is disconnected, the logic of the strobe signal line does not change, and the value of the non-inverted value and the inverted value are the same. Will be possible.

FIG. 11 shows a first example in which the award ball control information is transmitted by the method of transmitting the award ball control information (FIG. 10 (b). In the first example, the number of data lines is six. The transmission control information is transmitted in the following manner. The details (bit pattern) of the transmission control information are as follows.
That is, the high level of the non-inverted value of the signal line corresponds to the bit [1] shown in FIG. 11, and the low level of the non-inverted value of the signal line corresponds to the bit [0] shown in FIG. Bits 0 and 1 (that is, D0 and D1) indicate the type of prize ball control information. For example, when bit 0 is [1], it indicates that the prize ball control information is state change data. On the other hand, bits 2 to 5 (that is, D2 to D5) are set with information on the status (abnormal state) of each sensor and the type of gaming machine (for example, CR machine / cash machine).
Bits 0 and 1 (D0, D1) are [0],
If it is [0], it becomes prize ball data requesting the discharge control circuit 106A to discharge the prize ball.
The number of required prize balls (for example, 1 to 15) is set in (D2 to D5). Further, bits 0, 1
If (D0, D1) is [0] and [1], respectively, it becomes a difference signal for notifying the discharge control circuit 106A of the difference number (a number insufficient for the requested prize ball). 2 to 5 (D2 to D5) have difference numbers (for example, 1 to 1).
Up to 5) are set. Note that the difference number signal having the difference number of 0 (the difference number normal notification) also serves as a signal for driving the safe solenoid 151 (that is, a safe ball discharging operation command).

FIG. 12 shows a second example in which the prize ball control information is transmitted by the above-mentioned prize ball control information transmission method (FIG. 10B. In the second example, the number of data lines is bit 0). The difference is that there are 9
Bit 0 indicates the type of prize ball control information. However, unlike the first example, when the bit 0 is [0], it indicates that the award ball control information is the award ball data, and when the bit 0 is [1], the award ball control information is the difference signal. Is shown. Also, the status (abnormal state) of each sensor and the type of gaming machine (for example, CR
(Machine / cash machine) information, there is an advantage that status change data can be transmitted at the same time. In particular, when it is desired to transmit only the state change data without requesting the prize ball discharge or the difference number notification, all the bits 0 to 5 are set to [0] (set without the prize ball discharge request).
Will be sent. The number of award balls and the number of differences are the same as in the first example. In addition, the state change data is a program (not shown) different from the program for controlling the accessory and discharging the prize ball.
To be transmitted.

Next, FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a program related to prize ball discharge executed in the accessory control circuit 107A and the discharge control circuit 106A. The accessory control program shown in FIG.
s is executed in response to the interrupt signal every s.
The program shown in FIG. 3 is a process for paying out a predetermined prize ball corresponding to the prize ball when there is a prize ball.
It is executed separately from the accessory control program. Describing the program in FIG. 13, the accessory control circuit 107A first performs a prize ball data transmittable state determination process in step S51. In this process, it is determined whether or not a prize ball discharge condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, a transmission enable flag is set. If the condition is not satisfied, a transmission enable flag is reset. The details will be described later in a subroutine. Next, in step S52, it is determined whether or not the “transmission enabled flag” is set. If the “transmission enabled flag” is not set, the process returns to step S51. On the other hand, if the "send flag" is set,
Proceeding to step S53, a process of transmitting prize ball data to the discharge control circuit 106A is performed. At this time, the prize ball data shown in FIG. 10A is transmitted by the transmission method shown in FIG. 10B, and the signal lines used are in the form shown in FIG. 11 or FIG.

In the discharge control circuit 106A, step S5
In step 4, the prize ball discharge request flag is cleared, and the subsequent step S5
In step 5, a dischargeable condition satisfaction determination process is performed. In the dischargeable condition establishment determination processing, the prize ball data transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A is received, and when the dischargeable condition is satisfied, a prize ball discharge request flag is set (the details will be described later in a subroutine). ). Next, in step S56, it is determined whether or not the prize ball discharge request flag is set. If not, the process returns to step S54 to repeat the processing.

On the other hand, if the prize ball discharge request flag is set, the flow advances to step S57 to set the stored required discharge number as the discharge number, and then to step S58. In step S58, a prize ball counting and discharging process is performed. This is because the safe S transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A is counted while counting the number of prize balls discharged by the output of the prize ball discharge sensor 134.
A safe ball discharge command is output based on the OL operation signal, and the details will be described later in a subroutine. At this time, a pulse from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is input to the discharge control circuit 106A, and the prize ball discharge sensor 134
Is also input to the accessory control circuit 107A. Next, when the discharge control circuit 106A completes the discharge of the prize balls (confirmation is performed on the accessory control circuit 107A side: details will be described later), the process proceeds to step S59, and the safe ball discharge processing is performed. At this time, a signal for driving the safe solenoid 151 of the safe unit 111 is output from the discharge control circuit 106A. As a result, the safe solenoid 151 is driven, and the safe ball related to the current prize ball discharge is dropped from the safe unit 111 and discharged. Step S5
After 9, the process returns to step S54 to repeat the processing.

