JP2000202122A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely dispense prize ball. SOLUTION: In the case of judging the presence of the prize balls after judging the absence of the prize balls waiting for dispensing from a prize winning device 97a, a microcomputer for controlling rending of prize balls executes control for reduce-changing the dispensing number of the prize balls per a unit time by the device 97a compared with the dispensing, number of thee prize balls per the unit time at a step before judging the absence of the prize balls. In the case of judging the presence of rental balls after judging the absence of the rental balls waiting for dispensing from a ball rending device 97b, the microcomputer does not change the dispensing number of the rental balls per the unit type by the device 97b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by, for example, a pachinko game machine and a coin game machine.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a ball is paid out when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine of this type, which has been generally known, has, for example, one ball payout device capable of selectively paying out prize balls and lending balls. There have been gaming machines in which balls are paid out from a ball payout device when ball payout conditions such as are satisfied. The ball payout condition in this case includes a prize ball payout condition that is established according to a prize and the like, and a lending ball payout condition that is established according to a ball lending operation and the like. , A prize ball is paid out from the ball payout device, and when the ball payout condition is satisfied, a ball loan is paid out from the ball payout device.

[0003] Such a ball payout device has one drive source such as a motor for performing a ball payout operation. By controlling the drive source at a fixed and constant payout speed, the ball is paid out.

[0004]

However, in this type of gaming machine, since the payout speed of the balls by the ball payout device is always constant, there are the following problems regarding the payout of the balls. When a large number of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time due to continuous prize payout conditions caused by occurrence of a continuous prize such as at the time of a big hit or the like, a payout at a constant speed. A situation may occur in which the amount of balls to be paid out from the payout device exceeds the supply capacity of the amount of balls to be supplied to the gaming machine for payout from the gaming machine installation island. When such a state occurs, there is a problem that the payout of the prize ball cannot be performed reliably, for example, there is a possibility that there is no ball to be paid out and the payout of the prize ball is interrupted, and a shortage of the number of payouts may occur. Was.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably paying out prize balls.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which a ball is paid out in accordance with a predetermined payout condition being satisfied, wherein the condition of the premium ball payout condition is satisfied. And a prize ball dispensing means capable of changing the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time, and the prize ball dispensing means being operable independently of the Ball-lending payout means capable of paying out a ball-lending in accordance with the establishment of a condition, and means for controlling a gaming state of the gaming machine, and a game control means capable of outputting command information relating to the payout of balls, Means for controlling the payout of the balls in each of the prize ball payout means and the lending ball payout means, the ball payout control means being capable of controlling the payout of the balls in accordance with the command information And said prize ball payout means First ball detecting means capable of detecting a standby prize ball waiting in a state in which payout is possible, and determining the presence or absence of the standby prize ball based on a detection output of the first ball detecting means. A first judging means, a second ball detecting means capable of detecting a standby lending ball which is waiting in a state in which the lending can be paid out, and a detection output of the second ball detecting means. And second determining means for determining whether or not the standby lending ball is present, based on which the ball payout control means determines whether there is no standby prize ball by the first determining means. When it is determined that there is a ball, the number of prize balls paid out per unit time by the prize ball payout unit is smaller than the number of prize balls paid out per unit time in the stage before it is determined that there is no standby prize ball. Is controlled to decrease the value of Characterized in that when it is determined that a waiting rental ball after it is determined that more no wait rental balls does not change the payout credit balls per unit time by the rental ball dispensing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the first determining means is provided in the game control means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the game control means determines that there is no standby prize ball by the first determination means. In this case, the stop command information that can specify that the payout of the prize ball is stopped is output. After that, when the state where the first determination unit determines that there is the standby prize ball continues for a predetermined period, the prize is output. It outputs permission command information capable of specifying that the payout of the ball is permitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the game control means is provided between the game control means and the ball payout control means. The information is transmitted by one-way communication from the device to the ball payout control means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the game control means outputs information from inside the game control means to the outside. But an irreversible output means that cannot input information from the outside to the inside of the game control means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a game area is provided in the gaming machine, in which a ball is hit. A game board, provided in the game area, the payout condition of the prize ball is established by the winning of the hit ball, further includes a plurality of prize areas that are classified into a plurality of different types of the number of prize balls to be paid out, The game control means includes: storage means capable of storing information on the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with a prize in each of the plurality of prize areas for each type of prize area; Is determined based on the information stored in the storage means, and information that the determined number of prize balls to be paid out is determined based on information stored in the storage means. Possible command information can be output Characterized in that it comprises a decree information output means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the game control means further comprises: It is characterized in that command information for commanding the payout of balls can be output immediately.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed. By the function of the prize ball payout means, the prize ball can be paid out according to establishment of the prize ball payout condition, and the number of prize ball payouts per unit time can be changed The number of prize ball payouts per unit time can be changed It is. By the function of the ball lending means which can operate independently of the premium ball discharging means, it is possible to pay out the ball lending in accordance with the fulfillment of the conditions for paying out the ball.
It is possible to output command information relating to the payout of balls by the operation of a game control unit that controls a game state of the gaming machine. By the function of the ball payout control means, which is a means for controlling the payout of balls in each of the prize ball payout means and the lending ball payout means, it is possible to control the payout of the balls in accordance with the command information. . By the function of the first ball detecting means, it is possible to detect a waiting prize ball which is waiting in a state where the prize ball can be paid out by the prize ball paying means. By the function of the first determining means, the presence or absence of a standby prize ball is determined based on the detection output of the first ball detecting means. By the function of the second ball detecting means, it is possible to detect the waiting ball lending which is in a state where the payout by the ball payout means is possible. By the function of the second determination means,
Based on the detection output of the second ball detecting means, it is determined whether or not there is a standby ball lending. By the further action of the ball payout control means, when it is determined by the first determination means that there is no standby prize ball, and when it is determined that there is a standby prize ball, it is determined that there is no standby prize ball. Control is performed to change the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time by the prize ball payout unit to be smaller than the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time in the stage, but it is determined by the second determination unit that there is no standby lending. If it is determined that there is a standby lending after the completion of the lending, the number of lending to be paid out per unit time by the lending out means is not changed.

As described above, the prize ball payout means and the lending ball payout means can operate independently, and the number of prize balls paid per unit time can be changed for the prize ball payout means. The payout and the payout of the lending ball can be controlled independently in terms of the payout speed and the like. When it is determined that there is no waiting prize ball after it is determined that there is a waiting prize ball, that is, the payout of the prize ball is interrupted due to continuous prize ball payout due to occurrence of a big hit etc. Later, when the standby prize ball is replenished and the prize ball can be paid out, the number of the prize ball per unit time is too large and the replenishment of the standby prize ball cannot catch up. The payout of prize balls is interrupted. When the standby prize ball is exhausted in this manner, in the subsequent payout of the prize ball, the number of prize balls per unit time at the stage before it is determined that there is no standby prize ball is per unit time. Control is performed to decrease the number of prize balls to be paid out. In this manner, when the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time is too large, the payout speed is adjusted to reduce the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time, so that the prize balls are not interrupted. Can be paid out. As a result, it becomes possible to pay out the prize ball reliably. On the other hand, the ball payout means, which can be controlled independently of the premium ball payout means, does not change the number of payouts per unit time, even when there is no standby lending. In the case of paying out lending balls, continuous payouts such as big hits are rarely performed as compared with the case of paying out prize balls. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the payout speed so as to complicate payout control. For this reason, if the control of decreasing the number of payouts per unit time is performed in the same manner as in the case of paying out prize balls in accordance with the disappearance of standby lending balls, such control becomes unnecessary and unnecessary. I will.
Therefore, by not performing such control,
It is possible to simplify the control contents regarding the payout of the ball.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the following operation is performed.
First determination means is provided in the game control means. As described above, since the game control means is provided with the first determination means, the game control means is also used for determining the presence or absence of the standby prize ball. Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide the first determination means. Is eliminated, so that the number of parts of the gaming machine can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the following operation is performed. By further action of the game control means, when the first determination means determines that there is no standby prize ball, stop command information capable of specifying that the payout of the prize ball is stopped is output. When the determination unit determines that there is a standby prize ball for a predetermined period, permission command information that can specify that the payout of the prize ball is permitted is output. In this way, when it is determined that there is no standby prize ball, stop command information capable of specifying that the prize ball is to be paid out is output, so that the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout means is stopped. You. It is necessary to output the permission command information in order to restart the payout of the prize ball stopped in such a manner. Since the permission command information is output on condition that the state where it is determined that there is a standby prize ball continues for a predetermined period, the payout of the stopped prize ball is performed in a state where the existence of the standby prize ball is reliably recognized. Since it is possible to restart, it is possible to pay out the prize ball in a state where the state in which the prize ball cannot be paid out can be surely resolved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed. Between the game control means and the ball payout control means, information is transmitted from the game control means to the ball payout control means by one-way communication. As described above, since the transmission of information between the game control means and the ball payout control means is performed based on the one-way communication from the game control means to the ball payout control means, the information is transmitted from the ball payout control means to the game control means. It is possible to minimize the illegal control operation of the game control means due to the input of illegal data.

According to the present invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the following operation is performed. By the function of the irreversible output means included in the command information output means, it is possible to output information from the inside of the game control means to the outside, but it is impossible to input information from the outside to the inside of the game control means. In this way, it is possible to output information from the inside of the game control means to the outside, but it is impossible to input information from the outside of the game control means to the inside, so that the game control means sends the information to the ball payout control means. One-way communication is ensured. This makes it possible to prevent an illegal act of inputting an illegal signal from outside the game control means such as the ball payout control means to the inside of the game control means and performing an illegal control.

According to the present invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, it operates as follows. In the game board provided in the gaming machine,
A game area into which a ball is hit is formed. In the game area, a plurality of prize areas are provided in which a prize ball payout condition is satisfied by winning of a hit ball, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is classified into a plurality of different types. By the storage means included in the game control means, it is possible to store information on the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the prize in each of the plurality of prize areas for each type of the prize area. By the operation of the command information output means included in the game control means, when there is a prize in the prize area, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area in which the prize has been won is based on the information stored in the storage means. It is possible to output command information that can specify that the determined number of prize balls to be paid out is determined. When exchanging the game board, generally, the game control content is changed with the exchange of the game board, so that the game control means is also exchanged with the game board. When the game control content is changed, the number of prize balls to be paid out for each type of the prize area may also be changed. Information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the winning area in which the prize has been won is determined based on the storage information of the storage means included in the game control means, and it can be specified that the determined number of prize balls to be paid out is to be paid out. Since the command information is output from the command information output means included in the game control means, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area, which is information necessary for the payout control by the ball payout control means, is determined by the game control. It depends on the command information sent from the means side. For this reason, the ball payout control means can perform appropriate payout control only in accordance with the command information sent from the game control means side regarding the payout of prize balls, so that when exchanging the game board,
There is no need to replace the ball payout control means. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can very easily respond to exchange of gaming boards in terms of controlling payout of prize balls.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed in addition to the operation of the first aspect. By the further function of the game control means,
When the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, command information for instructing prize ball payout can be output immediately. in this way,
When the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, the command information for instructing the payout of the prize ball can be output immediately. Since the processing is not required, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control of the game control means.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine, and a predetermined payout condition is satisfied. The present invention can be applied to all gaming machines in which balls are paid out accordingly.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and a card unit 50 installed corresponding thereto.

The card unit 50 is provided with a card available indicator lamp 151.
Is notified to the player by the lighting or blinking of the card availability indicator lamp 151. The card unit 50 is installed in a state where it is inserted between a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 installed on a gaming machine installation island, and a connection stand direction display indicates which of the left and right gaming machines is connected. Is displayed by the display 153.

When a player inserts a so-called nationwide common card having a card balance recorded therein into the card insertion slot 155, the card balance recorded on the nationwide common card is read. Next, when the player performs a predetermined ball lending operation, the balance of the lending unit amount set in advance is reduced, and the hit ball of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is supplied with the ball for the lending unit amount. Lent to plate 3.

The card unit 50 is provided with a fraction display switch 152. This fraction display switch 152
By pressing, information such as a card balance and an error code when an error occurs is displayed on an information display (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the figure, reference numeral 156 denotes a card unit lock, which is configured so that the front side of the card unit 50 can be opened by inserting a predetermined key into the card unit lock 156 and performing an unlocking operation.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. Behind this glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably mounted. Further, on the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. A surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for a player to operate a hit ball are provided below the hit ball supply tray 3. When the player operates the hit ball operation handle 5, the hit ball supply tray 3 is operated.
The pachinko balls stored inside can be fired one by one. The fired pachinko balls are guided to the game area 7 between the section rails 2 formed on the game board 6.
In the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device 8 for variably displaying a special symbol, which is an example of identification information, on condition that a starting ball is hit into the starting port 14. The variable display device 8 is provided with a variable display 10 in which a symbol is variably displayed as a hit ball passes through the pass gate 11a, a pass storage display 10a, and a start storage display 18. . Further, a movable piece 15 is provided below the variable display device 8.
The variable winning prize ball device 1 which is in an open state where a hit ball can be won by tilting of the opening 14 provided on the left and right and the opening / closing plate 20.
9 are provided. In addition, as a general winning opening, a winning opening 24a is provided above the variable display device 8, a winning opening 24d, 24e is provided on the left and right of the variable winning ball device 19, and a winning opening 24b, 24c is provided below the left and right of the game area 7. , Respectively. Reference numeral 26 denotes an out port which is collected as an out ball when the hit ball does not win any of the winning ports or the variable winning ball devices, and 25 is a decorative lamp.

A game effect LED 28 is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7.
a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on during the payout of the prize ball, a prize ball device (a prize ball device 97a described later) that operates to pay out a prize ball (prize ball), and A ball cutout lamp 52 is provided which is turned on when a ball cutout is supplied to a ball lending device (a ball lending device 97b described later) for paying out a lending ball.
Speakers 27 for generating sound effects such as stereo sound are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the speaker.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 6. With reference to this front view, the outline of various game machines and games will be described below.

The variable display device 8 is constituted by a CRT display capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of special symbols. On the variable display unit 9 at the center of the variable display device 8, a plurality of types of special symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom on condition that a start winning has occurred. Thereafter, as a result of the variable display being terminated after a lapse of a predetermined period of time, the big hit becomes a big hit if the slotted pattern of the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed. In addition, when a big hit occurs in a predetermined positively changing symbol among the big hit symbols, the state changes to a probability fluctuation state, and the big hit probability changes to a high probability. When a big hit occurs, the open / close plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 19 is tilted to open a big winning opening. As a result, the first state is controlled to be advantageous to the player who can make the ball hit the large winning opening, and the gaming state becomes a gaming state (specific gaming state) advantageous to the player.

The large winning opening of the variable winning ball device 19 is divided into a specific winning area and a normal winning area. The winning ball that has won the specific winning area is detected by the V count switch 22. On the other hand, a normal winning ball that has won a normal winning area is detected by the count switch 23. The V count switch 22 and the count switch 23 are both
The prize balls that have won each prize area are quickly detected by the switches 22 and 23, and 15 prize balls are paid out each time a prize ball is detected.

The first state of the variable winning ball device 19 is when the number of hit balls entering the special winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9) or when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When one of the earlier conditions is satisfied, the process is temporarily terminated and the opening / closing plate 20 is closed. As a result, the variable winning ball device 19 is controlled to the second state which is disadvantageous for a player who cannot make a hit ball. And
On condition that the ball hit during the period when the variable prize ball device 19 is in the first state makes a specific prize in the specific prize area and is detected by the V count switch 22, the variable prize ball device 19 is again set. Is set to the first state. The upper limit number of executions of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times. In the repetition continuation control, a state in which the variable winning ball device 19 is in the first state is called a round. When the upper limit number of times of the execution of the repetition continuation control is 16, the variable prize ball device 19 is used for the first round to the 16th round for 16 rounds.
State.

A warp entrance 11 is provided on each of the left and right portions of the variable display device 8.
The hit ball that has entered the warp entrance 11 is
The water flows downward through the back side of the game and is discharged again to the game area 7 from the warp outlet 13. Therefore, the warp exit 13
The ball that has been ejected from the ball is in a state where it is relatively easy to win the starting port 14. Usually, a symbol starting gate 11a is provided on the passage of the ball hitting the warp entrance 11 provided on the left side portion of the variable display device 8.

A ball hitting the symbol starting gate 11a is detected by the gate switch 12. The variable display 10 is variably started on condition that the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12. If a further hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 while the variable display 10 is variably displaying, the passing ball is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the storage number, and the storage number is passed. It is displayed on the storage display 10a.

The variable display 10 is composed of a 7-segment display, and variably displays identification information usually called a symbol. If the display result of the variable display 10 becomes a predetermined special display mode (for example, 7), "hit" is obtained.
When the display result of "hit" is derived on the variable display 10,
A pair of left and right movable pieces 15 provided in the starting port 14 is opened. As a result, the starting port 14 is in an open state, and the hit ball can be more easily started and won. If one of the hit balls wins while the starting port 14 is in the open state, the movable piece 15 closes to the original position, and the hit ball returns to a state in which it is difficult to win. Further, if a predetermined period has elapsed since the opening of the starting port 14, the movable piece 15 is closed to the original position and the open state ends even if a start winning does not occur. The starting winning ball that has won the starting opening 14 is promptly detected by the starting opening switch 17 provided on the game board 6. When the starting winning ball is detected by the starting port switch 17, five winning balls are paid out, and the variable display device 8 is variably started based on the detected output. The start winning detected by the start port switch 17 while the variable display device 8 is variably displayed is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the number of storages, and the stored number is displayed on the start storage display 18.

The general winning opening 24 (24a, 24b,
24c, 24d, and 24e), the winning balls switch 240 (240a, 2) provided on the gaming board 6
40b, 240c, 240d, 240e), and is quickly detected, and based on this, ten prize balls are paid out.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

On the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 3, a ball tank 38 is provided above a mechanism plate 36,
In a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island,
A supply ball is supplied to the ball tank 38 from a supply gutter provided on the gaming machine installation island. That is, in the ball tank 38, the ball is supplied from above. The ball in the ball tank 38 reaches the ball payout device 97 through the guiding gutter 39. This ball payout device 9
Reference numeral 7 denotes a prize ball device (not shown in FIG. 3) capable of changing the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time, which can pay out a prize ball in accordance with establishment of a prize ball payout condition. And a ball lending device (not shown in FIG. 3) that can operate independently of the lending and can pay out the lending in accordance with establishment of the lending payout condition. The prize ball device in this case is configured so that the number of prize balls paid out per unit time, that is, the payout speed of prize balls can be changed. As described above, the prize ball device and the ball lending device can operate independently, and the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time can be changed for the prize ball device. Can be independently controlled in terms of payout speed and the like.

Here, an example is shown in which the prize ball device and the ball lending device are collectively arranged in the ball payout device 97.
The present invention is not limited to this, and the prize ball device and the ball rental device may be configured separately.

A terminal board 160 provided with a terminal, a power connector, a power switch and the like for outputting each information in the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the outside is installed on the upper portion of the mechanism board 36. In addition, on the back surface of the terminal board 160, a power board on which a power circuit for generating a voltage used in various boards is mounted is installed.

The ball tank 38 is screwed at a predetermined position of the upper base unit 161 (at this position, a concave portion is formed along the side surface shape of the ball tank 38) by mounting pieces provided on the left and right sides. Installed in. The ball tank 38 is formed in a box shape having an open upper surface, and a drop port 1 connected to a guiding gutter 39 downstream of the bottom surface.
68 are formed. A ball break detection lever 166 pivotally supported on the inclined bottom surface above the drop port 168.
Is provided.

