JP2000271328A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device capable of returning an inserted play medium to the outside of the device by preventing the increase of game value during a take-in disable state such as illegal state. SOLUTION: At the time of a test mode, at the time of front frame opening or in the illegal state, illegal state detecting means 320, 321, 602, 604, 614 and 615 output detecting signals and on the basis of these detecting means, a play medium returning means inhibits the take-in of the play medium inserted from the outside and returns a play medium, which is inserted after this inhibition, to the side of a tray (ball stock tray) as it is. While the illegal state is detected, the play value is not increased, a player can exactly settle accounts and trouble with the side of shop can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a game device which receives a game medium inputted from outside and converts it into game value information possessed by a player, based on the converted game value information. And a game device capable of playing a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a game machine for playing a game by inserting a game medium (game ball, coin) and treating the game medium as an information amount (data), a sealed ball type game machine or a slot machine (so-called pachislot) is used. What is done: It is known that a game can be played as an information amount by crediting, but a game can be played (not as an information amount) by inserting a predetermined number of coins (for example, up to three coins).

In the above-described enclosed ball game apparatus, a predetermined number of game balls are sealed inside, a card on which valuable information is recorded is inserted, and the valuable information can be used for a game. When the game is started by converting it into numerical information and visually displaying it on the ball number display, and within the range of the converted game ball number information, the enclosed balls are sequentially fired one by one and rolled in the game board. At the time of this launch, subtract "1" from the number of balls visually displayed on the ball number display at the time of this launch, play a game with balls rolling in the game board, determine out or safe, In this case, a certain number of game values (the number of prize balls) are added, the number of prize balls is visually displayed on a ball number display, and the balls whose out or safe is determined as described above are collected again. By leading to the launch position, There is to run a game and the game ball with recycling.

In addition, the slot machine stores inserted coins, visually displays the number of inserted coins, plays a game based on the stored information on the number of coins, and when a prize mode occurs, , Game value (prize coin)
In some cases, the prize coin is visually displayed on the inserted coin number display.

[0005]

However, in such a game machine that handles such a game medium as an information amount (that is, intangible data), the game medium (for example, , Real balls, coins) cannot be taken into the device.
For example, during the illegal state of the gaming device, the game is disabled, and in such a case, when the game medium is inserted into a predetermined slot and taken in, the game medium is taken in. There arises a problem that not only can the game not be performed at the game value, but also the payment cannot be performed. In addition, when the game medium is taken in during the illegal state, the game medium may not be accurately read, which causes a trouble with the game store.

Further, there is a gaming machine which does not have a system capable of accurately informing a player of a state in which it is impossible to take in the game, such as an improper state, and has a disadvantage that the service for the player is insufficient. . Note that the unloadable state includes, for example, a game settlement, a test mode, an illegal state, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a state where a game cannot be taken, such as a fraudulent state, the inserted game medium is returned to the outside of the apparatus without increasing the game value. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device capable of performing the following.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game using at least game value information held by a player. A receiving tray (ball storage tray 29) capable of storing a medium, a fraudulent state detecting means (fraud control circuit 614) for detecting a predetermined fraudulent state at a predetermined location of the gaming machine, and a detection signal from the fraudulent state detecting means. Game medium return means (game medium return means 805) for inhibiting taking in game media from outside based on the game medium, and returning the game media inserted after the prohibition to the tray side as it is; A settlement control means (payment control circuit 602) for converting the game value information held by the player into a game medium at the time of ending the game, and performing a settlement process for paying out to the saucer; In the case where the settlement processing is being performed by the settlement control means, it is prohibited to take in the game medium inserted from the outside, and the game medium inserted after the prohibition is returned to the tray side as it is. Return means (capture inhibition solenoid drive control circuit 612,
A take-in ball return path 801, a take-in shutter 802, and a take-in prohibition solenoid 803). According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine according to the second aspect, wherein the game medium returning means includes a take-in shutter (take-in path) provided in a passage (ball take-in path 80) for taking in a game medium inserted from the outside. The capture shutter 802) is actuated to prohibit the game media from being taken into the inside, and when the capture is prohibited, the game media to be inserted is returned from the predetermined return path (the capture ball return path 801) to the tray side as it is. It is characterized by having such a configuration. In the case where the settlement process is being performed by the settlement control unit, a game inactivation unit (a firing control circuit 601) for inactivating a game of the player is provided. A game device according to claim 3 which is dependent on claim 12, wherein the game medium is provided at a predetermined portion of a passage (ball take-in path 80) formed on the downstream side of the take-in shutter and for taking in the game medium. Detecting means (count sensor 49) for detecting the The game medium return means prohibits the taking-in of the game medium by operating a take-in shutter provided in a path for taking in the game medium supplied from the outside, and when the taking-in is prohibited, the game medium is returned from a predetermined return path. The game medium is configured to be returned to the tray side as it is. The gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the intake shutter is operated by an electromagnetic drive source (an intake inhibition solenoid 803). A detection means for detecting a game medium is provided at a predetermined portion of a passage for taking a game medium formed downstream of the take-in shutter and for detecting the game medium.
Claim 5 dependent on any of claims 1 to 3 or 3
In the gaming machine according to the invention described above, when the game medium return means is operated to return the game medium inserted from the outside to the saucer side, the notifying means (capture inhibition display 804) for notifying the prohibition of taking the game medium is provided. It is characterized by having. The intake shutter is operated by an electromagnetic drive source. In the gaming machine according to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, when the game medium returning means is operated to return the game medium input from the outside to the saucer side, the loading of the game medium is prohibited. Is provided.

[0009]

According to the present invention, when fraud detection and settlement processing is being performed by the fraudulent state detection means and settlement control means, it is prohibited to take in a game medium inserted from the outside, and the game medium is inserted after the prohibition. A process of returning the game media to the tray side as it is is performed. Therefore, for example, the value of the game does not increase during the settlement, and the player can check whether the settlement is correctly performed, and the trouble is eliminated.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 68 show an embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a credit-type enclosed ball-type gaming machine. FIG. 1 is a front view of a sealed ball game machine. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an enclosed ball-type gaming machine, and a similar number of the enclosed ball-type gaming machines 1 are installed in a predetermined number in a game store. That is, a large number of enclosed ball-type gaming machines 1 are arranged on both sides of a general island facility to which a large number of gaming machines can be attached. The enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is roughly composed of a gaming machine main body 2 and a credit device 3 disposed on the side of the gaming machine main body 2, and these are installed in pairs. Here, the gaming device to which the present invention is applied captures a game medium input from the outside, converts it into game value information held by the player, and plays a game based on the converted game value information. It is a gaming device capable of. In the case of the present embodiment, a gaming device based on this concept is constituted by the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1. The gaming machines to which the present invention is applied include not only gaming machines that play games using pachinko balls, but also slot machines that use coins as gaming media (so-called pachislot machines). In the present embodiment, an enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1 is taken as an example of a gaming device to which the present invention is applied. The enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1 encapsulates a predetermined number of game balls in a circulation mechanism. It is a game device that plays a game by popping an enclosed ball. In addition, the enclosed ball-type gaming machine includes, for example, an arrangement ball gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, and the like in addition to the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1.

Here, FIG. 2 is a view showing a part of the inside of the game store, and the same enclosed ball-type game machines 1001a to 1001c as those shown in FIG. 1 are sequentially arranged in the store. Indicators 1002a to 1002 for displaying a big hit or the like are provided above each of the enclosed ball-type gaming machines 1001a to 1001c.
c is arranged, and the indicators 1002a to 1002
A so-called island facility for supplying pachinko balls to each of the enclosed ball-type gaming machines 1001a to 1001c is installed inside the panel 1003 to which the c is attached. It should be noted that the island facilities are not only located inside the panel 1003, but also in the upper panel 1
004 is partially present inside, and the panel 10
04, each enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1001a-1001
A signal line and the like for managing c are housed. on the other hand,
A counter 1005 is provided below each of the enclosed ball-type gaming machines 1001a to 1001c. 1006 is a lower panel, and 1007 is a side panel.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the credit device 3 is formed in a vertically long type having a relatively narrow width, and has a certain depth. And, by being arranged on the side of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1, the convenience of the player can be achieved.
The credit device 3 can be separated from the gaming machine main body 2 and has a structure that can be replaced at the time of repair.

The credit device 3 has a built-in card reader, and a front panel 4 of the credit device 3 has a card insertion slot 5 into which a credit card (eg, a prepaid card) corresponding to the card reader is inserted.
A settlement switch 6 that is pressed when the game is completed and the player's profit state (ie, the number of balls held by the player with respect to the gaming machine main body 2 at that time) is adjusted; Receipt selection switch 7 that is pressed when the customer wants the payment receipt instead of the pachinko ball in the profit status
And a printer 8 for printing (printing out) a payment receipt, and a receipt outlet 9 for discharging the printed payment receipt. Note that the card insertion slot 5 is capable of displaying reception of a card. For example,
The acceptance of the card is indicated by the light emitting diode.

Here, the credit system means that the number of balls is stored in a computer inside the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1. In addition, the prepaid card means a “prepaid card” dedicated to pachinko games. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to bringing in a pachinko ball, a game can be started by securing a necessary ball by inserting a prepaid card into the card insertion slot 5.

In the present embodiment, a game device refers to a game device in which a game medium (game balls, coins) is inserted and the game medium is handled as an information amount (data) and a game is played.

Therefore, there are an enclosed ball-type game machine and a slot machine (a so-called pachislot: a game that plays a game as information if credited).

The gaming machine main body 2 includes a frame-shaped front frame 11 as a portion visible on the front side, a glass frame 12 disposed in an opening of the frame-shaped front frame 11, a game board (see FIG. 3) 13,
It has a front display panel 14 and a front operation panel 15 below the front panel 14. The frame-shaped front frame 11 is supported by a wooden frame on which the gaming machine main body 2 is installed so as to be openable and closable. Similarly, the glass frame 12 is supported by the frame-shaped front frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. In addition, 12a is glass.

The front display panel 14 is formed in a curved shape with a slightly raised front side.
In the ashtray 21 and the card balance display 2 sequentially from the left side of the drawing.
2, credit number display 23, test mode display 2
4. A purchase switch 25 and a card return switch 26 are provided. One end of the front display panel 14 is supported by the frame-shaped front frame 11 so as to be openable and closable.

The card balance display 22 is composed of, for example, two rows using seven-segment light emitting diodes, and displays the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 5 in units of ten digits. In frequency units, 1 degree is 1
It is equivalent to 00 yen, and the remaining frequency is displayed to the player by calculation of degree / 100 yen. Therefore, for example, when a 3,000 yen prepaid card is inserted, it is displayed on the card balance display 22 as 30 degrees.

Similarly, the credit number display 23 is composed of five rows using light emitting diodes of seven segments, and displays the balance of the number of credits of the pachinko ball up to 10,000 digits. The balance of the number of credits corresponds to a ball held by the player during the game. Therefore, for example, if the balance of the number of credits is displayed as [3000], this corresponds to a state where 3000 pachinko balls are held. This balance [3000] can be exchanged for an actual pachinko ball and taken out as described later, or the game can be settled and taken out as a settlement receipt.

In this embodiment, the credit number display 2 is used.
3 is composed of 5 rows using 7-segment light emitting diodes, but is not limited to this. For example, dot LED,
You may comprise using a liquid crystal, a fluorescent display tube, etc. this is,
The same applies to the card balance display 22. Further, the credit number display 23 may be combined with the card balance display 22.

The test mode display 24 is lit to notify a player or a staff member when a predetermined test mode as described later is instructed and the game machine main body 2 shifts to the test mode. On the other hand, in the same manner, a speaker 301 (see FIG. 21) is provided in the upper portion inside the frame-shaped front frame 11 of the gaming machine main body 2 to notify the test mode by sound.
Is provided, and the speaker 301 notifies by sound the state in which the gaming machine body 2 has shifted to the test mode. In addition, a speaker 201 for controlling an accessory is provided, and the speaker 201 notifies the player of a state where the game ball has won the accessory by sound effects. The speaker 301 is provided not only in the upper portion inside the frame-shaped front frame 11 of the gaming machine body 2 but also as a speaker 301a inside the front panel 4 of the credit device 3 as shown in FIG. You may.

The purchase switch 25 is a switch pressed by a player to purchase pachinko balls in units of one time within the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 5, and in this case, the pachinko balls Can be displayed together with the state in which can be purchased. For example,
If the pachinko ball can be purchased, the entire switch will shine. On the other hand, if the pachinko ball is not in a state in which the pachinko ball can be purchased, the brightness of the entire switch is stopped, and the pachinko ball cannot be purchased even if the switch is pressed. When the purchase switch 25 is pressed once, pachinko balls (for example, 20 balls) equivalent to one time are added to the current numerical value of the credit number display 23 and displayed. When pressed twice, pachinko balls equivalent to twice are added to the credit number display 23 and displayed.

The card return switch 26 is for withdrawing the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 5 to the outside from the card insertion slot 5. In this embodiment, this switch is used when the player wants to end the game. By pressing, the prepaid card is pulled out again from the card insertion slot 5. The player has the withdrawn prepaid card and has the option of starting the game on another pachinko machine or, for now, ending the game.

In this embodiment, when the gaming machine main unit 2 is shifted to the test mode, the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 5 is forcibly removed from the card insertion slot 5 without pressing the card return switch 26. The game has been temporarily suspended by being pulled out.

The front operation panel 15 is formed in a shape such that the lower left side of the front surface projects forward, and the inside of the projection is a ball storage tray (receiving tray) 29. The ball storage plate 29 is used for discharging and storing the adjusted pachinko ball as a prize ball when the player adjusts the profit of the game in the state of the pachinko ball. Further, the front operation panel 15 is provided with a ball removing lever 30 and a firing operation knob 31 of the firing device, and a ball intake port 32 is formed. The ball pulling lever 30 is for pulling the balls stored in the ball storing tray 29 downward and outward. When the ball pulling lever 30 is moved, for example, to the left, the lower bottom of the ball storing tray 29 partially opens. To release the sphere downward.

The firing operation knob 31 is used to operate a hit ball firing device for firing one of the pachinko balls arranged in a line at a firing position one by one into a game area on the front of the game board 13. . The ball intake 32 is formed in a tapered concave shape (see FIG. 3), and is a portion where a player throws a ball. Then, when the balls are inserted, the balls are sequentially guided one by one to a ball intake path.

Next, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the gaming machine main body 2 showing a state in which the glass frame 12 and the front display panel 14 are opened. In FIG. 3, the game board 13 is an area for judging out or safe while the shot pachinko ball is dropped from above, and when the ball enters the winning opening and becomes effectively safe, a predetermined number of prize balls are provided. It is added to the credit number display 23 and is visually displayed. In the case of out, the display number of the credit number display 23 does not change.

In this case, when the ball is fired by operating the firing operation knob 31, "1" is subtracted from the credit number displayed on the credit number display 23 at this time. Further, even if the ball is fired by operating the firing operation knob 31, if a foul occurs, "1" is added to the credit number displayed on the credit number display 23 at this time. .

The game area 1300 in the game board 13 can have an arbitrary configuration, but the configuration shown in FIG. 4 is used as an example. The configuration on the back side of the game board 13 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, around the game area 1300 in the game board 13, a rail 33 for guiding a hit ball fired by a firing device 52 described later to an upper portion of the game board 13 is provided. , A game area 1300 is formed in a space surrounded by the rail 33 and a glass plate (not shown).

A variable display device 1302 having a variable display portion 1302a at the center on the upper front center of the game area 1300.
Is arranged. The variable display unit 1302a has three windows, ie, an outer window, an inner window, and a middle window, and each window is an LE window.
D indicates a numerical value. Also,
Below the variable display device 1302, the variable display device 13
A variable winning device (attacker) 1304 that changes from a first state in which game balls are not accepted to a second state that is easy to accept according to the operation result of 02 is arranged.

A start winning port 1312 is provided at each of the left and right sides and up and down positions of the variable display device 1302, and start winning ports 1314 and 1316 are also provided at both left and right positions of the variable winning apparatus 1304. Further, general winning ports 1318 and 1320 are provided on both sides apart from the variable winning device 1304. Further, a plurality of hitting direction converting members 1322 called windmills are rotatably installed at appropriate positions in the game area 1300, and a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are planted. In addition, an out ball collecting port 7 described later is provided at a lower center portion of the game area 1300.
9 are formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, a variable display device 1302 and a variable winning device 1304 are provided on the back side of the game board 13.
And a safe ball collection member 1350 for collecting general safe balls (winning balls).
In addition, a starting ball collecting member 1352 for collecting the winning safe balls in the starting port is disposed. In addition, starting winning opening 1
Start winning switch 135 for detecting the ball winning 312
4. A continuous winning switch 1356 for detecting a winning ball in a continuous winning opening in the variable winning device 1304 is provided.

Further, the variable winning device 1304 is provided with a winning number switch 1358 for detecting the number of winning balls. As each of these switches, for example, a photo sensor type is used, and a ball passing through the switch portion is detected by the photo sensor. In addition, FIG.
FIG. 10 also shows components shown in FIG. 10 described later.

Then, the starting winning ports 1312, 1314,
When a ball enters 1316, safe sensors 45 and 46 to be described later are used.
, A predetermined number of prize balls are added and displayed on the credit number display 23 (corresponding to a profit increasing state), and a start winning state is detected by a start winning switch 1354, and the variable display device 1302 operates. Then, the displayed content changes.

At this time, the variable display device 1302 turns on the LEDs of the outer window, the inner window, and the middle window of the variable display unit 1302a to combine the symbols, and when the symbol combination state shifts to a specific profit state, a variable prize is won. The device 1304 changes from the first state in which game balls are not accepted to the second state (big hit state) in which game balls are easily accepted. The combination state of the symbols, the time of the big hit, and the like are variously set. In addition, the variable winning device 1304 that has changed to the second state returns to the original first state for a predetermined time or after a predetermined cycle.

Returning again to FIG. 3, the rail 3 of the game board 13
A foul ball collection port 34 is formed below 3.
The foul ball collection port 34 is provided with a foul sensor 35 of a photo sensor type. The foul sensor 35 detects the passage of the pachinko ball fired from the firing device when it returns to the original firing direction again and passes through the foul ball collection port 34 without reaching the game area.

A firing rail 36 is disposed on the right side of the foul sensor 35 in the drawing, and a firing ball outlet 37 faces a lower end of the firing rail 36. The firing rail 36 has an M-shaped cross section, and guides the balls emitted one by one from the firing ball outlet 37 and fired by the firing device to the rail 33. The firing sensor 3 is located above the firing rail 36.
8 is disposed, and the firing sensor 38 is for detecting a pachinko ball fired by the firing device.

The present embodiment is characterized in a portion related to the ball inlet 32 formed in the front operation panel 15, and a cross section of this portion is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, below the ball intake port 32, a ball intake path 80 (a path for taking in a game medium inserted from the outside and a downstream side of the take-in shutter 802) continuously extending to the back side of the gaming machine main body 2. And a take-in ball return path 801 (corresponding to a path for taking in the formed game media) and a take-in ball return path 801 following the front side of the gaming machine main body 2 (when the game medium is prohibited from being taken up, (Corresponding to a return path for returning to the above).

The intake ball return path 801 is located on the front operation panel 15.
Is connected to a ball storage tray (receiving tray) 29 formed at the center, and an intake shutter 802 is provided in the middle thereof. FIG. 6 shows a taking ball return path 801 by a taking shutter 802.
Shows a state in which is shut off. Normally, as shown in FIG. 6, the intake ball return path 801 is shut off by the intake shutter 802. In this state, the ball intake port 3 is closed.
The ball thrown into the ball 2 passes through the ball take-in path 80 and is discharged from a take-in ball discharge port 81 to a predetermined ball receiving member provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body 2.

A count sensor (detection means) 49 is provided in the middle of the ball intake path 80,
9 counts the balls passing through the ball intake path 80 one by one. Therefore, when the player brings in the ball (for example, from another table) and throws it into the ball intake 32, the count sensor 49 calculates the number brought in and displays the number on the credit number display 23.

Returning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 also shows a state in which the intake ball return path 801 is blocked by the intake shutter 802. The take-in shutter 802 is configured to be displaceable by a take-in prohibition solenoid (electromagnetic drive source) 803. Also, the ball inlet 32 of the front operation panel 15
An import prohibition indicator (notifying means) 804 is disposed in the vicinity, and the import prohibition indicator 804 is embedded inside the front operation panel 15. The player located on the side is fully visible. The intake ball return path 80
1, intake shutter 802, intake prohibition solenoid 803
The take-in prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612 constitutes the game medium return means 805 as a whole.

When the take-in prohibition solenoid 803 is not energized (the state shown in FIG. 3), the take-in shutter 8 is operated by a spring.
02 is pushed forward and the intake ball return path 801 is blocked,
When energized, the intake shutter 802 is sucked against the urging force of the spring and the intake ball return path 8 as shown in FIG.
01 is opened. Here, the flow of the pachinko ball T accompanying the displacement of the capture shutter 802 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the intake prohibiting solenoid 803 is not energized (the state shown in FIG. 3). At this time, the intake shutter 802 is pushed forward by the urging force of the spring, and the intake ball return path 801 is moved. It is shut off. Therefore, the ball T thrown into the ball intake 32 does not flow toward the intake ball return path 801 blocked by the intake shutter 802, but passes through the ball intake path 80 and the intake ball discharge port. It is released from 81 to a predetermined ball receiving member installed on the back side of the gaming machine main body 2,
At this time, the number of the balls T put into the ball inlet 32 (that is, the number brought in) is counted by the count sensor 49 and displayed on the credit number display 23.

On the other hand, when power is supplied to the intake prohibition solenoid 803, the state shifts to the state shown in FIG.
2 is an intake prohibiting solenoid 8 against the urging force of the spring 8
03, the intake ball return path 801 is opened. Therefore, the ball T thrown into the ball intake 32 smoothly flows toward the intake ball return path 801 by gravity, passes through the intake ball return path 801, and stores the ball on the front side of the gaming machine main body 2. It is discharged to the plate (pan) 29. At this time, the capture prohibition indicator 804 is turned on, and the ball thrown into the ball intake 32 passes through the capture ball return path 801 and is released to the ball storage tray (dish) 29 and is not captured. Is visually recognized by the player or the attendant.

Next, FIG. 10 is a view showing the structure of the back mechanism of the game machine main body 2. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the main components of the back mechanism of the gaming machine main body 2 include a storage tank 41, a prize ball discharging device 42, a flow path switching solenoid 43, and a ball removing solenoid 4
4. First safe sensor 45, second safe sensor 46, out sensor 47, overflow sensor 48, count sensor 49, replenishment sensor 50, enclosed ball removal solenoid 51
And a launching device 52.

The storage tank (upper tank) 41 stores the balls before they are discharged. The shortage of the number of balls in the storage tank 41 is detected by a replenishment sensor 50. Balls are replenished from equipment. The balls in the storage tank 41 are aligned in a line by the guide path 61, guided and discharged to the prize ball discharge device 42. The guide path 61 is not particularly limited, but is formed into two strips so that a large amount of balls can be supplied in a short time, and a ball stopper having a function of preventing clogging of the balls and stopping the balls in the middle thereof. 62 are provided.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (c), the guide path 61 is composed of two passages 61a and 61b separated by a separation wall 63 at appropriate intervals.
Are formed to have lower heights as they go below the passages 61a and 61b. In each of the passages 61a and 61b, conductive plates 64a and 64b made of a metal plate are attached or integrally attached to the bottom of the passage where the pachinko ball T contacts, respectively.
b is electrically connected and connected to the case of the control device via a wiring member provided with an attenuator such as a resistor in the middle. In addition, reference numeral 65 denotes a guide case formed integrally with the guide path 61.

As shown in detail in FIG. 12, the ball stopping device 66 disposed downstream of the guide path 61 has a curved plate 67 whose tip end is bent. The curved plate 67 has the passages 61a, 6
1b is rotatably mounted on a support shaft 68 erected on the base plate 1b, and its distal end side is normally warped up by the urging force of a spring 70 provided between the projection 69 on the side of the curved plate 67 and the gutter wall. The ball is held at the ball leveling position that covers the passages 61a and 61b, prevents the pachinko balls from overlapping in the passages 61a and 61b, and allows the pachinko balls to flow down smoothly.

On the other hand, when the distal end side is manually lifted in the direction shown by the arrow and the curved plate 67 is erected as shown by the broken line in the figure, the biasing force of the spring 70 changes, and the curved plate 67 is in an upright state, that is, The rear end enters the passages 61a and 61b and is held at a ball stopping position for preventing the pachinko balls from flowing down. Thus, the pachinko ball is cut off at the time of maintenance and inspection of the prize ball discharging device 42 or at the time of failure, so that the operation can be easily performed.

The prize ball discharge device 42 discharges a prize ball based on a discharge request signal from a discharge credit control device 300 described later when the player presses the above-mentioned settlement switch 6 in order to settle the game.

In the case of the present embodiment, when exchanging the enclosed balls, the prize ball discharging device 42 stores a predetermined number (for example, 20) of new balls corresponding to the enclosed balls separately from the enclosed balls. In addition, it has a function of discharging the stored spheres (that is, the function of the sphere discharging means) when a predetermined sealed sphere discharging command is issued. In this case, a prize ball and a pachinko ball as a new enclosed ball are arranged in two rows. In other words, there are two discharge mechanisms, and the discharge mechanism is configured to be able to discharge two discharges, one discharge at a time. Details of this structure will be described later.
The number of balls to be stored in this part is sufficient for the enclosed balls, but the number of balls to be stored in this part may be insufficient for prize balls. The ball is supplied from 41.

A discharge gutter 72 for guiding the discharged balls is provided below the prize ball discharging device 42. Discharge gutter 72
Is a branch on the way and guides the ejected ball toward the firing position, and a prize ball guide gutter that guides the ejected ball toward the ball storage plate 29 (front side) as a prize ball. 74
And a drawing guide gutter 75 for guiding the discharged ball from the gaming machine main body 2 to the outside. The flow path switching solenoid 43 is provided at a branch portion between the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 and the prize ball guiding gutter 74, and receives a predetermined enclosed ball taking command (for example,
When an enclosed ball take-in signal) is given, the path of the ball discharged through the discharge gutter 72 is switched to change the ball to the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73.
Lead to. When the command for taking in the enclosed ball is not given, the path of the ball is switched to the prize ball guiding gutter 74 side, and the discharge gutter 72 is set.
The ball ejected through the sphere is guided toward the ball storage dish 29 (front side) as a prize ball.

Here, the flow path switching solenoid 43 and the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 constitute a ball intake means 90. Therefore, the ball taking-in means 90 takes in the stored balls into the circulation path of the enclosed balls (here, a ball storage path 83 described later) after the enclosed balls are extracted to the outside as described later.

The ball removing solenoid 44 is provided at a branch portion between the discharge gutter 72 (corresponding to the prize ball guiding gutter 74) and the extraction guiding gutter 75, and connects the passage of the ball discharged through the discharge gutter 72 to the extraction guiding gutter 75 side. Or, it is switched to the prize ball guiding gutter 74 side.

A prize ball collecting gutter 76 is provided on the rear surface of the gaming machine main body 2 so as to substantially surround the central portion. The prize ball collecting gutter 76 is provided on each of the above-mentioned prize ports arranged on the front surface of the game board 13. The safe balls (winning balls) flowing into 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316 are gathered at one place and sent to the safe ball collection gutter 77. The safe ball collection gutter 77 is provided with the first safe sensor 45 and the second safe sensor 46, and these sensors 45 and 46 are connected to the safe ball collection gutter 77.
One safe ball passing through is detected.

On the other hand, an out-ball collecting gutter 78 is provided below the winning ball collecting gutter 76, and the out-ball collecting gutter 78 is provided to an out-ball collecting port 79 arranged on the front of the game board 13 for out-ball collecting. Are collected and sent to the ball storage path 83 described later again. The out ball collecting gutter 78 is provided with the out sensor 47, and the out sensor 47 detects one out ball passing through the out ball collecting gutter 78.

The overflow sensor 48 detects when a prize ball discharged to the ball storage tray 29 arranged on the front side of the gaming machine body 2 overflows, and outputs, for example, an ON signal. The count sensor 49 counts the balls one by one when the player throws the balls into the ball intake 32 as described above.

As described above, the discharge gutter 72 branches on the way, and the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 is formed continuously. The ball storage channel 83 is further formed continuously with the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73. I have. The ball storage path 83 temporarily stores a predetermined number of sealed balls. The ball storage path 83 branches on the way and is divided into a path following the firing position and an enclosed path discharge path 84. At the branch of the ball storage path 83, the above-mentioned enclosed ball removing solenoid 51 is disposed, and the enclosed ball removing solenoid 51 is provided with a prescribed enclosed ball discharge command (for example, an enclosed ball replacement process based on a later-described enclosed ball replacement flag: Fig. 57
The ball path stored in the ball storage path 83 based on the reference position) is changed to a path following the firing position or a sealed path discharge path 8.
4. Alternately switched to 4. When the ball is switched to the side of the passage following the firing position, the sphere stored in the ball storage path 83 is directed to the firing position, and when switched to the side of the enclosed path discharge path 84, the sphere is moved to the enclosed path discharge path. Discharged to the outside through 84,
For example, cleaning is performed.

