JP2001112995A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko machine capable of maintaining precise dispensing by correctly receiving a prize ball command without stopping the operation of a paying out controller even in the case of operating an error releasing switch for releasing an error. SOLUTION: An operation type error-releasing switch 14 is connected to a dispensing controller 3 through an input port 15. The paying out controller 3 is provided with an error releasing processing means for monitoring the presence/absence of the operation signal of the switch 14 and restarting the dispensing control of prize balls in the case of detecting the operation signal of the switch 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine having a payout control device for controlling a payout of a prize ball in response to a prize ball command from a main control device for performing overall control of a pachinko game. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A main control device (main CPU) for performing overall control of a pachinko game, and a payout control device (sub-CPU for payout control) connected only to one-way communication from the main CPU are provided. When receiving the prize ball command (the number of prize balls to be paid out) transmitted from the main control device,
2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko gaming machine that controls the payout of a prize ball to a ball discharge device based on a prize ball command is known.

By the way, when the payout control device controls the payout of the prize balls to the ball discharge device, an abnormality related to the payout control (hereinafter referred to as an error) may occur. Ball clogging may occur in the ball supply path that supplies pachinko balls for payout to the ball discharge device, or in the prize ball discharge path that guides pachinko balls discharged as prize balls from the ball discharge device, etc. If it is not canceled naturally, the payout control device detects the error and stops the prize ball payout function.

In the case of an error, the payout control device does not perform the operation control for the payout to the ball discharge device. However, when the main control device sends the prize ball command, the payout ball command is transmitted. Processing for sequentially receiving and sequentially storing in a predetermined storage area is performed.

FIG. 6 is a main block diagram for explaining an error canceling function when an error occurs in the conventional prize ball payout control. A main control device 1 for performing overall control of a pachinko game is mounted on a main control board 2. Note that a winning detection signal from various winning detecting means (not shown) is input to the main control device 1. The main control device 1 transmits to the payout control device 3 a prize ball command corresponding to the number of payouts determined in advance according to the type of the winning detection signal. The payout control device 3 (payout control sub CPU 5) for controlling the payout of the prize ball is mounted on the prize ball control board 4. The sub CPU 5 receives the prize ball command transmitted from the main control device 1 through the built-in I / O port 8. Further, a push-button type error release switch 14 is connected to the reset terminal 16 of the sub CPU 5.

When an error occurs (for example, when a ball is clogged), the payout control device 3 detects the error and stops the payout function of the prize ball. After removing the cause of the error caused by the staff or the like, the error release switch 14 is pressed. The operation signal of the error release switch 14 is
Is input to the reset terminal 16 of the sub CP
The initialization process routine of the execution program including the prize ball payout control executed by U5 is executed. As a result, if the prize ball payout control is stopped by error detection, the error is released and the payout function is also performed. Return to normal.

However, there have been the following problems in the prior art. That is, while the error release switch 14 is pressed, the sub CPU 5 for payout control stops operating. Therefore, if a prize ball command is transmitted from the main control device during this time, the sub CPU receives the prize ball command. Therefore, there is a problem that a prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is not paid out, so that an accurate payout cannot be made.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to operate the payout control device without stopping the operation of the payout control device even when the error release switch for releasing the error is operated, and to correctly receive the prize ball command. As a result, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pachinko game machine capable of maintaining accurate payout.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention includes a payout control device for controlling a payout of a prize ball in response to a prize ball command from a main control device for performing overall control of a pachinko game. In order to solve the above problems, an operation-type error cancel switch is connected to the payout control device through an input port, and the payout control device is monitored for the presence or absence of an operation signal of the error cancel switch, An error canceling means for restarting the control of paying out prize balls when an operation signal of the error canceling switch is detected is provided.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a main part block diagram relating to a payout ball payout control system provided in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. Note that the reference numerals corresponding to those of the conventional technology are denoted by the same reference numerals.