Below the ball-break detection lever 166, a ball-break detection switch 167 is provided. When the out-of-ball detection switch 167 detects a shortage of replenishment balls in the ball tank 38, a replenishment ball request signal is output to a hall computer installed in the game arcade and the game board 6
Is turned on. The out-of-ball detection lever 166 turns off the out-of-ball detection switch 167 when replenishment balls are present in the ball tank 38, and the out-of-ball detection switch 167 when there is no more replenishment balls in the ball tank 38. Is turned on.

The guide gutter 29 disposed on the downstream side of the ball tank 38 is attached so as to be inclined from one end of the upper base unit 161 to the other end. A partition wall 39a is installed in the center of the inside of the guide gutter 39, and the partition wall 39a is installed gradually higher to ensure that the supply balls flowing out of the drop openings 168 are arranged in two rows on the right and left downstream. . A ball leveling member 170 is installed in the upper part on the downstream side of the guide gutter 39.
It acts so that the supply balls that flow in stages become one stage.
On the downstream side of the ball leveling member 170, a ball stopper 171 and a ball leveling metal 172 are provided. Ball stopper 1
Reference numeral 71 is for temporarily stopping the supply balls stored in the guide gutter 39 at the time of failure or inspection. The ball leveling fitting 172 is for finally aligning the supply balls in one stage.

On the further downstream side of the guide gutter 39, an inverted "ku"
A curve gutter 174 forming a U-shaped passage is connected. The curved gutter 174 is moved in the front-rear direction 2 by the guiding gutter 39.
The supply balls flowing down in a row are changed in direction so as to drop toward the ball payout device 97 in three rows in the left-right direction.
A bead opening is formed at the bent portion of the curve gutter 174, and the bead opening is closed by a bead removal valve 175. The ball removal valve 175 is opened by inserting a ball removal pin from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, a ball removal passage 176 is formed below the ball removal valve 175.

At the lower left and right sides of the curve gutter 174, connecting projections 177 are provided. The connecting protrusion 177 has a connecting recess 1 formed at the upper end of the intermediate base unit 162.
82 is inserted. In this state, screws are made from above the connecting recess 182, and the intermediate base unit 162 is
It is fixed to the upper base unit 161. The passage body through which the supply ball passing through the curve gutter 174 passes and the ball payout device 97 are fixed to the intermediate base unit 162. The configurations of the intermediate base unit 162 and the ball payout device 97 will be described later.

A lower base unit 163 is provided below the mechanism plate 36. A prize ball collecting gutter 203 is provided at an approximately middle position on the front side (the game board 6 side) of the lower base unit 163. The winning ball collecting gutter 203 receives the winning ball that has won each of the winning devices of the game board 6, and guides the winning ball to a winning ball processing device 115 described later. Therefore, the downstream side of the prize ball gathering gutter 203 is a prize ball guide passage 205 for causing the prize balls to flow down one by one. In addition, an out ball guiding passage 206 for guiding out balls from the out port 26 of the game board 6 is also formed. The end of the out-ball guiding path 206 is formed so as to merge with the bobble lower path 207.

On the rear side of the lower base unit 163 (far side from the game board 6), a prize ball payout passage 208 is formed. An upper plate communication port 210 is formed at the lower end of the prize ball payout passage 208. Upper plate communication port 210
Is for guiding a prize ball to the hit ball supply tray 3 installed on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A ball-drop lower passage 207 communicating with the ball-drop passage 176 is formed on the side of the prize-ball discharge passage 208. Ballless lower passage 207
Communicates with the prize ball payout passage 208 and the winning ball exit 221 on the way, and finally merges with the out ball guide passage 206.

Below the lower base unit 163, a board box 149 attached to the prize ball lending control board storage section 148 is installed. In the board box 149,
The prize ball lending control board 37 is stored. A connector 153 for connecting wiring from the prize ball device and the ball rental device in the ball payout device 97, the winning ball processing device 115, and the card unit 50 is provided on the prize ball lending control board 37.
Is installed. Then, the lower base unit 163
A winning ball processing device 115 that holds a winning ball and detects the held winning ball is disposed on the lower right side of the game device.

Next, the structure of the intermediate base unit 162 and the ball payout device 97 installed on the mechanism plate 36 will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the intermediate base unit 162 and the ball payout device 97 installed on the mechanism plate 36.

As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate base unit 1
A connecting concave protrusion 182 is formed above and below 62. The connection concave protrusion 182 connects and fixes the intermediate base unit 162 to the upper base unit 161 and the lower base unit 163.
The upper connecting concave protrusion 182 is connected and fixed to the connecting protrusion 177 of the lower base unit 163, and the lower connecting concave protrusion 182 is connected and fixed to the connecting protrusion 202 of the lower base unit 163.

A passage 184 is fixed above the intermediate base unit 162. The ball dispensing device 97 is fixed to a lower portion of the passage body 184. Passage body 184
Are ball passages 186a, 186 through which three rows of prize balls whose flow direction has been changed from left to right by the curve gutter 174 flow down.
b, 186c. Of these ball paths, ball paths 186a and 186b are paths for supplying balls to the prize ball device, and ball paths 186c are paths for supplying balls to the ball lending apparatus.

On the upstream side of the ball passages 186a, 186b, 186c, corresponding to the ball cutout switches 187, respectively.
a, 187b and 187c are installed. The ball breaking switches 187a, 187b, 187c are connected to the ball passage 186.
a, 186b, and 186c is for detecting the presence or absence of a ball waiting in the apparatus. When the presence of a ball is not detected, that is, when a ball-cut state is detected, the detection output is turned on (ON). ) State. Ball switch 187a,
Reference numeral 187b denotes a switch for detecting a broken prize ball.
When at least one of these switches does not detect the ball, it is determined that the prize ball is out of ball, and the rotation of the prize ball motor (not shown in FIG. 4) in the prize ball device is stopped to pay out the prize ball. Is deactivated. In addition, the out-of-ball switch 187c is a switch for detecting out-of-ball of lending,
When this switch stops detecting a ball, it is determined that the ball lending is out of ball, the rotation of the ball lending motor (not shown in FIG. 4) in the ball lending device is stopped, and the ball lending is deactivated. The switch 187a, 187b, 1
87c is a ball passage 186a, 186b, 186c 27
It is locked by a locking piece 188 at a position where it can be detected that there are ~ 28 prize balls.

The central portion of the passage body 184 is formed in a shape curved right and left so as to reduce the ball pressure of the ball flowing down inside. A stop hole 189 is formed in the ball passages 186a and 186b. The mounting boss provided on the intermediate base unit 162 is fitted into the back surface of the stop hole 189. In this state, the set screw is screwed, and the passage body 184 is fixed to the intermediate base unit 162. Before being screwed, the positioning of the passage body 184 can be performed by a locking piece 185 provided on the intermediate base unit 162.

Below the passage body 184, a ball payout device 97 is provided.
The prize ball is supplied to the ball and a ball payout device 9 is provided in the event of a failure or the like.
7 is provided with a ball stopping device 190 for stopping the supply of prize balls to the prize ball device and the ball rental device. The ball payout device 97 installed below the ball stopping device 190 is housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case 198. Case 198
Protrusions are provided at four places on the left and right sides of. The lower end of the case 198 is fitted into the elastic engagement piece 201 provided at the lower part of the intermediate base unit 162 in a state where each projection is related to the positioning projection 200 provided on the intermediate base unit 162.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams showing various control boards used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 and components related thereto. 5 and 6, as game control boards, a game control board (also referred to as a main board) 31, a prize ball lending control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a voice control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a display control board 80. It is shown.

The game control board 31 includes a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in accordance with a program, and various switches (gate switch 12, starting port switch 17, V
Count switch 22, count switch 23, winning opening switch 240 (240a, 240b, 240c, 24
0d, 240e), a switch circuit 58 for supplying a signal from a full switch 402) for detecting the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for operating the movable piece 15 of the starting port 14, and a variable winning ball. A solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening / closing plate 20 of the device 15 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53; And a lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the LED 25.

Also, according to the data supplied from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating occurrence of a jackpot, effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used for variable display of the variable display section 9, and occurrence of probability fluctuation. Is output to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 53 is a microcomputer for game control, a ROM 54 for storing a program for game control, and a RAM used as a work memory.
55, which performs a control operation according to a control program
It includes a PU 56 and an I / O port unit 57. Note that RO
The M54 and the RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56 in some cases. Further, the game control board 31 includes a basic circuit 53
An address decode circuit 67 is provided for decoding an address signal provided from the I / O port and outputting a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports in the I / O port unit 57.

In the ROM 54 of the basic circuit 53, in addition to the above-mentioned program for controlling the game, for example, a plurality of winning regions (variable winning ball device 19, starting port 1) as described above.
4. General winning opening 24 (24a, 24b, 24c, 24
d, 24e)), information on the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with each of the prizes is stored for each type of prize area. Therefore, when paying out prize balls in accordance with winning, the payout number of prize balls is determined with reference to the data stored in the ROM 54.

The basic circuit 53 is reset when the power is turned on. Further, the basic circuit 53 periodically (for example, 2 ms)
Each time the interrupt process is executed, the game control program is executed again from a predetermined position each time the interrupt process is executed.

A hit ball launching device that hits and launches a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launch control board 91. The driving force of the driving motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob (ball hitting operation handle) 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. A launch control signal for controlling the launch state of the hit ball is given from the winning ball lending control board 37 to the launch control board 91. In the firing control board 91, when the firing control signal is at the LOW level, the firing of the hit ball is prohibited, and the firing of the hit ball is controlled to be impossible. On the other hand, when the firing control signal is at the HIGH level, the firing of the hit ball is permitted, and the firing of the hit ball is controlled to be possible.

From the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending control board 3
7 includes command data (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a command) as command information related to award ball payout control, and
A prize ball command including command data as command information relating to payout control of a lending ball is transmitted. Game control board 31
When the prize ball command is output from, an INT signal indicating the valid period of the prize ball command is output accordingly. The award ball command and the INT signal are at a low level (off state) in an invalid state, and are at a high level (on state) in a valid state. The prize ball command is composed of 7-bit data. The lower 4 bits are used to specify the number of prize balls, and the upper 3 bits are used to specify the control content.

In accordance with such a prize ball command, the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 provided on the prize ball lending control board 37 individually controls the prize ball device 97a and the ball lending device 97b. The prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 performs a control operation in accordance with a ROM 375 storing a program for prize ball control (including control relating to ball lending), a RAM 376 used as a work memory, and a prize ball control program. It includes a CPU 371 and an I / O port 372. ROM 375,
The RAM 376 may be built in the CPU 371 in some cases.

Information such as command data for display control as command information relating to display control of the variable display device 8 is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80.
The game control board 31 is provided with an output buffer circuit 373c.
Command data for display control is output from the game control board 31 via c, and sent to the display control board 80. The output buffer circuit 373c is an irreversible input interface that permits output of information from the inside of the game control board 31 to the outside, but does not allow input of information from the outside of the game control board 31 to the inside. Therefore, the display control board 8
There is no room for information to be transmitted from the 0 side to the game control board 31 side. Thereby, even if the circuit in the display control board 80 is tampered with, the information output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31. For this reason, one-way communication of information between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 is ensured, and the game control board 3
It is possible to reliably prevent an illegal act of causing the user 1 to input illegal information and perform illegal control.

The game control board 31 to the ramp control board 35
The game effect LED 28a controlled by the lamp control board 35, the prize ball lamp 50,
2, and information such as command data for lamp control as command information relating to control of the game effect lamps 28a and 28b are transmitted. An output buffer circuit 373b is provided on the game control board 31, and command data for lamp control is output from the game control board 31 from the basic circuit 53 via the output buffer circuit 373b, and is sent to the lamp control board 35. The output buffer circuit 373b is an irreversible input interface that allows the output of information from the inside of the game control board 31 to the outside, but does not allow the input of information from the outside to the inside of the game control board 31. Therefore, the game control board 3 is moved from the lamp control board 35 side.
There is no room for information to be transmitted to one side. As a result, even if a circuit in the lamp control board 35 is tampered with, information output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31. For this reason, one-way communication of information between the game control board 31 and the ramp control board 35 is ensured, and an illegal act of causing the lamp control board 35 to input unauthorized information to the game control board 31 and performing unauthorized control. Can be reliably prevented.

From the game control board 31 to the voice control board 70, information such as command data for voice control as command information relating to control of voice such as sound effect output from the speaker 27 is transmitted by the voice control board 70. You. The game control board 31 is provided with an output buffer circuit 373a. Command data for voice control is output from the game control board 31 from the basic circuit 53 via the output buffer circuit 373a, and is sent to the voice control board 70. The output buffer circuit 373a is an irreversible input interface that permits output of information from the inside of the game control board 31 to the outside but does not allow input of information from the outside of the game control board 31 to the inside. Therefore, there is no room for information to be transmitted from the voice control board 70 side to the game control board 31 side. Thereby, even if the circuit in the voice control board 70 is tampered with, the information output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31. Therefore, one-way communication of information between the game control board 31 and the inside of the voice control board 70 is ensured, and the unauthorized control is performed to allow the voice control board 70 to input incorrect information to the game control board 31 to perform an unauthorized control. Action can be reliably prevented.

The detection signal from the full switch 402 is
It is input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 71. In addition, detection signals from the out-of-ball detection switch 167 and the out-of-ball switches 187a to 187c are input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. CPU56
When the detection signals from the burn-out switches 187a to 187c indicate a burn-out state,
When the detection signal indicates that the tank is full, a prize ball prohibiting command and a ball lending prohibition command are sent to the prize ball control microcomputer 370 of the prize ball ball lending control board 37 according to the situation, and the prize ball device is executed. The payout of the prize ball by the 97a and the payout of the ball by the ball lending device 97b are stopped.

Various winning opening switches 240, gate switches 12, starting opening switches 17, V count switches 2
2. The detection signal of the count switch 23 is
Is input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the. The ROM 54 of the game control board 31 stores a winning detection switch (240, 17, 22,
The prize ball number information which can specify the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the detection signal of 23) is stored. R of basic circuit 53
The OM 54 includes a prize detection switch (240, 17, 2).
The information on the number of prize balls that can specify the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the detection signals (2, 23) is stored. The game control board 31 specifies the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection signal of each switch, changes the INT signal for prize ball control from the invalid state to the valid state, and specifies the payout control content and the number of prize balls. The awarded ball command is output to the award ball lending control board 37 via the I / O port 57. For this reason, the payout control of the prize ball is quicker than the conventional gaming machine which pays out the prize ball after the detection of the all prize ball detection switch for detecting all the prize balls provided on the mechanism plate on the back of the game board. Can be performed. Furthermore, various winning detection switches (240, 17,
22 and 23) are individually provided on the game board 6 corresponding to the respective winning ports, so that the winning of a hit ball can be detected earlier, whereby the payout control of the prize ball can be performed more quickly. Can be.

The portion of the I / O port 57 for outputting the prize ball command can output information from the inside of the game control board 31 to the outside, but can input information from the outside of the game control board 31 to the inside. It is constituted by an output buffer as irreversible output means which is impossible. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the award ball lending control board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if an unauthorized alteration is added to the transmission path of the award ball command, a signal output by the illegal alteration is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. For this reason, one-way communication of signals between the game control board 31 and the prize ball lending control board 37 is ensured, and an incorrect signal (data) is input to the game control board 31 via the transmission path of the prize ball command. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent an unauthorized act of performing an unauthorized control operation.

The game control board 31 immediately outputs the prize ball command even if the payout of the prize ball based on the previously output prize ball command is not completed. The prize ball command and the INT signal transmitted from the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending control board 37 are sent to the I / O via the buffer circuit 373.
Input to the O port 372. The prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 controls a drive signal given to the prize ball device 97a or the ball lending device 97b based on the prize ball command, and controls payout of the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball command. Perform payout control. Prize ball lending control board 37
The prize ball command is sent one after another regardless of whether or not the prize ball payout based on the previous prize ball command is completed. The data is stored in the RAM 376, and the payout of balls is sequentially performed based on the stored data. This eliminates the need for the game control board 31 to perform processing for storing the next prize ball command even when the payout of the prize ball based on the previously output prize ball command is not completed, and This eliminates the need to perform a process of outputting a prize ball command while checking the operation status of the prize ball lending control board 37 side, so that the control load of the basic circuit 53 is reduced.

The RAM 55 stores counters (counters A, B, and C) that can be stored for each number of prize balls to be paid out. In the counter A, detection signals of the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23, that is, detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 15 are collectively stored. The counter B stores a detection signal of the starting port switch 17, that is, a detection signal corresponding to the number of payouts = 5. The counter C stores a detection signal of each winning port switch 240, that is, a detection signal corresponding to the number of payouts = 10.

Each of the prize ball device 97a and the ball lending device 97b is provided with a ball supply passage individually.
Pachinko balls supplied to the prize ball device 97a and the ball lending device 97b from these supply passages are paid out as prize balls and lending balls from these devices. Prize ball device 9
Each supply passage of 7a and the ball rental device 97b is
Although they are provided individually, their supply passages branch off from one passage on the downstream side of the ball. That is, the path for guiding the pachinko balls supplied from the ball tank provided on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is branched into two, and the prize ball device 97a and the ball lending device 97
This constitutes the respective supply passages b.

As described above, in the pachinko ball supply passage to the prize ball device 97a, the ball cutout switches 187a and 187b capable of detecting the presence or absence of a ball in the supply passage.
The switch 187a, 18
7b detects the broken ball state of the prize ball device 97a.
As described above, in the supply path of the pachinko balls to the ball lending device 97b, the ball cutout switch 187c capable of detecting the presence or absence of a ball in the supply path is provided. The broken ball state of the device 97b is detected.

Inside the prize ball device 97a, two prize ball paths A and B for paying out prize balls are formed, and between the prize ball paths A and B, both paths A and B are provided. And an award ball motor 289A for driving the award ball advancing screw for alternately awarding the award ball. In the prize ball device 97a, the prize ball motor 289A is driven by a drive signal provided from the prize ball lending control board 37 to the prize ball lending control board 37 via the relay board 72 to pay out the prize balls.

On the other hand, the ball lending device 97b is provided with one ball lending passage for paying out ball lending, a ball lending payout screw for paying out ball lending from the ball lending passage, and the ball lending screw. A ball rental motor 289C for driving the screw for feeding is provided. In the ball lending apparatus 97b, a ball lending motor 289C is driven by a drive signal given from the prize ball lending control board 37 via the relay board 72 to pay out (lending) balls.

Further, inside the prize ball device 97a, a prize ball motor position sensor 300A for detecting that the prize ball feed screw has rotated by a predetermined angle, and after being fed by the prize ball feed screw, The ball feeder 3 from the ball mechanism
A prize ball count switch (# 1) 301A and a prize ball count switch (# 2) 301B are provided for detecting a ball falling toward the lower side of the prize ball mechanism portion.
Prize ball count switch (# 1) 301A is award ball passage A
And detects a prize ball paid out from the prize ball passage A. On the other hand, award ball count switch (# 2) 301
B is provided corresponding to the prize ball path B, and detects a prize ball paid out from the prize ball path B. In the prize ball device 97a, one prize ball is paid out from the prize ball device 97a each time the prize ball feeding screw rotates by a predetermined angle and the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned ON / OFF once.