In the accessory control circuit 107A, step S5
After the process of No. 3, the process proceeds to step S60, in which a prize ball discharge number monitoring process is performed. This is based on the pulse input from the prize ball discharge sensor 134, counts and monitors the number of prize balls discharged from the discharge unit 105 under the control of the discharge control circuit 106A, and if necessary, the safe SOL ( (A solenoid actuation signal) is transmitted to the discharge control circuit 106A (transmitted when the number of prize balls is correct as a result of monitoring). The details will be described later in a subroutine. Next, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the discharge of the safe sphere has been confirmed based on the signal from the safe sensor 111a. And the process is repeated.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of prize ball data transmission possible state determination processing in the program relating to prize ball discharge in the accessory control circuit 107A. . In this subroutine, the transmission enable flag is first cleared in step S71. Next, from step S72
In step S76, the following determination is made. That is, in step S72, it is determined whether or not the safe sensor ball is detected (that is, the safe sensor state is the ball present state) with reference to the stored data of the accessory control circuit 107A shown in FIG. If there is no safe sensor ball, it is not necessary to discharge a prize ball, so that it is determined whether or not there is a prize ball. In step S73, it is determined whether or not there is no overflow sensor ball (that is, whether the overflow sensor state is a no ball state). This is because if the overflow sensor 176 detects the presence of a ball, it is determined that the ball is excessively stored, so that the absence of the ball is detected and the state in which the game ball can be discharged is determined.

In step S74, it is determined whether or not a prize ball half-end sensor ball is present (that is, the prize ball half-end sensor state is a ball-maintaining state). This is the prize ball odd sensor 104a
If the player does not detect the presence of a ball, the ball cannot be ejected, so that the state in which the game ball can be ejected is determined.
In step S75, it is determined whether there is a prize ball discharge sensor ball (that is, the prize ball discharge sensor state is a ball present state). This is because the ball cannot be discharged unless the prize ball discharge sensor 134 detects the presence of a ball, and therefore, it is determined whether or not the game ball can be discharged. In the step S76, it is determined whether or not the first specific winning number = 0. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a winning in the first specific winning opening (starting winning opening) in which the number of winning balls of six is determined.

If NO in steps S72 to S75, the current routine is terminated and the routine returns. Therefore, in this case, the prize ball is not discharged. On the other hand, if YES in steps S72 to S75, the process proceeds to step S76. Then, if the decision result in the step S76 is NO, in a step S77, the prize ball number (six) of the first specific winning sphere is determined to be the prize ball number to be transmitted, and a step S7 is performed.
After subtracting 1 from the storage area of the first specific winning ball in 8,
Jump to step S83. That is, when there is a start winning, the number of prize balls (six) of the first specific prize ball is:
The number of prize balls to be transmitted is determined.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S76 is YES.
In this case, it is determined that there is no start winning, and the process jumps to step S79. In step S79, the second specific winning sphere =
It is determined whether it is 0 or not. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a winning in the variable winning device (large winning opening) 45 in which the number of winning balls of 15 is determined. Step S
If the decision result in the step 79 is NO, a step S80 decides the second
The number of prize balls (15) of the specific prize balls is determined to be the number of prize balls to be transmitted, and the memory area of the second specific prize ball is subtracted by 1 in step S81, and then the process jumps to step S83. That is, when there is a winning in the variable winning device (large winning opening) 45, the number of winning balls (15) of the second specific winning balls is determined as the number of winning balls to be transmitted.

If the decision result in the step S79 is YES, it is determined that there is no winning in the variable winning device (large winning opening) 45, and the process jumps to a step S82. Step S82
Then, the default prize ball number (10) is determined to be the prize ball number to be transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S83. In other words, in the case of a general prize, not the start prize or the variable prize device (large prize port) 45, the default prize ball number (10
) Are determined as the number of prize balls to be transmitted. Step S83
Then, the prize ball data based on the determined prize ball is edited, and in step S84, a transmittable flag is set, and the process returns.

As described above, it is determined whether or not there is a prize,
When a prize is won, prize ball data corresponding to the prize ball is set. In this case, in particular, in the present embodiment, when the determination in steps S72 to S75 proceeds to YES, the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied based on the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution circuits 164 to 167. (First discharge enabling condition determination). When there is a change in the determination result, the dischargeable condition change information is transmitted to the discharge control circuit 106A.
As a case where there is a change in the determination result in that case, for example, YES may be obtained in any of steps S72 to S75, and the process may proceed to step S76. For example,
This is a case where the presence of a ball is detected from a state where there is no safe sensor ball, that is, a case where a winning ball is generated due to the progress of the game and there is a safe sensor ball. In this case, it is necessary to discharge the prize ball. Because. The same determination is made in steps S73 to S75.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the discharge possible condition establishment determination processing in the program relating to the winning ball discharge in the discharge control circuit 106A. In this subroutine, first, in step S91, the accessory control circuit 1
It is determined whether or not award ball data has been received from 07A. If it has not been received, the process returns. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S92, and it is determined whether or not the requested number of prize balls = 0. If the number of prize balls = 0, it is not a request for prize ball discharge, and the routine returns. Therefore, at this time, the prize ball discharge request flag (see step S93 described later) is not set. On the other hand, if the number of award balls is not 0, step S93
By performing the determination in steps S96 to S96, it is determined whether the discharge control circuit 106A has satisfied the dischargeable condition of the game ball (second dischargeable condition determination). In other words, as described above, the first dischargeable condition determination is performed on the accessory control circuit 107A side. In this subroutine, the discharge of the game balls is performed based on the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution circuits 164 to 167. A second dischargeable condition determination is made on the discharge control circuit 106A side to determine whether the possible condition is satisfied.

