JP2000070498A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent complication of the mechanism of a pachinko machine when the winning ball treatment and the prize ball delivery are constituted in plural modes. SOLUTION: This game machine has a card processor to derive a ball lending directing signal to deliver lending balls using the card remaining amount recorded on the card when a card owned by a player is inserted, a winning ball treating unit 400 to treat the winning ball one by one to delivery control the prize balls based on the winning ball which has won into the predetermined winning region provided in the play region, and a ball delivering unit to deliver the lending balls to a hitting ball supplying tray based on the ball lending directing signal derived from the card processor and to deliver the prize balls into the hitting ball supplying tray based on the treatment of the ball lending directing signal by the winning ball treating unit 400. At least one driving source out of the ball delivering unit and the winning ball treating unit 400 contains motor shafts 405a, 405b which independently drive and rotate, and one motor shaft 405b is constituted in a hollow form and the other motor shaft 405a is inserted into the motor shaft 405b so that both motor shafts are constituted concentric.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine typified by a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine and the like. The present invention relates to a ball and ball game device in which a game is played.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this kind of ball game apparatus, a recording medium, such as a card, on which information which can specify a value owned by a player is recorded on a generally known apparatus. By using the ball payout means incorporated in the ball game apparatus, the ball payout means is paid out to a ball hitting standby unit, and the paid out ball is repelled to a game area to enable a game. Was. Further, in this conventional ball game apparatus, when a ball hit into a game area wins a predetermined prize area, the prize ball is processed by a prize ball processing means, and a prize ball is sent from the ball payout means. Is paid out to the hitting ball waiting section. As described above, in the conventional ball game apparatus, the ball lending is directly paid out to the ball hitting standby unit, so that it is possible to avoid the trouble of the player throwing the ball lending into the ball hitting standby unit. Was.

[0003]

On the other hand, in a ball game apparatus, a plurality of types of prize areas (for example, first and second prize areas) are formed in a game area, and a first prize is formed. The first number (for example, seven) of the prize balls are paid out to the hitting ball waiting unit based on the winning in the area, and the second number (for example, 15) of the prize balls based on the winning in the second winning area. There is a configuration in which a plurality of prize balls can be paid out in such a manner that only one prize ball is paid out to the hitting ball standby unit. In the case of such a ball game device, a winning ball processing means for processing one winning ball is provided with a first winning ball processing section for processing a winning ball winning in the first winning area and a second winning ball processing section. A second winning ball processing unit configured to process a winning ball that has won a winning area, a first drive source that drives the first winning ball processing unit, and the second winning ball; When a plurality of drive sources for driving the processing unit and a second drive source are provided so that a plurality of winning ball processing can be performed, there is a disadvantage that the structure is complicated. Further, also in the case of providing two kinds of driving sources, a driving source for paying out a first number of prize balls and a driving source for paying out a second number of prize balls in the ball payout means as described above. A disadvantage arises in that the structure is complicated.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object the purpose of having a complicated mechanism even in the case of a ball game apparatus which performs a plurality of types of winning ball processing and pays out prize balls. It is not to be converted.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a ball game apparatus for playing a game by hitting a hit ball secured in a predetermined hitting ball standby portion into a game area, and is a valuable game possessed by a player. Ball payout command means for deriving a ball payout command signal for paying out a ball lending using the valuable value specified by the recording information of the recording medium on which the value identifiable information is recorded,
A winning ball processing means for processing a winning ball that has won a predetermined winning area provided in the game area; And a payout means for paying out a prize ball to the hitting ball standby unit based on the processing of the winning ball by the winning ball processing means. The source includes a plurality of drive shafts each of which is independently rotated and driven, and the plurality of drive shafts are arranged concentrically with the other drive shafts passing through the hollow drive shafts. It is characterized by.

[0006]

According to the present invention, based on the fact that a ball payout command signal for paying out a lending ball has been derived using the value of the player's possession specified by the record information of the record medium,
Balls are paid out from the ball payout means to the hitting ball waiting section. Further, when a hit ball wins in a predetermined winning area provided in the game area, the winning ball is processed by the winning ball processing means, and a prize ball is paid out from the ball payout means to the hit ball waiting section. Further, at least one of the drive sources of the ball payout means and the winning ball processing means includes a plurality of drive shafts each of which is independently driven to rotate, and the plurality of drive shafts are provided in a hollow drive shaft. Drive shafts penetrate and are concentrically arranged, so that the drive shaft has a compact shape in which another drive shaft is housed, and a plurality of drive shafts are used to make a plurality of drive shafts. Prize ball processing or payout of a prize ball in a plurality of modes.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko game machine will be described as an example of a ball game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, in short, the present invention covers all ball game apparatuses in which a game is played by hitting a hit ball secured in a predetermined hitting ball standby portion into a game area.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine 60 and a card processing machine 62 as an example of a ball game apparatus 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. Further, the processor usable indicator 130 displays various error states described later. Card processing machine 62
Is provided with a card reader / writer control unit 134 provided with a card reader / writer. When a card is inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 133, the record information recorded on the card is read by the card reader / 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 includes a CPU, R
Card processing machine control unit 135 incorporating OM, RAM, etc.
Is provided, and the entire card processor 62 is controlled by the card processor controller 135.

If the player inserts a card into the card insertion / ejection slot 133 and the inserted card is proper and the remaining amount of the card remains, and if a ball lending operation is possible, the card processing machine controller 135 A control signal for turning on the ball lending LED is output to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side, and the ball lending LED (ball lending display) 48d provided in the ball storage plate 59 as an example of the hitting ball standby unit is turned on. You. The ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d lights up and displays that ball lending operation is possible. When the player confirms that the ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d is lit, the ball lending button 4
4c is pressed. Then, a ball payout command signal is output from the card processing machine 62 to the payout control microcomputer 350 of the pachinko gaming machine 60, and a ball lending amount setting switch 13 including, for example, a rotary switch to be described later.
7 (see FIG. 2), game balls (pachinko balls) corresponding to the amount of the ball to be paid out by one ball lending operation preset in advance (hereinafter simply referred to as the ball lending amount) are paid out in the hit ball supply plate 59. Is done. The ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d is turned off until the payout of the lending amount is completed. 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 processor 62 inputs the recording information of the recording medium on which the information that can identify the value of the player is recorded, and uses the value specified by the input recording information to play a lending ball. A ball payout command means for deriving a ball payout command signal for paying out is constituted.

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
3 is provided with a ridge on the outer periphery of the groove portion into which the card is inserted and ejected. The inconvenience of a player who wishes to play a game with a pachinko gaming machine (not shown) installed on the left side of the card processing machine 62 by mistake inserts a card into the card insertion / ejection port 133 of the card processing machine 62. We try to prevent it as much as possible. In the figure, reference numeral 132 denotes a card insertion lamp, which is lit when a card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 133 and held at a predetermined position.

The remaining amount of the card when the card is inserted and the remaining amount of the card after the ball lending is performed and the amount is updated are reduced by a remaining amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50 provided on the hitting ball supply plate 59. Is displayed. In a state where the pachinko balls are 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 gaming area 120, the starting winning opening 12
5a, 125b, and 125c are provided, and the variable display device 123 is variably started when a pachinko ball wins in the start winning ports 125a to 125c. Then, if the display result at the time of stop is a combination of specific identification information (777), a big hit occurs and the variable winning prize ball device 124 is opened, so that the pachinko ball is in the first state in which it is easy to win. When a pachinko ball wins in the starting winning opening 125a, it is n per winning.
Individual (for example, seven) prize balls are paid out to the hit ball supply tray 59. When a pachinko ball wins in the start winning openings 125b and 125c, m (for example, 10) prize balls are paid out into the hitting ball supply plate 59 for each winning. Further, when a pachinko ball wins in a normal winning opening provided in the game area 120 or in the variable winning ball device 124, K (for example, 15) premium balls are hit for each winning, and the hitting ball supply tray 59 is provided.
Paid out within. The payout lamp 126 is turned on or blinks during the payout of these premium balls.

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. If the stored balls in the ball tank 151 are exhausted, the tank ball sensor 150 Stops detecting the ball, and at that time, the ball-out indicator 127 lights up or flashes to indicate that the stored ball has run out. The surplus balls that have been filled with 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. That is, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, after the payout control of the prize ball based on one winning prize ball is completed, the process of paying out the prize ball based on the next winning prize ball is further performed. After the surplus ball storage tray 122 becomes full, if there is a prize ball to be paid out based on the winning prize ball, the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the winning prize ball or the prize ball corresponds to the prize ball. After the addition and storage are completed, the addition and storage based on the next winning ball is performed.
The stored value added and stored may be displayed on a credit score display. In that case, after the number of pachinko balls in the ball storage dish 59 and the surplus ball storage dish 122 is reduced, a prize ball corresponding to the score displayed on the credit score indicator is paid out. Remaining amount display (Card balance display)
Although 50 is configured by a 7-segment display, a plurality of light emitting diodes may be provided in correspondence with the lending amount or 100 yen unit instead. Further, the amount of lending may be displayed by a remaining amount display (card balance display) 50, and another display is provided to display the lending amount or attach a sticker on which the lending amount is printed. Or you may. 1 in the figure
Reference numeral 5 denotes a speaker that emits a sound effect at the time of a big hit.

On the front side of the card processing 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). In other words, this fraction display switch is used when a card balance less than a predetermined number of units (for example, 100 yen) is generated due to a change in the money equivalent value of a pachinko ball to be lent out due to a change in the ball lending rate. 1
When the number 36 is changed, if there is a remaining amount of 10,000 yen unit, the fraction is rounded down and the remaining amount display (card balance display) 5
The display is blinked by 0, and when the remaining amount of 10,000 yen is exhausted, the display is automatically switched to light 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.

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
35 is connected to a relay terminal board 138 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 60 by a connector 139, and the card processing machine controller 135 and the relay terminal board 1 are connected.
38 can transmit and receive information to and from each other by wiring. The relay terminal board 138 includes a payout control board 730 housed in a payout control board box 145, a game control board housed in a game control board box 148, a terminal box 149 for a gaming machine, and a ball payout. The board 70 has connectors 141 and
144, 143, and 142 are connected. further,
The above-described various indicators and switches of various operation buttons provided on the hit ball supply tray 59 are connected to the relay terminal board 138 via the connector 140. Note that the card processing machine control unit 135 and the switches of various indicators and various operation buttons provided on the hit ball supply tray 59 and the payout central control board 730 in the payout control board box 145 are not connected via the relay terminal board 138. The connection may be made by direct wiring, and the payout central control board 730 and the ball payout board 70 may be connected via the relay terminal board 138. Further, the card processor control unit 135 and the payout central control board 73
0 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 yen,
Five kinds of amounts of 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 an attendant at the amusement arcade, the 300-yen is set as the ball-playing amount, and the microcomputer 30 of the card processor control unit 135 is used.
0 (see FIG. 9). Then, the player inserts the card into the card insertion / ejection port 133, and the ball lending button 44
c is automatically operated by pressing c.
Pachinko balls worth 0 yen) are paid out in the hitting ball supply tray 59 and are reduced from the card balance. In the figure, reference numeral 134 denotes a card reader / writer control unit including a card reader / writer and its control circuit.

The dispensing control board box 145 is provided with an error cause display 146, which can display the type of the cause of the abnormality when the dispensing of the pachinko balls by the ball dispenser 63 occurs. ing. Then, when the staff in the game arcade repairs the abnormality that has occurred, the reset button 147 is operated to reset the ball payout control program. Instead of providing the error cause indicator 146 in the payout control board box 145, the error cause is indicated by a remaining amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50 provided in the ball storage tray 59, or on the front side of the gaming machine. A separate error cause indicator may be provided, or the payout lamp 126 may be provided depending on the cause.
May be made to correspond by changing the blinking mode of, or may be displayed by a hall management computer. The ball dispenser 63 and the dispensing control board in the dispensing control board box 145 constitute a ball dispensing device. The ball dispenser 63 is detachably attached to a mechanism plate 751 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 with a screw or the like. In addition, the mounting method is not limited to the screw fixing, and any mounting method may be used as long as it is detachable, such as locking by a locking fitting or elastic holding using an elastic holding member.