Here, the sealed ball emptying solenoid 51 (however, a set of mechanical structures linked to the sealed ball emptying solenoid 514 is included) and the enclosed passage discharge passage 84 are
It constitutes an enclosed ball removing means 85. Therefore, the enclosed ball extracting means 85 extracts the enclosed balls stored in the ball storage path 83 to the outside based on a predetermined enclosed ball discharge command. For example, an enclosed ball discharge signal may be used as the enclosed ball discharge command for extracting the enclosed ball to the outside. In this case, the enclosed ball discharge signal is a game in which a large number of enclosed ball gaming machines 1 are managed. It is conceivable that the signal is given as a signal from the in-store management device 400 (see FIG. 21). Therefore, the enclosure ball can be automatically removed by remote control.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the example in which the enclosed ball discharge signal is used as the enclosed ball discharge command. For example, as will be described later, the operation of the enclosed ball exchange switch 316 provided in the game machine main body 2 may be performed by a staff member. A command to discharge the enclosed sphere is issued.

The firing device 52 has, for example, a rotary solenoid 52a and a substantially L-shaped hitting punch 52b, and waits at the firing position of the firing rail 36 by operating an electric drive source (rotary solenoid) therein. A hit ball launching mechanism is provided to launch a ball and reach a game area of the game board 13 of the gaming machine main body 2. That is, when the firing operation knob 31 is operated, the rotary solenoid 52a is activated, and among the pachinko balls arranged in a line in the ball storage path 83, the one at the firing position is pressed by the hitting punch 52b.
It is fired individually into the game area on the front of the game board 13. As the firing device 52, any device such as a motor and a rotary solenoid may be used. In this embodiment, a rotary solenoid is used.

The launching device 52 has a ball feed mechanism 53 for sending a pachinko ball to the firing position of the firing rail 36 by operating an electric drive source (for example, an electromagnet). The ball feed mechanism 53 includes a ball receiving member 54 and an electromagnet 55 as shown in detail in FIG. Then, the sphere supplied to the sphere feed mechanism 53 comes into contact with the sphere receiving member 54 in the first state for preventing the sphere from flowing down and stops. Thereafter, by energizing the electromagnet 55 serving as an electric drive source disposed above the ball receiving member 54, when the ball receiving member 54 is attracted to the electromagnet 55, the ball receiving portion 54a of the ball receiving member 54 Is converted to an acceptable second state.

Thus, the ball is received by the ball receiving portion 54a of the ball receiving member 54 converted into the second state.
Thereafter, when the energization of the electromagnet 55 is stopped, the ball receiving member 54 returns to the first state while receiving the ball in the ball receiving portion 54a, and the ball guided downward by the ball receiving member 54 is shown in the figure. Through a ball passing path, which reaches a firing position of a firing rail 36 communicating with a guide rail forming a ball path to a game area of the game board 13. In addition,
The ball feed mechanism is not limited to the above example, and may be configured to supply a standby ball to the firing position every time the ball feed solenoid is turned on.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing the detailed structure of the prize ball discharge device 42, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball discharge device 42. The prize ball discharging device 42 is made into a cassette,
Exchange is free in this part alone.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, the prize ball discharging device 42 has two sets of discharging mechanisms 42a and 42b.
Note that FIG. 13 mainly shows one discharge mechanism 42b. The discharging mechanisms 42a and 42b are connected to the frame-shaped front frame 1 of the gaming machine main body 2.
Two units are provided in parallel in a unit case 42c attached to a frame 11a (see FIG. 10) disposed inside the unit 1 and connected to the guide paths 61a and 61b for guiding the reserve sphere stored in the storage tank 41, respectively. The guide gutters 91a and 91b configured as described above are provided. Guide gutter 91
a and 91b are formed in two sections corresponding to the guide paths 61a and 61b, and include stoppers 92a and 92b as flow-down preventing means corresponding to the paths of the sections and discharge solenoids 93a and 93b for driving the same. Discharging means 94a, 94b
Are also provided.

The guide gutters 91a and 91b have three functions because of their functions.
Is divided into two parts, and the pressure reducing unit 101
a, 101b, edge cutting parts 102a, 102b, discharging part 1
03a and 103b. Decompression units 101a, 10
Numeral 1b is used to reduce the pressure of the reserve sphere sent from the storage tank 41 via the guide paths 61a and 61b, and is formed in a structure that makes a U-turn in a gentle inclination state as shown in FIG. In addition, T indicates a pachinko ball (suitably referred to as a ball), and a predetermined number of pachinko balls T are drawn.

The decompression units 101a and 101b are provided with a sloping portion 105 gently descending rightward in the figure, a first bent portion 106 that reverses the passage direction by approximately 180 degrees downstream of the sloping portion 105, An inclined portion 107 gently inclined downward to the left following the first bent portion 106;
And a second bent portion 108 for reversing the direction of the passage approximately 180 degrees again following the downstream side.

First bent portion 106 and second bent portion 108
As a result, the falling speed of the pachinko balls from the inclined portions 105 and 107 is reduced, and the discharging means 94a,
The ball pressure from the guideways 61a and 61b is reduced in the flow-down preventing state by the 94b. Edge cutting parts 102a, 102b
Is provided to make the spheres passing through the lower discharge units 103a and 103b spaced apart from each other so as to easily prevent the spheres from flowing out by the lower discharge units 94a and 94b.
It comprises a vertical passage portion 109 which is continuous with 1a, 101b, and a direction changing passage portion 110 which communicates with downstream discharge portions 103a, 103b.

At the lower end of the vertical passage portion 109, a ball blocking prevention portion 111 is provided to protrude forward. The center position of the lowest ball among the balls that are vertically aligned and stopped in the vertical passage portion 109 by the ball clogging prevention portion 111 is always positioned ahead of the center position of the ball above it. As a result, the downward moving pressure of the upper sphere acts so as to always press the lowest sphere forward, thereby preventing clogging of the sphere.

The discharge unit 1 in each of the guide gutters 91a and 91b
Non-contact type ejected ball detection sensors 112a and 112b for detecting a flowing ball are arranged in the middle of 03a and 103b, respectively. In the middle of each of the discharge units 103a and 103b, immediately after the discharge ball detection sensors 112a and 112b, a stopper 92 constituting discharge means 94a and 94b is provided.
Notch portions 113a and 113b in which a and 92b can appear and disappear are formed. The stoppers 92a and 92b are rotatably supported by support shafts 114a and 114b, respectively.
The connecting pins 115a and 115b are protrudingly provided, respectively, and these connecting pins 115a and 115b and the discharge solenoid 93 are provided.
The lower ends of the operating rods 116a and 116b of the a and 93b are connected by connecting plates 117a and 117b, respectively.

Here, the discharged ball detection sensor 112a,
In the following description, 112b is appropriately referred to as the discharge sensor 1 or 2 or the first and second discharge sensors for the convenience of description in the flow and display in the drawings when executing the flow described below. Similarly, discharge solenoids 93a, 9
3b is the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 in the following description of the flow.
The expression is used.

When the drive discharge solenoids 93a and 93b are in a demagnetized (off) state, as shown in FIG. 15A (however, FIG. 15 shows only one set for convenience of explanation),
The operating rods 116a and 116b move down to
The leading ends of a and 92b enter the discharge portions 103a and 103b of the guide gutters 91a and 91b from the notches 113a and 113b, respectively, and prevent the balls in the discharge portions 103a and 103b from flowing down. .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), when the discharge solenoids 93a, 93b are excited (turned on), the operating rods 116a, 116b rise and the stoppers 92a,
92b is rotated in the ascending direction so that the discharge portions 103a,
03b, the ball escapes from the notches 113a, 113b to release the sphere in the discharge portions 103a, 103b, and the spare spheres in the guide gutters 91a, 91b are discharged to the lower discharge gutter 72. ing. FIG.
In the figure, 118b is a base member on which the discharge solenoid 93b is mounted, and 119b is a side frame for fixing the discharge solenoid 93b. Also, this unit case 4
2c is attached to the frame 11a through the stop hole 119c.

As described above, the prize ball discharging device 42 detects the flowing balls one by one by the discharged ball detecting sensors 112a and 112b while reaching the predetermined number while stopping at the predetermined number.
Since a and 92b can be operated to stop the discharge, as described above, it is possible to discharge a prize ball having a different number of discharged balls and a new encapsulated ball when exchanging the encapsulated ball by the same award ball discharging device. It becomes possible. This can be performed automatically by remote control, for example, based on an external signal. Further, since the prize ball discharging device 42 includes two sets of discharging mechanisms 42a and 42b, particularly when discharging a ball and taking in a new sealed ball, the ball is prevented from being clogged and the filling operation is performed smoothly. There is an advantage that can be.

In order to remove the ball of the storage tank 41 to the outside, the ball removal sensor 11 is provided above the guide gutters 91a and 91b.
The ball removal sensor 118 detects that a predetermined ball removal rod has been inserted from an operation hole (not shown) formed on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 2 and outputs an ON signal. Only the staff of the game store inserts the ball-pulling rod into the operation hole from the front of the game machine main body 2 so that it can cope with crime prevention. Then, when an ON signal is output from the ball removal sensor 118 by the insertion operation of the ball removal rod, the discharge solenoids 93a and 93b are continuously excited and the guide trough 91 is excited.
The spare spheres a and 91b are discharged and sent to the lower discharge gutter 72.

An enclosed ball exchange switch 316 is disposed on the side of the ball removal sensor 118 (see FIG. 13).
An ON signal is output by detecting that a predetermined sealing ball replacement rod has been inserted from an operation hole (not shown) formed on the front surface of the device. Only the staff of the game store inserts the ball replacement rod into the operation hole from the front of the game machine main body 2 so that it can cope with crime prevention. Then, when an ON signal is output from the sealed ball replacement switch 316 by the insertion operation of the sealed ball replacement rod, the ON signal is used to set the sealed ball replacement flag to “1” by an input process (FIG. 60) described later. (See step S2620).

When the enclosed ball replacement flag is set to "1", the enclosed ball replacement process is executed in the main routine of FIG. At this time, the prize ball discharging device 42 performs a discharge solenoid 93 as an operation related to the enclosed ball replacement process.
a, 93b are continuously excited to guide the gutters 91a, 91b.
Is discharged and sent to the lower discharge gutter 72, and further, the preliminary sphere is discharged from the discharge gutter 72 to the enclosing ball guiding gutter 73 as described later. By causing the ball to flow down to 83, the process of replacing the enclosed ball is performed to prepare for the start of the game.

Next, another cassette unit will be described.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an enclosed ball cassette 120 which is made into a cassette in the same manner as the above-mentioned prize ball discharging device 42, FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the enclosed ball cassette 120 and a gutter switching cassette 121 which is also made into a cassette, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing a part of a frame 11 a on which an enclosing ball cassette 120 is mounted.

In these figures, the enclosed sphere cassette 12
Numeral 0 is configured to include the above-described enclosed ball removing solenoid 51, and is mainly exchanged as a portion storing the enclosed ball, and is freely exchangeable. That is, the sealed ball cassette 12
0 are provided with locking members 122, 123, and these locking members 122, 123 are attached to the locking ball cassette locking bosses 124, 125 formed on the frame 11a of the gaming machine main body 2 shown in FIG. By being pushed in, it is configured to be detachable with one touch. Further, wiring processing holes 126, 1
27 are formed, and these wiring processing holes 126, 1
Reference numeral 27 allows communication with wiring processing holes 128 and 129 formed in the frame 11a of the gaming machine main body 2 shown in FIG.

The flow path openings through which the balls pass will be described in correspondence with those formed at the end of the cassette. 130 is a foul ball collection path, 131 is an out ball collection path, 132 is a safe ball collection path, and 133 is a safe ball collection path. Enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 and ball storage channel 83
, A ball storage opening that opens at a connection portion with the end, 134 is an end opening of the extraction guiding gutter 75, 135 is an end opening of the prize ball guiding gutter 74,
Reference numeral 136 denotes one of the enclosed balls stored in the ball storage path 83 sequentially.
It is a ball discharge port for sending out to the launching device 52 one by one.
Each of these passage openings is mutually connected to passage members formed in other members or the cassette.

A ball leveling plate 141 for leveling the ball is provided in the middle of the ball storage path 83, and the bottom of the ball storage path 83 is specially designed at two places. That is, the ball that passes most frequently is the out ball, and the bottom R1 of the ball storage path 83 facing the out ball recovery path 131 from which the out ball flows down is formed in an R shape as a step for preventing ball clogging. At the same time, the bottom portion R2 of the ball storage path 83 facing the safe ball collection path 132 through which the safe ball flows the second most frequently as a ball passing frequency is also formed in an R shape. Therefore, it is possible to realize a flow in which the sphere flowing through the out sphere collection path 131 is smoothly rotated by the R-shaped bottom portion R1 and follows the downward inclination of the sphere storage path 83, and in particular, the clogging of the sphere can be prevented. There is an advantage. This effect is the same for the safe ball, and the ball that has flowed through the safe ball collection path 132 smoothly rotates by the R-shaped bottom portion R2 and flows along the downward slope of the ball storage path 83.

Further, since the out ball has the highest frequency of passing the ball, the out ball collection path 131 is arranged closer to the launch position than the safe ball collection path 132, and the out ball collection path 131 is preferentially arranged. It flows down to the storage channel 83. In the ball storage path 83, the spatial distance L1 between the bottom wall of the foul ball collection path 130 and the bottom of the ball storage path 83
Is larger than one sphere (see FIG. 19A).

Next, a detailed configuration of each cassette will be described in correspondence with the flow of the ball. As shown in FIG. 17, the balls discharged from the prize ball discharging device 42 flow down from the gutter switching cassette 121 toward the sealed ball cassette 120 in a predetermined state (for example, a state of replacing the sealed balls). During the game, the out-ball, the safe ball, and the foul ball are mixed in the ball storage path 83 in the sealed-ball cassette 120.

The ball-pulling solenoid 44 disposed at the entrance of the sampling guide gutter 75 from which the discharge gutter 72 branches first,
It has a solenoid main body (electromagnet part) 44a, a switching plate 44b for switching a flow path, and a mechanism section (for example, a part including an operating rod and the like collectively) 44c for displacing the switching plate 44b by excitation of the solenoid main body 44a. are doing. When the solenoid body 44a is in the demagnetized (off) state, the switching plate 44b is displaced so as to retreat from the discharge gutter 72 side and close the entrance of the extraction guide gutter 75 by the urging force of the spring in the mechanism portion 44c. I have. Therefore, the ball T discharged from the prize ball discharge device 42 flows down the discharge gutter 72 as it is, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 17, and does not flow to the extraction guide gutter 75 side.

On the other hand, when the solenoid body 44a is turned on, the operating rod of the mechanism section 44c is attracted to the solenoid body 44a against the urging force of the spring in the mechanism section 44c, and the switching plate 44b is accordingly turned on. With the end as a fulcrum, it is displaced so as to protrude from the extraction guide gutter 75 side and close the passage on the discharge gutter 72 side. For this reason, the ball T discharged from the prize ball discharge device 42 enters the extraction guide gutter 75 from the middle of the discharge gutter 72, and thereafter flows down the extraction guide gutter 75 and is extracted to the outside.

The flow path switching solenoid 43 disposed at the entrance of the enclosed ball guide gutter 73 similarly has a solenoid main body 43.
a, a switching plate 43b for switching the flow path, and a mechanism 43c for displacing the switching plate 44b by exciting the solenoid body 43a. When the solenoid body 43a is in the off state, the switching plate 43b is displaced so as to retreat toward the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 and close the entrance of the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 by the urging force of the spring in the mechanism 43c. For this reason, the ball T discharged from the prize ball discharge device 42 flows into the prize ball guiding gutter 74 as it is from the discharge gutter 72, and from the end opening 135 as a prize ball, a ball storage on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 2. Guided to dish 26. Therefore, it does not flow to the enclosed ball guide gutter 73 side.

On the other hand, when the solenoid body 43a is turned on, the operating rod of the mechanism section 43c is attracted to the solenoid body 43a against the urging force of the spring in the mechanism section 43c, and the switching plate 43b is accordingly moved to its basic position. With the end as a fulcrum, it moves from the entrance of the enclosed ball guide gutter 73 and is displaced so as to close the entrance of the prize ball guide gutter 74 (the state of FIG. 17). Therefore, the ball T discharged from the prize ball discharging device 42
Indicates that the enclosed sphere guiding gutter 7 is connected from the discharge gutter 72 as indicated by the arrow.
3 and thereafter flows down to the enclosing ball cassette 120. The ball that has flowed into the sealed ball cassette 120 is stored in the ball storage path 8.
3 and be prepared for the start of the game as an enclosed ball.

The enclosed ball removing solenoid 51 in the enclosed ball cassette 120 includes a solenoid body 51a, a switching plate 51b for switching the flow path, a link 51c engaged with the switching plate 51b, and a pivot point of the link 51c so as to be rotatable. And an operating rod 51d including a connected spring. Then, when the solenoid body 51a is in the off state, as shown in FIG.
The link 51c is pushed rightward in the figure and pivots about the base end side thereof as a fulcrum by the biasing force of the spring in FIG. Therefore, the balls stored in the ball storage path 83 face the firing position, and are sequentially sent out one by one from the ball sending port 136 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the solenoid main body 51a is turned on, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), the operating rod 51d is attracted to the solenoid main body 51a against the urging force of the spring, and the link 51c is accordingly turned on. With the base end as a fulcrum, it is sucked and rotated to the right in the drawing, and the switching plate 5
1b opens the entrance of the sealing path discharge path 84. For this reason, the spheres stored in the sphere storage path 83 flow down to the enclosing path discharge path 84 as shown by the arrow, and are extracted to the outside to be cleaned. The purpose of cleaning the ball extracted outside is to remove the dirt since the enclosed pachinko ball is circulated and becomes dirty. In this way, the other gutter switching cassettes 12 including the sealed ball cassette 120
Since 1 and the like are made into a cassette, they can be exchanged with one touch even at the time of replacement, and workability is improved. In addition, there is an advantage that cleaning is easy and repair is easy.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which a board for a microcomputer and the like necessary for control are installed and various wirings are provided in addition to the above-mentioned back mechanism of the gaming machine main body 2. FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a board including a microcomputer disposed substantially at the center of the back surface, and realizes the function of the accessory control device 200 described later. Board 150
Are connected to other devices, for example, a signal is transmitted to and from another device, for example, a typical emission credit control device 300 and the like, and also supplies power. Other wirings 152 to 156 also transmit signals between the control mechanisms (refer to FIG. 21 for wiring relationships). A relay board 160 exchanges data with the emission credit control device 300 via the relay board 160. A connector 161 is provided on the relay board 160, and the wiring from the discharge credit control device 300 is connected to the connector 161. Reference numeral 303 denotes a later-described launch control device.

Next, FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a control system in the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1. In FIG. 21, this control system is mainly divided mainly into the game board 1 of the game machine main body 2.
The accessory control device 200 that performs the control relating to the third item, the credit device 3, the discharge credit control device 300 that controls the discharge of the prize ball, the exchange of the enclosed ball, and the management device 400 that manages and controls the in-store information. Be composed. In addition,
Mainly includes the emission credit control device 300, and the portion within the dashed line shown is arranged in the credit device 3.

Among the above control devices, the accessory control device 200
Are various winning ball detectors provided on the game board 13, that is, a starting winning switch 1354, a continuous winning switch 13
56, receiving a detection signal from the winning number switch 1358 to form a drive signal for the accessory, receiving a signal from a first safe sensor 45 provided on the back base of the gaming machine main body 2, receiving a signal from the speaker 201, Form a drive signal. Also, the accessory control device 200 monitors the game state and outputs prize ball data or a prize ball storage signal to the discharge credit control device 300, or the discharge credit control device 300.
The control information is transmitted / received via the ready signal and the strobe signal to the control unit.

The discharge credit control device 300 controls addition of a prize ball to the number of credits so as to benefit the player based on the prize ball data and the prize ball storage signal from the accessory control device 200, and the test mode. In addition to forming a drive signal for notifying that the game machine main body 2 is in the test mode on the test mode display 24,
If the pachinko ball (for example, a carry-in ball) is inserted into the ball inlet 32 with respect to the import prohibition indicator 804, it is not captured as an effective credit number of the gaming machine main body 2 (that is, import is prohibited). Display and prize ball discharge indicator 3
02 is controlled to output a signal to display the discharge of the prize ball. In addition, a signal is output to the launch control device 303 to control, for example, stop after a big hit or during settlement, or when the number of credits is zero.

The other control will be described. First, the test mode switch 32
0, and other signals from various sensors, specifically the first discharge sensor 112a,
A second ejection sensor 112b, a settlement switch 6, a purchase switch 25, a receipt selection switch 7, a card return switch 26, a reset switch 313, a standby ball detector 314,
An overflow sensor 48, a firing sensor 38, a foul sensor 35, an out sensor 47, a ball removal sensor 118, an enclosed ball replacement switch 316, a front frame opening switch 321,
Signals from the count sensor 49 and the safe sensor 46 are input.

Here, the first discharge sensor 112a and the second discharge sensor 112b are provided at predetermined positions of the prize ball discharge device 42, and when a prize ball is present inside the sensor, the output signal is "H". When the prize ball flows out and is no longer in the sensor temporarily or continuously,
The output signal goes to "L" level.

The reset switch 313 is connected to the gaming machine body 2
This switch is used for resetting and initializing data and the like when the game is started or when a failure or improper operation occurs. The waiting ball detector 314 performs a prize ball starting process (FIG. 4)
0) to output a signal for setting the odd ball presence flag used in step 0). When the prize balls are sufficiently stored in the taxiway 61, the output signal is at the “H” level,
It is at the “L” level when it is not stored sufficiently and is in an odd state.

The ball-pulling sensor 118 is used by a game store clerk to start ball-pulling processing, ie, to insert a ball-pulling rod (not shown) into an operation hole provided on the front surface of the game machine main body 2. Is detected. The enclosed ball exchange switch 316 is used to issue a command for a process of removing a previous enclosed ball and replacing it with a new enclosed ball when starting a game of the enclosed ball type gaming machine body 2. Operated by attendants.

A test mode switch (capturing disabled state detecting means) 320 which is a characteristic part of this embodiment is for instructing the game machine main body 2 to a test mode as will be described later. When an operation for starting a mode command is performed, an ON signal is output. In this embodiment, the test mode switch 320 functions as a front frame opening / closing base opening switch for detecting whether or not a front frame opening / closing base 371 described later is open. Is equivalent to the occurrence of a state in which capture is impossible.

Here, the operation of the test mode switch 320 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG.
Front frame opening / closing base 3 located on the base side of frame-shaped front frame 11
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a part (hereinafter referred to as a reinforcing frame) 372 of a wooden machine frame for supporting and reinforcing the frame 71 and the frame-shaped front frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. In the figure, a detection piece 374 projects rearward from the back side of a protective fitting 373 attached to a corner of a free end of the front frame opening / closing base 371. The detection piece 374 is a front frame opening / closing base 37.
1 (that is, to detect that the frame-shaped front frame 11 is closed).

On the other hand, at the inner front portion of the reinforcing frame 372, the detecting piece 3
A detector installation groove 375 is provided at a position corresponding to 74, and the test mode switch 320 is installed in the detector installation groove 375 in a state housed in the mounting frame 376. Then, the front frame opening / closing base 371 is closed with respect to the reinforcing frame 372, and the front frame opening / closing base 371 is attached to the reinforcing frame 37.
When the front frame opening / closing base 371 is reached
Of the detection frame 374 of the test mode switch 320 on the reinforcing frame 372 side detects that the front frame opening / closing base 371 (that is, the frame-shaped front frame 11) is closed, and the release switch 318. Outputs an off signal.

On the other hand, when the front frame opening / closing base 371 is opened, on the contrary, the detecting piece 374 of the front frame opening / closing base 371 is turned to the detecting section 32 of the test mode switch 320 on the reinforcing frame 372 side.
0a, it is detected that the front frame opening / closing base 371 is open, and the test mode switch 320
Outputs an ON signal.

Therefore, when the store clerk uses the predetermined key to open the front frame opening / closing base 371, an on signal is output from the test mode switch 320, and the on signal is used to test the gaming machine main body 2. Used as a command to enter the mode. Also,
At the same time, it is also used as a signal as a front frame opening / closing base opening switch for detecting whether the front frame opening / closing base 371 is open.

The above description is based on the test mode switch 320
Is provided on the reinforcing frame 372 and includes a function of detecting the opening / closing of the front frame opening / closing base 371, but may be operated as a function of only the test mode switch in the following form. That is, the test mode switch 320 is not limited to the above case as long as it can be operated only by a store clerk. For example, a switch provided on the back side of the front frame or on the back side of the game machine main body 2, or the ball removal sensor 118 A structure similar to that described above, or a structure that exerts a similar function by inserting a key into the keyhole of the front frame may be used. The front frame opening switch 321 detects that the frame-shaped front frame 11 has been opened.

Returning to FIG. 21, the emission credit control device 300 performs various controls necessary for executing a pachinko game based on signals from the various sensors. In addition, various control signals from the discharge credit control device 300 are transmitted to actuators such as solenoids, specifically, a first discharge solenoid 93a, a second discharge solenoid 93b, a ball removal solenoid 44, a flow path switching solenoid 43, and a sealed ball removal. Solenoid 51, safe lamp 353, purchase LED 354,
It is output to the overflow lamp 355, the settlement LED 356, the card balance display 22, the credit number display 23, the test mode display 24, the capture inhibition solenoid 803, and the capture inhibition display 804.

The safe lamp 353 lights up when the ball wins, and the overflow lamp 355 lights up when the ball overflows and the overflow sensor 48 is turned on. The purchase LED 354 is turned on when a card can be inserted and a ball can be purchased in the form of a credit number.
356 lights up when the game is settled. The lighting state of the card balance display 22, the credit amount display 23, and the test mode display 24 is as described above.

Further, when the test mode switch 320 outputs an ON signal to instruct the take-in prohibition solenoid 803 to shift the gaming machine main body 2 to the test mode, the solenoid is energized. As a result, the intake shutter 802 is displaced to open the intake ball return path 801 and the intake prohibition indicator 804 is turned on. on the other hand,
When the test mode switch 320 is outputting an off signal (the normal case where the gaming machine main body 2 does not shift to the test mode), the intake prohibition solenoid 803 is not energized,
The intake ball return path 801 is shut off by the intake shutter 802.

Further, the emission credit control device 300 exchanges data with the management device 400 of the pachinko parlor (details will be described later). In addition, data is exchanged with a card reader / writer control device 411 built in the credit device 3 to perform processing necessary for controlling card insertion and ejection. Card reader / writer controller 41
1 controls the operation of the card reader / writer 412. Note that the accessory control device 200 and the emission credit control device 30
0 and the management device 400 are CPU, ROM, RAM,
It is constituted by a microcomputer including an I / O port and the like.

Next, with regard to the prohibition control of the incorporation of the game medium, which is a feature of this embodiment, the discharge credit control device 30
The configuration of the corresponding part of the management device 400 will be described. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a circuit for realizing the function of the emission credit control device 300 related to the control of the prohibition of capture.

In FIG. 23, the emission credit control device 300 includes a firing control circuit 601, a settlement control circuit 602, a card balance control circuit 603, a test mode control circuit 604, a card balance display control Circuit 605, credit number calculation circuit 606, credit number storage circuit 607, credit number display control circuit 6
08, a test mode display control circuit 609, a credit number holding circuit 610, a card reader control circuit 611, a capture prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612, a capture prohibition display control circuit 613, a fraud control circuit 614, a maximum capture credit number comparison judgment It has a circuit 615 and a maximum captured credit number setting storage circuit 616.

Signals from the firing sensor 38, the foul sensor 35, the out sensor 47, the accessory control circuit 200a, the count sensor 49, the settlement control circuit 602, and the card balance control circuit 603 are input to the credit number calculation circuit 606. , The credit amount calculation circuit 606 calculates the number of credits based on signals from these circuits, and outputs the result to the credit number storage circuit 607. The credit mode calculation circuit 606 also has a test mode control circuit 6
When the credit mode calculation circuit 606 is set to the test mode by the test mode control circuit 604, the firing sensor 38, the foul sensor 35, the out sensor 47, the accessory control circuit 200a, the count sensor 49. Treat all signals from the settlement control circuit 602 and the card balance control circuit 603 as invalid, stop the calculation of the number of credits, and prohibit a change in game profit.