In the step S93, it is determined whether or not the overflow sensor is OK (that is, whether or not the ball is excessively stored). This is to determine a state in which the game balls can be discharged without excessive storage of the balls. In step S94, it is determined whether or not the prize ball odd sensor is OK (that is, whether the prize ball odd sensor state is a ball). This is because the award ball half-point sensor 104a detects the presence of a ball and determines the state in which the game ball can be discharged. In step S95, it is determined whether or not the prize ball discharge sensor is OK (that is, whether the prize ball discharge sensor is in a ball state). This is the prize ball discharge sensor 1.
This is for detecting the presence of a ball and judging a state in which a game ball can be discharged. In step S96, it is determined whether or not the safe sensor is OK (that is, whether the safe sensor state is a ball). This means that the safe sensor 111a detects the presence of a ball and determines that there is a winning ball.

If NO in any of steps S93 to S96, it is determined that the dischargeable condition is not satisfied, and the current routine is terminated and the routine returns. Therefore, at this time, the prize ball ejection request flag (step S
97 is not set. On the other hand, steps S93-
If YES in step S96, the flow advances to step S97 to store the required number of discharges, set a prize ball discharge request flag, and return. Thus, the discharge control circuit 106
The A side performs a second dischargeable condition determination as to whether or not the dischargeable condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the required discharge number is stored, and the prize ball discharge request flag is set.

In this case, the discharge control circuit 106A receives the prize ball data from the accessory control circuit 107A, and the prize ball data determines whether the discharge control condition is satisfied on the side of the accessory control circuit 107A. 1 Includes the results of the dischargeable condition determination. After receiving the prize ball data, the discharge control circuit 106A performs a second dischargeable condition determination as to whether or not the dischargeable condition is satisfied, and only when the second dischargeable condition determination is satisfied, the required discharge number Is stored to set the prize ball discharge request flag. Therefore, the prize ball discharge request flag is set only when the first dischargeable condition determination and the second dischargeable condition determination are established, and the discharge operation in the discharge unit 105 becomes possible. This is because the discharge control circuit 106A compares the result of the first dischargeable condition determination with the result of the second dischargeable condition determination, and based on the comparison result, enables the discharge operation by the ball discharge mechanism (discharge unit 105). Is equivalent to

"Subroutine of prize ball discharge number monitoring processing / prize ball count discharge processing" FIG. 16 shows prize ball discharge number monitoring processing and prize ball count discharge processing in the program relating to prize ball discharge (FIG. 13). It is a flowchart which shows a subroutine. In this subroutine, first, the accessory control circuit 107A
In step S101, the requested prize ball number is set in the storage area for the number of confirmed discharges. Next, step S102
To perform the prize ball discharge number confirmation processing. This is a process of subtracting the number of discharge confirmations each time a pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is detected. This is a loop that does not escape until the requested number of prize balls are discharged. This will be described in a subroutine described later.

Next, at step S103, a safe SOL operation signal for operating the safe solenoid 151 is transmitted to the discharge control circuit 106A after a predetermined time, and the routine returns. In this way, the accessory control circuit 107A checks the number of prize balls discharged based on the pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134, and when the requested number of prize balls are discharged, the safe S
The OL control signal is transmitted to request the discharge control circuit 106A to control the discharge of the safe ball. Emission control circuit 1
In 06A, a discharge mechanism operation process is performed in step S104. This is a process of counting the number of prize ball discharges based on the pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 and controlling the prize ball discharge by driving the prize ball discharge solenoid 133, which will be described later in detail in a subroutine. . Next, step S10
In step 5, it is determined whether or not the safe SOL operation signal from the accessory control circuit 107A has been received, and the process waits in step S105 until the signal is received.

[Subroutine of Discharge Mechanism Operation Process] Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the discharge mechanism operation process in the prize ball counting and discharge process (FIG. 16). In this subroutine, first, the number of discharges set in step S111 (for example, step S57 shown in FIG. 13)
Then, it is determined whether or not the values set in (1) and (set in step S118 described later) are greater than 1. If the set discharge number is larger than 1, step S11
In step 2, the prize ball discharge solenoid 133 is turned on. Thereby, the game balls are discharged from the discharge unit 105 to the upper plate 21. Next, in step S113, the prize ball discharge sensor 13
In addition to counting the number of prize ball discharges based on the pulse output from No. 4, the rising of the pulse of the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is detected. Next, in step S114, it is determined whether or not the (rising number of discharged balls−1) th rising has been detected. This is to detect the number of ejected balls actually ejected based on the pulse of the prize ball ejection sensor 134. For example, when the set number of ejected balls = 4, the rising of the third pulse is detected. It is to judge whether or not.

