JP2000024250A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device capable of displaying the generation of ball jam to cause stoppage of dispensing of balls when it occurs. SOLUTION: Tank ball shortage detection switches 150a, 150b are provided at specified positions of a ball guide rail 67, rail ball shortage detection switches 68a, 68b are provided on the downstream side of the tank ball shortage detection switches 150a, 150b, a ball shortage lamp is lighted based on detection of ball shortage by the tank ball shortage detection switches 150a, 150b, and the ball shortage lamp is flashed when ball shortage detection by the rail ball shortage detection switches 68a, 68b is provided regardless of no ball shortage detection by the tank ball shortage detection switches 150a, 150b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a pachinko game machine, an arrangement ball type pachinko game machine, a slot machine using a game ball, and the like. The present invention also relates to a game device including a ball payout device that pays out game balls flowing down the ball downflow path based on establishment of a predetermined ball payout condition.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game machine of this type, a generally known device, for example, in the case of a pachinko game machine or the like, a ball from a ball tank storing balls to be paid out. There is provided a ball down flow path composed of a tank rail (ball guide rail) or the like that allows the ball to flow down, and a detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a ball is provided at a predetermined position of the ball down flow path. There has been a configuration in which it is possible to detect whether or not the ball has broken. Then, if the ball is in a broken-out state, the ball is not paid out even though a predetermined ball-paying-out condition is satisfied. Since the notification was made by the means, it was possible to easily recognize that the ball breaking state occurred.

[0003]

However, in this type of conventional gaming machine, there is a case where a ball is not paid out even though the ball is not informed by the ball out notification means. . As a cause, although a ball jam occurs on the downstream side of the location where the detection means is provided in the ball down flow path, the ball cannot be flowed down and the ball is not paid out, This is because the presence of the ball on the better side of the clogged portion does not cause the detection unit to detect that the ball has run out, and the notification by the ball out notification unit is not performed.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the purpose of the present invention even when a ball is not paid out due to the occurrence of the above-described ball jam state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device capable of notifying.

[0005]

According to the present invention, a predetermined ball downflow path is provided, and a game ball flowing down the ball downflow path is paid out based on establishment of a predetermined ball payout condition. A game device including a ball payout device, wherein the first device is provided at a predetermined position on the ball downflow path, and is capable of detecting the presence or absence of a downflow ball, and A second detection means provided on the ball downflow path and capable of detecting the presence or absence of a downflow ball; a downflow ball state notification means for reporting the presence or absence of a downflow ball on the ball downflow path; and the first detection When the means detects the absence of the falling ball, the falling ball state notification means is notified in the first mode, the second detection means detects the absence of the falling ball, and the first detection is performed. When the means detects a falling ball, the falling ball state notifying means is Characterized in that it comprises a notification control means for notifying in the manner.

[0006]

According to the present invention, the second detection means is provided on the ball-down flow path on the lower side of the first detection means provided at a predetermined position on the ball-down flow path. If the absence of the falling ball is detected by the means, the falling ball state notifying means is notified in the first mode, the absence of the falling ball is detected by the second detecting means, and the first state is detected.
When the falling ball is detected by the detecting means, the falling ball state notifying means is notified in the second mode.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an arrangement ball type pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine in which a game ball is inserted to play a game. A game device including a ball dispensing device that is provided with a predetermined ball downflow path, based on establishment of a predetermined ball payout condition, and that pays out game balls flowing down the ball downflow path. Anything may be used.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine 60 and a card processor 62 as an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

A card processor 62 is provided on one side (left side in the drawing) of the pachinko gaming machine 60 in the left-right direction.
0 is provided in a separable state. 130 in the figure
Is a processor usable indicator for lighting up and displaying that the card processor 62 is operating and usable. The card processor 62 is provided with a card reader / writer control section 134 provided with a card reader / writer. When a card is inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 133, the recording information recorded on the card is read from the card reader / writer. Read by the writer. The card balance at the time of insertion, which is included in the read card information, is displayed by the balance display (card balance display) 50. The card processor 62 is provided with a card processor controller 135 having a built-in CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The card processor controller 135 controls the entire card processor 62. The card processor 62 is provided with connection direction indicators 131a and 131b.
The display of the preset connection direction is illuminated and displayed on the two sides, and it is possible to determine which gaming machine the player can play the game with when inserting the card.

When a player wants to play a game with the pachinko gaming machine 60, the player inserts a card, which is an example of a recording medium on which the value of the player is recorded, such as the remaining amount of the card, into the card insertion / ejection slot 133. . If the inserted card is appropriate and the remaining amount of the card remains, and the ball lending operation is possible, a control signal for lighting the ball lending LED is sent from the card processing machine control unit 135 to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side. The outputted ball lending LED (ball lending display) 48d provided on the ball storage tray 59 as an example of the hitting ball standby unit is turned on.
The ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d lights up and displays that ball lending operation is possible. After confirming that the ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d is lit, the player presses the ball lending button 44c. Then, a ball payout command signal is output from the card processing machine 62 side to the payout control microcomputer of the pachinko gaming machine 60 side, and the ball payout amount setting switch 137 (for example, a rotary switch, described later) (see FIG. 2) is set in advance. A game ball (pachinko ball) corresponding to a ball lending amount (hereinafter, simply referred to as a ball lending amount) paid out by one ball lending operation is paid out in the hit ball supply plate 59. Until the payout of the lending amount is completed, the ball lending LED (ball lending display) 48d is turned off and the lending display 46d is blinked. When the payout of the pachinko balls for the ball lending is completed, the remaining card amount of the card inserted into the card processing machine 62 is updated to be reduced by the ball lending. The card processing device 62 constitutes a recording medium processing device that reads recorded information on a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value owned by a player is recorded.

In the drawing, reference numeral 42c denotes a return button, and a lendable ball L
The operation is effective while the ED (ball lending indicator) 48d is on. When the return button 42c is pressed by the player, the card inserted in the card processor 62 is returned to the player from the card insertion / ejection port 133. This card insertion / ejection port 13
A protrusion 3 is provided on the outer periphery of a groove portion where a card is inserted and ejected, and a protrusion 133b on the left side is larger than a protrusion 133a on the right side in the drawing, and is formed as a protrusion having a larger protrusion amount. The inconvenience that a player who wants to play a game with a pachinko gaming machine (not shown) installed on the left side of the processing machine 62 by mistake inserts a card into the card insertion / ejection opening 133 of the card processing machine 62 by mistake is minimized. To prevent it. In the figure, reference numeral 132 denotes a card insertion lamp which is lit while being held at a predetermined position where a card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 133.

The remaining amount of the card when the card is inserted and the remaining amount of the card after the ball lending has been performed and the amount has been updated are displayed by the remaining amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50 provided on the hitting ball supply plate 59. Is done. In a state where the pachinko ball has been paid out in the hitting ball supply tray 59, the player operates the hitting ball operation handle 12
If one is operated, the pachinko balls are played one by one in the game area 120.
Driven in. In the game area 120, a variable display device 14 capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information is provided. The game area 120 further includes a start winning port 1a, 1
b, 1c are provided.
The winning prize winning in b, 1c is the starting winning prize detecting switch 2
a, 2b, and 2c. The variable display device 14 variably starts based on the detection signals of the starting winning ball detection switches 2a, 2b, 2c, and the respective variable display units 14
Stop control is performed after a symbol of one example of a plurality of types of identification information is variably displayed by a, 14b, and 14c. Note that if the ball hits any of the starting winning openings 1a to 1c again during the variable display of the variable display device 14, the starting winning is stored and the winning stored value is displayed by the starting winning storage display 10. Is done. The start winning prize storage is configured to store, for example, a maximum of four start prizes, and up to four start prizes are added and stored by "1" each time there is a start prize, and the variable display device 14 is variable. Each time it is started, it is subtracted and updated by "1". The variable display device 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotary drum type variable display device in this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and uses a display device such as a 7-segment, liquid crystal, fluorescent display tube, LED, or electroluminescence. Or a variable display device of a dot matrix system. Furthermore, the variable display may be normally performed. In such a case, it is preferable that the brightness or the speed of the variable display is changed according to the start winning prize so that the variable display can be recognized.

In the variable display device 14, a total of three hit lines (combination effective columns) are defined in one line in the center and on the diagonal line.
When a combination of specific identification information (for example, 777) is arranged on a certain hitting row of the book hitting row, it becomes a big hit,
When the solenoid 5 of the variable winning ball device 3 is excited,
Is opened, and the first state is advantageous to a player who is likely to win a hit ball. If the pachinko ball hit into the game area 120 wins in the variable winning ball device 3 when the opening / closing plate 4 is opened, the winning ball is detected by the 10-count detection switch 8. The first state of the variable prize ball device 3 is the earlier of the predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls or the lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) after the first state. When the condition is satisfied, the process is terminated, and the opening / closing plate 4 is closed to be in a second state disadvantageous to a player who does not win a hit ball. When the pachinko ball that has won the variable winning ball device 3 wins in the specific winning opening (V pocket) 6, the specific winning ball is detected by the specific winning ball detection switch 7, and based on the detection output, the variable winning is determined. After the first state of the ball device 3 ends, the opening / closing plate 4 is opened again, and the continuous continuation control of the first state is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, ten times. The number of times of this repetition continuation control is displayed by a 7-segment display 11 as a lucky number / number display LED. Further, the second state of the variable winning ball device 3 may be a state in which a hit ball can be won but not a hit ball at all, but it is difficult to win. Further, when a hit ball is won in the start winning prize ports 1a, 1b, 1c, for example, five prize balls are paid out into the hit ball supply tray 59 for one start winning prize ball. On the other hand, when a hit ball wins in a winning opening other than the starting winning openings 1a to 1c or in the variable winning ball device, 15 prize balls are paid out into the hit ball supply plate 59 for each winning. During the payout of the prize ball, the payout lamp 126 is turned on or blinks.

The prize balls to be dispensed into the hitting ball supply tray 59 are stored in a ball tank 151 (see FIG. 2) which will be described later. When the stored balls in the ball tank 151 are exhausted, the tank ball sensor 150a is used. , 150b no longer detects the ball, at which point the ball-out indicator (ball-out lamp) 12
7 is lit to indicate that there are no more stored balls.
The surplus balls that are full of prize balls and cannot be stored any more are discharged into the surplus ball storage plate 122. When the surplus ball storage tray 122 is also full, when a prize ball to be paid out thereafter is generated, a credit score indicator for storing and displaying the number of the prize ball or the amount corresponding to the prize ball, and the like. May be provided on the hit ball supply tray 59. In that case, the hit ball supply tray 59 or the surplus ball storage tray 12
After the number of pachinko balls in 2 has decreased, a prize ball corresponding to the score displayed on the credit score indicator is paid out. The remaining-amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50 is constituted by a seven-segment indicator. Alternatively, a plurality of light emitting diodes may be provided corresponding to the lending amount or the unit of 100 yen. In addition, balance display (card balance display)
The ball lending amount may be displayed by 50, and a further display is provided to display the ball lending amount lent by one ball lending operation, or a sticker on which the ball lending amount is printed is attached. May be. In the figure, reference numeral 15 denotes a speaker, which emits a sound effect at the time of a big hit.