Similarly, the ball lending mechanism portion of the ball lending apparatus 97b is fed by a ball lending motor position sensor 300C for detecting that the ball feeding screw has rotated a predetermined angle, and a ball lending screw. After that, a ball lending count switch 301C for detecting a ball falling from the ball lending mechanism toward the hitting ball supply tray 3 on the lower side of the ball lending mechanism is provided. In the ball lending device 97b, the ball lending payout screw rotates by a predetermined angle and the ball lending motor position sensor 3
Ball lending device 97b every time 00C is turned ON / OFF once
Pays out one lending ball.

Winning ball count switches 301A, 301B
Is input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 72. Game control board 3
The CPU 56 provided for the prize ball count switch 3
The number of prize balls paid out is counted based on the detection signals from 01A and 301B, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out. If the detection signal is not input from the prize ball count switches 301A and 301B even after the predetermined period has elapsed even though the number of prize balls paid out is insufficient, it is determined that an error has occurred. And
A command for error notification is output to the voice control board 70 and the display control board 80. As a result, a predetermined notification sound is generated from the speaker 27 controlled by the voice control board 70, and a predetermined error display is performed on the variable display device 8 controlled by the display control board 80. This allows
The pachinko gaming machine 1 enters an error state.

The detection signal from the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is input to the I / O port 372 of the prize ball lending control board 37 via the prize ball sensor board 73. The prize ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 counts the number of prize balls paid out based on the detection signal from the prize ball motor position sensor 300A, and when the number of prize balls paid out reaches a predetermined number, Finish paying out prize balls. The prize ball lending control board 37 includes:
Since the detection signals of the award ball counting switches 301A and 301B are not input, the award ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 counts the number of award balls using the detection signal from the award ball motor position sensor 300A. The final determination as to whether or not the prize balls have been paid out as scheduled is made on the game control board 31 side to which the detection signals of the prize ball count switches 301A and 301B are input. For this reason, even when the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 determines that the payout of the predetermined number of prize balls has been completed, the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 determines that the prize balls are insufficient. Means that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in an error notification state.

The detection signal from the ball lending count switch 301C is input to the I / O port 372 of the winning ball lending control board 37 via the relay board 72. Further, the detection signal from the ball lending motor position sensor 300C is
I / O port 372 of prize ball lending control board 37 through 3
Is input to Based on the detection signal from the ball lending count switch 301C, the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 determines that a prize ball has been paid out.

The microcomputer 370 for controlling the award ball lending outputs a lending number signal indicating the lending number to the terminal board 160 via the I / O port 372.
The buzzer drive signal is output to the buzzer board 75. A buzzer is mounted on the buzzer board 75. Further, a signal for outputting an error signal is input to the error display LED 374 via the I / O port 372.

The buffer circuit 373 allows signal transmission only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending control board 37, but goes from the prize ball lending control board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. This is an irreversible input interface that does not transmit signals. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the award ball lending control board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if a circuit in the prize ball lending control board 37 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. For this reason, one-way communication of the signal between the game control board 31 and the prize ball lending control board 37 is ensured, and an illegal signal is input from the prize ball lending control board 37 to the game control board 31 so that an illegal signal is input. It is possible to surely prevent a fraudulent act of performing control.

Circuits similar to the buffer circuit 373 include a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a firing control board 91, and a display control board 80 in addition to the prize ball lending control board 37.
Are provided in a similar manner on each control board. For this reason, the game control board 31 and each control board 35, 70, 80
One-way communication between the control board 3 and each control board 3
It is possible to reliably prevent an illegal act of inputting an illegal signal from the game control board 5, 70, 80 to the game control board 31 to perform an illegal control.

The card unit 50 is equipped with a microcomputer for controlling the card unit. Also,
The card unit 50 is provided with a fraction display switch 152, a connecting stand direction indicator 153, a card insertion display lamp 154, and a card insertion slot 155 (see FIG. 1). The balance display board 74 is connected to a frequency display LED, a ball lending switch, and a return switch provided near the hit ball supply tray 3.

The balance display board 74 is used to move the card unit 50
In response to the player's operation, a ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are given via the prize ball lending control board 37.

As described above, the game control board 31 is provided with various winning detection switches (240, 1) provided on the game board 6.
7, 22, 23), the prize ball command can be immediately output to the prize ball lending control board 37 based on the input of the detection signal, so that immediately after the hit ball enters various winning ports, Prize balls are paid out. For this reason, the payout control of the prize ball can be performed more quickly than the conventional gaming machine that pays out the prize ball after the detection of the common all prize ball detector provided on the mechanism plate on the back of the game board. . Furthermore, since the various winning detection switches (240, 17, 22, 23) are provided individually on the game board 6 corresponding to the respective winning ports, it is possible to detect the winning of the hit ball more quickly. The payout control of the prize balls can be performed more quickly.

The card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and the ball lending possible display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card are displayed on the balance display board 74 from the card unit 50.
7 is provided. Between the card unit 50 and the prize ball lending control board 37, a unit ball lending operation signal (BR
DY signal), ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), ball lending completion signal (EXS signal), and pachinko machine operation signal (PR
DY signal) is exchanged. In addition, although not shown, the prize ball lending control board 3
7, a card unit connection confirmation signal used for confirming on the prize ball lending control board 37 that the card unit 50 is connected to the prize ball lending control board 37 is given.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball lending control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50 and the ball lending switch is operated to input the ball lending switch signal, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRDY signal to the prize ball lending control board 37. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRQ signal to the prize ball lending control board 37. Then, the CPU 371 for controlling a prize ball of the prize ball lending control board 37 drives a ball lending motor 289C,
A predetermined number of lending balls are paid out to the player. When ball lending is being executed, the EXS signal is turned on. As a result, the prize ball lending control board 37 and the card unit 50
Is notified that he is lending a ball. In other words, EXS
The signal is also used to notify the card unit 50 that a ball is being lent. Then, when the payout is completed, the award ball control CPU 371 turns off the EXS signal given to the card unit 50. Thus, the award ball lending control board 37 notifies the card unit 50 that the ball lending has been completed. That is, the EXS signal is used for transmitting two types of information, that is, during ball lending and ball lending completion.

As described above, all the signals from the card unit 50 are input to the prize ball lending control board 37. Therefore, regarding the ball lending control, no signal is input from the card unit 50 to the game control board 31, and there is no room for a signal to be illegally input from the card unit 50 side to the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31. .

The game control board 31 and the prize ball lending control board 37 are provided with circuits for driving solenoids, motors and lamps, but these circuits are omitted in the figure.

Next, the award ball command will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the data of the prize ball command output from the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31. The basic circuit 53 outputs command data in the format shown to the lamp control board 35, the prize ball lending control board 37, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80. Here, a prize ball command will be described as a representative example.

The command data is composed of, for example, 7 bits of 8-bit transmittable data as shown in the figure. Of these, bit 7 is used for the INT signal. As described above, the format of the command data includes the lamp control board 35, the award ball lending control board 37,
Since the voice control board 70 and the display control board 80 are common, the operation for creating command data for specifying the control operations of various control boards becomes easy.

In the command data for award ball control, the number of award balls is specified by a binary number using bits 0 to 3, and the control content is specified by a binary number using bits 4 to 6. The bit 7 is not used for specifying the number of winning balls, but is used for an INT signal. For example, when bits 4 to 6 are “001”, normal payout is designated. The prize ball command in which the normal payout is specified in this way is called a prize ball number command. Bit 4
If bit 6 is "010", ball lending prohibition is designated. When bits 4 to 6 are “011”, release of ball lending prohibition is designated. Bits 4 to 6 are "10
In the case of "0", prohibition of firing (prohibition of firing of hit balls) is specified. When bits 4 to 6 are "101", release of firing prohibition is designated. Bit 4 to Bit 6 are "110"
In the case of, prize ball prohibition is specified. Bit 4 to bit 6
Is "111", prize ball prohibition cancellation is designated.

When the normal payout is performed in accordance with the winning, the normal payout is designated by bits 4 to 6 and
Bits 0 to 3 specify the number of payouts according to the winning. In the case other than the normal payout, the control content is specified by bits 4 to 6, but “0001” is fixedly specified by bits 0 to 3. That is,
“0001” in bits 0 to 3 specifies non-payout. Therefore, in cases other than the normal payout, the number of balls to be paid out is not specified, and no payout is made.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the manner in which the prize ball lending control board 37 receives the prize ball command. As described above, when the signal state of the INT signal is at a high level, the signal is valid, and when the signal is at a low level, the signal is invalid. When transmitting new command data, the game control board 31 switches the INT signal from the low level to the high level for 4 ms, and transmits the command data of the required prize ball command to the prize ball lending control board 37 for 4 m.
Output continuously for s. When it is necessary to continuously output award ball commands, a command non-output period of at least 4 ms is provided between commands as an interval period.
Therefore, when it is necessary to continuously output the prize ball command, the INT signal becomes high level for 4 ms, and after the prize ball command is continuously output for 4 ms, the INT signal is output for at least 4 ms. The output of the prize ball command is stopped at the same time as the low level, and then I
This is a command transmission mode in which the NT signal goes high for 4 ms and the prize ball command is continuously output for 4 ms.

The prize ball lending control board 37 executes various controls based on the data of the prize ball command input when the INT signal is at the high level. Once the control based on the command data is started, the prize ball lending control board 37 continues the control until new command data is input.

As indicated by "1" in the figure, the prize ball lending control board 37 extracts the prize ball command data when the INT signal changes from the invalid state to the valid state, and stores it in a predetermined storage area. To store. Thereafter, when 500 μs elapses, the prize ball command data is extracted again as indicated by “2” in the figure. Then, it is confirmed that the newly extracted award ball command data matches the award ball command data extracted at the timing. After that, another 500 μs
At the point in time when elapses, as shown by "3" in the figure, the command data is extracted again, and on the condition that the command data has not changed, the control corresponding to the award ball command data is executed. In other words, the award ball command data is extracted three times in succession while the INT signal is in the valid state, and when all the extraction results match, the award ball command data is regarded as regular data.

If the results of the three extractions of command data do not coincide with each other, the extraction is repeated three times while the INT signal is in the valid state. When all the extraction results match by re-extraction, the award ball command data is regarded as regular data. As described above, the prize ball command data input from the game control board 31 is monitored for a predetermined period (during the period in which the INT signal is in the valid state), and when the content of the prize ball command data does not change (extracted three times). In the case where the obtained data continuously match), the prize ball command data is regarded as normal data, and control is performed in accordance with the prize ball command data. Can be prevented from being erroneously controlled based on the data even when the data is changed to data different from the original data. As a result, highly accurate payout control can be performed.

The command data need only have a valid period of one time in a series (4 mS in the embodiment), and only the INT signal may fall and the command data may be continuously output. In other words, the output in a mode that can be received by the award ball lending control board side may be one time.

The reception of such command data is similarly performed in each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80 other than the award ball lending control board 37. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained in each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80 other than the award ball lending control board 37.

The prize ball command includes a game control board 3
When outputting from 1, the output priority is determined in advance. The highest priority is the ball lending prohibition command. Hereinafter, the prize ball prohibition command, the firing prohibition command, the ball lending prohibition release command, the prize ball prohibition release command, the firing prohibition release command, and the prize ball number command (in FIG. 8, The priority is lower in the order of “payout”). Further, in the case of the prize ball number command, even with the same payout, the payout having the larger number of prize balls has higher priority.

If it is necessary to output a plurality of award ball commands at the same time, the award ball commands are output in order from the one with the highest priority according to the priority determined in this way. As described above, the prize ball commands are sequentially output according to the priority order, so that the processing load on the basic circuit 53 can be reduced. The reason is as follows.
In other words, if it is necessary to output a plurality of award ball commands at the same time, and if a plurality of award ball commands are to be output at the same time, it is necessary to greatly increase the number of bits of the transmission command. In order to simultaneously prepare a number of data, it is necessary to process a large amount of data at the same time, so that the processing load on the basic circuit 53 that handles such data increases. On the other hand, when the prize ball commands are output in order according to the priority order, it is not necessary to output a plurality of types of command information at the same time, so that the amount of data to be processed simultaneously for output can be suppressed. Thus, the processing load on the basic circuit 53 can be reduced.
Similarly, the microcomputer 370 for controlling the prize ball lending does not need to simultaneously output a plurality of types of command information, so that the amount of data to be simultaneously processed for output can be suppressed. Therefore, the processing load of the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 can be reduced.

Since the priority of the award ball command output is determined, a command important for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be output as soon as possible.

Next, a process for operating the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. First, the processing executed by the basic circuit 53 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main processing and interrupt processing executed by the basic circuit 53. In FIG. 9, (a) shows the main processing,
(B) shows the interrupt processing.

Referring to FIG. 9A, in the main process, first, a stack set process for setting a designated address of a stack pointer is performed (S1). Next, an initialization process is performed (S2). In the initialization process,
The basic circuit 53 determines whether an error is included in the RAM 55, and if an error is included, performs processing such as initializing the RAM 55 and initial setting of various flags. Further, in the initialization process, a process of setting a timer interrupt time (for example, 0.002 seconds) for defining the timing at which an interrupt process to be described later is executed is set in the CPU 56. As a result, clocking for defining the execution timing of the first interrupt process after resetting due to power-on or the like is started.

Next, a display random number update process for determining a stop symbol or the like is performed (S3). In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a special symbol stop symbol in the variable display of the variable display device 8 is determined based on a random number (counter value of a random counter). In this S3, the display random number for determining such a stop symbol is updated. The display random number update process is continuously executed repeatedly by an infinite loop. However, when an interrupt process described later is started, the display random number update process is temporarily stopped at an executing position in a program constituting the display random number update process. When the interrupt processing is completed, the execution is resumed from the position of the suspended program.

Next, referring to (b) of FIG. 9, the interrupt processing is performed by setting the clock value of the timer for the timer interrupt managed by the CPU 56 to the set value (timer interrupt time set in S2 or S15). Execution is started every time.

In the interrupt processing, first, display control data setting processing for setting a command code sent to the display control board 80 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (S4), and then the command code is output as display control data. A display control data output process is performed (S5).

Next, processing for transmitting predetermined commands for sound generation and LED lighting control to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70 is performed, and the jackpot information, the start information, and the probability variation information are transmitted to the hall management computer. A data output process for transmitting such data is performed (S6). In addition, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by the self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and error processing is performed according to the results, if necessary, to issue an alarm if necessary (S7).

Next, a process of updating each counter indicating various random numbers for determination used in the game control is performed (S
8). In S8, specifically, the judgment random number such as the jackpot determination random number is updated. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, it is determined whether or not to generate a big hit based on the extracted value of the big hit determination random number.

Next, the basic circuit 53 performs a special symbol process (S9). In the special symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Also, a normal symbol process is performed (S10).
In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

Further, the basic circuit 53 includes a gate switch 12, a starting port switch 17a, a V count switch 2
2. The state of the count switch 23 and the like is input, and a switch process is performed to determine whether or not there is a prize for each winning port or variable prize ball device (S11). Furthermore, basic circuit 5
3 performs a display random number update process for updating a display random number for determining a stop symbol or the like (S12).

Further, the basic circuit 53 performs a winning ball signal process with the microcomputer 370 for controlling the award ball lending (S13). That is, when the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The basic circuit 53 outputs a prize ball command and an INT signal to the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 together with the INT signal. The prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 controls the drive of the prize ball device 97a. Further, the basic circuit 53 performs a winning ball command output process for outputting a winning ball command (S14).

The game control microcomputer 31 further performs a timer interrupt time setting process (S15). In S15, a process of setting the timer interruption time (for example, 0.002 seconds) as described above in the same manner as in S2 is executed. After S14, this interrupt processing ends. As a result, at the end of this interrupt processing, the timer interrupt time is set in S14, and the time measurement for defining the execution timing of the next interrupt processing is started. Therefore, the time for the timer interrupt is measured each time the interrupt processing ends, and thereafter, the interrupt processing is executed every time the timer interrupt time elapses. When the interrupt processing is completed, the execution of the above-described program of the main processing is resumed from the position where it was temporarily stopped.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the starting winning opening check process executed by the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53.

The winning opening check process is a process included in the switch process executed in S11 of the interrupt process shown in FIG. First, the CPU 56
It is checked whether the seed start port switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value (SS1). The first-type starting port switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal of the starting port switch 17 continues.
If the first-type starting port switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, that is, if the duration of the input signal has not yet reached the specified value, the input signal may have noise or the like, and processing is performed. To end. On the other hand, when the first-type start-up switch counter matches the switch-on determination value, it is determined that the start-up switch 17 has detected the start winning, and the counter B is updated (+1) (SS2). It should be noted that the counter B is provided with the starting port switch 17 as described above.
, Ie, a detection signal corresponding to the number of payouts = 5. Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol winning storage counter for counting the number of starting memories is equal to or more than the maximum value (= 4) of the special symbol winning memory counter (SS3). If the maximum value has been reached, the process ends without storing the start. If the maximum value has not been reached, the special symbol winning storage counter is updated (+1) (SS4). Next, a special symbol determination bank address corresponding to the count value of the newly stored special symbol winning storage counter is calculated (SS5). Next, the fluctuation shortening set time for shortening the variable display time of the special symbol is temporarily set in the fluctuation shortening timer bank (SS6). Note that the change reduction setting time set here can be changed to a normal variable display time according to the number of startup storages evaluated in SS11 described later. That is, when the number of stored memories is large, the setting is maintained as it is, and when the number of stored memories is small, the display time is changed to a normal variable display time.

Next, a special symbol determination random number for determining whether or not the variable display result is a big hit is extracted (SS
7). Next, a reach determination random number is extracted for determining whether or not the reach is established during the variable display (SS
8). Next, the special symbol determination random number extracted in SS7 is set in the special symbol determination bank, and the reach determination random number extracted in SS8 is set in the reach determination bank (SS
9). Next, the special symbol determination random number extracted in SS7 is set in the specific symbol determination bank (SS10). The special symbol determination bank is a bank that determines whether to generate a big hit based on the special symbol determination random number, or whether to generate a probability variable big hit that causes a probability variation,
The specific symbol determination bank is a bank used to determine the type of the stopped symbol according to the determination result by the special symbol determination bank.

Next, after executing the special symbol determination processing (S
S11), the process ends. In the special symbol determination process, the variable display result of the variable display device 8 is determined based on the values stored in the specific symbol determination bank and the special symbol determination bank.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening check process executed by the CPU 56. This special winning opening check process is performed in S11 of the interrupt process shown in FIG.
This is a process included in the switch process executed by.

In the special winning opening check process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the count switch counter does not coincide with the switch-on judgment value (ST1). The count switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal from the count switch 23 continues. If the count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process proceeds to ST5 described later. If the count switch counter matches, the count switch 23 determines that the winning has been detected and sets a count passage flag indicating that (see FIG. 5). S
T2). Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag value indicating the gaming state is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened (ST3). If the value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, the process proceeds to ST5 described later. If the value indicates that the special winning opening is being opened, a special winning opening winning counter updating process is executed (ST4). Here, the counter A is added and updated based on the previously set count passage flag. As described above, the counter A is a counter that stores the detection signals of the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23, that is, the detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 15. Next, it is checked whether the V count switch counter (specific area count switch counter) does not match the switch-on determination value (ST5). The V count switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the detection signal output from the V count switch 22 continues. If the V count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process proceeds to SB20 described later. If they match, it is determined that the V count switch 22 has detected a winning. Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened (ST6). If the value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, the process proceeds to ST8 described later. If the value indicates that the special winning opening is being opened, a special winning opening winning counter updating process is executed (ST7). Here, the V count switch 22
And updates the counter A based on the detection signal of Next, it is determined whether or not the continuation number counter for counting the number of executions of the repetition continuation control of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is equal to or more than the final value (= 16) of the continuation number counter (ST).
8). If the final value is reached, the process proceeds to SB20 described later. If the final value is not reached, a specific area passing flag indicating that the hit ball has passed the specific area is set (ST9).

