JP2001096042A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko machine which can prevent new troubles accompanying the backup and memory storage of unpaid number information. SOLUTION: Unpaid number information of an unpaid number of prize balls to be delivered in accordance with the prize winning of hit balls is stored by RAM, and said RAM is backed up by a backup power source to enable to maintain the unpaid number information even at the time of power break down and the like. Furthermore, a ball-hit prohibition condition is brought about at the time of a saucer being filled up and a lack of balls, and the control is exerted to prevent the delivery of prize balls by that the first timer is set, at the stage of time-up of said first timer, a judgment of YES is made by S223, a winning-ball count OK flag 1 is cleared by S214 and the prize-winning of hit balls is processed to be invalid.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine represented by, for example, a pachinko game machine and a coin game machine. About the machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of ball game machine, for example, prize balls hit into a prize area by being driven into a game area are gathered in one place. The payout control unit is configured to control the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls associated with the winning prize every time one winning prize is processed. Then, it is configured such that a prize ball not yet used for the control of the prize ball payout is held on the upper side of the processing device for one prize ball, and at the time of a power outage or a prize ball payout error, etc. The winning balls stored on the good side are used as proof balls, and the number of winning balls that have not yet been used for the payout processing of the prize balls can be left as evidence.

On the other hand, in the prior art, instead of actually leaving the winning ball as a proof ball, if a winning ball is generated, it is detected and the detected number data is stored in a RAM, for example.
And the like, and a configuration is provided in which a backup power supply or the like is provided so that the data stored in the RAM can be stored and retained even during a power failure.

[0004]

However, in the case of the conventional backup method, there is a risk that an illegal act may be performed using the backup function. For example, if a gaming machine is intentionally cut out of balls (there is no prize ball to be paid out), a lot of prize balls are generated, the power is turned off, and the power is turned on when the game hall opens the next day, However, there is a risk that prize balls will be paid out even though the customer has not performed the event, and that a fraudulent act such as bringing in customers is performed.

Further, during the game, the player ends the game without noticing that the ball has run out and returns, and the payout generated during the game is paid out to another player the next day. There is also a possibility that the inconvenience that it will occur may occur.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent inconvenience which newly occurs when the above-mentioned unpaid number information is backed up and stored.

[0007]

The present invention according to claim 1 is a ball game machine in which a game is played by hitting a ball into a game area, and the ball is hit into the game area to win a prize. A prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball, a ball payout means capable of paying out a prize ball, a payout control means for controlling the ball payout means,
Unpaid number storage means for storing unpaid number information capable of specifying the unpaid number not yet paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning of the hit ball; The storage means for enabling the unpaid-number information stored in the storage means to be stored and held even in the event of a power outage, and the state of the ball game machine so that the prize balls are not paid out by the ball payout means. A dispensing prohibition condition detecting means for detecting that the dispensing prohibition condition is satisfied, and a hitting ball capable of prohibiting the firing of the hitting ball into the game area when the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the dispensing prohibition condition. A shot prize winning after a predetermined period elapses after the firing prohibition means and the payout prohibition condition detecting means detect the establishment of the payout prohibition condition, or after the firing of the ball is prohibited by the hit ball firing prohibition means. Scenery accompanying Characterized in that it comprises a winning invalidation processing means for processing in order to not to perform dispensing of the ball.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a first state which is provided in the game area and which is advantageous to the player and a second state which is disadvantageous to the player. A variable winning prize ball device that can be changed to a state, and a specific game state control unit that controls the variable prize ball device to a specific gaming state that sets the variable prize ball device to a first state when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
When the specific game state is being controlled by the specific game state control unit, even if the dispensation prohibition condition detection unit detects the establishment of the payout prohibition condition, the hit ball firing prohibition unit does not prohibit the firing of the hit ball, Further, the present invention is characterized in that processing for preventing payout of prize balls by the winning invalidation processing means is not performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a first state which is provided in the game area and is advantageous to the player and a second state which is disadvantageous to the player. And a specific game state control means for controlling the variable winning ball device to a first game state when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the variable winning ball device can be changed to a state.
The specific game state control means interrupts the specific game state control when the payout prohibition condition detection means detects the establishment of the payout prohibition condition during the specific game state control, and the payout prohibition condition detection means When the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition is no longer detected, the specific game state control is restarted from the state at the time of the interruption.

The present invention according to claim 4 includes a variable winning ball device provided in the game area and capable of changing between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player. A ball game machine capable of generating a specific game state in which the variable winning ball device is in a first state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and capable of detecting a winning ball won in the variable winning ball device. Winning ball detection means, ball payout means capable of paying out prize balls, payout control means for controlling the ball payout means,
Unpaid number storage means for storing unpaid number information capable of specifying the unpaid number not yet paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning of the hit ball; A memory holding means for enabling the unpaid number information stored in the memory means to be stored and held even in the event of a power failure; A payout prohibition condition detecting means, and when the payout prohibition condition detection means fulfills a payout prohibition condition in a state other than the specific game state, when the winning ball detection means detects a winning ball, And a prize invalidating means for performing a process for preventing payout of a prize ball accompanying a prize of a hit ball after detection of establishment of the payout prohibition condition.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the prize invalidation processing means does not pay out prize balls. If the fulfillment of the pay-out prohibition condition by the pay-out prohibition condition detecting means is no longer detected after performing the processing of performing the pay-out prohibition condition detecting means, the processing for preventing the payout invalidation processing means from paying out prize balls is cancelled. And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the winning invalidation processing means does not pay out a prize ball. It is characterized by further including a notifying means for notifying that processing is being performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball game machine in which a game is played by hitting a ball into a game area, wherein a prize ball which is hit into the game area and wins is detected. Ball detecting means, ball payout means capable of paying out prize balls, payout control means for controlling the ball payout means, and the number of prize balls to be paid out with the winning of the hit ball, the number of prize balls still to be paid out by the ball payout means. Unpaid number storage means for storing unpaid number information capable of specifying the unpaid number that has not been issued, and to enable the unpaid number information stored in the unpaid number storage means to be stored and held even during a power outage. A payout prohibition condition detecting means for detecting that a state of the ball game machine has satisfied a payout prohibition condition for preventing the prize ball from being paid out by the ball payout means, and a payout prohibition condition detection Means that the withdrawal prohibition condition has been met. In this case, a hit ball firing prohibiting means capable of prohibiting firing of a hit ball into the game area, and a hit ball being fired by the hit ball firing prohibiting means after the dispensing prohibition condition is detected by the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means. It is characterized by including abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification when a hit ball has been won after a predetermined period has elapsed after firing is prohibited.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by the operation of the prize-ball detecting means, the prize-ball that has been hit and hit in the game area is detected. The operation of the payout control means controls a ball payout device capable of paying out prize balls. Due to the function of the unpaid number storage means, unpaid number information capable of specifying the unpaid number that has not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the winning of the hit ball is stored. By the operation of the storage holding means, the unpaid number information stored in the unpaid number storage means can be stored and held even in the event of a power failure. By the operation of the payout prohibition condition detecting means, it is detected that the state of the ball game machine has satisfied the payout prohibition condition for preventing the prize ball from being paid out by the ball payout means. By the function of the hit ball firing prohibiting means, it is possible to prohibit firing of the hit ball into the game area when the payout prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition. Due to the function of the winning invalidation processing means, after a predetermined period has elapsed after the withdrawal prohibition condition detecting means has detected the establishment of the payout prohibition condition or after the hit ball firing prohibition means has inhibited the firing of the ball. A process is performed to prevent payout of a prize ball in accordance with winning of a hit ball.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the state changes to a first state advantageous to the player and a second state disadvantageous to the player. A possible variable winning ball device is provided in the gaming area. By the operation of the specific game state control means, the state is controlled to the specific game state in which the variable winning ball device is set to the first state when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the specific game state is being controlled by the specific game state control unit, the firing of the hit ball is not prohibited by the hit ball firing prohibiting unit even if the dispensing prohibition condition is detected by the payout prohibition condition detecting unit. Further, no processing is performed to prevent the prize balls from being paid out by the winning invalidation processing means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, the payout prohibition condition detecting means during the specific game state control by the operation of the specific game state control means. When the dispensing prohibition condition is satisfied, the specific game state control is interrupted, and when the dispensing prohibition condition is not detected by the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means, the specific game state control is interrupted. It is restarted from the state of.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the winning ball detected in the variable winning ball device can be detected by the function of the winning ball detecting means. By the function of the payout control means, the ball payout means capable of paying out prize balls is controlled. Due to the function of the unpaid number storage means, unpaid number information capable of specifying the unpaid number that has not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the winning of the hit ball is stored. By the operation of the storage holding means, the unpaid number information stored in the unpaid number storage means can be stored and held even in the event of a power failure. By the function of the payout prohibition condition detecting means, the fulfillment of the payout prohibition condition for preventing the prize ball from being paid out by the ball payout means is detected. By the function of the prize invalidation processing means, when it is detected that the payout prohibition condition is satisfied by the payout prohibition condition detection means in a state other than the specific game state, and when the prize ball detection means detects a prize ball, A process is performed to prevent payout of prize balls associated with winning of a hit ball after detection of establishment of the payout prohibition condition.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to fourth aspects,
By the operation of the prize invalidation processing means, when the fulfillment of the payout prohibition condition by the payout prohibition condition detection means is not detected after performing the processing for preventing the payout of the prize ball, the prize invalidation processing means The process of preventing the payout of the prize ball is canceled.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, in addition to the function of the invention as set forth in any of claims 1 to 5,
By the function of the notifying means, it is notified that the prize ball payout prohibition control means is performing the prize ball payout prohibition control.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, by the function of the prize-ball detecting means, the prize-ball which has been hit and hit in the game area is detected. The operation of the payout control means controls a ball payout device capable of paying out prize balls. Due to the function of the unpaid number storage means, unpaid number information capable of specifying the unpaid number that has not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the winning of the hit ball is stored. By the operation of the storage holding means, the unpaid number information stored in the unpaid number storage means can be stored and held even in the event of a power failure. By the operation of the payout prohibition condition detecting means, it is detected that the state of the ball game machine has satisfied the payout prohibition condition for preventing the prize ball from being paid out by the ball payout means.
By the function of the hit ball firing prohibiting means, it is possible to prohibit firing of the hit ball into the game area when the payout prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition. Due to the function of the abnormality notifying means, the hit ball after a predetermined period has elapsed after the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means has detected the satisfaction of the payout prohibiting condition or after the hit ball firing prohibiting means has prohibited the firing of the hit ball. Is notified when a prize has occurred.

[0021]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention, a pachinko game machine is shown as an example of a ball game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a coin game machine or the like may be used. Any ball-and-ball game machine in which a game is played is included.

First, an overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 as an example of a ball game machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming board 30 of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. is there.

In FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 has a front frame 2 formed in a frame shape as is well known, and a door holding frame 3 is provided around a frame-shaped opening of the front frame 2. A glass door frame 4 having a glass plate is provided above the door holding frame 3, and a front door plate 5 having a hit ball supply tray 6 is provided below the door holding frame 3 so as to be freely opened and closed. Further, on the lower surface of the front frame 2, there is provided a surplus ball tray (lower plate) 20 for storing surplus prize balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 6, and an operation handle 21 for firing a hit ball is also provided. Is provided. Further, the front frame 2 is provided with a game effect lamp 22 which is turned on or blinks when the game state becomes a predetermined specific game state (big hit state) at an upper portion thereof, and an open side portion thereof. Is provided with a lock decoration for decorating the periphery of a lock of a locking device (not shown), and an operation lamp 23 for displaying that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is operating by firing a hit ball inside the lock decoration. Is built-in.

The hitting ball supply tray 6 will be described in more detail. The hitting ball supply tray 6 communicates a prize ball payout opening 7a formed on the upstream side with a supply port 7b formed on the downstream side. The storage alignment path 8 is formed as described above, and a ball detector 9 is provided on the bottom rear surface in the middle of the storage alignment path 8. This ball detector 9 detects a hit ball remaining in the hit ball supply tray 6. In addition, the hit ball supply tray 6
In the lower space on the upstream side of the
Is built-in. Further, another ball detector 9a having the same structure is provided slightly upstream of the ball detector 9, and even if the ball detector 9 does not detect the presence of a hit ball, the upstream ball detector 9a is When the presence of a hit ball is detected, it is determined that a trouble such as jamming of the ball has occurred, and the detection output of the absence of the hit ball of the ball detector 9 is invalidated. Is also good.

The hitting ball supply tray 6 is provided with an operation unit for operating when borrowing a game ball via a card unit (card processing machine) 50 provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1. A ball lending switch 15, a return switch 17, and a mode changeover switch 18 are provided as operation units, and a frequency display LED 16 is provided between the ball lending switch 15 and the return switch 17. The ball lending switch 15 is operated when borrowing a game ball by the card unit 50, and the return switch 17 is used for returning a card inserted into the card insertion slot 55 of the card unit 50 at the end of the game. Things. The fact that the card is inserted into the card insertion slot 55 can be recognized by the fact that the card insertion indicator lamp 54 provided in the card unit 50 is lit. The frequency display LED 16 displays the remaining amount of the card inserted into the card insertion slot 55 of the card unit 50. In addition, the mode changeover switch 18 is operated in the manual mode in which the ball to be borrowed is operated by operating the ball lending switch 15 and when the remaining amount of the hitting ball in the hitting ball supply tray 6 is no longer detected by the ball detector 9. An automatic mode in which game balls are automatically paid out is set. Reference numeral 11 denotes an automatic ball lending display for displaying an automatic mode, and reference numeral 12 denotes a ball lending display for displaying that ball lending is possible.

A game board 30 is detachably attached to the rear of the glass door frame 5 and to the back of the front frame 2. The game board 30 is provided with a guide rail 31 for guiding a hit ball in a substantially circular shape.
A middle area surrounded by a circle constitutes a game area 32, in which a game device such as a variable display device, a variable winning ball device, and a winning opening is arranged. More specifically, a variable display device 33 including a plurality of rotary drum mechanisms is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 32, and a start winning opening (start opening) 34 and a variable win are provided below the variable display device 33. A ball device 35 is arranged. Starting winning opening 34
Is for rotating the rotary drum mechanism of the variable display device 33. For this reason, the winning ball that has won the starting winning opening 34 is guided to the back of the game board 30 and, as shown in FIG. The starting prize ball detector (starting port switch) 46 provided in the ball collecting cover body 45 is detected. The variable prize ball device 35 has an opening / closing plate 36 driven to be opened and closed by a solenoid 37. The inside of the opening / closing plate 36 is divided into three, the center of which is set as a specific prize area. A specific winning ball detector (V count switch) 38 faces the area, and winning ball detectors (count switches) 39a and 39b face left and right. In addition, in the game board 30, in addition to the above-described configuration, an out port 40 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 32,
General winning openings 42a, 42b are provided at the center left and right of the game area 32.
Are provided, and a payout lamp (prize ball lamp) 43 and an out-of-ball lamp 44 are provided outside the upper part of the game area 32.