On the front side of the card processor 62, a fraction display switch 136 is provided. The fraction display switch 136 is used to display a digit when the remaining amount of the inserted card displayed by the remaining amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50 has a fraction less than a predetermined unit number (for example, 100 yen). Is switched to display a fraction less than the predetermined number of units (for example, 100 yen). That is, a predetermined number of units (for example, 100 yen) due to a change in the monetary equivalent value of a pachinko ball to be lent out due to a change in the ball lending rate.
When the fraction display switch 136 is switched when the remaining amount of the card is less than 1, first, if there is a remaining amount in units of 10,000 yen, the fraction is rounded down, and the remaining amount display (card balance display) 50 flashes and is displayed. The display is automatically switched when the balance in the unit of ten thousand yen runs out, and the display is lit up to a fraction of less than 100 yen. The remaining amount display (card balance display) 50 may be provided on a curtain plate or the like. In the figure, 18 is a game effect lamp, 19 is a rail decoration lamp, 20 is a windmill lamp, 21 is a shoulder lamp, 22 is a side lamp, 23 is an attacker lamp, 24 is a sleeve lamp, 17 is a drum decoration lamp, and 26 is a decoration LED. (A), 27 is decorative LED
(B) and 28 are V winning display LEDs.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

The card processor control unit 1 of the card processor 62
The interface 35 and the interface board 138 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 60 are electrically connected, and the card processor control unit 135 and the interface board 138 are configured to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other. The interface board 138 and the payout control board box 1
The payout centralized control board 146 housed in 45 is electrically connected. Further, the interface board 13
8 and the relay terminal board 139 are electrically connected,
The relay terminal board 139 and the game control board box 1
The game control board 148 ′, the gaming machine terminal box 149, and the payout motor 223 of the ball payout device 63 housed in the 48 are electrically connected to each other. Further, the above-mentioned various indicators and switches of various operation buttons provided on the hit ball supply tray 59 are connected to the interface board 138. The card processor control unit 1
35 is connected directly to the switches of various indicators and various operation buttons provided on the hitting ball supply tray 59 and the payout central control board 146 in the payout control board box 145 without passing through the interface board 138 or the relay terminal board 139. The connection and the payout central control board 146 and the payout motor 223 may be connected via the relay terminal board 139. Further, the card processor control unit 135 and the payout central control board 146 may be directly connected by a connector.

On the back side of the card processing machine 62, a lending amount setting switch 137 for inputting and setting in advance a lending amount to be paid out by one lending operation is provided. 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400
Five kinds of amounts of yen and 500 yen can be input and set. For example, if the ball-playing amount is set to 300 yen as shown in the figure by a staff at the game arcade, the 300-yen is stored in the microcomputer (not shown) of the card processor control unit 135 as the ball-playing amount. Then, the player inserts the card into the card insertion / ejection slot 133, and the ball lending button 44c
By pressing the button, the ball lending amount (300
A pachinko ball of (yen) is paid out into the hitting ball supply plate 59 and is reduced from the remaining card amount. In the figure, reference numeral 134 denotes a card reader / writer control unit including a card reader / writer and its control circuit.

The ball payout device 63 is provided with a payout motor 223, and the pachinko balls supplied from the ball guide rail 67 are laterally fed by the rotational force of the payout motor 223. One by one falls downward and is paid out into the hit ball supply tray 59. This ball dispenser 63
Is attached to a metal plate 54 provided on the mechanism plate 40. Below the ball dispenser 63, a metal cover plate 55 for removing static electricity charged on the ball dispensed from the ball dispenser 63 is provided, and an earth wire 56 is provided on the metal cover plate 55. Installed.

The ball guide rail 67 includes a ball tank 151.
The storage balls in the tank are made to flow down while being arranged in two rows, and the tank ball out switches 150a, 150b and the rail ball out switches 68a,
68b are detected, and it is detected that the stored balls in the ball tank 151 have run out and the flowing-down balls on the ball guide rail 67 have run out, and the detection signal is transmitted to the terminal box 149 for the gaming machine and the relay terminal board. 139, the payout centralized control board 1 in the payout control board box 145.
It is input to 46. This tank ball switch 150
When the a and 150b no longer detect a ball, a ball-out indicator (ball-out lamp) 127 is lit and displayed.
The ball payout speed is reduced as described later.

The tank burnout detection switch 150a,
If a ball jam occurs on the lower side of 150b and on the upper side of the rail burnout detection switches 68a, 68b, the tank burnout detection switches 150a, 150
Although no detection of a broken ball is detected from b, a broken ball is detected from the broken rail detection switches 68a and 68b. In such a case, the broken lamp 127 blinks. The configuration is such that the occurrence of clogging can be easily recognized. The ball guide rail 67 forms a ball down flow path, and the tank ball out detection switch 150
A and 150b constitute first detecting means provided at a predetermined position on the ball downflow path and capable of detecting the presence or absence of a downflow ball. Further, the rail ball break detection switch 68
a and 68b constitute second detection means provided on the ball downflow path on the lower side of the first detection means and capable of detecting the presence or absence of a downflow ball. Further, a falling ball state informing means for notifying the state of the presence or absence of the falling ball on the ball flowing path is constituted by the ball breaking lamp 127.

The ball tank 151 is supplied with pachinko balls from a supply gutter 152 provided on the island via a supply device 153 including a supply ball detector. The replenishing balls supplied to the ball tank 151 are detected by the replenishing ball detector of the replenishing device 153. One pulse is detected by detecting that a predetermined number a (for example, ten) pachinko balls have been supplied. A signal is output from the replenishment ball detector. This output signal is transmitted to connector 154. Instead of paying out the pachinko balls in the tank 151 to the ball supply tray 59 in response to the ball lending request signal from the card processor 62, the player puts the ball purchased from the ball lender into the ball supply plate 59. In the case of a conventional general pachinko gaming machine that plays a game by connecting the connector 154 to the connector 155 connected to the hole management computer, the detection signal from the replenishment ball detector is sent to the hall management computer. Then, the hall management computer counts the number of disadvantageous balls that are disadvantageous to the game arcade based on the transmitted detection signal. However, in the pachinko game machine of the type in which a part of the stored balls in the ball tank 151 is paid out into the hit ball supply tray 59 based on the ball lending request signal from the card processor 62 as in the present embodiment, A lending ball which does not become a disadvantage ball for the game hall is supplied from the supply gutter 152 to the ball tank 151, and the supplied lending ball is detected by the replenishment ball detector and the disadvantage ball count is increased. Information is input to the hall management computer, which causes a problem that the hall management computer cannot accurately count the number of disadvantage balls. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, the connector 15 connected to the hall management computer is used.
5 is removed from the connector 154 for connecting the supply ball detector of the supply device 153 to the supply ball detector.
Is connected to the connector 156 connected to. And
Every time the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the winning of pachinko balls reaches a predetermined number a (for example, 10), a predetermined pulse signal is output from the payout central control board 146, and the predetermined pulse signal is output to the terminal box for gaming machine. 149, the connector 156, and the connector 155 are transmitted to the hall management computer. With this configuration, no pulse signal as information on the number of disadvantaged balls is output to the hall management computer when renting pachinko balls, and the pulse signal is used only for paying out prize balls accompanying a prize. The information is transmitted to the management computer, and the hall management computer can collect accurate information on the number of disadvantageous balls.

The winning ball hit into the prize port by being driven into the game area 120 and the out ball collected in the out port merge and fall into the driving ball tank 159, and the driven ball is detected as a driven ball. After being detected by the bowl (hitting ball counter) 160, the ball falls on a ball collecting gutter 161 provided on the island. 15 in the figure
Reference numerals 8 and 157 denote connectors for connecting the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the hall management computer, and a unit sales signal is transmitted to the hall management computer via the connectors 158 and 157. The unit amount sales signal is a unit sales amount when a ball lending is performed using a card balance recorded on a card inserted into the card processing machine 62, and a unit sales amount Each time the card balance (for example, 100 yen) corresponding to the amount is used, this unit sales signal is transmitted to the hall management computer, and the hall management computer can total the sales amount by ball lending.

In the figure, reference numeral 830 denotes a unit box, which has both a function of a power supply for a card processing machine and a function of transmitting a unit price sales signal. This unit box 830 contains AC
An outlet 831 for 100 V is provided, and a voltage of AC 100 V is supplied to the unit box 830 via the outlet 831, and a voltage converted to a predetermined voltage in the unit box 830 is connected via a connection cable 837. It is supplied to the card processor control unit 135. Further, unit price sales data and the like are transmitted from the card processor control unit 135 to the unit box 830 via the connection cable 837. In the unit box 830, the transmitted unit sales signal is transmitted to the hall management computer via the wiring 834 and to the card processing terminal box via the wiring 838. In this way, the unit sales signal is transmitted from both the pachinko gaming machine 60 and the card processing machine 62 to the hall management computer. As a result, if one of the unit sales signals goes out of order due to failure or malfunction of one of them, it can be immediately determined that an abnormality has occurred because it is different from the other unit sales signal. Thus, accurate management of sales becomes possible. The unit box 830 is provided with an energizing indicator 833 for displaying the energized state, and a reset switch 832 for manually restarting the power supply when an abnormality occurs in the card processor 62 or the like. Have been. When transmitting the unit price sales signal to the hall management computer,
It is desirable to transmit the ID data such as the card processing machine number and the like to the hall management computer in order to specify which card processing machine is used for the sales. When the ID data is transmitted from the unit box 830 to the hall management computer, the card processor 62 is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 6.
The ID data stored in the card processing machine control unit 135 is transmitted to the pachinko gaming machine 60 every time the power supply is connected to 0 or the power is turned on. The transmitted ID data is stored, and the stored ID data is transmitted from the unit box 830 to the hall management computer.

The game control board 148 'is connected to a relay terminal board (not shown) of the drum unit of the variable display device 14 and a relay terminal board 81 to which various lamps, LEDs, sensors and the like are connected. I have.
A key switch 75 is provided on the right side of the back of the game control board box 148. This key switch 75
Is for variably setting the probability that the display result when the variable display device 14 is variably stopped is a combination of specific identification information (for example, 777).
The switching operation can be performed to three positions of the confirmation position. The probability can be changed and set by inserting a predetermined key into the key switch 75 and performing a switching operation, and different probabilities can be set according to the number of switching operations. In addition,
Instead of the key switch 75, for example, a slide switch, a push button switch, a snap switch, a push-pull switch, a rotary switch, a digital switch, or the like may be used. Further, in the game control board box 148, set probability indicators 76a, 76b and 76c for displaying the probability set by operating the key switch 75 are provided. In the figure, reference numeral 88 denotes a hit ball launching device, which includes a hit ball motor 612. In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a mechanism plate 40.
The protruding portion of the variable display device 14 on the back side of the game board is configured to fit in the opening 41. In the figure, reference numeral 53 denotes a power switch, which can be turned off once and then turned on again by operating this switch.
The game control microcomputer 65 can be reset, and the operation can be easily performed in the probability setting operation described later.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and operation of the winning prize processing mechanism 445. Winning ball sensor A
At the side of each of (170a) and B (170b), oscillating bodies 29a and 29b oscillated by payout solenoids A (171a) and B (171b) are provided. The rockers 29a and 29b are rotatably mounted on support shafts 31a and 31b, and have weights 33a and 3b, respectively.
3b is provided. And the dispensing solenoid B (17
1b) in a state where the excitation is released as shown in the figure,
The oscillating body 29b rotates clockwise in the figure due to the weight of the weight 33b. In this state, the actuator 25b of the payout solenoid B (171b) enters the first winning ball collecting gutter 45, and the winning actuator sensor 25b causes the winning ball to be detected by the winning ball sensor B (17).
0b). When the dispensing solenoid B (171b) is excited, the actuator 25a is disengaged like the dispensing solenoid A (171a) on the left side of the drawing.
Is pulled away from the second winning ball collecting gutter 47, and the rocking body 29a is
a and is rotated clockwise in the figure and enters the first winning ball collecting gutter 47 from the upper end thereof. The winning ball supported by the actuator 25a falls downward, and the winning ball located above the winning ball is supported and held by the upper end of the rocking body 29a. As described above, each time the payout solenoid is excited once, one winning prize ball is discharged into the ball removal path 420 and discharged outside the machine.

When the winning ball guided to the first winning ball collecting gutter 47 is detected by the winning ball sensor A (170a), a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and when the payout is completed, the payout solenoid. A (171a) is excited once to release. Then, the next winning ball is the first winning ball collecting gutter 47.
Is detected again by the winning ball sensor A (170a), and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out as described above. The winning ball guided to the second winning ball collecting gutter 45 is detected by the winning ball sensor B (170b), and a predetermined number k (for example, 15) of prize balls are paid out, and the payout solenoid B (170b). Is excited, and if there is a next winning ball, a predetermined number k of prize balls are paid out again. As described above, even if the winning ball is continuously generated, the swinging body 2
According to 9a and 29b, only the prize ball for which the payout of the prize ball has been completed flows down, and the prize ball for which the payout of the prize ball has not yet been completed is prevented from flowing down, so that the first and second prize ball collecting gutters 47, 45. This is advantageous in that troubles relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out can be prevented. Instead of storing the proof balls, the number of winnings or the like may be stored by a microcomputer or the like, and the payout control may be performed based on the stored value. In this case, it is desirable to use a backup power supply to prevent the stored values from being erased due to a power failure or the like.