A main control device 1 for performing overall control of a pachinko game is mounted on a main control board 2. The payout control device 3 for controlling the payout of the prize ball includes a prize ball control board 4.
It is installed in. Main controller 1 and payout controller 3
Is connected so that only one-way communication from the main control device 1 to the payout control device 3 is possible. A winning detection signal from various winning detecting means (not shown) is input to the main control device 1. The main control device 1 outputs a prize ball command corresponding to the number of payouts determined in advance according to the type of the prize detection signal (for example, a prize detection signal of a prize detection switch for detecting a prize to a prize port set to five payout ports) A prize ball command instructing to dispense five prize balls in response to the dispense control device 3
Send to

The payout control device 3 includes a sub CPU 5 for controlling the payout of a prize ball, a ROM 6 storing control programs executed by the sub CPU 5, a RAM 7 capable of reading and writing data as needed, and a main control device 1. Built-in I / O port 8 for receiving prize ball commands transmitted from
And an internal bus 9 (including a data bus).

A ball discharge device 10 for paying out prize balls is connected to the payout control device 3 via a driver 11, and the payout control device 3 controls the ball discharge device 10 for operation of paying out prize balls. Is

The ball discharge device 10 will not be described in detail in the drawings. For example, two sprockets of the same shape having a plurality of ball receiving portions for receiving pachinko balls are coaxially fixed on a shaft, and A rotating ball receiver comprising two sprockets spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and disposing ball bearings at a half pitch from each other in a rotation direction about the axis, and a shaft to which the rotating ball receiver is fixed And a prize ball motor M1 (e.g., configured by a stepping motor) coaxially connected to a drive shaft. The rotation of a rotating ball receiver driven by the prize ball motor M1 causes two front and rear ball supply paths (see FIG. (Not shown), the pachinko balls supplied to the inside of the ball discharging device 10 are alternately received one by one into the ball receiving portions of the two sprockets and transferred to the discharging side. (Not shown) One in which each other to discharge.

The discharge ball sensor 12 and the discharge ball sensor 13 shown in FIG. 1 are respectively provided in the above-described two front and rear discharge paths for prize balls. The prize ball discharged to the prize ball discharge path is detected.

In addition to the payout control device 3, the driver 11, an operation type (for example, a push button type) error release switch 14 and an input port 15 are provided on the prize ball control board 4.
And are installed. The error release switch 14, the ejection ball sensor 12, and the ejection ball sensor 13 are connected to an input port 15, and the input port 15 is connected to the internal bus 9 of the payout control device 3. Thereby, the operation signal of the error release switch 14, the detection signal of the prize ball of the ejection ball sensor 12, and the detection signal of the prize ball of the ejection ball sensor 13 are input to the payout control device 3 through the input port 15.

Next, a description will be given of a prize ball payout process performed by the sub CPU 5 of the payout control device 3, error detection due to ball clogging, and error cancellation. FIG. 2 and FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of payout control processing which U5 (only henceforth a sub CPU) performs.

In response to turning on the power to the payout control device 3, the sub CPU performs an initialization process to initialize each flag, each counter and the storage area (step S01). After completing the initialization process, the sub CPU proceeds to step S02, and determines whether or not a prize ball command is transmitted from the main control device 1 (step S02). In the award ball command, the main controller 1 sets the command payout number in units of one command payout number within the range of one command payout number to 15 command payout numbers. Therefore, the content of the prize ball command is any one of the command payout numbers in the range of 1 to 15.

If it is determined in step S02 that there is no winning ball command, the sub CPU proceeds to step S05. On the other hand, if there is a winning ball command, the sub CPU receives the command.
The command payout number according to the content of the prize ball command received this time is sequentially stored in the free area of the command payout number storage area secured in the RAM 7 (step S03), and the value of the command reception counter is increased by one (step S03). S04), and proceed to step S05.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the storage state of the command payout number in the command payout number storage area. Each time the sub CPU receives a prize ball command, it searches for a free area and stores the command payout number corresponding to the currently received prize ball command in the free area. That is, when the command payout number is stored, the command payout number corresponding to the received prize ball command is sequentially stored in an empty area subsequent to the command payout number that has been held and stored without payout. Further, the value of the command reception counter is incremented by one in accordance with the storage of the command payout number.