In the game area 32, there are further provided normal winning ports (general winning ports) 48, 49a and 49b. When a hit ball wins inside the opening / closing plate 36 of the variable winning ball device 35, 15 prize balls are paid out and the starting winning opening 3
If a hit ball wins at 4, 6 prize balls will be paid out,
Other general winning openings 42a, 42b, 48, 49a,
When a hit ball is won in 49b, ten prize balls are paid out. As described above, the gaming area 32 is provided with a plurality of winning areas in which prize balls to be paid out by hitting a ball are classified into a plurality of different types.

The game contents of the game board 30 configured as described above (contents controlled by the game control microcomputer 326) are such that a hit ball wins the start winning opening 34 and the start winning ball detector 46 is turned on. Then, the variable display device 33
Starts rotating, and stops when a certain time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses. And
When the combination of symbols displayed on the variable display device 33 at the time of stoppage is a predetermined combination of big hit symbols, a specific game state (also referred to as a big hit game state) is established and the opening / closing plate 36 of the variable winning ball device 35 is opened. Fixed time (for example, 30 seconds)
, Or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is generated. When the hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening / closing plate 36 is opened and the specific winning ball detector 38 is turned on, a continuation right is generated, and the opening / closing plate 36 is again activated.
Is repeated. This continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times).

Therefore, when the big hitting game state is reached, there is a chance to obtain a large number of winning balls in a short time. As described above, since a great chance for the player in the big hit game state is generated based on the variable display device 33 and the result of one variable display, it may occur when the remaining balls in the hit ball supply tray 6 are almost exhausted. In such a case, the hit ball is fired continuously to change the hit ball to the variable winning ball device 35.
However, since the hit ball does not remain in the hit ball supply tray 6 in spite of the necessity of winning the specific winning area, the ball lending switch 15 must be quickly operated to borrow the game ball.

However, since the game ball is paid out after the ball lending switch 15 is operated, and it takes some time until the ball is fired and reaches the specific prize area of the variable prize ball device 35, it takes a certain time. However, in this embodiment, if the mode changeover switch 18 is set to the automatic mode, the ball detector 9 will not be able to hit the ball. Since the game balls are automatically paid out to the hitting ball supply tray 6 when the absence is detected, the above-mentioned inconvenience does not occur. On the other hand, when the prize ball payout frequency per unit time is high even when the automatic mode is set as described above, for example, when the big hit game state is reached, the prize ball is paid out immediately thereafter. Therefore, there is no need to automatically pay out game balls, and the remaining ball lending information in the magnetic card is not wasted.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, on the back surface of the game board 30, the various winning ports provided on the front surface of the game board 30 or the winning balls which are guided to the winning device and are gathered. An assembly cover body 45 is provided. A plurality of guide paths 451, 452, 453, 454, 4, and 4 for guiding a winning ball are provided in the winning ball collecting cover body 45.
55 are provided. And the general winning opening 48, 42
The winning balls awarded at a, 42b, 49a, and 49b are guided by the guiding passages 451, 452, 453, and 454.
The winning balls guided through the guiding passages 453 and 454 are the winning ball detection switches (winning port switches) 41a and 41a, respectively.
41b. The winning balls that have won the winning openings 49a and 49b are also guided through the guide paths 453 and 454, and are detected by the winning ball detection switches 41a and 41b. The winning ball that has won the starting winning port 34 is detected by a starting winning ball detector (start port switch) 46. Of the prize balls prize inside the opening and closing plate 36 of the variable prize ball device 35, a prize ball prize in the specific prize area is detected by the specific prize ball detector 38, and the prize balls less than the prize ball are the prize ball detector 39.
a, 39b. The winning ball that has won the inside of the opening / closing plate 36 is guided by the guiding passage 455.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, as described above, the number of prize balls to be paid out differs depending on the type of the prize area.
Specific winning ball detector 38, winning ball detectors 39a and 39b,
Start winning ball detector 46, winning ball detection switch 41a, 4
The detection signal from 1b is sent to a main board 87a (see FIG. 3) which is a game control circuit board.
In addition, the game board 30
A game relay board 78 for relaying wires extending from switches, lamps, driving sources, and the like provided in the game device is mounted.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 configured as described above
As shown in FIG. 1, the card unit 50 provided on the side of the card has an enable indicator lamp 51 for displaying whether or not the card is in a usable state, and a fraction (100 yen) in the balance information recorded in the card. If the number is less than one, the fraction display switch 52 for displaying the fraction on the frequency display LED 16 and whether or not the card unit 50 is compatible with the pachinko gaming machine 1 is displayed. A connection stand direction indicator 53 and a card insertion indicator 54 for indicating that a card is being inserted into the card unit 50.
And a card insertion slot 55 for inserting a magnetic card as a recording medium, and a card unit lock 56 for opening when checking a mechanism of a card reader / writer provided on the back of the card insertion slot 55. ing. And
The card unit 50 configured as described above is controlled by a unique control circuit. However, the switches 15, 17, and 18, the display LED 16, the payout control circuit board 152, and the Is connected, a unit relay board 71 is provided on a mechanism plate 60 described later provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Note that the card unit 50 may be built in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 having the gaming board surface shown in FIG. 1 and the card unit 50.
On the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a mechanism plate 953 is provided so as to be freely interposed in a U-shape. On the mechanism plate 953, a ball tank 954 for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the winning prize balls fired, a ball alignment rail 955 for sending the balls in the ball tank 954 to the ball payout device 59, a curve gutter 57, a passage body 58. A ball payout device 59, a prize ball collecting gutter 73 provided with an all prize ball detection switch 171 for detecting all prize balls collectively, a main board box 87b containing a main board 87a,
A lamp control board box 65 containing the lamp control board 35, a relay board box 76 containing the unit relay board 71, and a terminal board box 68 containing the terminal board 67 are provided. A window opening 956 is opened at the center of the mechanism plate 953, and the winning ball set cover 45 attached to the back of the game board 30 is opened through the window opening 956.
Is pierced. The relay board 78 and the variable display device 33 are provided on the winning ball collecting cover body 45. Various electrical components on the game board 30 are connected to the relay board 78, and the main board 87a is connected to the relay board 78. Further, a payout control board 937 is provided below the pachinko gaming machine 1.
Is provided, and a hit ball firing device 94 provided with a driving motor 91 for hitting the ball.

A game control microcomputer 326 for controlling the game operation of a game device such as the variable winning ball device 35 is mounted on the main board 87a. And a payout control microcomputer 309 that controls the payout of prize balls (see FIG. 4). Further, the launch control board 30 for controlling the drive motor 91 for hitting is provided on the hitting launcher 94.
8 (see FIG. 4).

The main board box 87b is composed of a box body that houses the main board 87a, and a lid that covers the main board 87a. The lid and the box body are assembled to each other by attachment pieces 80a to 80c provided on the upper plate constituting the surface of the lid, and are in an irreversible fixed state. 87b is configured not to be opened.

The payout control board 937 is connected to the card unit 50 via the unit relay board 71, and drives the ball payout device 59 to control the payout of the ball lending. The lamp control board 35 controls the operation of the electric decorative parts on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 based on commands or data from the main board 87a. The terminal board 67 supplies power to various electric devices provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and relays signal lines inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 or relays signal lines between the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the outside. Do. The driving motor 91 for hitting the ball is operated by the player operating the operation handle (operation knob) 21 to fire the hit balls one by one into the game area.

The above-mentioned main board box 87b is formed by assembling a box body accommodating the main board 87a therein and a lid for covering the box body. The lid has a transparent portion through which the chip mounting surface of the main board 87a can be seen.

A screw hole is formed in each of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c described above, and a one-way screw is screwed into the screw hole of the 80a at a manufacturing stage in a game hall.
The lid and the box body are integrally assembled. Each of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c is connected to the upper plate only partially by a connecting member. Then, in a public inspection organization or the like, when pulling out a chip for the game control microcomputer 326 mounted on the main board 87a in the main board box 87b and performing an inspection or the like, first, the above-mentioned mounting piece 80a is attached. The connecting member is cut with a nipper or the like. Thereby, since the connecting piece 80a and the lid are separated from each other, the lid can be easily removed from the box main body while the mounting piece 80a remains on the box main body side. In this state, the chip mounted on the main board 87a is extracted, and a game control program stored in the chip is read to check whether the control content meets predetermined criteria. Perform After the inspection is completed, the chip is mounted on the chip mounting surface of the main board 87a and the box body is covered with a lid,
A one-way screw is screwed into the mounting piece 80b, and the lid and the box body are assembled integrally. Then, what is opened in the signature sealing area formed on the lid side performs the signature sealing.

A one-way screw is screwed into the screw hole formed in each of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c, and the head of the one-way screw sinks into the screw hole in the screwed state. It is very difficult to remove the screw by rotating the one-way screw in the direction opposite to the screw-in direction. It is configured so that it cannot be done. as a result,
Once the assembled state is released and the lid is removed from the box body, it will not be possible to return to the original mounted state, and it will be possible to visually check which connecting member of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c has been cut. Thereby, it is possible to confirm how many times the lid has been removed. Normally, the number of times of removal should match the number of signature stamps in the signature stamp area. However, in a game arcade or the like, if an illegal act such as an illegal removal of the lid and replacement of the mounted chip with an illegally modified illegal chip is performed, the mounting piece 8 may be used.
By comparing the disconnection status of the connection portions 0a to 80c with the number of signature stamps in the signature stamp area, it is possible to easily find that an illegal act has been performed.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are block diagrams showing a control circuit used in a pachinko gaming machine. 4 and 5 show:
As a control board, a main control board 87a, a payout control board 93
7, a launch control board 308, a lamp control board 307, a voice control board 306, a balance display board 329, a terminal board 67, and a display control board 302 are shown.

A game control microcomputer 326 is mounted on the main board 87a. The main substrate 87
Although a is equipped with various circuits for driving a solenoid, a motor and a lamp, these circuits are omitted in the figure.

On the other hand, a payout control microcomputer 309 for performing payout control is mounted on the payout control board 937. The payout control board 937 is provided at a predetermined position outside the main board box 87b as shown in FIG. Specifically, it is accommodated in another substrate box. This is for exchanging the gaming board 30 and the main board box 87b, using the other commonly used parts as they are, and providing a new gaming machine that is inexpensive. Is separated from the main control board as a payout control board. However, while the cost can be reduced, there is also a disadvantage that unauthorized modification is easily performed. If the cost is not considered, the main control board 87a and the payout control board 937 can be made into one board or separate boards and housed in one board box. Alternatively, only the ball lending control portion of the payout control board 937 may be housed in another board box as another board.

Game control microcomputer 326
Is a ROM 31 for storing a game control program and the like.
4. It includes a CPU 316 as a control center that operates according to a program in the ROM 314, and a RAM 315 that functions as a work area for the CPU 316. The game control microcomputer 326 is reset when the power is turned on and periodically (for example, every 2 msec). Each time the game is reset, the game control program is executed again from the beginning. The game control microcomputer 326 includes a start port switch 46, winning port switches 41a and 41b, and a count switch 39.
a, 39b, V count switch 38, all winning ball detection switch 171, full tank switch 317, out-of-ball detection switch 318, out-of-ball switch 319, and detection signals from award ball counting switches 320a, 320b are input.
The detection signals from the prize ball count switches 320a and 320b may also be input to the payout control microcomputer 309.

The ROM 314 of the game control microcomputer 326 stores a winning detection switch (46, 41a, 41b, 39a, 39b, 3
Prize ball number information that can specify the number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of prize balls) corresponding to the detection signal of 8) is stored. The game control microcomputer 326 specifies the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection signal of each switch, changes the INT signal for prize ball control from the invalid state to the valid state, and promptly changes the prize ball number signal (D0). ~ D3 4-bit signal)
To the payout control microcomputer 309 (payout control board 937). The INT signal has a high level (on state) in an invalid state, and has a low level (off state) in a valid state. The INT signal is an interrupt signal, and the payout control microcomputer 309, to which the INT signal has been input, is in an interrupt state and performs an operation of receiving a prize ball number signal.

If the payout of prize balls based on the previously output prize ball number signal is not completed, the input detection signal is stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 326.
It is stored cumulatively in 315. Then, on condition that the payout of the prize balls (prize balls) based on the previous prize ball number signal is completed, the prize ball number signal based on the storage in the RAM 315 is output at a predetermined timing. Until the input detection signal can be processed, the RAM 315 stores counters (counters A, B, and C) that can be stored for the number of prize balls to be paid out. Counter A has
Detection signals of the count switches 39a and 39b and the V count switch 38, that is, detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 15 are collectively stored. Counter B has
The detection signal of the starting port switch 46, that is, the number of payouts = 6
The corresponding detection signal is stored. In counter C,
The detection signals of the winning opening switches 41a and 41b, that is, the detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 10 are stored.
It is not necessary to output the prize ball number signal on condition that the payout of the prize balls (prize balls) based on the previous prize ball number signal is completed, and the prize ball number signal may be output without waiting for the completion of the payout. A signal may be output and stored in the payout control microcomputer in a cumulative manner.

In the drawing, reference numeral 1110 denotes a backup power supply composed of a large capacitor or the like, which constantly stores power supplied from a power supply circuit (circuits for supplying a predetermined DC voltage to various circuits and microcomputers shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). are doing. In the event of a power outage or the like, the backup power supply 11
10 supplies backup power to the RAM 315,
The configuration is such that data stored in the RAM 315 is not erased.

The backup power supply provides a RAM at power failure.
The backup power may be supplied to the RAM 315 so that the storage data in the storage 315 is not erased, or the RAM 311 of the payout control microcomputer may be supplied with the backup power so that the storage data is not erased. In particular, R
If the prize ball payout at the time of restoration is performed based on the unpaid number stored in the AM 311, only the RAM 311 may be backed up.