The dispensing solenoids A (171a), B
If (171b) breaks down and becomes non-excitable, the actuator 25a or 25b will be switched to the first winning ball collecting trough 47.
And the second winning prize ball collecting gutter 45 remains in a state, so that the pachinko ball is a prize ball sensor A (170a) or a prize ball sensor B ( 170b), the state is stopped, and the winning ball detection signal is continuously derived.
The continuous ON state of the prize ball sensor is detected to determine that the payout solenoid A (171a) or B (171b) is out of order and to notify the abnormal state. Note that the winning ball sensors A (170a), B
(170b) is a so-called proximity switch in which the output signal changes from a predetermined voltage as the pachinko ball passes, and this winning ball detection sensor A (17)
When the output signals 0a) and B (170b) are disconnected, the voltage of the output signal becomes 0V. Therefore, it is detected that the output signal has become 0V and the winning ball sensors A (170a) and B (170b) are disconnected. The notification may be made by performing the determination of. Further, when the winning ball sensors A (170a) and B (170b) are short-circuited, the output voltage becomes an abnormal voltage exceeding a normal voltage, and the abnormal voltage is detected and short-circuited. May be determined, and a notification to that effect may be made.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the ball dispenser 63 and its peripheral devices. The ball dispenser 63 is provided on the metal plate 54 provided on the mechanism plate 40 side, and the pachinko balls sent in a two-row arrangement from the ball guide rail 67 pass through the ball passages 64a and 64b. 63
Will be supplied within. The ball dispenser 63 includes a dispensing motor 223, a ball feeding member 800 rotated by the dispensing motor 223, a projector 802 a provided in a notch 813 formed at the left end of the ball feeding member 800 in the drawing,
A half-rotation detection sensor 802b that receives light emitted from the light projector 802a every time the ball feeding member 800 makes a half rotation is provided. Further, the light emitter 102a, the half-turn detection sensor 8
02b, each wiring 81 connected to the payout motor 223
0 is connected to the payout central control board 730 via the relay terminal board 139 through the wiring hole 808.

At the bent portion of the ball guiding rail 67, a ball removing member 881 is provided so as to be swingable. The ball removing member 881 normally has a posture of closing a bent portion of the ball guiding rail 67 as shown by a solid line in the drawing. Then, a staff member of the game arcade operates a control rod (not shown) from the front of the front frame.
When the operation of opening the ball-dropping member 881 is performed by the above operation, the ball-dropping member 881 swings in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing and assumes the posture shown by the broken line in the drawing. Then, the ball guide rail 67
The pachinko ball in the ball tank 151 (see FIG. 2) is released through the ball guiding rail 67 and the discharge path 1 so as to be discharged outside the machine. Further, when a staff member of the game arcade operates the operation rod again, the ball removing member 881 rotates clockwise to the closed position shown in the illustrated embodiment, and is locked in the closed position.

Ball sensing members 920a and 920b are rotatably provided in the ball passages 64a and 64b, respectively. In a state where the pachinko balls are not supplied from the ball guiding rail 67, the ball sensing members 920a and 920b rotate clockwise in the drawing to the posture shown by the broken line, and detect the rotation of the ball sensing members 920a and 920b. The rail ball break switches 68a and 68b are turned off. On the other hand, if a pachinko ball is supplied from the ball guide rail 67, the ball sensing member 920a,
920b rotates counterclockwise, and assumes the posture shown in the illustrated embodiment. Then, the rail cut-out switches 68a, 68
b turns ON.

Below the ball dispenser 63, a metal cover plate 55 is provided.
Is provided. The metal cover plate is provided with upright wall portions 55a and 55b for guiding the flow of the balls, and the pachinko balls dispensed by the ball dispenser 63 are guided by the upright wall portions 55a and 55b and smoothly. It is configured to fall down. An earth wire 56 is attached to the metal car plate 55. When the ball paid out by the ball payout device 63 is charged, the ball comes into contact with the cover plate 55 to be grounded and discharged. You.
In the figure, 419a and 419b are payout outlets, 805a and 805
b is a ball feed path, 880a and 880b are ball path members, 4
1 is an opening, and 806 is a ball pressure receiving member.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view as seen from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ball feeding member 800. Ball passage members 880a and 880b for supplying pachinko balls to the ball inlets 884a and 884b of the ball dispenser 63 are provided with ball inlets 884a and 884.
The shape is adjusted to the height position b. Ball dispenser 63
In a portion slightly below the ball inlets 884a and 884b, a ball pressure reducing member 885 is provided, and the ball passages 64a and 64b are provided.
b, the ball pressure of the pachinko ball supplied through the ball feed passage 80
The ball pressure of the pachinko balls applied to 5a and 805b is reduced. A space 886 is formed in the ball pressure relaxing member 885, and the light projector 802a, the half-turn detection sensor 80
The wiring 2b is configured to be drawn out through this space 886. An end of the ball feeding member 800 is provided with a pair of convex portions 887 and a cut portion, and a notch 813 is formed between the pair of convex portions 887. The light projector 802a is provided so as to be located between the pair of projections 887. In the state shown in FIG.
The light emitted from 2a is blocked by the convex portion 887 so as not to be detected by the half rotation detection sensor 802b. Then, the ball feeding member 800 moves from the state shown in FIG.
The light emitted from the light projector 802a by rotating by 5 degrees passes through the space between the pair of projections 887, and the half rotation detection sensor 8
02b, and eventually the ball feed member 800
Each time is rotated by half, the half-rotation detection sensor 802b is in a state of receiving light emitted from the light projector 802a. 915 in the figure
Is a cover, 54 is a metal plate, 55 is a metal cover plate, 4
0 is a mechanism plate.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card processor control unit.

A card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is incorporated in the card processing machine control section 135 (see FIG. 2). The microcomputer 300 for controlling the card processor has a function of controlling the operation of various devices as described below. For this reason, the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is composed of, for example, an LSI of several chips, and stores therein a CPU 301 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure and operation program data of the CPU. A ROM 302 and a RAM 303 capable of writing and reading necessary data are included.

Further, the microcomputer 300 for controlling the card processor controls the input / output circuit 304 which receives the input signal and provides the input data to the CPU 301, receives the output data from the CPU 301 and outputs the data to the outside, and the CPU 301 when the power is turned on. A power-on reset circuit 305 for giving a reset pulse, a clock generation circuit 306 for giving a clock signal to the CPU 301, and a clock signal from the clock generation circuit 306 is frequency-divided to give a reset pulse to the CPU 301 periodically (for example, every 2 msec). A pulse dividing circuit (periodic reset circuit) 307;
An address decode circuit 308 for decoding address data from the PU 301 is included.

The address decode circuit 308 is a CPU 30
1 is decoded and the ROM 302,
A chip select signal is given to the RAM 303 and the input / output circuit 304, respectively.

In this embodiment, the ROM 302 has a programmable ROM so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, if necessary, program data for the CPU 301 stored therein can be changed. Is used. The CPU 301 provides control signals to various devices according to the program data stored in the ROM 302 and in response to the output of each control signal described below.

The microcomputer 300 for controlling the card processor receives the following signals as input signals.

The staff at the game hall sets the ball lending amount setting switch 137
By operating (see FIG. 2) to set the ball lending amount,
The setting signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the detection circuit 309. When the fraction display switch 136 (see FIG. 1) is operated, the switch operation signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the detection circuit 309. When the player presses the ball lending button 44c (see FIG. 1), the pressing operation is detected by the ball lending operation detector 44d, and the detection signal is sent to the interface board 13
8. The signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the detection circuit 309. When the player presses the return button 42c (see FIG. 1), the pressing operation is detected by the return operation detector 42d, and the detection signal is transmitted via the interface board 138 and the detection circuit 309 to the microcomputer for controlling the card processor. 300 is input. From the card reader / writer control unit 134 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), a card acceptance signal, a card abnormal signal, and a card processing completion signal, which will be described later, are input.

A payout possible signal, a ball lending preparation signal, a ball lending completion signal, and a ball lending enable signal, which will be described later, are input from the payout control microcomputer 350 via the interface board 138 and the information input circuit 312. The information input circuit 312 has a built-in photocoupler, and the various signals described above from the payout control microcomputer 350 are input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the photocoupler. Since the signal is input through the photocoupler in this way, the adverse effect caused by the failure generated in the payout control microcomputer 350 does not reach the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. The inconvenience of causing the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 to fail due to the failure can be prevented as much as possible.

Next, the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 outputs a control signal to the following circuits and devices.

A display control signal is output to the ball lending display 48d and the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1) via the LED drive circuit 310 and the interface board 138. A display control signal is given to the card insertion display 132 and the processor usable display 130 via the lamp drive circuit 311. Card reader / writer control unit 134
(See FIGS. 1 and 2), the present balance data, card write / discharge command signal, balance zero data, and card recovery command signal, which will be described later, are output. A ball lending request signal, which will be described later, is output to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the information output circuit 313 and the interface board 138. A unit sales signal described later is output to the ball lending card central management computer via the unit box 830 and the card processing machine terminal box 320. This ball lending card centralized management computer is a centralized management computer installed in a ball lending card issuing company or the like. It is connected by a communication line via 320. A unit sales signal is transmitted to the hall management computer via the unit box 830, and a predetermined power is supplied to the card processor 62.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various control circuits and various control devices connected to the payout control microcomputer.

Inside 350 of the payout control microcomputer
Has a configuration similar to that of the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 shown in FIG. 6, and thus the description thereof will not be repeated here. Note that the payout control microcomputer 350 is formed of a one-chip microcomputer and is masked. The payout sensor 802b is connected to the sensor circuit 352 via the relay terminal board 139, and a detection signal of the payout sensor 802b is input from the sensor circuit 352 to the payout control microcomputer 350. The winning ball switches (winning ball sensors) 170a and 170b are connected to the switch circuit 351 via the relay terminal board 139, and the winning ball switches (winning ball sensors) 170a and 170b are connected.
The detection signal at 170 b is input from the switch circuit 350 to the payout control microcomputer 350. The tank burnout switches 150a and 150b are connected to the relay terminal board 139.
Is connected to the switch circuit 351, and a tank ball out detection signal is input from the switch circuit 351 to the payout control microcomputer 350. The full tank switch 162 is connected to the switch circuit 3 via the relay terminal board 139.
51, and a full tank detection signal is input from the switch circuit 351 to the payout control microcomputer 350. The rail cutout switches 68a and 68b are connected to the switch circuit 351 via the relay terminal board 139, and a rail cutout detection signal is input from the switch circuit 351 to the payout control microcomputer 350.

The microcomputer 300 for controlling the card processor is connected to the microcomputer 350 for controlling the dispensing via the interface board 138.
It is configured so that data can be transmitted and received between the microcomputer 300 for controlling the card processor and the microcomputer 350 for controlling the payout. Game control microcomputer 65 (game control board 14
8 ') is the payout control microcomputer 3 via the winning ball number information input circuit 361 and the winning information output circuit 362.
50, and the prize ball number information from the game control microcomputer 65 (game control board 148 ') is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the prize ball number information input circuit 361, and the payout control is performed. The winning information is output from the microcomputer 350 to the game controlling microcomputer 65 (game controlling board 148 ') via the winning information output circuit 362. The reset switch 147 is connected to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the reset circuit 353,
Based on the operation of the reset switch 147 (see FIG. 2), a reset signal is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the reset circuit 353.

Further, the payout control microcomputer 350 outputs a motor drive control signal to the payout motor 223 via the motor circuit 354 and the relay terminal board 139.
The payout control microcomputer 350 is a relay circuit 3
55, and outputs a motor power supply control signal to a handle motor (ball hitting motor) 612 via the relay terminal board 139. The dispensing control microcomputer 350 outputs solenoid driving control signals to the dispensing solenoids 171a and 171b via the solenoid circuit 356 and the relay terminal board 139, respectively. Dispensing control microcomputer 3
Reference numeral 50 denotes replenishment information indicating that the predetermined number of prize balls a (for example, 10) have been paid out via the information output circuit 357 and the relay terminal board 139, and a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen). Then, ball lending information, which is information indicating that ball lending has been performed, is output to the hall management computer. The dispensing control microcomputer 350 includes a buzzer circuit 35.
8. A buzzer control signal is output to the buzzer 359 via the relay terminal board 139. The payout control microcomputer 350 outputs a lamp control signal to the payout lamp 126 and the burnout lamp 127 via the lamp circuit 360 and the relay terminal board 139, respectively.