Next, it is checked whether or not the winning opening switch counter matches the switch-on judgment value (ST10).
The winning opening switch counter is provided for each winning opening switch 240.
(240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240
The counter is added and updated as the output of the detection signal of e) continues. If the winning opening switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process ends. If they match, it is determined that the winning opening switch 240 has detected a winning, and the counter C is added and updated (ST1).
1). After that, the process ends. Note that the counter C is
As described above, the counter stores the detection signal of each winning opening switch 240, that is, the detection signal corresponding to the number of payouts = 10.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing the winning ball signal processing executed by the CPU 56. As described above, the winning ball signal processing is executed once every 2 ms.

In the winning ball signal processing, first, the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 executes a ball lending possibility determination process (SA1). This ball lending possibility determination process is a process for determining whether or not ball lending is possible, and the content of the process will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, a firing possibility determination process is executed (SA2). This firing possibility determination process is a process for determining whether or not it is possible to fire a hit ball, and the content of the process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the timer T6 has timed out (SA3). Here, the timer T6 is restarted repeatedly each time a timeout occurs, and is used for defining a check period of the number of errors in order to make an error that cannot be recovered if the accumulated number of errors exceeds a predetermined number at the time of the timeout. Timer. If the timer T6 has timed out, the timer value of the timer T6 is cleared and the value of the winning ball error counter is checked (S
A6). If timer T6 times out, SA
After the determination of 3, the timer value of the timer T6 is cleared. If the value of the winning ball error counter has exceeded a predetermined value, an error state is entered (SA9). In the error state, the basic circuit 53 enters a halt state (HALT state).

If the value of the winning ball error counter does not exceed the predetermined number when the timer T6 times out, the winning ball error counter is initialized (SA7), and the timer T6 is started again (SA8).

As will be described later, the value of the winning ball error counter is counted up when it is detected that the number of winning balls is insufficient. Therefore, if a prize ball shortage error less than the predetermined number occurs within the predetermined time (within the count-up time of the timer T6), the state is not canceled. in this way,
If the halt state is not set immediately when the prize ball shortage error occurs, and the halt state is set if the prize ball shortage error occurs frequently, the gaming machine will not be able to respond to the error that occurs temporarily and recovers naturally. Does not become inoperable. In addition, when a prize ball shortage error frequently occurs, an inspection or the like is often required. In such a case, the gaming machine can be made inoperable.

Here, the timer T6 is started irrespective of the occurrence of an error, and every time the timer T6 times out, the number of errors generated at the time T6 is checked. However, when an error occurs, the timer is started. Other monitoring methods may be used. In short, any monitoring method may be used as long as it can detect that an error has occurred more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the prize ball paying flag is on (SA4). If turned on, SB
Move to 1. If the prize ball paying flag is not on, it is confirmed whether or not a prize is detected (SA5).
Specifically, it is determined with reference to the counters (counters A, B, C) of the RAM 55 described above whether or not a winning has been detected. If no winning has been detected, the process ends. On the other hand, when a winning is detected, a winning ball possible determination process is executed (SA10). This prize ball possibility determination process is a process for determining whether or not a prize ball can be paid out, and the content of the process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, after the prize ball possible determination processing is completed, a prize ball number command corresponding to winning is output in accordance with the following priority order. First, it is determined whether or not a winning is detected by the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 (SA11). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the counter A has a stored value.

In this embodiment, fifteen prize balls are paid out for a prize that has passed through the special winning opening. Therefore, when a winning is detected by the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 (counter A> 0), 15 is set as the expected number of winning detection winning balls (SA13), and then the total winning ball counter is set to "15". The addition is updated (SA14). Next, the counter A is updated by subtracting "1" (SA14a). Here, the total prize ball counter is a counter for counting the total number of prize balls to be paid out.

If no winning is detected by the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23, the general winning opening 24, that is, each winning opening switch 240 (240)
a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e), it is determined whether or not a winning is detected (SA12). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the counter C has a stored value. In this embodiment, ten prize balls are paid out for a winning through the general winning opening 24. Therefore, the winning is detected by each winning opening switch 240 (counter C> 0).
Occasionally, ten are set as the expected prize ball count (SA15), and then the total prize ball counter is updated by adding "10" (SA1).
6). Next, the counter C is updated by subtracting "1" (SA1).
6a).

When no winning is detected by any of the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and each winning opening switch 240, it can be determined that the winning opening is detected by the starting opening switch 17. Specifically, it can be determined that there is a stored value in the counter B for storing the detection signal of the starting port switch 17. In this embodiment, in order to pay out five prize balls for a winning through the starting opening 14,
If NO is determined in SA12, 5 is set as the expected prize ball count (SA15), and then the total prize ball counter is set to "5".
The addition is updated (SA16). Next, the counter B is set to “1”.
The subtraction is updated (SA16a).

As described above, the game control board 31 performs the payout control corresponding to each detection signal in accordance with a predetermined priority order even when the detection signals are simultaneously input from a plurality of winning detection switches. . SA13, S described above
The scheduled prize ball numbers in A15 and SA19 are set with reference to data on the number of prize balls paid out for each prize area stored in the ROM 54.

Thereafter, the CPU 56 sets a prize ball command output flag to output a prize ball command according to the expected number of prize balls (SA17).

As described above, a prize ball command corresponding to each detection signal is output in a predetermined priority order so that control when detection signals are simultaneously input from a plurality of winning detection switches is facilitated. . The prize ball lending control microcomputer 37 on the prize ball lending control board 37
The CPU 371 of 0 performs the prize ball payout control of the number specified by the prize ball command.

Next, the CPU 56 turns on the award ball paying-out flag (SA18) and terminates the process. Next, when the prize ball signal processing is executed, since the prize ball paying-out flag is ON in SA4, the process proceeds from SA4 to SB1.

At SB1, it is checked whether the error display flag is on. If turned on, SB1
Move to 4. The error display flag will be described later. If the error display flag is not on, it is determined whether or not the award ball count switch ON flag is on (SB2). Note that the prize ball count switch O
The N flag is a flag that is set in SB4 described later when the prize ball count switch is turned on.

If the award ball count switch ON flag is ON, the flow shifts to SB6 described later. If the winning ball count switch ON flag is not turned on, it is determined whether or not the winning ball count switch is turned on (SB)
3). Here, the output of the winning ball count switch used in the winning ball signal processing is actually the winning ball count switch (# 1) 301A and the winning ball count switch (#).
2) This corresponds to the output (OR) of the output of 301B. When the ON of the winning ball count switch is detected, the winning ball count switch ON flag is set ON (SB4). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the prize ball count switch has been turned off (SB6). If the prize ball count switch has not been turned off, the prize ball signal processing is temporarily terminated, and the prize ball signal processing is performed again. When executed, SB6
It is determined whether or not the award ball count switch has been turned off. When it is turned off, the counter value of the total winning ball counter is decremented and updated (-1) (SB8), and the timer T1 is started (SB9). Here, the timer T1 is a timer which is started or restarted every time the output of the prize ball count switch is turned on after being turned on. When the timer T1 times out, the number of payouts is checked.

If the award ball count switch is not turned on in SB3, it is confirmed whether or not the timer T1 is operating (SB5). If the timer T1 is not operating, the process ends. On the other hand, if the timer T1 is operating, it is confirmed whether or not the timer T1 has timed out (SB
10). If the timeout has not occurred, the process ends.
Next, when the prize ball signal processing is executed, the prize ball paying flag is turned on, so that SA4 to SB1 are also used.
Move to

The value of the timer T1 (the time from the start to the time-out) is a payout cycle (from when the prize ball count switch 251a or 251b is turned off to when it is turned on next time) when payout is normally performed. Period) is set longer. Therefore, when the payout is performed normally, except for the last payout, the timer T1
Before the time-out occurs, the next award ball count switch is turned on (SB3). That is, when the payout is normally performed, the timer T1 times out only after the last payout is performed.

In SB10, when the timer T1 times out, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the total prize ball counter is "0" (SB11). If the timer T1 times out, after the determination of SB10, the timer T1
Is cleared. When the payout is completed normally, the counter value of the total prize ball counter becomes “0”.
Therefore, when the counter value of the total prize ball counter becomes “0”, the prize ball paying flag is turned off to stop outputting the prize ball command (SB12), and the process proceeds to SA5.

On the other hand, if the counter value of the total prize ball counter is not "0" when the timer T1 times out, it is checked whether the counter value of the total prize ball counter is smaller than "0". Is performed (SB13). When the counter value of the total prize ball counter is not smaller than "0", that is, when it is determined that the payout is insufficient, an error display process is executed (SB14), and thereafter, the process proceeds to SB12. The contents of the error display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

As described above, on the game control board 31, the payout state of the prize balls is monitored based on the detection signals of the prize ball count switch (# 1) 301A and the prize ball count switch (# 2) 301B. Therefore, the award ball lending control board 37
Therefore, it is not necessary to input information indicating the payout state of the prize ball to the game control board 31. Therefore, even if it is configured such that information is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending control board 37 in order to prevent a fraud on the game control board 31,
There is no problem that it becomes impossible for the game control board 31 to determine the payout state of the prize balls.

On the other hand, when the counter value of the total prize ball counter is smaller than "0", that is, when it is determined that the payout is excessive, the total prize ball counter is reset (SB15).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to SB12.

Next, when the prize ball signal processing is executed, the prize ball paying flag is on, so that SA4 to SB1 are set.
Move to When the winning ball count switch is turned off after it is determined in SB2 that the winning ball count switch on flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the winning ball count switch on flag (SB7), and the counter of the total winning ball counter is reset. The value is decremented by 1 (SB8). And
The timer T1 is restarted (SB9) and the process ends.

In the winning ball signal processing described above,
The expected number of prize balls according to the winning area is determined with reference to the data stored in the ROM 54, and the prize ball number command output flag is set so as to execute the payout of the expected number of prize balls. When the prize ball number command output flag is set, a prize ball number command is output by a prize ball command output process described later. Then, according to the award ball number command, the award ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 performs the award ball payout control. For this reason, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area, which is information required for controlling the prize ball payout by the prize ball ball lending control microcomputer 370, is transmitted from the basic circuit 53 side. Depends on the ball count command. Thereby, the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 can perform appropriate payout control only in accordance with the prize ball command sent from the basic circuit 53 side regarding the payout of the prize ball.

As described above, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area used for the payout control by the prize ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 is transmitted from the basic circuit 53 side to the prize ball number command. , The following effects can be obtained. When the game board 6 is replaced, generally, the game control content is changed with the replacement of the game board 6, so that the game control board 31 including the basic circuit 53 is also replaced with the game board 6. . When the content of the game control is changed, the payout number of the ball lending for each type of the prize area may be changed. Since the information on the number of paid-out prize balls corresponding to the prize area used in the payout control by the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 depends on the prize ball number command sent from the basic circuit 53 side, The prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 can perform appropriate payout control only in accordance with the command information sent from the basic circuit 53 side regarding the prize ball payout. If a winning ball number command can be received, it can be applied to a game control board including a new basic circuit. Therefore, when exchanging the game board 6, there is no need to exchange the award ball lending control board 37 including the award ball lending control microcomputer 370. Thus, it is possible to provide the pachinko gaming machine 1 that can extremely easily respond to the exchange of the gaming board 6 in terms of controlling the payout of the prize balls.

FIG. 14 shows the SA of the winning ball signal processing described above.
5 is a flowchart showing a ball lending possibility determination process executed by the first embodiment. In the ball lending possibility determination process, the CPU 5
In step S6, it is determined whether or not the full tank flag 1 is set (SC1). The full tank flag 1 is a flag that is set when the surplus ball tray 4 is full when there are balls to be paid out by the ball rental device 97b, and is a full tank flag for lending a ball.

If it is determined that the full tank flag 1 is set, the flow advances to SC17 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full tank flag 1 is not set, it is determined whether or not the ball-out switch 187c detects that there is a ball-lending (detection that there is a ball-lending to be paid out). (SC2). Such a determination can be made by providing a circuit for performing the determination separately from the basic circuit 53. However, by providing such a determination function in the basic circuit 53, the basic circuit 53 can be used to determine whether there is a ball lending. Since it can also be used for the determination of presence / absence, there is no need to provide a separate determination circuit, so that the number of components of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

When it is determined that there is no ball lending, the process proceeds to SC3 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a ball lending, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition flag is in an on state (set state) (SC8). Here, the ball lending prohibition flag is a flag for indicating that ball lending is prohibited. If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to SC9 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag has not been turned on, SC13
Then, based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402, it is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is detected.

If it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the ball lending possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full state is detected, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T8 by “1” is performed (SC14). Here, the timer T8 is a timer for measuring the duration of the full state detection state, and is used to determine whether or not the full state flag 1 is set.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer T8 has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402 so that the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be full. Is performed (SC15). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is instantaneously detected based on a detection continuation time considered to be impossible when noise is mixed and a ball flowing down state so as to prevent erroneous detection of a full state due to noise. It is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) for excluding a case where a state occurs. If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T8 has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer T8 has reached the predetermined value, it is determined that the surplus ball tray 4 is full and the full tank flag 1 is set (SC16). If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T8 has reached the predetermined value, the timer value of the timer T8 is cleared in SC16. After SC16, SC6 described later
Then, the ball lending prohibition flag is turned on (set state), the ball lending prohibition command output flag is turned on (set state) in SC7, and the ball lending possible determination processing ends.

Here, the ball lending prohibition flag is a flag that is set when it indicates that ball lending is prohibited. The ball lending prohibition command output flag is a flag set when a ball lending prohibition command is output as a prize ball command.

If it is determined in SC8 that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state and the process proceeds to SC9, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer by "1" is performed. (SC9). here,
The ball lending possibility determination timer is a state in which the ball lending is prohibited based on the ball out detection by the ball out switch 187c.
This is a timer used to determine the timing to automatically release the ball lending prohibition state when the ball-out switch 187c enters the non-ball-detection state. In other words, when the cutout switch 187c changes from the cutout detection state to the cutout non-detection state, if it is determined that the cutout state has been restored on condition that the nondetection state has continued for a certain period of time, It is possible to prevent erroneous determination of restoration due to noise or the like, and to reliably determine restoration of a broken-ball state.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the ball lending possible determination timer has reached a predetermined value (for example, 2000 mS) at which it can be determined that the broken-out state can be reliably restored (SC10). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is set to a value corresponding to a time during which noise can be eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of restoration due to noise or the like, and to reliably determine restoration of a broken-ball state.

If it is determined that the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer has reached the predetermined value, a process of turning off the ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SC1).
1). As a result, it is not possible to indicate that the ball lending is prohibited. The timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer is S
When it is determined in C10 that the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer has reached a predetermined value, the value is cleared. Then, after the process of setting the ball lending prohibition release command output flag to the ON state (set state) (SC12) is performed, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. Here, the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is a flag that is set when a ball lending prohibition release command is output as a prize ball command. When the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is set, a ball lending prohibition release command is sent to the winning ball lending control board 37.

As described above, in order to restart the payout of the lending which has been stopped due to the running out of the lending ball, it is necessary to output the lending prohibition command. Then, as described above, the ball lending prohibition release command is output on condition that the state in which it is determined that there is a ball lending based on the detection output of the ball out switch 187c has continued for a predetermined period.
Since it is possible to resume the stopped payout of lending balls in a state where the existence of lending lending is reliably recognized, the lending of lending balls can be reliably eliminated in a state in which the lending cannot be paid out. Can be paid out.

If it is determined at SC2 that the presence of a ball is not detected by SC2 and the process proceeds to SC3, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T7 by "1" is performed. Here, the timer T7 is a detection of the ball-break switch 187c so that the off-state of the ball-break switch 187c caused by the pachinko ball flowing through the supply passage to the ball lending device 97b is not erroneously regarded as a ball-break. This is a timer used to define the validity period.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer T7 has reached a predetermined value corresponding to the detection validity period of the burnout switch 187c (SC4). In this case, the predetermined value is set to a value longer than a value corresponding to the ON period of the on / off state of the ball breaking switch 187c caused by the movement of the pachinko ball supplied to the ball lending device 97b. That is, when the pachinko balls are flowing through the supply passage to the ball lending device 97b, unlike the case where the pachinko balls are stagnating, the ball breaking switch 187c is repeatedly turned on and off as the pachinko balls pass. However, if the case where the ball-break switch 187c is turned on at an extremely short timing is considered as a ball-break detection state, the short-time on-state during the on-off state due to the passage of the pachinko ball is erroneously regarded as the ball-break state. May be detected. In order to prevent such erroneous detection, the ball-out switch 187 waits for a period longer than the on-state period in the on-off state caused by the passage of the pachinko ball.
Only when c is on, it is determined that the ball is out of ball.

If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T7 has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer T7 has reached the predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition flag is in an on state (set state) (SC).
5). When it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state, the ball lending prohibition state is already in the ball lending prohibition state, and the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is not in the on state, a process of setting the ball lending prohibition flag to the on state is performed (SC6). This indicates that the ball lending is prohibited. Then, the ball lending prohibition command output flag is set to the ON state (set state) (SC7), and the ball lending possibility determination processing ends.

If it is determined in SC1 that the full tank flag 1 has been set and the process proceeds to SC17, it is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 has been detected based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402. Is determined.
If it is determined that the full state has been detected, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full state is not detected, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T15 by "1" is performed (SC18). Here, the timer T15 is a timer that measures the duration of the detection state of the non-full state,
It is used for determining whether or not to reset the full tank flag 1.

Next, the timer value of the timer T15 is set based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402, and
It is determined whether or not has reached a predetermined value that can be reliably determined to be in the non-full state (SC19). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous determination of the non-full state due to noise. ing. When it is determined that the timer value of the timer T15 has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, the timer T15
If it is determined that the timer value has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is no longer in the full state,
A process for resetting the full tank flag 1 is performed (SC2).
0). When it is determined that the timer value of the timer T15 has reached the predetermined value, the timer value of the timer T15 is cleared in SC20.

After the process of resetting the full tank flag 1 is performed, the process of turning off the ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SC11), and then the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is turned on (set state). Processing (SC1
2) is performed. Thereafter, the ball lending possibility determination processing ends. In this way, when the tank is no longer full, the ball lending prohibition flag is turned off,
It indicates that the ball lending is possible and the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is set, whereby the ball lending prohibition release command is sent to the prize ball lending control board 37.

As described above, the ball lending device 97b
In each of the cases where the broken ball state is detected and the surplus ball tray 4 becomes full, ball lending is prohibited. Then, when such a broken-out ball state and a full tank state are respectively restored, the ball lending prohibition is released accordingly. Since the release of the ball lending prohibition state is automatically performed without operation of the attendant, it is possible to save the labor of the attendant about the release of the ball lending prohibition state.