FIG. 18A shows that the set number of ejected balls = 4
FIG. 9 shows a timing chart when the rising of the third pulse is detected (that is, an example in which a plurality of game balls are discharged). As shown in FIG. 18A, when the prize ball discharge solenoid 133 is turned on, the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is in a ball presence state, and every time a game ball is discharged from this state, the pulse of the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is output. Changes, and the rising of the third pulse corresponds to the timing when four game balls are discharged.

If the decision result in the step S114 is NO, the process returns to the step S113, and the process is repeated. If the answer is YES in the step S114, the process proceeds to a step S115 to turn off the prize ball discharge solenoid 133. Next, in step S116, the pulses (the number of ejected balls) of the prize ball ejection sensor 134 are counted. That is, the prize ball discharge solenoid 133
Is turned off, the number of prize balls flowing down the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is counted. This value is added to the count result of step S113. Next, the number of ejected balls actually ejected in step S117 (the count value of the pulse of the prize ball ejection sensor 134).
Is determined to be equal to the set number of ejected balls (the counted value of the number of ejected balls is OK), and if NO, step S118
After setting the number of deficient discharges to go to step S111
Return to and repeat the process. The reason for proceeding to step S118 is to set the insufficient number of ejected balls again, for example, when the number of ejected balls is insufficient than expected due to clogging of the balls in the ejection unit 105.

By repeating the processing, step S
The determination result of 111 is NO and the set discharge number is 1
In the following (including the state of the number of discharges = 1), step S
Branch to 119 to turn on the prize ball discharge solenoid 133,
A process of discharging one game ball from the discharge unit 105 to the upper plate 21 is performed. Next, in step S120, timer aging is started. In step S121, it is determined whether or not the timer has expired (here, whether the count value of the timer has elapsed 35 ms). When the timer has expired, the process exits to step S122. In step S122, the prize ball discharge solenoid 133 is turned off. This is because, when the award ball discharge solenoid 133 is turned on and one game ball is discharged from the discharge unit 105 to the upper plate 21, it is sufficient if approximately 35 ms has elapsed. This is for turning off the solenoid 133.

FIG. 18 (b) shows a timing chart when one game ball is ejected. FIG. 18 (b)
When the prize ball discharge solenoid 133 is turned on for 35 ms, the prize ball discharge sensor 134 changes once from the ball present to the absence of the ball, and returns to the ball present state again. Then
In step S123, the number of pulses (the number of ejected balls) of the prize ball ejection sensor 134 is counted. Similarly, the prize ball discharge solenoid 13
After turning off 3, the number of prize balls flowing down the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is counted.
Is added to the counting result. Next, the process proceeds to step S117 to determine whether or not the count value of the number of discharges is OK. If NO, the process returns to step S111 after step S118, and the process is repeated. On the other hand, if the count value of the number of discharges is OK in step S117, the current routine ends and the routine returns.

[Subroutine for Confirming Number of Awarded Ball Discharges] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for confirming the number of awarded balls discharged in the processing for monitoring the number of discharged balls (FIG. 16). In this subroutine, first, in step S131, it is determined whether or not a pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 (that is, a game ball passing pulse: transmitted one by one) is received. If received, step S1
Proceeding to S32, a process of subtracting and updating the number of confirmed emissions is performed. As a result, the emission confirmation number is updated by subtracting one.
Next, the routine proceeds to step S133, where it is determined whether or not the number of confirmed discharges = 0. The number of confirmed discharges = 0 means that the number of prize balls actually discharged is equal to the set number of discharges. If the number of confirmed discharges is not 0, the flow returns to step S131 to repeat the loop. When the number of discharge confirmations becomes 0, the routine ends and the routine returns. Thus, the prize ball discharge sensor 134
By receiving the pulse from the game ball according to the discharge,
The number of discharge confirmations is confirmed, and it is monitored whether or not the game balls equal to the set discharge number are discharged.

As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution circuits 164 to 167 by the accessory control circuit 107A, the first whether the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied or not is determined. The discharge control circuit 1 determines the dischargeable condition and transmits the prize ball data to the discharge control circuit 106A.
At 06A, a second dischargeable condition determination is made based on the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution circuits 164 to 167 to determine whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied, and the second dischargeable condition determination is satisfied. , The required discharge number is stored, the prize ball discharge request flag is set, and the discharge unit 105 is set.
Discharge operation is possible. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

The dischargeable condition information based on the detection signals of the safe sensor 111a, the discharge sensor 134 for discharging the prize ball, the odd sensor 104a for the prize ball, and the overflow sensor 176 is converted into two control circuits (that is, the accessory control circuit 107A).
And the discharge control circuit 106A), and the discharge start condition can be monitored in each case, so that security against fraud can be improved. In other words, conventionally, the discharge control device is in charge of all the operation control related to the discharge of the game balls, and thus the security regarding the operation related to the discharge of the game balls may be low. Since the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution circuits 164 to 167 is also input to the object control circuit 107A side, the prize ball discharge start condition (that is, the game ball dischargeable condition) also on the accessory control circuit 107A side.
In view of the fact that the determination of the condition for allowing the game balls to be discharged, which is a condition for performing the operation of discharging the game balls, is one of the most important components of the gaming machine 1, the determination is made as follows. The processing is performed by two control circuits. Therefore, protection against fraud is enhanced (fraud can be made difficult), and security is remarkably improved as compared with the related art.
For example, even if an illegal act such as illegally inputting the dischargeable condition information to one of the control circuits is performed, the other control circuit also performs the dischargeable condition determination. You can see what was done. Therefore, the damage of fraud can be suppressed. In addition, since it is extremely difficult to perform fraud on both of the two control circuits, it is possible to prevent the fraud itself.