A predetermined DC voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 363 to these control circuits and various devices. In addition, 1 in the figure
Reference numeral 46 denotes a payout centralized control board, on which various circuits and various electronic devices shown in a range surrounded by a dashed line are mounted on the payout centralized control board 146.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in a pachinko gaming machine.

A part of the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine is provided on the game control board 148 ', and has a basic circuit 65 including a microcomputer or the like which operates according to a program for controlling various devices. The basic circuit 65 includes a CPU 91, a RAM 92, a ROM 9
3, an I / O port 90, a sound generator 94, and a clock generation circuit 95. The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine has an initial reset circuit 97 for giving a reset pulse to the basic circuit 65 when the power is turned on, and a clock signal provided from the basic circuit 65 is frequency-divided (for example, every 2 msec). , A periodic reset circuit 98 composed of a pulse frequency dividing circuit for giving a reset pulse to the basic circuit 65, and decoding of address data from the basic circuit 65 to the RAM 92, ROM 93, I /
An address decode circuit 96 for supplying a chip select signal to the O port 90 and the sound generator 94 is included. The basic circuit 65 receives the following signals as input signals. The hit ball wins and the winning ball processor 400
(See FIG. 2) and the winning ball is processed by the winning ball sensor 1.
If detected by 70a, 170b (see FIG. 3), the winning information is input to the basic circuit 65 via the payout central control board 146, the relay terminal board 139, and the winning information input circuit 853. If a hit ball is awarded in the variable winning ball device 3 and detected by the 10-count detection switch 8, the detection signal is sent to the basic circuit 6 via the switch / sensor input circuit 109.
5 is input. When the pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 3 wins the specific winning opening (V pocket) and is detected by the specific winning ball detection switch 7, the detection signal is transmitted via the switch / sensor input circuit 109 to the basic circuit. 65 is input. Pachinko balls start winning prizes 1a, 1b, 1c
, The start winning ball is detected by the start winning ball detection switches 2a, 2b, 2c, and the detection signal is input to the basic circuit 65 via the switch / sensor input circuit 109. If the stepping motors 35a to 35c rotate and the respective rotating drums of the variable display device 14 rotate, and the non-reflective portions (not shown) formed on the respective rotating drums are detected by the drum sensors 51a to 51c, The detection signal is input to the basic circuit 65 via the switch / sensor input circuit 109. The game control board 148 'includes an EEPROM (Electrically Era).
sable Programmable Read-O
An nly Memory) 99, a data input circuit 100, and a data output circuit 101 are provided. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 60 is turned on, the probability data for generating a big hit stored in the EEPROM 99 is transmitted through the data input circuit 100. Is input to the basic circuit 65. The input probability data is loaded into the RAM 92 via the I / O port 90 and the CPU 91. The probability data includes three types of first probability data (setting 1) that is slightly higher, second probability data that is medium (setting 2), and third probability data that is slightly lower (setting 3). Any one of the probability data is stored in the EEPROM 99.

It is assumed that the probability data loaded in the RAM 92 is the first probability data (setting 1), and a case where the key switch 75 is operated in that state will be described. The key switch 75 can be switched to three positions: a normal position, a set position, and a confirmation position. On condition that the power is turned on at the confirmation position, the key switch 75 is switched from the normal mode to the setting mode by one. When the operation is performed twice, the first probability data (setting 1) loaded in the RAM 92 is updated to the second probability data (setting 2). In this state, if the key switch 75 is again operated from the normal mode to the setting mode, the RAM
The second probability data (setting 2) loaded in 92 is updated to third probability data (setting 3). If the key switch 75 is operated again from the normal mode to the setting mode in that state, the third probability data (setting 3) loaded in the RAM 92 is updated to the first probability data (setting 1). . Each time the probability data is updated, the probability data stored in the EEPROM 99 is updated. If a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed while the key switch is in the normal mode, the probability data is determined. The probability data currently stored in the EEPROM 99 is loaded into the RAM 92, and the variable display device 14 is controlled using the loaded probability data. If the key switch 75 is in the normal mode when the power is turned on, the key switch 75
Can not rewrite probability data. Since the probability data is stored and held in the EEPROM 99 as in this embodiment, it is possible to flexibly cope with the increase and decrease of the set value of the probability as compared with the mechanical storage and, particularly, to store the data in, for example, a RAM. As compared with the above, there is an advantage that a backup power supply is not required, and it is advantageous when the period of storing and holding is long. In addition,
The probability setting operation means including the key switch 75 and the like may be constituted by, for example, a keyboard connected to a hall management computer instead of being provided in each pachinko gaming machine. The probability setting operation may be performed by designating the machine.

Next, a control signal is output from the basic circuit 65 to various circuits and devices described below.

A control signal for generating a sound is output to the speaker 15 via the sound circuit 66. Prize ball number information output circuit 10
4, payout central control board 14 via relay terminal board 138
The prize ball number information, which is information for specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out to 6, is output. Through the segment / LED circuit 105, a 7-segment display 11, a starting winning storage display 10, a winning number display 16, a set probability display 7
6a-76c, decoration LED27, 26, V display LED2
The control signal for display is output to 8 respectively. A lamp lighting control signal is output to each of the drum lamps 25a to 25g via the drum lamp circuit 106. A control signal for solenoid excitation is output to the solenoid 5 through the lamp / solenoid jackpot information circuit 107, and a drum decoration lamp 17, a game effect lamp 18, a rail decoration lamp 19, a windmill lamp 20, a shoulder lamp 21, a side lamp 22, Center lamp (attacker lamp) 23,
A lamp lighting (flashing) control signal is output to each of the sleeve lamps 24. A control signal for driving each of the stepping motors 35a to 35c is output via the motor drive circuit 108. In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes an output line for outputting big hit occurrence information to a hall management computer or the like.

A predetermined DC voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 102 to these control circuits and various devices.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a circuit for transmitting and receiving data of the number of prize balls to be paid out between the centralized payout control board and the game control board.

The interface board 138 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 and the card processor control unit 135 of the card processor 62
Are connected to the photocoupler 852 at the stage where VL (+1
8V), and a signal is input to the basic circuit 65 (see FIG. 8) via the card processor connection information input circuit 854 provided on the game control board 148 '.
Only when a signal is input to the basic circuit 65 through the card processor connection information input circuit 854, the pachinko gaming machine 60
Will be able to play. This will be described in detail later. The basic circuit 65 of the game control board 148 'stores the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning mode of the pachinko balls. That is, the hit ball is the starting winning opening 1a, 1
b (1) (see FIG. 1), n (5),
The payout number is stored so that m (15) is paid out when a prize hole or a prize ball device is won other than the start prize holes 1a to 1c. Then, the winning ball that has won the start winning ports 1a to 1c is guided to the winning ball processor 400 and detected by the winning ball sensor 170a, and the detection signal is input through the winning ball sensor circuit 351 and the photocoupler 859a. Input to the circuit 853 and the input information
5 is input. A winning ball other than the starting winning ports 1a to 1c or a winning ball that has won a winning ball device is guided to the winning ball processor 400 and detected by the winning ball sensor 170b. 859
The information is input to the winning information input circuit 853 via the terminal b, and the input information is input to the basic circuit 65. In the basic circuit 65, D0, D1, D
The prize ball number signal is output to the prize ball number information input circuit 361 of the payout control board using the four output ports D2 and D3. That is, a 4-bit prize ball number signal (prize ball payout number signal) can be output from the four output ports D0 to D3, so that 15 types of 1 to 15 prize ball number signals are output. It is possible. The signal output from the output port D0 is once converted into an optical signal by the photocoupler 855 of the award ball number information input circuit 361, then converted again into an electric signal, and input to the input circuit 350. Similarly,
The prize ball number signals output from the output ports D1, D2, and D3, respectively, are once converted into optical signals by the photocouplers 856, 857, and 858 and then converted again into electric signals.
The electric signal is input to the input circuit 351. The payout central control board 146 controls the ball payout device 63 based on the winning ball number data input to the input circuit 351 to control the predetermined number of prize balls. To each of the photocouplers 855 to 858, a coupler power supply Vp supplied from the game control board 148 'side is applied, and each output port D
Photocouplers 855 to 8 corresponding to signals from 0 to D3
58, the input signal from the photocoupler is input to the input circuit 3 of the payout central control board 146.
51 is input. Thus, the payout central control board 14
6 and the game control board 148 'are transmitted and received via the photocoupler, so that the boards are electrically insulated from each other. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience of having an adverse effect.

Next, when the card processor control unit 135 and the interface board 138 are disconnected (information cannot be transmitted), signals are not input from the photocoupler 852, so that payout is concentrated. In the control board, it is determined that a connection error with the card processing machine has occurred, and based on the determination result, the relay 355 is operated to cut off the supply of current to the ball hitting motor 612 and the ball is not fired. The game is disabled.

FIG. 10 shows the information output circuit 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 57 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of a circuit 57.

The information output circuit 357 mainly includes a photocoupler 380 and bridge diodes 381A and 381.
B. Each bridge diode 381
A, data lines 384, 38 connected to 381B
5, 386, 387 and the hall management computer are connected, and a detection signal for detecting whether or not there is supply information is sent from the hall management computer via one of the data lines 384 and 385. Output to the bridge diode 381A. The detection signal output from the hall management computer may be inserted into the connection between the connector on the hall management computer and the connector connected to the data lines 384, 385 in a certain direction or in the opposite direction. Is input to the data line 384 or input to the data line 385 depending on whether the connection is made. Similarly, a detection signal for detecting whether or not there is ball lending information is input to one of the data lines 386 and 387 from the hall management computer. Whether the detection signal is input to the data line 386 or 387 depends on the direction of the insertion connection between the connector on the hall management computer and the connector connected to the data lines 386 and 387, as described above. It depends. In any case, regardless of whether the detection signal is input to either of the data lines 384 or 385, the transistors 382A and 382 are connected via the bridge diode 381A.
The voltage of the detection signal is applied to 83A. Similarly, regardless of which of the data lines 386 and 387 receives the detection signal, the bridge diode 381B
, The voltage of the detection signal is applied to the transistors 382B and 383B.

Discharge control microcomputer 350
Outputs a one-pulse signal to the photocoupler 380A side when a predetermined number a (for example, 10) of prize balls are paid out as described above. In the photocoupler 380A, based on the one pulse signal, the transistor 382A
Is turned on, the voltage of the detection signal applied to the transistor 382A is applied to the base of the transistor 383A, the transistor 383A is turned on, and the detection signal passes through the transistor 383A via the bridge diode 381A. Data line 384
Alternatively, the detection signal is input to the hall management computer through the data line to which the detection signal is not input.

On the other hand, the payout control microcomputer 3
50 is a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) as described above.
Is output to the photocoupler 380B side when the ball is lent.
In B, the transistor 3 based on the output pulse signal
82B becomes conductive. Then, the transistor 382
B, the voltage of the input signal applied to transistor B
The voltage is applied to the base of the transistor 83B, and the transistor 383B is turned on. When the transistor 383B is turned on, a detection signal passes through the transistor 383B, passes through the bridge diode 381B, and passes through the data line 3.
The input signal of 86 or 387 is input to the hall management computer through the data line which is not input.

As described above, transmission of supply information and ball lending information from the payout control microcomputer 350 to the hall management computer is performed by the photocouplers 380A and 380.
B is once converted into an optical signal and then converted again into an electric signal, so that the payout control microcomputer 350 and the hall management computer are electrically insulated from each other. Alternatively, there is an advantage that a failure of one of the hall management computers can be prevented from adversely affecting the other. As another method of achieving such an advantage, a relay may be used instead of the photocouplers 380A and 380B. However, when using a relay,
Since the relay has contacts, the relay contacts are repeatedly turned ON and OFF each time a signal is output from the dispensing control microcomputer 350 to the relays. The disadvantage of inferiority arises. In this embodiment, since the photocoupler is used, the problem of the durability of such a relay can be solved. However, in the case of a photocoupler, the transistor 382A,
When the photocoupler is directly connected to the hall management computer without the bridge diodes 381A and 381B because the 382B has positive and negative polarities, the photocoupler is connected to the connector on the hall management computer and the photocoupler. Depending on the direction of insertion into the connector, the supply information and ball lending information output from the photocoupler may be input to the output port side of the input signal of the hall management computer. However, according to this embodiment, the bridge diode 3 is connected between the photocouplers 380A and 380B and the hall management computer.
Since the holes 81A and 381B are mediated, the inconvenience described above does not occur regardless of the direction in which the connector on the side of the hall management computer is inserted into the connector connected to the data line 384, 385 or 386, 387. .

FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the main routine.
For example, it is executed once every 2 msec. First, in step S1 (hereinafter simply referred to as S), a stack set process is performed, and in S2, it is determined whether or not a RAM error has occurred. This judgment is made by reading the contents of a predetermined address of the RAM 92 in the basic circuit 65 shown in FIG.
This is performed by checking whether the value is equal to a predetermined value. Immediately after program runaway or power on,
Since the data stored in the RAM 92 is indeterminate, the answer to the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to control S3. In S3, initial data is written to the RAM. At this time, the identification information of the variable display device 14 is displayed at a probability determined according to the read value after the set value which is the probability data of the jackpot occurrence stored in the EEPROM 99 is read and loaded into the RAM. Is controlled as follows. Thereafter, the control proceeds to S10. Since the initial data is written in S3, the answer to the determination in S2 is YES when the main routine is executed thereafter, and the control proceeds to S4.

In S4, data is output from the I / O port, and control signals are output to various circuits and devices shown in FIG. Next, proceed to S5, and
A determination is made as to whether there is a count error and whether there is a drum error. This 10 count error is a case where the specific winning ball detection switch 7 or the winning number detection switch 8 is short-circuited or disconnected. Specifically, the output signal of the specific winning ball detection switch 7 or the 10 count detection switch 8 is If the payout time is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 2.9 seconds) or if no winning prize ball is detected during one opening of the variable winning prize ball device 3, 10
It is determined that there is a counting error. What is a drum error?
This is a case where a rotary drum (not shown) of the variable display device 14 stops in the middle of rotation or is in a state where rotation control cannot be performed. If there is no 10 count error and no drum error, the process proceeds to S6. After the process is performed, the process proceeds to S7. However, if there is a 10 count error or a drum error, the process directly proceeds to S7 to enter the winning information. The process is performed, and then the process proceeds to S8, where a switch input process is performed, and then proceeds to S9.

At S9, a probability setting switch input process is performed. The probability setting switch input is a process of inputting a setting state of a probability of occurrence of a big hit based on an operation of the key switch 75 (see FIG. 2). After S9, the control proceeds to S10. In S10, an update process of the random 1 counter, random 2 counter, and random 4 counter is performed. The random one counter is a primary lottery counter for determining whether or not to generate a big hit. The random 2 counter is a counter for a secondary lottery and a winning symbol determination regarding whether or not to generate a big hit. Whether or not to generate a big hit is first determined to be a result of a primary lottery based on a random 1 counter, and it is necessary to determine a result of a secondary lottery based on a random 2 counter. The random 4 counter is a counter for selecting a winning line for determining which winning line of the three winning lines is to form a winning symbol combination when it is determined to generate a big hit. is there.
The winning symbol is determined based on the count value of the random 2 counter. After operating the key switch 75, the upper limit of the count value of the random 1 counter changes. That is, in the case of the setting 1, the random 1 counter counts within the range of 0 to 41. In the case of setting 2, counting is performed within the range of 0 to 44. In the case of setting 3, counting is performed within the range of 0 to 49. On the other hand, random 2
The counter counts within the range of 0 to 49. The random 4 counter counts in the range of 0 to 2. When the picked-up count value is 0, the middle hit line is selected and determined. At times, the right-to-lower slanting hit line is selected and determined.

Next, the process proceeds to S11, where it is determined whether the number of resets is 0 or 4, or 1 or 2, 3, 5, 6, or 7. The number of resets means the number of times the basic circuit 64 has been reset by a reset signal input from the periodic reset circuit 98 (see FIG. 8) to the basic circuit 65, and each time it is reset, it changes from "0" to "1". The value is incremented by one to reach “7”, and in this state, “1” is further added to “0”, and the count is incremented from “0” again. If the number of resets is 0, the process proceeds to S12, where sound data is output and the speaker 15
Produces a predetermined sound. On the other hand, if the number of resets is 4, the process proceeds to S13, where output data table selection and drum lamp data set processing are performed, and the process proceeds to S15, where the set data is output and the lighting of the drum lamp is controlled. . On the other hand, if the number of resets is 1, 2,
In the case of 3, 5, 6, and 7, the process proceeds to S14, where the decoration LED and lamp data are set, and the set data is output in S15, and the decoration LEDs 27 and 26 and the various lamps 18 and 24 are turned on or off. You.
Next, the process proceeds to S16, where a prize storage area storing process is performed, and the process proceeds to S17, in which the random 1 counter, the random 2 counter, the random 3 counter, and the random 5 counter are updated. The processing in S17 is based on the basic circuit 65 based on the reset signal from the periodic reset circuit 98.
The repetition of the count value is performed using the periodical reset waiting time until the resetting is performed.
The random 3 counter is a counter for determining which symbol is to be used for stop control when it is determined not to generate a big hit, and is counted up within a range of 0 to 5831. The random 5 counter is a counter for determining at which out-of-design a stop control is to be performed when it is determined not to generate a big hit.
It is counted up within the range of 31. The random 5 counter is a counter for determining a lucky number symbol, and is counted up within a range of 0 to 99.
The lucky number is a number that is predetermined in order to provide a predetermined service to the player at the game arcade. For example, when a big hit occurs, the number displayed on the pachinko gaming machine where the big hit occurs is predetermined. If the lucky number matches the given lucky number, a prize, such as a prize ball acquired based on the occurrence of the big hit, can be used again for a game without exchanging prizes, is given.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the winning information input processing shown in S7.

This winning information input processing is for performing a winning determination processing when a pachinko ball is won. First S
Port input is performed by 18. Then, in S19, it is determined whether or not the award ball data output flag is set. The prize ball data output flag is set in S23 and S29 described later and cleared in S32. The prize ball data output flag is a prize ball number data to be paid out based on the winning prize ball based on the determination of the winning of the pachinko ball. This flag is required to output certain prize ball data to the payout central control board. If the prize ball data flag is not set, the process proceeds to S20, where it is determined whether or not information corresponding to the sensor A has been input from the payout control board, and a prize corresponding to the prize ball sensor 170a (see FIG. 3). When the information signal is input from the photocoupler 859a, the process proceeds to S21, in which the sensor A input counter is incremented by "1", and thereafter, it is determined in S22 whether the input determination value (for example, "3") has been reached. It is. If the count value of the sensor A input counter has not reached the input determination value, a negative determination is made in S22. If it is determined again at S20 that sensor A information has been input at the next execution of this subroutine program, the sensor A input counter is further increased to "1" at S21.
Steps S20 and S21 are repeated until the count value of the sensor A input counter reaches the input determination value. When the count value of the sensor A input counter has reached the input determination value, the process proceeds to S23,
The award ball data output flag is set, the award ball data is set to "5", and a process of clearing the award ball data output counter is performed. On the other hand, a noise signal caused by noise in the game hall or the like is transmitted from the winning ball sensor A to the winning information input circuit 8.
Although the noise signal may be input from lines up to 53, the noise signal is a signal having a pulse width almost instantaneously close to 0. Therefore, for example, YES was determined in S20 due to the noise signal. However, the next time this subroutine program is executed, the noise signal has disappeared, so that a determination of NO is made from S22, and the count value of the sensor A input counter is determined to be a prize by the noise signal. The inconvenience that the process of S52 is erroneously performed based on the noise signal without reaching the value can be prevented. This countermeasure against noise is similarly applied to the sensor B. That is, if there is no sensor A information input, the sensor A input counter is cleared from S24, and then it is determined from S25 whether or not sensor B information has been input. At S27, the sensor B input counter is incremented by "1". At S28, it is determined whether or not the count value of the sensor B input counter has reached the winning determination value. Only when the count value has reached, the processing at S29 is performed. Because If the sensor B information has not been input, S26
Clears the sensor B input counter.

If the prize ball data output flag is set from S23 or S29, the next time the subroutine program is executed, a determination of YES is made in S19 and the process proceeds to S30, in which the prize ball data (S23 is "5",
In the case of S29, “15”) is output from the game control board to the payout central control board side. Further, the output counter is incremented by "1" at S30, and it is determined at S31 whether the count value of the output counter has reached the maximum value (for example, 8). If the count value has not reached the maximum value, When the next subroutine program is executed, S3 is executed again.
By 0, award ball data output processing and processing for incrementing the output counter by "1" are performed. Then, the process of S30 is repeated until the count value of the output counter reaches the maximum value. When the count value reaches the maximum value, the process proceeds to S32, and the award ball data output flag is cleared. As described above, when the prize ball data output flag is set, the prize ball data is continuously output from the game control board to the payout central control board until the output counter reaches the maximum value. Based on the prize ball data continuously inputted for a predetermined time until the output counter reaches the maximum value, the payout control of the detected balls corresponding to the prize ball data is performed. Instead of terminating the output of the prize ball data based on the value of the output counter, the output of the prize ball data may be terminated when the prize ball information is not input from the payout central control board.

Next, the probability setting switch check operation will be described with reference to FIG. Port input processing is performed from S33, and data is input from the port. As shown in FIG. 13B, there are two types of ports, port 1 and port 2, and when both port 1 and port 2 are off, data indicating a failure is input. That is, when the port 1 is ON and the port 2 is OFF, the data indicating that the key switch 75 is in the normal mode is input. When the port 1 is OFF and the port 2 is ON, data indicating that the key switch 75 is in the confirmation mode has been input. further,
Key switch 7 when both port 1 and port 2 are ON
That is, data indicating that 5 is the setting mode has been input.

In S34, it is determined whether or not the key switch is in the setting mode based on the port input data in S33. If the key switch is in the setting mode, the process proceeds to S35, and it is determined whether or not the initial state is being performed. "Initializing" means a power-on state where the power is turned on. If the power is not on, the subroutine program ends. On the other hand, if it is during the initialization, the process proceeds to S36, and it is determined whether the key switch has been switched from the normal mode to the setting mode. If not, the process proceeds to S48. Proceeds to S37 to perform a process of adding "1" to the setting data. Thereby, if the probability setting data is, for example, setting 1, S3
The setting 2 is set by the processing of No. 7. Next, in S38, it is determined whether or not the setting data is 4, and in the case of 4, the processing proceeds to S39, in which the setting data is set to "1", and then the processing proceeds to S40. Goes directly to S40. As a result, the upper limit value of the setting data becomes 3,
If the result of adding “1” is 4, the setting data is 1
, And is incremented by “1” again from S1 in S37. Next, in S40, the setting data is output and the EEP
The data is updated in the ROM 99, and the setting completion timer is set. If the key switch 75 is operated from the normal mode to the setting mode and then switched to the normal mode for a predetermined period, the set probability data is registered and the probability setting is completed, and the probability setting is completed. Is completed by the setting completion timer, for example, about 5 seconds.
If it is determined that the switching from the normal mode to the setting mode is not performed in S36, the current setting probability state is displayed by the setting display LEDs 76a to 76c in S48. When the setting data has been updated in S37 to S39, the updated probability setting data is displayed in accordance with S48 in the setting display LEDs 76a to 76c.
(See FIG. 2).

On the other hand, if the key switch is not in the setting mode, a negative determination is made in S34 and the process proceeds to S41, where it is determined whether the key switch is in the confirmation mode. S42 when the key switch is in the confirmation mode
The process proceeds to S48, where it is determined whether or not the initial setting is being performed. If the initial setting is not being performed, the process proceeds to S48, where the current setting data is displayed. A set is performed. The input of the setting data means that the EEPROM 99
Is loaded into the RAM 90, and the variable display device 14 is controlled in accordance with the loaded setting data. Then, the loaded data is displayed by the setting display LEDs 76a to 76c (see FIG. 2) according to S48.