Further, based on the detection of the presence or absence of a payable ball lending by the ball out switch 187c, the ball lending device 97
b, it is possible to determine that it is in a state in which it is not possible to pay out balls, and if it is determined that it is in a state in which it is not possible to pay out balls, the payout of ball rental is prohibited (stopped). A ball lending prohibition command capable of specifying the effect is output to the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370, and the ball lending device 97 is output.
b, it is possible to stop the payout of the ball lending device.
7b can be managed.

In addition, based on the detection of the full tank by the full tank switch 402, it is possible to determine that the ball lending device 97b cannot pay out the ball lending, and in the state where the ball lending cannot be paid out. A ball lending prohibition command that can specify that the payout of ball lending is prohibited (stopped) when it is determined that there is a prize ball lending control microcomputer 3
Since the output of the ball lending device 97b can be stopped and the ball lending device 97b can stop paying out the ball lending by the ball lending device 97b, the state of the ball lending device 97b can be managed in the basic circuit 53 from the state of the surplus ball tray 4 being full. become.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the firing possibility determination process. This firing possibility determination process is a process executed by SA2 of the winning ball signal process shown in FIG.

First, based on a detection signal from the full tank switch 402, it is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is detected (SQ1). If it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the process proceeds to SQ7 described below. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full state is detected, it is determined whether the firing prohibition flag is in the on state (set state) (SQ2). Here, the firing prohibition flag is a flag for indicating that the firing of the hit ball is prohibited, and is turned on by SQ5 described later, and is turned off (reset state) by SQ10 described later. You.

If it is determined in SQ2 that the firing prohibition flag is in the ON state, the firing possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in SQ2 that the firing prohibition flag is not in the ON state, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T3 by “1” is performed (SQ
3). Here, the timer T3 is a timer that measures the duration of the full state detection state, and is used to determine whether or not the firing inhibition flag is to be turned on.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer T3 has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402 so that the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be full. Is performed (SQ4). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous detection of the full state due to noise.
Is set to When it is determined that the timer value of the timer T3 has not reached the predetermined value yet, the firing possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer T3 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is full, and a process of turning on the firing inhibition flag is performed (SQ5). . Then, the firing inhibition command output flag is turned on (set state) (S
Q6), the firing possibility determination processing ends. When the firing prohibition command output flag is turned on in this way, a firing prohibition command is output as a prize ball command.

If it is determined in SQ1 that the full state is not detected and the process proceeds to SQ7,
It is determined whether the firing prohibition flag is in the on state (set state) (SQ7). If it is determined in SQ7 that the firing prohibition flag is not in the ON state, the firing possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in SQ7 that the firing prohibition flag is in the ON state, processing is performed to add and update the timer value of the timer T2 by "1" (SQ8). Here, the timer T2 is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-full state detection state, and is used to determine whether or not to turn off the firing prohibition flag.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer T2 has reached a predetermined value at which the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be in the non-full state based on the detection signal from the full state switch 402. A determination is made (SQ9). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 seconds) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous determination of the non-full state by noise.
s). If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T2 has not reached the predetermined value yet, the firing possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer T2 has reached the predetermined value,
Is considered not to be in the full state, and the process of turning off the firing prohibition flag (reset state) is performed (SQ10). Then, the firing prohibition release command output flag is turned on (set state) (SQ11), and the firing possibility determination process ends. When the firing prohibition release command output flag is turned on in this way, a firing prohibition release command is output as a prize ball command.

As described above, when the surplus ball tray 4 becomes full, firing of hit balls is prohibited.
Then, when such a full state is restored, the firing prohibition is released. Since the release of the firing prohibition state is automatically performed without depending on the operation of the attendant, it is possible to save the time and effort of the attendant for releasing the release prohibition state.

FIG. 16 shows the SA of the winning ball signal processing described above.
10 is a flowchart showing a prize ball possible determination process executed by the CPU 10; In the prize ball possible determination process, the CPU 56
First, it is determined whether or not the full tank flag 2 is set (SD1). The full tank flag 2 is a flag that is set when the surplus ball tray 4 is full when there is a prize ball that can be paid out by the prize ball device 97a, and is a full tank flag for award balls.

If it is determined that the full tank flag 2 is set, the process proceeds to SD17 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full tank flag 2 is not set, the ball-out detecting device 187a, 187b operates the prize ball device 9
It is determined whether or not the detection of the presence of the prize ball (detection of the existence of the prize ball that can be paid out) in 7a is performed (S).
D2). Specifically, in the SD2, the broken-out detection switch 18
If both 7a and 187b are in the off state (non-broken state), it is determined that there is a prize ball present in the prize ball device 97a, and the ball out detection switch 187a, 1
When at least one of the balls 87b is in the on state (ball cut state), it is determined that there is no detection of the prize ball in the prize ball device 97a, that is, it is determined that the ball is broken. The determination of the presence of such a prize ball can be performed by providing a circuit for performing the determination separately from the basic circuit 53.
By providing such a determination function in the basic circuit 53, the basic circuit 53 can also be used for determining the presence or absence of a prize ball, so that there is no need to provide a separate determination circuit, so that the number of components of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reduced. It becomes possible to do.
As a result, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

If it is determined that the presence of the prize ball has not been detected, the process proceeds to SD3 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a winning ball, it is determined whether or not the winning ball prohibition flag is on (set state) (SD8). Here, the prize ball prohibition flag is a flag for indicating that the payout of the prize ball is in a prohibition state. If it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to SD9 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to SD13, and based on the detection signal from the full switch 402, whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is detected. Is determined.

When it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the prize ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full state is detected, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T5 by “1” is performed (SD14). Here, the timer T5 is a timer for measuring the duration of the full state detection state, and is used to determine whether or not the full state flag 1 is set.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer T5 has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402 so that it can be determined that the surplus ball tray 4 is fully filled. Is performed (SD15). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is instantaneously detected based on a detection continuation time considered to be impossible when noise is mixed and a ball flowing down state so as to prevent erroneous detection of a full state due to noise. It is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) for excluding a case where a state occurs. If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T5 has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer T5 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is full and the full tank flag 2 is set (SD16). When it is determined that the timer value of the timer T5 has reached the predetermined value, the timer value of the timer T5 is cleared in SD16. Thereafter, the process proceeds to SD6 to be described later, and sets the winning ball prohibition flag to the on state (set state). Then, in SD12, sets the winning ball prohibition command output flag to the on state (set state), and this winning ball possible determination processing ends.

Here, the prize ball prohibition flag is a flag that is set when the payout of prize balls is prohibited. The prize ball prohibition command output flag is a flag set when a prize ball prohibition command is output as a prize ball command.

If it is determined in SD8 that the winning ball prohibition flag is in the ON state and the process proceeds to SD9, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the winning ball possible determination timer by "1" is performed. (SD9). Here, the prize ball possible determination timer is a ball out switch 187a, 187
b, after the prize ball is in the prohibited state based on the detection of the prize ball of the prize ball device 97a (the determination that there is no prize ball is detected by SD2), the switch 187a, 187 of the ball is cut
This timer is used to determine the timing for automatically canceling the prize-ball prohibition state when the prize-ball apparatus 97a enters the non-ball-detection state. That is, when the cut-out switches 187a and 187b change from the cut-off detection state (at least one of them is turned on) to the cut-out non-detection state (both are turned off), the non-detection state continues for some time. If it is determined that the broken ball condition has been restored on the condition that
It is possible to reliably determine the recovery of the broken ball state.

Next, the timer value of the winning ball possible determination timer is
It is determined whether or not the predetermined value (for example, 2200 mS) has been reached to determine that the broken-out state has been successfully recovered (SD10). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is set to a value corresponding to a time during which noise can be eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of restoration due to noise or the like, and to reliably determine restoration of a broken-ball state.

When it is determined that the timer value of the prize ball possible determination timer has not reached the predetermined value yet, the prize ball possible determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the winning ball possible determination timer has reached the predetermined value, a process of turning off the winning ball prohibition flag is performed (SD11). As a result, the fact that the award ball payout is prohibited is not indicated. The timer value of the winning ball possible determination timer is cleared when it is determined in SD10 that the timer value of the winning ball possible determination timer has reached a predetermined value. Then, after the processing (SD12) for turning on the award ball prohibition release command output flag (set state) is performed, the award ball possible determination processing ends. Here, the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is a flag set when the prize ball prohibition release command is output as a prize ball command. By setting the prize ball prohibition release command output flag, a prize ball prohibition release command is sent to the prize ball lending control board 37.

As described above, it is necessary to output the prize ball prohibition cancel command in order to restart the payout of the prize ball stopped due to the prize ball running out. Then, as described above, on the condition that the state in which the prize ball is determined to be present in the prize ball device 97a based on the detection outputs of the cut-out switches 187a and 187b (both switches are off) has continued for a predetermined period. Since the prize ball prohibition release command is output, the payout of the stopped prize ball can be resumed in a state where the existence of the prize ball that can be paid out is reliably recognized, so that the prize ball cannot be paid out. The payout of prize balls can be performed in a state where the state has been surely canceled.

If it is determined in SD2 that the prize ball is not detected, and the process proceeds to SD3, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T4 by "1" is performed. Here, the timer T4 is a ball-break switch 187 in order to prevent the on-state of the ball-break switches 187a and 187b caused by the pachinko ball flowing through the supply path to the prize ball device 97a from being erroneously regarded as a ball-break.
a, 187b is a timer used to define the detection validity period.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer T4 has reached a predetermined value corresponding to the detection valid period of the burnout switches 187a and 187b (SD4).
The predetermined value in this case is a ball-break switch 187 generated due to the movement of the pachinko ball supplied to the prize ball device 97a.
a, 187b are set to values longer than the value corresponding to the ON period of the ON / OFF state. That is, when the pachinko balls are flowing through the supply path to the prize ball device 97a, unlike the case where the pachinko balls are stagnating, the ball breaking switches 187a and 187b are repeatedly turned on and off as the pachinko balls pass. However, if it is considered that the ball-break switches 187a and 187b are turned on at extremely short timings as the ball-break detection state, the short-time on-state during the on-off state associated with the passage of the pachinko ball becomes the ball-break state. May be erroneously detected. In order to prevent such erroneous detection, the ball-out switches 187a and 187b wait for a period longer than the off-state period during the on-off state caused by the passage of a pachinko ball.
Only when at least one of them is on, it is determined that the ball is in a broken state.

If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T4 has not reached the predetermined value, the winning ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer T4 has reached the predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the winning ball prohibition flag is in an on state (set state) (SD5).
If it is determined that the prize ball prohibition flag is on,
Since the prize ball is already in the prohibited state, this prize ball possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball prohibition flag is not in the on state, a process of setting the prize ball prohibition flag to the on state is performed (SD6). This indicates that the winning ball is prohibited. Then, the award ball prohibition command output flag is turned on (set state) (SD
7), the prize ball possible determination processing ends.

If it is determined in SD1 that the full tank flag 2 is set and the process proceeds to SD17, it is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 has been detected based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402. Is determined.
When it is determined that the full state has been detected, the prize ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full state is not detected, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer T16 by "1" is performed (SD18). Here, the timer T16 is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-full state detection state, and is used for determining whether or not to reset the full state flag 2.

Next, the timer value of the timer T16 is set based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 402, and
It is determined whether or not has reached a predetermined value that can be determined to be in the non-full state without fail (SD19). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous determination of the non-full state due to noise. ing. If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T16 has not reached the predetermined value, the prize ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer T16 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is no longer in the full state, and a process of resetting the full state flag 2 is performed (SD2).
0). When it is determined that the timer value of the timer T16 has reached the predetermined value, the timer value of the timer T16 is cleared in SD20.

After the process of resetting the full tank flag 2 is performed, the process of turning off the winning ball prohibition flag is performed (SD11), and then the winning ball prohibition release command output flag is turned on (set state). Processing (SD12)
Is made. Thereafter, the prize ball possible determination processing ends. In this way, when the state is no longer full, the prize ball prohibition flag is turned off, indicating that the prize ball can be paid out, and the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is set. By being set, a prize ball prohibition release command is sent to the prize ball lending control board 37.

As described above, the case where the broken ball state is detected in the prize ball device 97a and the surplus ball tray 4
In each case where is full, award balls are prohibited. Then, when such a broken-out state and a full state are respectively restored, the prize ball prohibition is released accordingly. Since the release of the prize-ball prohibition state is automatically performed without depending on the operation of the attendant, the labor of the clerk for releasing the prize-ball prohibition state can be saved.

Also, the burnout switches 187a and 187b
Can be determined based on the detection of the presence or absence of a prize ball that can be paid out from the prize ball device 97a, and it can be determined that the prize ball cannot be paid out. When the determination is made, a prize ball prohibition command capable of specifying that the payout of the prize ball is prohibited (stopped) is output to the prize ball ball lending control microcomputer 370, and the prize ball is paid out by the prize ball device 97a. Since it is possible to stop the prize ball device 97a, the basic circuit 53 can manage the situation of the prize ball device 97a from the broken surface.

Further, based on the detection of the full tank by the full tank switch 402, it is possible to determine that it is not possible to pay out the lending ball from the prize ball device 97a. When it is determined that there is a prize ball, a prize ball prohibition command that can specify that the payout of the prize ball is prohibited (stopped) is controlled by the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370.
To stop the payout of the prize ball by the prize ball device 97a, the basic circuit 53 can manage the state of the prize ball device 97a from the state of the surplus ball tray 4 being full. Become.

FIGS. 17 to 20 are flowcharts showing the prize ball command output processing executed by the CPU 56. FIG. This prize ball command output process is a process executed in S14 of the interrupt process shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, in the prize ball command output processing, first, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition command output flag is on (SE).
1). If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition command output flag is not in the on state, the process proceeds to the check of the prize ball prohibition command output flag in SE10 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending prohibition command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SE2). Here, the command interval timer is a timer used for defining the shortest period of the interval of the award ball command.

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that it is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to the check of the winning ball prohibition command output flag in SE10 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 ms or more, it is determined whether the time of the command timer has expired (SE).
3). Here, the command timer is a timer used to define the output period of the prize ball command. This command timer expires when it reaches a timer value corresponding to a predetermined value (4 mS).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, processing for setting output data of the ball lending prohibition command is performed (SE7). This allows
A ball lending prohibition command is output from the game control board 31 as a prize ball command. Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SE8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after processing (SE9) for adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1", SE10 is executed.
Proceed to. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the ball lending prohibition command output flag is performed (SE4). As a result, the output of the ball lending prohibition command that has already been output is not requested. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SE5). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the process of starting the timing of the command interval timer (SE6) is performed, the process proceeds to SE10. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, in SE10, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition command output flag is on. If it is determined that the prize ball prohibition command output flag is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to the check of the firing prohibition command output flag by SF1, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the prize ball prohibition command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SE11). .

The timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the value is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a check of a firing prohibition command output flag by SF1, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time has exceeded mS, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned command timer has expired (SE12).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, a process of setting output data of a winning ball prohibition command is performed (SE16). This allows
Game control board 3 as a prize ball prohibition command as a prize ball command
1 is output. Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SE17). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the process of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1" (SE18), the process proceeds to SF1. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the prize ball prohibition command output flag is performed (SE13). Thus, the output of the awarded ball prohibition command that has already been output is not required. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SE14). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the process of starting the timing of the command interval timer (SE15) is performed, the process proceeds to SF1. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, referring to FIG. 18, in SF1, it is determined whether or not the firing prohibition command output flag is on. If it is determined that the firing prohibition command output flag has not been turned on, the process proceeds to S
The process proceeds to check the ball lending prohibition command output flag in F10.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the firing prohibition command output flag is in the on state, it is determined whether the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SF2).

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the value is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a check on a ball lending prohibition command output flag by SF10 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 mS or more, it is determined whether or not the above-described command timer has timed out (SF3).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, a process of setting the output data of the firing prohibition command is performed (SF7). As a result, the firing prohibition command is changed to the game control board 31
Output from Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SF8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the process of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1" (SF9) is performed, the process proceeds to SF10. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the firing prohibition command output flag is performed (SF4). This allows
The output of the firing prohibition command that has already been output is not requested. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SF5). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process of starting time measurement of the command interval timer (SF
After 6) is performed, the process proceeds to SF10. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

[0209] Next, in SF10, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is in the ON state. If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is not in the ON state, SG1 described later is used.
To check the firing prohibition command output flag.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SF11). ).

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that it is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a check of a winning ball prohibition canceling command output flag by SG1 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 mS or more, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned command timer has timed out (SF12).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, processing for setting output data of the ball lending prohibition release command is performed (SF16). Thereby, the ball lending prohibition release command is output from the game control board 31 as a prize ball command. Next, a process for resetting the command interval timer is performed (S
F17). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1" (SF
After performing 18), the process proceeds to SG1. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, a process of turning off the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is performed (SF13). Thus, the output of the ball lending prohibition release command that has already been output is not required. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SF14). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after a process (SF15) for starting timing of the command interval timer is performed, the process proceeds to SG1.
As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, referring to FIG. 19, in SG1, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is on. If it is determined that the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to the check of the firing prohibition release command output flag by SG10 described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is on, it is determined whether the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SG1). ).

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the difference is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a ball lending prohibition command output flag check in SG10 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 ms or more, it is determined whether or not the above-described command timer has expired (SG3).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, a process of setting output data of a winning ball prohibition canceling command is performed (SG7). Thereby, the prize ball prohibition release command is output from the game control board 31 as a prize ball command. Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SG).
8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1" (SG9)
Is performed, the process proceeds to SG10. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the winning ball prohibition cancel command output flag is performed (SG4). As a result, the output of the prize-ball prohibition release command that has already been output is not requested. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SG5). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. next,
After the processing (SG6) for starting the timing of the command interval timer is performed, the process proceeds to SG10. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, in SG10, it is determined whether or not the firing inhibition release command output flag is on. If it is determined that the firing prohibition release command output flag is not in the on state, the process proceeds to the check of the winning ball number command output flag by SH1 described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the firing prohibition release command output flag is on, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SG11). .

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the difference is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a check of a winning ball number command output flag by SH1 described later. On the other hand, when the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time has exceeded mS, it is determined whether or not the above-described command timer has expired (SG12).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, a process of setting the output data of the firing inhibition release command is performed (SG16). Thereby, the firing prohibition release command is output from the game control board 31 as a prize ball command. Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SG1).
7). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, the process of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by “1” (SG1
After 8) is performed, the process proceeds to SH1. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the firing inhibition release command output flag is performed (SG13). As a result, the output of the firing prohibition release command that has been output is not requested. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SG14). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized.
Next, after the process of starting the timing of the command interval timer (SG15) is performed, the process proceeds to SH1. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, referring to FIG. 20, in SH1, it is determined whether or not the prize ball number command output flag is on. If it is determined that the award ball number command output flag is not in the ON state, the award ball command output processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball number command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SH2). .

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time is not longer than mS, the award ball command output processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 ms or more, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned command timer has timed out (SH3).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, processing for setting output data of the winning ball number command is performed (SH7). Thereby, the award ball number command is changed to the award ball command as
Output from Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SH8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the process of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1" (SH9) is performed, the process ends. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, a process of turning off the winning ball number command output flag is performed (SH4). This allows
The output of the number-of-prize-balls command already output is not required. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SH5). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process of starting the timing of the command interval timer (SH)
After 6) is performed, the award ball command output processing ends. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer. According to the award ball command output processing described above, the timer controls the output period and the non-output period of the award ball command. And
In the prize ball command, the priority (priority) is predetermined in the order of the ball lending prohibition command, the prize ball prohibition command, the firing prohibition command, the ball lending prohibition release command, the prize ball prohibition release, the firing prohibition command, and the prize ball number command. Since the processing for outputting each prize ball command is executed in descending order of priority, the processing load on the basic circuit 53 can be reduced as described above. Further, since the processing for outputting each prize ball command is executed in order from the highest priority, the processing load on the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 can be reduced as described above. Furthermore, since the priority order is determined for the output processing of the award ball command, it is possible to output a command important for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as a payout stop as soon as possible.