When a pachinko ball hit into the game area 120 wins a winning prize opening 125a, 125b, 125c (see FIG. 1), the winning prize is detected by the starting prize ball detecting switches 128a, 128b, 128c. The game control board in the game control board box 148 performs variable control of the variable display device 123 (see FIG. 1) based on the detection signal. This start winning ball detection switch 128a
Is supplied to the payout control microcomputer 350 of the payout central control board 730 via the game control microcomputer 370 (see FIG. 11) of the game control board.
(See FIG. 11) and used for control described later.
These start winning ball detection switches 125a, 125b, 1
The winning ball detected from 25c is guided to the winning ball processing device 400 and processed one by one. If a pachinko ball wins in the center starting winning opening 125a shown in FIG. 1, n (for example, 7) prize balls are paid out for each winning prize ball, and the starting winning prize holes 125b and 125c provided on the left and right are paid out. If any of the pachinko balls wins, m (for example, 10) prize balls will be paid out for each winning ball. On the other hand, if a pachinko ball wins in a normal winning opening other than the starting winning opening 125a, 125b, 125c or in the variable winning ball device 124, k (for example, 15) prize balls are hit for each winning prize ball. 59 is paid out. The number (n, m, k) of prize balls to be paid out for each winning prize is set as fixed information in the payout number setting section 71 of the ball payout substrate 70. Then, when the power is turned on, the number data of the prize balls is transmitted to the payout central control board 730 and stored.

The surplus balls that have been discharged from the ball dispenser 63 and the ball supply tray 59 is full and cannot be stored any more are discharged into the surplus ball tray 122, and the surplus ball tray 122 is also full. Becomes full, the full tank detection switch 162 detects that the tank is full,
The payout of the ball is controlled to be stopped.

The pachinko balls dispensed by the ball dispenser 63 are stored in a ball tank 151. A tank ball sensor 150 is provided in the middle of the tank rail for guiding the stored balls in the ball tank 151 to the ball dispenser 63, and the tank ball sensor 150 detects that the stored balls in the ball tank 151 have run out. The detection signal is sent to the payout control board 730 in the payout control board box 145 via the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the relay terminal board 138.
Is input to When the tank ball sensor 150 no longer detects the ball, the ball-out indicator 127 is lit and displayed, and only the pachinko ball payout operation by lending the ball is deactivated as described later (see S74 in FIG. 14). ).

Pachinko balls are supplied to the ball tank 151 from a supply gutter 152 provided on the island via a supply device 153 including a supply ball detector. The supply ball supplied to the ball tank 151 is detected by the supply ball detector of the supply device 153. One pulse is detected by detecting that a predetermined number a (for example, 10) of pachinko balls have been supplied. A signal is output from the replenishment ball detector. The output signal is transmitted to connector 154. Instead of paying out the pachinko balls in the ball tank 151 to the ball supply tray 59 in response to the ball lending request signal from the card processor 62, the player lends the ball purchased from the ball lender into the ball supply plate 59. In the case of pachinko gaming machines that have been used in general,
The connector 154 is connected to the connector 155 connected to the hall management computer, and a detection signal from the replenishment ball detector is transmitted to the hall management computer. The number of disadvantageous balls that would be disadvantageous for the game arcade. However, as in the present embodiment, the card processor 62
In a pachinko game machine in which a part of the stored balls in the ball tank 151 is paid out into the hitting ball supply tray 59 based on a ball lending request signal from the player, the ball lending which does not become any disadvantageous ball number for the game hall. Is supplied from the supply trough 152 to the ball tank 151, and the supplied ball lending is detected by the supply ball detector, and is input to the hall management computer as the disadvantageous ball count information. A disadvantage arises in that the number of disadvantageous balls cannot be counted accurately by the use management computer. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment, the connector 155 connected to the hall management computer is disconnected from the connector 154 connected to the replenishing ball detector of the replenishing device 153, and is connected to the terminal box 149 for gaming machine. Connected to the connector 156.
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 730, and the predetermined pulse signal is output to the gaming machine terminal. Box 149,
It is configured to be transmitted to the hall management computer via the connectors 156 and 155. 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 driven into the game area 120 and winning in the winning opening and the out ball collected in the out opening merge and drop into the driving ball tank 159, and the driven ball is detected by the driven ball detector. After being detected by the (hit ball counter) 160, the ball falls onto a ball collecting gutter 161 provided on the island. In the figure, reference numeral 180 denotes a ball-drawing solenoid. When this ball-drawing solenoid is excited by a control signal from the payout central control board 730, a predetermined on-off valve (not shown) is opened and the ball tank 151 is opened.
The pachinko balls stored therein are discharged outside the machine through the ball discharge gutter 420. The on-off valve is configured to be openable by manual operation. In this embodiment, the output of the driven ball detector 160 is configured to be directly input to the hall management computer in the same manner as in the related art. 730, and may be configured to be input from the payout central control board 730 to the hall management computer on condition that the ball removal processing based on the payout abnormality is not performed. In this way, accurate profit ball count information can be totaled. Alternatively, it may be configured so that the slingshot pachinko balls do not fall into the driving ball tank. Reference numerals 158 and 157 in the figure denote connectors for connecting the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the hall management computer, and a unit sales signal described later (S121 in FIG. 16).
Is transmitted to the hall management computer via the connectors 158 and 157.

A unit box 830 has a function of a power supply for the card processor and a function of transmitting a unit sales signal (see S22 and S23 in FIG. 10) described later. The unit box 830 is provided with an AC 100V outlet 831. The AC 100V voltage is supplied to the unit box 830 via the outlet 831. The voltage converted to a predetermined voltage in the unit box 830 is applied to the unit box 830. It is supplied to the card processor control unit 135 via the connection cable 837. 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 either one breaks down or malfunctions and one unit price sales signal goes wrong, it can be immediately judged that an abnormality has occurred because it conflicts with the other unit price sales signal, Accurate management of sales becomes possible. The unit box 830 includes an energized display 836 for displaying the energized state,
A reset switch 832 is provided for manually restarting the power supply when an abnormality occurs in the card processor 62 or the like.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the winning ball processing device. The winning ball processing device 400 has discharge motors A (402a) and B (402b) as drive sources. These two discharge motors A (402a) and B (4
02b) is constituted by a stepping motor, which is juxtaposed at a predetermined interval by an interval holding member 412. These discharge motors A (402a) and B (402
b) includes coils 409a and 409b and an iron core (rotor) 408 in casings 410a and 410b, respectively.
a, 408b, and connectors 411a,
The currents supplied from the coils 411a and 411b
b, the coils 409a and 409b are excited, and the magnetic force causes the iron cores 408a and 408b to rotate. A bearing 406b is provided in the casing 410b, and the motor shaft 405b, which is an example of a first drive shaft, is rotatably supported by the bearing 406b. The motor shaft 405b and the iron core 40
The motor shaft 405b is integrally formed with the motor shaft 8b, and when the iron core 408b rotates, the motor shaft 405b also rotates integrally. On the other hand, the bearing 406a is similarly provided on the casing 410a.
The motor shaft 405a as an example of the second drive shaft is rotatably supported by the bearing 406a. The motor shaft 405a and the iron core 408a are integrally formed, and when the iron core 408a rotates, the motor shaft 405a also integrally rotates. The motor shaft 405b is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the motor shaft 405a is inserted concentrically in the cylinder. The discharge motor 402 as a so-called two-axis motor configured as described above is mounted and fixed on a motor mounting plate 404 mounted on the mounting boss 413.

A ball feed rotation member 414 is attached to the motor shaft 405a.
a is attached in a state where relative rotation is impossible. A ball feed rotation member 414b is attached to the motor shaft 405b so as to be relatively non-rotatable. Then, the motor shaft 405a
Is rotated so that the ball feeding rotation member 414a also rotates integrally, and the motor shaft 405b rotates so that the ball feeding rotation member 414b also rotates integrally. The ball feeding rotation members 414a and 414b have concave portions 415a and 415b as shown in FIG. The winning balls that have won the second winning area and have been collected in the winning ball collecting gutter 416a are placed on the outer circumferential circle of the ball feeding rotating member 414a and temporarily stop at the position of the ball placing portion 417a.
A winning ball sensor A (401a) is provided in the ball mounting portion 417a.
Is provided, and a winning ball on the ball mounting portion 417a is detected. On the other hand, the winning balls that have won the first winning area are collected in the winning ball collecting gutter 416b. Then, in FIG. 3, the winning balls gathered in the winning ball collecting gutter 416b are recessed portions 415b formed in the ball feeding rotating member 414b.
It is shown as if it were inside. A winning ball sensor B (401b) is also provided at the position of the ball mounting portion 417b of the winning ball collecting gutter 416b, and a winning ball is detected.

The discharge motors A (402a) and B (402)
By rotating b), the ball feeding rotation members 414a and 414 are rotated.
4b is rotated, and the winning prize ball enters the concave portions 415a and 415b formed in the ball feeding rotating members 414a and 414b, is carried to the winning prize ball discharge gutters 419a and 419b, and from the prize ball discharge gutters 419a and 419b. Ball discharge gutter 4
20 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the winning ball processing device. In the figure, reference numeral 404 denotes a motor mounting plate, and a ball feed rotation member 414b (414a) is mounted on a motor shaft 405b (405a) of the discharge motor 402 mounted on the motor mounting plate 404. The winning balls gathered in the winning ball collecting gutter 416b (416a) temporarily stop at the position of the ball placing portion 417b (417a), and are detected by the winning ball sensor 401b (401a) at that position.
In this state, if the ball feeding rotation member 414b (414a) rotates, the winning ball enters the concave portion 415b (415a) formed in the ball feeding rotation member 414b (414a). As the ball feed rotation member 414b (414a) further rotates, the winning ball that has entered the concave portion 415b (415a) is carried to the winning ball discharge gutter 419b (419a) and discharged to the ball discharge gutter 422.

The ball feed rotation member 414b (414a) is provided with a reference position detection piece 418b (418a).
When the reference position detection piece 418b (418a) passes through the reference position sensor 403b (403a), the reference position sensor 403b (403a) detects the reference position detection piece 418b (418a), and the ball feeding rotation member 414b
The reference position of (414a) is detected. The reference position sensors 403a and 403b detect the absolute positions of the ball feeding / rotating members 414a and 414b when the power is turned on or when the power is reset, and control the rotation resolution from the absolute positions to perform a winning ball process. It is.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 show the ball dispenser 6.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an internal structure of No. 3;

The ball dispenser 63 has ball passage openings 64a and 64b for receiving prize balls from a tank rail 67 (see FIG. 2) through which the prize balls flow down while being arranged in two rows. Dispensing sprockets 74 are provided in the ports 64a and 64b, the stopper locking portions 78 of which are partially inserted. Further, a dispensing solenoid 223 for switching the dispensing sprocket 74 between a locked state and an unlocked state is provided. When the dispensing solenoid 223 is excited, the actuator 232 is pulled leftward in FIG. The lock of the stopper locking portion 78 by the 232 is released, and the dispensing sprocket 74 becomes rotatable. This dispensing solenoid 22
3, the actuator 232, the stopper engaging portion 78, and the payout sprocket 74 constitute a ball payout mechanism.

In this state, the payout sprocket 74 rotates clockwise in the figure by the weight of the pachinko balls in the ball passage openings 64a and 64b. Then, one pachinko ball is dispensed while the dispensing sprocket 74 is rotated by the rotation angle from the stopper retaining portion 78 where the dispensing sprocket 74 is located to the next stop stopper retaining portion 78, and the excitation of the dispensing solenoid 223 is released. The stopper locking portion 78 is locked again by the actuator 232, and the dispensing sprocket 74 is locked again. The dispensing sprocket 74 has a plurality of ball mounting portions 76a and 76b formed therein.
The pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64a is held by one ball mounting portion 76a (see FIG. 5A), and the other ball mounting portion 7a is held.
6b, the pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64b can be held (see FIG. 5B).