On the other hand, if the key switch is not in the confirmation mode, that is, if the key switch is in the normal mode, the flow proceeds to S44, and after the processing for clearing the setting display is performed, the flow proceeds to S45 to determine whether or not the initial state is being performed. If not, the subroutine program ends. On the other hand, if the initial
The process proceeds to 46, where it is determined whether or not the setting completion timer has expired. If not, display of the current setting data is performed in S48. On the other hand, if the setting completion timer has expired, the flow advances to S47 to input setting data. The input of this setting data is EE
The probability setting data written in PROM 99 is stored in RAM
This is a process of loading data into the N. 92. As described above, when the setting completion timer expires in a state where the key switch is switched to the normal mode, the setting data is loaded into the RAM 92 and the probability setting is completed.

FIGS. 14 to 18 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the reset start processing operation. The stack is set in S101, the process proceeds to S102, the I / O port is initialized, and the function of the watchdog timer is stopped. The watchdog timer is a clock generation circuit 9
5 is counted up based on the clock signal
When U91 is operating normally, the count value is cleared and reset every predetermined period. If the CPU 91 goes out of control, the watched climber will not be reset, and will continue to be counted up. As a result, the count value will exceed the predetermined upper limit value, and the count value will exceed the predetermined upper limit value. If it exceeds the value, it can be determined that the CPU 91 has runaway, and is used to reset the CPU 91 to the same state as when the power is turned on. In this embodiment, a watchdog timer on software that counts up based on a program is used. Next, the process proceeds to S103, and it is determined whether or not the data loader activation condition is OK. This data loader activation condition is defined as ROM
This is a condition for reading data such as a program stored in the memory 93 to the outside in order to check the data. Is input to Y by S103
The ES is determined, and the process proceeds to S103, where a data loader process is performed. In this embodiment, the ROM 93 uses a mask ROM of low manufacturing cost. Mask ROM
Is a ROM that stores data at the factory manufacturing stage
Therefore, the stored contents are generally difficult to read. Therefore, a program for reading is stored in the ROM 93, and S104 is executed in accordance with the reading program.
Performs the read processing of the ROM storage data. Since the reset processing by the periodic reset circuit 98 is not performed when reading the ROM storage data, the above-described reset processing of the count value of the watchdog timer is not performed. As a result, if the processing in S102 is not performed, the count value of the watchdog timer exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, and the CPU 91
Is automatically reset to the same state as when the power is turned on. Therefore, in S102, the function of the watchdog timer is stopped. Instead of stopping the function of the watchdog timer in S102, a process of clearing and resetting the count value of the watchdog timer every predetermined period may be performed during the process of S104. Further, the watchdog timer is not limited to a software counter that counts by a program, but may be a hardware counter that includes a circuit that counts clock signals.

If NO is determined in S103, the timer interrupt is started, the stack is set in S105, and the function stop of the watchdog timer is released in S106. Next, the process proceeds to S107, in which it is determined whether or not the RAM is normal. If not, the process proceeds to S108, and after a process of clearing the RAM is performed, the process waits for a timer interrupt. On the other hand, if the RAM is normal, the process proceeds to S109, and the NG check of the number of winning balls is performed. The prize ball number is input from the game control board to the payout control board side as described with reference to FIG. 9, and the prize ball number information (prize ball number information) input to the payout control board side is the payout ball number. Control microcomputer 35
0 is stored in two storage areas, a general storage area and a backup storage area. The payout control of the prize balls is performed based on the prize ball number information stored in the general storage area. The prize ball payout control is performed based on the prize ball number control stored in the general storage area. Due to the fact that the information is used for control each time the prize ball number information in the general storage area may be changed to the wrong prize ball number information, in such a case, the general storage area is replaced with the general storage area by S109. If the number of award balls in the backup storage area is not compared with each other, control is performed to rewrite the number of award balls in the general storage area to the number of award balls in the backup storage area (correct number of award balls). Next, the flow advances to S110 to control the payout motor, and the flow advances to S111 to determine whether the stack counter is odd or even. The stack counter is incremented each time the reset start program is executed once. If the value of the stack counter is an odd number, the flow advances to S112 to check switch input, lamp control, buzzer control, and card processing. Machine signal control,
After each control of the supply information / ball lending information control is performed, the timer waits for a timer interrupt. On the other hand, if the value of the stack counter is an even number, the process proceeds to S113, a card processor connection check process for checking the connection state with the card processor, a process of reading the number of prize balls (the number of prize balls), a prize ball operation process. After each of the processing of decrementing the timer, the process control, the error control of the card processor, and the data output processing is performed, the timer waits for an interrupt. The card processor error control is a control in which the payout control microcomputer 350 checks an error within a range in which an error of the card processor can be checked, and displays an error when the error occurs.

FIGS. 15 to 18 are flow charts schematically showing control performed according to the flow chart of FIG. 14, and are flow charts showing a ball payout control operation. At S201, it is determined whether or not there is a card processing machine connection signal. If not, the process proceeds to S202, where the relay 355 (see FIG. 9) is turned on to deactivate the ball hitting motor 612 so that the game cannot be played. I do. Next, S203
The control for displaying the error code 12 is performed. The control to display this error code is, specifically,
An alarm sound is generated from the buzzer 359, and error contents are displayed by a combination of blinking states of the payout lamp 126 and the burnout lamp 127 (see FIG. 1). The error code displayed in S203 is displayed on the card processor 6
This is an indication that the connection between the second side and the pachinko gaming machine 60 has not been established. As for the display of an error code of another process to be described later, an alarm sound is emitted from the buzzer 359, and the error content is displayed by a combination of the blinking state of the payout lamp 126 and the ball-out lamp 127.

Next, if it is determined that there is a card processing machine connection signal, the process proceeds to S204, where it is determined whether or not a broken rail has been detected. If not, the process proceeds to S208. , 68b (see FIG. 2) when the broken-rail detection signal is input, S
Proceeding to 205, a determination is made as to whether or not the out-of-tank condition has been detected. Tank burnout detection switch 150a, 15
If there is no blowout detection signal from 0b (see FIG. 2), the process proceeds to S206, where the burnout lamp 127 is controlled to blink. On the other hand, if a tank burnout detection signal is input, the process proceeds to S207, and the burnout lamp 127 is controlled to be turned on. In other words, the tank burnout detection switches 150a, 150
0b and the input of the ball-break detection signal from the rail-ball-break detection switches 68a and 68b (see FIG. 2) means that the pachinko ball in the ball tank 151 and the tank rail 67 is In this case, the burnout lamp 127 is controlled to be turned on, and a display indicating that a burnout has occurred is performed. On the other hand, the fact that a broken ball detection signal is input from the rail broken ball detection switches 68a, 68b in spite of no input of a broken ball detection signal from the tank broken ball detection switches 150a, 150b means that the tank broken ball detection switch 150a, 150b,
It is assumed that a ball is clogged in the middle of the downflow path between the 150b and the rail cut-out detection switches 68a, 68b so that the ball does not flow down, or that the tank burnout detection switches 150a, 150b are broken. In this case, the burnout lamp 127 blinks and a message to that effect is displayed. According to S204 to S207, when the first detecting means detects the absence of the flowing ball, the flowing ball state notifying means is notified in the first mode, and the second detecting means detects the presence of the flowing ball. Notification control means is configured to detect the falling ball and to notify the falling ball state notification means in the second mode when the first detection means detects a falling ball.

Next, after the control in S206 or S207 is performed, or when there is no detection of a broken rail, and in S208
If the full tank is detected based on the full tank switch 126, the process proceeds to S209 to determine whether or not the ball is being paid out. If not, the process returns to S201, but the ball is being paid out. In the case of, the process proceeds to S210, where the payout motor 223 is decelerated and then stopped. That is, when there is no pachinko ball in the ball tank 151 and the tank rail 67, or when a ball jam occurs in the middle of the tank rail 67, the paid-out prize ball becomes full and cannot be further paid out. If
The payout of the ball is stopped by S210. Then S
Proceeding to 211, it is determined whether the number of unpaid items is "0". This “number of unpaid” means the number of pachinko balls that have not been paid out of the pachinko balls to be paid out, are set to respective values by S216 and S238, and are decremented by “1” by S251, S22
Cleared by 0.

If the number of unpaid items is “0”, S
Proceeding to 212, it is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal has been received from the card processing machine control microcomputer. The determination in S212 is repeated until the ball lending priority timer times out, and if there is no ball lending request signal from the card processing machine control microcomputer until the ball lending priority timer expires, the flow proceeds to S222. The ball lending priority timer is provided for giving priority to the reception of the ball lending request over the reception of the winning prize ball only for a certain period, and is set in S275 described later. On the other hand, if a ball lending request signal is sent from the card processing machine control microcomputer to the payout control microcomputer before the ball lending priority timer expires, the process proceeds to S213, and the tank ball out switch detects the ball. A determination is made as to whether or not it is. If there is no pachinko ball in the ball tank 151, the payout control of the ball cannot be performed based on the ball lending request signal. Therefore, the process proceeds to S214 to turn on the burnout lamp, and then proceeds to S215. If it is detected by the switches 150a and 150b (see FIG. 2) that pachinko balls are present in the ball tank 151, the process proceeds to S216, where the number of unpaid balls is set to the number of unpaid balls, and the payout mode is set to "ball lending". And the control for the ball lending operation is performed. Until this ball lending priority timer expires, control for ball lending operation has priority,
Only when the ball lending priority timer has expired, the payout control of the prize ball based on the winning ball after S222 is performed.
When the amount of the ball to be rented is 200 yen or more, the control for the ball lending operation is given priority over the payout control of the prize ball. The “number of balls to be lent” in S216 is the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the ball lending unit amount (for example, 100 yen), and is set to, for example, 25. Next, the process proceeds to S217, and after the ball lending command timer is set, the process proceeds to S218. Until the ball rental command timer expires, S21
The determination as to whether or not there is a ball lending command signal is repeatedly performed. If it is determined in S218 that the ball lending command signal has been transmitted, the process proceeds to S221 and the lending indicator is displayed. Control to start blinking is performed,
The process proceeds to S240, but if not transmitted, S22
After the unpaid number is cleared by 0, the process returns to S201.

Next, in S240, it is determined whether or not the unpaid number is equal to or less than "4".
According to 41, the payout motor 223 is set to the start pattern, and then the process proceeds to S243. Since the dispensing motor 223 uses a stepping motor, and it is necessary to accelerate the dispensing motor 223 in a stopped state smoothly and smoothly, a start pattern including a control pattern of the stepping motor that can be smoothly and smoothly accelerated is used. S2
It is set by 21. On the other hand, if the unpaid number is “4” or less, the process proceeds to S242, and the payout motor 22
After the process of setting the motor speed of No. 3 to the deceleration pattern is performed, the process proceeds to S243. When the rotation of the payout motor 223 is controlled in accordance with a series of constant acceleration / deceleration patterns in which the payout motor 223 is started, accelerated, then rotated at a constant speed, and then decelerated and stopped, the series of controls is inevitable. If the number of balls to be paid out is smaller than the number of balls to be paid out in the series of controls, the motor speed is immediately set to a deceleration pattern in S242 and the speed is reduced. By performing the stop control after the pattern is completed, the control is performed so that the pachinko balls less than “5” are paid out.

In S222, it is determined whether or not the prize ball sensor A 170a detects the presence of a ball. If the prize ball sensor A 170a does not detect the presence of a ball, the process proceeds to S223A, where the prize ball sensor B17 is detected.
If 0b detects the presence of a ball, the process proceeds to S228. If not, the process proceeds to S223B, and it is determined whether or not the payout of the ball is detected by the payout sensor 802b. If not, the process returns to S201. If a payout is detected, the flow advances to S223C, where an error code 1 is displayed, and the flow advances to S295. That is, the fact that the payout of the winning ball is detected in spite of the fact that the winning ball is not detected by the winning ball sensor A and the winning ball sensor B means that the ball is paid out even though the premium ball should not be paid out. Therefore, an error display to that effect is displayed in S223C. On the other hand, the winning ball sensor A (1
If the presence of a ball is detected according to 70a), the process proceeds to S224, and it is determined whether or not the payout mode is A. If the payout mode is not A, the process proceeds to S226, and the payout mode is set to A. And S227
Is performed to output the sensor A winning information to the microcomputer for game control, and the process proceeds to S230.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S220 that the payout mode is already set to A, the process proceeds to S225, and the winning ball sensor B
It is determined whether or not has detected the presence of a ball. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S226, but if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to S228, and after the processing of setting the payout mode to B is performed. At S229, a process of outputting the sensor B winning information to the microcomputer for game control is performed, and the process proceeds to S232. Further, also when the winning ball sensor B detects the presence of the ball without the winning ball sensor A detecting the presence of the ball, the process proceeds to S228, and the processing of setting the payout mode to B is performed. By performing this processing, the processing of the winning ball is performed alternately with the winning ball sensor A and the winning ball sensor B, so that an inconvenience that unprocessed winning balls accumulate in one of the winning ball processing paths can be prevented.