Further, when the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, even if the prize ball payout is stopped in accordance with the prize ball prohibition command, the number of prize ball payouts capable of specifying the number of prize ball payouts is determined. The command is output. As will be described later, the prize ball number specified by the prize ball number command is stored in the prize ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 side, and the stored information is used for control of paying out prize balls by the prize ball device 97a. Therefore, the prize ball number command can be output immediately according to the establishment of the prize ball payout condition without monitoring the state of the prize ball payout control. As described above, it is not necessary to monitor the prize ball payout control state, and the basic circuit 53 does not need to store the command for waiting for the output of the prize ball number command. Can be reduced.

When one command output period ends, the command output flag is reset (turned off), so that the award ball command is output only during one command output period. In other words, the command information need only be output once for a predetermined output duration period every time the output condition of the award ball command (command) occurs. As will be described later, the microcomputer 37 for controlling the award ball lending.
On the 0 side, if a prize ball command is received once, the contents of the prize ball command are stored. Therefore, if the prize ball command is received once, there is no trouble in control. As described above, the prize ball command need only be output during one command output period, so that it is not necessary for the basic circuit 53 to repeatedly execute the prize ball command having the same content. This makes it possible to reduce the number of times of processing relating to the output of the prize ball command, so that the processing load on the basic circuit 53 can be reduced.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the error display process. This error display process is a process executed by SB11 of the winning ball signal process.

In the error display processing, the CPU 56
First, it is determined whether or not the timer T9 is operating (S
41). Here, the timer T9 is set when an error is detected, and is used to define an error display period for displaying an error until a timeout occurs. Timer T
9 is not operating, the error display flag is turned on (S
42), an error display request is set (S43). Then, the timer T9 is started (S44). Further, the value of the winning ball error counter is incremented by one (S45). The value of the prize ball error counter is checked in S12, and if the value exceeds a predetermined value within a predetermined time, a complete error state where automatic recovery is not performed is set. When an error display request is set, for example, an error is displayed on the variable display device 8 in the display control data setting process (S4) and the display control data output process (S5) shown in FIG. Controlled or
In the data output process (S6), control is performed such that an error notification sound is generated from the speaker 27.

If the gaming state is the normal state (S46), the game enters the halt state. The normal state is a state other than the big hit gaming state and the state where the variable display is performed on the variable display unit 9. The halt state is a game control stopped state that is not released even by the periodic reset signal, and is released by turning off the power of the gaming machine and turning on the power again.

If the timer T9 is operating in S41, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the timer T9 has timed out (S47). If a timeout occurs, the error display request is reset (S4).
8) The error display flag is turned off (S49). Also, the award ball paying flag is turned off (S50). Therefore,
The gaming machine returns to a state where the winning ball detection and the winning ball payout control can be performed again. When the error display flag is on, the game progress is interrupted.

As described above, when the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 in the game control board 31 determines that the actual number of payouts is less than the expected number of prize balls, the game control is interrupted and an error is notified. You. When the timer T9 times out, the game returns to the normal game state. Further, when the occurrence of such an error state exceeds a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, a complete error state is set in which the error state is not restored unless power is turned off. Further, in a normal state that is not in an advantageous state for the player, for example, during a big hit or a change in probability, a complete error state is immediately set.

Next, the CPU 3 of the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 provided on the prize ball lending control board 37
The processing executed by 71 will be described.

FIG. 22 shows a prize ball control process executed by the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 and the process of FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows a 0 microsecond timer interruption process. In FIG. 9, (a) shows the prize ball control processing,
(B) shows a 500 μS timer interrupt process.

Referring to FIG. 22A, in the prize ball control processing, first, initial processing for initializing data such as initialization of RAM 376 is performed (SI
1). Next, a prize ball motor control process for controlling the drive of the prize ball motor 289A of the prize ball device 97a and the ball lending motor 289C of the ball lending device 97b is executed (SI).
2). The details of the prize ball motor control processing are described in FIGS.
This will be described later with reference to FIG. The prize ball motor control process is repeatedly executed in an infinite loop,
When the μS timer interrupt processing is started, the program is temporarily stopped at a position in execution of the program constituting the winning ball motor control processing, and the 500 μS timer interrupt processing is executed (SI3). When the 500 μS timer interrupt process ends, the execution is restarted from the position of the temporarily stopped program.

Next, referring to FIG.
The μS timer interrupt processing will be described. In the 500 μS timer interrupt processing, when the INT signal and the prize ball command are sent from the game control board 31, the count value of the timer for the timer interrupt managed by the CPU 371 becomes 500.
Execution is started each time μS is reached.

In the 500 μS timer interrupt processing, first, initial processing for initializing predetermined data is performed (SI4). Next, award ball data reading processing for reading award ball commands sent from the game control board 31 is executed (SI5). Thereafter, the 500 μS timer interrupt process ends, and the loop of the winning ball motor control process is executed again.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing award ball data reading processing executed by the award ball ball lending control microcomputer 370. This prize ball data reading process
This is a process executed by SI5 of the above-described 500 μS timer interrupt process. This award ball data reading process is 5
It is executed every time 00 μS elapses.

In the award ball data reading process, first, a process of reading the award ball command sent from the game control board 31 into the award ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 is performed (SI6). Next, it is determined whether or not the INT signal is on, that is, whether or not the INT signal is in a valid state (SI7). When the INT signal is in a valid state, the INT signal rises and is the first command, or the award ball command read in the current process is the same as the award ball command read in the previous process. It is determined whether the command is a command (SI8).

The award ball command read in this processing is IN
When it is determined that the T signal rises and is the first command or the same command as the prize ball command read in the previous process, the counter value of the prize ball communication counter is set to a predetermined maximum value. It is determined whether (MAX) has been reached (SI9). Here, the prize ball communication counter is a counter for counting the number of times that the prize ball command extracted during the period in which the INT signal is in the valid state continues to match the prize ball command extracted last time. , Its maximum value is set to “3”.

When it is determined that the counter value of the winning ball communication counter is not the maximum value, the counter value of the winning ball communication counter is incremented by "1" and updated (SI10).
Proceed to 12. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value of the award ball communication counter is the maximum value, the process directly proceeds to SI12 without adding or updating the counter value of the award ball communication counter.

If it is determined by SI7 that the INT signal is not in the valid state, or if the award ball command read in this process by SI8 is the same as the award ball command read by the previous process. If it is determined that the value is not the same, a process of clearing the counter value of the winning ball communication counter is performed (SI11), and then the process proceeds to SI12. As described above, the prize ball communication counter determines whether the INT signal has become invalid or the prize ball command read in the current process is not the same command as the prize ball command read in the previous process. Is cleared. Therefore, if the award ball commands do not continuously match, the counter value of the award ball communication counter becomes “0”.

In SI12, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the award ball communication counter is "3". If it is determined that the counter value of the award ball communication counter is not "3", the award ball command received this time is set (stored) in the work area of the RAM 376 (SI16), and the award ball data reading process ends. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value of the prize ball communication counter is "3", a process of setting (storing) the prize ball command that matches three times consecutively in the received command storage area is performed (SI14). . The received command storage area is an area in which command data regarded as regular command data is set.
Control based on the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area is executed by the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370.

Next, it is determined whether or not payout of the prize ball is designated by the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area (SI15). If it is determined that payout of the prize ball has not been designated, the prize ball command received this time is set (stored) in the work area of the RAM 376 (SI16), and the prize ball data reading processing ends. When it is determined that the payout of the prize ball is designated, the counter value of the prize ball counter of the number corresponding to the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area is set to “1”. Is added and updated (SI17). Thereafter, the award ball data reading process ends.

Here, the prize ball counter includes five, ten,
A counter that counts and stores the number of prize ball commands that specify the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as 15 or 15, and can specify how many prize balls of one payout unit are to be paid out. The winning ball counter is counted and stored in the RAM 376. The prize ball counters are separately provided corresponding to each of a total of 15 types of prize ball units from 1 to 15. Therefore, in SI17, the prize ball counters of the number corresponding to the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball command among the prize ball counters corresponding to a total of 15 types from 1 to 15 are added and updated.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing a prize ball motor control process executed by the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370. This prize ball motor control process is a process executed by SI2 of the above-described prize ball control process of FIG.

In the prize ball motor control process, first, a ball lending motor control process for controlling the drive of the ball lending motor 289C of the ball lending device 97b is executed (SJ).
1). See FIG. 29 for details of the ball lending motor control process.
Will be described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not the above-described prize ball counter value is other than "0" and whether or not the prize ball in-flight flag is set (SJ2).
Here, the prize ball in progress flag is a flag for indicating that a prize ball is currently in play, and is set by SJ5 described later. In SJ2, the counter value of the prize ball counter is other than “0”, that is, there is an unpaid prize ball,
By determining that the prize ball in progress flag has been set, that is, that the prize ball is being played, the prize ball motor 289 is determined.
It is determined whether the driving of A is necessary. SJ2
If at least one of the two determination conditions is satisfied, the drive condition of the prize ball motor 289A is satisfied.

When it is determined that the driving condition of the prize ball motor 289A is not satisfied (SJ2, N), the process returns to the ball lending motor control. On the other hand, if it is determined that the driving condition of the prize ball motor 289A is satisfied (SJ2, Y), a branching process for branching the process according to the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area is executed. (SJ
3). The details of the branch processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the processing for setting the above-mentioned winning ball flag is performed (SJ4). This indicates that the payout ball is being paid out. Next, scheduled payout number setting processing for setting the scheduled payout number of prize balls is executed (SJ).
5). Thereby, the expected payout number of prize balls is set.
Details of the scheduled payout number setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, a timer T20 () is used for judging the elapse of a prize ball interval set value set based on a prize ball payout speed (times / min) set by a prize ball interval flag described later. A determination is made as to whether or not the SK18 (to be described later, which starts counting) is equal to or greater than the winning ball interval set value (time). The prize ball interval set value in this case is set by SK17 described later. Here, the relationship between the prize ball interval flag, the prize ball interval, and the prize ball payout speed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 34 shows a prize ball interval flag and the number of prize balls per unit time (1 minute) (one payout unit number (for example, 15)) paid out in accordance with the value of the flag. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of times and the number of times in a table format. Here, the prize ball interval flag refers to a payout interval when paying out prize balls (specifically, when continuous payout is performed, the prize ball motor 289A is turned on from the end of one ON state to the next ON state. This is a flag for indicating the time interval up to).

As shown in FIG. 34, the award ball interval flag can take a value from 0 to 10. The set value of the number of payouts of prize balls per unit time (1 minute) (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball payout speed) is a prize ball payout speed in a range of 40 times / min to 80 times / min. The steps are divided into 11 steps so as to correspond to each of No. 10 to No. 10. The relationship with the prize ball interval flag is determined in advance so that the prize ball payout speed increases as the value of the prize ball interval flag increases.

The award ball interval flag is updated when an update condition is satisfied, as described later. The value of the prize ball interval flag is stored in the RAM 37 of the prize ball lending control microcomputer 370.
6 and may be updated.

Next, with reference to FIG. 35, a specific example will be described on how to adjust the payout speed of the prize balls in accordance with the value of the prize ball interval flag. FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing the operation state (ON / OFF state) of the prize ball motor 289A.

When paying out a prize ball, the prize ball motor 289A is continuously turned on for a period T1 during which one payout unit (for example, 15) is paid out.
It turns off. Then, in the case where continuous prize balls are paid out due to occurrence of continuous prize, etc., the prize ball motor 289A sets the prize ball interval period, which is the predetermined interval period, after completion of the immediately preceding payout of one payout unit. T2 only OF
When the state becomes the F state and the prize ball interval period T2 elapses, the state becomes the ON state for paying out the next payout unit number. That is, in the prize ball payout operation by the prize ball motor 289A, a prize ball interval period is provided between the payout ball payout operations of one payout unit. Therefore, when the payout speed of the prize ball is adjusted in accordance with the value of the prize ball interval flag, the prize ball payout speed is increased by shortening the prize ball interval period T2 shown in FIG. The prize ball payout speed is reduced by lengthening the period T2.

Data indicating the relationship between the value of the award ball interval flag and the award ball payout speed is stored in the ROM 375 of the award ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 in advance. Also,
The data on the correspondence between the prize ball payout speed and the prize ball interval period is added to the data indicating the relationship between the value of the prize ball interval flag and the prize ball payout speed, and the prize ball ball lending control microcomputer. 370 is stored in the ROM 375 in advance. Therefore, based on the value of the prize ball interval flag, the microcomputer 370 controls the prize ball payout speed and the prize ball interval period for realizing the speed.
It grasps based on 75 stored data.

Microcomputer 37 for controlling prize ball lending
0 is set by monitoring the prize ball payout state, changing the value of the prize ball interval flag according to the prize ball payout state, and adjusting the set value of the prize ball interval period in the prize ball payout. The operation of the prize ball motor 289A is controlled so that prize balls are paid out at the prize ball speed according to the value of the prize ball interval flag. That is, in this example, the payout number of prize balls per unit time, that is, the prize ball speed is adjusted by adjusting the prize ball interval period while keeping the operation speed of the prize ball motor 289A constant.

In this example, the case has been described where the prize ball payout speed is adjusted by adjusting the prize ball interval period between the payouts of one payout unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The prize ball payout speed may be adjusted by adjusting the prize ball interval period for each payout.

In this embodiment, the timer T20 is used to determine whether or not the prize ball interval period T2 corresponding to the prize ball interval flag has elapsed (see SJ6).

Next, the award ball motor 289A is driven (ON state) (SJ8). Thereby, the prize ball motor 2
89A is driven at a constant speed, and an award ball payout operation is performed. Then, a process of activating the timer T11 is performed (SJ9). Here, the timer T11 is set when the driving of the prize ball motor 289A is started or when one prize ball payout is completed, and when a timeout occurs, an error of the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is determined. That is,
This is an on-check timer of the prize ball motor position sensor 300A.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned on (SJ10). If it is not turned on, the process proceeds to SJ12, where it is determined whether or not the timer T11 has timed out. If the timer T11 has timed out, the process proceeds to error processing (SJ12, SJ1).
3). On the other hand, when the timer T11 times out, the award ball motor control processing ends. When the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned on, the timer T11 is stopped (SJ11).

Next, referring to FIG. 25, a process of adding and updating the counter value of the winning ball number counter by "1" is performed (SK1). Here, the prize ball number counter is a counter for counting the number of prize balls paid out from the prize ball device 97a. When the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned on, it is determined that the prize ball has been paid out. Assumed and added and updated.

Next, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the prize ball number counter matches the expected payout number set as described above (SK2). When it is determined that the counter value of the winning ball number counter matches the expected payout number, the process proceeds to SK2a described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value of the winning ball number counter does not match the expected payout number, the timer T12 is started (SK10). Here, the timer T
Reference numeral 12 denotes a timer that is set in response to turning on of the prize ball motor position sensor 300A. When the timer T12 times out, the prize ball motor position sensor 300
A is considered an error. That is, when the prize ball is paid out by the prize ball motor 289A, it is also checked that the ball fed by the ball feeding screw is paid out and is no longer detected by the prize ball motor position sensor 300A. That is, the timer T12 is used as an off-check timer of the prize ball motor position sensor 300A.

After starting the timer T12, the CPU for controlling the prize ball
371 determines whether or not the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned off (SK11, SK14). And
Before the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned off, the timer T
If the time-out occurs in step 12 (SK)
11, SK14, SK15). On the other hand, when the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is turned off, the timer T12 is stopped (SK12), and the prize ball motor control processing ends.

If it is determined by SK2 that the count value of the prize ball counter is equal to the expected payout number and the process proceeds to SK2a, the number of prize balls commanded by the prize ball command from the game control board 31 is reached. Is completed, the timer T20 described above is reset (SK2a), and the driving of the prize ball motor 289A is stopped (SK3).

Next, processing is performed to add and update the counter value of the continuous ball breakage no-counter by "1" (SK).
4). Here, the continuous ball out-of-ball counter is the number of times the payout state (the state of no ball out) in which the payout of one prize ball by the prize ball motor 289A is performed without interruption (the state of no ball out). Rather than the number of times one payout unit was paid out).
When the payout of one payout unit is completed without an error during the payout, the addition is updated after the stop of the prize ball motor 289A.

Next, a determination is made as to whether or not the counter value of the above-described continuous ball breakage counter has reached "5" (SK5). That is, here, it is determined whether or not the payout without the break of the ball is repeated five times. When it is determined that the counter value of the continuous ball breakage counter has become "5", a process of adding and updating the value of the winning ball interval flag by "1" is performed (SK6). This allows
In the case where the payout without a ball break is repeated five times, the setting of the prize ball payout speed is increased by one step by adding and updating the value of the prize ball interval flag. That is, when payout of a prize ball at a certain prize ball payout speed is performed for a certain period, it is determined that stable payout of the prize ball is being performed, and the prize ball is paid out in order to increase the payout ability of the prize ball. It increases the ball payout speed. Then, a process of resetting the continuous out-of-ball counter is performed (SK7). In this way, if the award ball payout speed is increased by one step in response to five consecutive payouts without a broken ball, the counting by the continuous blowout no-counter is newly started from “0”. is there. SK7
Thereafter, the flow proceeds to SK8 described later.

As described above, the payout speed of the prize ball is increased stepwise every time the payout without the ball breakage is repeated a predetermined number of times, so that the payout speed of the prize ball is reduced to such an extent that the payout of the ball is not interrupted. Speed can be increased. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the payout of excessive balls more than necessary, and according to the payout ability of the prize ball by the prize ball motor 289A and the supply capacity of the amount of the ball supplied to the gaming machine for paying out the prize ball from the gaming machine installation island. A stable payout operation of the prize ball can be realized, and the prize ball can be prevented from being broken. In addition, the prize ball payout speed is increased stepwise every time the payout without breaking the ball is repeated a predetermined number of times, so that the prize ball device 97a has a malfunction such as a ball jam due to a change in the prize ball payout speed. Can be prevented from occurring. In addition, by increasing the payout speed of the prize ball within a limit where the payout of the prize ball is not interrupted, it is possible to improve the responsiveness of the prize ball payout timing with respect to the timing at which the prize ball payout condition is satisfied.

On the other hand, if it is determined by SK5 that the counter value of the continuous out-of-ball counter does not become “5”, the condition for increasing the prize ball payout speed is not satisfied. Proceed directly to SK8.

At SK8, the prize ball counter is reset in response to the completion of the prize ball payout control. Then, the award ball flag is also reset (SK9).
In other words, when the payout of the number of prize balls set in the prize ball number counter is completed, the prize ball number counter and the prize ball in-flight flag are reset.

Next, a process of referring to the winning ball interval flag based on the data stored in the RAM 376 is performed (SK1).
6). In SK16, the value of the currently set symbol prize ball interval flag is referred to. Next, the prize ball payout speed corresponding to the value of the prize ball interval flag referred to in SJ6 and the prize ball interval period for realizing the speed are referenced based on the data stored in the ROM 375, and correspond to the value of the prize ball interval flag. A process of setting a prize ball interval period is performed (SK17). The set value of the prize ball interval set in this manner is the same as the SK described above.
6 is used to determine the elapse of the prize ball interval period.