The payout control microcomputer 309 receives an INT signal and a prize ball number signal from the game control microcomputer 326. The payout control microcomputer 309 includes a ROM 310 that stores a prize ball payout control program and the like, and a C as a control center that operates according to the program stored in the ROM 310.
It includes a PU 312, a RAM 311 functioning as a work area of the CPU 312, and an I / O port 313 for inputting and outputting to and from an external device. The payout control microcomputer 309 outputs a drive signal to the ball payout device 59 based on the input of the winning ball number signal on condition that the INT signal is in the valid state, and the number specified by the winning ball number signal. Payout control for paying out prize balls (prize balls). In the ball payout device 59, the drive signal drives the prize ball motor 322 to pay out the premium ball.

As described above, the game control microcomputer 326 (main control board 87a) is provided with various winning detection switches (46, 41a, 41) provided on the game board 30.
b, 39a, 39b, and 38), the prize ball number signal can be immediately output to the payout control microcomputer 309 (payout control board 937) based on the input of the detection signals of the hit balls. After entering the mouth, prize balls (prize balls) are paid out immediately. For this reason, the payout control of the prize ball can be performed more quickly than in the conventional gaming machine that pays out the prize ball after the detection of the all prize ball detection switch 171 provided on the mechanism plate on the back of the game board. Furthermore, various winning detection switches (46, 41a, 41b, 39a, 3
9b, 38) correspond to winning ports having different numbers of prize balls (general winning ports are collectively detected, but one winning detection switch may be used for one winning port). Since the game board 30 is provided individually, the winning of a hit ball can be detected more quickly, whereby a prize ball (prize ball) can be detected.
Can be more quickly controlled.

Game control microcomputer 326
Are various winning detection switches (46, 41a, 41b,
39a, 39b, 38), based on the input of the detection signal, the payout control microcomputer 309
After the prize ball number signal is output to the
At 71, it waits for a winning ball to be detected. Then, if the winning ball is not detected even after the lapse of the predetermined time, a lamp control signal is output to the lamp control board 307 together with the lamp control INT signal. The lamp control board 307 controls the game effect lamp 22 to blink in a predetermined manner based on the lamp control signal on condition that the lamp control INT signal is in an effective state.

When the game effect lamp 22 flashes in a predetermined manner, the staff at the game hall can recognize that an abnormality has occurred. In spite of the fact that no prize has actually occurred, a radio wave is generated to generate a prize detection switch (46, 41).
a, 41b, 39a, 39b, 38) to output a detection signal to check whether or not an act of illegally obtaining a prize ball is performed. It should be noted that the buzzer 328 may be configured to output a buzzer signal to the buzzer board 327 to generate a warning sound in addition to simply blinking the game effect lamp 22.

Game control microcomputer 326
Is a broken-out detection switch 318 or a broken-out switch 3
If the detection signal from the switch 19 indicates a broken-out state, or if the detection signal from the full switch 317 indicates a full state, the payout control microcomputer 30
The processing for causing the prize ball 9 to be paid out is stopped.

Game control microcomputer 326
Controls the solenoid 37 to open the opening / closing plate 36 of the variable winning ball device 35. Further, the start memory display 30
0. Control the decorative lamp 301 (a display, a lamp, and the like provided on the game board may be controlled via the lamp control board 307). Further, the game control microcomputer 326 transmits command data for controlling display of the variable display device 33 and an INT signal based on the detection signal from the starting port switch 46 to the display control board 302.
Output to The display control board 302 receives and controls the display of the variable display device 33. The game control microcomputer 326 has jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot,
Start information indicating the number of start winning balls, probability change information indicating that a probability change has occurred, symbol determination frequency information indicating the number of times the variable display result has been derived and displayed, and prize ball information regarding the number of payout balls (prize balls). Are output to a host computer such as a hall management computer via the terminal board 67. The game control microcomputer 326 includes:
A control signal for displaying the number of unpaid prize balls described above on the unpaid prize ball number display 570 is output.

Game control microcomputer 326
Outputs an audio control signal to the audio control board 306 together with the INT signal. The sound control board 306 generates a predetermined sound effect, a warning sound, and the like from the speaker 19 based on the sound control signal, provided that the INT signal is in a valid state.

The firing control board 308 has an operation knob (hitting operation handle) 21, a driving motor 91 for hitting the ball, and whether a game is played based on a change in capacitance when the player touches the operation knob 21. It is connected to a touch ring 304 for detecting the presence or absence and a single shot switch 305. The firing control board 308 controls the driving of the drive motor 91 when the operation knob 21 is operated, so that the ball is fired at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, the single firing switch 30
5 is input to the firing control board 308, the firing control board 308 controls the firing of the hit ball according to the input timing of the signal from the single firing switch 305 instead of the hit ball firing control at a predetermined interval. Is switched to single shot control. Further, when a ball-inhibiting signal is input from the game control microcomputer 326 (or from the payout control board 937 due to the card unit 50 not being connected) to the firing control board 308, the firing control board 308 is driven by the driving motor 91 for hitting. Is stopped and the ball is controlled so that it cannot be hit.

The ball payout device 59 is provided with a prize ball mechanism for paying out a prize ball (prize ball) and a ball lending mechanism for lending a lending ball as independent mechanism portions. Is a ball feeding screw (not shown) as a ball feeding member for feeding a ball, and a motor (prize ball motor 322, an electric drive source for driving the ball feeding screw).
A ball rental motor 324) is provided. Prize ball motor 32
The drive control signal is input from the payout control microcomputer 309 to the motor 2 and the ball lending motor 324. The ball payout device 59 can simultaneously perform the payout of prize balls (prize balls) and the lending of balls in parallel.

Further, the prize ball mechanism of the ball payout device 59 includes a prize ball motor position sensor 321 for detecting the rotation angle of the ball feed screw to detect the rotational position of the prize ball motor 322, and a ball payout. There are provided prize ball count switches 320a and 320b for detecting a ball falling from the prize ball mechanism portion fed out by the screw for use on the lower side of the prize ball mechanism portion. Similarly, a ball rental motor position sensor 325 for detecting the rotation angle of the ball delivery screw and detecting the rotational position of the ball rental motor 324, and a ball delivery screw And a ball lending count switch 323 for detecting a ball falling from the rear ball lending mechanism portion fed out at the lower side of the ball lending mechanism portion.

Prize ball count switches 320a, 320b
Of the game control microcomputer 32
6 and the detection signals of the prize ball motor position sensor 321, the ball lending count switch 323, and the ball lending motor position sensor 325 are input to the payout control microcomputer 309. Also, when an error occurs in the ball payout control and the state becomes an error, if a staff at the game hall operates the reset switch 400 to recover after removing the cause of the error, the reset signal is output from the payout control microcomputer 309. And the payout control microcomputer 309 is reset.

Payment control microcomputer 309
Outputs a drive signal for motor control to the prize ball motor 322 and the ball lending motor 324, and outputs an error signal when the above-described error occurs, to an error display LED.
374 and a signal for outputting a warning sound when an error occurs to the buzzer board 327. As a result, the error display LED 374 is displayed when an error occurs, and the buzzer 328 emits a warning sound when an error occurs. If the reset switch 400 is operated, the payout control microcomputer 309 is reset, so that the error display of the error display LED 374 is stopped and the generation of the warning sound from the buzzer 328 is stopped. .

The balance display board 329 is connected to a frequency display LED, a ball lending switch, and a return switch provided near the hit ball supply tray. A card unit control microcomputer (not shown) is mounted on the card unit 50, and a ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are supplied to the card unit control microcomputer via the payout control board 937.

Further, a card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card are output from the card unit 50 to the balance display board 329.
Given through. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 937, a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (DRQ signal), and a ball lending completion signal (B
An XS signal) and a pachinko operation signal (PRDY signal) are exchanged.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The payout control microcomputer 309 of the payout control board 937 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. The card is accepted in the card unit 50,
When the ball lending switch is operated and a ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control microcomputer 309. After a predetermined delay time from this point,
The card unit control microcomputer outputs a DRQ signal to the payout control microcomputer 309. And the payout control microcomputer 309
Drives the ball lending motor 324 to pay out a predetermined number of lending balls to the player. When the payout is completed, the payout control microcomputer 309 stores the B in the card unit 50.
An XS signal is output.

As described above, all signals from the card unit 50 are input to the payout control board 937. Therefore, regarding the ball lending control, no signal is input from the card unit 50 to the main board 87a, and the game control microcomputer 3
There is no room for a signal to be illegally input to the card unit 50 from the card unit 50 side.

Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the game control microcomputer 326 mounted on the main board 87a. As described above, this process is started each time the microcomputer 326 for game control is reset, for example, every 2 ms. First, the game control microcomputer 326 performs a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer (S1). Next, an initialization process is performed (S2). In the initialization processing, the game control microcomputer 326
Determines whether an error is included in the RAM 315, and if an error is included, performs processing such as initializing the RAM 315. Then, after performing a process of setting a command code sent to the display control board 216 in a predetermined area of the RAM 315 (S3), a process of outputting the command code as display control data is performed (S3).
4).

Next, a process for transmitting a predetermined command for sound generation and LED lighting control to the lamp control board 307 and the voice control board 306 is performed, and the jackpot information, the start information, and the probability variation information are transmitted to the hall management computer. A process for transmitting data such as (data output process: S5) is performed. In addition, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by a self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: S6).

Next, a process of updating each counter indicating each random number for determination used in the game control is performed (S7). S
In 7, the game control microcomputer 326 counts up (adds 1) to a jackpot determination random number or the like as a determination random number.

Next, the game control microcomputer 3
26 performs a special symbol process (S8). In the special symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state.
Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, the game control microcomputer 326 inputs the states of the starting port switch 46, the V count switch 38, the count switches 39a and 39b, the winning opening switches 41a and 41b, and the like, and the winning for each winning opening and the variable winning ball device. It is determined whether or not there is (S10). Game control microcomputer 326
Performs a process of updating a display random number for determining a stop symbol or the like (S11). The game control microcomputer 326 performs a winning ball signal process with the payout control microcomputer 309 (S
12). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a prize ball number signal is output to the payout control microcomputer 309. The payout control microcomputer 309 drives the ball payout device 59 according to the winning ball number signal.

Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 326 continues to operate S1 until the reset pulse is given again.
3 is repeated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a start winning opening check process executed by the game control microcomputer 326. Game control microcomputer 32
No. 6 first confirms whether the type 1 starter switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value (SA).
1). The first-type starting port switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal of the starting port switch 46 continues. When the first-type starting port switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, that is,
If the duration of the input signal has not yet reached the specified value, the process ends because the input signal may be noise or the like. On the other hand, if the type 1 starter switch counter matches the switch-on determination value, it is determined that the starter switch 46 has detected a start winning and the winning ball count O
It is determined whether all of the K flags 1 to 3 are set (SA1a). This winning ball count OK flag 1
Numerals 3 are flags for determining whether or not the winning balls may be counted in order to pay out the prize balls when the winning balls are detected. The winning ball count OK flag 1 is set to S
Set by 217 and cleared by S214. The winning ball count OK flag 2 is set in S208 described later.
And is cleared by S205. The winning ball count OK flag 3 is set in S104 described later and cleared in S101. If the determination of SA1a is NO, in other words, if any of the winning ball count OK flags 1 to 3 is not set, the process proceeds to SA3, but if the determination of YES is made, SA2. Then, the counter B is updated (+1).
Note that the counter B is provided with the starting port switch 4 as described above.
The counter stores 6 detection signals, that is, detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 6.

Next, the process proceeds to SA2a, where a process of adding "6" to the unpaid prize ball counter is performed. The unpaid prize ball counter is for counting the total number of unpaid prize balls that have not been paid out of the total number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning.

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol winning storage counter for counting the number of starting memories is equal to or more than the maximum value (= 4) of the special symbol winning memory counter (SA).
3). The special symbol is a symbol (identification information) variably displayed by the variable display device 33. If the maximum value has been reached, the process ends without storing the start. If the maximum value has not been reached, the special symbol winning storage counter is updated (+1) (SA4). Next, a special symbol determination bank address corresponding to the count value of the newly stored special symbol winning storage counter is calculated (SA5). Next, the fluctuation shortening set time for shortening the variable display time of the special symbol is temporarily set in the fluctuation shortening timer bank (SA6). Note that the fluctuation reduction setting time set here can be changed to a normal variable display time in accordance with the number of start storages evaluated in SA11 described later. That is, when the number of stored memories is large, the setting is maintained as it is, and when the number of stored memories is small, the display time is changed to a normal variable display time.

Next, a special symbol determination random number for determining whether or not the variable display result is a big hit is extracted (SA
7). Next, a reach determination random number is extracted for determining whether or not the reach is established during the variable display (SA).
8). Next, the special symbol determination random number extracted in SA7 is set in the special symbol determination bank, and the reach determination random number extracted in SA8 is set in the reach determination bank (SA).
9). Next, the special symbol determination random number extracted in SA7 is set in the specific symbol determination bank (SA10). The special symbol determination bank is a bank that determines whether to generate a big hit based on the special symbol determination random number, or whether to generate a probability variable big hit that causes a probability variation,
The specific symbol determination bank is a bank used to determine the type of the stopped symbol according to the determination result by the special symbol determination bank.

Next, after executing the special symbol determination process (S
A11), the process ends. In the special symbol determination process, the variable display result of the variable display device 33 is determined based on the values stored in the specific symbol determination bank and the special symbol determination bank.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special winning opening check process executed by the game control microcomputer 326. Game control microcomputer 326
First checks whether the count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value (SB11). The count switch counter includes count switches 39a, 39
This is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal b continues. If the count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process proceeds to SB15 described later.
A and 39b determine that a winning has been detected, and set a count passing flag indicating that fact (SB12).

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag value indicating the gaming state is a value other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened (SB13). If the value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, the process proceeds to SB13a described later. The process proceeds to SB13a. The value of the winning number counter is a counter used for determining whether or not to close the special winning opening.
And in SB13a, the winning ball count OK flag 1 is set.
It is determined whether or not any of 3 is set,
If either is not set, the process proceeds to SB15, but if both are set, the special winning opening winning counter updating process is executed (SB14). Here, based on the previously set count passage flag, the counter A
Is added and updated. Note that the counter A has the V count switch 38 and the count switch 39 as described above.
The counter stores the detection signals a and 39b, that is, the detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 15. Next, a process of adding “15” to the unpaid prize ball counter is performed (SB14a).

Next, it is checked whether the V count switch counter (specific area count switch counter) does not match the switch-on determination value (SB15). The V count switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the detection signal output of the V count switch 38 continues. If the V count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process proceeds to SB20 described later. If they match, it is determined that the V count switch 38 has detected a winning. Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag value is a value other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened (SB16).