The settlement control circuit 602 (payment control means, unloadable state detection means) performs the control necessary for the settlement of the game based on signals from the settlement switch 6 and the receipt selection switch 7, and outputs the settlement result to the number of credits. Arithmetic circuit 6
06, and when the settlement of the game ends,
That fact is output to the firing control circuit 601 and the card reader control circuit 611, and further, it is determined that the capture is impossible, and a control signal is output to the capture inhibition solenoid drive control circuit 612.

The card balance control circuit 603 controls the balance of the prepaid card based on the purchase signal from the purchase switch 25, and outputs the control result to the credit number calculation circuit 606, the card reader control circuit 611, and the card balance display control circuit 605. I do. Card balance display control circuit 605
Performs control for displaying the card balance, and causes the card balance display 22 to display the current card balance. The credit number storage circuit 607 stores the current number of credits based on the output from the credit number calculation circuit 606, and stores the storage result in the settlement control circuit 602, the firing control circuit 601, the credit number display control circuit 608, and the maximum credit taken. Output to the number comparison determination circuit 615.

Launch control circuit 601 (game inactivating means)
Is based on a signal from the credit number storage circuit 607, a signal from the settlement control circuit 602, and a stop signal from the management device 400, when the credit number is zero (0), when the game is being settled (the settlement process is being performed). When the management device 400 determines that the number of hits has reached the predetermined number, the operation of the firing device 52 is stopped (the player's game is deactivated), while the test mode control circuit 604 controls the test mode. When the number of credits is set to zero, the launching device 52 is activated even if the credit number is zero, and a signal related to launching is sent to the unauthorized control circuit 614. This is to prevent the injustice that the ball is fired even though the firing has been stopped by sending information that the firing has been stopped.

The stop signal from the management device 400 is also input to the take-in prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612, and the control device 400 sends a control signal (push) to the take-in prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612 at the time of the stop. Stop signal).

A test mode control circuit (capturing disabled state detecting means) 604 sets the gaming machine main unit 2 to the test mode based on a signal (ON signal) for instructing the test mode from the test mode switch 320, and is necessary for that. The credit number calculation circuit 606, the emission control circuit 601,
It outputs to the test mode display control circuit 609, the credit number holding circuit 610, and the card reader control circuit 611, and determines that the reading mode is disabled during the test mode, and outputs a control signal to the loading prohibiting solenoid drive control circuit 612. I do. When the game machine main body 2 is set to the test mode, the test mode control circuit 604 outputs a signal to that effect to the management device 400. The management device 400 takes in the information set in the test mode, and manages and controls the gaming state of the entire store based on this information.

The test mode command is transmitted as a signal from test mode switch 320 to test mode control circuit 6.
The same test mode setting processing as described above is performed not only by the signal from the control unit 04 but also by the signal from the control unit of the management device 400 installed in the management room that centrally manages the pachinko parlor.

The test mode display control circuit 609 generates a signal for controlling the test mode display 24 based on the control signal from the test mode control circuit 604, and outputs the signal to the test mode display 24. Lights up in the test mode based on a control signal from the test mode display control circuit 609 to display the test mode.
The credit number holding circuit 610 is the test mode control circuit 6
When the mode is set to the test mode based on the control signal from the CPU 04, the number of credits before the test mode is entered (that is, the profit of the player) is stored and output to the credit number storage circuit 607. I do.

The credit number storage circuit 60 described above is used.
7 outputs the number of credits held by the number-of-credits holding circuit 610 to the number-of-credits display control circuit 608 when the gaming machine main body 2 is set to the test mode, and displays the held number of credits as the maximum number of taken-in credits. The signal is also output to the comparison determination circuit 615. The credit number display control circuit 608 generates a control signal for displaying the number of credits before the gaming machine body 2 enters the test mode, outputs the control signal to the credit number display 23, and sets the gaming machine body 2 to the test mode. When the number of credits is displayed, a control signal for displaying the number of credits held by the credit number holding circuit 610 is generated, and the credit number display unit 23 is generated.
Output to

The credit amount display 23 normally displays the number of credits before the gaming machine main unit 2 enters the test mode based on the control signal from the credit number display control circuit 608, and displays the game machine main unit 2 in the test mode. Then, the number of credits held by the credit number holding circuit 610 is displayed. Also, the maximum captured credits number comparison storage circuit 615 has a maximum captured credits number setting storage circuit 6.
The maximum number of credits set storage circuit 616 stores the number of credits set by the setting switch 322. Setting switch 322
Is a switch for setting a maximum value of the number of credits at which a ball cannot be taken in from outside or purchased through a card, and the maximum value of the number of credits is set to an appropriate value.

The maximum credit number comparison judgment circuit 615
(Means for detecting a state incapable of taking in) the maximum number of taken credits stored in the maximum taken credit number setting storage circuit 616;
The credit number is compared with the credit number stored in the credit number storage circuit 607, and when the current credit number becomes the maximum number of credits to be taken from the result of the determination, it is determined that the state is incapable of being taken (capture prohibited state). A control signal is output to the connection prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612.

Signals from the settlement control circuit 602, the card return switch 26, the card balance control circuit 603, the test mode control circuit 604, and the card reader / writer 412 are input to the card reader control circuit 611.
The card reader control circuit 611 reads information (ball lending amount information) recorded from the card taken in by the card reader / writer 412 or writes information (ball lending amount information) on the taken-in card. In addition to performing the control, when the card is controlled to be returned based on the signal from each of the above circuits, and further, a signal is output to the unauthorized control circuit 614, and when the test mode is set,
Control to eject the card is performed.

The card reader / writer 412 reads necessary data from the card, and
1 and writes necessary data to the card based on the signal from the card reader control circuit 611. The unauthorized control circuit 614 includes the accessory control circuit 2
00a, output signals from the firing control circuit 601, the card reader control circuit 611, and the ball ejection circuit 323 are input. The accessory control circuit 200a forms a drive signal for the accessory and monitors the gaming state. Ball discharge circuit 323
Controls the discharge of the ball as the prize ball.

An illegal control circuit (illegal state detecting means fetching impossible state detecting means) 614 is based on an output signal from each of these circuits, discharges an accessory, discharges a prize ball, fires an enclosed ball, and reads / reads a card reader / writer (readout). When an illegal operation relating to (/ write) is performed, this is detected, it is determined that the state is incapable of taking in, and a control signal is output to the take-in prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612.

A test mode control circuit 604, an illegal control circuit 614,
Management device 400, settlement control circuit 602, maximum captured credit number comparison / judgment circuit 615, and front frame opening switch 3
The signal from 21 is input as a prohibition signal. A front frame opening switch (capturing disabled state detecting means) 321 detects that the frame-shaped front frame 11 of the gaming machine main body 2 has been opened,
At this time, it is determined that the state is incapable of taking in, and a control signal is output to the take-in prohibition solenoid drive control circuit 612.

When a control signal is input from each of the above circuits, the take-in prohibition solenoid drive control circuit (game medium return means) 612 generates a prohibition signal to prohibit the pachinko ball from being taken into the apparatus from outside. Output to the take-in prohibition solenoid 803 and the take-in prohibition display control circuit 61
3, a control signal for prohibiting the capture is output, and the capture prohibition display control circuit 613 outputs a signal for displaying the prohibition of the capture to the prohibition display 804.
4 (notifying means) is turned on.

When the prohibition signal is input, the intake prohibition solenoid 803 is energized and displaces the intake shutter 802 to open the intake ball return path 801. The ball T is taken in by the gravity and returned to the ball 80
1 so as to flow smoothly to the ball storage tray (reception tray) 29 on the front side of the gaming machine main body 2 through the intake ball return path 801. That is, control is performed so that the ball input from outside is returned again.

Next, in the present embodiment, the time when the sealed balls are replaced is checked by the management device 400, and this part is checked for the emission credit control device 300 and the management device 40.
The configuration of the part corresponding to 0 will be described. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing each circuit of the control of the sealed ball replacement timing in the management device 400. In addition, on the drawing (or in the specification)
Refers to the enclosing ball as an "enclosed ball", which means an enclosed ball, and the enclosed ball and the enclosed ball are not different concepts. In FIG. 24, the management device 400 includes a firing signal receiving circuit 471, a firing number counting circuit 472, a business day counting circuit 473, a calendar storage control circuit 474, a sealing ball replacement A timing determination circuit 475, a sealed ball replacement notification control circuit 476,
Power-on determination circuit 477, sealed ball replacement execution determination circuit 47
8, a sealed ball replacement signal generation circuit 479, a sealed ball replacement execution signal receiving circuit 480, and a sealed ball replacement input circuit 481.

The firing signal receiving circuit 471 receives the signal transmitted from the emission credit control device 300 when the gaming machine body 2 fires, and sends the signal to the firing number counting circuit 472. The firing frequency counting circuit 472 counts the firing frequency based on the signal received from the firing signal receiving circuit 471, and resets the firing frequency based on the signal from the sealed ball replacement execution signal receiving circuit 480. The enclosed ball replacement execution signal receiving circuit 480 receives the sealed ball replacement execution signal transmitted from the discharge credit control device 300 and outputs the signal to the firing number counting circuit 472 and the calendar storage control circuit 474. Note that the enclosed ball replacement execution signal is generated by an operation of a pachinko parlor's staff and is output from the discharge credit control device 300.

The calendar storage control circuit 474 stores the date of replacement of the sealed balls according to the signal from the sealed ball replacement execution signal receiving circuit 480. The business day counting circuit 473 counts the number of business days from the date of replacement of the sealed sphere stored in the calendar storage control circuit 474. The enclosed ball replacement time determination circuit 475 determines whether or not the value counted by the firing number counting circuit 472 is equal to or more than a predetermined value to determine the next enclosed ball replacement time, and operates as another determination parameter. It is determined whether or not the value counted by the days counting circuit 473 has become equal to or greater than a predetermined value to determine the next replacement time of the sealed sphere.
76 and an enclosed ball replacement execution determination circuit 478.

The power-on judging circuit 477 judges whether or not the power is turned on before the start of business, and outputs the judgment result to the sealed ball replacement execution judging circuit 478. The sealed ball replacement execution determination circuit 478 determines whether or not to perform replacement of the sealed ball based on signals from the sealed ball replacement time determination circuit 475 and the power-on determination circuit 477, and generates a sealed ball replacement signal generation result. Send to circuit 479. A sealed ball replacement input circuit 481 is a signal for instructing the replacement of the sealed balls of each unit, island unit, or all units by input from a predetermined keyboard having a function of giving a command to the management device 400 or inputting data. Is generated and output to the enclosed ball replacement signal generation circuit 479.

The enclosed sphere replacement signal generation circuit 479 is provided with an enclosed sphere replacement execution determination circuit 478 or the enclosed sphere replacement signal generation circuit 47.
9 to generate a sealed ball replacement signal for performing the replacement of the sealed balls based on the output from the discharge credit control device 3.
00, and then the enclosed ball exchange signal is transmitted from the discharge credit control device 300 to the corresponding gaming machine main body 2. The enclosed ball replacement notification control circuit 476 displays a signal on the predetermined display provided in the management device 400 to notify the attendant of the time of replacement of the enclosed ball based on a signal from the enclosed ball replacement time determination circuit 475.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the enclosed balls are replaced by the above circuit (for example, the enclosed balls are replaced after a predetermined number of firings, or when the number of business days after the replacement becomes a predetermined number of days). (Replacement) is checked by the management device 400, and when the power is turned on before the store is opened, replacement of the enclosed ball of the table whose replacement time has come can be automatically performed, and the management of the enclosed ball can be performed more appropriately. .

Next, the emission credit control device 3 described above
00 and the various control procedures performed by the management device 400 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The discharge control of the prize ball is started at the same time when the power of the discharge credit control device 300 is turned on, and the process is repeatedly executed as long as the power is turned on, so-called background control process (see FIGS. 25 to 27). After the power is turned on, a predetermined time (for example, 0.
Every 5 msec), the background control process is roughly divided into two control processes: an interrupt process (see FIG. 28) in which the background control itself is interrupted during the background control process and the process is executed.

First, the main routine of the background control processing of the prize ball discharge control will be described with reference to FIGS. This routine is repeatedly performed after the power of the emission credit control device 300 is turned on as described above.

When the power is turned on, at step S1, RA
Initial settings such as clearing of M, setting of a flag, and resetting of an output buffer are performed. Next, in step S2, a discharge device illegality monitoring process (see FIG. 38) described later is performed to confirm that illegal discharge is not performed, and then the process proceeds to step S3.
It is determined whether or not the discharge irregularity flag set during the above process is “1”. If the flag is "1", step S
Then, the process proceeds to step S10, where the unauthorized release process is executed. If the flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S4. Step S4 to Step S
In step 7, it is determined whether or not the number is "5" or "4", "2", or "1" with reference to the processing number (processing number).

When the value of this process number is "5", a predetermined power failure recovery process is started in step S11.
When the value is "4", a ball elimination process (FIGS. 49 to 51) described later is started in step S12, and when the value is "2", a prize ball ejection process (FIG. 43) described in step S13.
Is started, and when the value is "1", a winning ball start process (FIG. 40) described later is started in step S14. When the corresponding process is executed, this process number is changed to another number or reset to "0" in the process flow.

On the other hand, if the processing number is "0", the flow advances to step S8 to determine whether or not the throw-out flag is "1". If the ball removal flag is "1", the process number is set to "4" in step S15. This is because the process shifts to the ball removing process in step S12 when the main routine is executed again. If the ball removal flag is "0" in step S8, a supply process (FIG. 52) is performed in step S9.

Next, the flow moves to FIG.
In step S20, it is determined whether or not each of the following flags is "1". Settlement flag: Determines whether the settlement process is starting. Card insertion flag: Determines whether the card is being inserted. Card return flag: Determines whether the card is being returned. Purchase flag: Purchasing Determination of whether or not the enclosure ball replacement flag: determination of whether or not the enclosure ball is being replaced

If the settlement flag is "1" in step S16, settlement processing (FIG. 53) is performed in step S21.
If it is "0", the process proceeds to step S17. Step S17
If the card insertion flag is "1", the card take-in process (FIG. 54) is performed in step S22, and if "0", the process proceeds to step S18. If the card return flag is "1" in step S18, a card ejection process (FIG. 55) is performed in step S23, and if "0", the process proceeds to step S19.
If the purchase flag is "1" in step S19, the purchase process (FIG. 56) is performed in step S24, and if it is "0", the process proceeds to step S20. When the enclosing ball replacement flag is "1" in step S20, the enclosing ball replacement process is performed in step S25 (FIG. 57), and when it is "0", the input process (FIG. 60) is performed in step S26.

Then, in a step S27, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 313 is turned on. If the reset switch 313 is turned on, a reset flag is set to "1" in a step S28, and the process proceeds to a step S29. On the other hand, the reset switch 31
When 3 is off, the process proceeds directly to step S29. In a step S29, it is determined whether or not the reset flag is "1". If the reset flag is "1", a reset process (FIG. 62) is performed in a step S30.
Proceeding to 60, it is determined whether the test mode flag is "1".

The test mode flag is set in a test mode process (FIG. 65) which will be described later. When the game machine main body 2 is instructed to shift to the test mode, it becomes "1", and the test mode flag is not instructed. At this time, it becomes "0".
If the test mode flag is "1" in step S60, it is determined that the gaming machine main body 2 is set to the test mode, and steps S31 and S32 are jumped to perform the ball capturing process and the enclosed ball process, respectively. Step S6
Proceed to 2.

Therefore, in the test mode, the number of credits is not counted even if a ball is brought in and inserted into the ball intake 32, and the game using the enclosed ball is not played. on the other hand,
If the test mode flag is "0" in step S60, it is determined that the gaming machine main body 2 is not in the test mode, and the flow advances to step S31 to perform a ball capturing process (FIG. 61). (FIG. 64).

Next, the flow shifts to FIG. 27, and in a step S62, it is determined whether or not the test mode flag is "1".
When the test mode flag is "1", the gaming machine main body 2 is set to the test mode, so that all the processing up to step S36 is jumped to proceed to step S37. Therefore, processing based on the number of credits, the hit, the settlement flag, and the like is not performed. The purpose of this is to simply execute a test of the gaming machine main body 2 in the test mode, so that processing related to the profit of the game is not performed.

On the other hand, when the test mode flag is "0" at step S62, the gaming machine main body 2 is not set to the test mode, so it is determined at step S64 whether a stop signal has been received. The hitting signal is sent from the management device 400 when the gaming machine main body 2 gives the player a prize ball corresponding to a predetermined hitting ball number (for example, the hitting ball number is collectively managed by the management device 400). It is something that is transmitted. In addition, not limited to the example transmitted from the management device 400,
For example, the number of hit balls may be managed by the gaming machine body 2 itself.

When the hitting signal is received in step S64, the gaming machine main body 2 has already given the prize balls corresponding to the predetermined hitting ball number. The stop display is turned on, and the stop flag is set to "1" in step S68.
Further, the firing off flag is set to “1” and the step S
Proceed to 38. The hit display is performed by, for example, turning on a hit indicator installed on the upper part of the gaming machine main body 2. Therefore,
When the hitting signal is received, the hitting indicator is turned on to notify the player and the shot ball cannot be fired.

On the other hand, if NO in step S64 (when a hit signal is not received), the gaming machine body 2 has not reached the number of hit balls, so that the hit display is turned off in step S70 and At step S72, the stop flag is set to "0".
And the process proceeds to step S33.

In the step S33, the credit amount is [0].
Is determined. The state of the number of credits = [0] corresponds to the fact that all the balls held by the player are no longer fired. Therefore, if the credit amount is [0] in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34 to set the firing off flag to "1". Thus, even if the player operates the firing device 52, the ball is not fired and fraud is prevented.

If the number of credits is not [0], it is determined that there is a ball held by the player and step S35 is reached.
Proceed to. In step S35, it is determined whether or not the overflow sensor 48 is turned on. When the overflow sensor 48 is turned on, the prize ball discharged to the ball storage tray 29 has overflown, so the process proceeds to step S34 to fire the ball for the time being. Stop. Thereafter, when the player performs a process such as transferring the prize ball discharged to the ball storage tray 29 to another, and the overflow sensor 48 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, it is determined whether or not the settlement flag is "1". When the settlement flag is "1", since the player wants to settle the game, the process proceeds to step S34 to stop firing the ball.

On the other hand, if the settlement flag is "0", the firing off flag is reset to "0" in step S37. Thereby, the firing device 52 can be operated again. Next, the process proceeds to step S38 to perform a display process (FIG. 63), and thereafter, a floating ball release process (FIG. 6) in step S39.
Perform 4).

Here, the floating ball will be described. Generally, in a game machine, especially a game machine using a pachinko ball, when the pachinko ball is fired toward the game board by the firing device, the shooting ball always goes into the winning opening or out. A ball that does not always enter the mouth, but is caught by a nail or impeller on the game board, etc., and stays at that location (hereinafter referred to as a floating ball)
There is a state where

In such a case, usually, a pachinko parlor attends the table, opens the front of the pachinko machine, removes the floating balls of the game board, and provides a service of putting some extra balls into the winning opening. Is common. For this reason, a floating ball counter is provided for detecting a floating ball, and when the floating ball counter is zero (the number of floating balls = 0), the following based on the outputs of the safe sensor 46, the out sensor 47, and the foul sensor 35. Both processes are invalidated to deal with the presence of floating spheres. That is, a process that is safe, out, or foul despite the presence of floating balls is prohibited.

However, in the conventional gaming machine, a floating ball counter is provided to detect a floating ball, and a control for discharging a winning prize ball, controlling an out ball, and the like is performed based on the output of the floating ball counter. Therefore, when a pachinko ball is caught on the board surface, the floating ball counter becomes zero when the caught ball itself is inserted into the winning opening (the number of floating balls = 0), and thereafter, the safe sensor, out sensor, foul Since any processing based on the output of the sensor is invalidated, “bonus” cannot be put into the winning opening, and there is a problem that the service of the player is reduced. In other words, even if a “bonus” ball is inserted into the winning opening, it is determined that all of them are invalid, the prize ball is not discharged, and the profit of the player does not increase, so that the “bonus” service cannot be performed after all.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the game area 13
If it is detected that 00 is in a predetermined invalid state (for example, a state where no floating ball exists or an illegal ball can be thrown into the winning opening), even if a ball wins in the winning opening thereafter, it is invalid. Is determined, and shifting to a specific profit state is prohibited. On the other hand, at this time, an instruction to release the invalidity determination is issued by a store clerk (for example, a release operation switch (test mode switch 320
) Operation or output of a signal from the management device 400), the determination control that the winning ball is invalidated is deactivated. In this state, if the store staff processes the floating ball (puts it into the winning opening) and subsequently puts a "bonus" ball into the winning opening, the winning ball is determined to be valid, and the specific winning ball is determined. You can transition to a profitable state. Thereafter, when a predetermined return command (for example, the test mode switch 320 is turned off) is issued, the control for determining whether or not the winning ball is invalid returns from the inactivated state to the activated state again.

Therefore, for example, even when control is performed when a floating ball is detected using a floating ball counter,
After putting the floating ball into the winning opening, it is possible to subsequently discharge the winning ball by inserting the "bonus" ball into the winning opening, that is, it is possible to provide a bonus service to the player and increase the motivation to play The advantage unique to the present embodiment that it can be sufficiently improved is obtained.

After the above-mentioned floating ball release processing, step S
A test mode process is performed at 74, and a capture prohibition process is performed at step S76. Thereafter, the process returns to step S2 shown in FIG. Details of the test mode processing and the capture prohibition processing will be described later.

Next, FIG. 28 shows a timer allocation performed every time a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 msec) elapses by the emission credit control device 300 prior to the main routine (background job) shown in FIGS. 9 shows the procedure of the embedding process. This interrupt processing is performed for reading various input signals.

When this interrupt processing is started, first, the count values of various timers are updated (step S4).
0), and then input processing of the frame sensor (step S4)
1), input processing of discharge sensor 1 (step S42), input processing of discharge sensor 2 (step S43), discharge sensor 1 level input processing (step S44), discharge sensor 2 level input processing (step S45), ball removal sensor Input processing (Step S46), input processing of the replenishment sensor 50 (Step S47), overflow detector input processing (Step S48), and standby sphere detector input processing (Step S4).
9) is performed sequentially.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a frame sensor input processing routine performed in step S41. This input processing of the frame sensor takes in an output signal of a frame sensor (not shown) provided in the game machine main body 2 and outputs a signal to the store management device 400 as one of the states of the game machine main body 2. is there.

When this routine is started, first, in step S4101, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the frame sensor is at the "H" level (frame sensor output = 1). When the frame sensor output = 1, the front frame of the gaming machine main body 2 is closed. In this case, the result of the determination in step S4101 is YES, and the flow advances to step S4102 to determine whether or not the frame closing flag is "1". here,
Since the determination flags are all set to “0” in the initial setting (step S1 in FIG. 25), step S4102
Are both NO and the result of the determination in the next step S4103 (whether or not the frame closing flag is "1") is NO.
Therefore, the frame closing flag is set to “1” in the next step S4104, the frame opening monitoring flag is set to “0” in step S4105, and furthermore, step S41 is performed.
At 06, the frame closing timer is set to a predetermined value (100 msec), and the current routine ends.

At the start of the next loop, if the output signal of the frame sensor is continuously at the "H" level, the decision result in the step S4101 is YES, and the succeeding step S41 is executed.
02 is NO, the determination result in step S4103 is YES, and the process in step S4107 is executed. In step S4107, it is determined whether or not the time of the frame closing timer started in step S4106 has expired. If NO, the subsequent steps S4108 and S4109 are skipped, and this routine ends. On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S4107 is YES, the frame closing flag is set to "1" in a step S4108, and the frame opening flag is reset (set to "0") in a step S4109, and the routine ends.

On the other hand, if NO in step S4101, that is, if it is determined that the frame sensor is off, the flow shifts to step S4110 to perform steps S4110 to S4110 which are complementary to steps S4102 to S4109.
The routine consisting of 4117 is executed to set the frame opening flag to "1" and the frame closing flag to "0", and terminate this routine. That is, first, step S4
110 (whether the frame opening flag is "1") and the next step S4111 (whether the frame opening monitoring flag is "1")
Are both NO, the frame closing flag is set to "1" in step S4112, the frame opening monitoring flag is set to "0" in step S4113, and the frame opening timer is set in step S4114. Start and end the routine.

Then, when the next loop is started,
If the frame sensor is subsequently turned off, the process proceeds to step S41.
The determination result at step S4110 is NO, the determination result at step S4110 is NO, the determination result at step S4111 is YES, and the process at step S4115 is executed. In step S4115, it is determined whether the frame release timer started in step S4114 has expired or not.
In the case of, the following steps S4116 and S411
Step 7 is skipped and this routine ends.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S4115 is Y
In the case of ES, the frame opening flag is set to "1" in step S4116, and the frame closing flag is reset (set to "0") in step S4117, and the routine ends. However, the set time of the frame opening timer started in step S4114 is the same as the frame closing timer (step S41).
A time, such as 1000 ms, much longer than 06) has been selected.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an input processing routine of the discharge sensor 1 performed in step S42. This routine is for detecting the state of the discharge sensor 112a. When a prize ball is present inside the sensor 112a, the output signal thereof becomes "H" level, and the prize ball flows out and temporarily stops. Alternatively, when the sensor no longer exists in the sensor, its output signal is set to the “L” level.

Therefore, in this routine, the discharge sensor 1
When the output signal of 12a rises from the "L" level to the "H" level, the discharge sensor 1 startup flag described later is set to "1".
To store that the prize ball has reached the inside of the sensor 112a. On the other hand, the sensor 112a
When the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 (hereinafter, referred to as discharge sensor 1) falls from the "H" level to the "L" level, a discharge sensor fall flag described later is set to "1", and the prize ball is removed from within the sensor 1. It is designed to remember that you have left.

When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S4201 whether or not the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at the "H" level (output of the discharge sensor 1 = "1"). Now, suppose that a prize ball is not ejected and one prize ball remains in the sensor 1, the determination result in step S4201 is YES at this time, and the processes after step S4202 are executed. . Step S420
In 2, it is determined whether or not the emission 1 startup change flag is “1”.
In step S4203, the discharge 1 fall change flag is "1".
In step S4204, it is determined whether the discharge 1L level (low level) flag is "1", and in step S4205, whether the discharge 1H level (high level) flag is "1". Determine.

In this case, the emission credit control device 300
Immediately after the CPU has been initialized, all the flags are set to "0".
The determination results of 4205 are all NO. Therefore, subsequently, in step S4206, the discharge sensor 1
The output 1H level flag is set to "1" in order to memorize that the output signal is "H" level, and this routine ends.

In the subsequent loop, since the discharge 1H level flag is set to "1", as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 holds the state of "H" level, step S4
201, step S4202, step S4203, step S4204, and step S4205 are repeatedly executed. Thereafter, the discharge of the prize ball is started, and when the prize ball remaining in the discharge sensor 1 moves to the outside of the discharge sensor 1 and comes out of the discharge sensor 1, the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 becomes " The level falls to the L level, and the result of the determination in the step S4201 is NO, and the processes in and after step S4207 are executed.

When the processing after step S4207 is performed for the first time, the discharge 1H level flag is set to “1”,
Since all other flags are “0”, the determination in step S4207 (the discharge 1 fall change flag is “1”)
), The result of the determination in the next step S4208 (whether the discharge 1 rise change flag is "1") is NO, and the following step S4209 (the discharge 1H level flag is "1")
Is YES) and the result of the determination in step S4 is YES
210, the process of step S4211 is executed.

In step S4210, a discharge 1 fall change flag is set to store that the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 has changed (falled) from the "H" level to the "L" level from the previous loop to the current loop. The value is set to “1”, and in the subsequent step S4211, “1” is set up to this point.
Is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends.

Further, in the next loop, the discharge sensor 1
Is "L" level, the discharge 1 fall change flag is set to "1" in step S4210 of the previous loop, so the determination result in step S4207 changes to YES.

Then, the subsequent steps S4213 to S4213 are executed.
In step 4216, the fall sensor 1 fall change flag is set to "1" to store that the prize ball has escaped from the inside of the discharge sensor 1 (step S4213). Is set to "0" when the discharge sensor 1 rise flag indicating that there is a prize ball (when this step is executed for the first time after initialization) is set to "0".
(Step S4214), and then resets the discharge 1 fall change flag to "0" (step S4215), and further confirms that the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 in this loop is at the "L" level. The discharge 1H level flag is set to "1" for storage (step S4216), and this routine ends.