Next, a process of starting the time measurement by the timer T20 is performed (SK18), and the award ball motor control ends. In such T20, a clock is performed in a predetermined clocking routine, and the clock value is checked in SJ6 described above. As described above, when the payout of the payout number of one payout unit is completed, the timing of the prize ball interval is started.

When the payout of one prize ball in payout units is completed, timing of the prize ball interval is started (see SK18), and when the prize ball interval elapses is determined by T20 (S20).
J6), the payout of the next one prize ball can be executed. As described above, by managing the time of the prize ball interval, the payout of the prize ball at the payout speed corresponding to the prize ball interval flag is realized.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the branching process. This branching process is performed in S
This is a process executed by J4.

In the branching process, first, it is determined whether or not bits 0 to 3 of the award ball command are “1” in a decimal number, that is, “0001” in a binary number (SL).
1). That is, here, it is determined whether or not the normal payout is performed. When it is determined that the payout is the normal payout, payout control designation processing for designating the control content of the prize ball command is executed (SL5), and thereafter, the process proceeds to SL4 described later. FIG. 28 shows the contents of the payout control designation processing.
Will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not normal payout, it is determined whether or not the timer T11 is operating (SL2). If it is determined that the timer T11 is operating, the process proceeds to SJ9 described above. In other words, if the timer T11 is already operating when the branching process is being executed, the execution of the above-described processes of SJ5 to SJ8 is unnecessary, and the process directly goes to SJ9, bypassing those processes. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer T11 is not operating, the timer T1
It is determined whether or not the operation 2 is in operation (SL3).

If it is determined that the timer T12 is operating, the flow advances to SK7 described above. If the timer T12 is already operating when the branch processing is being executed,
Since it is not necessary to execute the processing before SK7 after SJ5 described above, such processing is bypassed and SK7 is directly executed.
It goes to. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer T12 is not operating, the process proceeds to SL4 described above.

After the execution of the payout control processing or the timer T
11 and timer T12 are not running
In the case of proceeding to 4, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition flag (set or reset in the payout control designation processing described later) is in an on state (set state). When it is determined that the prize ball prohibition flag is in the ON state, it is not necessary to perform the prize ball motor control because the payout of the prize ball is prohibited, and the prize ball motor control processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is not in the ON state, the branching process ends, and the process proceeds to SJ5 of the above-described winning ball motor control process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the expected payout number setting process. This scheduled payout number setting process is a process executed by SJ6 of the award ball motor process described above.

In the scheduled payout number setting processing, first, 1
Of the five types of prize ball counters corresponding to the respective prize ball unit numbers, the prize ball counters with the highest prize ball unit numbers are sequentially
A process for checking the counter value is performed (SL6).
That is, the counter values of the winning ball counters corresponding to the order of 15, 14,..., 3, 2, 1 are checked. Then, among the prize ball counters having the counter value of 1 or more, the payout unit number of the prize ball counter having the largest corresponding payout unit number is set as the expected payout number (SL7). For example, when the prize ball counter of 15 prize ball units is 1 or more, “15” is set as the expected payout number.
Is set. This expected payout number is stored and set in a predetermined area of the RAM 376 of the microcomputer 370 for controlling prize ball lending. Then, in accordance with the setting of the expected payout number, a process of subtracting and updating the counter value of the winning ball counter used for setting the expected payout number by "1" is performed (SL).
8). As a result, the value of the winning ball counter used for setting the expected payout number is decremented and updated by “1” at a time.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing payout control designation processing. The payout control designation process is a process executed by SL5 of the branch process described above.

In the payout control designation processing, first, it is determined whether or not the received winning ball command is a ball lending prohibition command (SN1). If it is determined that the command is a ball lending prohibition command, a process of setting a ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SN3). This indicates that ball lending prohibition has been instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a ball lending prohibition command, it is determined whether or not the received prize ball command is a prize ball prohibition command (SN2). If it is determined that the command is a winning ball prohibition command, a process of setting a winning ball prohibition flag is performed (SN5). This indicates that the prize ball prohibition has been commanded.

Then, a process of subtracting and updating the value of the award ball interval flag by "1" is performed (SN5a). Accordingly, when the payout of the winning ball is prohibited based on the winning ball prohibition command, the setting of the winning ball payout speed is reduced by one step by subtracting and updating the value of the winning ball interval flag. In other words, when the payout of the prize ball is prohibited due to a broken ball of the prize ball device 97a or the surplus ball tray 4 being full, the cause of such a defect is removed from the aspect of the prize ball payout speed. The setting of the prize ball payout speed after the release of the prize ball prohibition is reduced by one step compared to the stage before the prize ball prohibition is performed. Then, a process of resetting the continuous out-of-ball counter is performed (SN5b). Accordingly, when the setting of the prize ball payout speed is reduced by one step in accordance with the prize ball prohibition, the counting by the continuous ball breakage counter is newly started from “0” after the release of the prize ball prohibition state. It is done. SN5
After b, the payout control designation process ends.

As described above, since the prize ball payout speed is gradually reduced every time the prize ball is prohibited due to a broken ball or the like, excessive payout of balls more than necessary is prevented, and the prize ball motor 289A uses the prize ball motor 289A. A stable prize ball payout operation can be realized according to the payout capacity of the ball and the supply capacity of the amount of the ball supplied to the gaming machine for paying out the prize ball from the gaming machine installation island, and the ball runs out at the prize ball. Is less likely to occur. In addition, the prize ball payout speed is gradually reduced in accordance with the occurrence of the prize ball prohibition state, thereby causing the prize ball device 97a to malfunction due to a change in the prize ball payout speed, such as a ball jam. It can also be absent.

If it is determined in SN2 that the received command is not a winning ball prohibition command, it is determined whether the received winning ball command is a firing prohibition command (SN4).

If it is determined that the command is a firing prohibition command, the firing prohibition flag is set (SN7), and the firing control signal is set to LOW level (SN8). This allows
The fact that the prohibition of firing is instructed is indicated, and the state is controlled such that the firing of the hit ball is impossible. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not the firing prohibition command, it is determined whether the received winning ball command is a ball lending prohibition canceling command (SN).
6).

If it is determined that the command is a ball lending prohibition canceling command, processing for resetting the ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SN10). As a result, it is not indicated that the ball lending prohibition is instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is not a ball lending prohibition release command, it is determined whether or not the received prize ball command is a prize ball prohibition release command (SN9).

If it is determined that the command is a winning ball prohibition canceling command, a process for resetting the winning ball prohibition flag is performed (SN12). As a result, it is not indicated that the prize ball prohibition has been commanded. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a winning ball prohibition canceling command, it is determined whether or not the received winning ball command is a firing prohibition canceling command (SN11).

If it is determined that the command is a firing prohibition release command, the firing prohibition flag is reset (SN13).
The firing control signal is set to HIGH level (SN14).
As a result, the fact that the prohibition of firing is instructed is not indicated, and the state is controlled so that the shot can be fired.
Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the command is not the firing prohibition release command, the payout control designation processing ends.

As described above, according to the payout control designation processing,
The award ball command other than the normal payout is decoded, and various flags are controlled and control signals are controlled in accordance with the control content specified by the award ball command. If the prize ball motor position sensor 300A does not turn on or off within a predetermined time while driving the prize ball motor 289A, it is determined that an error has occurred. If the prize ball motor position sensor 300A does not turn on or off, the ball feeding screw of the prize ball mechanism does not rotate or the ball is jammed, and the rotation of the ball feeding screw is hindered. This is because there may be cases.

Also, although the output of the prize ball motor position sensor 300A is normal, the prize ball count switches 301A, 30 provided on the lower side of the prize ball mechanism portion.
If 1B (= prize ball count switch (b)) is not turned on, the prize ball count switches 301A and 301B
Is considered to be an error. If the award ball count switch (b) has not been turned off, the award ball count switches 301A and 301A
Since it is considered that clogging occurs near B,
It is also determined to be an error.

In the above-described payout control designation processing, when the winning ball prohibition command is received, the winning ball payout speed is gradually reduced. By performing such control, the following effects are obtained. be able to.

After it has been determined that the prize ball has been broken by the above-mentioned SD2, the above-mentioned SD2, SD8, SD9,
When it is determined by SD10 that the prize ball has been cut off, that is, after the prize ball is cut off in the prize ball device 97a due to continuous prize ball payout due to occurrence of a big hit or the like, the prize ball payout is interrupted, When a prize ball is replenished to the prize ball device 97a in the prize ball prohibited state and the prize ball can be paid out, the payout number of the prize ball per unit time is too large. The payout of the prize ball is interrupted because the replenishment of the prize ball cannot keep up. When the prize ball breaks out in this way, in the subsequent payout of the prize ball, the number of payouts of the prize ball per unit time in the stage before it is determined that the ball has broken out is more unit time. Control is performed to decrease and change the number of prize balls to be paid out. As described above, when the number of prize balls paid out per unit time is too large, the payout speed is adjusted so as to reduce the number of prize balls paid out per unit time. Can be paid out. As a result, it is possible to reliably pay out the prize balls. On the other hand, in the ball lending prize ball 97b which can be controlled independently of the prize ball device 97a, even if the ball lending runs out, the number of the ball lending per unit time is not changed. In the case of paying out a lending ball, continuous payout such as a big hit is rarely performed as compared with the case of paying out a prize ball. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the payout speed which complicates payout control. For this reason, if the number of payouts per unit time is controlled to decrease in the same manner as in the case of paying out prize balls in response to the occurrence of ball out of ball lending, such control becomes unnecessary and unnecessary. turn into. Therefore,
By not performing such control, it is possible to simplify the control content regarding the payout of balls.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the ball lending motor control process. The ball lending motor control process is a process executed by SJ1 of the prize ball motor control process described above.

In the ball lending motor control process, first,
It is determined whether or not the card unit 50 is connected to the prize ball lending control board 37 (SP1). Specifically, when the above-described card unit connection confirmation signal is input, it is determined that the card unit 50 is connected. When it is determined that the card unit 50 is not connected, a process of setting the firing control signal to the LOW level is performed (SP20). This makes it impossible to fire a hit ball. On the other hand, when it is determined that the card unit 50 is connected, it is determined whether or not the above-described firing prohibition flag (a firing prohibition flag set or reset in the payout control designation process) is in an on state (set state). A determination is made (SP2).

If it is determined that the firing prohibition flag is in the ON state, a process of setting the firing control signal to the LOW level is performed (SP22), and the process proceeds to SP4 described later. This makes it impossible to fire a hit ball. On the other hand, when the firing is not performed when the firing prohibition flag is not in the ON state, a process of setting the firing control signal to the HIGH level is performed (SP
3) Go to SP4. As a result, a shot can be fired.

At SP4, it is determined whether or not the ball lending flag is set. Here, the ball lending flag is a flag indicating that ball lending is in progress, and is described later in SP.
12 may be set. If it is determined that the ball lending flag is set, the process proceeds to SP14 described later.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending flag is not set, it is determined whether the ball lending standby flag is set (SP5). Here, the ball lending standby flag is a flag indicating that the ball lending is in a standby state,
It can be set by SP9 described later.

If it is determined that the ball lending standby flag is set, the flow advances to SP10 to be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending standby flag is not set, the ball lending prohibition flag (the ball lending prohibition flag set or reset in the payout control designation process) is in an on state (set state). Is determined (SP6).
If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state, the ball lending is prohibited, and the process of setting the PRDY signal (pachinko machine operation signal) to the card unit 50 to the LOW level is performed. Done (SP2
1). When the PRDY signal becomes LOW level, the card unit 50 is set in a state where it is impossible to accept a ball lending operation. Thereafter, the ball lending motor control process ends. In this manner, in the ball lending device 97b, it becomes impossible to pay out the ball lending due to the running out of the ball lending or the surplus ball tray 4 being full, and when the ball lending prohibition flag is set, the PRDY signal is output. The card unit 50 is notified that ball lending is not possible. By such notification, it is possible to know outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 that ball lending is not possible. Further, the card unit 50 on which the ball lending operation is performed can know from the PRDY signal that ball lending is not possible. The treatment corresponding to the state can be performed in the card unit 50.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is not on, the ball lending is not prohibited and the PRD given to the card unit 50
A process of setting the Y signal to the HIGH level is performed (SP
7). When the PRDY signal goes high,
In the card unit 50, the ball lending is enabled.

Next, a BRDY signal (unit ball lending operation signal) for requesting ball lending according to operation of the ball lending switch
It is determined whether or not is turned on (SP
8).

If it is determined that the BRDY signal is not on, it is not necessary to perform a ball lending operation.
This ball lending motor control processing ends. On the other hand, BRDY
If it is determined that the signal is in the ON state, a process of setting a ball lending standby flag is performed to wait for a ball lending operation (SP9). Thereafter, the ball lending motor control process ends. When the ball lending standby flag is set in this manner, the ball lending operation is not performed in the execution of the ball lending motor control process in the current round, but the BRQ signal is output in the subsequent ball lending motor control process. The ball lending operation is performed on condition that the ball lending request signal is received. Thus, the ball lending operation is performed with a delay of a predetermined time from the operation of the ball lending switch.

If it is determined at SP5 that the ball lending standby flag has been set and the process proceeds to SP10,
It is determined whether or not the BRQ signal has been turned on to execute the ball lending. If it is determined that the BRQ signal has not been turned on, the ball lending motor control process ends. As a result, reception of the BRQ signal is waited. On the other hand, when it is determined that the BRQ signal is in the ON state, a process of setting the ball lending motor 289C to the driving state is performed (SP11). Thereby, the ball lending device 9
Balls are paid out from 7b.

Next, processing is performed to turn on the EXS signal (ball lending completion signal) (SP12). This notifies the card unit 50 that ball lending is being performed. Next, the ball lending flag is set, and the ball lending standby flag is reset (SP13). This indicates that the ball lending standby state has ended and that ball lending is being executed.

Next, it is determined by the ball lending count switch 301C whether or not the payout of the lending has been detected (SP14). When it is determined that the payout of the lending ball is not detected, the ball lending motor process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout of the lending ball is detected, a process of adding and updating the ball lending counter by “1” is performed (SP15). Here, the ball lending counter is a counter for counting the number of ball lending paid out from the ball lending device 97b.

Next, the counter value of the ball lending counter is set to “2”.
It is determined whether or not "5" has been reached (SP16). Here, the case where the counter value becomes “25” is the number of balls to be paid for one payout unit (100 yen). That is, PRD
Since the Y signal is output for each payout unit, payout of the lending ball is performed for each payout unit. If it is determined that the counter value is not "25", the ball lending motor control process ends, and the process waits until the counter value of the ball lending counter becomes "25". On the other hand, if it is determined that the counter value of the ball lending counter has reached “25”,
Since the payout of one payout unit has been performed, a process of resetting the ball lending flag is performed (SP18). This indicates that the ball is not being lent.

Next, a process for stopping the ball rental motor 289C is performed (SP18). Thereby, the payout of the lending ball is stopped according to the payout of one payout unit.
Then, a process of turning off the EXS signal (ball lending completion signal) is performed (SP19). This notifies the card unit 50 that the ball lending has been completed. Thereafter, the ball lending motor processing control ends.

Next, a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending will be described. FIGS. 30 to 33 are timing charts showing typical control operations for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 30 shows a basic control operation at the time of a prize ball. In FIG. 30, the input from the winning ball detection switch (general term of the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 240) to the game control board 31, the game control board 31
Output of an INT signal, output of a prize ball command from the game control board 31, prize ball count switch (# 1) 301
A, input from the award ball count switch (# 2) 301B to the game control board 31, output of a drive signal from the award ball lending control board 37 to the award ball motor 289A, and error operation on the game control board 31 side The state is shown.

Referring to FIG. 30, a prize for paying out five balls, a prize for paying out 15 balls, and
When winnings for five payouts are detected successively, an INT signal and a prize ball command specifying the number of payouts are immediately output from the game control board 31 in accordance with each of the winnings.
The payout number by such a prize ball command is stored in the RAM 376 of the microcomputer 370 for controlling the prize ball lending. Then, based on the stored information on the number of payouts, drive signals for the five payout rotations, the fifteenth payout rotation, and the five payout rotations are output from the prize ball lending control board 37 to the prize ball motor 289A, respectively. Is done. As a result, five award balls, ten award balls, and five award balls are sequentially paid out, and the number of award balls is detected by the award ball count switch.
In this case, no error operation has occurred on the game control board 31 side.

FIG. 31 shows a control operation when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on. In FIG. 31, an input from the winning ball detection switch (a generic name of the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 240) to the game control board 31, and a ball out switch 187c to the game control board Input to 31,
Game control board 3 from ball out switch 187a, 187b
1; output of an INT signal from the game control board 31; output of a prize ball command from the game control board 31; and game control from a prize ball count switch (# 1) 301A and a prize ball count switch (# 2) 301B. Input to the substrate 31,
The output of the drive signal from the prize ball lending control board 37 to the prize ball motor 289A is shown. Here, switch 1
As for the inputs from 87a and 187b, both are shown together, and when at least one of them is in the ON state (ball cutout state) is shown as ON state in the figure, and when both are in the OFF state ( OFF in the figure)
Shown as state.

Referring to FIG. 31, when the power of pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, in the above-described initialization processing (S2) in the main processing, the firing prohibition flag, ball lending prohibition flag, and prize ball prohibition flag are set. Are turned on. Then, first, on condition that the full tank switch 402 does not detect the full state, the firing prohibition flag is turned off, and a firing prohibition release command is output with the INT signal. Then, the ball lending prohibition flag is turned off after a lapse of 2000 mS from the confirmation that the ball luff switch 187c is in the off state (ball luff non-detection state), and a ball lending prohibition release command is output with the INT signal. You. Then, the cut-out switches 187a, 187
After a lapse of 2200 ms after it is confirmed that both b are in the off state (ball out detection state), the prize ball prohibition flag is turned off and a prize ball prohibition release command is output with the INT signal.

In this case, after the prize ball prohibition release command is output, the prize for five payouts is detected by the prize ball detection switch. The prize ball command for paying out the five prize balls is output after the prize ball prohibition release command is output. The payout number by the award ball command is determined by the R of the award ball lending control microcomputer 370.
AM 376. A drive signal for five payout rotations is output from the prize ball lending control board 37 to the prize ball motor 289A in response to such a prize ball command designating the number of prize balls. As a result, five winning balls are paid out, and the number of winning balls is detected by the winning ball count switch.

FIG. 32 shows a control operation at the time of a broken ball. FIG. 32 shows inputs and outputs of switches and the like as in FIG. Referring to FIG. 32, while the prize balls are being paid out, the ball-break switch 1
87c and at least one of the burnout switches 187a and 187b are simultaneously turned on (a burnout detection state). That is, the ball is in a broken state. in this case,
The ball lending prohibition command output flag and the prize ball prohibition command output flag are simultaneously turned on in response to the detection of the out-of-ball, but the ball lending prohibition command is transmitted first along with the INT signal in accordance with the priority order described above. Output and then I
A prize ball prohibition command is output along with the NT signal. In this case, in the out-of-ball detection state, the winning of five payouts is detected by the winning ball detection switch. The prize ball command for paying out the five prize balls is output in accordance with the priority order as described above, together with the INT signal after the output of the prize ball prohibition release command. The payout amount by the award ball command is stored in the RAM 376 of the award ball lending control microcomputer 370. Then, after the prize ball prohibition state is released, prize balls are paid out based on the stored information of the number of payouts.