The ball dispenser 63 is provided with a ball dispensing board 70, and the light receiving elements 68a to 68d and the light emitting elements 67a to 67d controlled by the ball dispensing board 70.
67d (see FIG. 6). Ball passage 64a
It is arranged in between. The light emitting element 67a and the light receiving element 68a confirm whether or not a pachinko ball exists in the ball passage opening 64a, and the light receiving element 68a confirms whether or not a pachinko ball exists in the ball passage opening 64a. The ball confirmation sensor A for performing the operation is configured. on the other hand,
Light projecting element 67 disposed across ball passage 64b
b and the light receiving element 68b confirm whether or not there is a pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64b.
The light receiving element 68b constitutes a ball confirmation sensor B for confirming the presence or absence of a pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64b. Further, the pachinko balls dispensed by the ball dispensing mechanism among the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64a are counted by the light projecting element 67c and the light receiving element 68c. A ball counting sensor A for counting the pachinko balls paid out by the ball payout mechanism out of the pachinko balls. On the other hand, the light projecting element 67d and the light receiving element 68d count the pachinko balls in the ball passing port 64b and the pachinko balls paid out by the ball payout mechanism. A ball counting sensor B for counting the pachinko balls within 64b and paid out by the ball payout mechanism is configured.

The light emitting elements 67a and 67b and the light receiving elements 68a and 68b constitute first ball detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball to be paid out by the ball payout mechanism. Further, the light emitting elements 67c, 6
The 7d and the light receiving elements 68c, 68d constitute a second ball detecting means for detecting a game ball paid out by the ball payout mechanism. Note that at least the light emitting elements 67a,
As shown in FIG. 5, the 67b and the light receiving elements 68a, 68b are provided at positions deviated to the right from the center lines of the ball passage openings 64a, 64b, and flow down as the balls pass. Be sure to aim at the break of the ball 1
It is configured so that it can be detected individually. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the light projecting elements 67a, 67b, 67c, 67d
Are arranged at the center, and the adjacent light emitting elements are arranged in opposite directions, and the light receiving elements 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d are arranged.
Are arranged so as to be scattered left and right with the ball passing ports 64a and 64b interposed therebetween, so that the inconvenience that the light emitted from the light emitting element is erroneously received by the adjacent light receiving element in the adjacent light receiving element can be prevented. obtain. Further, the light projecting element 67a shown in FIG.
The same advantages can be obtained by disposing the light receiving elements 68a to 68d in place of the light projecting elements at the positions where the elements 67 to 67d are arranged.

Next, the payout operation of the game ball will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows the state of the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64a, and FIG. 5B shows the state of the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64b. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the ball passage opening 64a, since the interval t1 between the stopper locking portion 78 of the dispensing sprocket 74 and the inclined portion 444a is relatively wide, the pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64a is provided. Is paid downward one.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the ball passage opening 64b has a stopper locking portion 78 and an inclined portion 44.
Since the interval t2 with the pin 4b is relatively narrow, the pachinko balls are still held by the payout sprocket 74 as shown in the figure. In this state, the pachinko balls are not paid out.

When the dispensing sprocket 74 has been rotated from the state shown in FIG. The pachinko ball in the ball passage port 64b is paid out downward, because it is locked and held by the ball. Then, the pachinko balls paid out by the rotation of the payout sprocket 74 are the ball counting sensor A (68c),
It is detected by the ball counting sensor B (68d). In this way, as the payout sprocket 74 rotates by one pitch angle, pachinko balls are discharged one by one from one of the ball passage openings 64a and 64b.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card processor control unit.

A card processor control microcomputer 300 is incorporated in the card processor controller 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 processing machine receives an input signal and provides input data to the CPU 301, and receives an output data from the CPU 301 and outputs it to the outside. 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, a programmable ROM is stored in the ROM 302 so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, if necessary, the 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.

A staff at the game hall sets the ball lending 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 card processing mechanism via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 309. The data is input to the control microcomputer 300. Player returns button 42c
When a pressing operation is performed (see FIG. 1), the pressing operation is detected by the return operation detector 42d, and the detection signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 309. . 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.

From the payout control microcomputer 350 via the relay terminal board 138 and the information input circuit 312,
A payable signal, a ball lending preparation signal, a ball lending completion signal,
A ball lending possible signal is input. The information input circuit 312 has a built-in photocoupler, and various signals described above from the payout control microcomputer 350 are transmitted to the card processing machine control microcomputer 3 via the photocoupler.
00 is input. Since the signal is input through the photocoupler in this way, the adverse effect of the failure generated in the payout control microcomputer 350 does not reach the card processing machine control microcomputer 300, so that the payout control microcomputer 350 Card processing machine control microcomputer 300 due to failure
The inconvenience of causing 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.

LED drive circuit 310, relay terminal board 13
8, ball lending display 48d, card balance display 5
0 (see FIG. 1) to output a display control signal.
Through the lamp drive circuit 311, the card insertion indicator 13
2. A display control signal is given to the processor usable indicator 130, respectively. Card reader / writer control unit 134 (FIG. 1,
2), a current balance data, a card write / discharge command signal, zero balance data, and a card collection command signal, which will be described later, are output. A ball lending request signal to be described later is output to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the information output circuit 313 and the relay terminal board 138. Unit box 83
0. A unit sales signal to be described later is output to the ball lending card centralized management computer via the card processor 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. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit for transmitting and receiving signals between the pachinko gaming machine side and the card processing machine side.

Power supply 7 provided on the pachinko machine side
00 is applied to the power supply circuit 70 on the card processing machine side.
1 is input. The power supply circuit 701 is a general power supply circuit including a rectifier, and is for converting an alternating current into a direct current VC (+12 V) and applying it to various circuits and electronic devices. Each of the LED displays 50a, 5 constituting the above-mentioned card balance display 50 provided on the pachinko gaming machine side
A common electrode drive circuit 310a for applying a voltage to each of the common electrodes 0b and 50c is provided on the card processing machine side. The common electrode drive circuit 310a is for applying a voltage to the common electrode of each of the LED displays 50a to 50c based on a control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor. The common electrode drive circuit 31
0a is a switch circuit 702a, 7 including a photocoupler.
02b and 702c, so that the control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor is once converted into light and then converted again into an electric signal.

A segment corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b for applying a voltage to the electrodes corresponding to the seven segments for display of each of the LED displays 50a to 50c is provided on the card processor side. The segment-corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b selects a desired segment-corresponding electrode based on a display control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor and applies a voltage thereto.
Then, on condition that a voltage is applied to the common electrode, the segment corresponding to the applied segment corresponding electrode is switched to the display state. The segment corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b also has switch circuits 703a to 703g each composed of a photocoupler. The display control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor is once converted into light and then converted into an electric signal again. And the segments are applied to the corresponding electrodes. Even if the switch circuits 702a to 702c and 703a to 703g cause an abnormal state such as an abnormally high voltage of the display control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processing machine, the LED displays 50a to 50c are not affected. Failure can be prevented as much as possible.

The ball lending operation detector 44d and the return operation detector 42d provided on the pachinko gaming machine side are inputted to the card processing machine control microcomputer via the detection circuit 309 described above. This detection circuit 309
Includes a switch circuit composed of a photocoupler corresponding to each of the detectors 44d, 42d.
The detection signal from 42d is once converted into light, then converted into an electric signal again, and input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. Thereby, each detector 42
Even if the detection signals from d and 44d are abnormal signals having abnormally high voltages, it is possible to prevent the circuit and the electronic device on the card processor side from being damaged by the influence of the abnormal signals as much as possible.

Ball lending L provided on the card processing machine side
The ED drive circuit 310c includes a switch circuit 705 composed of a photocoupler. The display control signal from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is once converted into light, then converted again into an electric signal, and the ball is lent by the electric signal. The display of the display 46d is controlled. Thus, it is possible to prevent the ball lending display 46d from being damaged by the influence of the abnormality of the display control signal from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 as much as possible.

A ball lending request signal, which will be described later, is transmitted from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 to a switch circuit 706 comprising a photocoupler provided on the card processing machine side and a switch circuit 707 comprising a photocoupler provided on the pachinko gaming machine side. It is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the CPU. Also, the card is a card processing machine 6
2, a control signal is input from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 to the switch circuit 708 composed of a photocoupler, and the control signal is once converted into light and then converted again into an electric signal, and then converted into a pachinko machine. The signal is input to a switch circuit 709 composed of a photocoupler provided on the gaming machine, converted into light once, converted into an electric signal again, and input to the payout control microcomputer 350. These switch circuits 707, 7
06 is a power supply circuit 70 provided on the card processor side.
1 is connected in series with the switch circuit 709,
708 is also connected to the power supply circuit 701 in series.
Then, the switch circuits 706 and 708 on the card processing machine side
The switch circuits 707 and 70 on the pachinko machine side
9 is switched on and off, and when switched on, the photocoupler is operated by the DC voltage VC from the power supply circuit 701 on the card processor side. Switch circuit 70 on pachinko machine side
7 and 709 are operated by the DC voltage VC of the power supply circuit 701 on the card processing machine side because the voltage applied to the switch circuits 707 and 709 on the pachinko gaming machine side is changed by the switch circuit on the card processing machine side thereafter. 706,7
08, the switch circuits 707 and 70
If 9 is configured to operate with a DC voltage from the power circuit of the pachinko gaming machine, a part of the voltage from the power circuit of the pachinko gaming machine will enter the card processing machine, As a result, an abnormally high voltage may enter the card processing machine partly due to a failure of the power circuit of the pachinko gaming machine, etc., and the card processing may be affected by the failure of the power circuit of the pachinko gaming machine. The inconvenience that the circuit and the electronic device on the machine side break down occurs, and this is to eliminate such inconvenience. In addition, switch circuits 706, 707, 70 comprising photocouplers
According to 8,709, as described above, it is possible to prevent the voltage abnormality of one device from adversely affecting the other device on the pachinko gaming machine side and the card processing machine side. In this embodiment, the card insertion signal is always output from the card processor to the pachinko gaming machine during the period in which the card is inserted, but, for example, a ball lending request signal is sent to the pachinko gaming machine. The card insertion signal may be output only when output is performed.

A ball lending preparation signal and a ball lending completion signal, which will be described later, are input from a payout control microcomputer 350 to a switch circuit 710 composed of a photocoupler, and are once converted into light and then converted again into electrical signals. It is input to a switch circuit 711 composed of a photocoupler on the side, is once converted to light, is again converted to an electric signal, and is input to the microcomputer 300 for controlling a card processor.
Also, a payout enable signal from the payout control microcomputer 350 is input to a switch circuit 712 composed of a photocoupler, which is once converted into light and then converted again into an electric signal, which is then switched into a switch circuit 713 composed of a photocoupler on the card processor side. The signal is once converted into light, converted into an electric signal again, and input to the card processor controlling microcomputer 300. Since the switch circuits 710, 711, 712, and 713 composed of photocouplers are provided, the abnormal voltage of one device is prevented from adversely affecting the other device as much as described above. The common electrode drive circuit 310a, the segment corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b, the detection circuit 309, the ball lending LED drive circuit 31
0c, switch circuits 706, 708, 711, 713
Are applied to the DC electrode VC of the power supply circuit 701, respectively. FIG. 8 shows, for example, the relay board 1 shown in FIG.
38 is omitted in the drawing. 730a to 730g in the figure
Are the display units 50a, 50b, 50c of the balance display 50.
Is a resistor incorporated in order to make the magnitude of the voltage applied to a desired value. That is, each of the indicators 50a, 50
The voltages applied to b and 50c are voltages generated in the power supply circuit 701 of the card processor 62, and the balance indicator 50 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 connected to the card processor 62.
May not always be appropriate. In that case, the resistors 730a to 730 having a predetermined resistance value
g is incorporated so that a desired voltage is applied to the balance indicator 50. Resistors 731, 73 for the same reason
2 are provided, and the voltages applied to the switch circuits 707 and 709 can be set to desired values by the resistors 731 and 732. In this embodiment, the card insertion signal is always output from the card processing machine to the pachinko gaming machine during the period in which the card is inserted, or a ball lending request signal is output to the pachinko gaming machine, for example. The card insertion signal may be output only when the operation is performed.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the payout control circuit of the payout centralized control board 730 stored in the payout control board box 145 (see FIG. 2).

The payout control circuit is provided with a payout control microcomputer 350. The payout control microcomputer 350 has a CPU 351 and a CPU 351 similarly to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 in FIG.
ROM 352, RAM 353, power-on reset circuit 355, clock generation circuit 356, pulse dividing circuit 35
7, an address decode circuit 358, and an input / output circuit 354, and the description is not repeated here. In addition,
The payout control microcomputer 350 is constituted by a one-chip microcomputer in which the various circuits described above are integrated into one chip.