In the next and subsequent routines, if the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at the "L" level, the discharge 1 fall change flag, the discharge 1 rise change flag, and the discharge 1H level flag are all "0" and the discharge 1 L Since the level flag is "1", the above-mentioned steps S4201, S420
7, step S4208, step S4209, and step S4217 (whether or not the discharge 1L level flag is "1") are repeatedly executed (at this time, the determination result in step S4217 is YES), and at this time, the discharge sensor 1 The falling flag is held at "1", and the discharge sensor 1 rising flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in a loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 has fallen from the “H” level to the “L” level, if the output signal has risen to the “H” level again (step in the previous loop). If S4210 is executed to set the discharge 1 fall change flag to "1" and the sensor output has risen to the "H" level in the current loop, the determination result of step S4201 turns to YES, and the process returns to step S4202. It is determined that the determination result is NO and the determination result in step S4203 is YES, and in step S4218 the discharge 1 is stored in order to store that the output signal has risen from the previous loop to the current loop.
The rising change flag is set to “1”, and the discharge 1 set to “1” in the previous loop in step S4219
The falling change flag is reset to "0", and this routine ends.

As a result, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 has fallen, unless the state of "L" level is detected for a predetermined time or more (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the discharge 1 fall change flag is set. Is set to "1" (indicating that the prize ball has come out of the sensor 1), and noise is generated in the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 and the signal instantaneously falls. In such a case, the discharge 1 fall change flag is not set to "1" by mistake.

Next, a case is considered where the next prize ball reaches the inside of the sensor 1 after the previous prize ball comes out of the inside of the sensor 1. At this time, the determination in step S4201 (whether the output signal of the sensor 1 is at the "L" level) is YES, and the determination in step S4202 (whether the discharge 1 startup change flag is "1"). Is performed, and in this case, the determination result is N
In step S4203, it is determined whether the discharge 1 fall change flag is "1". At this time,
The determination result in step S4203 is also NO (set to "0" in step S4215), and the flow advances to step S4204 to determine whether the discharge 1L level flag is "1".

At this point, the discharge 1L level flag has been set to "1" in step S4216.
The determination result in the step S4204 is YES, and the process proceeds to a step S4220 to discharge the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 from the “L” level to the “H” level (start up) from the previous loop to the current loop. (1) Set the start-up change flag to “1” and then proceed to step S
At 4221, the discharge 1L level flag that has been set to "1" up to this point is reset (set to "0"), and the routine ends.

Further, in the next loop, the discharge sensor 1 is continued.
Is "H" level, the discharge 1 rise change flag is set to "1" in step S4220 of the previous loop, so that the result of the determination in step S4202 turns to YES. Then, the following steps S4222 and later
In step S4225, the discharge sensor 1 start flag is set to "1" to store that there is a prize ball in the discharge sensor 1 (step S4222). When the value is "1", the prize ball is output from the sensor. Is reset to "0" (step S4223), and the discharge 1 rise change flag is reset to "0" (step S422).
4), the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 in this loop is “H”
The discharge 1H level flag is set to "1" in order to store the level (step S4225), and this routine ends.

Thereafter, the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 becomes "H".
Steps S4201, S4202, S4203, S420
4. Step S4205 is repeatedly executed. At this time, the discharge sensor 1 rise flag is held at "1" and the discharge sensor 1 fall flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in a loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 has risen from the "L" level to the "H" level, the output signal has fallen to the "L" level (step S4220 in the previous loop). Is executed, the discharge 1 rise change flag becomes "1", and the output signal of the current loop is at "L" level).
It is determined that the determination result of 4201 is NO and the determination result of step S4208 is YES, and step S4226
Sets the discharge 1 fall change flag to "1" to store that the output signal has fallen from the previous loop to the current loop.
And the emission 1 rise change flag set to “1” in the previous loop in step S4227 is set to “0”.
To end this routine. If NO in step S4217, the discharge 1L level flag is set to "1" in step S4228, and the routine ends.

As described above, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 rises, unless the state of the "H" level is detected for a predetermined time or more (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the rise of the discharge 1 rises. The process of setting the flag to "1" (indicating that there is a prize ball in the discharge sensor 1) is not performed, and the discharge is erroneously performed when noise is generated in the output signal of the discharge sensor 1. The 1 rise change flag is not set to "1".

By executing the above processing, the discharge sensor 1 is output only when the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 falls and the state is maintained for a predetermined time or more (at least while interrupt processing is performed twice). The 1 rise flag is set to "1", so that the discharge sensor 1 rise flag indicates that the prize ball has reached the inside of the discharge sensor 1. Conversely, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 falls,
Only when the state is maintained for a predetermined time or more (at least while interrupt processing is performed twice), the discharge sensor 1 fall flag is set to "1". This indicates that it has come out of the discharge sensor 1. The discharge sensor 1 rise flag and the discharge sensor 1 fall flag are referred to in the alternate discharge processing in the background processing (main routine) or the combined discharge processing (FIGS. 46 and 47 described later).

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an input processing routine of the discharge sensor 2 performed in step S43 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 28). This routine is for detecting the state of the discharge sensor 112b, and is performed in the same procedure as the input processing routine of the discharge sensor 1 described above.

In this routine, the discharge sensor 1 described above is used.
When the output signal of the sensor 112b (hereinafter, referred to as the discharge sensor 2) rises from "L" level to "H" level, the discharge sensor 2 start flag is set to "1". The fact that the prize ball has reached the inside of the sensor 2 is stored. On the other hand, when the prize ball falls from the "H" level to the "L" level, the discharge sensor 2 fall flag is set to "1" and the prize ball is stored in the sensor 2. I remember that I got out of 2

More specifically, when this routine is started,
First, in step S4301, it is determined whether the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at the “H” level (output of the discharge sensor 2 = “1”). Now, if the prize ball is not discharged, 1
Considering that two prize balls remain in the sensor 2,
At this time, the determination result in step S4301 is YES, and the processes in step S4302 and thereafter are executed. In step S4302, it is determined whether the discharge 2 rise change flag is "1", in step S4303, whether the discharge 2 fall change flag is "1", and in step S4304, the discharge 2L level (low level) flag. In step S4305, it is determined whether the discharge 2H level (high level) flag is "1".

In this case, the emission credit control device 300
Immediately after the CPU has been initialized, all the flags are set to "0".
The determination results of 4305 are all NO. Therefore, subsequently, in step S4306, the discharge sensor 2
The output 2H level flag is set to "1" to store that the output signal is "H" level, and this routine is ended.

In the subsequent loop, since the discharge 2H level flag is set to “1”, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 keeps the state of “H” level, step S4
Steps 301, S4302, S4303, S4304, and S4305 are repeatedly executed. After that, the discharge of the prize ball is started, and when the prize ball which has stayed in the discharge sensor 2 until then moves outside of the discharge sensor 2 and comes out of the discharge sensor 2, the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 becomes " The signal falls to the L level, and the result of the determination in step S4301 is NO, and the processes in and after step S4307 are executed.

When the processing after step S4307 is performed for the first time, the discharge 2H level flag is set to "1",
Since all other flags are “0”, the determination in this step S4307 (the discharge 2 fall change flag is “1”)
), The result of the determination in the next step S4308 (whether the discharge 2 rise change flag is "1") is NO, and the following step S4309 (the discharge 2H level flag is "1")
Is YES) and the result of the determination in step S4 is YES
310, the process of step S4311 is executed.

In step S4310, a discharge 2 fall change flag is set to store that the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 has changed (falled) from the "H" level to the "L" level from the previous loop to the current loop. It is set to “1”, and in the subsequent step S4311, “1” is set up to this point.
Is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends.

Further, in the next loop, the discharge sensor 2 is continued.
Is "L" level, the discharge 2 fall change flag is set to "1" in step S4310 of the previous loop, so that the determination result in step S4307 changes to YES. Then, the following step S43
In steps 13 to 4316, the discharge sensor 2 fall change flag is set to "1" to store that the prize ball has fallen out of the discharge sensor 2 (step S4313).
When the value is “1”, the discharge sensor 2 start flag indicating that there is a prize ball in the sensor 2 (set to “0” when this step is executed for the first time after initialization) is set to “0”. (Step S4314), the discharge 2 falling change flag is reset to "0" (step S4315), and the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 in this loop is at the "L" level. Is set to "1" to store (step S4316), and this routine ends.

In the subsequent and subsequent routines, if the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at the "L" level, the discharge 2 fall change flag, the discharge 2 rise change flag, and the discharge 2H level flag are all "0", and the discharge 2L Since the level flag is “1”, the above-mentioned steps S4301 and S430 are performed.
7, step S4308, step S4309, and step S4317 (whether or not the discharge 2L level flag is "1") are repeatedly executed (at this time, the determination result in step S4317 is YES), and at this time, the discharge sensor 2 The falling flag is held at "1", and the discharge sensor 2 rising flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in a loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 has fallen from the “H” level to the “L” level, if the output signal has risen to the “H” level again (step in the previous loop). If S4310 is executed to set the discharge 2 fall change flag to "1" and the sensor output rises to "H" level in the current loop), the determination result in step S4301 changes to YES, and the process returns to step S4302. It is determined that the determination result is NO, the determination result in step S4303 is YES, and in step S4318, the output 2 is stored to store that the output signal has risen from the previous loop to the current loop.
The rising change flag is set to “1”, and the discharge 2 set to “1” in the previous loop in step S4319
The falling change flag is reset to "0", and this routine ends.

As a result, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 has fallen, unless the state of "L" level is detected for a predetermined time or more (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the discharge 2 fall change flag is set. Is set to "1" (indicating that the prize ball has come out of the sensor 2), noise is generated in the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 and the signal instantaneously falls. In such a case, the discharge 2 fall change flag is not set to "1" by mistake.

Next, consider the case where the next prize ball reaches the inside of the sensor 2 after the previous prize ball comes out of the sensor 2. At this time, the determination in step S4301 (whether the output signal of the sensor 2 is at the “L” level) is YES, and the determination in step S4302 (whether the discharge 2 startup change flag is “1”). Is performed, and in this case, the determination result is N
In step S4303, it is determined whether or not the discharge 2 fall change flag is "1". At this time,
The determination result in step S4303 is also NO (set to "0" in step S4315), and the flow advances to step S4304 to determine whether the discharge 2L level flag is "1".

At this point, the discharge 2L level flag has been set to "1" in step S4316.
The decision result in the step S4304 is YES, the process advances to a step S4320 to discharge the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 from the "L" level to the "H" level (started up) from the previous loop to the current loop, in order to store it. 2 Set the start-up change flag to “1” and then proceed to step S
At 4321, the discharge 2L level flag that has been set to "1" up to this point is reset (set to "0"), and the routine ends.

Further, the discharge sensor 2 continues in the next loop.
Is "H" level, the discharge 2 rise change flag is set to "1" in step S4320 of the previous loop, so the result of the determination in step S4302 changes to YES. Then, in the following steps S4322-
In step S4325, the discharge sensor 2 start flag is set to "1" to store that there is a prize ball in the discharge sensor 2 (step S4322). When the value is "1", the prize ball is output from the sensor. Is reset to "0" (step S4323), and the discharge 2 rise change flag is reset to "0" (step S432).
4), the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 in this loop is “H”
The discharge 2H level flag is set to "1" in order to store the level (step S4325), and this routine ends.

Thereafter, the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 becomes "H".
Steps S4301, S4302, S4303, S430
4. Step S4305 is repeatedly executed. At this time, the discharge sensor 2 rise flag is held at "1" and the discharge sensor 2 fall flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in a loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 rises from the “L” level to the “H” level, when the output signal falls to the “L” level (step S4320 in the previous loop) Is executed, the discharge 2 rise change flag becomes "1", and the output signal of the current loop is at "L" level).
It is determined that the determination result of step 4301 is NO, the determination result of step S4308 is YES, and step S4326 is determined.
Sets the discharge 2 fall change flag to "1" to store that the output signal has fallen from the previous loop to the current loop.
And the emission 2 start-up change flag set to “1” in the previous loop in step S4327 is set to “0”.
To end this routine. If NO in step S4317, the discharge 2L level flag is set to "1" in step S4328, and the routine ends.

As described above, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 rises, unless the state of the "H" level is detected for a predetermined time or more (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the discharge 2 rise change. The process of setting the flag to “1” (indicating that there is a prize ball in the ejection sensor 2) is not performed, and the ejection is erroneously performed when noise occurs in the output signal of the ejection sensor 2. 2 The startup change flag is not set to "1".

By executing the above processing, the discharge sensor 2 is output only when the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 falls and the state is maintained for a predetermined time or more (at least while interrupt processing is performed twice). The 2 rise flag is set to "1", so that the discharge sensor 2 rise flag indicates that the prize ball has reached the inside of the discharge sensor 2. Conversely, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 falls,
Only when the state is maintained for a predetermined time or more (at least while interrupt processing is performed twice), the discharge sensor 2 fall flag is set to “1”. This indicates that it has come off from the inside of the discharge sensor 2.

The discharge sensor 2 rise flag and the discharge sensor 2 fall flag are referred to in the alternate discharge processing in the background processing (main routine) or the combined discharge processing (FIGS. 46 and 47 described later). You.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a routine of the level input processing of the discharge sensor 1 performed in the above step S44 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 28). This level input processing is a routine for determining whether or not the period during which the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at the “H” level (the state in which the sensor 1 is detecting a prize ball) has continued for a predetermined period or more. Yes, after changing from a state where there is no prize ball to a state where there is a prize ball, when a first predetermined period (50 msec) has elapsed, the discharge sensor 1 ball existence flag is set to “1” and stored, and the above is stored. After the change, a second predetermined period (2 sec)
Is set by setting the discharge 1 error release flag to "1" when this time has elapsed, and this is stored.
These two flags are used in a discharge device fraud monitoring process (FIG. 38), a prize ball start process (FIG. 40), and a discharge error recovery process (FIG. 48), which will be described in detail later.

When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S4401 whether or not the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at the "H" level (output of the discharge sensor 1 = "1"). When the determination result is NO, that is, when the output signal is at the “L” level, the discharge 1 ball presence monitoring flag is set to “0” (step S4402), and the above-described discharge sensor 1
The ball presence flag is set to “0” (step S4403), the discharge 1 error monitoring flag is set to “0” (step S4404), and the discharge 1 error release flag is set to “0” (step S44).
05), and the routine ends.

Here, both the discharge 1 ball existence monitoring flag and the discharge 1 error monitoring flag are changed from the "L" level to the "L" level in the loop in which the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is determined to be at the "H" level. It is determined whether or not the loop is immediately after the rise to the H ″ level (step S4 described later).
407 and step S4411).

Thereafter, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 changes from "L" level to "H" level, in the loop immediately after that, the result of the determination in step S4401 is YE
S, and in a succeeding step S4406, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 1 ball presence flag is “1”.
In 4407, it is determined whether or not the one-ball discharge monitoring flag is “1”. In this case, the determination results are both NO, and the following step S4408 sets the one-ball discharge monitoring flag to “1”.
Is set in step S4409, and the timer for having one ejected ball is set to the first predetermined period (50 msec) in step S4409.
Proceed to 410.

In step S4410, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 error release flag is "1". In this case (immediately after the output signal of the sensor 1 has changed from "L" level to "H" level), the determination result is NO, and the subsequent step S4
At 411, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 error monitoring flag is "1". In this loop, the determination result is also NO, so that the emission 1 error monitoring flag is set to “1” in step S4412, and the emission 1 error timer is set to the second predetermined period (2 seconds) in step S4413. End the routine.

In the next loop, if the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is still maintaining the "H" level, the aforementioned step S44 is executed.
01 is YES, the determination result in step S4406 is NO, and the determination result in step S4407 is YES, and the process advances to step S4414. In step S4414, it is determined whether or not the ball timer set in step S4409 has timed out.
(When the first predetermined period has not yet elapsed since the output signal changed to the “H” level), the process skips the subsequent step S4415 and proceeds to step S4410.

In this loop, this step S4410
Is NO, and the determination result in subsequent step S4411 is YES, and the process advances to step S4416. In step S4416, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 error timer set in step S4413 has expired. If the determination result is NO (the second predetermined timer has not yet elapsed since the output signal changed to the "H" level). If the period has not elapsed), the subsequent step S4417 is skipped, and the routine ends.

Further, in the next and subsequent loops, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at the "H" level, steps S4401, S4406, and S440 are performed.
7. Steps S4414 and S4410 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed. When the determination result of step S4414 changes from NO to YES (immediately after the first predetermined period has elapsed), the discharge sensor 1 described above in step S4415 is used.
The ball presence flag is set to "1", and thereafter, step S440
1. Steps S4406 and S4410 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed.

[0211] Also, in the processing after step S4410, steps S4410, S4411, and S4416 are repeatedly executed as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at the "H" level.
When the determination result at 16 changes from NO to YES (immediately after the second predetermined period has elapsed), the discharge 1 error release flag described above is set to “1” in step S4417, and thereafter, steps S4401, S4406, and S44 are performed.
10 (when the discharge 1 error release flag is "1", the discharge sensor 1 ball presence flag is naturally "1")
Is repeatedly executed.

If the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 has once changed to the "L" level, step S440 is executed.
Since each flag is reset to "0" in steps S4405 to S4405, even if the flag returns to the "H" level immediately thereafter, the processing in step S4406 and thereafter is restarted from the beginning.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing a routine of the level input processing of the discharge sensor 2 performed in the step S45 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 28). This routine is performed in the same procedure as the level input processing of the discharge sensor 1 described above.

This level input processing is for determining whether or not the period during which the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at the “H” level (the state in which the sensor 2 is detecting a prize ball) has continued for a predetermined period or more. After a change from a state where there is no prize ball to a state where there is a prize ball, a first predetermined period (50 mse
When c) has elapsed, the discharge sensor 2 ball existence flag is set to “1”.
After the above change, when the second predetermined period (2 sec) has elapsed, the discharge 2 error release flag is set to “1” and stored. Things. These two flags are also used in the discharge device fraud monitoring process (FIG. 38), the prize ball start process (FIG. 40), and the discharge error recovery process (FIG. 47), which will be described in detail later.

When this routine is started, first, in step S4501, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at the "H" level (output of the discharge sensor 2 = "1"). When the result of this determination is NO, that is, when the output signal is at the “L” level, the flag for monitoring the presence of two discharges is set to “0” (step S4502).
The ball existence flag is set to "0" (step S4503), the discharge 2 error monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S4504), and the discharge 2 error release flag is set to "0" (step S45).
05), and the routine ends.

Here, in the loop where the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is determined to be at the “H” level, both the discharge 2 ball existence monitoring flag and the discharge 2 error monitoring flag are changed from the “L” level to the “L” level. It is determined whether or not the loop is immediately after the rise to the H ″ level (step S4 described later).
507 and step S4511).

Thereafter, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 changes from "L" level to "H" level, in the loop immediately after that, the result of the determination in step S4501 is YE
S, and in a succeeding step S4506, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 2 ball presence flag is “1”.
In 4507, it is determined whether or not the two-ball discharge monitoring flag is "1". In this case, the determination results are both NO, and in the subsequent step S4508, the two-ball discharge monitoring flag is set to “1”.
Is set in step S4509, and the timer with two discharges is set to the first predetermined period (50 msec) in step S4509, and step S4
Proceed to 510.

In step S4510, it is determined whether or not the discharge 2 error release flag is "1". In this case (immediately after the output signal of the sensor 2 has changed from "L" level to "H" level), the determination result is NO, and the subsequent step S4
At 511, it is determined whether or not the discharge 2 error monitoring flag is "1". In this loop, the determination result is also NO, so that the emission 2 error monitoring flag is set to “1” in step S4512, and the emission 2 error timer is set to the second predetermined period (2 seconds) in step S4513, and End the routine.

In the next loop, if the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is still maintaining the "H" level, the aforementioned step S45 is performed.
01 is YES, the determination result in step S4506 is NO, and the determination result in step S4507 is YES, and the process advances to step S4514. In step S4514, it is determined whether or not the ball timer set in step S4509 has timed out.
(When the first predetermined period has not yet elapsed since the output signal changed to the “H” level), the process skips the subsequent step S4515 and proceeds to step S4510.

In this loop, this step S4510
Is NO, and the determination in step S4511 is YES, and the flow advances to step S4516. In step S4516, it is determined whether or not the discharge 2 error timer set in step S4513 has expired. If the determination result is NO (the second predetermined timer has not yet elapsed since the output signal changed to the "H" level). If the period has not elapsed), the subsequent step S4517 is skipped, and the routine ends.

Further, in the next and subsequent loops, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at the "H" level, steps S4501, S4506, and S450
7. Steps S4514 and S4510 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed. When the determination result of step S4514 changes from NO to YES (immediately after the first predetermined period has elapsed), the discharge sensor 2 described above in step S4515 is used.
The ball existence flag is set to "1", and thereafter, step S450
1. Steps S4506 and S4510 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed.

[0222] Also, in the processing after step S4510, steps S4510, S4511, and S4516 are repeatedly executed as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at the "H" level, and step S45
When the result of the determination at step 16 changes from NO to YES (immediately after the second predetermined period has elapsed), the above-described discharge 2 error cancel flag is set to “1” at step S4517, and thereafter, steps S4501, S4506, and S45 are performed.
10 (when the discharge 2 error release flag is "1", the discharge sensor 2 ball presence flag is naturally "1")
Is repeatedly executed.

If the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 has changed to the "L" level even once, step S450
Since the flags are reset to "0" in steps S2 to S4505, the processing after step S4506 is restarted from the beginning even if the flag returns to the "H" level immediately thereafter.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a routine of the input processing of the ball removal sensor 118 performed in step S46 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 28). Ball sensor 1
As described above, the operation of the game shop staff to start the ball-pulling process, that is, the operation of inserting a ball-pulling rod (not shown) into the operation hole provided on the front face of the gaming machine main body 2 is performed as described above. This is for detecting that the operation has been performed, and the output signal of the ball removal sensor 118 becomes “H” level when the insertion of the ball removal rod is detected, and the output signal becomes “L” when the insertion is not detected.
It is configured to be held at a level.

In the present flow, the ball removal sensor 118
When the output signal changes from the "L" level to the "H" level, a ball-pulling flag described later is set to "1", and it is determined that the ball-pulling-out process has been performed by a game store attendant. ing. Then, the prize ball discharge control device sets the "1"
The ball removal process described below is performed according to the ball removal flag set in FIG.
9 to FIG. 51) (step S46 of the main routine).

When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S4601 whether or not the above-mentioned processing number is "0". When the processing number is not set to “0”, such as when the prize ball discharge start processing and the prize ball discharge processing are performed in the main routine (FIG. 28) (in this case, the determination result in step S4601 is N
O), without going to step S4604, the ball change sensor change flag is set to “0” (step S4602),
The ball removal sensor L level flag is set to “0” (step S4603), and this routine ends.

Here, the ball removal sensor change flag indicates that the output signal of the ball removal sensor 118 has changed from “L” level to “H” level in this loop (set to “1” at this time). This is a flag to be stored, and the sensor L
The level flag is a flag for storing that the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 was at the “L” level in the current loop.

By performing the discrimination in step S4601 described above, even if the staff of the game shop performs the ball removal operation, the ball removal process (FIGS. 51) is prohibited. Now, if the prize ball discharge processing is not performed (processing NO = “0”), the state where the ball-pulling rod is not inserted into the operation hole of the gaming machine main body 2 is changed by a game store clerk. Let us consider a case where the state changes to a state in which the ball punch is inserted.

If the prize ball discharging process has not been performed, the determination result in step S4601 is YES, and
In step S4604, it is determined whether or not the ball-extraction sensor change flag is "1". In step S4605, it is determined whether or not the ball-extraction sensor L level flag is "1".

As described above, all the discrimination flags are set to "0" in the main routine (step S1 in FIG. 25) immediately after the power is turned on in the emission credit control device 300, and the initialization is performed. Even if the processing NO is not "0", the above-mentioned step S460 is performed.
1. Since it is set to “0” in step S4603,
The determination results in steps S4604 and S4605 are both NO, and in step S4606, it is determined whether the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 is at the “L” level. In the state where the ball pull-out rod is not inserted in the operation hole,
The output signal of the ball-extraction sensor 118 remains at the "L" level, so the determination result in step S4606 is YES, the process proceeds to step S4607, the ball-extraction sensor L level flag is set to "1", and this routine is executed. finish.

[0231] In the subsequent loop, the ball removal sensor 1 is still
When the output signal of No. 18 holds the “L” level, the ball-extraction sensor L level flag is set to “1”, so the determination result in the step S4605 is YES, and the next loop in the step S4608 It is determined whether or not the output signal of the ball removal sensor 118 is at the “H” level (ball removal sensor output = “1”). At this time (the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 maintains the “L” level), the determination result is NO, and the routine ends as it is. Therefore, as long as the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 holds the “L” level, steps S4601 and S46
04, step S4605, and step S4608 are repeatedly executed.

In this state, a ball removal rod is inserted into the operation hole, and the output signal of the ball removal sensor 118 changes from “L” level to “H”.
When it changes to the level, the result of the determination in step S4608 becomes YES, and in the next step S4609, the ball is output to store that the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 has changed from "L" level to "H" level in the current loop. The change sensor change flag is set to “1”, and then, in step S461
If it is 0, the ball removal sensor L level flag is reset to "0" and the routine ends.

When the output signal is at the "H" level in the current loop following the previous loop, the ball change sensor change flag is set to "1" by executing the step S4609 in the immediately preceding loop. The result is YES, the flow proceeds to step S4611, and it is determined whether or not the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 in this loop is at the "H" level (ball extraction sensor output = "1").
If the result of this determination is YES, that is, if the output signal is at the “H” level in the current loop following the previous loop, the ball-extraction flag is set to “1” in the subsequent step S4612,
Further, in step S4613, the ball removal sensor change flag is reset to "0", and this routine ends.

In the subsequent loop, when the output signal of ball removal sensor 118 is still at "H" level, step S46
The determination result at step 04 changes to NO (the ball-extraction sensor change flag has been reset to "0"), and then step S4
605 and NO in the determination results in step S4606, and thereafter in step S4604, step S4605,
Step S4606 will be repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, in a loop immediately after the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 changes from the “L” level to the “H” level (immediately after the execution of the steps S4609 and S4610), the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 is changed. Is changed to the "L" level again, the aforementioned step S46
If the determination result in the step S11 is NO, the aforementioned step S4612
After setting the ball-extraction sensor L level flag to "1" in step S4614 without executing (ball-extraction flag = "1"), the above-described step S4613 is executed, and the routine is ended.

As described above, when the output signal of the ball extraction sensor 118 changes from “L” level to “H” level, the output signal becomes “H” during at least two processing loops. Only when the level is held, the ball extraction flag is set to "1", so that when a noise or the like occurs, it is not set to "1" by mistake.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the input processing of the replenishment sensor 50 performed in step S47 of the interrupt processing shown in FIG. As described above, the replenishment sensor 50 detects the shortage of the game balls (spare balls) in the storage tank 41, and the stored spare balls stay at the position where the replenishment sensor 50 in the storage tank 41 is installed. It is configured to output an “L” level signal when the signal is on, and an “H” level signal otherwise.

Now, let us consider a state where the spare sphere is not filled up to the installation position in the tank 41 (insufficient state). In this state, when the power is turned on to the emission credit control device 300 and this routine is started, first, step S470 is performed.
At 1, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 is at the "H" level (replenishment sensor output = "1"). In this case, the determination result is YES and the process proceeds to step S4702.

The emission credit control device 300
Immediately after the CPU has been initialized, all the flags are set to "0".
The determination results of 4705 are all NO. Therefore, in step S4706, the replenishment H is stored in order to store that the replenishment sensor output signal was at the “H” level in the current loop.
The flag is set to "1" and the routine ends. In the subsequent loop, since the replenishment H flag is set to "1", steps S4701 to S4705 are repeatedly executed as long as the replenishment sensor output signal remains at the "H" level.

Thereafter, when the spare ball is filled to the position where the replenishment sensor 50 is installed in the storage tank 41 by replenishment of the game ball (reserve ball), the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 changes to "L" level, and The determined result in the step S4701 is NO, and the process proceeds to the step S4715 and thereafter. When the process of step S4715 is performed for the first time, the replenishment H level flag is “1”, and all other flags are “0”. Therefore, the determination results of step S4715 and the next step S4716 are both NO, and the following steps If S4718 is YES, step S4719,
Step S4720 is executed.

In step S4719, the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 becomes "H" from the previous loop to the current loop.
In order to store that the level has changed (falled) from the level to the “L” level, the replenishment fall change flag is set to “1”, and in the subsequent step S4720, the replenishment H level set to “1” in the previous loop is set. The flag is reset (set to "0") and the routine ends.

When the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 continues to be at the "L" level in the next loop, the replenishment fall change flag is set to "1" in step S4719 of the previous loop, so the determination result in step S4715 is YES. Turn to.