Then, both the cut-out switch 187c and the cut-out switches 187a, 187b are simultaneously turned off. That is, the broken-ball state is restored. 2000 after the switch 187c is turned off
After elapse of mS, the ball lending prohibition flag is turned off, and IN
A ball lending prohibition release command is output with the T signal.
Then, the prize ball prohibition flag is turned off after a lapse of 2200 ms after both of the ball breaking switches 187a and 187b are turned off, and a prize ball prohibition release command is output with the INT signal.

FIG. 33 shows the control operation when the tank is full. In FIG. 33, the input from the winning ball detection switch (general name of the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 240) to the game control board 31, and the full tank switch 402 to the game control board 31; output of an INT signal from the game control board 31; output of a prize ball command from the game control board 31; and game control from a prize ball count switch (# 1) 301A and a prize ball count switch (# 2) 301B. Input to the board 31 and the prize ball motor 2 from the prize ball lending control board 37
The output of the drive signal to 89A is shown.

Referring to FIG. 33, while payout of prize balls is being performed, full tank switch 402 is on. That is, the surplus ball tray 4 is full. In this case, the ball lending prohibition command output flag, the prize ball prohibition command output flag, and the firing prohibition command output flag are turned on almost at the same time according to the detection of the full tank, but according to the priorities described above, I
The ball lending prohibition command is output first with the NT signal, then the winning ball prohibition command is output with the INT signal, and then the firing prohibition command is output with the INT signal. In this case, in the full tank detection state, the winning of five payouts is detected by the winning ball detection switch. The prize ball commands for paying out the five prize balls are output in accordance with the above-described priority order and are output together with the INT signal after the output of the firing prohibition command. The payout amount by the award ball command is stored in the RAM 376 of the award ball lending control microcomputer 370. Then, after the prize ball prohibition state is released, prize balls are paid out based on the stored information of the number of payouts.

Thereafter, the full tank switch 402 is off. That is, the full state has been restored. In response to the restoration of the full state, a ball lending prohibition release command, a winning ball prohibition release command, and a firing prohibition release command are sequentially output according to the priority.

Next, modifications and features of the above-described embodiment will be enumerated below. (1) The prize ball lending control microcomputer 370 shown in FIG.
a) and a means for paying out balls in each of the ball payout means (ball lending device 97b), and in accordance with the command information output from the game control means (basic circuit 53), the payout of the balls. Ball payout control means capable of performing such control. The ball payout control means performs a predetermined number of payouts of prize balls (may be a predetermined period) in a state where the first determination means (step SD2 shown in FIG. 16) determines that there is a standby prize ball. In this case, control is performed to increase and change the number of prize balls paid out per unit time by the prize ball payout means (see SK2 to SK6 in FIG. 25). With this configuration, the payout of the prize ball at a certain payout speed is performed a predetermined number of times in a state in which the standby prize ball does not disappear, and when it is confirmed that the reliable payout is performed at the payout speed, it is determined that the payout is performed per unit time. By increasing the number of prize balls to be paid out, the payout speed of prize balls can be increased to such an extent that the payout of balls is not interrupted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the payout of excessive balls more than necessary, to realize a stable prize ball payout operation in accordance with the payout ability of the prize ball payout means, and to make it hard for the prize balls to run out of balls. Can be.

(2) When the second determining means (step SC2 shown in FIG. 14) determines that there is no standby lending, the game control means specifies that the payout of the lending is stopped. Possible ball lending stop command information (prize ball prohibition command) is output, and then, when the state where the second determining means determines that there is a standby prize ball continues for a predetermined period, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. It outputs ball lending permission command information (prize ball prohibition canceling command) that can specify that the game is to be performed. According to this configuration, when it is determined that there is no standby lending ball, ball lending stop command information that can specify that the lending of the lending is stopped is output, and the lending by the lending ball payout unit is output. The payout is stopped. In order to restart the payout of the stopped lending, it is necessary to output the lending permission command information. Since the ball lending permission command information is output on condition that the state determined to have standby ball lending has continued for a predetermined period, the payout of the stopped ball lending was reliably recognized as the existence of the standby ball lending. Since it is possible to resume in the state, it is possible to pay out the ball lending in a state in which the state in which the ball lending cannot be paid out has been surely resolved.

(3) The ball payout control means can transmit information from outside to inside the ball payout control means, but cannot transmit information from inside to outside of the ball payout control means. Some irreversible transmission means (buffer circuit 3 in FIG. 6)
73), and receives command information sent from the game control means via the irreversible transmission means. In this way, the command information is received via the irreversible transmission means which can transmit information from outside to inside the ball payout control means but cannot input information from inside to outside of the ball payout control means. Therefore, one-way communication from the game control means to the ball payout control means is reliably performed. Thus, it is possible to prevent an improper operation in which an illegal signal is input from the ball payout control means to the inside of the game control means via the transmission path of the command information, thereby causing the game control means to operate improperly.

(4) SN2, SN5, SN5 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 34A and FIG. 34, the ball payout control unit determines that there is a standby prize ball after the first determination unit determines that there is no standby prize ball (ball out determination). Performs control to reduce the number of prize balls paid out per unit time by the prize ball payout means from the number of prize ball payouts per unit time at a stage before it is determined that there is no standby prize ball ( SN5a), when it is determined that there is no standby lending by the second determining unit, and then it is determined that there is a standby lending ball, the number of lending balls per unit time by the lending unit payout unit Do not change In this case, the control for decreasing and changing the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time includes control for increasing the payout interval time between the payout operations of one payout unit of prize balls, and payout between one prize ball payout operation. Various controls such as a control for increasing the interval time or a control for increasing the required payout time for each prize ball are included.

(5) In the above-described embodiment,
As shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, command information output means (basic circuit 53) for outputting command information (prize ball command).
Means that the command information is output every time an output condition of a command relating to payout of a prize ball (prize ball) is established (output condition such as a prize ball prohibition command, a prize ball prohibition release command, a prize ball number command, etc.) It is shown that the output is performed only once over an output continuation period (for example, 4 mS) predetermined to be receivable by the (prize ball lending control microcomputer 370). The output of command information in such a case is
In addition to the case where the prize ball command is output only once with the INT signal, the following case is also included. In other words, the prize ball command is output not only once but the same command continuously, and the INT signal is turned on only at the timing when the ball payout control means needs to receive the prize ball command. The command information can be received by the ball payout control means each time the output condition of the command related to
This includes the case where the signal is output only once for a predetermined output duration.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, when the contents of the received award ball command match three times in succession, the award ball command is regarded as a regular command. It suffices if there are three times. Also, the example in which the match determination period of the prize ball command extends over the entire valid period of the prize ball command has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be limited to a length period.

(7) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0329]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems (1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like establishes a predetermined payout condition (generation of a prize, execution of a ball-lending operation). A gaming machine is provided for paying out balls in response. FIG.
The prize ball device 97a shown in FIG. 3 can pay out prize balls in accordance with establishment of a prize ball (prize ball) payout condition (generation of a prize), and the number of prize balls paid out per unit time (see FIG. 34). ) Can be changed. The ball lending device 97b shown in FIG. 5 can operate independently of the prize ball payout means, and can pay out the ball lending in accordance with establishment of the ball lending payout condition (execution of the ball lending operation). Ball payout means is constituted. The basic circuit 53 shown in FIG. 5 is a means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine, and constitutes a game control means capable of outputting command information relating to the payout of balls. A means for controlling the prize ball payout means and the lending ball payout means for paying out balls by the prize ball ball lending control microcomputer 370 shown in FIG. 5 according to the command information. A ball payout control means capable of performing control for paying out balls is configured. FIG.
By the ball breaking switches 187a and 187b shown in
A first ball detection unit is configured to be able to detect a standby prize ball waiting in a state where the prize ball can be paid out by the prize ball payout unit. In the basic circuit 53 shown in FIG. 5, more specifically, in step SD2 shown in FIG. 16, the presence or absence of the standby prize ball is determined based on the detection output of the first ball detection unit. First determining means for performing the determination is configured. By the ball breaking switch 187c shown in FIG.
Second ball detecting means is provided which is capable of detecting a waiting ball lending which is waiting in a state where the payout by the ball payout means is possible. By the basic circuit 53 shown in FIG. 5, more specifically, by the step SC2 shown in FIG.
The second determining means is configured to determine the presence or absence of the standby lending ball based on the detection output of the ball detecting means.
As shown in SN2, SN5, SN5a of FIG. 26 and FIG. 34, the ball payout control unit waits for a standby prize ball after the first determination unit determines that there is no standby prize ball (ball out determination). When it is determined that there is no standby prize ball, the number of prize balls paid out per unit time by the prize ball payout means is calculated from the number of prize balls paid out per unit time in the stage before it is determined that there is no standby prize ball. The control for decreasing the change is performed (see SN5a). However, if it is determined that there is no standby lending after the second determining unit determines that there is a standby lending unit, the unit time is determined by the lending unit payout unit. Do not change the number of payouts per lending. This is because, in the case of lending balls, payout of only a necessary amount to be provided for a game is mainly performed, and it is considered that a large amount of payout such as payout of prize balls is rarely required. Since the number of balls to be paid out is not changed for each unit time, an increase in the ROM capacity of the ball payout control means can be minimized.

(2) As is clear from the fact that the prize ball possible processing shown in FIG. 16 is executed by the basic circuit 53 shown in FIG. 5, the first determination means is provided in the game control means. ing.

(3) SD2 to SD7 and SD8 to S in FIG.
As shown in D12, when the first determination unit determines that there is no standby prize ball, the game control unit outputs stop command information that can specify that the payout of the prize ball is stopped (prize). Ball prohibition command), and thereafter, when the first determination unit determines that there is a standby prize ball for a predetermined period of time, permission command information (that can specify that prize ball payout is permitted). Prize ball prohibition cancellation command)
Is output.

(4) As shown in FIG. 6, between the game control means and the ball payout control means, information is transmitted from the game control means to the ball payout control means by one-way communication. It is.

(5) Information can be output from the inside of the game control means to the outside by the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. 6 and the like, but the information from the outside to the inside of the game control means can be output. Irreversible output means which does not allow the input of the data.

(6) The game board 6 shown in FIG.
A game board provided in the gaming machine and having a game area 7 into which a ball is hit is formed. The variable winning ball device 19, the starting port 14, the general winning port 24 (24) shown in FIG.
a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e), provided in the game area, the conditions for paying out prize balls are established by winning of a hit ball, and a plurality of types (for example, 5 pieces) of different numbers of prize balls to be paid out are provided. (10, 15) are formed. R shown in FIG.
Storage means (included in the game control means) capable of storing, by the OM 54, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with a prize in each of the plurality of prize areas, for each type of prize area. Is configured. The basic circuit 53 shown in FIG. 5, more specifically, the processing steps of the winning sphere signal processing shown in FIGS.
If there is a prize in the prize area, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area in which the prize has been won is determined based on the information stored in the storage means, and the prize balls in the determined number of payouts are paid out. Command information output means capable of outputting command information capable of specifying that the command is issued is configured.

(7) As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, when the payout condition of the prize ball is satisfied, the game control means can immediately output the command information for instructing the prize ball payout. .

[0336]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
With regard to, the following effects can be obtained. The prize ball payout means and the lending ball payout means can be operated independently, and the number of prize ball payouts per unit time can be changed for the prize ball payout means. Can be independently controlled in terms of payout speed and the like. When it is determined that there is no waiting prize ball after it is determined that there is a waiting prize ball, that is, the payout of the prize ball is interrupted due to continuous prize ball payout due to occurrence of a big hit etc. Later, when the standby prize ball is replenished and the prize ball can be paid out, the number of the prize ball per unit time is too large and the replenishment of the standby prize ball cannot catch up. The payout of prize balls is interrupted. When the standby prize ball is exhausted in this manner, in the subsequent payout of the prize ball, the number of prize balls per unit time at the stage before it is determined that there is no standby prize ball is per unit time. Control is performed to decrease the number of prize balls to be paid out. In this manner, when the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time is too large, the payout speed is adjusted to reduce the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time, so that the prize balls are not interrupted. Can be paid out. As a result, the prize ball can be paid out reliably. On the other hand, the ball payout means, which can be controlled independently of the premium ball payout means, does not change the number of payouts per unit time, even when there is no standby lending. In the case of paying out lending balls, continuous payouts such as big hits are rarely performed as compared with the case of paying out prize balls. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the payout speed so as to complicate payout control.
For this reason, if the control of decreasing the number of payouts per unit time is performed in the same manner as in the case of paying out prize balls in accordance with the disappearance of standby lending balls, such control becomes unnecessary and unnecessary. I will. Therefore, by not performing such control, the control content regarding the payout of balls can be simplified.

With respect to the second aspect, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the effect of the first aspect. First
Is provided in the game control means, the game control means is also used to determine the presence or absence of the standby prize ball, so that it is not necessary to separately provide the first determination means. The number of parts can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

Regarding claim 3, in addition to the effect according to claim 1 or 2, the following effect can be obtained. When it is determined that there is no standby prize ball, stop command information capable of specifying that the prize ball payout is stopped is output, and the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout means is stopped. It is necessary to output the permission command information in order to restart the payout of the prize ball stopped in such a manner. Since the permission command information is output on condition that the state where it is determined that there is a standby prize ball has continued for a predetermined period,
Since it becomes possible to restart the payout of the stopped prize ball in a state where the existence of the standby prize ball is reliably recognized,
The prize ball can be paid out in a state where the state in which the prize ball cannot be paid out can be surely resolved.

Regarding claim 4, in addition to the effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the following effect can be obtained. Since the transmission of information between the game control means and the ball payout control means is performed based on one-way communication from the game control means to the ball payout control means, incorrect data from the ball payout control means to the game control means is transmitted. The illegal control operation of the game control means by the input of the game control device can be prevented as much as possible.

Regarding claim 5, in addition to the effect according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the following effect can be obtained. It is possible to output information from the inside of the game control means to the outside, but it is impossible to input information from the outside of the game control means to the inside, so one-way communication from the game control means to the ball payout control means It is done reliably. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of performing an illegal control by inputting an illegal signal from outside the game control means such as the ball payout control means to the inside of the game control means.

According to claim 6, in addition to the effect according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the following effect can be obtained. When exchanging the game board, generally, the game control content is changed with the exchange of the game board, so that the game control means is also exchanged with the game board. When the game control content is changed, the number of prize balls to be paid out for each type of the prize area may also be changed. Information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the winning area in which the prize has been won is determined based on the storage information of the storage means included in the game control means, and it can be specified that the determined number of prize balls to be paid out is to be paid out. Since the command information is output from the command information output means included in the game control means, information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area, which is information necessary for the payout control by the ball payout control means, is determined by the game control. It depends on the command information sent from the means side.
For this reason, the ball payout control means can perform appropriate payout control only in accordance with the command information sent from the game control means with respect to the payout of the prize ball. Need to be replaced. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can very easily respond to exchange of gaming boards in terms of control of payout of premium balls.

Regarding claim 7, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 6, the following effect can be obtained. When the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, the command information for instructing the payout of the prize ball can be output immediately, so that, for example, long-term storage of the command information and monitoring of the control state of the ball payout control means are complicated. Since the processing is not required, the burden on the control of the game control means can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit installed corresponding thereto.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a configuration of an intermediate base unit and a ball payout device installed on a mechanism plate.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various control boards used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine and components related thereto.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various control boards used for controlling a pachinko gaming machine and components related thereto.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing the contents of data of a prize ball command output from the basic circuit.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining a mode in which a prize ball lending control board receives a prize ball command.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main processing and interrupt processing executed by the basic circuit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a start winning opening check process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a special winning opening check process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a ball lending possibility determination process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a firing possibility determination process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a winning ball possible determination process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a prize ball command output process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a prize ball command output process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a prize ball command output process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a prize ball command output process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error display process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a prize ball control process and a 500 μS timer interrupt process.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing award ball data reading processing.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a prize ball motor control process.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a prize ball motor control process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a branching process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a scheduled payout number setting process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing payout control designation processing.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a ball lending motor control process.

FIG. 30 is a timing chart showing a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing, in a table form, a relationship between a prize ball interval flag and the number of prize balls per unit time performed according to the value of the flag.

FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing an operation state of a prize ball motor.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pachinko gaming machine, 97a is a prize ball device, 97b is a ball lending device, 53 is a basic circuit, 370 is a microcomputer for controlling a prize ball lending, 187a, 187b, 187c are ball out switches, and 57 is an I / O port. , 31 is a game control board, 37 is a prize ball lending control board, 6 is a game board, 19 is a variable winning prize ball device, 14 is a starting port, 24 (24a, 24b,
24c, 24d, 24e) are general winning openings, 54 is ROM
It is.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine in which balls are paid out in accordance with a predetermined payout condition being satisfied, wherein a prize ball can be paid out in accordance with the fulfillment of a prize ball payout condition. A prize ball dispensing means capable of changing the number of prize balls to be paid out, and a lending ball capable of operating independently of the prize ball dispensing means and capable of paying out a lending ball according to satisfaction of a lending ball payout condition. Payout means, a means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine, a game control means capable of outputting command information relating to the payout of balls, and in each of the prize ball payout means and the lending ball payout means Means for performing control for paying out balls, a ball payout control means capable of performing control for paying out balls in accordance with the command information, and a state in which payout by the premium ball payout means is possible. Waiting waiting First ball detection means capable of detecting a prize ball; first determination means for determining whether or not the standby prize ball is present based on a detection output of the first ball detection means; A second ball detection means capable of detecting a standby lending ball which is waiting in a state in which a payout by the means is possible; A second determining means for determining, wherein the ball payout controlling means determines that there is a standby prize ball after the first determining means determines that there is no standby prize ball; The control is performed such that the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time by the prize ball payout means is changed to be smaller than the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time at the stage before it is determined that there is no prize ball. Is determined that there is no standby lending by the determination means If it is determined that there is a machine rental balls it is characterized not to change the payout credit balls per unit time by the rental ball dispensing means, the gaming machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said first determination means is provided in said game control means. 3. The game control means outputs stop command information capable of specifying that the payout of prize balls is to be stopped when the first determination means determines that there is no standby prize ball. And outputting permission command information capable of specifying that the payout of the prize ball is permitted when a state in which the first determination unit determines that there is a standby prize ball continues for a predetermined period. A gaming machine according to claim 1. 4. A one-way communication of information from said game control means to said ball payout control means is performed between said game control means and said ball payout control means. The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 3. 5. The irreversible output wherein the game control means can output information from inside the game control means to the outside, but cannot input information from the outside to the inside of the game control means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means. 6. A game board provided in the gaming machine and formed with a game area into which a hit ball is formed, and a payout condition provided in the game area, wherein a prize ball payout condition is satisfied by winning of the hit ball. And a plurality of prize areas classified into a plurality of different types of prize balls to be paid out, wherein the game control means pays out prize balls to be paid out in accordance with a prize in each of the plurality of prize areas. A storage unit capable of storing information on the number of pieces for each type of the prize area, and when there is a prize in the prize area, the information on the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the prize area in which the prize has been won. A command information output means which is capable of outputting command information which is determined based on information stored in the storage means and which can specify that the determined number of prize balls to be paid out, is provided. Any one of 1 to 5 Tricks machine. 7. The game control means according to claim 1, wherein when the payout condition of the prize ball is satisfied, command information for instructing payout of the prize ball can be output immediately.
7. The gaming machine according to any one of items 1 to 6.