The following signals are given to the payout control microcomputer 350 as input signals.

When the staff at the game hall presses the reset button 147 (see FIG. 2), the reset switch 147 is pressed.
Is turned on, and a reset operation detection signal is input from the detection circuit 359 to the payout control microcomputer 350. When the surplus ball tray 122 (see FIG. 1) is full and the full tank switch 162 (see FIG. 2) is turned on, the ON signal is given to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the detection circuit 360. The number-of-payouts setting section 71 is for setting and storing various numbers of payout balls in the microcomputer 350 for payout control, and when a payout number request signal is sent from the microcomputer 350 for payout control. , The number of lending balls p, the number of payouts of each prize ball k, m, n
Is a payout control microcomputer 35.
Sent to 0. When a pachinko ball is present in the ball passage opening 64a (see FIG. 5A), a light projector (light emitting element)
The light emitted from 67a is blocked and the ball confirmation sensor A (63a)
, And the presence of the ball can be confirmed. The confirmation signal is sent to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 360.
Is input to Similarly, the presence of a pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64b (see FIG. 5B) indicates that the ball confirmation sensor B (6
8b) and the detection signal is sent to the relay terminal board 1
38, input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the detection circuit 360. On the other hand, if the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64a are dispensed by the rotation of the dispensing sprocket 74 (see FIG. 5A), the emitted pachinko balls block light emission from the light projector (light emitting element) 67c. The ball is no longer received by the ball counting sensor A (68c), and it is detected that the ball has been paid out, and the detection signal is given to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 360. . Similarly,
If the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64b (see FIG. 5B) are paid out downward by the rotation of the payout sprocket 74,
The paid out pachinko ball is a ball counting sensor B (68d).
, And the detection signal is output from the relay terminal board 138,
It is provided to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the detection circuit 360. In the detection circuit 360, the ball confirmation sensor A (68a) and the ball confirmation sensor B (68
The detection signal of b) may be input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via an AND gate. With this configuration, both the signal for confirming the presence of the pachinko ball by the ball confirmation sensor A (68a) and the signal for confirming the presence of the pachinko ball by the ball confirmation sensor B (68b) are both detected by the detection circuit 360. Is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 only when the pachinko ball is present.

Reference position sensor A of winning ball processing device 400
(403a) and B (403b) are reference position detecting pieces 418
If a and 418b (see FIG. 4) are detected, the detection signal is input via the detection circuit 360. Winning ball sensors A (401a) and B (401b) of the winning ball processing device 400
If the prize ball is detected, the detection output is supplied to the detection circuit 360.
Is entered via The presence or absence of a ball in the ball tank 151 is detected by the tank ball sensor 150 (see FIG. 2), and the detection output is input via the terminal box 149 for the gaming machine and the detection circuit 360. The game control microcomputer 3 provided on the game control board housed in the game control board box 148 (see FIG. 2)
From 70, a pachinko ball winning signal described later is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the relay terminal board 138 and the information input circuit 365. From the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 to the relay terminal board 13
8. A ball lending request signal is input via the information input circuit 365. The information input circuit 365 is provided with a photocoupler, and the game control microcomputer 37
0 and the above-described signal input from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 are input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the photocoupler.
As a result, it is possible to prevent an adverse effect of a failure occurring on the game control microcomputer 370 and the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 from reaching the payout control microcomputer 350, and to prevent the game control microcomputer 370 or the card processing machine control The inconvenience that the payout control microcomputer 350 also breaks down due to a fault occurring in the microcomputer 300 can be prevented as much as possible.

Next, the payout control microcomputer 3
50 outputs the following control signals to the following circuits and devices.

The light emitting device 6 via the LED driving circuit 361
7a to 67d, and outputs a projector control signal and a lending display control signal to the lending display 46d. LED
The error cause indicator 146 (FIG. 2)
) Is supplied with an error cause display control signal. The dispensing solenoid 223 (FIG. 5) is connected via a solenoid driving circuit 362.
Control signal for solenoid excitation. Ball confirmation sensors and ball counting sensors 68a to 68d, each floodlight 6
7 a to 67 d and the payout solenoid 223 are provided in the ball payout device 63.

A motor drive control signal is output to each of the discharge motors A (402a) and B (402b) (see FIG. 3) via the motor drive circuit 367. Each reference position sensor 403a, 403b and each winning ball sensor 401a, 401
b and each of the discharge motors 402a and 402b are provided in the winning ball processing device 400. Solenoid drive circuit 362
And a control signal for solenoid excitation is given to the ball-pulling solenoid 180 (see FIG. 2). Lamp driving circuit 363
A payout lamp lighting control signal is given to the payout lamp 126 (see FIG. 1) via the gaming machine control terminal box 149. Via the information output circuit 364, the gaming machine control terminal box 149 to the hall management computer,
A unit sales signal and a prize ball payout signal, which will be described later, are output.
A ball lending preparation signal, a ball lending completion signal, a payout possible signal, and a ball lending enable signal are output to the card processing machine control microcomputer 304 via the information output circuit 366 and the interruption terminal board 138. The information output circuit 364 is provided with a relay switch, and the above-described various signals output to the gaming machine control terminal box 149 are output via the relay switch. As a result, the adverse effect of the failure occurring in the payout control system is prevented from reaching the hall management computer, and the inconvenience of causing the failure of the hall management computer due to the failure occurring in the payout control system can be prevented as much as possible. . The ball confirmation sensor A (68
a), B (68b) and ball counting sensors A (68c), (6)
8d) constitutes a ball payout detecting means for detecting the payout of the ball by the ball payout mechanism.

FIGS. 10 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

In step (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1,
The setting reading of the lending amount is performed. The “reading of the setting of the ball-amount” is a process of reading the ball-amount set by the ball-amount setting switch 137 shown in FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to S2, where the processor usable indicator 130 is displayed.
(See FIG. 1) is lit to indicate that it can be used. Next, proceeding to S3, it is determined whether or not there is a card acceptance signal from the card reader / writer control unit. If there is no card reception signal, the process proceeds to S4, and it is determined whether or not there is a card abnormal signal from the card reader / writer control unit. If not, the process returns to S3. If the card reader / writer accepts an appropriate card during the loop, the card reader / writer controller determines that a card acceptance signal has been received, and proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if a card error signal is output from the card reader / writer control unit, Y is determined in S4.
The ES is determined, and the process proceeds to S5, in which control is performed to display the cause of the card abnormality on the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1) by code. Specifically, a code indicating the type of the cause of the abnormality, such as an inability to read the inserted card or a security error, is displayed on the card balance display 50. And
Proceeding to S6, the processor usable indicator 130 (see FIG. 1) is made to blink. The control at the time of this abnormality will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of a self-diagnosis process described later. If there is an abnormality in the recording data of the card, a command signal for collecting the abnormal card is output to the card reader / writer control unit 134. On the other hand, in S7, the card insertion display 132 and the ball lending display 48d are turned on, and the card balance display 50 displays the current card balance.

Next, the process proceeds to S8, where it is determined whether or not a ball lending operation has been performed. If not, the process proceeds to S9, where it is determined whether or not a return operation has been performed. If not, the process returns to S8. Then, if the player presses the return button 42c (see FIG. 1), the process proceeds to S10, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned off, and the process proceeds to S26 to perform control for returning the inserted card thereafter. On the other hand, if the player presses the ball lending button 44c (see FIG. 1), the process proceeds to S11, where the current balance of the inserted card, that is, the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1).
Is determined to be greater than or equal to the balance set by the lending amount setting switch 137 (see FIG. 2). If the current balance is equal to or more than the set amount, a process of setting the set amount to the lending amount is performed in S12, and the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the current balance is less than the set amount, the process proceeds to S14 after setting the current balance to the lending amount in S13. In other words, if the current balance of the inserted card is less than the set amount, it is not possible to set the set amount to the lending amount and pay out the pachinko ball for the set amount, so it is possible to pay out with the inserted card A process of setting the maximum amount of money, that is, the current balance of the inserted card, to the lending amount is performed.

Next, in S14, a process of turning off the ball lending indicator 48d (see FIG. 1) is performed. Since the ball lending operation is performed once and the ball lending operation based on the ball lending operation is completed, the next ball lending operation is not accepted.
Until the ball lending indicator is turned on by 3, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned off to display that the ball lending operation cannot be performed. Next, the process proceeds to S15, in which control for starting output of the ball lending request signal to the payout control microcomputer is performed.
Next, proceeding to S16, the timer T1 is set, and proceeding to S17, it is determined whether or not a ball lending preparation signal has been input from the payout control microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer receives the ball lending request signal in S15, performs preparation control for ball lending if the ball lending is possible, and then sends the ball lending preparation signal to the card processing machine control microcomputer in S77. Is output. The microcomputer for controlling the card processor is S1
If the ball lending preparation signal is received before the timer T1 set at 6 expires, a YES determination is made at S17, and a ball lending command signal is output to the payout control microcomputer at S20, and then the payout control signal is output. A process is performed to wait for transmission of a signal indicating that the microcomputer has finished lending balls. On the other hand, if the ball lending preparation signal has not been input from the payout control microcomputer until T1 ends, the process proceeds to S19, where the processing of stopping the output of the ball lending request signal and clearing the ball lending amount is performed, and S8 is performed. Proceed to.

If the pachinko gaming machine 60 has already paid out a lending ball, or has paid out a prize ball accompanying a prize, S100, S101, S76, S
Since the process of 77 is not performed, the payout control microcomputer does not output the ball lending preparation signal until T1 is completed. In that case, the process of S19 is not performed. The time T1 is, for example, about 10 msec or more and about 10 sec or less.

On the other hand, after the ball lending command signal is output in S20, a process of subtracting the unit amount from the current balance and subtracting the unit amount from the lending amount is performed in S21. If the ball lending command signal in S20 is given to the payout control microcomputer, the pachinko ball corresponding to the unit amount (for example, 100 yen) is controlled by the pachinko gaming machine as will be described later. The unit amount corresponding to the pachinko ball to be lent is subtracted from the current balance of the inserted card, and the unit amount is subtracted from the lending amount set in S12 and S13. Next, in S22, a process of outputting a unit sales signal to the terminal box for the card processing machine via the unit box is performed. The unit sales signal transmitted to the card processing machine terminal box is output to the ball lending card central management computer, and the ball lending card central management computer sums up the data for the ball lending card. The sales signal output from the card processing machine terminal box to the ball lending card centralized management computer may be performed in real time, or may be collectively performed at regular time intervals or daily. In S23, a process of outputting a unit sales signal to the hall management computer is performed. As a result, the hall management computer can obtain sales information from both card processing machines and pachinko machines,
Compare sales information by taking information from both sides,
By determining an abnormality when they do not match, a failure or the like can be found quickly.

Next, the routine proceeds to S27, where the timer T3 is set. The timer T3 is set to, for example, about 10 seconds in consideration of the time required for paying out the lending ball on the pachinko gaming machine side. If a ball lending completion signal is input from the payout control microcomputer before the timer T3 expires, the process proceeds to S31.
If the ball lending completion signal has not been input even if the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to S30, the processor usable indicator 130 (see FIG. 1) is turned off, and the process proceeds to S24. Then, the return control of the inserted card after S24 is performed. That is, although the ball lending preparation signal is input from the payout control microcomputer and the ball lending control should be performed by the payout control microcomputer, the ball lending completion signal is paid out even after the end of T3. The fact that no data is transmitted from the control microcomputer means that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the ball payout device or the like of the pachinko gaming machine, and in that case, the inserted card is returned to the player.

On the other hand, if a ball lending completion signal is input from the payout control microcomputer before the end of T3, S
Proceeding to 31, it is determined whether or not the lending amount = 0. If there is an unpaid portion of the pachinko ball corresponding to the lending amount set in S12 and S13 that has not been paid out yet, the lending amount is not "0", and thus the determination in S31 is NO. Is made and the process proceeds to S15, where a ball lending request signal is output to the payout control microcomputer again. On the other hand, if all the pachinko balls have been paid out for the lending amount, then since the lending amount is 0, S
Proceeding to 32, it is determined whether or not the current balance = 0. If the current balance of the inserted card still remains, the process proceeds to S33, where the ball lending indicator 48d is turned on,
Proceeding to S8, the operation of accepting the ball lending operation and the return operation again is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that the current balance is 0, the process proceeds to S34, and a process of outputting a balance 0 and a card write / discharge command signal to the card reader / writer control unit is performed. As a result, the card reader / writer control unit updates the card balance of the inserted card to “0” and returns the inserted card to the player.