In subsequent steps S4721 to S4724, the replenishment sensor fall flag is set to "1" in order to store that the spare ball has been filled up to the position where the replenishment sensor 50 in the storage tank 41 is set ( Step S4721) When the value is “1”, the replenishment sensor 5
A replenishment sensor start-up flag indicating that there is no prize ball at the 0 installation position (set to “0” when this step is executed for the first time after initialization) is set to “0” (step S4722), Subsequently, the supply fall change flag is reset to "0" (step S4723), and the supply L level flag is set to "1" in order to store that the output signal of the supply sensor 50 in this loop is at the "L" level. Is set (step S4724), and this routine ends.

Thereafter, as long as the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 is at the "L" level, steps S4701, S4715, S4716 and S471 are performed.
8. Step S4725 is repeatedly executed, and at this time, the supply sensor fall flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 is "H".
When the output signal rises to the “H” level in the loop immediately after the fall from the “L” level to the “L” level (Step S4719 is executed in the previous loop, and the replenishment fall change flag becomes “1”. If the sensor output is at the “H” level in the current loop), the determination result of step S4701 is YES, the determination result of step S4702 is NO, and the determination result of step S4703 is YE
In step S4713, the replenishment start-up change flag is set to "1" to store that the output signal has risen from the previous loop to the current loop, and "1" is set in the previous loop in step S4714. Is returned to "0", and this routine ends.

As a result, after the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 falls, the "H" level state is not detected for a predetermined time or more (at least during the time when the main interrupt processing is performed twice), and the replenishment sensor fall flag is set. Is set to "1" (indicating that the spare sphere has been filled up to the sensor setting position in the storage tank 41), and noise is generated in the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50. It is possible to deal with cases.

Next, a case is considered where the power is supplied to the discharge credit control device 300 in a state where the spare sphere has been filled up to the sensor set position in the storage tank 41, and this routine is started.

First, in step S4701, it is determined whether or not the sensor output signal is at the "H" level (supply sensor output = "1"). In this case, the determination result is NO, and the flow advances to step S4715. Immediately after the CPU of the emission credit control device 300 is initialized, all the flags are set to “0”, so that steps S4715, S4716, S4718, and S4 are performed.
All the determination results of 725 are NO, and step S47
At 26, the replenishment L level flag is set to "1" in order to store that the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 was at "L" level in the current loop, and the routine ends.

In the subsequent loop, since the replenishment L level flag is set to "1", as long as the replenishment sensor output signal remains at the "L" level, step S4
701, step S4715, step S4716, step S4718, and step S4725 are repeatedly executed.

Thereafter, the tank 41 is discharged by discharging the prize balls.
When the position of the replenishment sensor 50 is less than the installation position of the replenishment sensor 50, the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 becomes “H” level, and the determination result of the step S4701 becomes YES, and the step S4701 is performed.
Proceed to 4702 and subsequent steps. When step S4702 is performed for the first time, the supply L level flag is "1" and all other flags are "0".
702, the determination results in the next step S4703 are both N
O, and the following step S4704 becomes YES, and step S4707 is executed.

In this step S4707, the replenishment start-up change flag is set to "1" in order to store that the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 has changed (rising) from the "L" level to the "H" level from the previous loop to the current loop. At step S4708, the replenishment L level flag, which was set at "1" in step S4726 until the previous loop, is reset (set to "0"), and the routine ends.

If the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 continues to be at the "H" level in the next loop, the replenishment start-up change flag is set to "1" in step S4707 of the previous loop, so the determination in step S4701 was performed. Thereafter, the result of the determination in step S4702 changes to YES.

In subsequent steps S4709 to S4712, the replenishment sensor start flag is set to "1" in order to store that the prize ball has disappeared at the replenishment sensor 50 installation position in the storage tank 41 (step S4709).
4709) A replenishment sensor fall flag indicating that there is a prize ball at the sensor installation position in the storage tank 41 when the value is "1" (set to "0" when this routine is executed for the first time after initialization) ) Is set to "0" (step S4710), the supply start-up change flag is reset to "0" (step S4711), and the output signal of the supply sensor 50 in this loop is set to "H". The supply H level flag is set to "1" to store the level (step S4712), and this routine ends.

Thereafter, as long as the output signal of the supply sensor 50 is at the “H” level, steps S4701, S4702, S4703, and S470 are performed.
4. Step S4705 is repeatedly executed, and at this time, the supply sensor start-up flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 is "L".
When the output signal falls to the “L” level in the loop immediately after rising from the “H” level to the “H” level (Step S4707 was executed in the previous loop, and the replenishment start-up change flag becomes “1”. When the sensor output is at the “L” level in the current loop), the determination result of step S4701 is NO, the determination result of step S4715 is NO, and the determination result of step S4716 is YES.
In step S4727, the supply fall change flag is set to “1” in order to store that the output signal has fallen from the previous loop to the current loop, and “1” is set in the previous loop in step S4728.
Is returned to "0", and this routine ends.

As described above, after the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50 rises, the replenishment of the replenishment sensor is started unless the "H" level state is detected for a predetermined time or more (at least during the time when the main interrupt process is performed twice). The process of setting the flag to "1" (indicating that the spare sphere has been lost at the sensor setting position in the storage tank 41) is not performed, and the noise is generated in the output signal of the replenishment sensor 50. And so on.

The replenishment sensor rising flag and the replenishment sensor falling flag set to “0” or “1” in this manner are determined by the replenishment process (FIG. 52) executed in step S9 of the main processing routine (FIG. 25). ).

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the input processing of the overflow sensor 48 performed in the above step S48 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 28).
The overflow sensor 48 is for outputting a signal for determining the value of the overflow sphere absence flag used in the processing performed in step S35 of the main processing routine (FIG. 25), and a prize ball in the overflow gutter. Is set to an “H” level when the signal is accumulated above a certain level, and is set to an “L” level when the signal is below the certain level.

When this routine is started, first, in step S4801, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the overflow sensor 48 is at "H" level (overflow sensor output = "1"). Suppose now that the prize ball is discharged and reaches the position of the overflow sensor 48 from a state where the prize ball has not reached the installation position of the overflow sensor 48.

If the prize ball has not reached the position where the overflow sensor 48 is installed, the decision result in the step S4801 is NO. Since the determination flags are all reset to "0" at the beginning of this routine (step S1 in FIG. 25), the determination in the following step S4802 (whether the overflow ball absence flag is "1") and step S4
The result of the determination in 4803 (whether the overflow ball no-monitoring flag is "1") is both NO. Therefore, the overflow sphere no-monitoring flag is set to “1” in step S4804.
, The overflow ball presence monitoring flag is set to “1” in step S4805, and the overflow ball absence timer is set to a predetermined value (2s) in step S4806.
ec) and the routine ends.

Here, the overflow ball no-monitoring flag is a flag used to determine whether or not a state in which the prize ball has not reached the sensor position has been detected two or more times (control in step S4803). . The overflow ball presence monitoring flag determines whether or not the state where the prize ball has reached the position of the sensor is detected twice or more continuously (step S).
4811).

In the next loop, if the prize ball has not reached the above position, the above-mentioned steps S4801 and S480 are executed.
If both the results of the determination in step 4802 are NO, the following step S4
If the determination result in 803 is YES, step S4807
Is executed. In this step S4807, it is determined whether or not the overflow ball no-timer has timed out, that is, after it is first determined that the prize ball has not reached the position of the sensor (steps S4804 to S48 described above).
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (2 seconds) has elapsed (after execution of step 06). If the determination result is NO, the following step S480 is performed.
8. Skip step S4809 and end this routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result is YES, the overflow ball absence flag is set to “1” at step S4808 to indicate that the prize ball has not reached the sensor position, and at step S4809 the overflow ball presence flag ( When this step is performed for the first time after initialization, an initial value “0” is reset (“0”).
Is set) and the routine ends. In subsequent loops,
Unless the prize ball has reached the position of the sensor, step S
The determination result of 4801 is NO and the determination result of step S4802 is YES, and these steps are repeatedly executed.

Next, consider a case where the prize ball discharged from this state stays and reaches the position of the sensor. At this time, the determination result in the step S4801 is YES, and in a succeeding step S4810, the overflow ball presence flag is set to “1”.
Is determined. Since the overflow ball presence flag has been set to "0" by the previous loop (step S4809), the result of this determination is NO.

In the following step S4811, it is determined whether or not the overflow ball presence monitoring flag is "1".
Since the overflow ball presence monitoring flag has also been set to "0" by the previous loop (step S4805), the determination result is NO, and the overflow ball presence monitor flag is set to "1" (step S48).
12) The overflow sphere non-monitoring flag is set to “0” (step S4813), and the overflow sphere existence timer is set to a predetermined value (2 sec) (step S48).
4814) This routine ends.

In the next loop, if the prize ball has reached the position of the sensor, the judgment result of the step S4801 is YES, the judgment result of the step S4810 is NO, and the judgment result of the following step S4811 is YES. The determination process of S4815 is performed. In this step S4815, it is determined whether or not the overflow ball timer has timed out, that is, a predetermined time (2 sec) has elapsed after it is first determined that the prize ball has reached the sensor position (after execution of the above-described steps S4812 to S4814). If the determination result is NO, the subsequent steps S4816 and S4817 are skipped, and the routine ends. On the other hand, if the determination result is YES, the overflow ball presence flag is set to “1” to indicate that the prize ball has reached the position of the sensor in step S4816, and the overflow ball absence flag is reset in the next step S4817 ( (Set to "0") and terminate the routine.

In the subsequent loop, as long as the prize ball has reached the position of the sensor, the decision result in the step S4801 is YES, and the decision result in the step S4810 is YES, and these steps are repeatedly executed.

As described above, in the present input processing, as in the case of the safe sensor 46, immediately after the output signal changes from the “L” level to the “H” level (or from the “H” level to the “L” level). In the loop, such a change from the “L” level to the “H” level (or the “H” level to the “L” level) is stored only (the monitoring flag is set to “1”), and the next loop is executed. However, the overflow sphere flag, which is the final output value of the present routine, is set to "1" only after a predetermined time (2 sec) has elapsed from the point when the level is still at the "H" level (or "L" level) and further changed.
(Or the overflow sphere no flag is changed to "1").

By adopting such a control procedure, even when the output signal level of the sensor changes instantaneously due to noise or the like, the change is not immediately judged to be a normal change, and the change is not determined. A malfunction due to noise or the like can be prevented.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a routine of the input processing of the standby sphere detector (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as an odd sensor) 314 performed in step S49 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 28). The odd sensor 314 outputs a signal for setting an odd-sphere presence flag used in a prize-ball start process (FIG. 40) described later, and the prize balls are sufficiently stored in the guideway 61. At that time (when the spare balls are stored more than the number of prize balls discharged for two times), the output signal becomes "H" level, and when the number of spare balls is less than the above number, the signal becomes "L" level. Is configured.

When this routine is started, first, in step S4901, the output signal of the standby sphere detector 314 becomes “H”.
It is determined whether or not the level (standby ball detector output = "1"). Now, let us consider a case where a spare ball is replenished and reaches the above position from a state where the spare ball is not stored up to the standby ball detector installation position on the taxiway 61.

When the spare ball has not reached the installation position, the decision result in the step S4901 is NO. At this time, since all the determination flags have been reset to “0” (step S1 in FIG. 25), the subsequent step S49
02 (whether the no-semisphere flag is “1”) and the determination in step S4903 (the no-semisphere non-monitoring flag is “1”)
Are NO, the semicircle no-monitoring flag is set to "1" (step S4904), the semicircular sphere monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S4905), and the semicircular sphere non-timer is set to a predetermined value. The value is set to the value (2 sec) (step S4906), and this routine ends.

Here, the hemisphere no-monitoring flag is a flag used to determine whether or not a state in which the spare sphere has not reached the installation position is detected (step S4903). This flag is used to determine whether or not the state in which the spare ball stays at the installation position is detected twice consecutively (step S4911).

Continuing in the next loop, if the spare ball does not stay at the installation position, the results of the determination in steps S4901 and S4902 are both NO, and the result of the determination in the following step S4903 is YES, and step S4 is performed.
907 is executed. In this step S4907, it is further determined whether or not the timer for the odd ball has timed out, that is, after it is determined for the first time that the spare ball has not stayed at the installation position (steps S4904 to S4).
After execution of step 906), it is determined whether a predetermined time (2 seconds) has elapsed. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S490.
8. Skip step S4909 and end the routine.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S4907 is Y
In the case of ES, in step S4908, the spare ball is
In order to indicate that it is not staying at the sensor installation position of No. 1, the no-semisphere flag is set to “1”, and at step S
In step 4909, the odd-sphere flag is set (the initial value is set to "0" when this step is performed for the first time after initialization).
Is reset (set to "0") and the routine ends.

In the subsequent loop, as long as the spare ball does not stay at the installation position, the determination result of step S4901 is N
O, the determination result in the step S4902 becomes YES,
These steps are performed repeatedly.

In this state, if the reserve ball stays at the installation position of the end sensor 314 on the taxiway 61 by supplying the game ball to the storage tank 41, the determination result in step S4901 becomes YES. At this time, the odd-sphere presence flag for determining whether or not the flag is "1" in step S4910 is still set to the initial value "0" at this point, so the determination result is NO, and the determination in step S4911 follows. The result of (whether the half-sphere presence monitoring flag is "1") is also determined in step S4 described above.
905 is NO, and the process advances to step S4912. In step S4912, the hemisphere presence monitoring flag is set to "1", and in step S4913, the hemisphere no-monitoring flag is set to "0".
At 914, the odd ball existence timer is set to a predetermined value (2 sec), and the routine ends.

In the next loop, if the spare sphere remains at the position where the odd sensor 314 is installed, step S490 is performed.
1 is YES, the determination result in step S4910 is NO, and the determination result in step S4911 is YES.
(Set to "1" in step S4912 of the previous loop), and step S4915 is executed. In step S4915, it is determined whether or not the timer for the odd ball has expired, that is, after it is determined for the first time that the spare ball has stayed at the installation position (see steps S4912 to S4912).
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (2 sec) has elapsed (after execution of step S4914). If the determination result is NO, the subsequent steps S4916 and S4917 are skipped, and the routine ends.

On the other hand, if the judgment result is YES, that is, if the predetermined time has elapsed after the spare ball has stayed at the installation position, it indicates in step S4916 that the spare ball has stayed at the installation position. To this end, the odd ball presence flag is set to “1”, and the odd ball no flag is reset (set to “0”) in step S4917, and the routine ends.

In the subsequent loop, as long as the spare sphere has been stored up to the installation position of the end sensor 314 on the taxiway 61, the determination result in the step S4901 is YES, and the step S49.
The determination result at 10 is YES, and these steps are repeatedly executed.

As described above, in this input processing, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the odd sensor 314 changes from the “L” level to the “H” level (or from the “H” level to the “L” level), Such a change from the “L” level to the “H” level (or the “H” level to the “L” level) is stored only (the monitoring flag is set to “1”).
In the next loop, the odd-sphere flag, which is the final output value of this routine, is still at the “H” level (or “L” level) and the final output value of this routine is set to “1” only after a lapse of a predetermined time (2 seconds) from the above change point. (Or the no-hemisphere flag is set to “1”). By adopting such a control procedure, even when the output signal level of the odd sensor 314 changes instantaneously due to noise generation or the like, the change is not immediately determined to be a normal change, and the noise is not determined. Malfunction due to occurrence or the like can be prevented.

FIG. 38 shows an example of a specific procedure of the discharge device improper monitoring process step S2 executed in the main process flow of FIG. 25 which is performed in parallel with the timer interrupt process. In this monitoring process step S2, first, it is checked whether or not one of the two discharge systems, the discharge solenoid 93a (similarly, referred to as discharge solenoid 1 and indicated as discharge solenoid 1 in FIG. 38) is turned on (see FIG. 38). In step S2001), if NO, it is determined whether or not the rising flag indicating that the detection signal of the discharge sensor 1 has risen is "1" (step S2002). If YES, the discharge illegality monitoring counter 1 is incremented (step S2002). Step S2003). This is because if there is a discharge ball even though the discharge solenoid 1 is not turned on, this is detected as an illegal discharge.

If YES in step S2001, that is, if it is determined that the discharge solenoid 1 is turned off, the flow advances to step S2004 to clear the illegal discharge monitoring counter 1. Even if the discharge solenoid 1 is not turned on, there is a discharge ball, and after the discharge illegality monitoring counter 1 is incremented in step S2003, the discharge sensor 1 startup flag is once cleared to "0", and then the discharge illegal state is cleared. It is determined whether or not the value of the monitoring counter 1 has become “3” or more (step S2005, step S2006).

Since the discharge stopper and the discharge sensor are provided at a distance from each other, even if the discharge solenoid is turned off, the signal from the sensor does not disappear immediately, and at least between the discharge sensor and the discharge solenoid. Only the number of possible spare spheres is taken into consideration that a detection signal is input. Therefore, this threshold "3"
Is a value that should be appropriately changed according to the distance from the discharge sensor to the discharge solenoid.

If it is determined in step S2006 that the value of the discharge fraud monitoring counter 1 has become "3" or more, the flow shifts to step S2007 to extract the flow path of the discharge gutter 71 and to the guiding gutter 75 side or the prize ball guiding gutter. The above-described ball extracting solenoid 44 which has been switched to the 74 side is turned on. Thus, when the discharge solenoid is operated improperly, the discharged ball is not flown out of the prize ball guiding gutter 74 to the supply plate 26 but is guided to the collection gutter of the pachinko game store through the extraction guiding gutter 75. , Can not give unfair advantage. After turning on the ballless solenoid 44,
After setting the discharge fraud flag indicating that there has been fraudulent discharge to "1", a predetermined ball lending display lamp and a prize ball discharge display lamp blink to display the occurrence of a fraudulent state outside (steps S2008 and S2009). , Step S2010).

If NO is determined in the step S2002, the process proceeds to a step S2011, where the other discharge system 2
The above processing step S2 for the first discharge system 1
001 to processing step S2 similar to step S2006
Steps S11 to S2016 are executed, and if it is determined that the value of the discharge irregularity monitoring counter 2 is equal to or more than "3", the process proceeds to step S2007 to turn on the ball removal solenoid 44.

FIG. 39 shows an example of a specific procedure of the ejection device unauthorized release processing. In step S2008 of the main flow in FIG. 38, the discharge fraud flag is set to “1”,
If YES is determined in the step S3 of the flow of FIG. 25, the illegal discharge device release processing of FIG. 39 (corresponding to step S10 of FIG. 25) is started.

In this illegal discharge device release processing, first, in steps S1001 and S1002, FIGS.
It is determined whether or not the error release flags of the discharge paths 1 and 2 set in the routine of “1” are “1”. If both of the flags are “1”, the above-mentioned incorrect discharge flag is cleared to “0” in step S1003. After that, the ball removal solenoid 44 is turned off (step S1004). Next, the blinking lending-ball discharge indicator lamp and the prize-ball discharge lamp in the blinking state indicating the improper discharge are turned off, and the improper discharge device release processing ends (steps S1005 and S1006).

FIG. 40 shows a step S14 of the main routine (FIG. 25) of the above-described emission credit control device 300.
Is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the prize ball start process executed by the subroutine. This subroutine is started when the processing number is set to "1" when a prize ball request is detected in the main routine (FIG. 25) and "YES" is determined in the step S7.

When this subroutine is started, first, the discharge sensor 1 ball presence flag and the discharge sensor 2 ball presence flag set in the discharge sensor level input processing routine of FIGS. 32 and 33, and the odd sensor input of FIG. An odd sensor ball presence flag set in the processing routine.
Check the overflow ball presence flag set in the overflow detector input processing routine (step S140).
If any one of the flags is “0”, the dischargeable flag is cleared to “0” and the process ends (step S1405). On the other hand, if all the flags are "1", the discharge enable flag is set to "1" (step S1406). Thus, preparation for discharging the prize ball is prepared.

On the other hand, since the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is of a credit type, a prize ball is given to a player as the number of credits. Therefore, the next step S1407
To determine whether or not the remaining ball discharge flag is "1".
In the case of S, the value of the remaining ball storage register is set in the discharge register 0 in a succeeding step S1408, and a step S1410
(Step S1409 is skipped). In addition,
When a prize ball is discharged at the time of settlement of the game, the prize balls are discharged in units of 75 pieces. Each time 75 pieces are discharged, the conditions of steps S1401 to S1404 are checked. The reason why the prize balls are discharged is set at 75 in consideration of the relationship between the overflow, the position of the odd sensor, and the supply.

[0292] If the remaining ball discharge flag is not "1" in step S1407, the flow advances to step S1409. Here, the number of credits currently held by the player is set in the discharge register 0, and then the flow advances to step S1410. In step S1410 and thereafter, first, the prize ball discharge indicator lamp is turned on, and the prize ball sound request flag is set to “1”.
After executing the discharge start processing routine shown in FIG. 41,
The process number is set to "2" and the process is terminated (step S14).
10 to step S1413).

The prize ball sound request flag set in step S1411 is the same as the emission credit control device 300.
Is to be asserted to the "L" level in a sound request output process described later.

A discharge start processing routine shown in FIG.
In step S1412 of “0”, the predetermined number (prize ball set number) of prize balls is provided in the two lines in order to discharge a predetermined number of balls credited at the time of actual ball settlement. The number of discharges from one of the gutters 91a and 91b (see FIG. 13) and the number of discharges from the other are determined in advance, and the discharge solenoid 1 and / or the discharge solenoid 2 are excited (turned on) to perform the above-described mode. Of the prize ball according to the above.

When this routine is started, first, in a step S101, it is determined whether or not the value of the discharge register 0 is set to "1". The value of the discharge register 0 is "1"
If not, it is determined in step S102 whether the value of the discharge register 0 is equal to or less than "8".

Step S101 and step S101
If the result of the determination in step 102 is that the value of the discharge register 0 is "1", the flow shifts to step S103 to set the single discharge flag to "1" and clear the alternate discharge flag to "0" (step S104). Is set (step S105), and then a step S106 is executed.
The process proceeds to the reversal flag discrimination process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the value of the discharge register 0 is equal to or less than "8", the process proceeds to step S107.
Then, the one discharge flag is cleared to "0", the alternate discharge flag is set to "1" (step S108), and the process proceeds to step S106 to determine the inversion flag. Further, as a result of the determination in the step S102, when it is determined that the value of the discharge register 0 is equal to or more than "9", the processing from the step S109 is executed.

Here, the alternate discharge flag is used to change the prize ball discharge mode of the discharge process (FIG. 42) performed subsequently to this routine in two modes (prize balls by alternately operating discharge solenoids 1 and 2). Discharge flag or a combination discharge process of simultaneously discharging the prize balls by simultaneously operating the discharge solenoids 1 and 2), and the alternate discharge flag is set to "1". Sometimes alternate discharge processing (when the number of prize balls set is 1 to 8)
When it is set to “0”, the combined discharge processing (the number of set prize balls is 9 to 75) is performed.

After the value of the alternate discharge flag is set to "1", the reversal flag is determined in step S106. This reversal flag is used when the prize balls are discharged alternately.
3a and the second discharge solenoid 93b are alternately operated to improve the durability by using the two discharge paths evenly. The value of the reversal flag is determined by the solenoid. It is inverted to "1" or "0" each time it operates once, that is, every time one discharge is completed.

If the determination result of the reversal flag is YES, in step S110 the discharge solenoid 93a is excited to start discharging from the first winning ball guide gutter (for example, 91a), and then the reversal flag is set to "0". "(Step S111), and then proceeds to step S126. If the determination result in step S106 is NO, in step S112, the discharge solenoid 93b is excited to start discharging the prize ball from the second prize ball guide gutter (for example, 91b). 1 ”(step S113), and then proceeds to step S126.

On the other hand, when the number of prize balls discharged is “9” or more (when the determination result in the step S102 is NO), the process proceeds to the step S109 to perform the combined discharge processing. First, in step S109, the value of the discharge register 0 is set to "7
It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or less than 5 ". If NO, a value [discharge register 0-" 75 "] obtained by subtracting" 75 "from the discharge register 0 is set as the value of the remaining ball storage register in step S114. , And then step S115
Sets "75" in the discharge register 0, and sets the remaining ball discharge flag to "1" in step S116, and proceeds to step S119. This is because, as described above, when a prize ball is discharged at the time of settlement of a game, 75
This is in order to separate and discharge each individual.

On the other hand, when YES is determined in the step S109, it is determined whether or not the remaining ball discharge flag is "1" in a next step S117, and when YES, the following step S1 is performed.
In step 18, the remaining ball discharge flag is reset to "0", and the process proceeds to step S119. If NO, step S118 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S119.

In the combined discharge process after step S119, first, a discharge number dividing process (FIG. 42) described later is performed in step S119, and then the single discharge flag and the alternate discharge flag are set to "0" (step S120). , Step S121), discharge 1 used in a combined discharge process described later
The values of the end flag and the discharge 2 end flag are reset to “0” (steps S122 and S12).
3), the discharge solenoid 1 and the discharge solenoid 2 are both excited to start simultaneous discharge (steps S124 and S125).

Thereafter, in step S126, the discharge weight flag set to "1" when the discharge weight timer is activated in the prize ball discharge processing (FIG. 43) described later is set to "0".
Reset to. Next, in step S127, when the single-ejection process, the alternate ejection process, or the combined ejection process is completed, the ejection end flag set to indicate that fact is reset to “0”, and in step S128, the ejection monitoring timer (for example, , 3 seconds) and the process ends. The discharge monitoring timer is used to monitor whether or not the discharge of the prize balls to be discharged by the alternate discharge processing or the combined discharge processing described later is completed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the discharge of the prize balls was started. It is provided.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the discharge number dividing process executed in step S119 of the discharge start process (FIG. 41). This routine is performed when the discharge of the ball is performed by a combined discharge process described later (when the value of the discharge register 0 is equal to or more than 9 and equal to or less than 75). This is because in the combined discharge process, the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 operate simultaneously in one control loop,
The value previously stored in the discharge register 0 is divided into two and set in the discharge registers 1 and 2 respectively. The discharge solenoids 1 and 2 operate independently of each other in accordance with the values of these two discharge registers 1 and 2.

When this routine is started, step S1 is executed.
In steps 51 to S175, the value of the discharge register is sequentially “9” (step S151), “10” (step S152), and “11” (step S153). ), Whether it is "12" or not (step S154), and similarly, up to "75" is determined (step S175). That is, "75"
Perform the determination up to.

[0306] If the decision result in the step S151 is YES.
In step S181, the value of the discharge register 1 is set to "5" in step S181, and the value of the discharge register 2 is set to "4" in step S182, followed by terminating the present routine. Thereafter, when the result of the determination in step S152 is YES, the values of the discharge registers 1 and 2 are set to "5" (steps S183 and S184), and when the result of the determination in step S153 is YES, the value of the discharge register 1 is set. Is set to “6” (step S18).
5), the value of the discharge register 2 is set to "5" (step S186), and the determination result of the step S154 is YES
In the case of, the values of the discharge registers 1 and 2 are set to "6" (steps S187 and S188).

Similarly, when the value of the discharge register 0 is odd, the discharge register 1 is set to 1
When the value of the discharge register 0 is an even number, the same value is set in the discharge registers 1 and 2.

FIG. 43 shows a main routine (FIG. 25) executed by the emission credit control device 300 described above.
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the prize ball discharge processing performed in step S13 of FIG.

This routine is started when the processing number is determined to be "2" in step S6 of the main routine (FIG. 25). First, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the discharge weight flag is "1". The discharge weight flag is set when a predetermined number (prize ball discharge number) of the prize balls when discharging the number of credited balls at the time of actual ball settlement ends and a weight timer described later operates (step S205). The value is set to "1", and is reset in step S126 of the above-described discharge start processing (FIG. 37). Therefore, after the discharge of the prize balls of one prize ball discharge number is completed, step S20 is performed for the first time.
The determination result of 1 is YES.

As long as the determination result in step S201 is NO, the process proceeds to step S202, in which the prize ball is discharged by the discharging process (FIG. 44), and then, in step S20.
Proceed to 3. In step S203, it is determined whether or not the discharge end flag is "1". This discharge end flag is set to a value when a predetermined number (the set number of prize balls) has been discharged by one discharge (FIG. 45), alternate discharge processing (FIG. 46), or combined discharge processing (FIG. 47). Is set to “1”. Therefore, when the result of this determination is NO, the subsequent steps S204 to S208 are skipped, and this routine ends.

When the predetermined number of prize balls have been discharged and the result of the determination in step S203 turns to YES,
The discharge weight flag is set to "1" (step S20).
4) The discharge weight timer is set to a predetermined time (for example, 400
msec) (step S205), and after turning off the prize ball discharge display lamp (step S2).
06), the reading determination flag is set to “1”, the awarded ball number data is added to the awarded ball discharge counter, and the routine ends (steps S207 and S208). The reading confirmation flag and the prize ball discharge counter are used when notifying the data of the enclosed ball game machine 1 to the hall management device 400.