The sub CPU that has proceeded to step S05
Check the conditions for starting the prize ball payout. That is, first, the sub CPU determines whether or not the error flag is set (step S05). In the present embodiment, the error flag is set when the ball discharge device 10 has clogged balls. If the error flag is set, the ball is clogged in the ball discharge device 10, and the function of paying out prize balls by the ball discharge device 10 is stopped. The processing when the error flag is set will be described later. The error flag has been cleared by the initialization process, and the sub CPU
Determines that step S05 is false and proceeds to step S06.

Next, the sub CPU determines whether or not it is possible to start paying out a prize ball (step S06). The sub CPU determines whether or not the prize ball can be paid out based on whether or not the payout flag is cleared. The payout flag is cleared by the initialization process, is set when the prize ball is started to be paid out, and is cleared when the prize ball is paid out. The description will be made on the assumption that the paying-out flag is cleared, and that the payout of the prize ball can be started. The sub CPU determines that step S06 is true, and proceeds to step S07.

The sub CPU sets the reception command counter to 0.
Is determined (step S07). The reception command counter is a counter indicating the number of reserved command payouts stored in correspondence with the winning ball command received by the sub CPU. If the received command counter is 0, there is no reserved number of command payouts, so that the payout of prize balls is not started. If the sub CPU determines in step S07 that the received command counter is 0, the sub CPU proceeds to step S07.
Returning to 02, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command has been transmitted from the main control device 1. When the received command counter is a value other than 0, the payout number of the command is suspended, and the payout of the prize ball is started. If the sub CPU determines in step S07 that the received command counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S08, and performs setting for starting the payout of the prize ball.

The sub CPU reads out the command payout number stored in the highest (first) storage area in the command payout number storage area and sets it as the current payout number (step S08). The command payout numbers stored in the stored second storage area to the last storage area are sequentially shifted to the first storage area, and the contents of the last storage area are cleared to 0 (step S09). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a shift state of the command payout number relating to the setting of the payout number in the command payout number storage area. After performing the processing in step S09, the sub CPU decrements the value of the command reception counter by one in accordance with the set number of payouts (step S10).

Next, the sub CPU sets the monitoring counter to 0.
Clear (step S11). Here, the monitoring counter is a counter for monitoring the occurrence of clogged balls in the ball discharging device 10. Further, the monitoring counter is provided with the ball discharging device 10.
When the operation of is performed, if the ball detection signal from the discharge ball sensor 12 and the ball detection signal from the discharge ball sensor 13 are both absent, the value of the counter is increased by one.

After completing the processing in step S11, the sub CPU sets a payout flag (step S12),
The ball discharging device 10 is operated only for discharging one ball (step S
13).

First, the case where the ball discharging device 10 normally pays out the prize balls without clogging the balls will be described. In addition,
The ball discharge device 10 is moved toward the prize ball discharge path of the front and rear two articles.
The prize balls are discharged alternately one by one. Accordingly, when a prize ball is discharged to one of the two prize ball discharge paths before and after, a ball is detected by the discharge ball sensor 12 but the prize ball is not discharged to the other. There is no.

After completing the processing in step S13, the sub CPU proceeds to step S14, and determines whether or not the discharged ball sensor 12 is turned on (whether or not a ball detection signal is input by the discharged ball sensor 12). Determine (Step S1
4). When the prize ball is discharged to one of the two prize ball discharge paths before and after the sub CPU, the sub CPU determines that step S14 is true, reduces the current payout number by one (step S15), and determines that the current payout number is 0. It is determined whether or not there is, that is, whether or not the payout of the set number of prize balls at the start of the payout of the prize balls is completed (step S16).