If the value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, the flow shifts to SB16a to be described later. If the value indicates that the special winning opening is being opened, the winning counter is incremented (+
1) Yes. Next, it is determined whether or not the number-of-continuations counter for counting the number of times the variable continuation control of the variable prize ball device 35 is executed is equal to or more than the final value (= 16) of the number-of-continuations counter (SB18). If the final value is reached, the process proceeds to SB20 described later. If the final value is not reached, a specific area passing flag indicating that the hit ball has passed the specific area is set (SB19). Next, the winning ball count is OK
It is determined whether or not any of the flags 1 to 3 is set (SB16a). If any of the flags is not set, the process proceeds to SB20. If any of the flags is set, the special winning opening winning counter updating process is performed. Is executed (SB1
7). Here, the counter A is added and updated based on the detection signal of the V count switch 38. Next, “15” is added to the unpaid prize ball counter (SB17a). In addition, when the process flag value is other than opening the special winning opening,
The counter A and the unpaid prize ball counter may not be updated. In fact, ignoring the count other than during the opening of the special winning opening may prevent fraudulent payments using backups, etc., but employees win balls in service (as an apology for failure etc.) Even if it is made to do so, the prize ball will not be available, and such a service will not be possible, but if the count is enabled, such a service will be possible.

Next, it is checked whether or not the winning opening switch counter matches the switch-on determination value (SB20).
The winning opening switch counter includes each winning opening switch 41a,
This is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal 41b continues. If the winning opening switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process is terminated.
A determination is made as to whether any of .about.3 is set. If any of them is not set, the process ends. If any of them is set, the counter C is incremented and updated (SB21). Next, a process of adding “10” to the unpaid prize ball counter is performed by the SB 21a, and thereafter, the process ends. As described above, the counter C is a counter that stores the detection signal of each of the winning opening switches 41a and 41b, that is, the detection signal corresponding to the number of payouts = 10.

In the above-described start winning opening check process and large winning opening check process, it is determined that there is a winning in the starting winning opening, the large winning opening, and the general winning opening (determining that any of the switches has detected a ball). )
The detection flag is turned on. This detection flag is turned off in SD4 of the winning ball confirmation processing described later.

Next, the contents of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 to 18, 21 and 22 will be described in detail. Each process is executed once every 2 ms when the game control microcomputer 326 is reset.

9 to 11 are flowcharts showing the winning ball signal processing, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the storage upper limit judging process, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the winning ball confirmation process, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a full-battery detection process, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a broken-out detection process when the lower plate is full, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing
9 is a flowchart showing an undetected error notification process.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an error process 1 executed accompanying the winning ball signal processing, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an error process 2 executed accompanying the winning ball signal process.

The microcomputer 326 for game control
Performs an error warning and a full tank warning, and executes various error processing in the process of the processing described below.

In the winning ball signal processing, first, a memory upper limit determination process is performed (SC11a). This will be described later. Next, it is determined whether or not the award ball count switch is turned on (SC11). When detecting that the prize ball count switch is turned on, it waits for the prize ball count switch to be turned off until 2.9 ms elapses (SC12, SC1).
5). Normally, the prize ball count switch is turned off within 2.9 ms after the prize ball count switch is turned on, and one prize ball is paid out based on the turning off of the prize ball count switch. The number is counted.
However, if the prize ball count switch is not turned off until 2.9 ms elapses, it is determined that a "prize ball number count switch disconnection / short circuit error" has occurred, and error processing 2 is executed (SC16). .

Here, the content of the error processing 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the game control microcomputer 326 sets an error display request (SH1).
As a result, the frame lamp (game effect lamp) 22 flashes in a predetermined manner according to the content of the error, and the game board surface is brought into a stopped state. Next, a hitting prohibition signal is sent to the firing control board 3
08. This prohibits hitting (SH
2). Next, it is determined whether or not the error has been recovered (SH
3). If the error has not been recovered, the SH
1. The processing of SH2 is executed. Then, when a predetermined error recovery operation is performed by an attendant or the like and the error is recovered, the error processing 2 is terminated and the processing returns to the winning ball signal processing.

On the other hand, if the award ball count switch is turned off in SC12, it is determined whether or not the payout flag is on. The prize ball paying flag is a flag set in SC27 on condition that the prize ball number signal is output as described later. Based on this flag, the game control microcomputer 326 determines whether or not a prize ball is being paid out. If the prize ball count switch is turned on / off in SC11 and SC12 even though the prize ball paying flag is not set to ON, the payout is detected during normal times other than during the prize ball operation. It is determined that a "payout error" has occurred, and error processing 1 is executed (SC14).

With reference to FIG. 21, the contents of the error processing 1 will be described. First, the game control microcomputer 32
No. 6 sets an error display request (SG1). As a result, the game effect lamp 22 flashes in a predetermined manner according to the content of the error, and the game board surface is brought into an operation stop state. Next, a hitting prohibition signal is output to the firing control board 308 (S
G2). As a result, hitting is prohibited. Next, it is determined whether three seconds have elapsed since the occurrence of the error (SG
3). If three seconds have not elapsed, the processes of SG1 and SG2 are executed again. Then, when three seconds have elapsed, the error processing 1 ends, and the processing returns to the winning ball signal processing.

If the award ball paying flag is ON in SC13, it is determined that the award ball is detected during the award ball operation, and the award ball count is incremented and updated (+1) (SC1).
7). Next, a process of subtracting "1" from the unpaid prize ball counter is performed (SC17a). As described above, the unpaid prize ball counter increments the number of prize balls corresponding to each prize ball generated, and decrements “1” each time one prize ball is paid out. The total number of payout prize balls will be calculated.

If the award ball count switch is not turned on in SC11, it is determined whether or not the timer T1 is operating (SC19). This timer 1 is SC1 described later.
8 is started. If the timer T1 is not operating, it is confirmed whether or not a winning has been detected (SC20). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a winning has been detected by referring to the counters (counters A, B, and C) of the RAM 315 described above. If no winning has been detected, the process ends. On the other hand, when a winning is detected, it is determined whether any of the winning ball count OK flags 1 to 3 is set (SC20a).
If any of them is not set, the process ends. If any of them is set, a prize ball number signal corresponding to the winning is output according to the following priority order. First, the timer T
1 is started (SC18).

As described above, the timer T1 is started based on the detection of the winning and the setting of any of the winning ball counting OK flags 1 to 3. If the prize ball count switch is not turned on / off before the timer T1 times out, the number of payouts is checked using the SC 32 as described later. Next, V
The count switch 38 or the count switch 39a,
At 39b, it is determined whether or not a winning is detected (SC2).
1). Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a stored value in counter A for storing the detection signals of V count switch 38 and count switches 39a and 39b. In this embodiment, fifteen prize balls are paid out for a prize that has passed through a special winning opening. Therefore, when winning is detected by the V count switch 38 or the count switches 39a and 39b (counter A> 0), 15 is set as the expected number of winning balls (SC28), and the counter A is updated (-1) (SC-1). SC29).

If no prize is detected by the V count switch 38 or the count switches 39a and 39b, it is determined whether or not a prize is detected by the starting port switch 46 (SC22). Specifically, the starting port switch 4
It is determined whether or not the counter B for storing the detection signal of No. 6 has a stored value. In this embodiment, the starting port 34
After winning, six prize balls are paid out. Therefore, the winning is detected by the starting port switch 46 (counter B
> 0) At that time, the expected prize ball number is set to 6 (SC30),
Next, the counter B is updated (-1) (SC31). V
Count switch 38, count switches 39a, 39
b, if no winning is detected by any of the starting port switches 46, each of the winning port switches 41a, 41
It can be determined that a winning has been detected in any of b. Specifically, it can be determined that the counter C for storing the detection signals of the winning opening switches 41a and 41b has a stored value.
In this embodiment, the general winning openings 48, 42a, 42
In order to pay out ten prize balls for the prize balls passing through b, 49a, and 49b, if SC22 is determined to be NO, the prize ball expected number is set to 10 (SC23), and the counter C is updated (SC23). -1) Perform (SC24).

As described above, the game control microcomputer 326 controls the payout control corresponding to each detection signal in accordance with the predetermined priority order even when the detection signals are input simultaneously from the plurality of winning detection switches. Do.

After SC24, SC29 and SC31, the game control microcomputer 326 outputs a winning ball number signal corresponding to the expected winning ball number (SC26). Next, the microcomputer 326 for game control turns on the prize ball payout flag (SC27), and ends the process.

If the timer T1 is operating at the step SC19, it is determined whether or not the timer T1 has timed out (SC32). If the timeout has not occurred, the process ends because the payout of prize balls continues within the range of the timer value of the timer T1.

The value of the timer T1 (the time from the start of the timer to the time-out) is determined by the payout cycle in which one payout ball is paid out by the payout control microcomputer 309 (after the prize ball count switch is turned on, it is turned on again). Period). Therefore, when payments are made normally, except for the last payment,
The award ball count switch is turned on (SC11) before the timer T1 times out. That is, when the payout is normally performed, the timer T1 times out only after the last payout is performed.

In SC32, when the timer T1 times out, the game control microcomputer 326
Compares the prize ball count with the expected prize ball count (SC3
3). If the payout is completed successfully, they match. In this case, the award ball number signal is turned off (SC
34), the award ball payout flag is turned off and the process is terminated (S)
C35).

If the prize ball count does not match the expected prize ball count when the timer T1 times out, the game control microcomputer 326 determines whether or not the prize ball count is "0". (SC33
a). The fact that the prize ball count number is "0", that is, that no prize ball has been paid out, means a prize ball prohibition described later (when a prize ball prohibition signal is output), and thus the timer T1 is started again ( SC40), until the prize ball is paid out SC11 → SC19 → SC32 → SC33
It goes around the loop of → SC33a → SC40. Next, if the prize ball count is not "0", the magnitude relationship between the prize ball count and the expected prize ball count is checked (SC3).
6). If the prize ball count is less than the expected prize ball count, that is, if it is determined that the payout is insufficient, command data for specifying the correct payout is output to the payout control microcomputer 309 (SC39). As a result, the payout control microcomputer 309 controls the payout of the prize balls that are insufficient. Next, the timer T1 is restarted (S
C40). After that, the process ends. On the other hand, if the prize ball count exceeds the expected prize ball count, it is determined that an “excessive payout ball error” has occurred and the prize ball number signal is turned off (S
C37), and execute error processing 1 (SC38).

By executing the above-described error processing 1 (see FIG. 21), hitting of the ball is prohibited until three seconds elapse after the occurrence of the error, and the game effect lamp 22 is set to a predetermined value. Flashes in a manner. After executing the error process 1, the game control microcomputer 326 ends the winning ball signal process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the storage upper limit determination process indicated by SC11a in FIG. In S100, it is determined whether or not the number of unpaid prize balls, which is the count value of the unpaid prize ball counter, is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit. This limit is
The value is set to a value slightly smaller than the limit of the storage capacity capable of storing the count value of the unpaid prize ball counter. If the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds the above upper limit, such as when a large number of prize balls are generated and the payout of prize balls can not follow it,
Proceeding to S101, the winning ball count OK flag 3 is cleared. If the winning ball count OK flag 3 is cleared, as described above, even if a winning ball is generated, the counts A to C associated with the winning ball are incremented and the unpaid winning ball counter is updated, and the prize ball is also updated. The set number of schedules and their transmission are not performed. As a result, if the number of unpaid prize balls becomes equal to or more than the upper limit value, even if a prize ball is generated, a prize ball is not paid out according to the prize ball, and the prize is invalid.

On the other hand, if the number of unpaid prize balls is less than the upper limit value, a negative determination is made in S100, the process proceeds to S104, and the winning ball count OK flag 3 is set. As a result, the above-mentioned winning ball count OK flags 1 and 2
Is set on condition that is set, the addition update to the counters A to C and the addition update to the unpaid prize ball counter in accordance with the winning of the hit ball, and the setting and transmission of the expected number of prize balls can be performed. Become.

The subroutine program of the storage upper limit judging process shown in FIG. 12 is configured to judge whether or not the number of unpaid prize balls has exceeded the upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the respective count values of the counters A, B, and C have exceeded the respective upper limit values, or the upper limit value of only the counters A, B, and C is monitored (the upper limit value of the unpaid prize ball counter is monitored. May be)
May be.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a winning ball confirmation process executed by the game control microcomputer 326. First, the game control microcomputer 326 determines whether or not the detection flag is turned on (SD1). The detection flag is a flag indicating that a winning has been detected in any of the winning openings. When the detection flag is on, a new winning has been detected by any of the starting port switch 46, the V count switch 38, the count switches 39a and 39b, and the winning opening switches 41a and 41b. In this case, the winning counter is updated (+1) (SD2). Here, the prize counter is added and updated based on the detection of a prize by a prize detection switch individually provided corresponding to each prize port, and the prize sphere is detected by the all prize ball detection switch 171. It is a counter that is subtracted and updated based on it. That is,
The winning counter is a counter that counts the number of winnings that have not been detected by the all winning ball detection switch 171 among the winnings detected in each winning opening. Next, the detection flag is set to off (SD4). Next, the process proceeds to SD5.

On the other hand, when it is determined in SD1 that the detection flag is not set to ON, the game control microcomputer 326 determines whether or not the winning counter is 0. If the winning counter is 0, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the winning counter is not 0, the process proceeds to SD5.

In SD5, the all winning ball detection switch 171
It is determined whether or not is turned on. All winning balls detection switch 1
When 71 is turned on, since the winning ball is detected, the winning counter is decremented and updated (−1) (SD6), and the winning ball timer is reset (= 0) (SD7). After that, the process ends. On the other hand, if the all winning ball detection switch 171 is not turned on, the winning ball timer is added and updated (+1) (SD8). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the prize ball timer has reached a predetermined value and the time is over (SD9). When the time is over, a prize ball undetected error has occurred because no prize ball is detected by the all prize ball detection switch 171 even though a prize detection signal is detected from the switch of the prize port. And sets the undetected error notification timer (SD10).
After that, it proceeds to SD6. By setting the undetected error notification timer, control for error notification is executed in an undetected error notification process (see FIG. 18) described later.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the lower plate full process. This lower plate full processing is a subroutine program included in the switch processing shown in S10. First, in S112, the lower plate (excess ball storage plate) 20
It is determined whether or not is full. Lower plate 2
When the prize ball in 0 is full, a detection signal from the full detection switch 317 (see FIG. 5) is input to the game control microcomputer 326. In this case, a determination of YES is made in S112, the process proceeds to S113, and a notification sound request is set. As a result, the set notification sound request signal is output to the voice control board 306 by the data output processing in S5, and the notification sound is output from the speaker 19. Next, the process proceeds to S113a, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag is a value during the opening of the special winning opening, that is, a value under the big hit control. If the big hit control is being performed, the process proceeds to S115.
Proceeding to 3b, a hit ball prohibition process and a process of setting a first timer are performed. As a result, a hitting prohibition signal is output to the firing control board 308, and the hitting ball is not fired. The first timer counts a time of about 5 seconds.