[0312] If the decision result in the above step S203 is YES.
In the loop after turning to step S204, by setting the discharge weight flag to "1" in step S204, the determination result in step S201 turns to YES, and step S20
9 is executed. In this step S209, it is determined whether or not the discharge wait timer has timed out. If the determination result is NO, that is, if the predetermined time has not yet ended after the discharge of the predetermined number of prize balls,
This routine is terminated as it is, and only steps S201 and S209 are repeatedly executed until the predetermined time has elapsed.

If the result of the determination in step S209 is YES after the lapse of the predetermined time, step S21
Go to 0. In step S210, it is determined whether or not the remaining ball discharge flag is "1".
In step 211, the process number is set to "0", and this routine ends. In the case of YES, the process number is set to "2" in step S212, and this routine ends. When the remaining ball discharge flag is "1", it is determined that a ball still remains, and the remaining ball is discharged.

FIG. 44 shows the prize ball discharging process described above (FIG. 43).
9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a discharging process performed in step S202 of FIG. When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S221 whether or not the discharge error flag is "1". This discharge error flag is set in step S128 in FIG. 41 when the discharge start processing is executed.
When the discharge of the predetermined number of prize balls is not completed before the discharge monitoring timer set in the step is counted up, the value is set to "1" to indicate an abnormality of the discharge control system (at step S231 described later). (Set to "1"). Therefore, if the determination result in this step S221 is YES, in step S233, a later-described ejection error recovery process (FIG. 48) is performed, and this routine ends.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S221 is NO.
In step S222, the flow advances to step S222 to determine whether or not the discharge end flag is "1". As described above, this discharge end flag has completed the discharge of a predetermined number (the set number of prize balls) by the single discharge processing (FIG. 45), the alternate discharge processing (FIG. 46), or the combined discharge processing (FIG. 47). Sometimes the value is set to "1".

While the result of the determination in step S222 is NO, the flow advances to step S223 to determine whether or not the discharge monitoring timer set at the time of execution of the discharge start process (step S142 in FIG. 42) has expired. I do. If NO, step S224, step S22
The program proceeds to 5 to check the one-discharge flag and the alternate discharge flag set in the above-described discharge start processing (FIG. 41), and
When the individual discharge flag is “1”, the value of step S226 is “1”.
The individual discharge processing (see FIG. 45), the single discharge processing of step S227 when the alternate discharge flag is “1” (see FIG. 46), and the combined discharge processing of step S228 when the alternate discharge flag is “0” (See FIG. 47).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S223 that the discharge monitoring timer has expired, that is, if it is determined that the discharge has not ended even after a certain period of time from the start of discharge, it is determined that a discharge abnormality has occurred and the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are turned off. (Step S229, step S230), and after setting the discharge error flag to "1" (step S331), if the prize ball is being discharged, the prize ball discharge display lamp is blinked to display an error (step S232). End the routine.

FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the single discharge process performed in step S226 of the above-described discharge process (FIG. 44). When this process is started, first, 1 is set in step S105 of FIG.
It is determined whether or not the individual discharge timer has timed out (step S251), and if NO, nothing is performed, and if YES, that is, if the time set in the single discharge timer has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S252. To determine whether the inversion flag is "1" or "0". If the reversal flag is "0", the discharge solenoid 1 is turned off (step S25).
3) If the reversal flag is "1", the discharge solenoid 2 is turned off (step S254), one discharge is completed, the one discharge flag is set to "1", and the routine is terminated (step S255). .

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the alternate discharge process performed in step S227 of the above-described discharge process (FIG. 44). As described above, in this routine, the number of prize balls to be ejected (award ball set number) is “8”.
This process is performed at the following times. In this routine, the prize ball is discharged by alternately using the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 of the above-described prize ball discharge device 42.

When this routine is started, it is checked in step S261 whether the inversion flag is "0" or "1". If the inversion flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S
Proceeding to 262, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 1 rising flag is "1". The value of the discharge sensor 1 start flag is set to “1” when the spare ball comes out of the discharge sensor 1. Therefore, if this determination result is NO, nothing is performed, and if YES, the value of the discharge register 0 (the number of discharged balls) is subtracted by one, and then the discharge sensor 1 rising flag is cleared (step S263, Step S264).

Next, the value of the discharge register 0 is set to "1".
, That is, whether or not a predetermined number of balls have been discharged (step S265). When the value of the discharge register 0 becomes "1", the discharge solenoid 1 is turned off, and the discharge is completed. The flag is set to "1" and the routine ends (steps S266 and S267).

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S261 is NO, that is, if the inversion flag is "1", the process proceeds to a step S268. In step S268, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 2 rising flag is "1". The value of the discharge sensor 2 rising flag is set to “1” when the spare ball comes off from the inside of the discharge sensor 2. Therefore, when the determination result is NO, nothing is performed, and when the determination result is YES, the value of the discharge register 0 (the number of discharged balls) is subtracted by one, and then the discharge sensor 2 rising flag is cleared (step S269, Step S2
70). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the discharge register 0 has become "1", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of balls have been discharged (step S271).
When the value of “1” becomes “1”, the discharge solenoid 2 is turned off.
In addition, the discharge end flag is set to "1", and the routine ends (steps S272 and S267).

In this routine, the discharge solenoid 1 or 2
Is terminated when the value of the discharge register 0 becomes "1" in order to adjust the off timing of the discharge solenoid. That is, in this embodiment, since the stopper is disposed on the downstream side of the discharge sensor, if the discharge is stopped when the value of the discharge register 0 becomes "0", one more ball is actually discharged. It is because it is done.

FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the combined ejection processing performed in step S228 of the above-described ejection processing (FIG. 44). As described above, in this routine, the number of prize balls to be ejected (award ball setting number) is “9”.
This routine is performed at this time. In this routine, the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 of the prize ball discharge device 42 are simultaneously operated to discharge the prize ball.

When this routine is started, first, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 end flag reset in step S122 of the discharge start processing in FIG. 41 has become "1" (step S301). Immediately after the start of the discharge, the discharge 1 end flag is “0”, so that it is determined to be NO and step S302 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the rising flag of the discharge sensor 1 is "1". If this determination result is NO, nothing is performed, and if YES, the value of the discharge register 1 (the number of discharged balls) is subtracted by one, and then the discharge sensor 1 rising flag is cleared (steps S303 and S304).

Next, the value of the discharge register 1 is set to "1".
, That is, whether or not a predetermined number of balls have been discharged (step S305). If the value of the discharge register 1 becomes "1", the discharge solenoid 1 is turned off and discharged. The 1 end flag is set to "1" (step S306, step S307).

Then, the flow advances to step S308 to determine whether or not the discharge 2 end flag reset in step S123 in FIG. 39 has become "1". Immediately after the start of discharge, the discharge 2 end flag is “0”, so it is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step S309 to determine whether or not the discharge sensor 2 rising flag is “1”. If the determination result is NO, nothing is performed, and if YES, the rising flag of the discharging sensor 2 is cleared, and then the value of the discharging register 2 (the number of discharged balls) is reduced by 1 (steps S310 and S311). Next, the value of the discharge register 2 is "1".
It is determined whether or not a predetermined number of balls have been discharged (step S312). If the value of the discharge register 2 becomes "1", the discharge solenoid 2 is turned off and the discharge is performed. The second end flag is set to "1" (steps S313 and S314).

Then, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 end flag has become "1" (step S315). If YES, the discharge end flag is set to "1" in the next step S316, and the routine ends.

If the discharging system 1 has finished discharging first, the process proceeds from step S314 to step S316 and ends. On the other hand, if the discharge system 2 side has finished discharging first, NO is determined in step S314, and when this routine is executed again, the discharge 1 end flag is set to "1" in step S307. Proceeding to step S308, where YES is determined, the process jumps to step S316, sets the discharge end flag to "1", and ends the routine.

As described above, when the number of award balls set is large (9
To 75), the set number is divided to 2
By storing the values in the two discharge registers 1 and 2 and independently operating the first and second discharge solenoids based on the values of the discharge registers 1 and 2, discharge of a large number of prize balls can be performed more quickly. Will be able to do it.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ejection error recovery process performed in step S233 of the above-described ejection process (FIG. 44). When this routine is started, first, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 error release flag set in step S4417 of the discharge sensor 1 level input process of FIG. 32 is “1”, and set in step S4517 of FIG. It is determined whether or not the discharge 2 error release flag is "1" (step S3).
41, step S342).

[0332] If both the determinations are YES, the process from step S343 is performed. Step S3
In steps 43 to S346, in accordance with the same procedure as in steps S1401 to S1406 in the prize ball start processing in FIG. 40, the discharge sensor 1 ball presence flag and the discharge sensor set in the discharge sensor level input processing routine in FIGS. The two-ball presence flag, the odd-side sensor ball existence flag set in the half-point sensor input processing routine of FIG. 37, and the overflow ball existence flag set in the overflow detector input processing routine of FIG. 36 are checked, and any one of the flags is checked. However, if it is "0", the dischargeable flag is cleared to "0" and the process is terminated (step S
347).

On the other hand, if all the flags are "1", the discharge enable flag is set to "1" (step S348), and in the next step S349, the discharge enable flag becomes "1". In step S350 and step S351, it is determined whether or not the values of the discharge registers 1 and 2 each exceed "1". If the value of the discharge register 1 is not more than "1" Indicates the value of the discharge register 2, the value of the discharge register 1 when the value of the discharge register 2 is “1” or less, and the value of the discharge register 2 when both the values of the discharge register 1 and the discharge register 2 exceed “1”. ,
Both values are set in the discharge register 0 (step S35)
2, Step S353, Step S354).

Here, when the value of the discharge register 2 is set to the discharge register 0 in step S352 when the value of the discharge register 1 is equal to or less than "1" in step S350, the value of the discharge register is " The state of "1" means that the ejection has been completed. Nevertheless, the reason why the error recovery processing of this routine is started is that it can be estimated that the number of unejected balls remains in the ejection register 2. Similarly, when the value of the discharge register 2 is equal to or less than “1” in step S351, the value of the discharge register 1 is set in the discharge register 0 in step S353. This is because it can be estimated that remains.

Next, in step S355, the prize ball discharge indicator lamp is turned on, and in step S356, the same processing as the discharge start processing in FIG. 36 is performed. In step S357, the discharge error flag is cleared to "0", and this routine is executed. To end. In this way, even if one of the two discharge systems becomes clogged with balls, the number of undischarged balls remaining in the discharge register is set again in the discharge register 0 and discharge is started again. As a result, the discharge using the other normal discharge system is performed, and the interruption of the game of the gaming machine main body 2 due to the failure can be avoided.

FIGS. 49 to 51 are flow charts showing a subroutine of the ball removing process executed in step S12 of the main routine (FIG. 25) executed by the CPU of the above-described emission credit control device 300.

In this ball-pulling processing routine, it is detected by the ball-pulling sensor input processing (FIG. 34) that the ball-pulling sensor 118 is pressed in the form of a switch and turned on by a game store clerk. When "1" is set and YES is determined in step S8 of the main routine, the processing number is changed to "4" in step S15, and when the processing number is determined to be "4" in step S5 of the main routine. It is to be started.

When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S602 whether or not the forced end flag is "1". This forced end flag is determined by the ball extraction sensor 118.
Is pressed twice (when the ball removal sensor is pressed again during execution of this routine and the determination result in step S616 or step S626 described later is YES), the forcible steps S700 to S736 are performed. In step S696 immediately before the end processing is executed, the value is “1”.
Is set to Therefore, once the flag is set to "1" by execution of step S696, in the subsequent loop, the determination result of step S602 is YES, and only the forced termination process of step S700 and later described later is executed. Will be.

If the decision result in the step S602 is NO, it is determined in a step S604 whether or not the pitching execution flag is "1", and in a succeeding step S606, whether or not the pitching start flag is "1". Is determined. Among them, the ball extraction start flag is set in step S614 so as to store the fact that the processing from step S608 to step S612 has been performed even once. Also, the ball removal execution flag is set to “1” in step S624 to store the fact that when the ejection solenoids 1 and 2 are excited in steps S620 and S622 to be described later and the ball removal is executed. Things.

Here, consider the case where the main ball removal processing routine is performed for the first time. In this case, step S60
4. Both the determination results in step S606 are NO, and the process proceeds to step S608, where "1" is given by the first press of the ball removal sensor 118 (a pressure for starting the ball removal process).
Is reset to "0". In the following steps S609 and S610, the discharge 1 end flag and the discharge 2 end flag used for storing the fact that the first and second prize ball discharging devices have finished the ball discharging process are determined by the above-described combined discharge process. The used one can be diverted as it is, and two flags are set in step S62 described later.
8. Used for discrimination in step S646 and the like.

Further, in the next step S611, a ball extraction start timer is set. The ball removal start timer is provided to provide a predetermined idle time sufficient for switching the switching gate of the ball removal device in advance before the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are actually excited (turned on).

In the next step S612, the ball-pulling solenoid 44 is excited (turned on) to switch the switching gate, and then the ball-pulling start flag is set to "1" (step S614). In the following step S616, it is determined whether or not the ball-extraction flag is set to "1" again during the execution of steps S602 to S614, that is, whether or not the ball-extraction switch has been pressed again (whether or not the ball-extraction switch has been pressed twice). I do. When the result of this determination is YES, steps S692 to S692
After executing step S698, the process proceeds to the forced termination process from step S700 to forcibly terminate the ball removal process.

More specifically, first, in steps S692 and S694, the one-ball no-discharge flag used in steps S628 to S644 described below and the discharge used in steps S646 to S662 described later. The two-ball absence flag is reset to "0", and the forced end flag is set to "1" to indicate that the process has been shifted to the forced termination process in step S699. A forced termination timer provided to determine whether or not the process has been performed is set, and a forced termination process from step S700 onward described below is performed.

On the other hand, if the determination result is NO, it is determined whether or not the ball start timer started in step S611 has timed out. If the ball start timer has not yet timed out (when the determination result is NO), this routine is terminated without performing the subsequent processing. In the subsequent loop, steps S602 to S606 are performed until the timer expires.
Only steps S616 and S618 are repeatedly executed.

When the timer expires, step S
When the result of the determination at 618 turns to YES, step S62
0, in step S622, the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are excited (turned on), respectively, to start the flow of the prize balls, and the above-mentioned ball removal execution flag is set to "1" (step S62).
4).

As described above, once the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are excited to set the unballing execution flag to "1", the determination result of the step S604 becomes YES in the next and subsequent loops, and the steps S606 to S606 are executed. Step S62
4 will be skipped. Next step S
At 626, it is determined whether the ball removal flag is "1" again, that is, the ball removal sensor 1 forcibly terminates the ball removal processing.
It is determined again whether or not the button 18 has been pressed twice. When the result of this determination is YES, the processing of steps S684 to S690 is performed, and then the processing of step S696 is performed.
To step S698, and step S700 to be described later.
The process proceeds to the subsequent forced termination processing.

In the processing of steps S684 to S690, it is first determined whether or not the discharge 1 end flag is "1" (step S684).
That is, at this time, when all the prize balls on the first discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharge device 42 have been completely discharged (the flag is set when the flow of all the prize balls on the first discharge solenoid side is completed). (The value is set to "1" in S642.) The process proceeds to step S686 to demagnetize (turn off) the discharge solenoid 1 and then to step S688.
Proceed to. On the other hand, when the determined result is NO, step S68 is performed.
Skip to step S688 and proceed to step S688.

In step S688, it is further determined whether or not the discharge 2 end flag is "1". If the determination result is YES, that is, the prize ball on the second discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharge device 42 at this time is determined. When all the outflows have been completed (when the outflow of the prize balls on the second discharge solenoid side is all completed, the value thereof is set to "1" in step S6660 described later), the process proceeds to step S690 and discharges. The solenoid 2 is demagnetized (turned off), and then the process proceeds to step S692. On the other hand, if the determination result is NO, the process skips step S690 and proceeds to step S692 and subsequent steps.

At this point, the second press of the ball-pulling sensor 118 is not performed, and the determination in step S626 is NO.
, It is determined in step S628 whether or not the discharge 1 end flag is "1". This discharge 1 end flag is reset to “0” in the above-described step S609 when the main ball removal processing is executed for the first time, and conversely, when all the prize balls have flowed out by the ball removal processing. Is set to "1" in step S642 described later.

Therefore, if the prize balls on the first discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharging device 42 have not yet been discharged by the main ball removal processing, the determination result in step S628 becomes NO, and the processing in and after step S630 is performed. The processing is executed. First, in step S630, it is determined whether or not the one-ball-discharge no flag is “1”. This one-ball-discharge flag is determined in step S3 of the main routine or in the prize-ball discharge device 4
In step S644, when the ball ejection process on the first discharge solenoid side of No. 2 is completed (step S644), it is reset to "0", and the prize ball flows out by the main ball ejection process, and the first prize ball guide path 91a.
When the prize ball disappears in the inside (in the discharge sensor 1) and the sensor output becomes "0", the value is set to "1".

[0351] Therefore, the discharge sensor 1
Until there is no prize ball, the determination result is NO, and the output of the discharge sensor 1 becomes “L” in step S632.
It is determined whether or not the level is “0”. If the prize ball remains in the ejection sensor 1 without completing the ball removal process, the result of this determination is NO, and step S
Proceed to 646 and thereafter.

In this state, if there is no prize ball in the first prize ball guiding path 91a (in the discharge sensor 1) by the ball removal process, the determination result in the step S632 changes to YES, and the above-described one-ball no-discharge flag is set to “ 1 "(step S63)
4) Next, a timer for measuring the time elapsed since the prize ball disappeared from the sensor 1 is set (step S636), and the process proceeds to step S646 and thereafter. In the subsequent loop, the result of the determination in step S630 described above turns YES, and in step S638, it is determined again whether the output level of the discharge 1 sensor is at the “L” level (“0”).

If the determination result is YES, that is, if it is determined that the output level of the discharge sensor 1 is maintained at the “L” level in the current loop following the previous loop, the flow advances to step S640 to proceed to step S636. It is determined whether or not the set one-ball-discharge-no-timer has timed out. If the determination result is NO, that is, if it is determined that there is no prize ball in the first prize ball guiding path 91a (in the discharge set 1), a predetermined time has not yet elapsed, steps S642 and S644 are performed. Skip to step S646 and the subsequent steps. Thereafter, steps S630 and S630 are performed until the predetermined time elapses.
The determination result of 638 is YES, and the determination result of step S640 is NO.

If the above-described predetermined time has elapsed while the output level of the discharge sensor 1 is maintained at the “L” level, the process proceeds to step S.
The determination result at 640 changes to YES, the discharge 1 end flag is set to "1" (step S642), and further, the one discharge no ball flag is reset to "0", and the process proceeds to steps S644 and S646 and thereafter.

As described above, once the discharge 1 end flag is set to "1", the determination result in step S628 becomes YES in the next and subsequent loops, and the process skips steps S630 to S644 and directly The process proceeds to step S646 and subsequent steps.

By the way, when this routine is started and the output of the discharge sensor 1 once becomes "0" level (at this time, the discharge one ball absence flag is "1"), the discharge one ball absence timer times out. If the output level of the discharge sensor 1 changes to the “H” level (“1”) again before, the aforementioned step S
The determination result at 638 changes to NO, and the discharge 1 end flag is reset to “0” at step S644 without setting the discharge 1 end flag to “1” (skipping step S642). The process proceeds to step S646 and subsequent steps.

As a result, after one prize ball passes through the discharge sensor 1, the falling of the output signal generated until the next prize ball reaches the inside of the sensor 1 or noise in the output signal of the sensor 1 occurs. When the waveform of the output signal temporarily falls, for example, when an error occurs, it is not erroneously determined that the outflow of the prize ball in the prize ball guiding path has been completed.

In the next step S646, further discharge 2
It is determined whether or not the end flag is “1”. This discharge 2 end flag is reset to "0" in the above-described step S610 when the main ball removal processing is executed for the first time, and conversely, when all the prize balls flow out by the ball removal processing. Is set to "1" in step S660 described later. Therefore, the prize ball discharging device 4
When the discharge of the prize ball on the side of the second discharge solenoid of No. 2 has not been completed yet, the determination result of step S646 is N
It becomes O, and the processing of step S648 and thereafter is executed.

First, in step S648, it is determined whether or not the no-discharge two-ball flag is "1". This no-discharge 2-ball flag is reset to “0” when the ball-extraction process on the second ejection solenoid side of the prize-ball ejection device 42 is completed (step S662) or in step S3 of the main routine, The prize ball flows out and the second prize ball taxiway 9
When the prize ball disappears in 1b (in the discharge sensor 2) and the sensor output becomes "0", the value is set to "1".

[0360] Therefore, the discharge sensor 2
Until the prize ball runs out, the determination result is NO, and the output of the discharge sensor 2 is “L” in step S650.
("0") level is determined. If the prize ball still remains in the ejection sensor 2 without completing the ball removing process, the determination result is NO, and the routine returns to the called (called) routine.

In this state, if there is no prize ball in the second prize ball guide path 91b (inside the sensor 2) due to the ball removal process,
The determination result in the step S650 changes to YES, and the above-described two-ball-discharge-no-ball flag is set to "1" (step S65).
2) Then, a two-ball discharge no-timer for measuring the time elapsed from the point when there is no prize ball in the sensor 2 is set (step S654), and the routine returns to the called (called) routine. In the subsequent loop, the result of the determination in step S648 turns to YES, and step S656 is executed.
It is determined again whether or not the output level of the discharge sensor 2 is at the "L" level ("0").

If the determination result is YES, that is, if it is determined that the output level of the discharge sensor 2 is maintained at the “L” level in the current loop after the previous loop, the flow advances to step S658 to set in step S654. It is determined whether or not the discharged two-ball no-timer has timed out. If the result of this determination is NO, that is, if it is determined that there is no prize ball in the second prize ball taxiway (in the discharge sensor 2), the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, and steps S660 and S662 are skipped. Then, the process returns to the called (called) routine.

Thereafter, until the predetermined time elapses, it is determined that the determination results of the above steps S648 and S656 are both YES and the determination result of step S658 is NO. When the predetermined time elapses while the output level of the discharge sensor 2 holds the “L” level, the result of the determination in step S658 turns to YES, and the discharge 2 end flag is set to “1” (step S660). The two-ball no flag is reset to "0" (step S6)
62), returning to the called routine.

As described above, once the discharge 2 end flag is set to "1", the determination result of step S646 is YES in the next and subsequent loops, and the steps S648 to S662 are skipped. The process proceeds to S664 and subsequent steps.

By the way, after the present routine is started and the output of the discharge sensor 2 once becomes "L" level (at this time, the discharge two-ball no-time flag is "1"), the timer of the discharge two-ball no-time expires. If the output level of the discharge sensor 2 changes to the “H” level (“1”) again before, the aforementioned step S
The determination result at 656 turns to NO, and the discharge 2 end flag is reset to “0” at step S662 without setting the discharge 2 end flag to “1” (skip step S660). And return to the called routine.

As a result, after one prize ball passes through the discharge sensor 2, the output signal falls between the time when the next prize ball reaches the inside of the sensor 2 and the output signal of the sensor 2 has noise. When the waveform of the output signal temporarily falls, for example, when occurs, it is not erroneously determined that the outflow of the prize ball in the prize ball guiding path has been completed.

Steps S646 to S662
As a result, it is determined that the outflow of the prize ball on the second discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharge device 42 has been completed, the determination result in step S646 turns to YES, and step S646 is performed.
At 664, it is determined again whether or not the prize ball on the first discharge solenoid side has been completely removed (whether the discharge 1 end flag is "1").

If the result of this determination is NO, the processing in the current loop is terminated as it is, and the processing shifts to the next loop (in the next loop, steps S628 to S628 are performed again).
644 will be performed). On the other hand, if the determination result is Y
ES, that is, when it is determined at this point that the ball removal processing by the first and second discharge solenoids of the prize ball discharge device 42 has been completed, first, both the ball removal execution flag and the ball removal start flag are set to “0”. (Step S66)
6, step S668), and demagnetize (turn off) the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 to end the ball removing process (step S668).
674, step S676), and after performing demagnetization (off) of the ball extraction solenoid (step S678), the process number is reset to "0" (step S680).
This routine ends.

Next, the result of any one of the steps S602, S616, and S626 is YE
The forced termination processing (processing after step S700) performed in S will be described. This process is executed when the ball extraction sensor 118 is pressed and the ball extraction process is started once, and then when the sensor 118 is pressed again (press twice). First, in step S700, it is determined whether or not the forced termination timer has timed out. This forced termination timer is set when the sensor 118 is pressed for the second time (step S616, the determination result of step S626 is N).
The counting is started in step S698) which is executed immediately after it becomes O.

If the determination result is NO, that is, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the second sensor pressing,
In step S702, it is determined whether or not the discharge 1 end flag is “1”. If the determination result in step S702 is NO, that is, before the ball removing process is completed (when the value of the flag is "1", it indicates that ball removing on the first discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharging device has been completed). When the forced termination process is started, it is further determined in step S704 whether or not the discharge sensor 1 startup flag is “1”.

When the result of this determination is YES, that is, after the forced termination process has been performed, a new prize ball is
, The discharge solenoid 1 is demagnetized (turned off) at this time (step S706), and then the discharge 1 end flag is forcibly set to "1" (step S70).
8), the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, if NO, the process skips steps S706 and S708 and proceeds to step S710.

At step S710, it is determined whether or not the discharge 2 end flag is "1". This step S710
Is NO, that is, before the ball removal process is completed (when the value of the flag is "1", it indicates that the ball removal on the second discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharge device 42 has been completed). When the process is started, step S7 is further performed.
At 12, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 2 start flag is "1".

When the result of this determination is YES, that is, after the forced termination process has been performed, a new prize ball is
Is reached, the discharge solenoid 2 is demagnetized (turned off) at this time (step S714), and then the discharge 2 end flag is forcibly set to "1" (step S71).
6), end this routine. On the other hand, when the result of the determination is NO, steps S714 and S716 are skipped, and this routine ends.

As described above, the forced termination processing (step S7)
After the start of the process (00 and subsequent processes), the rising of the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 (a new prize ball has reached the inside of the sensor) is detected before the predetermined time has elapsed, and the discharge 2 end flag is temporarily set to “ If "1" is set, the determination result of step S710 will be YES in the next and subsequent loops, and it will be further determined whether or not the discharge 1 end flag is "1" (step S718). If the determination result is NO, that is, if the first discharge sensor 1 of the prize ball discharge device 42 has not detected a new prize ball after the forced termination process is started at this time, the routine ends as it is. In this case, even in the next and subsequent loops, steps S702 to S702 are performed.
The processing of 708 is subsequently executed.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S718 is YES, that is, if the forcible termination processing is executed, the first and second ejection sensors 1 and 2 of the prize ball ejection device 42 are both replaced with a new prize ball. When it is detected that the number has reached 1 or 2, the processing in step S724 and thereafter, which will be described later, is performed.
If the predetermined time elapses while the processing of steps S702 to S718 is being executed and the forced termination timer times out, and the determination result of step S700 turns to YES (at this time, the discharge 1 termination flag is set). And one of the discharge 2 end flag is “0”), and in steps S720 and S722, the discharge solenoid 1 and the discharge solenoid 2 are forcibly demagnetized (off), respectively, and the process proceeds to step S724 and subsequent steps.

In step S724, the above-mentioned forced end flag is reset to "0", and further in step S726,
In step S728, both the ball-extraction execution flag and the ball-extraction start flag are reset to “0”, and subsequently, the ball-extraction solenoid is demagnetized (off) (step S734).
The processing number is reset to "0" (step S73)
6), end this routine.

FIG. 52 shows an example of a specific procedure of the replenishment process executed in step S9 in the main process flow of FIG. When the replenishment process is started, first, the replenishment sensor rising flag set during the replenishment sensor input process (FIG. 35) for detecting the detection signal of the replenishment sensor 50 is checked (step S752). If YES, step S754 is performed. After turning on the completion lamp, the replenishment request flag is set to "1", the replenishment sensor rising flag is cleared to "0", and this routine is terminated (steps S756 and S758). The replenishment flag is referred to for asserting a replenishment signal to the management device 400, for example, to process information of the gaming table described later.

On the other hand, if NO in step S752, the flow advances to step S760 to determine whether or not the supply sensor falling flag indicating that the supply sensor has fallen is "1". If the answer is YES, the completion lamp turned on in step S754 is turned off (step S762), the replenishment request flag and the replenishment sensor fall flag are reset to "0", respectively, and the routine ends (step S762). S764, step S766).

FIG. 53 shows an example of a specific procedure of the settlement process executed in step S21 in the main processing flow of FIG. If the settlement flag is set to "1" in step S2602 in the input process (FIG. 60) described later, and YES is determined in step S16 of the main flow in FIG. 26, the settlement process in FIG. 53 is started.