The discharge start condition is determined by two control circuits (namely, the accessory control circuit 107A and the discharge control circuit 106).
Since the determination is made in A), it is possible to improve the certainty of determining whether the discharge start conditions are satisfied. In recent years, crimes involving misconduct on various boards of gaming machines have frequently occurred, which has become a social problem. Mainly, ROMs provided on boards are different from regular ROMs (so-called reverse ROs).
In this embodiment, the discharge start condition of the game ball is monitored by the boards of the two control circuits, but is monitored by the ROM of one board. As compared with the case, security against unauthorized ROM exchange can be enhanced.

Conventionally, the discharge control device alone determines the conditions under which a prize ball can be discharged, and the processing up to the drive of the discharge device is performed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, only the discharge control circuit 106A uses the discharge control circuit 106A. A drive source that actually discharges the prize ball (for example, discharge), in addition to the condition that the dischargeable condition determination result in the accessory control circuit 107A is OK instead of determining the dischargeable condition of the prize ball. Since the prize ball discharge solenoid 133) of the device 105 is driven, the discharge unit 1
It is difficult to perform improper operation only by malfunctioning the 05, and a fairer game can be played. For example, in the past, by performing an illegal operation on the discharge control device, it was possible to cause the discharge device to malfunction even though the discharge start conditions were not actually satisfied. In this case, even if the discharge control device has been tampered with, if the result of the dischargeable condition determination in the accessory control circuit 107A is not OK, the discharge start conditions are not uniform, so that the conventional tampering cannot be performed easily. can do. Accessory control circuit 107A or discharge control circuit 106A
It is possible to confirm whether or not the discharge start condition is satisfied in any one of the above. Therefore, for example, it is possible to select which circuit mainly checks the discharge start condition. It is possible to expand the range of system design. By distributing the distribution circuits 164 to 167 in the accessory control unit 107 located substantially at the center of the back of the gaming machine,
There is an effect that it is easy to perform wiring processing from members (each sensor) that detect dischargeable condition information provided at various positions.

Also, as a special effect of this embodiment,
There are the following: (A) Conventionally, the discharge control device controls the driving of the solenoid for discharging the prize ball and the lighting of the lamp related to the discharge of the prize ball. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the discharge control circuit 106A does not count the number of discharged balls, but determines the discharge start condition. Safe solenoid 151 for discharge
It is only necessary to add a program for judging the discharge start condition to the program relating to the driving of the control, so that the control is simplified and the efficiency can be improved. (B) The accessory control circuit 1 which is a main control circuit of the gaming machine 1
In 07A, not only the number of award balls can be confirmed, but also the discharge start condition of the award balls is determined. It can be used to enhance a series of monitoring functions up to the emission number monitoring function). (C) While the two control circuits simultaneously determine the conditions under which the prize balls can be discharged, the discharge control of the game balls is performed in a distributed manner (that is, one of the circuits monitors the number of prize balls discharged and performs safe S).
The OL circuit outputs an OL operation signal, and the other circuit drives the prize ball discharge and the safe ball discharge based on the safe SOL operation signal). Since the capacity of the program is smaller than the conventional one (conventionally, the capacity of the emission control ROM of the emission control device is large), the reliability of the emission control is increased,
The prize ball can be more reliably discharged.

[Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the content of the subroutine of the prize ball discharge number confirmation processing in the prize ball discharge number monitoring processing (FIG. 16) is different from that of the first embodiment, and the others are the same as the first embodiment. It is. "Subroutine of award ball discharge number confirmation processing" FIG.
17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a prize ball discharge number confirmation process in the prize ball discharge number monitoring process (FIG. 16) in the embodiment. In this subroutine, first, step S
At 141, a pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 (that is, a game ball passing pulse: transmitted one by one)
Is received or not. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S142 to perform a process of subtracting and updating the number of confirmed emissions. As a result, the emission confirmation number is updated by subtracting one. Next, in step S143, the discharge confirmation timer is initialized, and the process returns to step S141 to repeat the processing.

By repeating the processing, step S1 is performed.
When the pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is not received in 41, the process branches to step S144 to update the discharge confirmation timer, and in step S145, determines whether the discharge confirmation timer has timed out (for example, 1 second). Is determined.
If the time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S141 to repeat the process. When the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S146 to determine whether or not the discharge confirmation number is smaller than 0 (that is, minus). The number of confirmed discharges is smaller than 0 (minus) when the number of prize balls actually discharged is too large than the set number of discharges. When the number of discharge confirmations is 0 or more, the routine ends and the routine returns.