Next, the routine proceeds to S115, where a process of outputting a winning ball prohibition signal is performed. Specifically, a prize ball prohibition signal is output from the game control microcomputer 326 to the payout control microcomputer 309. As a result, the payout control microcomputer 309 stops the prize ball payout control. This will be described later.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S112, the process proceeds to S116, in which it is determined whether or not the full tank is being notified. If not, the subroutine program is terminated. When the tongue notification is being performed, the process proceeds to S117. In S117, processing for terminating the full tank notification and canceling the output of the prize ball prohibition signal is performed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the broken-out detection process, which is a subroutine program included in the switch process of S10. First, it is determined in S118 whether or not the ball is out. Burnout detection switch 31
8. Detection signal from cutout switch 319 (see FIG. 5)
If the game control microcomputer 326 determines that the ball has been cut out on the basis of (1), the process proceeds to S119, where a ball-out lamp lighting request is set. As a result, a burnout lamp lighting request signal is output to the lamp control board 307 according to S5, and the burnout lamp 44 (see FIG. 4) is lit.

Next, the process proceeds to S119a, where it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag has a value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened. If the flag is open, the process proceeds to S12. Then, the hit ball prohibition process and the process of setting the second timer are performed. As a result, a hitting ball prohibited state in which no hitting ball is fired is set. The second timer is
For example, it measures a time of about 5 seconds. Then S
Proceeding to 121, a prize ball prohibition signal is output to the payout control microcomputer 309, and prize ball prohibition processing is performed.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S118, the process proceeds to S122, in which it is determined whether or not notification of a broken-out is being performed. If not, notification of the broken-out is terminated. On the other hand, if the running out of ball is being notified, the process proceeds to S123, and the process of canceling the running out of ball and canceling the output of the prize ball prohibition signal is performed.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a subroutine program for judging invalidation of winning when the lower plate is full. This subroutine program is a control for disabling the winning and prohibiting the payout of a prize ball when a winning ball is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed even though the hitting ball is in a prohibited state due to the fullness of the lower plate. It is. First, in S209, it is determined whether or not the winning ball count OK flag 1 is set. The winning ball count OK flag 1 is
This is set when the lower plate 20 is not full, and when it is set, the process proceeds to S210. S21
In the case of 0, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag has a value of opening the special winning opening. In the case of the big hit control, the special symbol process flag has the value of opening the special winning opening, so a YES determination is made in S210 and the subroutine program ends.

On the other hand, if the special symbol process flag is not set to the value of opening the special winning opening, the process proceeds to S211 to determine whether or not the first timer is set.
This first timer is set in S113b. If the first timer is not set, the subroutine program ends. On the other hand, if the lower plate is full, the process proceeds to S212, where it is determined whether the lower plate is full.
The timer is cleared. On the other hand, if the lower plate is full, the process proceeds to S213, where it is determined whether the first timer is 0, that is, whether or not the time is up.
The process proceeds to 214, where a process of clearing the winning ball count OK flag 1 is performed, and a process of setting a request for the warning notification 1 is performed. As a result, even if a prize ball is generated, the counts A to C associated with the prize ball, the addition and updating of the unpaid prize ball counter, and the setting and transmission of the expected prize ball number are not performed. Also, the set warning notification 1 request signal is output (S5), and the game effect lamp 22
Blinks in a predetermined manner representing warning notification 1. By watching this, the player or the staff at the playground can recognize that the payout of the prize ball due to the fullness of the lower plate is prohibited.

If NO is determined in S209, the process proceeds to S216, where it is determined whether or not the lower plate is full. If the lower plate is full, the subroutine program is terminated. S2 if not full
Proceed to 17. In S217, the winning ball counter OK flag 1 is set, and a warning notification 1 stop request is set. As a result, the blinking operation of the warning notification 1 by the game effect lamp 22 is stopped.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a subroutine program for determining a winning invalidation at the time of a broken ball. This subroutine program is executed when a winning ball is detected after a lapse of a predetermined time even though the hit ball is in a ball prohibition state and a prize ball to be paid out runs out of balls.
This is a process for prohibiting the payout of a prize ball accompanying the winning prize ball. First, in S200, it is determined whether or not the winning ball count OK flag 2 is set. The winning ball count OK flag 2 is set when the ball is not out of ball. Winning ball count OK flag 2
Is set, the process proceeds to S201, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag has a value in which the special winning opening is open. If the value is in the state of opening the special winning opening, the subroutine program ends as it is.
On the other hand, if the value does not indicate that the special winning opening is being opened, that is, if the big hit control is not being performed, the process proceeds to S202, and it is determined whether or not the second timer is set.

If the second timer has not been set, the subroutine program ends. If the second timer has been set, the program proceeds to S203, where it is determined whether or not the ball has run out. If not, the second timer is cleared in S206. On the other hand, if the ball has run out, the process proceeds to S204, in which it is determined whether the second timer is 0, that is, whether or not the time has expired. 2 Request is set. As a result, the count-up of the counters A to C and the addition and updating of the unpaid prize ball counter, the setting of the expected prize ball number and the transmission thereof are not performed, and the warning notification 2 request signal is output ( S5), the game effect lamp 22 blinks in the mode of the warning notification 2. If a player or a staff at the amusement park sees this, the ball is prohibited from hitting when the ball runs out, but if a prize ball occurs after a predetermined time elapses, the payout of the prize ball accompanying the prize ball is prohibited. It can be recognized that it is in a state of being performed.

If NO is determined in S200, the process proceeds to S207, in which it is determined whether or not the ball is broken. If the ball is broken, the subroutine program is terminated. On the other hand, if the ball is not out of balls, the process proceeds to S208, where the winning ball count OK flag 2 is set and a request to stop the warning notification 2 is set. As a result, the blinking operation of the game effect lamp 22 in the mode of the warning notification 2 is stopped.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an undetected error notification process executed by the game control microcomputer 326. The game control microcomputer 326 executes this undetected error notification processing,
The occurrence of a prize not detected by the all-prize-ball detecting switch 171 is notified for a predetermined time. First,
The game control microcomputer 326 determines whether or not the undetected notification timer is set (undetected notification timer>
0) is determined (SE1). If the undetected notification timer has not been set, the process ends. On the other hand, if the non-detection notification timer is set, an error display request is set (SE2). As a result, the game effect lamp 22 blinks in a predetermined manner according to the content of the error as indicated by the “winning ball undetected error”. In addition, the game board surface does not enter a stopped state, and the normal state is maintained.
Next, the undetected error notification timer is decremented and updated (−1) (SE3). Thereafter, the undetected error notification processing ends. Thereafter, every time the undetected error notification process is executed, S
At E3, the undetected error notification timer is decremented and updated. If the undetected error notification timer becomes 0, N is set in SE1.
The determination of O is made, and the error notification is not made.

Next, the details of the prize ball motor control processing executed by the payout control microcomputer 309 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 23 and 24.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the prize ball motor control processing. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an error process 3 executed accompanying the prize ball motor control process, and FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an error process 4 executed accompanying the prize ball motor control process. The payout control microcomputer 309 executes various error processing in the process of the prize ball motor control processing described below.

First, various timers used in the prize ball motor control processing will be described. (1) Timer T2: Set when it is determined that the payout of the expected payout number corresponding to the award ball number signal is completed, that is, when the award ball motor drive time corresponding to the expected payout number has elapsed. If the award ball number signal is not turned off when the timer T2 times out, one more payout control is performed on condition that command data (SC39) for specifying the corrected payout is input from the game control microcomputer 326. Is performed. As a result, additional payout of the prize balls with insufficient payout is performed. The relationship with the timer T1 used in the game control microcomputer 326 is T1 <T2.

(2) Timer T11: prize ball motor 322
Is set when driving is started or when one prize ball payout is completed, and when a timeout occurs, an error of the prize ball motor position sensor 321 is determined. That is, it is an on-check timer of the prize ball motor position sensor 321.

(3) Timer T12: Set when the prize ball motor position sensor 321 is turned on, and when the timer is out, it is determined that the prize ball motor position sensor 321 has an error. That is, it is an off-check timer of the prize ball motor position sensor 321.

First, the payout control microcomputer 3
09 determines whether or not the winning ball number cable for transmitting the winning ball number signal is correctly connected (SF
1). If the winning ball number table is not correctly connected, it is determined that a "winning ball number cable unconnection error" has occurred, and error processing 3 is executed (SF2).

If the award ball number cable is correctly connected, the flow advances to SF3. Next, the content of the error processing 3 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the payout control microcomputer 309 sets the buzzer signal to ON (SJ1). Accordingly, an alarm is issued from the buzzer 328 connected to the buzzer board 327. Next, a hitting prohibition signal is output to the firing control board 308 (SJ2). As a result, the ball cannot be hit. Thereafter, the process returns to the prize ball motor control process, and the process returns to SF1 again. S
If it is determined in F1 that the award ball number cable is correctly connected, the shift to the error processing 3 is stopped and S
The process proceeds to F1a. As a result, the warning from the buzzer 328 stops, and the ball can be hit.

In SF3, it is determined whether or not a prize ball number signal has been input. If the prize ball number signal has not been input, the processing of SF1 is executed again. On the other hand, when the prize ball number signal is input, the prize ball motor drive time corresponding to the expected payout number indicated by the prize ball number signal is set (SF
4), proceed to SF4a. In SF4a, it is determined whether or not a prize ball prohibition signal has been received. S115,
If the award ball prohibition signal has been output in S121, a determination of YES is made and the process returns to SF1. As a result, SF
Since the control of the prize ball motor after 5 is not executed, the payout of the ball from the ball payout device is stopped. As a result, since the prize ball count switch is not turned ON forever, the determination of NO is continued by the SC11, and as a result, the aforementioned SC11 → SC19 → SC3
It goes around the loop of 2 → SC33 → SC33a → SC40. Next, driving of the prize ball motor 322 is started (SF5). Subsequently, the payout control microcomputer 309 starts the timer T11 (SF6). next,
The payout control microcomputer 309 waits for the winning ball motor position sensor 321 to be turned on (SF7). If the timer T11 times out before the prize ball motor position sensor 321 is turned on (NO in SF12), the error processing 4 is executed (SF14).

With reference to FIG. 24, the contents of the error processing 4 will be described. First, the payout control microcomputer 30
No. 9 performs an operation of restoring an error due to clogging or the like by driving the prize ball motor 322 in the reverse direction (SK).
1). Next, it is determined whether or not the error has been recovered (SK
2). If it is confirmed that the error has been recovered, the process is terminated, but if the error is not recovered, it is determined that a "ball biting error" has occurred and a buzzer signal is set (S
K3). As a result, a predetermined warning sound is generated from the buzzer 328. Next, it waits for a reset signal to be input from the reset switch 400 (SK4). Then, when the staff at the game hall or the like performs an appropriate error recovery operation and then presses the reset switch 400, the buzzer signal is turned off (SK5), the error processing 4 is completed, and the control returns to the prize ball motor control.

On the other hand, if the award ball motor position sensor is detected to be on in SF7, the timer T11 is stopped (SF7).
8) The timer T12 is started (SF9). Thereafter, the payout control microcomputer 309 waits for the prize ball motor position sensor 321 to be turned off (SF10).

If the timer T12 times out before the prize ball motor position sensor 321 turns off, the error processing 4 of the SF 14 is executed. If the prize ball motor position sensor 321 is turned off before the timer T12 times out, the timer T12 is stopped (SF11), and it is determined whether or not the scheduled motor drive time set according to the prize ball number signal has elapsed. (SF15). If the scheduled motor drive time has not elapsed, it is checked whether the signal state of the winning ball number signal has not changed (SF16). Once the prize ball number signal is input, the prize ball number signal maintains the same signal state until all payouts based on the prize ball number signal are completed. If the prize ball number signal has changed even though the scheduled motor drive time has not elapsed, it is determined that a "prize ball number signal error" has occurred, and the above-described error processing 3 (see FIG. 21) is executed. (SF17). As a result, a warning is issued from the buzzer 328. afterwards,
(SF1) on the condition that an appropriate measure is taken by a staff at the amusement arcade and the reset switch 400 is pressed.
8) The processing shifts to SF15.

The award ball number signal does not change abnormally,
If the scheduled motor drive time has elapsed, it is considered that all payouts of the expected payout number have been completed and the prize ball motor 3
22 is turned off (SF19). Next, the timer T2 is started (SF20), and it waits until the prize ball number signal is turned off until the timer T2 times out (SF2).
1, SF23). If the prize ball number signal is turned off before the timer T2 times out, it is considered that the prize balls of the expected payout number have been correctly paid out and the timer T2
Is stopped (SF22), and the award ball motor control processing ends. On the other hand, if the prize ball number signal is not turned off even after the timer T2 times out, the game control microcomputer 326, which counts the number of prize balls actually paid out, determines that the number of prize balls paid out is insufficient. It is possible that it has been detected. Therefore, in this case, it is determined whether or not command data for designating a correction payout is input from the game control microcomputer 326 (SF24).

If the award ball number signal is not turned off even though the corrected payout designation command data is not input, error processing 3 (see FIG. 23) is executed (SF25). On the other hand, when the command data for specifying the correction payout is input, it is determined whether or not the number of times of driving the prize ball motor 322 to pay out the insufficient prize ball has reached a predetermined maximum correction number ( SF26). When there is not enough prize balls, the payout control microcomputer 309 drives the prize ball motor 322 for the drive time necessary to pay out one prize ball, and again determines whether all the missing prize balls have been paid out. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the award ball number signal is turned off. Then, when the award ball number signal is not turned off, the control for driving the award ball motor 322 is repeated again for a drive time necessary to pay out one award ball. In the SF 26, it is determined whether or not the number of times the prize ball motor 322 has been driven by such a repetitive operation has reached the maximum number of corrections.

If the maximum number of corrections has not been reached, the number of corrections counter is incremented and updated (SF27), and the number of times the winning ball motor 322 is driven repeatedly is counted. Next, a motor drive time corresponding to the scheduled payout number = 1 is set (SF2
8). Then, the flow shifts to SF5, where the scheduled payout number = 1.
Is executed for driving the prize ball motor 322 for the motor driving time corresponding to the above. Thereafter, the processing of SF6 to SF20 is executed again, and it is again confirmed whether or not the award ball number signal is turned off (SF21). If the prize ball number signal is not turned off before the timer T2 times out, the number of times the prize ball motor 322 is driven again is conditioned on the condition that the correction payout designation command data is continuously input. It is determined whether the maximum number of corrections has been reached (S
F26). Then, on condition that the maximum number of corrections has not been reached, the correction process of paying out one more missing prize ball is repeated. As a result, the number of prize balls is corrected.