When the settlement process is started, first, in step S2100, the settlement LED 356 is blinked to notify the player that settlement is in progress. Next, step S21
At 02, a sound for holding the settlement function is output, and the sound also notifies the player by sound that the settlement function is held and executed. Thereby, the player can surely know that the settlement process has been started and is in the execution state.

In step S2104, it is determined whether a card for settlement has been inserted and is actually in the card insertion slot 5. If YES, a card ejection process (see FIG. 51) is performed in step S2106, and step S2104 is performed. The process proceeds to S2108. If NO, the process skips step S2106 and proceeds to step S2108.

In step S2108, it is determined whether the settlement function is being held or not. If YES, the current routine is terminated to continue the processing. NO
In step S2110, the settlement LED 356 is turned on in step S2110, and a sound during execution of the settlement is output in step S2112. Thereby, the player can know that the payment is being executed by the light and the sound.

Next, in step S2114, it is determined whether or not the receipt selection switch 7 is turned on, that is, whether or not the player has pressed the receipt selection switch 7 for settlement. After printing, the flow advances to step S2120. At this time, a numerical value corresponding to the number of balls held by the player in the game is printed on the receipt. And, corresponding to the numerical value printed on this receipt,
Thereafter, it can be exchanged for a predetermined prize in the store.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S2114 is N
In the case of O, the process number is set to “1” in step S2118 (set to the actual ball discharge), and step S2
Go to 120. In step S2120, it is determined whether or not the settlement process has been completed. If NO, the current routine is terminated and the process is continued again in the next loop. Also,
If YES, the credit number is reset to "0" in step S2122, the settlement LED 356 is turned off in step S2124, and the output of the settlement execution sound is stopped (turned off) in step S2126.
At 128, the settlement flag is reset to "0", and this routine ends. As a result, the player is notified by light and sound that the settlement has been completed.

FIG. 54 shows an example of a specific procedure of the card insertion (take-in) processing executed in step S22 in the main processing flow of FIG. The card insertion flag is set to "1" in step S2606 in the input processing (FIG. 60) described later, and if YES is determined in step S17 of the main flow in FIG. 25, the card insertion (capture) processing in FIG. 54 is performed. Be started.

When this card insertion processing is started, first, in step S2200, a card is taken in from the card insertion slot 5 of the card reader / writer 403, and the contents of the taken card are read in in step S2202. In this card, the balance of the frequency with respect to the amount held by the player at that time is written as data. Next, in step S2204, it is determined whether the card taken in is an unauthorized card or whether the card has already returned to zero (called an illegal / return-to-zero card). If it is a card and there is a balance), the read balance at that time is set as the card balance number in step S2206.

Thereafter, within this balance, the player can purchase pachinko balls as the number of credits and can start the game. Next, in step S2210, a display indicating that the pachinko ball can be purchased as a credit number (purchase available display)
In step S2212, the purchase LED 354 is turned on, the card insertion flag is reset to "0" in step S2212, and the routine ends.

On the other hand, if YES in step S2204, it is determined that the taken-in card is a fraudulent / return-to-zero card, and in step S2208, the card return flag is immediately set to "1", and steps S2206, S22
The process skips step S10 and proceeds to step S2212. Therefore, at this time, the pachinko ball cannot be purchased as the number of credits based on the contents of the card, thereby preventing fraud.

FIG. 55 shows an example of a specific procedure of card ejection processing executed in step S23 in the main processing flow of FIG. This card ejection process is also a flowchart showing a subroutine of the process performed in step S2106 of the above-described settlement process (FIG. 53).

At step S2612 in the input processing (FIG. 60) described later, the card return flag is set to “1”, and
If “YES” is determined in the step S18 of the main flow of FIG. 26, the card ejection processing of FIG. 55 is started.

When the card discharge processing is started, first, in step S2300, the purchase LED 354 for displaying (payment possible display) that allows the pachinko ball to be purchased as a credit by the card is turned off, and in step S2302 The number of card balances read from the inserted card is reset to “0”. Next, in step S2304, the card is ejected through the card insertion slot 5,
In step S2306, it is determined whether card ejection has been completed. If the card ejection has not been completed, the frequency at which the player holds the balance at that time is written as data to the card in step S2308, and then the punching hole is punched in the card in step S2312. End the routine.

For example, the position of the punched hole changes according to the balance of the card, and when the balance becomes “0”,
A punch hole is made at the final position. On the other hand, step S
If YES in 2306, that is, if card ejection has been completed, the card return flag is set to "0" in step S2310, and the routine ends.

FIG. 56 shows an example of a specific procedure of the purchase process executed in step S24 in the main process flow of FIG. Here, the purchase process refers to a process for purchasing a pachinko ball from the credit machine 3 in the form of the number of credits using a prepaid card held by the player. Therefore, in this embodiment, pachinko balls are not directly purchased. Input processing described later (FIG. 60)
In step S2616, the purchase flag is set to "1", and YE is set in step S19 of the main flow in FIG.
If S is determined, the purchase process in FIG. 56 is started.

When the purchase processing is started, first, in step S2400, a purchase LED for a display (purchase available display) that allows the pachinko ball to be purchased as a credit number.
354 is turned off, and generation of a purchase sound is started in step S2402. Thereby, the start of the purchase is notified to the player. Next, step S240
At 4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined wait time (standby time) has ended. The wait time is used to secure the processing time necessary for smoothly performing the purchase processing.
If the answer is O, this routine ends.

If YES is reached, step S24 is reached.
At step 06, “1” is subtracted from the card balance number, and at step S2408, “25” is added to the current credit number. When a ball is purchased in the form of the number of credits at the beginning of the game, the initial number of credits is “0”, and thus “25” is simply displayed as the number of credits. Here, the number of credits of one card corresponds to "25" in credits, and the state of "25" in credits corresponds to [25] pachinko balls.

Therefore, when “1” is subtracted from the card balance number, “25” is added to the current credit number. This may be performed before the number of credits becomes “0”, or may be performed when there is a request to play the game again after the number of credits becomes “0”.

Next, in step S2410, it is determined whether or not the card balance number is “0”. Card balance =
The state of "0" means that the card cannot be purchased any more. Therefore, in this case, after the card return flag is set to "1" in step S2414 (the card return processing is thereafter executed), In step S2416, the purchase flag is set to "0", and the routine ends. On the other hand, if the card balance number is not “0” and there is a balance, in step S2412 the purchase L for a display (purchase possible display) that allows the pachinko ball to be purchased as a credit amount.
The ED 354 is turned on again to inform the player that there is still room for purchase, and then the step S
Proceeding to 2416, the purchase flag is set to “0”.

FIG. 57 shows an example of a specific procedure of the enclosed sphere replacement processing executed in step S25 in the main processing flow of FIG. Here, the enclosing ball replacement processing is performed by a command based on a predetermined signal from the management device 400 or by inserting a predetermined operation rod directly into the game machine main body 2 and operating the enclosing ball replacement switch 316 to insert the internal ball. It refers to a series of processes for replacing balls.

When the enclosing ball replacement flag is set to "1" in step S2620 in the input processing (FIG. 60) described later, and YES is determined in step S20 of the main flow in FIG. 26, the enclosing ball replacement in FIG. Processing is started.

[0400] When the enclosed ball replacement process is started, it is first determined in step S2500 whether or not the enclosed ball removal flag is "1". The enclosed ball removal flag is "0" indicating that the process of removing the enclosed ball has not been started, and is set to "1" when the enclosed ball removal process has started. YES in step S2500 (enclosed ball removal flag =
In the case of “0”), that is, when the process of removing the enclosed ball has not yet been started even after shifting to the enclosed ball replacement process, the enclosed ball removal solenoid 51 is turned on in step S2502, and in step S2504. The timer is set to a predetermined time (the time required for extracting the enclosed ball) and the counting is started.

When the enclosed ball emptying solenoid 51 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 19A, the switching plate 51b of the enclosed ball emptying solenoid 51 opens the entrance of the enclosed passage discharge passage 84, and is connected to the ball storage passage 83. As shown by the arrow, the stored spheres flow toward the enclosing path discharge path 84 and are extracted to the outside to clean the spheres. The enclosed ball removal timer is for setting an appropriate time for removing the enclosed ball.

After step S2504, the process goes to step S2506 to set the enclosed ball extraction flag to “1”, and sets the inversion flag to “0” in step S2508, and ends the routine. The reason for setting the enclosed ball removal flag to "1" is that the enclosed ball removal processing has been started. Further, as described above, when the prize balls are discharged alternately, the inversion flag indicates that the first discharge solenoid 1 of the prize ball discharge device 42 is used.
(93a) and the second discharge solenoid (93b) are alternately operated to provide an even use of the two discharge passages and to improve durability.
The value of the inversion flag is inverted to “1” or “0” each time the solenoid operates once, that is, each time one discharge is completed.

On the other hand, if NO in step S2500 (enclosed ball removal flag = “1”), that is, if the process has already been shifted to the enclosed ball replacement process and the process of removing the enclosed ball has been started, the process proceeds to step S2510. Then, it is determined whether or not the timer for removing the enclosed ball has timed out. If the time is not up, the current loop is ended. If the time is up, it is determined that the process of removing the enclosed ball (the process of removing the ball stored in the ball storage path 83) has been completed and step S2 is performed.
At 512, it is determined whether or not the switching flag is "1".
The switching flag is set to "1" when the switching flag is switched to a direction in which a new enclosed ball is supplied as a flow path of the ball in the prize ball discharging device 42 described above.

[0404] If the decision result in the step S2512 is NO, a step S2516 excites (turns on) the flow path switching solenoid 43. Thereby, as shown in FIG.
The switching plate 43b of the flow path switching solenoid 43 moves from the entrance of the enclosed ball guide gutter 73 with its base end as a fulcrum, and is displaced so as to close the entrance of the prize ball guide gutter 74. Then
In step S2518, the solenoid 51 for removing the enclosed ball is demagnetized (turned off).

As described above, the flow path switching solenoid 43a
Is turned on, the ball T discharged from the prize ball discharge device 42 enters the enclosed ball guiding gutter 73 from the discharge gutter 72 as shown by the arrow, and thereafter flows down to the enclosed ball cassette 120. Then, the ball that has flowed down to the sealed ball cassette 120 reaches the ball storage path 83 and is prepared as a sealed ball at the start of the game.

Next, in step S2520, a predetermined switching wait timer is set to a predetermined time (time required for switching the flow path of the sphere), and in step S2522, the switching flag is set to “1”, and the flow advances to step S2524. . The switching weight timer sets an appropriate time for switching to a method of supplying a new sealed ball as a ball flow path in the prize ball discharging device 42.

If YES in step S2512 (switch flag = “1”), the process skips steps S2516 to S2522 and proceeds to step S2524. In step S2524, it is determined whether or not the time of the switching wait timer has expired. If the time has not elapsed, the current loop is ended. Then, when the time is up, it is determined in a step S2526 whether or not the ten discharge flag is “1”. The 10 emission flags are
When 10 balls are hit and discharged, the value is set to "1".

[0408] If NO in step S2526, a 10-piece discharging process is executed in step S2528 (see FIG. 58 for details), then a 10-piece discharging flag is set to "1" in step S2530, and this routine ends. I do. Also,
If YES in step S2526 (when 10 balls have been hit and discharged), it is determined in next step S2532 whether or not the above-described discharge weight flag is "1". As described above, the discharge weight flag is set to "1" when the discharge of the prize balls of one prize ball discharge is completed and a weight timer described later is operated.

Therefore, the discharge weight flag is set to "0".
(When the result of the determination in step S2532 is NO)
In this case, it is determined that the discharge of the prize balls has not been completed, and this routine is terminated. When the discharge weight flag is “1” (when the determination result of step S2532 is YES), the process proceeds to step S2534. , It is determined whether or not the inversion flag is “1”. If the decision result in the step S2534 is Y
In the case of ES, in step S2542, a sealed ball replacement end process (see FIG. 59) is executed, and the routine ends.

When the inversion flag is not "1", the processing after step S2536 is executed. First,
In step S2536, the switching wait timer is set to a predetermined time, and in step S2538, the ten-piece discharge flag is reset to "0".
When the flag is set to "0", the inversion flag is set to "1", and the routine ends. As a result, a process of discharging 10 pieces at the first time and then discharging 10 pieces again is performed. The reason for this is to discharge the pachinko balls one by one in order to prevent the balls from being clogged because the channel for discharging the pachinko balls becomes narrow.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the above-described process of replacing the enclosed spheres (FIG. 5).
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 10 discharge processing performed in step S2528 of 7). When this routine is started, first, the one-piece ejection flag is reset to “0” in step S5200. The one discharge flag is set to "1" in step S231 in FIG. 44 described above.

Next, the alternate discharge flag is set to “1” in step S5202, and the value of the discharge register 0 is set to “10” in step S5204. Step S5
At 206, the discharge wait flag is reset to "0", and at step S5208, the discharge end flag is reset to "0". Further, in step S5210, the discharge monitoring timer is set to a predetermined time, and in step S5212, the process number is set to "2", and this routine ends.

As described above, a predetermined number of balls (for example, the same number as the number of enclosed balls) corresponding to the enclosed balls are stored by the prize ball discharging device 42 in a place different from the existing enclosed balls in advance.
When a predetermined sealed ball discharging command is issued, first, the sealed ball removing means 85, specifically, the sealed ball removing solenoid 5
1 operates to switch the flow path of the sphere to the enclosed sphere discharge path 84, and the enclosed sphere is extracted and discharged to the outside. The ball extracted outside is then subjected to processing such as cleaning. Next, when the enclosed ball inside is withdrawn to the outside, the ball stored in the prize ball discharging device 42 having a function as a ball discharging means is turned off by the ball capturing means 90, specifically, the ball removing solenoid 44 is turned off. In this state, the flow path switching solenoid 43 is turned on to open the enclosed ball guide gutter 73, thereby automatically circulating the enclosed ball (the ball storage path 8).
In 3), a new ball is taken in and the game can be started.

[0414] That is, the exchange of the enclosed sphere is performed completely automatically. Therefore, there is an advantage peculiar to the present embodiment that the exchange of the enclosing sphere can be easily performed and the working efficiency can be improved. That is, there is no need for a clerk to go to the place before opening the game store or at the time of closing the store, and it is not necessary to manually exchange the sealed balls for each unit. Further, even when exchanging the enclosed balls for all the gaming machines installed in the game arcade, the work can be performed automatically, and the work amount is small and the efficiency is improved.

Further, at the time of enclosing, the clerk is
It is not necessary to open the front frame and perform a ball-pulling operation, and there is no problem such as the ball falling from the game machine main body 2. Therefore, there is no need for a state in which the enclosed ball falls on the floor of the game store and is scattered, and there is no need for a subsequent collecting operation. In addition, because it is automatically enclosed, there is no need for the attendant to count and insert the number of balls, and it is possible to accurately encapsulate a predetermined number of balls without mistakenly enclosing the number of enclosed balls. Become.
As a result, there is no trouble that the number of the enclosed balls is too large to cause the ball to be jammed (for example, clogging in the enclosed path), or the number of the supplied balls to the launch position is too small to be short. It has the advantage that it can be performed.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing the above-described process of replacing the enclosed sphere (FIG. 5).
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the enclosed ball replacement completion process performed in step S2542 of 7). When this routine is started, it is first determined in step S5300 whether or not the sealed ball replacement end flag is “1”.
The enclosed ball replacement end flag is a flag indicating that a new enclosed ball replacement end process has been started for the enclosed ball type gaming machine body 2. If the determination result is NO, the replacement end timer is set to a predetermined time in step S5302, and the enclosed ball replacement end flag is set to "1" in step S5304, and the routine ends. The replacement end timer is set to a time necessary for performing the replacement end processing of a new sealed sphere.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S5300 is Y
In the case of ES, it is determined that the replacement end processing of the new enclosed sphere has been started in the previous loop, and it is determined in step S5306 whether the replacement end timer has expired.
If the result of this determination is NO, the routine loops the next time. On the other hand, when the result of this determination is YES, it is determined that the time necessary to perform the replacement end processing of the new sealed sphere has elapsed, and the processing of step S5308 and thereafter is performed.

[0418] That is, in step S5308, the enclosed ball replacement flag is reset to "0", and in step S5310, the enclosed ball removal flag is reset to "0". In step S5312, the switching flag is reset to “0”, and in step S5314, the ten-piece ejection flag is also reset to “0”. After that, in step S5316, the sealed ball replacement end flag is reset to “0”, and further, in step S5.
At 318, the flow path switching solenoid 43 is turned off and the routine ends.

FIG. 60 shows an example of a specific procedure of the input processing executed in step S26 in the main processing flow of FIG. The input processing executed in this routine is for setting the various flags described above according to the situation when the player plays the pachinko game. If it is determined in step S20 in the main processing flow that the above-described enclosing ball replacement flag is "0", FIG.
Is started.

When this input processing is started, it is first determined in step S2600 whether or not the settlement switch 6 is turned on. When the settlement switch 6 is turned on (that is, when the player requests settlement of the game). ) Includes step S2602
To set the settlement flag to "1" and terminate the routine.
On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S2600 is NO (that is, the settlement switch 6 is turned off), the process proceeds to a step S2604.

[0421] In step S2604, the card insertion port 5
Is determined to be in a state where an act of inserting a card into is performed.

If the card insertion is being performed, the card insertion flag is set to "1" in step S2606. Also, when no card insertion has been performed,
Proceeding to step S2608, it is determined whether the card is in the card reader / writer 403. When the card is present in the card reader / writer 403, it is determined in step S2610 whether or not the card return switch 25 is pressed (turned on). If the card return switch 25 is pressed, step S2612 is performed. To set the card return flag to "1".

If the card return switch 25 has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S2614 to determine whether or not the purchase switch 24 has been turned on. If the purchase switch 24 has been turned on, the flow advances to step S2616. The purchase flag is set to “1”. On the other hand, if the purchase switch 24 is off, the flow advances to step S2618 to determine whether or not the enclosed ball replacement switch 316 is on.

[0424] The enclosed ball changing switch 316 is operated by a store clerk, and by this operation, the enclosed ball is replaced with a new one. If the decision result in the step S2618 is YE
In the case of S, the enclosing ball replacement flag is set to "1" in step S2620, and in the case of NO, it is determined whether or not the enclosing ball replacement signal is received from the management device 401 in step S2622. When the determined result in the step S2622 is YES, the process proceeds to the step S2620, and when the determined result is NO, the routine ends. Therefore, when receiving the enclosed ball replacement signal from the management device 400, the enclosed ball replacement flag is set to “1”. Each of the above steps S2606, S2612, S2616, S262
After 0, the routine ends.

FIG. 61 shows an example of a specific procedure of the ball capturing process executed in step S31 in the main process flow of FIG. The ball capturing process executed in this routine is, for example, when a player starts a pachinko game, the player takes in a pachinko ball from another gaming machine body 2 and starts capturing the ball. It is used to count the number of credits by putting it into the mouth 32.

If it is determined in step S29 in the main processing flow that the reset flag is “0” and that the test mode flag is “0” in step S60, The ball taking process of 61 is started. That is, when the gaming machine body 2 is not in the reset state and is not in the test mode, the number of credits for the carry-in ball is counted.

When the ball capturing process is started, it is first determined in step S3100 whether or not the aforementioned count sensor 49 is on. The count sensor 49 is provided in the middle of the ball intake path 80 communicating with the ball intake port 32, and counts the balls passing through the ball intake path 80 one by one. If the decision result in the step S3100 is YES, a step S3102 decides whether or not the on time of the count sensor 49 satisfies the relationship of 3 msec ≦ on time ≦ 100 msec. If this relationship is satisfied, it is determined that the timing corresponds to the timing at which the balls passing through the ball intake path 80 pass one by one, and step S3104 is performed.
Increments the number of credits by "1" and terminates the routine. On the other hand, if NO in step S3102, this routine ends.

Therefore, for example, a player brings in a ball from another game machine main body 2 and takes the ball in the intake port 32 on the front face of the game machine main body 2.
When the ball is thrown into the ball, the thrown ball is
1 is discharged to a predetermined ball receiving member installed on the back side of the gaming machine main body 2. At this time, the balls passing through the ball intake path 80 are counted one by one by the count sensor 49, and the credit number display is performed. 23 is displayed.

FIG. 62 shows an example of a specific procedure of the reset process executed in step S30 in the main process flow of FIG. The reset processing executed in this routine is for initializing and resetting necessary data initial values and the like.

If it is determined in step S29 in the main processing flow that the reset flag is "1", the reset processing shown in FIG. 62 is started. When this reset processing is started, first, in step S3000, necessary data initial values and the like are initialized. Thus, if there is a failure or improper operation of the enclosed ball-type gaming machine main body 2, the previous data is initialized, and preparations are made for playing a game with a new player. Next, in step S3002, the card ejection flag is set to "1" and the routine ends. That is, a state is generated in which the card is ready to be ejected because preparations for playing a new game have been made.

FIG. 63 shows an example of a specific procedure of the display processing executed in step S38 in the main processing flow of FIG. The display process executed in this routine is to provide a player with necessary information as the credit-type gaming machine main body 2.

After the step S37 or S34 in the main processing flow, the display processing of FIG. 63 is started. When the display process is started, first, in step S
At 3800, the number of credits is displayed on the credit number display 23. As a result, the player can know the current number of credits, and can know the profit of the game and use it as information at the time of settlement. Next, in step S3802, the number of card balances is displayed on the card balance display 22, and the routine ends. Thereby, the player can know the frequency of the current card balance.

FIG. 64 shows an example of a specific procedure of the floating sphere release processing executed in step S39 in the main processing flow of FIG. The floating ball release processing executed in this routine executes the arithmetic processing for instructing the release of the invalidity determination in accordance with the operation of the test mode switch 320 which also functions as the front frame opening / closing base opening switch as described above. Is what you do. Here, for convenience, the flow will be described by replacing the test mode switch 320 used for the floating ball release processing with a release switch. After step S38 in the main processing flow, the floating sphere release processing in FIG. 64 is started.

When the floating ball release processing is started, it is first determined in step S3900 whether or not the release switch has been turned on. When the release switch is on (YE
In the case of S), for example, a release switch (that is, a test mode switch 320 also serving as a front frame opening / closing base opening switch) is operated by a store clerk for processing of floating balls, and an ON signal is output. Then, it is determined that the cancellation of the invalid determination of the winning ball has been instructed, and subsequently, in step S3902, the cancellation flag is set to “1”. By adding a process of determining whether or not a signal for instructing cancellation of the invalidity determination is output from the management device 400 in step S3900, the management device 400
Can also be added.

The cancellation flag indicates a state in which cancellation of the invalid judgment of the winning sphere is instructed, and is used in step S3232 shown in FIG. 65 described later. Next, in step S3904, the release timer is set to a predetermined time. This release timer corresponds to the time from when the release switch is turned on to release the invalidation determination until the return condition is given. Therefore, after the release timer times out, the state returns to the original invalid determination state again.

After step S3904, step S3904 is executed.
In step 3906, a deactivation indicator (not shown) is turned on to display the release of the floating sphere, and in step S3908, a sound for releasing the floating sphere indicating that the floating sphere has been released is emitted, and light and sound are output. Inform both players and attendants. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3910. Note that the deactivation indicator is for notifying the state in which the invalid determination of the winning ball is canceled for the processing of the floating ball.

On the other hand, if the release switch is OFF in step S3900 (NO), step S39
02 to step S3908, skipping step S3908
Proceed to 910. In step S3910, it is determined whether or not the release timer has timed out (timed up) the predetermined time. If not, the current routine is terminated. If the time is over, the release flag is reset to “0” in step S3912 to return to the original invalid determination state again, and the inactivation indicator is turned off in step S3914 to release the floating ball. The display is stopped, and furthermore, the sound for releasing the floating sphere indicating that it is deactivated is stopped (turned off) in step S3916, and the routine is ended.

As described above, when the release switch is operated and the ON signal is output, the release flag is set and the release of the invalidity determination is instructed, and the fact is notified by a display and a sound, and the predetermined time is outputted. After the elapse, the state returns to the state of the invalidity determination even if the release flag is reset again.

FIGS. 65 and 66 show an example of a specific procedure of the enclosing ball processing executed in step S32 in the main processing flow of FIG. The enclosed ball processing executed in this routine is for executing arithmetic processing of data and the like necessary when the player plays the enclosed ball pachinko game. After step S31 in the main processing flow,
In step S32, the enclosing sphere processing shown in FIGS. 65 and 66 is started.

[0440] When the enclosing ball processing is started, it is first determined in step S3200 whether or not the firing sensor 38 is on. If the firing sensor 38 is on, then it is determined in step S3202 whether the firing device 52 is on. If the firing device 52 is not on, the process skips steps S3204 to S3214 and proceeds to step S3216. On the other hand, the launching device 52
Is ON, the on-time of the firing sensor 38 is subsequently changed from 0.4 msec to 3 msec in step S3204.
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of c. If it is within this range, it is determined that the firing device 52 is operated by the operation of the player and the enclosing ball is actually being fired toward the game board 13. In step S3208, the value of the floating ball counter is incremented (added) by "1".

The floating ball counter counts the number of floating balls when they are present as floating balls without being in any of the safe, out, or foul states after the ball is fired by the firing device 52. It is. Next, in step S3210, the number of credits is decremented (subtracted) by "1", and in step S3212, the total number of shots is incremented (added) by "1". Is decremented (subtracted) by "1" in step S321.
Proceed to 6.

[0442] On the other hand, if NO in step S3204, the on-time is not within the range of 0.4 msec to 3 msec, and although the ball has been fired, it has fallen without reaching the game board 13, for example, or has floated. It is determined that the ball is in the state of a ball, and the ON time is 3 m in step S3206.
sec is determined. Step S32
When the result of the determination in step 06 is NO, it is determined that the ball has not been fired into the game area, and the flow proceeds to step S3220. on the other hand,
If the determination result in step S3206 is YES, the process advances to step S3216 to determine whether a foul ball sensor (pointing to foul sensor 35) is on.

Since the foul ball sensor detects the balls that have entered the foul ball collection port 34 one by one without reaching the game board 13, the foul ball collection port 3 is in the on state.
In step S3218, it is determined whether the value of the floating ball counter is zero (= 0). When the value of the floating ball counter is zero, it is determined that the floating ball does not exist in the game area, and the processing corresponding to the foul ball is not executed. Therefore, steps S3220 to S3
The process skips 226 and proceeds to step S3228. Similarly, when the foul ball sensor is off in step S3216, the process skips steps S3220 to S3226 and proceeds to step S3228.

On the other hand, if the value of the floating ball counter is not zero in step S3218, it is a foul, so that step S3218 is executed.
At step 3220, the value of the floating ball counter is decremented (subtracted) by "1", and at step S3222 "1" is added to the current credit number to give an opportunity to fire the ball again. Next, in step S3224, the total number of fouls is incremented by "1", and in step S3226, the value of the hit calculation register is incremented by "1", and the flow advances to step S3228.

Referring to FIG. 66, in step S3228, it is determined whether the safe ball sensor (pointing to safe sensor 46) is on. Since the safe ball sensor detects one ball at a winning opening in the game board 13 one by one, it is determined that a ball is winning in the winning opening when in the ON state, and the above-described case is determined in step S3230. It is determined whether or not the value of the floating ball counter is zero (= 0) in the same manner as described above. When the value of the floating ball counter is zero, it is determined that the floating ball does not exist in the game area, and it is determined whether or not the release flag is “1” in step S3232. When the release flag is "0", the processing for treating the ball as a safe sphere is not executed. Therefore, the process skips steps S3236 to S3242 and proceeds to step S3244.

On the other hand, if the value of the floating ball counter is not zero at step S3230, it is safe because it is safe.
In step 234, the value of the floating ball counter is decremented (subtracted) by "1", and the flow advances to step S3236. Step S3
After 234, the process proceeds to step S3236. If the release flag is “1” in step S3232, it is determined that the release switch has been operated by a store clerk, and the flow advances to step S3236. In steps S3236 to S3242, a process corresponding to the safe sphere is performed. That is, in step S3236, the prize ball is added to the current credit amount. This is because, when a ball is won in the winning opening, 10 or 25 balls are given as prize balls.
The prize ball is not constant, and a plurality of modes are prepared.

Next, in step S3238, a prize ball is added to the value of the hit calculation register. When a ball is won in the winning opening, a prize ball is awarded, and is counted in order to determine whether or not a predetermined number of hits set in the gaming machine main body 2 has been reached. Then, when a certain number of hits is reached, processing such as outputting a signal is performed. Next, in step S3240, “1” is added to the total safe number to count the total safe number, and then in step S3242, a predetermined sound effect accompanying the winning of the safe ball is output to notify the player acoustically of the winning. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3244.