Next, the card insertion indicator is turned on and off in S35, and the timer T4 is set in S36. This timer T4 is set in consideration of a time sufficient for the card reader / writer to return the inserted card after updating the balance of the inserted card to "0", and the timer T4 ends. If the card processing completion signal has not been received from the card reader / writer control unit before, S39
Then, a process of displaying a card processor abnormality by a code on the card balance display 50 is performed, and the processor available indicator 130 is controlled to blink. Specifically, for example, a code is displayed to indicate that the balance “0” cannot be written to the inserted card, an error when the written data is read and confirmed, and the like.

On the other hand, if a card processing completion signal is input from the card reader / writer control section before the timer T4 expires, the flow advances to step S40 to display a card insertion display for displaying that a card is inserted. Bowl 132
(See FIG. 1) is turned off, and it is determined whether or not there is a ball lending abnormality in S41. If there is no ball lending, the process proceeds to S3, and control for accepting insertion of a new card into the card reader / writer is performed. If there is a ball lending abnormality, the process proceeds to S42, and the reception control of the payout possible signal is performed from the payout control microcomputer.

As described above, each time a pachinko game machine rents out a pachinko ball (for example, 25 pieces) corresponding to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen), the payout control microcomputer changes the card processing machine control microcomputer. A ball lending completion signal is output. Each time the card processing machine control microcomputer inputs the output signal, it determines whether or not all the pachinko balls for the lending amount (see S12 and S13) have been lent. If there is an unlent portion that has not been lent yet, the lending of the unit amount (for example, 100 yen) of pachinko balls is repeated until all the unlent portion is lent.

FIG. 12 and FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an interrupt program executed once every c. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for self-diagnosis processing, and FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for fraction display processing.

At S43, a self-diagnosis is performed and it is determined whether or not the result is appropriate. If determined to be appropriate, a determination is made in S44 as to whether or not a payout enable signal has been input from the payout control microcomputer 350 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. Returns to S43. If there is any abnormality as a result of the self-diagnosis, a NO determination is made in S43. The types of abnormalities are roughly classified into two types: errors that can be recovered by errors on the card processor side and errors that cannot be recovered by errors on the card processor side. An error that cannot be recovered by an error in the card processor is called a special error, and an error that can be recovered by an error in the card processor is called a normal error.

As a specific example of the normal error, for example, when the inserted card is clogged in the card reader / writer, when an illegal card such as a forged card is inserted, predetermined data such as new balance data is inserted into the inserted card. If the write data is read and confirmed and the read data is not proper data, it is an error or the like due to poor communication with the card processor terminal box. The unit sales signal is transmitted from the card processor 62 to the card processing terminal box 320. If a communication failure occurs with the card processing machine terminal box 320, the unit sales signal to be transmitted is transmitted. The amount data is stored in the card processor 62, and the error is usually generated only when the stored data reaches the limit of the storage capacity.

Of the special errors, errors that cannot be recovered due to errors on the card processor side, such as errors that cannot be recovered without restarting the power supply, and card errors due to the failure of the card processor. The error indicates that the processor 62 needs to be replaced. As a specific example of the error on the pachinko gaming machine side among the special errors, the ball lending preparation signal and the ball lending completion signal, whose signals change only when the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied, have changed from the beginning when the power is turned on. In this case, if the above-mentioned payout possible signal is not transmitted when the power is turned on, if the ball lending completion signal is not transmitted within T3 (see S29), the aforementioned payout possible signal is turned on during operation.
In the case of FF, that is, there is a power cut-off on the pachinko gaming machine side or a break in the signal line.

As a result of the self-diagnosis, if it is determined that there is any abnormality, or if it is determined that there is no input of a payout enable signal, the card processing control is interrupted in S45, and whether or not a special error is detected in S46. A decision is made. If the error that has occurred is a special error, S4
8 turns off the processor usable indicator 130 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, if the error is not a special error, that is, if the error is a normal error, control for displaying a code indicating an abnormal location on the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1) is performed in S47. In the case of a normal error, in addition to the display of S47, the processor usable indicator 130 is displayed.
Is controlled to blink.

Next, the fraction display process will be described with reference to FIG. In step S49, the fraction display switch 131
It is determined whether or not (see FIG. 1) has been operated. If it has been operated, it is determined in S50 whether or not the ball lending process is being performed. If the ball lending process is not being performed, the process directly proceeds to S51. If the ball lending process is being performed, the display operation is invalidated. When the ball lending process is being performed, the process may proceed to S51 after the ball lending process ends. In S51, it is determined whether or not an error is occurring. This error includes a normal error and a special error as described above. If it is determined in S51 that no error has occurred, the process proceeds to S52, and based on S52 to S56, the card balance display unit 50 (see FIG. 1) displays the fraction, and the lending amount setting switch 137 (see FIG. 2). Display of the set value of the set lending, display of the balance when a card is inserted, display of a unit number for specifying a set of units composed of the card processor 62 and the unit box 830, change with a game The current balance of the inserted card to be inserted is displayed. The various displays are sequentially switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals (for example, one second) in the order described above. Finally, the current balance display is performed in S56, and the current balance display is continuously displayed until the next display switching based on the operation of the fraction display switch 136 is performed.

Next, if the error determined to be in error in S51 is a special error, the flow advances to S58, and the card balance display 50 is displayed in accordance with S58 to S63.
(Refer to FIG. 1), an error code display for displaying the location of the abnormality or the content of the abnormality by a code, a fraction display, a set value display, a balance display at the time of insertion, a unit number display, and a current balance display in a predetermined time ( The display is switched at intervals of, for example, one second. Finally, the current balance is displayed, and the current balance is displayed until the next display switching based on the operation of the fraction display switch. As described above, the error code is displayed only after the fraction display operation is performed.

Next, if the error determined to be in error in S51 is a normal error, the process proceeds to S64, and the current balance is displayed on the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1) according to S64 to S69. The display is switched at predetermined time intervals (for example, one second) in the order of display, fraction display, set value display, ball display at insertion, unit number display, and error code display. Finally, the error code is displayed, and the error code is continuously displayed until the next display is switched based on the operation of the fraction display switch.

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

While the program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 to 16 is being executed, FIGS.
Is executed, for example, once every 2 msec. First, the interrupt program will be described with reference to FIGS.

At S156, a determination is made as to whether or not a winning signal has been received from the game control microcomputer. Then, when the pachinko ball hit into the game area 120 wins the starting winning opening 125a (see FIG. 1), a winning signal is input from the game controlling microcomputer 370 to the payout controlling microcomputer 350, and the winning is stored in S157. The number is incremented by "1", and the process returns to S156.

FIG. 18 shows an interrupt program for outputting a payout enable signal from the payout control microcomputer 350 to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. In S158, a ball payout error is sent to the pachinko gaming machine. A determination is made as to whether or not there is.
As a specific example of the payout abnormality, there is a cause of the display of the payout abnormality code in FIGS. 14 to 16 described later. If there is an abnormality in payout, the output of the payable signal is stopped in S160, and if there is no abnormal payout, a payable signal is output in S159.

Next, a control operation for paying out balls will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in S70, it is determined whether or not both of the ball confirmation sensors A and B detect the presence of a ball. If a pachinko ball is present at the detection position of the ball confirmation sensor A (68a) and the ball confirmation sensor B (68b) shown in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to S71, and it is determined whether or not the full tank detection is performed. Is performed. Surplus ball storage dish 122
If (see FIG. 1) is not yet full, the process proceeds to S72, and it is determined whether or not the number of unpaid items is zero.
The “number of unpaid” means the number of pachinko balls that have not been paid out of the pachinko balls to be paid out,
The values are set to respective values in S76, S86, S89, and S90 described later, and are decremented by "1" in S116 described later each time a pachinko ball is paid out.

When the number of unpaid items is "0", S
Proceeding to 73, it is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal has been received from the card processing machine control microcomputer.
The determination in S73 is repeated until the timer T7 expires. If there is no ball lending request signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processing machine until T7 expires, the process proceeds to S83 and the winning ball sensor A It is determined whether or not a ball has been detected, and a winning ball sensor A (401)
If a) does not detect a winning ball, it is determined in S84 whether or not the winning ball sensor B (401b) has detected a winning ball, and if not, the process proceeds to S91. The timer T7 is provided for giving priority to the reception of the ball lending request over the reception of the winning ball only for a certain period of time, and is set in S122 described later.

At S91, the ball counting sensor A (68c),
It is determined whether or not any of B (68d) (see FIG. 6) has detected the downflow of the pachinko ball, and if not detected, the ball confirmation sensors A (68a) and B (68b) (see FIG. 6).
It is determined whether or not any of these has detected the flow of the ball. If not, the process proceeds to S94, and it is determined whether or not the payout solenoid 223 (see FIG. 5) has been turned ON. , If not turned on, the process returns to S70. These S70 to S73, S75, S83, S84, S91,
If the payout solenoid 223 (see FIG. 5) is energized during the loop consisting of S92 and S94, a YES determination is made in S94 and the process proceeds to S95. In addition to displaying the code, a ball-dropping solenoid 180 (see FIG. 2) is excited to perform a ball-dropping process.

That is, the determination of YES in S94 is a case where the payout solenoid 223 is excited even though the pachinko ball payout control is not performed, and such an abnormality is determined by the solenoid drive circuit. Is considered to be malfunctioning. In this case, the malfunction of the solenoid drive circuit is notified, the ball removal processing is performed, and the ball tank 151 and the tank rail 67 (see FIG. 2).
The pachinko balls inside are taken out of the machine to prevent a large amount of pachinko balls from being accidentally dispensed into the hitting ball supply tray 59 (see FIG. 1). Note that the dispensing solenoid 223 is turned on.
Is determined by incorporating, for example, a photocoupler into a solenoid driving unit in the ball dispenser 63 (see FIG. 2) and detecting the actual driving state. Next, when any of the ball counting sensors A and B or the ball confirmation sensors A and B detects the falling of the ball, the process proceeds to S93,
Although the payout control of the pachinko balls is not performed, the abnormality notification that the pachinko balls are paid out is performed, and the ball removing process is performed.

Next, if a ball lending request signal is transmitted from the card processor controlling microcomputer 300 in accordance with the step of S15 before the timer T7 expires, a determination of YES is made in S73 and a determination is made in S7.
The control proceeds to 4 for the ball lending operation. As described above, the control for the ball lending operation is prioritized until the end of T7, and the payout control of the prize ball based on the winning prize ball is performed only after the end of T7, so that the set amount (S12,
If S13 is 200 yen or more, the control for the ball lending operation is given priority over the payout control of the prize ball.

At S74, it is determined whether or not the tank ball sensor has detected a ball. If not, the process proceeds to S75, where the paying-out of pachinko balls by lending a ball is deactivated. If so, the process proceeds to S76, in which the number of unpaid coins is set to the number of ball lending p, and the payout state is set to “ball lending”. The “number of unpaid items” is the remaining number of unpaid pachinko balls to be paid out in S76 and S86, S89, and S9 described later.
Each value is set to 0, and each time one pachinko ball is paid out, “1” is subtracted by S116. Note that p in S76 is the number of pachinko balls corresponding to a unit amount (see S21), and is set to, for example, 25. Next, the process proceeds to S77, in which a process of outputting a ball lending preparation signal to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is performed, and the process proceeds to S78. Timer T in S78
After 9 is set, the flow advances to S79 to determine whether or not there is a ball lending command signal from the card processor. If not, the process proceeds to S80 until the timer T9 expires.
It is controlled so that the judgment of 79 is repeated. In the meantime, if a ball lending command signal is transmitted based on S20, the process proceeds to S82, control for starting blinking of the lending indicator is performed, and the process proceeds to S96.
After the unpaid number is cleared by 81, the process returns to S70.