Next, in S230, it is determined whether or not there is an award ball data input. If there is no prize ball data (prize ball number data) input from the game control microcomputer to the payout control microcomputer side (when the number of inputs is 0), the process proceeds to S231, and control for displaying the error code 11 is performed. After that, the process proceeds to S295. In other words, when a winning of a hit ball is detected and prize ball data based on it should be input from the game control microcomputer to the payout control microcomputer, if there is no input of the prize ball data An error code to that effect is displayed in S231. On the other hand, if there is prize ball data input, the process proceeds to S232, where the input data is read, and it is determined in S233 whether or not the content of the data has changed during the reading. If there is no change in the read data, the process proceeds to S235,
It is determined whether or not the reading has been completed, and the data being read is checked until the reading is completed. The reading of the data in S232 and the determination as to whether or not the content of the read data has not changed are repeated, for example, eight times. If the content of the read data changes during this repetition, the process proceeds to S2.
34, and after displaying the error code 9, S
Proceed to 295. On the other hand, if all the read data have not changed as a result of the eight checks, the process proceeds to S236, and it is determined whether or not the award ball data has been restored. This S2
If it is determined that the reading has been completed by 35, the input of the prize ball data from the game control microcomputer to the payout control microcomputer should be stopped. If not stopped (the number of inputs is not 0), an error message to that effect is displayed in S237, and then the flow proceeds to S295. On the other hand, when the prize ball data is normally restored, the process proceeds to S238, in which a process of setting the unpaid number to the input number input from the game control microcomputer is performed, and the payout lamp starts blinking in S239. Control is performed, and the process proceeds to S240.

In S243 of FIG. 16, control for rotating the payout motor is performed. In S244, it is determined whether or not the motor for one payout has rotated. If the motor for one payout has not yet been rotated. Proceeds to S245, and it is determined whether or not the payout of the ball is detected. Discharge of a ball is detected even though the motor is not rotating for the dispensing of one piece, even though the motor is not rotating for the dispensing of one piece, even if the motor is configured to be dispensed for the first time after the motor rotates for the dispensing of one piece. Since an error code is displayed in S246 because of an abnormality, the process proceeds to S295. On the other hand, NO
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to S266, and it is determined whether or not the tank burnout detection has been performed by the tank burnout detection switches 150a and 150b (see FIG. 2), and the burnout detection has not been performed. In the case of a normal state, the process proceeds to S268, and it is determined whether or not it is immediately after returning to the broken ball. If not, the process proceeds to S269, and the winning ball processing mode is set to the normal mode. It returns to S201. That is, since the pachinko balls are stored in the ball tank 151 in the normal state, the payout control of the prize balls based on the prize balls is performed as usual, so that the prize ball processing mode is set to the normal mode by S269. , And the interval period in which the payout solenoids 171a and 171b (see FIG. 3) are demagnetized is controlled to a short period of, for example, about 0.5 second so that the payout control of the prize ball can be performed at a relatively high speed. Is done. On the other hand, S26
If the out-of-tank condition is detected in step S26, S26
7, the display that the ball in the ball tank 151 has run out is displayed by turning on the ball out lamp 127, and then the process proceeds to S270, in which the winning ball processing mode is set to the mode at the time of ball out. It returns to S201. This S27
The interval period during which the payout solenoids 170a and 170b are demagnetized by 0 becomes a long period of, for example, about 0.9 seconds, and accordingly, the number of payouts of prize balls per unit time based on the detection of the winning prize becomes relatively small. Is controlled as follows. Note that the dispensing solenoids 170a, 170b
Is always a period of, for example, about 0.1 second irrespective of the mode at the time of a broken ball and the normal mode.
If it is determined in S268 that it is immediately after returning to the out-of-ball condition, the process in S270 is performed only for a predetermined period because sufficient balls are not stored in the ball tank 150 yet.

Next, in S244, when it is determined that one piece has been paid out, the flow proceeds to S247, in which it is determined whether or not the payout of a ball has been detected. When it has not been detected, the flow proceeds to S248. After the motor is rotated in the reverse direction by a predetermined angle, control for rotating the motor forward by the same angle is performed.
In other words, if the payout of one ball is not detected even though the payout motor has been rotated, the ball may be caught on the way and will not fall. Therefore, the payout motor is reversed by a predetermined angle in S248. By performing the forward rotation again, the catch of the ball is eliminated, and the ball may drop normally and the payout detection may be performed. Therefore, the reverse rotation and the forward rotation control of the payout motor are performed only once. The detection of payout is performed again. If the payout is detected again as a result of the detection, the process proceeds to S251. If the payout is still not detected, the process goes to S2.
The process proceeds to step 50, where a code indicating that an abnormality to that effect has occurred is displayed. On the other hand, in S251, a process of subtracting "1" from the unpaid number is performed because one ball has been paid out, and S2 is executed.
Proceeding to 52, a determination is made as to whether the payout motor is lending a ball. If the payout mode is ball lending, S257
If the payout mode is not the ball lending, the process proceeds to S253 because the prize ball is paid out, and the prize ball payout number is set to “1”.
The process proceeds to S254, and it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls to be paid out has reached “a”.
Proceed to 57. This “a” is the same value as the number of output units of the supply ball detector of the supply device 153. If the number of prize balls has been paid out reaches "a", the flow proceeds to S255, in which supply information is transmitted to the gaming machine terminal box 149, the connector 156, and the connector 156.
A process for outputting to the hall management computer via 155 is performed. The hall management computer detects the number of disadvantageous balls that are disadvantageous for the game arcade based on the premium ball payout signal. As described above, every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, a prize ball payout signal is output to the hall management computer by one pulse. The number of balls to be paid out is “a”, and is set to, for example, ten. When the prize ball payout signal is output, the number of prize ball payouts is cleared in S256, and the process proceeds to S257.

In S257, it is determined whether or not the payout motor speed is set in the starting pattern. If the payout motor speed is set, the flow advances to S258 to update the payout motor speed to the acceleration pattern. move on. As a result, the payout motor speed shifts from the speed at the time of startup to the speed at the time of acceleration, and the payout motor 223 is smoothly and smoothly accelerated. On the other hand, if the motor speed has already been set to the acceleration pattern, YE is determined in S259.
After the determination in S is made, the process proceeds to S260, in which the payout motor speed is updated to the constant speed pattern, and the process proceeds to S266. In other words, when the payout motor speed is already set in the acceleration pattern and smooth acceleration can be performed, the payout motor is controlled to rotate at a constant speed after the next acceleration. Next, if the motor speed has already been set to the constant speed pattern, a determination of YES is made in S261 and the process proceeds to S262, in which it is determined whether the unpaid number is "2" and the unpaid number is determined. Is not "2", the payout motor speed is maintained in the constant speed pattern and S266
Proceeds to step S263 if the unpaid number becomes “2”.
Then, the payout motor speed is updated to the deceleration pattern, and the control is shifted to the control for smoothly reducing the rotation speed of the payout motor as the number of unpaid motors decreases. On the other hand, if the payout motor speed has already been set to the deceleration pattern, the process proceeds to S264, and it is determined whether or not the unpaid number has reached “0”. The process proceeds to S266 as it is.
Proceeding to 265, the payout motor speed is set to a stop pattern to stop rotation of the payout motor, and then to S271.

In S271 of FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the payout mode is “ball lending”. If the payout mode is “ball lending”, a ball lending completion signal is sent to the card processor controlling microcomputer in S272. Output processing is performed, and S2
Go to 73, turn off the lending indicator, go to S274,
Gaming terminal box 149, connector 158, 1
A process of outputting ball lending information to the hall management computer via 57 is performed. The ball lending information means a sales signal of pachinko balls for a unit amount due to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen) of pachinko balls being lent using a card, and a hall management computer receiving the signal. Performs the totalization of the sales amount by the card. Next, S275
, A ball lending priority timer is set, and the process returns to S201.

On the other hand, if the payout mode is not “ball lending”,
That is, in the case of the payout of the prize ball, the process proceeds to S276, and it is determined whether the payout mode is A, that is, the payout of the ball based on the winning ball detection signal of the prize ball sensor A 170a (see FIG. 3), and the determination is YES. If it has been, the process proceeds to S277, and it is determined whether or not the winning ball sensor A has detected the presence of a ball. If the winning ball sensor A does not detect a ball in spite of the ball payout mode based on the winning ball sensor A, it is assumed that an abnormality such as a failure of the winning ball sensor A has occurred. An abnormality is indicated by an error code 6. On the other hand, when the winning ball sensor A detects the presence of a ball, the process proceeds to S279, and the discharge solenoid A (171)
a) is turned on to retract the actuator 25a, which is located at the detecting portion of the winning ball sensor A (170a) and prevents the slingshot ball from falling, so that the winning ball can be dropped. Next, in S280, it is determined whether or not the excitation time (for example, 0.1 seconds) for exciting the discharge solenoid A has ended, and the discharge solenoid A is excited until the end.
At the end of the process, the process proceeds to S281, in which the excitation of the discharge solenoid A is released, and the process proceeds to S282, where the winning ball sensor A
It is determined whether or not (170a) has detected the presence of a ball. If the prize ball sensor A still detects the presence of the prize ball even though the discharge solenoid A (171a) is excited and the prize ball should have been discharged downward, an abnormality such as a failure has occurred. Is assumed, the cause of the abnormality is displayed by code 4 in S283. On the other hand, when the winning ball sensor A is in a normal state in which the presence of the ball is no longer detected, the process proceeds to S291.

If NO is determined in S276, the process proceeds to S284, in which it is determined whether or not the payout is based on the detection signal of the winning ball sensor B (170a). If it is neither a payout nor a payout based on the winning ball sensor B, an abnormality has occurred, and the cause of the abnormality is displayed by the code 7 in S285. On the other hand, in the case of the payout of the ball based on the winning ball sensor B, the process proceeds to S286, and the aforementioned S279 to S283 are performed.
In the same manner as in the control of, the discharge control of the winning prize by the discharge solenoid B (171b) is performed. Next, in S291, it is determined whether or not the winning ball processing mode is the normal mode. The normal time is set as the winning ball processing mode in S269. In the normal time, the process proceeds to S292, and the normal time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set in the interval timer. On the other hand, when the processing mode is the time when the ball is broken (see S270), the process proceeds to S293, and the time when the ball is broken (for example, 0.
9 seconds) is set. Then, by S294, S2
Whether or not the set interval timer has expired is determined in steps 92 and 293, and the process waits until the interval timer has expired. When the interval timer ends, the process returns to step S201. Thereby, S2
Until the interval timer set in steps S92 and S293 expires, the operation of the discharge solenoid A in step S281 is stopped.
OF of discharge solenoid B by FF control and S288
The F control is continued, and the demagnetized state in which the discharge solenoid is de-energized is maintained until each interval timer expires. As a result, when the processing mode is the normal mode, the prize ball is dropped downward early for the short demagnetization period, and the payout of the prize ball based thereon is performed at a relatively high speed. When the mode is the out-of-ball mode, the period from when a prize ball is discharged until the next prize ball is discharged becomes longer due to the longer demagnetization period of the discharge solenoid, and a prize ball based on the discharge of the prize ball. Is performed at a relatively slow speed.

Next, in S295 of FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not a reset operation has been performed.
6, the lamp and the buzzer are controlled in accordance with the type of the error code (code 1 to code 12). If the reset button 147 (see FIG. 2) is pressed, the flow advances to S297 to change the error code. Processing for clearing and returning to the state at the time of occurrence of the error is performed. In the present embodiment, the notification mode of the falling ball state is made different by the lighting display and the blinking display. And other notification modes such as dedicated display of broken and clogged balls. The sound may be switched between when the ball is broken and when the ball is clogged by using a buzzer, a speaker, or the like, so that the mode of notification is made different.