In step S3244, it is determined whether or not the out ball sensor (pointing to the out sensor 47) is on. The out ball sensor detects the balls that have reached the out ball collecting gutter 78 on the game board 13 one by one, so when it is in the ON state, it is determined that a ball is in the out ball collecting gutter 78 and the step is performed. In S3246, it is determined whether or not the value of the floating ball counter is zero (= 0) as in the case described above. When the value of the floating ball counter is zero, it is determined that the floating ball does not exist in the game area, and the current routine is terminated without performing the processing for the out ball. On the other hand, when the value of the floating ball counter is not zero, the process for the out ball is performed.
That is, the value of the floating ball counter is decremented by “1” in step S3248, and
At 50, the total number of outs is incremented by "1" and the routine ends.

As described above, in the enclosed ball type game machine main body 2, when the enclosed ball is actually fired toward the game board 13, the credit number is immediately decremented (subtracted) by "1" at that time. When a prize hole is won on the game board 13, a prize ball is added to the current credit number, and this is displayed on the credit number display 23. Also, even if a ball enters the out ball collection gutter 78, the display of the credit number display 23 does not change. On the other hand, when the ball becomes foul, the number of credits is incremented by “1”,
You will be given the opportunity to fire the ball again. The game proceeds in this manner, and the ball does not actually flow out to the ball storage plate 29 even when winning. However, during the settlement of the game, as described above, the settlement can be made in the form of a settlement receipt or a pachinko ball.

[0450] On the other hand, if the enclosed ball is actually fired toward the game board 13 but becomes a so-called floating ball and is caught by an obstacle nail or the like, the player informs a clerk and takes this action. I will have you. That is, in this case, when the attendant opens the front frame (that is, the front frame opening / closing base 371) of the gaming machine main body 2 and puts the floating ball into any of the winning openings, the ball is determined to be safe and at this time Thus, the number of launched balls and the number of recovered balls match. At this time, conventionally, the winning balls after the match are treated as invalid, and a few extra balls cannot be treated as valid safe balls.

Also, in the present embodiment, the winning ball after the match is treated as invalid (that is, the game area shifts to a predetermined invalid state), but as described above, the attendant makes the front frame ( That is, the invalid state is temporarily released when the front frame opening / closing base 371) is opened. Note that, when the state shifts to the invalid state, even if a ball wins in the winning opening thereafter, it is determined to be invalid, and addition of the number of credits (that is, transition to a state in which profit is increased) is prohibited. Therefore, for example, even if a ball wins the winning opening due to fraud, it is determined to be invalid, and there is an advantage that security measures can be taken sufficiently.

At this time, an instruction to release the invalidity determination is issued by a store clerk (for example, an operation of a release switch (test mode switch 320) provided on the game machine main body 2 or an operation of outputting a signal from the management device 400). When done
The invalidity determination control of the winning ball is deactivated, and the winning of the ball to the winning opening becomes effective. Therefore, in this state, after the clerk puts the floating ball into one of the winning holes and performs the treatment, and then further puts the "bonus" ball into the winning hole, the winning ball equivalent to the "bonus" is obtained. It is determined to be valid, and the number of credits is added corresponding to the prize ball. Thereafter, when a predetermined return command is issued (when the release timer times out), the invalidity determination control of the winning ball returns from the inactivated state to the activated state again.

[0453] Therefore, even in a game machine of a type in which control is performed when a floating ball is detected using a floating ball counter, for example, after the floating ball is put into one of the winning holes and the action is taken (at this time, The floating ball counter is zero, that is, there is no floating ball), and then it is possible to discharge the prize ball by inserting the "bonus" ball into the winning opening, that is, it is possible to provide a bonus service to the player This embodiment has an effect peculiar to the present embodiment that it is possible to improve the willingness to play.

In this embodiment, the return command is based on the condition that the release timer times out (that is, a predetermined time has elapsed since the release switch was turned off). However, when the release switch was turned off, or The condition of the return instruction may be to turn on the release switch again and supply the release instruction signal again. Further, in order to output a return command, a return switch may be provided separately from the release switch, and the return command may be output by operating the return switch.

[0455] Further, in addition to the above aspect, a predetermined valid timer may be started to operate based on the detection of a shooting sphere, and it may be determined that the timer is invalid after the time-up. In this case, although the method of determining the invalid state is different, the method of handling the floating sphere is the same, so that the effect peculiar to the present embodiment can be obtained as in the above-described case. In the present embodiment, the valid timer is started to operate based on the detection of the shooting ball, and it is determined that the valid timer is invalid after the time is up. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the ball held by the player becomes zero ( (After returning home)
Then, the valid timer may be started to operate, and it may be determined to be invalid after the time-up.

FIG. 67 shows an example of a specific procedure of the test mode process executed in step S74 in the main process flow of FIG. The test mode processing executed in this routine is for setting flags and the like necessary for performing a test on the enclosed ball-type gaming machine body 2. After step S39 in the main processing flow, the test mode processing of FIG. 67 is started in step S74.

When the test mode process is started, it is first determined in step S7400 whether or not the test mode switch 320 is on. If so, the test mode flag is set to “1” in step S7402. I do. As a result, a necessary process (prohibition of taking in a carry-in ball) is performed when the gaming machine main body 2 is set to the test mode in FIG. 68 described later using the test mode flag.

Subsequently, in step S7404, the card return flag is set to “1”. This avoids a situation in which the card is returned during the test mode and the number of credits changes. In the present embodiment, step S7
In step 404, the card return flag is set to "1" and the card is returned. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the test mode, the operation of the purchase switch 25 is invalidated and the ball is pressed by the card even if the purchase switch 25 is pressed. You may make it impossible to purchase in the form of the number of credits. Subsequently, the test mode indicator 24 is turned on in step S7406, and the test mode sound is output from the speaker 30 in step S7408.
1 and notifies the player or clerk of the game machine main body 2 having shifted to the test mode by light and sound.

If the test mode switch 320 is off in step S7400, the process skips steps S7402 to S7408 and proceeds to step S7410. In step S7410, it is determined whether or not the test mode switch 320 is off. If not, it is determined that the test mode is still in the test mode, and the current routine ends. Step S7
If the test mode switch 320 is off at 410, the test mode flag is reset to "0" at step S7412. As a result, the state in which the gaming machine body 2 is set to the test mode is released, and the prohibition of taking in the carry-in ball is released.

In step S7414, the test mode display 24 is turned off (turned off).
At 7416, the generation of the test mode sound from the speaker 301 is stopped, and the routine ends. As a result, the player or the like can know that the gaming machine main body 2 is not in the test mode by stopping the generation of the light and the sound.

FIG. 68 shows an example of a specific procedure of the import prohibition process executed in step S76 in the main process flow of FIG. The import prohibition process executed in this routine is a process for performing necessary processes such as prohibition of importing a carry-in ball when the enclosed ball-type gaming machine main body 2 is in a predetermined game regulation state. After step S74 in the main processing flow, the import prohibition processing of FIG. 68 is started in step S76.

When the import prohibition process is started, it is first determined in step S7600 whether or not the test mode flag is “1”. If the test mode flag is “1”, the gaming machine body 2 is set to the test mode Is determined to have been performed, and step S76 is performed.
At 10 the intake prohibition solenoid 803 is turned on,
In step S7612, the prohibition indicator 804 is turned on, and the routine ends. Thereby, when the gaming machine body 2 is set to the test mode, when the carry-in ball is thrown into the ball intake port 32, the take-in shutter 802 is displaced to open the take-in ball return path 801. The ball does not flow to the ball taking-in path 80 side, and taking-in of a carry-in ball accompanying an increase in the number of credits is prohibited. This state is also notified to the player and the attendant by displaying the light.

On the other hand, if NO in step S7600 (ie, if the test mode flag is "0"), then, in step S7602, it is determined whether the settlement flag is "1". If the settlement flag is "1", the flow advances to step S7610 to prohibit the taking in of brought-in balls,
If NO, the process advances to step S7604. Therefore,
When the game is being settled, taking in a carry-in ball is prohibited. In step S7604, it is determined whether or not the hit flag is "1". If the hit flag is "1", the flow advances to step S7610 to prohibit the taking in of a carry-in ball, and if NO, the flow goes to step S7606. move on. Therefore, when the number of prize balls reaches a predetermined number of hits, taking in of a carry-in ball is prohibited.

[0464] In step S7606, it is determined whether the front frame release switch 321 is on. If the front frame release switch 321 is on, the flow advances to step S7610 to prohibit the taking in of a carry-in ball, and if the determination is NO, the flow advances to step S7608. Therefore, when the front frame of the gaming machine main body 2 is open, taking in the carry-in ball is prohibited.

In step S7608, it is determined whether the state is an unauthorized state. The determination of the improper state includes the control of the character, the ejection of the prize ball,
This is performed based on information from a card reader / writer, firing control, and the like. As an example, when information is based on the information from the accessory control, for example, even if the variable winning device 1304 enters the second state in which the ball can easily accept the ball, no ball enters within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). Is a variable display device 1
In addition to determining that the variable winning device 1304 has entered the second state in which the variable winning device 1304 can easily accept a ball, or that the wing member of the accessory device has not been opened to a state in which the ball can be easily received, the accessory device If the ball has entered the specific winning opening (so-called V winning opening), it is determined that there is a possibility of fraud.

[0466] If it is determined in step S7608 that the state is improper, the flow advances to step S7610 to prohibit the taking in of a carry-in ball, and if NO, the flow advances to step S7609. Therefore, in the case of an illegal state, taking in of a carry-in ball is prohibited, and a countermeasure against crime is taken. Step S760
In step 9, it is determined whether or not the current number of credits is larger than a predetermined number of credits (for example, a value set as the maximum number of credits). The predetermined number of credits is appropriately determined in accordance with such a situation, for example, when the number of credits becomes unnecessarily large when performing a pachinko game.

If YES in step S7609 (that is, if the current number of credits has become larger than the predetermined number of credits), the flow advances to step S7610 to prohibit the taking-in of a carry-in ball, and if NO, step S76.
Proceed to 14. Therefore, if the number of credits becomes too large, the taking-in of the carry-in ball is prohibited. In the above example, when the current number of credits is larger than a predetermined number of credits, the carry-in of the carry-in ball is prohibited and returned, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the output of the purchase switch 25 may be invalidated to prohibit the purchase of a new ball, thereby prohibiting an increase in the number of credits.

On the other hand, if the determination result in each of the above steps is NO, the flow advances to step S7614 to turn off the intake prohibition solenoid 803 in step S7614, and turn off the import prohibition indicator 804 in step S7616. To end the routine. As a result, when the gaming machine body 2 is not set to the test mode, the game is not settled, the number of award balls does not reach the predetermined number of hits, and the front frame of the gaming machine body 2 is opened. It has not been,
In a state where the fraud has not been performed and the current number of credits is equal to or less than the predetermined number of credits, when the carry-in ball is inserted into the ball intake 32, the take-in shutter 80
2 is displaced, and the ball flows toward the ball taking-in path 80 in order to block the taking-in ball return path 801, and the number of credits increases according to the carry-in ball.

As described above, when each of the gaming machine main bodies 2 is in the state of being unable to take in, that is, (as an operation corresponding to the effect of the present embodiment) (I) In the test mode (II) When the game is settled (III) When the front frame is open (IV) In an illegal state (V) When the current number of credits becomes larger than a predetermined number of credits, the taking shutter 802 is displaced to take the taking ball. Return path 8
01 is opened. Note that, even when the number of winning balls reaches a predetermined number of hits, the taking-in of the carry-in ball is prohibited, but this control is the same as in the related art.

[0470] Therefore, even if the brought-in ball is thrown into the ball intake 32, the ball does not flow to the ball intake path 80 side, and the taking-in of the brought-in ball accompanying an increase in the number of credits is prohibited. The ball passes through the intake ball return path 801 and is returned to the ball storage dish 29 (returned to the outside). Therefore, for example, even if the player accidentally throws a ball into the ball intake 32 during the game restriction state, the game can be easily recovered without having to settle the game. As a result, since there is no need to settle the game, it is possible to prevent a trouble between the store and the player regarding the adjustment.

Also, since the player can be accurately informed of the game restriction state, the service for the player can be improved from this aspect as well.

In this embodiment, in addition to the above effects (effects corresponding to the present invention), there are further effects unique to the embodiments.

That is, in this embodiment, when a test is performed to confirm whether or not the gaming machine main body 2 operates normally, only the operator operates the test mode switch 320, and the gaming machine main body 2 is tested. Mode is set.
In this case, the profit (the number of credits) of the player before entering the test mode is stored, and changing the profit of the player is prohibited. That is, taking in of a carry-in ball is prohibited, and processing that affects the profit of the player is excluded.

At this time, if the profit of the player is normally zero (for example, the number of credits is zero),
Although the firing device 52 is deactivated and cannot fire the ball, in the test mode, the firing device 52 is activated and the enclosed ball can be fired even if the player's profit is zero.
When the test is over, the game is started again using the player's profit stored before the test mode is entered as a starting point.

[0475] Thus, the clerk operates the firing device 52 to actually fire the ball toward the game board 13 and the test is executed. Therefore, even when testing, for example, the launching device 52, the accessory device (the variable winning device 1304, etc.), the enclosed ball device, and the like, there is no need to remove the game card already inserted into the card insertion slot 5 and play the game. There is no need to settle the game even during the game. That is, even in the case of the card type, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to perform the payment so that the number of credits up to that point is forcibly set to zero.

Further, for example, it is not necessary to insert another test card. Therefore, there is no trouble that the operation for the test is troublesome, and the test can be performed easily and easily. In addition, because we do not use test cards (special cards for testing),
There is no need for the attendant to carry the test card, and a situation in which the test card cannot be forgotten and the test cannot be performed does not occur. Therefore, a prompt service can be provided to the player by that much, and the willingness to play can be sufficiently improved.

FIG. 69 is a view showing another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the mechanism of the ball catching device is changed. FIG. 69 shows a main part of the ball intake device, in which a continuous passage 810 is provided below the ball intake port 32.
Is formed, and a count sensor 490 is arranged in the middle of the passage 810. Also, the count sensor 49
In the middle of the passage 810 on the downstream side of 0, a notch 811 is formed by opening a part, and the notch 811 is configured so that the stopper 813 of the intake ball stop solenoid 812 can protrude and retract. ing.

[0478] The stopper 813 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 814, and a connecting pin 815 protrudes from one end of the stopper 813.
15 connects the stopper 813 and one end of the operating rod 816 of the intake ball stop solenoid 812. A control signal is input to the intake ball stop solenoid 812 from the intake inhibition solenoid drive control circuit 612 of the discharge credit device 300.

When the drive intake ball stop solenoid 812 is energized (turned on) by energization, the operating rod 816 is attracted to the left in the drawing and moves, and the stopper 813 is turned in the ascending direction to move along the passage. The ball 810 escapes from the notch portion 811 of the passage 810 to release the state of preventing the ball from flowing down in the passage 810, and the ball T inserted into the ball intake 32 flows down. On the other hand, the intake ball stop solenoid 8
12 is in the demagnetized (off) state, the operating rod 81
6 moves rightward in the figure by the biasing force of the spring 817, and the tip of the stopper 813 enters the passage 810 from the notch 811 to prevent the ball in the passage 810 from flowing down. . FIG. 69 shows a state in which the intake ball stop solenoid 812 is demagnetized (turned off) to prevent the ball from flowing down.

[0480] The passage 810 on the downstream side of the notch 811 branches into two on the way, and one of the passages 810 is a take-in ball return path 801.
The other is a ball intake path 80. An intake shutter 820 is provided at the passage branching portion. The intake shutter 820 can be displaced by an intake prohibition solenoid 821. That is, the take-in shutter 820 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 822, and a connecting pin 823 protrudes from one end of the take-in shutter 820.
0 and one end of the operation rod 824 of the intake prohibition solenoid 821 are connected. A control signal is input to the intake inhibition solenoid 812 from the intake inhibition solenoid drive control circuit 612 of the discharge credit device 300.

When the drive take-in inhibition solenoid 821 is energized (turned on) by energization, the operating rod 824 is attracted and moved leftward in the figure against the urging force of the spring 825, and the take-in shutter 820 is moved. Enters the intake ball return path 801 to close the intake ball return path 801 and opens the entrance on the ball intake path 80 side. That is, the downflow path of the sphere is switched to the sphere intake path 80 side, and the sphere T introduced into the sphere intake port 32 is taken into the device and counted.

On the other hand, when the intake prohibiting solenoid 821 is in a demagnetized (off) state, the operating rod 824 moves rightward in the figure by the urging force of the spring 825, and the intake shutter 820 moves the intake ball return path 801. , The intake ball return path 801 is opened, and the entrance on the ball intake path 80 side is closed. That is, the downflow path of the sphere is switched to the sphere return path 801 side, and the sphere T inserted into the sphere intake port 32 is returned to the outside again.

The above passage 810, intake ball stop solenoid 8
12, stopper 813, support shaft 814, connecting pin 81
5, operation rod 816, spring 817, take-in ball return path 801, take-in shutter 820, take-in prohibition solenoid 821, support shaft 822, connecting pin 823, work rod 82
4 and the spring 825 constitute the value object returning means 830 as a whole.

In the above configuration, normally, the intake prohibiting solenoid 821 is energized, so that the intake shutter 820 enters the intake ball return path 801 and the intake ball return path 801.
Is closed, and the entrance on the ball intake path 80 side is opened. At this time, the catching ball stop solenoid 812 is energized to remove the stopper 813 from the notch 811 of the passage 810,
The state in which the ball is prevented from flowing down in the passage 810 is released, and the ball T inserted into the ball inlet 32 flows downward. Therefore, the downflow path of the sphere is switched to the sphere intake path 80 side, and the sphere T thrown into the sphere intake port 32 is taken into the device and counted by the count sensor 490.

[0485] On the other hand, when the above-mentioned predetermined catching disabled state is reached, first, the catching ball stop solenoid 812 is demagnetized (turned off), and the tip of the stopper 813 is cut off.
The ball 11 enters the passage 810 from 11 to prevent the balls in the passage 810 from flowing down (that is, the state shown in FIG. 69). Next, in this state, the intake prohibiting solenoid 821 is demagnetized (turned off), the intake shutter 820 exits from the intake ball return path 801, opens the intake ball return path 801, and opens the ball intake path 80. Close the side entrance.

In this way, when the down flow path of the ball is switched to the intake ball return path 801 side, the intake ball stop solenoid 812 is energized again, and the stopper 813 is turned on.
The ball T escapes from the notch portion 811 of FIG. 10 and the state of preventing the ball from flowing down in the passage 810 is released, and the ball T flows down. Therefore, the ball T put into the ball inlet 32 is returned to the outside. At this time, the count sensor 4
Since the output of 90 is invalid, the number of credits does not change.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the intake shutter 820 is switched, the ball T in the passage 810 is temporarily stopped by the stopper 813 which is operated by the intake ball stop solenoid 812 so that the intake shutter 820 is stopped. The shutter 820 will be switched. As a result, there is an advantage that the flow of the sphere T is further smoothed.

[0488] In each of the above-described embodiments, the taking-in of the inserted ball is prohibited in the game control state, and the inserted actual item is returned. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a ball corresponding to the amount taken in may be paid out from a ball discharging device to a saucer.

Next, FIG. 70 shows a first modification of the credit-type enclosed ball-type game machine. FIG. 70 is a front view of an enclosed ball-type gaming machine. In this figure, reference numeral 500 denotes an enclosed ball-type gaming machine. The enclosed ball-type gaming machine 500 is different from the above embodiment in that the credit device 501 is connected to the gaming machine body 2.
It is arranged on the upper side. In addition, the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 500
Has a configuration in which a large number of enclosed ball-type gaming machines 500 are arranged on both sides of a general island facility to which a large number of gaming machines can be attached (this is the same as in the above embodiment).

[0490] The credit device 501 is formed in a horizontally long type with a relatively narrow width, and has a constant depth. And, by being placed and arranged on the upper side of the gaming machine main body 2, the convenience of the player can be achieved. In addition,
The credit device 501 can be separated from the gaming machine body 2 in the same manner, and has a structure that can be replaced at the time of repair.

The credit device 501 has a built-in card reader, and a front panel 504 of the credit device 501.
A card insertion slot 505 into which a credit card corresponding to the card reader is inserted, a payment switch 506, a receipt selection switch 507, a printer 508 for printing a payment receipt, and a receipt for discharging the printed payment receipt. An outlet 509 is provided.
Note that a card insertion slot 505 capable of displaying reception of a card is used. For example, the reception of a card is displayed by a light emitting diode. Therefore, the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 500 having the credit device 501 of this type is used.
Even in this case, the same effects as described above can be obtained by applying the present invention.

FIG. 71 shows a second modification of the credit-type enclosed ball-type game machine. FIG. 71 is a front view of an enclosed ball-type gaming machine. In this figure, reference numeral 520 denotes an enclosed ball-type gaming machine. The enclosed ball-type gaming machine 520 is different from the above embodiment in that the credit device 521 is connected to the gaming machine main body 2.
Of the reinforcing plate 2b.

[0493] The credit device 521 is formed in a horizontally long type with a relatively narrow width, and has a constant depth. And, by being disposed on the reinforcing plate 2b of the gaming machine main body 2, the convenience of the player can be achieved. It should be noted that the credit device 521 can be separated from the gaming machine body 2 in the same manner, and has a structure that can be replaced at the time of repair.

The credit device 521 has a built-in card reader, and a front panel 524 of the credit device 521.
A card insertion slot 525 for inserting a credit card corresponding to the card reader, a settlement switch 526, a receipt selection switch 527, a printer 528 for printing a settlement receipt, and a receipt for discharging the printed settlement receipt. An outlet 529 is provided.
Note that a card insertion slot 525 capable of displaying reception of a card is used. For example, the reception of a card is displayed by a light emitting diode. Therefore, the enclosed ball-type gaming machine 520 having the credit device 521 of this type.
Even in this case, the same effects as described above can be obtained by applying the present invention.

[0495] The location of the credit device is not limited to the above example. For example, it may be provided on the front panel portion or the dish front decoration portion to be integrated with the gaming machine.

Although the above embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a credit-type enclosed ball-type game machine, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to other game machines. it can. In short, as long as it satisfies the configuration requirements of the present invention, it can be applied to all gaming devices. That is, as a gaming device, a game medium (game ball,
The present invention is applicable to an enclosed ball-type gaming device and a slot machine (so-called pachislot: a game is performed as an information amount if credited) by performing a game by inserting a coin) and treating the game medium machine as an information amount (data). .

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the example applied to the credit-type enclosed ball-type gaming machine as in the above embodiment. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called card-type gaming machine of a type in which pachinko balls are lent according to the balance of a card. Further, other methods can be applied. Further, the present invention can be applied to a so-called complete card type gaming device in which the result of a game is written on a card and the ball is not used at all, instead of using the receipt or the actual ball as in the credit method of the present embodiment.

[0498]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In the case where the fraud detection and settlement processing is being performed by the improper state detection means and the settlement control means, it is prohibited to take in the game media inserted from the outside, and the game media inserted after the prohibition is directly received in the tray. Since the process of returning to the side is executed, for example, the game medium is taken inside during an improper state, so that the game medium can be correctly taken in or there is no suspicion that the game value increases during settlement. Without any trouble, the player can check whether the payment has been made correctly, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of trouble between the shop and the player. In addition, even when a player mistakenly inserts a game medium into a predetermined slot and takes the game medium inside during a state in which the game cannot be imported, such as during a settlement, the game is easily settled without being settled. Can be regained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 56, it is possible to accurately inform the player that the state of being improperly taken, such as during the settlement of an improper state, and to improve the service for the player from this aspect as well. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which gaming machines are installed side by side in a store.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a state in which a captured ball is captured and counted while the front display panel of the gaming machine is open.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing details of a front side of the game board;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing details of the back side of the game board.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ball intake of a gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which the front display panel of the gaming machine is opened and the captured ball is returned to the saucer without being captured.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a capture ball is captured and counted when the capture prohibition solenoid of the gaming machine is not operated.

FIG. 9 shows the operation of the take-in prohibition solenoid of the gaming machine,
It is a figure explaining the state returned to a saucer, without taking in a capture ball.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a back mechanism of the gaming machine.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a guideway of the gaming machine.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ball stopping device of the gaming machine.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a prize ball discharging device of the gaming machine.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a prize ball discharging device of the gaming machine.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating movement of a ball in a prize ball discharging device of a gaming machine.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sealed ball cassette of the gaming machine.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gutter switching cassette of the gaming machine.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a frame portion of the gaming machine on which the sealed ball cassette is mounted.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a portion of the sealed ball cassette of the gaming machine.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of wiring of a back mechanism of the gaming machine.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a control system of the gaming machine.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a test mode switch of the gaming machine.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a circuit relating to a portion for performing a take-in prohibition control of the gaming machine.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a control system in a management device of a portion for automatically replacing a sealed ball of a gaming machine.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of a main routine of a background control process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of a main routine of a background control process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an example of a main routine of a background control process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a frame sensor input processing routine.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of an input processing routine of the discharge sensor 1.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an input processing routine of the discharge sensor 2.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a level input processing routine of the discharge sensor 1.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a level input processing routine of the discharge sensor 2.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an input processing routine of the ball-out sensor.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing of a supply sensor.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing of an overflow detector.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of an input processing routine of the odd sensor.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a discharge device fraud monitoring process.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a discharge device unauthorized release process.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of award ball start processing.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a discharge start process.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a discharge number dividing process.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of award ball discharge processing.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a discharging process.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of one-piece discharging processing.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an alternate discharge process.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of combined discharge processing.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a discharge error recovery process.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a part of a subroutine of a ball removing process.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a part of a subroutine of a ball removing process.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a part of a subroutine of a ball pulling process.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a supply process.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a settlement process.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of card insertion processing.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of card ejection processing.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of a purchase process.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of a sealed ball replacement process.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a 10-piece discharging process.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a sealed ball replacement end processing.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of an input process.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a ball capturing process.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a reset process.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a display process.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a floating ball release process.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of a specific procedure of a process for treating a sealed sphere;

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of a specific procedure of a process for treating a sealed sphere;

FIG. 67 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a test mode process.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a capture prohibition process.

FIG. 69 is a view showing a main part of a ball capturing device of another embodiment of a credit-type enclosed ball-type gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 70 is a front view showing a first modification of the credit-type sealed ball-type gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 71 is a front view showing a second modification of the credit-type sealed ball-type gaming machine according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 500, 520 Enclosed ball-type game machine (game machine) 29 Ball storage tray (pan) 601 Launch control circuit (game deactivating means) 602 Payment control circuit (payment control means) 612 Suppression prohibited solenoid drive control circuit ( Game medium return means) 49 Count sensor (detection means) 80 Ball take-in path (passage) 614 Unauthorized control circuit (illegal state detection means) 801 Take-in ball return path (return path game medium return means) 802 Capture shutter (game) Medium return means) 803 Import prohibited solenoid (electromagnetic drive source game medium return means) 804 Import prohibited display (notification means) 805 Game medium return means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A game machine capable of playing a game using at least game value information possessed by a player, comprising: a tray capable of storing game media; and a predetermined illegal state in a predetermined portion of the game device. Based on a detection signal from the illegal state detecting means, prohibiting the taking in of game media inserted from the outside, and accepting the game medium inserted after this prohibition as it is A game medium return means for returning to the side, a settlement control means for converting the game value information held by the player into a game medium at the time of ending the game, and performing a settlement process of paying out to the tray, and the settlement control means When the settlement process is being performed, it is prohibited to take in game media that is inserted from the outside, and to remove game media that has been inserted after this prohibition. Gaming apparatus being characterized in that and a game medium return means for returning the pan side remains. 2. The game medium returning device according to claim 1, further comprising: activating a capture shutter provided in a passage for capturing a game medium inserted from the outside to prohibit the capture of the game medium into the game medium. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game medium to be inserted is returned to the tray side from a predetermined return path. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a game inactivating means for inactivating a game of the player when the settlement processing is performed by the settlement control means. 3. The game according to claim 2, wherein a detection means for detecting a game medium is provided at a predetermined portion of a passage formed on the downstream side of the take-in shutter and for taking in the game medium. apparatus. The game medium return means operates a take-in shutter provided in a passage for taking in a game medium supplied from the outside, thereby prohibiting the take-in of the game medium, and when the take-in is prohibited, the game medium is supplied from a predetermined return path. 2. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium is returned to the tray side as it is. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the intake shutter is operated by an electromagnetic drive source. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a detecting means for detecting a game medium is provided at a predetermined portion of a passage formed on the downstream side of the intake shutter and for taking in the game medium. 5. A notifying means for notifying the prohibition of taking in the game medium when the game medium returning means is operated to return the game medium inserted from the outside to the tray side. 3. The gaming device according to any one of 3. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the intake shutter is operated by an electromagnetic drive source. 6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the prohibition of taking in the game medium when the game medium returning unit is operated to return the game medium inserted from the outside to the tray side. 3. The gaming device according to any one of 3.