In the case where the award ball number signal is not turned off even though the correction processing has been executed the maximum number of times (S
In NO at F26), it is determined that the "prize ball passage ball clogging error" has occurred, and the buzzer signal is set to ON (SF29). As a result, the buzzer 328 notifies that effect. Next, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 400 has been operated by a game room attendant or the like (SF3).
0). When the detection signal is not input from the reset switch, the buzzer 328 continuously emits a warning sound. On the other hand, appropriate measures are taken by staff at the amusement arcade,
When the reset switch 400 is operated, the buzzer signal is turned off (SF31), and the correction number counter is reset (SF32). Thereafter, the flow advances to SF28.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the big hit interruption processing according to another embodiment. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 25, in addition to the control of the above-described embodiment, if the lower plate becomes full or the ball is broken during the big hit control, the big hit control is interrupted and the lower plate becomes full. And, after the abnormality of the broken-out state is resolved, the state is returned to the big hit control state at the time of interruption.

First, in S218, the winning ball count is OK.
It is determined whether flags 1 and 2 are set. If the lower plate is not full and the ball is not broken, a YES determination is made in S218 and the process proceeds to S219. On the other hand, if the lower plate is full or the ball is broken, a negative determination is made in S218 and the process proceeds to S220 to determine whether or not the special symbol process flag has reached the value of opening the special winning opening. Judgment is made. If the big hit control is not being performed, a negative determination is made in S220 and this subroutine program is terminated. If the big hit is being performed, the process proceeds to S221, and it is determined whether or not the big hit interrupt flag is set. The big hit interruption flag is a flag for interrupting the big hit control. If the jackpot interruption flag is not set, S
Proceeding to 222, the big hit interruption flag is set. Then, the current big hit control state is stored in S223, and the big hit control is interrupted in S224. As a result, if the lower plate is full or the ball is broken, the big hit control is interrupted at that time.

On the other hand, if the lower plate full state is eliminated, S2
17, the winning ball count OK flag 1 is set,
If the out-of-ball condition is eliminated, the winning ball count OK flag 2 is set in S208, so that YES is determined in S218. As a result, according to S219,
It is determined whether or not the jackpot interruption flag is set. If the flag is set, the process proceeds to S225, where the jackpot interruption flag is cleared. At S226, the stored jackpot control state (stored at S223). A process of returning to the (big hit control state) is performed. As a result, the gaming state returns to the big hit control state at the time when the lower plate is full or the ball is broken, and the big hit control is restarted from there.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a subroutine program for determining a winning invalidation according to still another embodiment. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 26, if a hit ball is won in the variable winning ball device (big winning opening) 35 when the lower plate is full or the ball is out and the big hit control is not being performed, Thereafter, the winning of the hit ball is invalidated, and the prize ball is not paid out in accordance with the winning, and the winning is invalidated.

First, in S227, the winning ball count is OK.
A determination is made whether the flag is set. In the above-described embodiment, there are two types of winning ball count OK flags, 1 and 2. However, in this alternative embodiment, 1
There is only one type of winning ball count OK flag, and if an abnormal condition occurs in either the out-of-ball condition or the bottom plate full condition, the winning ball count is OK regardless of which one of them occurs.
The K flag is cleared. If the winning ball count OK flag is set, S22
Proceeding to 8, it is determined whether or not there is a winning in the special winning opening. This determination is made based on SB11 and SB15 described above. If there is no winning in the special winning opening, the subroutine program is terminated as it is, but if it is determined that there is a winning, the process proceeds to S229, and it is determined whether or not the ball is out. If it is not a broken-out state, the process proceeds to S230, and it is determined whether or not the lower plate is full. If not, the sub-routine program is terminated. On the other hand, if it is either the out-of-ball condition or the lower-sheet-full condition, the process proceeds to S231, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag is a value open to the special winning opening. If the big hit control is being performed, YES is determined in S231, and this subroutine program ends. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit, the control proceeds to S232, the winning ball count OK flag is cleared, and a warning notification request is set. As a result, the count-up of the counts A to C associated with the winning prize balls, the addition and updating of the unpaid prize sphere counter, the setting of the expected prize ball number, and the transmission thereof are not performed. Further, the set warning notification request signal is output (S5), and the gaming effect lamp 22 blinks in the mode at the time of the warning.

If NO is determined in S227, the process proceeds to S233, in which it is determined whether or not the ball is out. If not, proceed to S234,
A determination is made as to whether the lower plate is full. S2 if the ball is not broken and the lower plate is not full
Go to 35, the winning ball count OK flag is set,
In addition, a warning notification stop request is set. As a result, the count-up of the counts A to C associated with the winning balls, the addition and updating of the unpaid winning ball counter, the setting of the expected number of winning balls, and the transmission thereof are performed. Further, the above-mentioned blinking operation of the game effect lamp 22 is stopped.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for describing the contents of command data output from the game control microcomputer 326 to the payout control microcomputer 309. The command data is composed of 7 bits as shown. Of these, the number of award balls is specified by using the 0th to 3rd bits, and the control content is specified by using the 4th to 7th bits. The seventh bit is not used for specifying the number of winning balls, but is used for the INT signal. For example, the fourth to seventh bits are “0”.
00B ", the normal payout is designated and" 0
01B "designates the correction payout. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Second
The configuration of the ball payout device 59 as the premium ball payout means (prize ball payout device) used in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 29. The case 98 of the ball payout device 59 is shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the ball supply passages 181a and 181b are formed in two divided cases, left and right, in each of the divided cases 98a and 98b. Ball supply path 181
a, 181b have curved surfaces 182a, 182b inside thereof.
And is curved rearward.
Ball feed horizontal path 184a,
184b is formed, and the ball feed horizontal path 184a, 1
Ball discharge paths 183a and 183b are formed at the end of 84b. These ball supply paths 181a, 181b, ball feed horizontal paths 184a, 184b, and ball discharge paths 183a,
183b is formed in front of partition walls 195a and 195b that partition the divided cases 98a and 98b forward and backward.
A ball pressure buffer 185 is sandwiched in front of the split cases 98a and 98b. The ball pressure buffering member 185 is connected to the prize ball passage 86a of the passage body 84,
As shown in FIG. 29B, the prize balls supplied from 86b are distributed to the left and right sides and the ball supply paths 181a and 181 are provided.
b, and a light emitting element 186 below
(LED) and a light receiving element 187 are provided. The light emitting element 186 and the light receiving element 187 are provided at a predetermined interval, and the tip of a screw 188 as an example of a rotating body described below is inserted into this interval.
In addition, the ball pressure buffering member 185 includes the divided cases 98a and 98.
When b is attached, it is completely stored and fixed inside.

The ball feed horizontal paths 184a, 184
A screw 188 that is rotated by a stepping motor 189 is disposed between b. That is, the motor fixing plate 190 for fixing the stepping motor 189 is fitted and fixed in the fixing grooves 191a and 191b formed behind the partition walls 195a and 195b, and the motor shaft of the stepping motor 189 is positioned in front of the partition walls 195a and 195b. The screw 188 is fixed so as to protrude forward of the protrusion. On the outer circumference of the screw 188,
Ball feed horizontal path 1 by rotation of stepping motor 189
A helical projection 188a is provided to project the prize balls placed on 84a and 184b forward, and a recess for covering the light emitting element 186 is formed at the tip of the screw 188. Two notches 192 are formed. Since the notch 192 is formed at a symmetrical position of 180 degrees, the light from the light emitting element 186 is detected twice by the light receiving element 187 via the notch 192 during one rotation of the screw 188. It has become. The light emitting element 186, the light receiving element 187,
And the wiring 193 from the stepping motor 189
They are put together and pulled out to the outside through a drawing hole formed below the rear part of the case 98 and connected to the connector 194.

In the ball payout device 59 configured as described above, the prize balls supplied from the ball supply paths 181a and 181b are stopped at the position where the prize balls are supplied to the rear ends of the ball feed horizontal paths 184a and 184b. In this state, when the rotation of the stepping motor 189 is started, the prize ball is fed by the spiral projection 188 a of the screw 188 to the ball feeding horizontal path 184.
a, 184b to move forward, and finally from the end of the ball feed horizontal paths 184a, 184b to the ball discharge path 183.
a, 183b. At this time, the prize balls fall alternately from the left and right ball feed horizontal paths 184a and 184b.
Since one prize ball falls from one side every time the 8 rotates a half turn, the light from the light emitting element 186 is eventually detected by the light receiving element 187 every time one prize ball falls. Therefore, the number of signals detected by the light receiving element 187 is equal to the predetermined number of prize balls (corresponding to one winning).
Is controlled so that the driving of the stepping motor 189 is stopped when the prize is reached, so that a prize ball corresponding to the winning can be accurately paid out. The rotating body may be a sprocket or the like that causes the ball to flow downward by rotating, in addition to the screw 188.

Next, a pachinko gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The mechanism plate 660 mainly includes the ball tank 95.
4 and an upper base unit 661 provided with a ball alignment rail 955, and an intermediate base unit 662 provided with a ball payout device 59 for paying out prize balls mainly based on winning.
And a lower base unit 6 mainly provided with a processing mechanism for processing hit balls including winning balls hit into the game board 30.
63 and those formed separately. In the figure, reference numeral 668 denotes a drop port for supplying the balls stored in the ball tank 954 to the ball alignment rail 669. Reference numeral 78 denotes a game relay board.

[0144] The prize ball hit into the prize area or the variable prize ball device by being driven into the game area is guided to the back side of the game board and guided to the prize ball processing device 715, where the prize ball processing device 715 is provided. Winning ball detector 17 provided in
1 is detected. In the upper corner of the pachinko gaming machine 1,
A terminal board 678 is provided. The terminal board 678 is provided with a power connector 680 and a power switch 681 for connecting to an external power supply.
Further, the terminal board 678 is provided with an out-of-ball information output terminal 679a, a firing control signal input terminal 679b, a ball lending information output terminal 679c, and a supply information output terminal 679d.

A passage body 684 is fixed to the upper part of the intermediate base unit 662, and the ball discharging device 59 is fixed below the passage body 684. More specifically, the passage body 684 has ball passages 686a and 686b that allow two rows of balls whose flow direction has been changed left and right by the curve gutter 57 to flow downward. This ball passage 686
a, 686b, upstream of the switch 687a,
687b is provided. The ball break switches 687a and 687b are connected to the ball passages 686a and 686b.
When one of the out-of-ball switches 687a and 687b no longer detects a prize ball, the out-of-ball lamp 44 is turned on, and the rotation of the motor of the ball payout device is stopped. The payout of the ball is made inactive.

The balls flowing down the ball passages 686a and 686b are supplied to the ball discharging device 59 on the downstream side. The ball dispensing device 59 is configured to be housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case mounted below the intermediate base unit 662. The balls to be paid out by the ball payout device 59 are not only prize balls based on winnings, but also lending balls to be lent to the player. In other words, in the first embodiment described above, the prize ball mechanism and the ball lending mechanism are divided, but in the second embodiment, one ball payout device 59 pays out prize balls and balls. They do both.

The flow path of the balls on the ball payout side of the ball payout device 59 is branched into a flow path 801a for paying out prize balls and a flow path 801b for paying out lending balls. In the flow path 801a, a prize ball count switch (prize ball number switch) 856 for detecting a prize ball which is a ball guided to the flow path 801a is provided. On the other hand, a ball lending count switch (ball lending number switch) 850 for detecting a ball lending is provided in the channel 801b for paying out a ball lending. When the ball flowing down from the ball discharging device 59 is paid out as a premium ball, the ball is guided to the flow path 801a, and when the ball flowing down from the ball discharging device 59 is paid out as a lending ball, the ball flows into the flow path 801b. Be guided.
That is, the flow path 801a and the flow path 801b can be selectively passed. At a branch point of these flow paths, a flow path switching member 8 that switches the flow path of the ball falling from the ball dispensing device 59 between the flow path 801a and the flow path 801b for lending a ball.
54 are provided. In the vicinity of the flow path switching member 854, a switching solenoid 855 for driving the flow path switching member 854 is provided. In the drawing, reference numeral 708 denotes a ball payout passage, 710 denotes an upper plate communication port, and 712 denotes an excess ball passage.

The detection signal of the prize ball number switch (prize ball count switch) 856 is input to the game control microcomputer 326 as described above, and is used for the control described above. On the other hand, the detection signal of the ball lending number switch (ball lending count switch) 850 is input to the payout control microcomputer 309 and used for control as described above. In this way, by separately providing the prize ball number switch (prize ball count switch) 856 and the ball lending number switch (ball lend count switch) 850, not only the prize ball number but also the ball lending number can be clearly grasped. Can be.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, differences from the above-described second embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, the ball lending number switch (ball lending count switch) 850 is not provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 32, a payout count switch 840a, 84 is provided in a ball payout device 697 as a premium ball payout means (prize ball payout device).
0b is provided. This payout count switch 84
Reference numerals 0a and 840b denote switches for detecting both prize balls and lending balls. This switch is connected to the payout control board, and a detection signal is input to the payout control board. Further, as in the second embodiment, the payout count switches 840a and 840b may not be used.

In the second and third embodiments described above, the flow path switching device and the ball dispensing device may be integrally formed.

FIG. 32 shows a fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the ball payout device 59
This is an example in which it is possible to detect only a prize ball without branching the flow path on the payout side of the ball. The flow path of the ball on the ball payout side of the ball payout device 59 is constituted by one ball flow path 801c. Therefore, both the prize ball and the lending ball are guided to the ball flow path 801c. Ball channel 801
In the vicinity of c, a prize ball number switch (prize ball count switch) 860 that can appear and disappear in the ball flow path 801c, a motor 860a for driving the prize ball number switch 860, and a gear 860b driven by the 860a. Is provided.

FIG. 32A shows a state in which the prize ball number switch 860 has entered the ball flow path 801c, and FIG.
The state outside 1c is shown. A gear 60b that is rotationally driven by a motor 860a is provided outside the ball channel 801c. The prize ball number switch 860 includes a gear 86
A plurality of teeth meshing with teeth 0b are formed in a sawtooth shape,
an operating member 860c capable of reciprocating in accordance with the rotation of the operating member 860b, and a sensor unit 860 attached to the tip of the operating member 860c to enter the ball flow path 801c and detect a ball.
d.