As described above, until the predetermined time (for example, the above-mentioned one second) elapses after the reception of the game ball passing pulse from the prize ball discharge sensor 134, the subtraction of the discharge confirmation number is continued, and the predetermined time elapses. It is determined later whether the number of confirmed discharges is 0, and if the number of confirmed discharges is 0 or +, the process exits from the loop of steps S141 to S146. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S146 is YES and the discharge confirmation number is negative, that is, the accessory control circuit 107
If the number discharged by the control of the discharge control circuit 106A is larger than the number requested by A, the routine is ended and the processing shifts to the process of deactivating the game. In the process of deactivating the game, for example, the control of the special map is stopped or the opening operation of the variable winning device 45 (large winning opening) is stopped. In addition,
If it is possible to transmit a signal instructing stop / permission of launching of a game ball from the accessory control circuit 107A to the launch control unit 115, a process of stopping the launch operation of the game ball itself may be performed. Good.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the discharge control circuit 106 exceeds the number requested by the accessory control circuit 107A.
When the number discharged by the control of A is larger, the process of deactivating the game is performed. Therefore, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the same effect as the first embodiment. That is, by performing the process of deactivating the game, the number of award balls is increased so as to be larger than the original regular specification (for example, even though the specification of 15 award balls is used, the discharge of 20 award balls is performed. If the discharge control circuit 106A is modified, the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 can be stopped, so that unauthorized modification of the discharge control circuit 106A can be prevented.

[Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the accessory control circuit 107A and the discharge control circuit 106A
Is different from the first embodiment in the content of the program related to the prize ball discharge performed in the first embodiment, and the others are the same as the first embodiment. The feature is that the discharge control circuit 106A outputs a safe ball discharge command. FIG. 21 shows a process for the prize ball discharge.
6 is a flowchart showing a program related to award ball discharge performed in the discharge control circuit 106A. The program of FIG. 21 will be described.
First, in step S151, a prize ball data transmittable state determination process is performed. In this process, it is determined whether or not a prize ball discharge condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, a transmission enable flag is set. If the condition is not satisfied, a transmission enable flag is reset. The contents of this subroutine are the same as in the first embodiment. Next, in step S152, it is determined whether or not the "transmission enabled flag" is set. If the "transmission enabled flag" is not set, the process returns to step S151. on the other hand,
If the “transmission enable flag” is set, the process proceeds to step S
The process proceeds to 153 to perform processing for transmitting the prize ball data to the discharge control circuit 106A (the transmission form is the same as in the first embodiment).

In the discharge control circuit 106A, step S1
At 54, the prize ball discharge request flag is cleared, and the subsequent step S
At 155, a discharge possible condition satisfaction determination process is performed. In the dischargeable condition satisfaction determination processing, the prize ball data transmitted from the accessory control circuit 107A is received, and if the dischargeable condition is satisfied, a prize ball discharge request flag is set (the content of this subroutine is as follows). (Similar to the first embodiment). Next, in step S156, it is determined whether or not the prize ball discharge request flag is set. If not, the process returns to step S154 to repeat the processing.

On the other hand, if the prize ball discharge request flag is set, the flow advances to step S157 to set the stored required discharge number as the discharge number, and the flow advances to step S158. In step S158, a prize ball counting and discharging process is performed. This discharges the remaining discharge number while counting the prize ball discharge number based on the output of the prize ball discharge sensor 134. The details will be described later in a subroutine (unlike the first embodiment, the accessory control circuit The process of outputting a safe ball discharge command based on the safe SOL operation signal transmitted from 107A is not performed). At this time, the pulse from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is input to the discharge control circuit 106A,
The pulse from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is transmitted to the accessory control circuit 10
7A is also input. Next, the discharge control circuit 106
In A, all the prize ball discharges are completed (confirmation is based on the prize ball discharge sensor 13).
When the discharge control circuit 106A performs counting while counting the number of prize ball discharges based on the output of step 4), the process proceeds to step S159 to perform safe ball discharge processing. At this time, a signal (safe SOL activation signal) for driving the safe solenoid 151 of the safe unit 111 is output from the discharge control circuit 106A. As a result, the safe solenoid 151 is driven, and the safe ball related to the current prize ball discharge is dropped from the safe unit 111 and discharged. After step S159, the process returns to step S154 to repeat the processing.

In the accessory control circuit 107A, step S1 is executed.
After the process of 53, the process proceeds to step S160, and a prize ball discharge number monitoring process is performed. This is to count and monitor the number of prize balls discharged from the discharge unit 105 under the control of the discharge control circuit 106A based on a pulse input from the prize ball discharge sensor 134. The details will be described later in a subroutine ( Unlike the first embodiment, the accessory control circuit 107
A does not perform a process of transmitting a safe SOL operation signal from A to the emission control circuit 106A if necessary). Next, in step S161, it is determined whether or not the discharge of the safe ball has been confirmed based on the signal from the safe sensor 111a. And the process is repeated.