On the other hand, starting winning ports 125a, 125b, 1
If a pachinko ball wins in any of 25c, it is detected by the winning ball sensor A, a YES determination is made in S83, the process proceeds to S85, and a determination is made as to whether or not the winning memorized number = 0. This "number of winning prizes" is defined as S1 described above.
The number is increased by "1" by 57 and subtracted by "1" from S134, and means the number of prize balls for which prize balls have not yet been paid out of the prize balls that have won the start winning port 125a. . Then, when the winning memorized number is not 0, the process proceeds to S86, the third payout number n (for example, 7) is set as the unpaid number, the payout state is set to “n payout”, and the lighting of the payout display lamp 126 is started. After performing the process, the process proceeds to S96. That is, if a pachinko ball wins in the start winning opening 125a, n (for example, 7) premium balls are paid out for one win. On the other hand, if the winning storage number is 0, the process proceeds to S87, and it is determined whether the payout state is “n payout” or “m payout”. If the current payout state is “n payout” or “m payout”, the process proceeds to S88, where it is determined whether or not the winning ball sensor B (401b) detects a pachinko ball. In S89, the number of unpaid items is set to m (for example, 10), the payout state is set to "m payout", and the lighting of the payout display lamp 126 is started.
That is, when a plurality of pachinko balls are won in the start winning ports 125a, 125b, and 125c, first, payout of n (for example, seven) pachinko balls based on the winning balls won in the starting winning port 125a is given priority. After that, the second payout number m (for example, 10) prize balls are paid out based on the prize balls that have won the start winning prize ports 125b and 125c. On the other hand, when a pachinko ball wins a winning opening other than the starting winning openings 125a to 125c, the winning sensor B (4
01b) (see FIG. 4), the winning ball is detected and S
A YES determination is made by 84 and the routine proceeds to S90. On the other hand, the previous payout of the prize ball is the winning ball sensor A (401a).
Payout of n or m prize balls based on the detection output of
In addition, if there is a pachinko ball detection output from the winning ball sensor B (401b), YES is determined in S88 and S9 is performed.
Go to 0. In S93, the number of unpaid items is k (for example, 15
) Is set, the payout state is set to “k payout”, and control for starting lighting of the payout display lamp 126 is performed. As a result, when both the winning ball sensors A and B detect a winning ball, the payout of the prize ball based on one of the winning ball sensors and the payout of the prize ball based on the other winning ball sensor are performed alternately. .

In S96 of FIG. 15, the timer T5 is set. The timer T5 determines the time for exciting the dispensing solenoid 223, and the dispensing sprocket 74
(See FIG. 5) The time required for the pachinko ball to rotate by one stopper locking portion by its own weight (for example, 8 to 10 msec)
c) is for exciting the payout solenoid 223 only. Next, control for turning on the payout solenoid is performed in S97, and the flow advances to S98 to determine whether or not the ball counting sensor A has detected a payout ball. If the ball counting sensor A has not yet detected a payout ball, the process proceeds to S99.
It is determined whether or not the ball counting sensor B has detected a payout ball. If the ball has not been detected yet, the process proceeds to S107.
It is determined whether or not the timer T5 has expired. If the timer T5 has not yet expired, the process proceeds to S10.
The process proceeds to step S8 to determine whether or not to end the subtraction. If the subtraction does not end, the process returns to step S97, and the payout solenoid is kept ON. Dispensing solenoid 2
23 (see FIG. 5) is excited, as described above, the payout sprocket 74 is rotatable, and the payout sprocket 74 is rotated by the weight of the pachinko ball, and one pachinko ball is moved downward from the ball passage opening 64a. If paid out to
The ball counting sensor A (68c) detects the payout ball, and
The process proceeds to 0, and it is determined whether or not the ball counting sensor A has a detection memory.

The detection memory of the ball counting sensor A is stored in S101 when the ball counting sensor A detects a payout ball in a state where the ball counting sensor A is not stored.
In a state where the ball counting sensor B detects a payout ball in a state where there is no memory in the ball counting sensor B, the memory is cleared in S103. That is, when the ball dispenser 63 is operating normally, pachinko balls are dispensed one by one alternately from the two ball passage openings 64a, 64b. When the ball is detected, the detection memory of the ball counting sensor A is cleared, and when the ball counting sensor B detects the payout ball, the detection memory of the ball counting sensor B should be cleared. Therefore, the determination of NO should be made in S100 and S102. However, when the pachinko ball is clogged in the apparatus or when the ball counting sensor fails, S100 or S100
A YES determination is made in step 102, in which case the process proceeds to step S104, in which the error cause indicator 146 displays a code indicating that a failure of the ball counting sensor or an abnormal state of ball jam in the apparatus has occurred, and that a ball is detected. A punching process is performed.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S100, the process proceeds to S101, where the detection of the ball counting sensor A is stored, the detection storage of the ball counting sensor B is cleared, and "1" is added to the detected number. . On the other hand, if NO is determined in S102, the process proceeds to S103, where the detection of the ball counting sensor B is stored, and the detection storage of the ball counting sensor A is cleared.
"1" is added to the detected number. Next, the process proceeds to S105, and it is determined whether or not the detected number = 2. If the ball payout operation is performed normally, the payout solenoid 223 should be excited for the set time of T5 and one pachinko ball should be paid out and detected, and the detected number becomes “1”. Should be. If the detected number is not "2", the flow proceeds to S107, and it is determined whether or not the timer T5 has expired.
And the dispensing solenoid is controlled to OFF.
If two pachinko balls have been paid out and the number of detected pachinko balls becomes "2", the flow proceeds to S106 and an error state indicating that a plurality of balls have been paid out by one operation of the payout solenoid is displayed as the error cause indicator 146. , And the ball removal processing is performed.

Next, if it is determined in S108 to end the subtraction, the flow proceeds to S109. After the timer T6 is set, the dispensing solenoid 223 is turned off in S110.
Controlled by FF. The timer T6 is for measuring the time required to check whether or not the pachinko ball that has been dispensed by exciting the dispensing solenoid 223 is detected by the ball counting sensor A or B. And S1
A determination is made as to whether or not T6 has been completed according to 11, and if completed, the process proceeds to S114, where it is determined whether or not the detected number = 0. If the payout is normal, the detected number is "1", so the process proceeds to S115, where the detected number is cleared, the number of operations is cleared, and S116 is performed.
Then, the number of unpaid items is decremented by "1" and the process proceeds to S117. Each time a pachinko ball is paid out in S116, the unpaid number is decremented by "1". If the unpaid number is not "0", NO is determined in S72 and the pachinko ball in S96 and thereafter is determined. The payout control is performed. If the number of unpaid items becomes “0”, a determination of YES is made in S72, the payout of the pachinko balls is temporarily terminated, and the payout control is stopped until the next payout condition is satisfied. . Next, in S117, it is determined whether or not the payout state is “ball lending”. If the payout state is other than “ball lending”, that is, if the premium ball is paid out based on the winning ball, the process proceeds to S126. Control accompanying payout of a prize ball is performed. On the other hand, if the payout state is “ball lending”, the process proceeds to S118, and it is determined whether or not the number of unpaid items is 0. If not, the process proceeds to S70. Then, a process of outputting a ball lending completion signal to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is performed, the lending indicator 46d is turned off in S120, and the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the connectors 158 and 157 are passed in S121. The unit outputs a unit sales signal to the hall management computer. This “unit amount sales signal” is the unit amount (S1
2, S13) is a sales signal of pachinko balls for a unit amount due to the pachinko balls being lent using a card, and the hall management computer that receives this signal collects the sales amount by card. Do. Next, S122
Sets the timer T7 and returns to S70.

On the other hand, if no pachinko balls have been paid out within the period in which the timer T6 expires, a determination of YES is made in S114, the process proceeds to S123, and "1" is added to the number of operations, and S124 And the number of operations is "2"
Is determined, and when the number of operations is the first time, the process returns to S70, and the payout control of the pachinko balls is performed again. If no pachinko balls are paid out despite the pachinko ball payout control again, S is executed again.
The number of operations is incremented by “1” by 123. as a result,
The number of times of operation = 2, and in S124, an error state indicating that the pachinko ball has not been dispensed or the dispensed ball has not been detected despite the dispensing condition for dispensing the pachinko ball has been established, is indicated by the error cause indicator 146. And a ball removal process is performed.

The cause of the abnormal state in the abnormal time process in S125 may be specified in more detail. That is, if the ball confirmation sensor detects the falling of the pachinko ball, it is a failure of the ball counting sensor.If the ball confirmation sensor does not detect the falling of the ball and the operation of the dispensing solenoid is detected, the ball is clogged. If it is a failure of the ball confirmation sensor and the ball confirmation sensor does not detect the downflow of the pachinko ball and the operation of the payout solenoid is not detected, the cause of the abnormality may be finely determined, such as a failure of the payout solenoid. Also, the ball confirmation sensor detects and determines the flow of the ball,
A configuration may be adopted in which the number of flowing balls detected by the ball confirmation sensor is compared with the number detected by the ball counting sensor to monitor the payout state of the balls.

Next, if it is determined in S111 that T6 has not been completed, the process proceeds to S112, in which it is determined whether or not the payout solenoid has been turned ON. Proceed to. On the other hand, if the dispensing solenoid is ON even though the dispensing solenoid is controlled OFF in S110, a YES determination is made in S112 and the process proceeds to S113. The display is performed and the ball removal processing is performed. This S1
Similarly to the above, the determination by 12 is performed by incorporating, for example, a photocoupler into the solenoid drive unit of the ball dispenser 63 and detecting the actual drive state.

Next, if the payout state is not "ball lending" but a prize ball payout, "1" is added to the number of prize ball payouts in S126. That is, every time one prize ball is paid out based on the winning, a process of adding the prize ball payout number by “1” is performed in S126. Next, in S127, it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls paid out is "a".
If not, the process proceeds to S132. If not, the process proceeds to S128, and the gaming machine terminal box 1
49, a prize ball payout signal is output to the hall management computer via the connectors 156 and 155. The hall management computer counts 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 for one pulse. The number of balls to be paid out is “a”, and is set to, for example, ten. This “a” is the same value as the number of output units of the supply ball detector of the supply device 153.
Then, when the prize ball payout signal is output, the number of prize ball payouts is cleared in S129 and becomes "0". Next, S13
The process proceeds to 0, and it is determined whether or not the number of unpaid items is 0. If it is not "0", the process proceeds to S70. If it is "0", the process proceeds to S131, and the timer T8 is set. The timer T8 counts the time required for checking the payout ball discharging process. Next, proceeding to S132, the payout display lamp 126 (see FIG. 1) is turned off, and S133
Thus, it is determined whether the payout state is “n payout”. If the payout state is “n payout”, S134
, A process of subtracting "1" from the winning memory is performed.
In the case of “n payout”, since the prize ball is paid out based on the winning memorized number (see S157), the unpaid number is “0” (S157).
130), the payout memory is decremented by "1" when the payout of the prize ball based on one win storage number is completed. Next, the routine proceeds to S136, in which the winning ball sensor A
It is determined whether or not (170a) detects the presence of a pachinko ball. If the payout state is n payout or m payout, the winning ball sensor A (170a) should have detected the winning ball, and the discharging motor A (402a)
Is turned on and excited, as shown in FIG. 4, one pachinko ball in the winning ball sensor A (170a) falls downward, and within a predetermined period, the winning ball sensor A (170a) falls.
(170a) should no longer detect the ball. Until the timer T8 expires in S140, the discharge motor A (402a) is continuously rotated to determine whether or not the winning ball sensor A detects the presence of a ball.
When the detection of the presence of the ball is stopped, the process proceeds to S141, where it is determined whether or not the discharge motor A (402a) has rotated by a predetermined angle. The control is performed and the process returns to S70. The determination as to whether or not the rotation at the predetermined angle has been performed in S141 is based on the reference position sensor A (403a).
The determination is made based on the reference position detection signal from FIG. 4 (see FIG. 4) and the number of steps of the discharge motor A (402a) constituted by a stepping motor.