In the normal case where payout of a prize ball is performed, the sensor section 860d is in a state of entering the ball flow path 801c as shown in FIG. The ball is detected by the sensor unit 860d.
On the other hand, when the payout of the lending ball is performed, the gear 860b is rotated in the direction of the illustrated arrow as shown in FIG.
The sensor unit 860d is taken out of the ball channel 801c. Thereby, when a lending ball is paid out, the sensor unit 860d
No ball is detected. When the prize ball is to be paid out, the gear 860b is driven in the direction opposite to the direction shown in (B), and returns to the state shown in (A).

Therefore, the prize ball number switch 860 is
Depending on whether the payout ball is a lending ball from a prize ball, it will appear and move,
Only prize balls are detected. By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to branch the flow path of the ball on the discharge side of the ball of the ball discharging device 59, so that the configuration of the flow path of the ball can be simplified. In the fourth embodiment, the ball payout device 697 including a payout motor and the like, the ball flow path 80
1c, an example in which the prize ball number switch 860, the gear 860b, and the motor 860a are not unitized,
They may be unitized and provided in one case so that they can be detached and replaced. By doing so, the assembling work and the maintenance work are facilitated. Also in the fourth embodiment, the payout count switch 840 described above is used.
The ball payout device 59 that does not use a and 840b may be used.

FIG. 33 shows a fifth embodiment.
In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which payout of a prize ball and payout of a lending ball are performed by rotating the motor forward or backward. Also in the fifth embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment, a ball sending device 1030 for sending a ball is used as a prize ball payout means (prize ball payout device). The ball delivery device (ball delivery device) 1030 pays out balls by rotating one sprocket 1033 with a motor 1032. There are one ball exit in the ball sending device 1030 on each of the left and right sides in the figure. The exit on the left side is for paying out prize balls, and the exit on the right side is for paying out ball lending. The motor 1
The rotation direction of 032 is switched by a motor control signal, and the rotation is made normal rotation and reverse rotation according to the payout of the prize ball and the lending. Specifically, when paying out a premium ball, the sprocket 1033 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure. Thereby, a prize ball is paid out from the exit on the left side. On the other hand, when paying out balls, the sprocket 1033 is rotated clockwise in the drawing.
Thereby, the lending is paid out from the right exit. As a supply passage for supplying the balls to such a ball dispensing device 1030, a single supply passage 1031 is provided. Therefore, the ball delivery device 1030 is supplied from one supply passage 1031.
Are distributed to the left and right according to the rotation direction of the sprocket 1033.

Below the exit on the left side of the ball payout device 1030, a prize ball number detector (prize ball count switch) 1034 for detecting a prize ball as prize ball payout detection means is provided. Below the exit on the right side of the ball sending device 1030, a ball lending number detector (ball lending count switch) 1035 for detecting a ball lending is provided. These detectors are connected to the game control microcomputer 326 and the payout control microcomputer 309 in the same manner as the prize ball count switch and the ball lending count switch in the case of the first embodiment. The same control as described above is performed using the detection output of.

Next, modifications, feature points, and the like of the above-described embodiment will be enumerated below. (1) In the above-described embodiment, the number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of prize balls) is 6, 10, or 1, depending on the winning value.
Although five prizes are shown, two or more prize balls of seven or fifteen may be paid out according to the winning value, for example. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the one that collectively detects the winning ball that has won the general winning opening has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of starting openings are provided. The start winning prize balls that have won the starting opening may be detected collectively.

In the case where the number of prize balls is seven or fifteen, one prize ball detection switch is provided for seven and one detection switch is provided for fifteen. You may do so. Further, when the number of prize balls described above is 6, 10, or 15, six prize balls are detected by one prize ball detection switch, and ten prize balls are detected by one prize ball detection switch. , And 15 prize balls may be detected by one prize ball detection switch, and a total of three prize ball detection switches may be detected.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, in a plurality of prize areas which can be classified into a plurality of types in which the number of prize balls to be paid out by hitting a prize is different from each other, the plurality of prize areas are provided. The ball paths that collect and guide the winning balls for each type do not intersect. But,
The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a ball passage for guiding a winning ball winning a general winning opening and a ball passage for guiding a starting winning ball winning a starting winning opening may intersect. In that case, it is necessary to provide one ball passage at a place near the game board and the other ball passage at a place away from the game board to form a multilayer structure.

Further, the winning ball detecting means (winning ball detecting switch) may be directly assembled to a winning port provided in the game area. The winning ball detecting means may be constituted by a micro switch, a photo switch, or the like.

(2) The game control microcomputer 326 constitutes game control means for controlling the game state of the ball game machine. The payout control microcomputer 309 constitutes payout control means for controlling the ball payout means (the ball payout device 59) to control the payout of premium balls. In the main board box 87b described above, the lid and the box body are assembled by one-way screws as described above. The main board box 86b constitutes an enclosing means capable of enclosing the game control means. As described above, it is difficult for the sealing means to restore the original sealed state once the sealed state is released after the game control means is sealed.

Conventionally, the game control means is housed in a housing such as a board box, and a sealing seal is applied between a box body and a lid constituting the board box to secure a sealed state. In the case where the container is illegally opened by breaking the box, a trace of the unauthorized opening remains.

However, in this conventional device, there is a disadvantage that once the seal is adhered, the game control means cannot be repaired or maintained without breaking the seal. Therefore, there has been a demand for a means of preventing fraudulent use in place of a sealing seal.

In the above-described embodiment, since the above-described enclosing means using the one-way screw is employed, it is possible to provide an enclosing means instead of the sealing seal. This enclosing means is difficult to release the enclosing state without destroying at least a part of the enclosing means. As a result, when an illegal act such as illegally opening and illegally remodeling the game control means is performed, a part of the enclosing means is illegally destroyed, and it is easy to make an unauthorized opening depending on the destruction situation. , And unauthorized opening can be prevented as much as possible.

In the case where a proper one is opened for maintenance and inspection or repair of the game control means, a part of the sealing means (the connecting member of the mounting pieces 80a to 80c) is broken. (Cut with a nipper or the like), it is possible to easily open the package, and maintenance, inspection, repair, and the like are simplified. At that time, the opened main board box 87
A signature seal area for performing a signature seal is provided at a predetermined position b. By collating the signature sealing status in the signature sealing area with the destruction status of the enclosing means, it is possible to determine whether the destruction of the enclosing means is a destruction by a legitimate person.

Further, even after a part of the enclosing means is broken and opened, the enclosing means can be set in an enclosing state by a screwing position by the next one-way screw. That is, the enclosing means includes an enclosing portion (a mounting piece portion 80a as a screwing portion with a one-way screw).
-80c) so that after the sealed portion has been sealed by the first sealed portion, the sealed portion is broken and opened, and then the sealed state by the next sealed portion can be obtained. It is configured. This enables a plurality of maintenance checks and repairs of the game control means. Further, the enclosing means (main board box 87b) is configured so that the contained game control means can be seen through from the outside. As a result, when the game control means has been tampered with, it is visually monitored to make it easier to find traces of tampering.

(3) The microcomputer 326 for game control and the microcomputer 30 for payout control described above.
9 may be provided on the same control board. The main board 87a and the payout control board 937 described above may be provided in the same board box (container).

The prize ball count switch 320 described above.
The detection signals a and 320b may be awarded to both the game control microcomputer 326 and the payout control microcomputer 309, or may be input only to the payout control microcomputer 309. Further, the detection signal of the prize ball motor position sensor 321 may be input to both the payout control microcomputer 309 and the game control microcomputer 326.
You may make it input only to the game control microcomputer 326. Further, the prize ball count switch 320a,
320b may be omitted and only the prize ball motor position sensor 321 may be provided.

The payout control board 937 may be divided into a ball rental control board for ball rental and a prize ball control board for award ball. In this case, both substrates may be housed in separate control board boxes (containers), or may be provided together in one control board box (container). If the ball lending control board and the prize ball control board are separated, it goes without saying that a ball lending control microcomputer is provided on the ball lending control board,
The microcomputer for controlling the prize ball is provided on the prize ball control board.

(4) As shown in SC32 to SC40, the game control means includes a prize ball payout detection means (320).
a, 320b, 321), and has a function of monitoring whether or not payout of prize balls is normally performed. If it is determined that the game is not normal as a result of the monitoring by the game control means, the error processing means (SG
1 to SG3), control is performed to set an error processing state. The error processing means includes a hit ball firing prohibiting means (SG2) for controlling the hit ball to be in a state in which a hit ball cannot be fired. The error processing means includes an error notifying means (SG1) for notifying that an error has occurred.

Further, the error processing means may include a game disable control means for stopping the game operation control and controlling to a game impossible state. The error processing means automatically returns to a state before the occurrence of an error when a predetermined period (3S) has elapsed.
3) is included.

(5) In the storage upper limit judging process of FIG. 12, the upper limit of only the unpaid prize ball counter is monitored. In addition, the upper limit of the counters A, B, and C which are the storage counters of the number of winnings is also monitored. It is also possible to monitor the upper limit of only the winning number storage counters (counters A, B, C) (the one that originally does not store the number of unpaid prize balls in units of one, and the one that stores the number of unpaid balls). The upper limit is not monitored for the prize ball counter.)

(6) The output of the SC26 award signal is stopped when the lower plate shown in FIG. 14 is detected to be full or when the broken ball shown in FIG. 15 is detected. It may be.

In accordance with the processing of S113 and S119, the game control microcomputer outputs a notification sound request signal to the sound control board 306, and outputs a ball breaking lamp lighting request signal to the lamp control board 307. In this embodiment, the speaker 19 and the ball cut lamp 44 are driven and controlled by the control board, but instead, the game control microcomputer 326 directly outputs a speaker control signal to the speaker 19 or controls the ball cut lamp 44. It is also possible to directly output a blinking lamp blinking signal.

In addition, when the lower plate is full or when the empty ball is detected, the prize ball is not completely stopped being paid out, but the present prize ball payout operation is terminated from the end of the previous operation. Alternatively, the interval period until the start of the prize ball payout operation may be lengthened, or the prize ball payout speed may be reduced. However, in the case of a broken ball detection, there are two detectors upstream and downstream, and only when the upstream detector detects a broken ball. Further, the notification may not be issued when the lower plate is full or the ball is out. Further, an unpaid number of payout balls according to the value stored in the unpaid number storage means may be provided with an unpaid payout ball number display, and the unpaid payout ball number display may be constantly displayed.

In the storage upper limit judging process shown in FIG. 12, when the number of unpaid prize balls exceeds the upper limit, not only the winning ball count OK flag 3 is cleared, but also a warning notification request is set, and the gaming effect lamp 22 is set. A blinking operation may be performed in a predetermined manner so that a player or a staff member of a game hall can recognize that the number of unpaid prize balls has exceeded the upper limit value by looking at the blinking operation.

(7) A means for controlling the game state of the ball game machine by the game control microcomputer 326. The prize ball payout number information (the number of prize balls) according to the detection output of the prize ball detection means described later. Signal) is output.

The payout control microcomputer 309 constitutes payout control means for controlling the ball payout means and controlling to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the outputted prize ball payout number information. ing. And
As described above, the game control means and the payout control means are configured such that information is transmitted in only one direction from the game control means to the payout control means.

Prize ball count switches 320a, 320b
Alternatively, a prize ball payout detecting means (prize ball payout detector or prize ball detector) configured to detect the payout of the prize ball by the ball payout means by the prize ball motor position sensor 321. The SC32 to SC40 form a monitoring unit that receives a detection signal of the prize ball payout detection unit and monitors whether or not the number of prize balls paid out by the ball payout unit is normal based on the detection signal. ing. S10
0 constitutes a determination means for determining that the storage value of the unpaid-number storage means described later has reached a predetermined upper limit.

A notifying means for notifying that the upper limit has been reached by the judging means by the gaming effect lamp 22 may be provided. The notifying means is configured to perform a notifying operation when a predetermined notification canceling condition is satisfied after the stored value of the unpaid storage means becomes equal to or more than the upper limit value and becomes less than the upper limit value by paying out a premium ball. To stop. The notification release condition may be satisfied when a predetermined time elapses after the value becomes less than the upper limit value.

This notifying means, as described above,
Instead of or in addition to the gaming effect lamp 22, the notification may be made by the speaker 19, and the variable display device 33 may be constituted by an image display device such as a liquid crystal and the error display is performed by the variable display device 33. It may be.

The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 20 constitutes a ball storing portion capable of storing the premium balls discharged from the ball discharging means. The full tank switch 317 constitutes a full ball detecting unit for detecting that the balls stored in the full ball storage unit are full. The ball storage section full tank detection means may detect that the hit ball supply tray (upper plate) 6 is full, or a ball provided with only one ball storage tray. The gaming machine detects that the ball storage tray is full.

When the detection signal of the ball storage section full tank detection means is input and the game control section determines that the ball storage section is full based on the detection signal (S112).
(When YES is determined), control is performed to prevent the payout of the prize balls by the ball payout means (S115), and the fact that the ball storage unit is full is notified. Predetermined control is performed (S113).

The ball shortage detection switch 318 and the ball shortage switch 319 constitute a ball shortage detection unit for detecting the shortage of the balls to be paid out by the ball discharge unit. Then, when the detection signal of the ball deficiency detection means is input and the game control means determines that the ball is deficient based on the detection signal (when the determination of YES is made in S118), the game control means In addition to performing control to prevent the payout of the prize ball by the ball payout means (S121), predetermined control for notifying that the ball is in a shortage state is performed (S119).

As described above, when the detection signal of the ball storage section full tank detection means is input and the ball storage section is determined to be full based on the detection signal, as described above, Control may be performed to reduce the amount of prize balls paid out by the ball payout means per unit time. Further, as described above, the game control means, when the detection signal of the ball deficiency detection means is input and determines that the ball is deficient by the detection signal,
Control may be performed to reduce the amount of prize balls paid out by the ball payout means per unit time.

As described with reference to FIG. 12, the upper limit value is set to a value smaller than the limit value of the storage capacity of the unpaid number storage means by a predetermined number.

(8) The data stored in the RAM of the payout control microcomputer 309 may be backed up. In particular, each time there is a prize, the game control microcomputer 326 outputs a prize number signal immediately regardless of whether or not a prize ball is paid out, and uses the number of prize balls that have not been paid out due to a ball exhaustion or a full bottom plate for payout control. In the case of the specification that the microcomputer 309 stores and adds,
Required.