"Subroutine of prize ball discharge number monitoring processing / prize ball count discharge processing" FIG. 22 shows prize ball discharge number monitoring processing and prize ball count discharge processing in the program relating to prize ball discharge (FIG. 21). It is a flowchart which shows a subroutine. In this subroutine, first, the accessory control circuit 107A
In step S171, the requested prize ball number is set in the storage area for the number of confirmed discharges. Next, step S172
Then, the award ball discharge number confirmation processing is performed, and the process returns. The prize ball ejection number confirmation process is a process of subtracting the ejection confirmation number each time a pulse output from the prize ball ejection sensor 134 is detected, and forms a loop that does not escape until the requested number of prize balls are ejected. The contents of this subroutine are the same as those of the first embodiment (subroutine shown in FIG. 19). As described above, the prize ball discharge sensor 134 is used in the accessory control circuit 107A.
Check the number of prize balls discharged based on the pulse output from
It monitors whether the requested number of prize balls are ejected. However, unlike the first embodiment, the safe SOL activation signal is transmitted after confirming the prize ball discharge number, and the discharge control circuit 1
The processing for requesting the safe ball discharge control to 06A is not performed. That is, after a predetermined time, the safe solenoid 151
Control circuit 10 to output a safe SOL operation signal
There is no processing step to send to 6A.

In the discharge control circuit 106A, step S1
At 73, a discharge mechanism operation process is performed. This is a process of counting the number of prize ball discharges based on the pulse output from the prize ball discharge sensor 134 and controlling the prize ball discharge by driving the prize ball discharge solenoid 133. This is the same as the embodiment. After the process in step S173, the process returns. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, there is no processing for determining whether or not the safe SOL operation signal from the accessory control circuit 107A has been received. As described above, in the third embodiment, the discharge control circuit 106A outputs the safe SOL operation signal to the safe unit 111 to perform the discharge control of the safe ball. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, the processing load on the accessory control circuit 107A side is reduced, and the discharge control circuit 106A counts the prize ball discharge. The processing is simpler than in the above-described embodiment (for example, the program is simpler).

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment,
The content of the prize ball discharge number confirmation processing is different from that of the third embodiment, and the other points are the same as those of the third embodiment. That is, in the fourth embodiment, FIGS.
Are executed, in step S181 of these programs, the awarded ball discharge number confirmation processing is performed (the other steps are the same as the processing contents of the third embodiment and are given the same step numbers). Referring to FIG. 24, in the subroutine of the prize ball discharge number monitoring processing, a prize ball discharge number confirmation processing is performed in step S182 (the other steps are the same as the processing contents of the third embodiment and have the same step numbers). The subroutine of the prize ball discharge number monitoring process will be described below.

"Subroutine of Prize Ball Discharge Number Confirmation Processing" FIG. 25 shows a prize ball discharge number confirmation processing (step S18) in the prize ball discharge number monitoring processing (FIG. 24) in the fourth embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 2). In this subroutine, steps S191 to S19
6 are performed, and the processing contents are the same as the processing contents of steps S141 to S146 shown in FIG. 20 (duplicate description is omitted). That is, the discharge control circuit 106 is smaller than the number requested by the accessory control circuit 107A.
If the number discharged by the control of A is larger, the routine is terminated and the processing shifts to the game deactivation processing. Therefore, the effect (the accessory control circuit 1) unique to the third embodiment is obtained.
The processing load on the 07A side is reduced, and the discharge control circuit 10
In addition to this, the processing of the discharge control on the 6A side is simplified.) In addition, when the discharge control circuit 106A is modified, the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 can be stopped, thereby preventing unauthorized modification of the discharge control circuit 106A. Can be obtained in addition.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above example.
Various modifications as described below are possible. (A) The present invention can be applied to any type of gaming machine to which the present invention is applied as long as the gaming machine discharges a game ball as a prize ball. For example, the present invention can be applied without being limited to the types of gaming machines such as those that lend a ball with a magnetic card and those that lend a ball with an IC card. (B) Either side of the two discharge passages in the discharge unit may be used for prize balls or ball lending, and two discharge sensors corresponding to each passage may be used on either side. May be used for prize balls and ball rentals. (C) Although the distribution means for distributing the dischargeable condition information is provided in the accessory control circuit in the above embodiment, the distribution means may be provided in another place instead of the accessory control circuit.

[0102]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, based on the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution means (for example, the distribution circuits 164 to 167) by the game control device (for example, the accessory control circuit 107A). A first dischargeable condition determination is performed to determine whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied. When there is a change in the determination result, dischargeable condition change information (for example, prize ball data) is sent to the discharge control device side. The discharge control device (for example, the discharge control circuit 106A) performs a second dischargeable condition determination as to whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied based on the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distributing means. ,
When the second dischargeable condition determination is established, the dischargeable condition change information transmitted from the game control device is compared with the determination result of the second dischargeable condition determination, and the discharge device is determined based on the comparison result. Is performed to enable the game ball to be ejected, and the following effects can be obtained.

Since the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distribution means is distributed to two control devices (for example, the accessory control circuit 107A and the discharge control circuit 106A), each of them can monitor the discharge start condition. Security against fraud can be improved. That is, in the past, the discharge control device was in charge of all the operation control related to the discharge of the game ball, and there was a possibility that the operation related to the discharge of the game ball had low security. Since the dischargeable condition information distributed from the distributing means is also input to the game side, the game control device side can determine the condition for starting the prize ball discharge (that is, the game ball dischargeable condition). In view of the fact that the determination of the possible discharging condition of the game ball, which is a condition for performing the discharging operation, is one of the most important components of the gaming machine, it is processed by two control devices. . Therefore, protection against fraud is enhanced (fraud can be made difficult), and security is remarkably improved as compared with the related art. For example, even if an illegal act such as illegally inputting dischargeable condition information to one of the control devices is performed, the other control device performs the dischargeable condition determination. You can see what was done. Therefore, the damage of fraud can be suppressed. In addition, since it is extremely difficult to perform fraud on both of the two control devices, it is possible to prevent the fraud itself.