On the other hand, if the winning ball sensor A keeps detecting the presence of the ball throughout the period in which the timer T8 expires, the pachinko ball in the winning ball sensor A is controlled despite the rotation control of the discharge motor A. Is abnormal, such as not falling down, and it is considered that the ball is jammed or the winning ball sensor A or the discharge motor A is faulty. Therefore, after stopping the discharge motor A (402a) in S143, the control proceeds to S144. An error cause display 146 indicates that a dispensing abnormality has occurred.
, And a ball removal process is performed. If the winning ball sensor A does not detect the presence of a ball before the discharging motor A rotates, the winning ball sensor A and the discharging motor A may be faulty.
7 indicates that the dispensing abnormality has occurred.
The code is displayed by the code 46 and the ball removal processing is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S154, in which it is determined whether or not a reset operation has been performed, and the process waits until a reset operation is performed. If there is a reset operation, the process proceeds to S155,
A process of clearing the number of detections, clearing the number of operations, clearing the detection memory of the ball counting sensor A and clearing the detection memory of the ball counting sensor B is performed, and returns to S70.

On the other hand, in S135, it is determined whether or not the payout state is "m payout". If the payout state is "m payout", the flow proceeds to S136, but the payout state is not "n payout" but "n payout". If it is not "m payout", that is, if it is "k payout", the flow proceeds to S145, and it is determined whether or not the winning ball sensor B detects the presence of a ball. If the payout state is “k payout”, it is assumed that the winning ball sensor B has detected a ball in S84 as a prerequisite. Therefore, the winning ball sensor B naturally determines that there is a ball in S145. However, if any abnormality such as failure of the winning ball sensor B occurs, S
A determination of NO is made by 145. In that case, S1
The program proceeds to S46, where the payout abnormality is displayed by a code on the error cause indicator 146, and after the ball is removed, the process proceeds to S154. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning ball sensor B detects the presence of a ball, the process proceeds to S147, where the rotation of the discharge motor B (402b) is started, and in S148, the winning ball sensor B (401b) detects that there is a ball. A determination is made as to whether or not a timer T8 has been detected.
If the detection of the presence of a ball is not detected before the process is completed, S15
In step S151, it is determined whether or not the ball feeding / rotating member 414b (see FIG. 3) has rotated a predetermined angle. It returns to S70. On the other hand, if the winning ball sensor B continues to detect the presence of the ball until the timer T8 expires, the process proceeds to S152, where the stop control of the payout motor B is performed in the same manner as described above, and the payout abnormality code of the payout abnormality code is determined in S153. After the display and the ball removal processing are controlled, S15
Proceed to 4.

In addition, in addition to the control of S70, S91, and S93 described above, when the ball confirmation sensor A does not detect the presence of the ball and the ball counting sensor A detects the falling of the ball, the ball confirmation sensor A fails. The error code indicating the error code
When the ball confirmation sensor B does not detect the presence of the ball and the ball counting sensor B detects the falling of the ball, an error code indicating that the ball confirmation sensor B has failed is displayed by the error cause indicator 146. You may control so that it may be displayed.
Further, when the determination of NO is made in S98, a step of determining whether or not the ball confirmation sensor A detects the presence of a ball is inserted. If the ball confirmation sensor A detects the presence of a ball, the ball counting is performed. An error code indicating that the sensor A has failed may be displayed to perform the ball removal processing. Further, when the ball counting sensor B does not detect the ball payout in S99, a step of determining whether or not the ball confirmation sensor B detects the presence of a ball is inserted, and the ball confirmation sensor B detects the presence of a ball. In this case, an error code indicating that the ball counting sensor B has failed may be displayed, and the ball removal processing may be performed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a timing chart for explaining operation timings of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

First, the power is turned on (power on), and at time A, the ball lending preparation signal line is turned on, and a payout enable signal on the pachinko gaming machine side is output. Next, at the time point B when the card is accepted, the card insertion indicator 132 and the ball lending indicator 4
8d turns ON. Next, the ball lending operation detector 44d
It becomes N, and the ball lending operation of the player is detected, and at the time of C, the detection of the ball lending operation is performed. At this point, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned off and turned off, the ball lending signal line is turned on, and the card processor 62 enters the ball lending enabled state. At a time point D at which a predetermined delay time a (for example, 20 msec) has elapsed from the time point C, the ball lending request signal line is turned on, and the ball lending request signal is output from the card processor 62 to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side. . The reason why the predetermined delay time a is provided is to provide a sufficient time for the pachinko gaming machine to determine that the ball lending possible signal line has been turned on, thereby preventing a malfunction due to noise.

From the time point D, the ball lending preparation signal confirmation time b (b ≦ T) measured by the timer T1 shown in S18.
At the time point E at which 1) has elapsed, the payout state signal line is turned ON, and a ball lending preparation signal is output from the pachinko gaming machine 60 to the card processing machine 62. From this point, the ball lending command signal confirmation time c (c ≦ T) measured by the timer T9 shown in S80.
At the time point F when 9) has elapsed, the ball lending request signal line is turned off, and as a result, a ball lending command signal is output from the card processor 62 to the pachinko gaming machine 60. At the time point G at which the ball lending completion signal confirmation time d (d ≦ T3) measured by the timer T3 shown in S29 has elapsed from this point, the payout state signal line is turned off, and accordingly, the ball lending completion signal Is the card processing machine 6 from the pachinko gaming machine 60 side.
It is output to the second side. Further from this point S
75, the ball lending request signal line is turned on at the time point D when the next ball lending request signal confirmation time e (e ≦ T7) measured by the timer T7 has elapsed, and the next ball lending request signal is sent to the card processor 62.
Is output to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side, and the output of the ball lending preparation signal, the output of the ball lending command signal, and the output of the ball lending completion signal are repeated in the same manner as described above. In FIG. 19, the output of the ball lending request signal, the output of the ball lending preparation signal, the output of the ball lending command signal, and the output of the ball lending completion signal are repeated three times in total, and the time when the last ball lending completion signal is output When no ball lending request signal is output during the next ball lending request signal confirmation time e, the ball lending enable signal line is switched to OFF. Next, return operation detector 4
When 2d is turned on and H is detected, the presence of the player's return operation is detected. At that time, the card insertion display 132 blinks and the ball lending display 48d is turned off and turned off. Then, at the time of I, the card is returned to the player.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
0 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ball payout device.

The structure of the ball payout device 600 is almost the same as the structure of the winning ball processing device 400 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will be briefly described here. The ball dispensing device 600 includes discharge motors A (602a) and B (602) as drive sources.
b). These two discharge motors A (602
a) and B (602b) are constituted by stepping motors, and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval by an interval holding member 612. These discharge motors A (602
a) and B (602b) are connectors 611 respectively.
a, 611b are supplied from the coils 609a, 6
The configuration is such that the iron cores 608a and 608b rotate by flowing through 09b. Casing 610a, 6
10b are provided with bearings 606a and 606b, respectively.
5a and 605b are rotatably supported. And
When the iron cores 608a and 608b rotate, the respective motor shafts 605a and 605b rotate integrally. The motor shaft 605b has a cylindrical shape, and the motor shaft 605a is inserted concentrically into the cylinder.
The discharge motor 602 configured as a so-called two-axis motor configured as described above is mounted and fixed to a motor mounting plate 604 mounted on the mounting boss 613.

[0110] Sprockets 614a and 614b are attached to the respective motor shafts 605a and 605b so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Then, the balls in the ball tank 151 are supplied to the supply passages 616a and 616b, and the concave portions 615a and 615a formed in the sprockets 614a and 614b.
In the state where the ball has entered the inside of the ball mounting portion 615b,
The ball is placed on 617b. In this state,
When the discharge motor A (602a) rotates, the sprocket 614a rotates and the balls on the ball mounting portion 617a are discharged downward through the delivery passage 619a. On the other hand, the rotation of the discharge motor B (602b) rotates the sprocket 614b, and the balls on the ball mounting portion 617b are discharged downward through the delivery passage 619b. The balls paid out below are paid out sensors A (618a), B
(618b). In the figure, reference numeral 607 denotes a bearing.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram for explaining the operation of the winning ball processing device and the ball payout device.

In the drawing, reference numeral 625b (625a) denotes a winning ball collecting gutter. Winning balls that have won the starting winning ports 125a, 125b, 125c are gathered on the winning ball collecting gutter 625a.
The winning balls that have won the winning ports other than the starting winning ports 125a, 125b, and 125c are collected on the winning ball collecting gutter 625b. Discharge solenoids B (627b) and A are provided beside the winning ball sensors B (626b) and A (626a).
Downflow regulating members 629b, 62 pivoted at (627a)
9a is provided. The flow-down regulating members 629b, 6
29a are provided with respective weights, and when the excitation of the discharge solenoid B (627b) is released as shown in FIG.
29b is rotating clockwise. In that state,
Actuator 628 of discharge solenoid B (627b)
b enters the winning ball discharge passage 630b, and the winning balls gathered on the winning ball collecting gutter 625b are stopped in the winning ball sensor B (626b) by the entered actuator 628b. When the discharge solenoid B (627b) is excited, the actuator 628b is attracted and retracted from the winning ball discharge passage 630b, and the flow-down regulating member 629b
Is pushed up by the actuator 628b and is rotated in the counterclockwise direction so that the upper end thereof is a winning ball discharge passage 630.
b. Then, the winning ball supported by the actuator 628b falls downward, and the winning ball located above the winning ball is supported and held by the upper end of the flow-down regulating member 629b. As described above, each time the discharge solenoid B (627b) is excited once, one prize ball is discharged to the prize ball discharge passage 630b and discharged from the ball discharge gutter 624 to the outside of the machine. The prize balls collected on the prize ball collecting gutter 625a also have the prize ball sensor A (626) as described above.
a) and the flow-down regulating member 629
a, every time the discharge solenoid A (627a) is excited by the action of the actuator 628a, one is discharged from the winning ball discharge passage 630a and the ball discharge gutter 624 to the outside of the machine.

When a prize ball guided to the prize ball collecting gutter 625b is detected by the prize ball sensor B (626b), a predetermined number k (for example, 15
Prize balls are paid out, and when the payout is completed, the discharge solenoid B (626b) is excited once to discharge one prize ball into the ball discharge gutter 624. If the next winning ball is present, it is detected again by the winning ball sensor B (626b), and a predetermined number k (for example, 15) of prize balls are paid out in the same manner as described above. The winning ball guided to the winning ball collecting gutter 625a is detected by the winning ball sensor A (626a), and a predetermined number n (for example, 7) or m (for example, 10) prize balls are paid out, and a payout solenoid is provided. A (62
6a) is excited, and if there is the next winning ball, the predetermined number n
Alternatively, m prize balls are paid out. As described above, even if the winning prize ball is continuously generated, the downflow regulating member 629a,
According to 629b, only the winning prize ball for which the payout of the prize ball is finished flows down, and the winning prize ball for which the payout of the prize ball has not yet been completed is prevented from flowing down and is stored as a proof ball. There is an advantage that troubles concerning the number of payouts can be prevented. In addition, instead of storing proof balls, the number of winning prizes etc. are stored by a microcomputer etc.,
The payout control may be performed based on the stored value. In this case, it is desirable to use a backup power supply so that the stored value is not erased due to a power failure or the like.

Note that the payout solenoids A (627a), B
If (627b) breaks down and becomes non-excitable, the actuators 628a and 628b move the winning ball discharging passage 630.
a, 630b, so that the pachinko balls are recognized as the winning ball sensors A (626a), B (6) even though the discharge solenoid excitation command signal is derived.
26b), the winning ball detection signal is continuously derived, and the continuous ON state of the winning ball sensor is detected to detect the payout solenoid A (627).
a) and B (627b) are configured to determine that they have failed, and to report an abnormal state. The winning ball sensors A (626a) and B (626b) are formed by so-called proximity switches in which the output signal changes from a predetermined voltage as the pachinko ball passes.
When the winning ball sensors A (626a) and B (626b) are disconnected, the voltage of the output signal becomes 0V, and it is detected that the voltage has become 0V, and the winning ball sensor A (626) is detected.
A) and B (626b) may be determined to be disconnected and notified. The winning ball sensor A (626)
If a) and B (626b) are short-circuited, the output voltage becomes an abnormal voltage exceeding the normal voltage, and the abnormal voltage is detected to determine that the short-circuit has occurred. Notification may be performed.