[0092]

According to the present invention, the falling ball state notifying means is notified in the first mode, thereby notifying that there are no more balls to be paid out. Is notified that the ball to be dispensed is clogged in the middle of the ball down flow path, and is in a state where dispensing is not possible. Even in the case of, a game device that is notified to that effect can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine and a card processing machine.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine and the card processing machine.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of an essential part for explaining the structure and operation of a winning ball processing device.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a ball dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ball dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit for controlling the card processor.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a payout control circuit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit for game control.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for transmitting and receiving signals between the pachinko gaming machine and the card processing machine.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for transmitting a signal between a payout control microcomputer and a hall management computer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 8;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 8, in which FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a table showing a correspondence relationship between a port input state and various modes.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

[Explanation of symbols]

60 is a pachinko machine, 63 is a ball lending machine, 146 is a payout central control board, 148 'is a game control board, 350 is a payout control microcomputer, 223 is a payout motor, 1
27 is a burnout lamp, 126 is a payout lamp, 62 is a card processing machine, 63 is a ball payout device, 150a and 150b are tank burnout switches, 68a and 68b are rail burnout switches, 359 is a buzzer, 92 is a RAM, 93 Is ROM,
99 is an EEPROM, 67 is a ball guide rail.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 30, 1999 (July 7, 1999)
0)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of game machine, for example, payout of ball lending and
Prescribed ball payout conditions such as payout of prize balls with winning
If the condition is satisfied, payout control is performed according to the control program.
The ball payout device is controlled by the action of the payout control means.
There is one that is configured to pay out balls.
Was.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0003]

On the other hand, this type of conventional
Anomalies occur in payout of balls in gaming devices
The ball will not be dispensed if an error occurs.
Was to be controlled. And once the error
Resets this error state to return to the normal state.
Conventionally, the return method is a payout control method.
Once the power supply voltage supplied to the stage has been dropped,
To clear the data stored in the payout control means, for example, RAM.
To return to the normal state.
Was composed. However, using such power supply
In the case of a reset, the
Control data is cleared
The control returns to the initial state and resets the error state.
After starting, always start from the initial state
There was a drawback that it could not be obtained.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and has as its object the purpose of once the error state has been reached.
Start from initial state when resetting error state
A gaming device that can prevent inconveniences
It is to offer.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game in which a predetermined ball downflow path is provided, and the ball downflow path flows down based on satisfaction of a predetermined ball payout condition. A game device including a ball payout device for paying out balls for operation , the device operating according to a control program, and
Activate the device to control the payout of balls,
Controls the dispensing of balls in the event of an abnormality related to dispensing.
Dispensing control means for setting an error state which does not
Releases the state and returns to the normal state where ball payout control is performed.
Reset operation means capable of operating
The control means is configured to control the reset operation means in the error state.
When the is operated, the fact that the operation is performed is
Determine according to the program and return to the normal state.
And features . The present invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in the above, the payout control means may be a ball
How many more balls must be paid out during the payout operation
Unpaid that can store information that can specify the number of unpaid
An information storage means, wherein the reset operation means is operated.
The stored information in the unpaid information storage means is not erased
It is characterized by the following. The present invention as set forth in claim 3 provides the following:
In addition to the first or second aspect of the present invention,
The payout control means is a prize mode for paying out a prize ball accompanying a prize.
Or pay out ball lending based on establishment of predetermined ball lending conditions
Includes a payout mode storage means that can store the ball lending mode,
Even if the reset operation means is operated, the payout mode is recorded.
The storage information of the storage means is not erased. Contract
The present invention described in claim 4 is a configuration of the invention described in claim 3.
In addition, a predetermined number of balls are paid out in the premium mode.
Prize ball information that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out each time
Information to the outside, and a predetermined number of balls in the ball lending mode
Ball lending that a predetermined number of lending balls have been paid out each time is paid out
It further comprises an external output means for outputting information externally.
Sign. The present invention described in claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to
In addition to the constitution of the invention described in any one of Items 4, the payout
When returning to the normal state, the control means detects that the abnormality has occurred.
It returns to the payout control state at the time of occurrence
You. The present invention described in claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any of the above, by the player
Game control for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine in which the game is played
Means between the game control means and the payout control means.
To monitor whether an error has occurred in the information communication
Communication abnormality monitoring means for monitoring the communication abnormality monitoring means.
When it is determined that an error has occurred in the result information communication
Controlling the error state by the payout control means
Is performed. The invention according to claim 7
The present invention is directed to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention.
In addition to the above, the ball payout device includes a payout motor,
A rotating dispensing member for dispensing balls by rotating the motor.
It does not matter if the payout motor has rotated by one ball.
If the payout of the ball is not detected and the payout motor is not
In order to eliminate clogging by rotating forward after a predetermined angle reverse
Further includes a clogging elimination control means for performing the operation of
And features.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a control program
By the action of the payout control means that operates according to the
When the dispensing device is operated to control the dispensing of the ball,
In the event that an abnormality occurs in the payout of balls,
An error state occurs in which no control is performed. Reset operation means
, The error state is released and the ball is paid out.
Operation to return to the normal state. Soshi
In the error state, the payment control means
If the reset operation means is operated,
Has been determined in accordance with the control program
Return to the normal state. According to the invention of claim 2
If not, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the unpaid information
By the function of the memory means, how many more pieces are in the ball payout operation
The number of unpaid balls that must be paid can be specified
Information can be stored. Then, the reset operation means is operated.
Even if created, the stored information in the unpaid information storage means is deleted.
Not. According to the third aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, a payout mode
A prize that pays out a prize ball with a prize by the function of storage means
Ball lending based on the mode or the establishment of predetermined ball lending conditions
Can be stored in the ball lending mode for paying out. And said
Even if the reset operation means is operated, the payout mode storage
The stored information of the column is not erased. The invention according to claim 4
According to the third aspect, in addition to the function of the third aspect,
By the function of the output means, a predetermined number
Each time a number of balls are paid out, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out
Prize ball information to the effect is output externally, and in the ball lending mode
A predetermined number of balls are paid out every time a predetermined number of balls are paid out
Ball lending information to the effect that it has been made is output to the outside. Claim 5
According to the present invention, any one of claims 1 to 4 can be used.
In addition to the function of the invention described above,
When returning to the normal state, the payment
Return to the exit control state. According to the invention of claim 6
For example, the operation of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5
In addition, by the action of the game control means, by the player
The game state of the gaming machine in which the game is performed is controlled. communication
By the function of the abnormality monitoring means, the game control means and the payment
An error has occurred in the information communication between the
Is monitored. And the communication abnormality monitoring means
As a result of monitoring, it is determined that an error has occurred in information communication.
Error condition, the dispensing control means
Is controlled. According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, the claim
In addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The ball payout device includes a payout motor and a rotary payout member,
By the operation of the clogging elimination control means, the payout motor is one ball
Dispensing of ball is not detected even though it has rotated for dispensing
If the payout motor is rotated forward by a predetermined angle,
Then, an operation for eliminating clogging is performed.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0092

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

A predetermined ball is set by the ball lending device 63.
Flows down a predetermined ball flow path based on the satisfaction of the payout condition
A ball dispensing device for dispensing a game ball that has been
You. Control program by the payout central control board 146
(FIGS. 15 to 18), and operates the ball payout device.
To control the payout of the balls (see FIGS. 16 and
17) If there is an abnormality regarding the payout of balls,
Dispensing in an error state (FIG. 18) where dispensing control is not performed
Control means is configured. The reset switch 14
7, the error state is released and the payout control of the balls is performed.
Reset operation hand that can return to normal state
A step is configured. And the payout control means is
If the reset operation means is operated during the error state,
In this case, it is determined that the operation has been performed in accordance with the control program.
(S295) and return to the normal state (S295).
297). By the above-mentioned S216 and S238, the payout operation of the ball
How many more balls must be paid out during the work
Unpaid information record that can store information that can specify the number of unpaid balls
Storage means are configured. By the above S216, winning
A prize mode for paying out the accompanying prize ball or a predetermined ball lending agreement
Can remember the ball lending mode that pays out ball lending based on the establishment of the case
And a payout mode storage means. S25
5, a predetermined number in S274
That a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out each time a ball is paid out
Prize ball information is output to the outside,
Each time a fixed number of balls are paid out, a predetermined number of lending balls are paid out.
External output means for externally outputting ball lending information to the effect
ing. Then, as described above, the unpaid information storage
Means and said payout mode storage means, wherein said reset operation
When the means is operated, the stored information is not erased. Said
When returning to the normal state, the payout control means sets the abnormal state.
Return to the payout control state at the time when
8). The game control board 148 'allows the player to
Therefore, the game for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine in which the game is performed.
Technique control means is configured. S230 to S237
Between the game control means and the payout control means
Monitors whether an abnormality has occurred in the information communication performed
Communication abnormality monitoring means is configured. This communication abnormality monitoring
As a result of monitoring by means of
When another is performed (by S230 or S236)
If NO is determined or YE is determined in S233
(When the judgment of S is made),
Is controlled (the control of FIG. 18 is performed).
By the ball feed member 800, by the payout motor 223
A rotating dispensing member that rotates and dispenses a ball is configured. Previous
According to S248, the payout motor rotates by one ball.
If the payout of the ball is not detected even though
After rotating the dispensing motor by a specified angle, rotate it forward to remove clogging.
The clogging elimination control means for performing the operation for eliminating
It is configured.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an error is generated.
-If the reset operation means is operated during
Operation is determined according to the control program.
Stored in RAM, for example, to return to the normal state
Normal state without clearing the control data
Can be returned to the initial state after returning.
To prevent the inconvenience of having to start
it can. According to the present invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the described invention, the reset operation means is operated
The information stored in the unpaid information storage means is not deleted even if
The reset operation means is operated to
Unpaid at the time of error when returning to the normal state
It is possible to control the number of balls to be paid out continuously,
Unpaid, such as the number of balls being deleted and no longer being paid out to the player
It is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by erasing information. Claim
According to the present invention described in claim 3, claim 1 or claim 2
In addition to the effects of the invention described in, the reset operation means is operated
Information is not erased from the payout mode storage means
To operate from the error state by operating the reset operation means.
When returning to the normal state, payout at the time of error occurrence
Mode can be returned to the
The output control can be continued. Claim 4
According to the present invention, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 3,
In order for the prize ball information and ball lending information to be output externally,
For example, the prize ball information is collected by the management
Information on the disadvantages of the amusement arcade,
It is possible to aggregate information and collect sales information associated with ball rental.
You. In addition, the reset operation is performed and the
Even if it returns to the normal state, the prize mode and ball rental mode
The mode at the time of error occurrence is not
Mode, and when the mode is the prize mode, a prize
While ball information is output externally, ball lending is available in ball lending mode.
Information is output to the outside, and
It is possible to output the same information. Claim 5
According to the described invention, any one of claims 1 to 4
When returning to the normal state in addition to the effects of the invention described in
To return to the dispensing control state at the time of the abnormality
Control restarts from the dispensing control state at the time of the abnormality.
Can be started until the abnormality occurs.
Prevents inconvenience that the payout control that was performed is wasted
Can be stopped. According to the present invention described in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims to 5,
Information communication performed between technique control means and payout control means
Can be monitored to determine if a communication error has occurred.
It is possible to respond. According to the present invention as set forth in claim 7, the contract
In addition to the effects of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Even though the payout motor has rotated one ball
When the dispensing of the ball is not detected, the dispensing motor is reversed by a predetermined angle.
After rotation, an operation is performed to remove the clogging by rotating forward.
This automatically clears the clogging to be done
Then, every time a jam occurs, the staff at the amusement park will clear the jam.
The frequency of performing such operations can be reduced.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game machine including a ball flow path provided with a predetermined ball flow path, and a ball payout apparatus for paying out game balls flowing down the ball flow path based on satisfaction of a predetermined ball payout condition. A first detection means provided at a predetermined position of the ball downflow path and capable of detecting the presence or absence of a downflow ball; provided at the ball downflow path on the lower side of the first detection means, Second detecting means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a ball; flowing ball state notifying means for notifying the state of the presence or absence of a flowing ball in the ball flowing path; and the first detecting means not having a flowing ball. When the falling ball state notifying means is notified in the first mode, the second detecting means detects the absence of the falling ball, and the first detecting means detects the falling ball. To notify the falling ball state notifying means in the second mode. Characterized in that it comprises a control unit, device for a game.