The discharge start condition is determined by two control devices (for example, the accessory control circuit 107A and the discharge control circuit 106).
Since the determination is made in A), it is possible to improve the certainty of determining whether the discharge start conditions are satisfied. In recent years, crimes involving misconduct on various boards of gaming machines have frequently occurred, which has become a social problem. Mainly, ROMs provided on boards are different from regular ROMs (so-called reverse ROs).
In the present invention, the discharge start condition of the game ball is monitored by the boards of the two control devices. In comparison, security against unauthorized ROM exchange can be enhanced.

Conventionally, the discharge control device alone determines the conditions under which a prize ball can be discharged, and the processing up to the drive of the discharge device is performed. On the other hand, in the present invention, the discharge control device alone controls the prize ball. Instead of determining the dischargeable condition, a drive source that actually discharges the prize ball (for example, in addition to the condition that the result of the dischargeable condition determination in the game control device is OK)
Since the prize ball discharge solenoid 133 of the discharge device 105 is driven, the discharge device (for example, the discharge unit 10) is driven.
It is difficult to perform improper operation only by malfunctioning 5), and a fairer game can be played. For example, in the past, by performing an illegal operation on the discharge control device, it was possible to cause the discharge device to malfunction even though the discharge start conditions were not actually satisfied. Even if the discharge control device has been tampered with, if the result of the dischargeable condition determination in the game control device is not OK, the discharge start conditions are not aligned, so that it is not possible to easily perform the conventional wrongdoing. . Since it is possible to check whether the discharge start condition is met by either the game control device or the discharge control device, for example, it is also possible to select which device mainly checks the discharge start condition It becomes possible to expand the range of the prize ball discharge control system design.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the dischargeable condition information (for example, the safe sensor 111a, the discharge sensor 134 for discharging a prize ball, the half-end sensor 104a for a prize ball, and the dischargeable condition based on the detection signal of the overflow sensor 176). The condition information) is a start condition for prize ball discharge based on a predetermined game result, so that the game result can be reliably set as an important condition for prize ball discharge, and the security of the gaming machine can be enhanced. it can.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the distribution means (for example, distribution circuits 164 to 167) are arranged in a game control device (for example, the accessory control unit 107) located substantially at the center of the back of the gaming machine. By doing so, members that detect dischargeable condition information provided at various positions (each sensor:
Safe sensor 111a, discharge sensor 13 for discharging prize balls
4. There is an effect that it is easy to perform wiring processing from the award ball odd-half sensor 104a and the overflow sensor 176).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a discharge unit.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a safe unit.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a safe unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the accessory control circuit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a game program.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an input process and a switch winning process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating stored data and a transfer logic configuration of the accessory control circuit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method of transferring prize ball data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a method of transferring prize ball data.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a program relating to prize ball discharge.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of award ball data transmission possible state determination processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a discharge enabling condition satisfaction determination process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of awarded ball discharge number monitoring processing and awarded ball counting and discharging processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a discharge mechanism operation process.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart of a prize ball discharging operation.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of award ball discharge number confirmation processing.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of award ball discharge number confirmation processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a program related to award ball discharge.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of awarded ball discharge number monitoring processing and awarded ball counting and discharging processing.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a program related to award ball discharge.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of awarded ball discharge number monitoring processing and awarded ball counting and discharging processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of award ball discharge number confirmation processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 104a, 104b Irregular sensor 105 Discharge unit (discharge device) 106 Discharge control unit (discharge control device, second dischargeable condition determination means, determination result comparison means, discharge operation command means) 106A discharge control circuit 107 Unit (game control device, first dischargeable condition determining means, transmitting means) 107A Accessory control circuit 111a Safe sensor 134 Discharge sensor for prize ball discharge 164 to 167 Distribution circuit (distribution means) 176 Overflow sensor

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A game control device for controlling an operation related to a game, a discharge device provided with a ball discharge mechanism for discharging a required number of game balls to a player side, and a required number of game balls to be discharged to the player side. A discharge control device for controlling the discharge device, wherein dischargeable condition information enabling the discharge operation of the ball discharge mechanism in the discharge device to be started can be distributed to the discharge control device and the game control device. A first dischargeable condition determining unit that determines whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied based on the dischargeable condition information distributed by the distribution unit. And a transmission unit capable of transmitting dischargeable condition change information to the discharge control device side when the determination result of the first dischargeable condition determination unit changes, the discharge control device comprising: Minute Second dischargeable condition determination means for determining whether or not the dischargeable condition of the game ball is satisfied based on the dischargeable condition information distributed by the means, and discharge transmitted from the transmission means of the game control device. A determination result comparing unit that compares the possible condition change information with a determination result of the second dischargeable condition determining unit; and a discharge operation of the game ball by the discharging device based on a comparison result of the determination result comparing unit. And a discharge operation commanding means for performing a control as follows. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the dischargeable condition information is a start condition of prize ball discharge based on a predetermined game result. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit is provided in the game control device.