The game control microcomputer 3
Both the storage content of the RAM 26 and the storage content of the RAM of the payout control microcomputer 309 may be backed up.

The above-described warning notification 1 and 2 may be performed in different modes or may be performed in the same mode. For example,
Warning notification by sound or warning by light may be performed, and one may be warning notification by sound and the other may be warning notification by light.

As the dispensing compulsory prohibition state in which the prize ball should not be dispensed, both the broken-out ball and the lower plate full are illustrated, but only one of them may be used. In addition, the forced prohibition state in which the prize ball should not be paid out may be a condition other than a broken ball or a full bottom plate. For example, the prize ball count switch may be disconnected or short-circuited, and is not limited to a broken ball or a full bottom plate.

The above-mentioned winning invalidation processing may be processing for invalidating the detection signal of the winning ball itself. Further, even during the prize invalidation processing, a detection signal of a prize ball is received to update and update the information on the number of unpaid items associated with the prize, and the information on the number of prize balls during the prize invalidation processing (or to be paid out along with the prize). The winning ball number information) may be stored separately from the unpaid number information, and the storage may be subtracted from the unpaid number information when the prohibition of payout is released. That is, the prize signal itself is not invalidated even during the prize invalidation processing, but the prize amount accompanying the prize during the prize invalidation processing is deducted when the payout prohibition is released, by subtracting the prize amount during the prize invalidation processing. This is a method of not paying out.

[0192]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems Winning port switches 41a and 41b, starting port switch (starting winning ball detector)
The 46, the count switches 39a and 39b, and the V count switch (specific prize ball detector) 38 constitute prize ball detection means for detecting a prize ball hit by being hit into the game area. The ball payout device 59 constitutes a ball payout means capable of paying out prize balls.

The payout control microcomputer 309 constitutes payout control means for controlling the ball payout means. SA2, SA2a, SB14, SB14
a, SB17, SB17a, SB21, SB21a, S
C29, SC31, SC24, and SC17a, unpaid-number information (counters A to C) that can specify the number of unpaid pieces that have not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning of a hit ball. And an unpaid prize ball counter). The backup power supply 1110 constitutes a storage holding unit for enabling the unpaid number information stored in the unpaid number storage unit to be stored and held even during a power failure.

The above S112, S113a, S118, S
119a constitutes a pay-out prohibition condition detecting means for detecting that a pay-out prohibition condition for preventing the state of the ball game machine from paying out prize balls by the ball pay-out means is established. When the pay-out prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the pay-out prohibition condition by S113b and S119b, a hit ball firing prohibition means capable of prohibiting the firing of a hit ball into the game area is constituted. S214, S
According to 205, the hitting of a hit ball after a predetermined period elapses after the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the payout prohibiting condition or after a predetermined period has elapsed after the hit ball firing prohibiting means has prohibited firing of the hit ball. Winning invalidation processing means for performing processing for preventing payout of prize balls is configured.

The variable prize ball device 35 is provided in the game area and can be changed to a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player by the variable prize ball device 35. .

The game control microcomputer 32
6 constitutes a specific game state control means for controlling the variable winning ball device to a specific game state in which the variable winning ball device is brought into the first state when a predetermined condition is satisfied. And, as mentioned above,
When the specific game state is being controlled by the specific game state control means (S113a, S119a, S210 or S210).
If YES is determined in step S201b), even if the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the dispensing prohibition condition, the hit ball firing prohibiting means does not prohibit the firing of the ball (S113b, S119b). (No processing is performed), and no processing is performed to prevent payout of prize balls by the winning invalidation processing means (S21).
4, the processing of S205 is not performed).

As described above, the specific game state control means determines that the payout prohibition condition is detected by the payout prohibition condition detection means during the specific game state control (NO in S218 and NO). When the determination in S220 is YES), the specific game state control is interrupted (S224), and when the withdrawal prohibition condition detection means does not detect the satisfaction of the withdrawal prohibition condition (YES in S218). When the determination is made and YES is determined in S219), the specific game state control is restarted from the state at the time of the interruption (S22).
6).

The count switches 39a and 39b and the V count switch (specific winning ball detector) 38 constitute a winning ball detecting means capable of detecting a winning ball won in the variable winning ball device.

In S232, when it is not in the specific game state (when NO is determined in S231), it is detected that the payout prohibition condition is satisfied by the payout prohibition condition detecting means (S229).
Alternatively, when the winning ball detection means detects a winning ball (when a YES determination is made in S230), and when the payout prohibition condition is satisfied (when a YES determination is made in S228), the hit after the detection of the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition is performed. A prize invalidation processing means for performing a process for preventing a prize ball from being paid out with a prize of a ball is configured.

As described above, the prize invalidation processing means performs processing to prevent payout of prize balls, and then executes the processing when the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition is not detected by the payout prohibition condition detection means. (S216, S207
When the determination of NO is made in S233 and S2,
If the determination is NO in step S34), the processing for preventing payout of prize balls by the winning invalidation processing means is canceled (S217, S208, S235).

The S214, S205, S232, and the game effect lamp 22 constitute notification means for notifying that the prize invalidation processing means is performing processing for preventing payout of prize balls.

In steps S214 and S205, after a predetermined period elapses after the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means detects the satisfaction of the dispensing prohibition condition or after the hit ball firing prohibiting means prohibits the firing of the ball. Abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification when a hit ball is won is configured. In S214 and S205, only the request setting process of the warning notifications 1 and 2 may be performed without performing the clearing process of the winning ball count OK flags 1 and 2. That is, there is a hitting ball after a predetermined period has elapsed after the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means has detected the satisfaction of the dispensing prohibition condition or after a predetermined period has elapsed after the hitting ball firing prohibiting means has prohibited firing of the hitting ball. In this case, only the abnormality notification may be performed by the abnormality notification unit.

As described above, the prize invalidation processing means, when the specific game state is not being performed by the specific game state control means, the prize ball accompanying the detection of the prize ball by the prize ball detection means. Processing for preventing payout may be performed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a new inconvenience associated with backing up and storing unpaid-number information (eg, fraudulent acts using the backup).

Further, the firing of the hit ball may be prohibited by the hit ball firing means a little after the detection of the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition. In this case, the prize is invalidated after a lapse of a predetermined period from the prohibition of the firing. The processing by the conversion processing means is performed.

[0205]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
Regarding, while the unpaid amount information is backed up even at the time of the power failure and the inconvenience associated with the erasure of the unpaid number information can be prevented, after the satisfaction of the dispensing prohibition condition is detected or the hit ball firing prohibition Since a process is performed to prevent payout of a prize ball associated with winning of a hit ball after a predetermined period has elapsed after the firing of the hit ball has been prohibited by the means, the unpaid number information is backed up. New inconveniences associated with storing data can be prevented as much as possible.

According to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, in the specific game state, even if it is detected that the payout prohibition condition is satisfied, the firing of the hit ball is not performed and the premium ball is paid out. Is also not performed, so that the inconvenience of the specific game state progressing and terminating without the player being able to fire a ball at impact can be prevented.

According to Claim 3, in addition to the effect of Claim 1, when the satisfaction of the payout prohibition condition is detected during the specific game state control, the specific game state is interrupted.
When the payout prohibition condition is no longer detected, the specific game state is wasted because the payout prohibition condition is satisfied during the specific game state control in order to resume from the state when the specific game state control was interrupted. Can be prevented as much as possible.

Regarding claim 4, since the unpaid number information is backed up and stored even in the event of a power outage or the like, the inconvenience of erasing the unpaid number information can be prevented. When a winning ball is detected while the fulfillment of the payout prohibition condition is detected at the time, in order to prevent payout of a prize ball accompanying the winning of a hit ball after the detection of the fulfillment of the payout prohibition condition. Is performed, new inconvenience caused by storing and holding the unpaid-number information can be prevented as much as possible.

[0209] Claim 5 relates to Claims 1-4.
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, if the payout prohibition condition is not satisfied, a state is achieved in which a prize ball is paid out, and it is possible to return to a normal game state in which a prize ball is paid out according to the winning of a hit ball.

With respect to claim 6, claims 1 to 5
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, it is possible to recognize that processing for preventing payout is being performed. As a result, for example, during a breakdown, a clerk manually gives a prize ball to give a free prize ball to a player due to a breakdown and pays out a prize ball while the clerk pays out a prize ball, for example, a forced prohibition such as a broken-out ball. Even in the state, the clerk can notice that the payout prohibition control is being performed.

According to claim 7, even when a power failure occurs, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience caused by backing up the unpaid number information and erasing the unpaid number information, but to prevent the unpaid number information from being erased, but to detect the satisfaction of the withdrawal prohibition condition. Alternatively, in order to notify an abnormality when a hit of a hit ball occurs after a predetermined period has elapsed after the firing of the hit ball is prohibited by the hit ball firing prohibiting means, the unpaid number information is backed up and stored. New inconveniences associated with the operation can be prevented as much as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a ball and ball gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a back surface of the game board.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing start winning opening check processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special winning opening check process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a storage upper limit determination process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a winning ball confirmation process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a lower plate full process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a broken-out detection process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a winning invalid determination process when the lower plate is full.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a winning invalidity determination process when a ball is cut.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an undetected error notification process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a prize ball motor control process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a prize ball motor control process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing error processing 1;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing error processing 2;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an error process 3;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing error processing 4;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a jackpot interruption process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing winning invalidation determination processing.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for describing the contents of command data output from the game control microcomputer to the payout control microcomputer.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an overall rear view of a pachinko gaming machine showing another embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine showing another embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an operation explanatory view illustrating an operation of a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a ball game machine, 32 is a gaming area, 30 is a gaming board, 35 is a variable winning ball device, 50 is a card unit, and 46 is a starting port switch (starting winning prize) as an example of winning ball detecting means. Ball detectors), 41a and 41b are winning opening switches as an example of winning ball detecting means, 39a and 39b are count switches (winning ball detectors) as an example of winning ball detecting means, and 38 is V as an example of winning ball detecting means. A count switch (specific winning ball detector), 326 is a game control microcomputer as an example of specific game state control means, 309 is a payout control microcomputer as an example of payout control means, and 59 is a ball payout as an example of ball payout means. Device, 171 is an all winning ball detection switch, 320a and 320b are winning ball count switches, 322 is a winning ball motor, 321 is a winning ball motor position sensor, and 20 is a surplus. Saucer (lower tray) is full detection switch 317, 318 is a ball out detection switch, 319
Is a burnout switch, and 1110 is a backup power supply as an example of a memory holding unit.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A ball game machine in which a game is played by hitting a ball into a game area, wherein a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball hit by being hit into the game area; A ball payout means that can be paid out, a payout control means for controlling the ball payout means, and a number of unpaid balls which have not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning of a hit ball. Unpaid-number storage means for storing possible unpaid-number information; storage-hold means for enabling the unpaid-number information stored in the unpaid-number storage means to be stored and held even during a power failure; A pay-out prohibition condition detecting means for detecting that a pay-out prohibition condition for keeping the state of the gaming machine from paying out prize balls by the ball pay-out means has been established. If detected, the play of the ball A hit ball firing prohibiting means capable of prohibiting firing to an area; and A ballistic amusement machine comprising: a prize invalidating means for performing a process for preventing payout of a prize ball accompanying a prize of a hit ball after a period has elapsed. 2. A variable prize ball device provided in the game area and capable of changing between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player, and the variable prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specific game state control means for controlling the ball device to a specific game state for setting the ball apparatus to a first state, wherein when the specific game state is being controlled by the specific game state control means, the payout is prohibited by the payout prohibition condition detecting means. Even if the establishment of the condition is detected, the hit ball firing prohibiting means does not prohibit the firing of the hit ball, and the prize invalidation processing means does not perform the process of not giving out the prize ball. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein 3. A variable prize ball device provided in the game area and capable of changing between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player, and the variable prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specific game state control means for controlling the ball device to a specific game state in which the ball apparatus is set to the first state, wherein the specific game state control means controls the payout prohibition condition by the payout prohibition condition detection means during the specific game state control. When the establishment is detected, the specific game state control is interrupted, and when the dispensation prohibition condition detection unit does not detect the establishment of the dispensation prohibition condition, the specific game state control is resumed from the state at the time of the interruption. Characterized in that
The ball game machine according to claim 1. 4. A variable winning ball device provided in the game area and capable of changing between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player, wherein a predetermined winning condition is satisfied. A ball game machine capable of generating a specific game state in which the variable winning ball device is in a first state, wherein a winning ball detecting means capable of detecting a winning ball won in the variable winning ball device; Ball payout means capable of paying out the ball, payout control means for controlling the ball payout means, and the number of unpaid payouts which have not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out along with the winning of a hit ball. Unpaid-number storage means for storing identifiable unpaid-number information; storage-holding means for storing unpaid-number information stored in the unpaid-number storage means even during a power outage; Avoid paying prize balls by means A pay-out prohibition condition detecting means for detecting that a power-off prohibition condition is satisfied; and detecting the prize ball when the pay-out prohibition condition detection means detects that the pay-out prohibition condition is satisfied in a state other than the specific game state. If the means detects a winning ball,
A ball game machine, comprising: a winning invalidation processing means for performing a process for preventing payout of a prize ball in accordance with winning of a hit ball after detection of establishment of the payout prohibition condition. 5. The prize invalidation processing means performs a processing for preventing payout of a prize ball, and thereafter, when it is no longer detected that the payout prohibition condition is satisfied by the payout prohibition condition detection means, the prize winning processing. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing for preventing payout of the prize ball by the invalidation processing means is canceled. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit for notifying that the winning invalidation processing unit is performing a process for preventing payout of a prize ball.
The ball game machine according to claim 5. 7. A ball game machine in which a game is played by hitting a ball into a game area, wherein a prize ball detecting means for detecting a prize ball hit by being hit into the game area; A ball payout means that can be paid out, a payout control means for controlling the ball payout means, and a number of unpaid balls which have not been paid out by the ball payout means among the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning of a hit ball. Unpaid number storage means for storing possible unpaid number information; storage means for enabling the unpaid number information stored in the unpaid number storage means to be stored and held even during a power failure; A pay-out prohibition condition detecting means for detecting that a pay-out prohibition condition for preventing the state of the gaming machine from paying out prize balls by the ball pay-out means has been established. If detected, the play of the ball A ball hitting prohibition means capable of prohibiting firing into an area, and a predetermined time after the dispensing prohibition condition detecting means detects the establishment of a payout prohibition condition or after the hitting ball prohibition means prohibits firing of the ball. A ball game machine, comprising: abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification when a hit ball has been won after a lapse of a period.