A ball payout device 600 is provided in the ball storage tray 151 (see FIG. 2) at a position where the pachinko balls are guided. The ball dispensing device 600 includes a dispensing central control board 631
Is controlled by Supply passage 61 of ball dispensing device 600
6b (616a), the ball shortage sensor A
(601a) and B (601b) are provided, and it is detected whether or not the pachinko balls supplied to the ball payout device 600 are deficient. The ball lending command signal from the card processor 62 (see FIG. 1) or the winning ball sensors A (626a), B
The winning ball detection signal of (626b) (see S83, S84)
, The ball deficiency sensors A (601a) and B (601)
The ejection motors 602a and 602b rotate counterclockwise in the figure on condition that there is the detection output of b) (corresponding to S70) and there is no detection output of the full tank detection switch 162 (see S71). Note that, specifically, the card processor 62
Only the discharge motor 602b rotates based on the ball lending command signal from the player, and a predetermined number of lending balls are paid out.
(626a), based on the winning ball detection signal.
A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by rotating only 02a, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by rotating only the discharge motor 602b based on a prize ball detection signal of the prize ball sensor B (626b). Also, the discharge motors 602a, 602
The rotation angle b is an angle at which the number balls can be paid out according to the signal from the payout central control board 631. The paid out balls are paid out confirmation sensors A (618a) and B (61), respectively.
8b), a ball lending completion signal is output to the card processor 62 or the discharge solenoids A (627a) and B (62) on condition that the counted value matches the payout command number.
7b) to drive out one winning ball. When the number of balls by the payout confirmation sensors A (618a) and B (618b) is less than the number of payout commands, the shortage is further paid out, and when it exceeds, the error processing is performed. It should be noted that error processing may be performed even when the value is below the threshold.

When a ball lending command signal is received from the card processor 62 while the prize ball is being dispensed by the discharge motor 602b, the lending ball may be paid out by the discharge motor 602a. Further, the discharge motor 602a may be a motor dedicated to paying out prize balls, and the discharge motor 602b may be a motor dedicated to paying out lending balls. Further, every time one pachinko ball is paid out, the payout confirmation sensors A (618a) and B (6
18b) From the payout confirmation, the next pachinko ball is paid out after the confirmation, the payout control of the balls is performed while checking the pachinko balls to be paid out one by one, and the pachinko balls confirmed to be paid out are paid out. When the number of payout commands from the central control board 631 has been reached, the payout may be stopped and controlled.

The pachinko balls dispensed by the ball dispensing device 600 are discharged to the ball dispensing passage 621 and discharged to the ball storage plate 59 (see FIG. 1) through the communication port 622. on the other hand,
The surplus balls whose ball storage tray 59 has become full and can no longer be stored pass through the communication gutter 623 and the surplus ball storage plate 122
(See FIG. 1).

On the other hand, S93, S95, S10 described above
4, S106, S113, S125, S137, S14
When the ball removal processing is performed according to the steps S4, S146, and S153, the discharge motors (602a) and B (602b) are reversed (clockwise in FIG. 21) to rotate the ball tank 15.
The pachinko balls in the inside 1 and the like are discharged out of the machine through the ball discharge passages 620a and 620b and the ball discharge gutter 624.

In the embodiment described above, the card balance is directly recorded on the card. Instead, information (for example, card number) capable of specifying the card balance is recorded on the card, and the game is played. The management computer for the hall installed in the hall stores the card balance corresponding to the card number, and the management computer for the hall calculates the card balance corresponding to the inserted card based on the card number of the inserted card. The game may be configured so that a game can be played using the determined card balance. In the embodiment described above, the winning ball processing device 4
Although the case where only the drive source of 00 or the drive source of the ball payout device 600 is constituted by a two-axis motor is shown, both the winning ball processing device 400 and the ball payout device 600 may be constituted by a two-axis motor. . Further, if necessary, three or more concentric motor shafts may be independently driven to rotate by three or more discharge motors to control the winning ball processing device and the ball payout device. Further, the motor shaft may be in the shape of a rectangular tube as long as it can rotate independently. When only the drive source of the ball payout device 600 is constituted by a two-axis motor, the number of winning balls or the number of unpaid balls corresponding to the number of winning balls or the corresponding unpaid balls instead of discharging one prize ball each time the prize ball is paid out. May be accumulated and stored each time a winning ball is generated, and may be subtracted each time a prize ball is paid out.

[0120]

According to the present invention, there is provided a ball-and-ball game apparatus in which a lending ball is directly paid out to a hit-ball waiting section and a player purposely throws a lending ball into a hit-ball waiting section. Even if the processing of the winning prize balls and the payout of the prize balls are configured in a plurality of modes, the complexity of the mechanism can be prevented as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a pachinko game machine and a card processing machine used in the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a main part cross-sectional view for explaining the structure and operation of the winning ball processing device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the operation of the winning ball processing device.

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

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining an arrangement position of each sensor in the ball dispenser.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card processing machine.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for transmitting and receiving signals between a pachinko gaming machine and a card processing machine.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a payout central control board and a ball payout board.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining operation timings of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram for explaining operations of a winning ball processing device and a ball payout device in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

63 is a ball payout device, 730 is a payout central control board, 71 is a payout number setting unit, 350 is a payout control microcomputer, 70 is a ball payout board, 62 is a card processing machine, 60 is a pachinko gaming machine, and 136 is a fraction display. Switch, 50 is a display of the remaining amount (card balance display), 59 is a ball storage dish, 73
0 is a payout central control board, 400 is a winning ball processing device, 40
2a, 402b are discharge motors A, B, 405a, 405
b is a motor shaft.

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

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 27, 1999 (1999.10.
27)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Title of the Invention] game machine

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

The present invention relates to relates to a gaming machine typified by a pachinko game machines and coin game machines, etc., for more information,
A game machine including a game medium payout means for paying out game media .

[Procedure amendment 4]

[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 gaming machine , for example, a prize is awarded to a generally known game machine .
Game media is given out from the game media payout means when it is born
Some were configured to be paid out as a medium. one
In the amusement arcade, processing the recording media adjacent to the gaming machine
The device is installed, and the recording media purchased by the player is
Recording information of the recording medium
Media processing using the value specified by
The game media was lent out from the device.
And the rented game media is put into the gaming machine,
A player plays a game using the inserted game medium.
I was

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0003]

As described above, the conventional recording method
In the recording medium processing device, the recording medium processing device
Because the game media was rented, the recording media processing device itself
Must be provided with a payout function for game media, and
The processing equipment becomes mechanically complicated and causes the cost increase.
The following inconvenience occurs. Therefore, the gaming media already
Game medium payout means for paying out
Paying attention to the game media
Outputs a game media lending command signal to the control unit of the dispensing means
Game media from the existing game media payout means on the gaming machine side
It is conceivable to lend it. In that case, play
The control unit of the game medium dispensing means on the machine
It is desirable to control so that technical media can be lent
New

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an existing game medium payout at a gaming machine.
Lending game media by effectively using the means
However, the control unit of the game medium dispensing means on the gaming machine side is impossible
Gaming machines that can reliably rent game media without
It is to provide.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a game medium payout means for paying out a game medium.
Receiving the recording medium and using the recording information of the recording medium.
Lending game media using the specified value
Communication with the recording medium processing unit
Communication means and payout for controlling the game medium payout means
Control means, wherein the communication means comprises:
A lending request signal that the user wants to lend from the device
That you are ready to lend on condition that you received it
A lending preparation signal is returned to the recording medium processing device, and the
Delivery control means, after returning the lending preparation signal, the recording medium
The communication means receives the lending command signal from the processing device
Controlling the game medium payout means on condition that
It is characterized in that control for renting a medium is performed. Contract
The present invention described in claim 2 is a configuration of the invention described in claim 1.
In addition, the lending request signal and the lending command signal are the same.
It is characterized by being inputted from one signal line. Claim 3
The present invention described in Claim 1 or Claim 2 provides the invention according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.
In addition to the above configuration, the lending request signal and the lending command signal
Signal can be distinguished by the way the signal level changes.
It is characterized by having been done.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[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, the communication means
By receiving the recording medium, the recording information of the recording medium is received.
Lending game media using the value specified by
Of signals to the recording medium processing unit that performs processing for
Is performed. By the operation of the payout control means, the game medium
The body dispensing means is controlled. By the function of the communication means,
A request to borrow from the recording medium processing device
Preparation for lending on receipt of a lending request signal
The recording medium processing device
Will be replied to. By the operation of the payout control means, the lending
A lending finger from the recording medium processing device after returning the delivery preparation signal
Command signal is received by the communication means.
A system for controlling game medium payout means and renting game media.
Your will be done. According to the second aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the operation of the invention according to claim 1, the lending request signal
And the rental command signal are input from the same signal line.
According to the invention described in claim 3, claim 1 or claim
In addition to the effect of the invention described in Item 2, the lending request signal and
The lending command signal depends on how the level of the signal changes.
Is configured to be distinguishable.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0052

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Ball lending L provided on the card processing machine side
The ED drive circuit 310c includes a switch circuit 705 composed of a photocoupler. The display control signal from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is once converted into light, then converted again into an electric signal, and the ball is lent by the electric signal. The display of the display 48d is controlled. Thus, it is possible to prevent the ball lending display 46d from being damaged by the influence of the abnormality of the display control signal from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 as much as possible.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name]

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The game payout device 63 pays out game media.
The game medium payout means is configured. Concentrated payout system
The game medium payout means is controlled by the control board 730.
A payout control unit is configured. The card processing machine 62
Receiving the recording medium and using the recording information of the recording medium.
Lending game media using the specified value
A recording medium processing device that performs the above processing is configured. Previous
The information input circuit 365 and the information output circuit 366
Communication means for exchanging signals with the recording medium processing device
Is configured. The communication means is the recording medium processing
A lending request signal that the user wants to lend from the device
On condition that the information is received (YES in S73)
Lending is ready)
To the recording medium processing device.
(S77). Then, the payout control means is configured to
After returning the reserve signal, a lending command signal from the recording medium processing device
(S79) on condition that the communication means has received the
(Provided that a determination of YES has been made)
A system for controlling game medium payout means and paying out game media.
(The control shown in FIG. 15 is performed). Lending required
Request signal and the lending command signal are the same signal line (FIG. 19)
Ball lending request signal line). Further, in FIG.
As described above, the lending request signal and the lending
The command signal is a signal level change method (rent request signal
OFF → ON, lending command signal ON → OFF)
Are configured to be distinguishable.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a game is provided.
Effective use of existing game media payout means provided on the machine
Game media can be rented out, and the recording medium processing device side
Even if you do not need to pay out the game media,
It has become possible to provide a gaming machine that can be rented. Only
Also received a lending request signal from the recording medium processing device.
Lending preparation signal is returned to the recording medium processing device on condition
After that, a lending command signal is received from the recording medium processing device.
Control for lending of game media
Ready to borrow on gaming machine side to be done
Despite the fact that there is no
The output of the lending command signal can be prevented, and the
It is possible to rent game media without difficulty. Claim
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the effect of the first aspect of the present invention is provided.
In addition, the lending request signal and the lending command signal have the same signal.
Signal line that is also used as a signal line to be input from the signal line
Can be reduced, and the signal lines can be simplified.
You. According to the present invention as set forth in claim 3, claim 1 or
In addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 2, a lending request signal and
Lending command signal is distinguished by how the signal level changes
It is configured to be able to transmit signals because both are simple signals.
It takes no time to receive the signal and the control burden is small.
I'm done.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 8

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 8

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A ball game device for playing a game by hitting a hit ball secured in a predetermined hitting ball standby portion into a game area, and records information that can specify a value owned by the player. Ball payout command means for deriving a ball payout command signal for paying out a lending ball using the valuable value specified by the recorded information of the recording medium, and a predetermined prize area provided in the game area. Winning ball processing means for processing a winning ball that has been won, and paying out a lending ball to the hitting ball standby unit based on a ball payout command signal derived from the ball payout command means, Ball payout means for paying out a prize ball to the hitting ball standby unit based on the processing, wherein at least one drive source of the ball payout means or the winning ball processing means is independently driven by a plurality of drives. Including axis , The drive shaft of the plurality of is characterized in that the other drive shaft to the hollow-configured drive the shaft is disposed in each through concentric device for pinball game.