If the number of payouts this time is not zero, it means that the payout of the prize balls of the number set at the time of starting the payout of the prize balls has not been completed yet. The sub CPU determines in step S
If it is determined to be false, the process returns to step S02. Sub CP
U proceeds to step S05 via step S02, step S03, and step S04 if there is an award ball command, or proceeds from step S02 to step S05 if there is no award ball command (hereinafter, from step S02 to step S05). The processing routine is referred to as a prize ball command receiving routine), step S05 is determined to be false, and as a result of the payout flag being set, step S06 is determined to be false, steps S12 and S13 are performed again, and the ball is discharged again. The apparatus 10 is operated only for discharging one ball (step S13).

When the first prize ball is discharged to one of the two prize ball discharge paths before and after the second prize ball, the second prize ball by the operation of the next ball discharge device 10 is the other of the two front and rear two prize balls. It is discharged to the prize ball discharge path. Therefore, although there is ball detection by the ejected ball sensor 13, there is no ejection of the prize ball in one of the ejection paths for prize balls, so that no ball is detected by the ejected ball sensor 12.

The sub CPU determines in step S14 that the ejection ball sensor 12 is not on, and in step S19.
Then, it is determined whether or not the ejection ball sensor 13 is turned on (whether or not a ball detection signal is input by the ejection ball sensor 13) (step S19). If the prize ball is discharged on the other of the two prize ball discharge paths before and after, the sub CPU determines that step S19 is true, shifts to step S15, and reduces the current payout number by one (step S15). It is determined whether or not the number of payouts this time is 0, that is, whether or not the payout of the number of payouts set at the time of starting the payout of the prize balls is completed (step S16).

If the number of payouts this time is not 0, it means that the payout of the number of prize balls set at the time of starting the payout of the prize balls has not been completed yet. The sub CPU determines in step S
If it is determined to be false, the process returns to step S02. Hereinafter, the sub CPU performs a prize ball command receiving routine, determines that the step S05 is false, determines that the step S06 is false as a result of the payout flag being set, and performs the steps S12 and S13 again. The ball discharging device 10 is operated again for discharging one ball.

As described above, each time the ball discharge device 10 is operated for discharging one ball, the discharged ball sensor 12 and the discharged ball sensor 1 are operated.
3 detects a prize ball discharged alternately. Step S
When the number of payouts is determined to be 0 by the determination process of 16, the payout of the prize balls of the number set at the time of starting the payout of the prize balls is completed. If the sub CPU determines that step S16 is true, the sub CPU clears the payout flag and enables the start of payout of the prize ball (step S1).
7) Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the monitoring counter is 0 (step S18). If the prize ball is normally paid out without occurrence of clogging of the ball, the value of the monitoring counter is 0. In this case, the sub CPU determines that step S18 is true and returns to step S02.

Next, a case where a ball is clogged in the ball discharge device 10 will be described. First, discharge ball sensor 1
The case where the ball detection signal from the ejected ball sensor 13 is input but the ball detection signal from the ejected ball sensor 13 is not input at all due to the ball clogging will be described. In this case, the prize ball is discharged only on one of the prize ball discharge paths provided with the discharge ball sensor 12. In addition, the determination result of step S19 is always false. Every time the ball discharging device 10 is operated for discharging one ball, the case where the discharged ball sensor 12 detects the ball and the case where the discharged ball sensor 12 and the discharged ball sensor 13 do not detect the ball alternately occur. .

In step S13, a command is issued to the ball discharging device 10 for discharging one ball, and if the discharged ball sensor 12 detects a ball, step S14 is determined to be true, and the process proceeds to step S16 via step S15. The process proceeds to step S02 if the current payout number is not 0. Then, the sub CPU executes the prize ball command receiving routine, step S05.
Is false, and as a result of the paying flag being set,
Step S06 is determined to be false, and again, step S12,
Step S13 is performed, and the ball discharging device 10 is operated again for discharging one ball.

If the discharge ball sensor 12 detects a ball in response to the last operation of the ball discharge device 10 for one ball discharge, the discharge ball is detected for the current operation of one ball discharge of the ball discharge device 10. There should be ball detection by the sensor 13, but no prize ball is discharged due to clogging of the ball, and thus no ball is detected by the discharged ball sensor 13. Therefore, both the discharged ball sensor 12 and the discharged ball sensor 13 do not detect the ball.

The sub CPU determines that step S14 is false, and then determines that step S19 is false.
22 and increments the value of the monitoring counter by one (step S22), and determines whether the current value of the monitoring counter exceeds a predetermined value (for example, the predetermined value is 30 in the present embodiment). (Step S23), and in this case,
Step S23 is determined to be false, and the process returns to step S02.

Then, the sub CPU performs the prize ball command receiving routine, steps S05, S06, S12, and S13, and operates the ball discharge device 10 again for discharging one ball. As is apparent from the above description, until the number of payouts becomes 0 this time, after the processing of step S13, step S14, step S15, and step S
16, processing passing through step S02 and step S1
4, Step S19, Step S22, Step S2
3. Step S02 and the process to be performed are alternately performed every other time.

Accordingly, the countdown of the current payout number and the countup of the monitoring counter are performed alternately. For example, if the number of current payouts is 5, the number of current payouts becomes zero when the processing via steps S14, S15, and S16 is performed five times. Further, in this case, the processing via steps S14, S19, S22, and S23 is performed at least four times until the number of payouts becomes 0 this time, so that the value of the monitoring counter is 4. .

The sub CPU determines in step S16 that the current payout number has become 0, clears the payout flag in step S17, and determines that step S18 is false as a result of the current value of the monitoring counter not being 0. The one-sided payout error is displayed on an error display or the like (not shown) provided on the payout control board 4 using a numeral or the like (for example, numeral 4) (step S24), and an error flag is set (step S2).
5) Return to step S02.

If the ball detection signal from the discharged ball sensor 13 is input but the ball detected signal from the discharged ball sensor 12 is not input at all due to clogging of the ball, the determination result in step S14 is always false, and the prize ball is obtained. Is simply replaced by the ejected ball sensor 13, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also in this case, it is determined that the value of the monitoring counter is not 0 when the payout of the prize ball is completed (step S1).
8) It is displayed as a one-sided payment error and an error flag is set (steps S20 to S2).
1).

Furthermore, the discharged ball sensor 12
The following describes a case where both the ball detection signal by the sensor and the ball detection signal by the ejected ball sensor 13 are not input at all. The determination result in step S14 is always false, and the determination result in step S19 is always false. Therefore, the sub CPU repeats the processing of steps S14, S19, S22, and S23 at a predetermined cycle after the processing of step S13 until the current value of the monitoring counter exceeds the predetermined value. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter is counted up one by one, and eventually exceeds a predetermined value. When the sub CPU determines that the current value of the monitoring counter exceeds the predetermined value (step S23), it displays a payout ball non-detection error using a numeral or the like (for example, numeral 3) (step S24), and displays an error. The flag is set (step S25), and the process returns to step S02. However, in this case, the paying-out flag remains set, and the number of payouts this time remains at the value set in step S08.

As described above, when the abnormality of the payout due to the clogged ball of the ball discharge device 10 is detected as an error and the error flag is set, the determination result of step S05 following the award ball command receiving routine of FIG. 2 is true. Become. Sub CP
If U determines that step S05 is true, step S26 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not an error release signal has been input (step S26). If there is no input of the error release signal, the sub CPU returns to step S02. Hereinafter, the sub CPU executes the prize ball command receiving routine, step S0.
5. Step S26 is repeatedly executed. Therefore, as is clear from the flowchart, when the error flag is set, the ball discharging device 10 does not perform the operation for discharging the ball, and accordingly,
The prize ball payout function has been stopped. When a prize ball command is transmitted from the main control device 1, the sub CPU
Correspond to steps S02, S03, S04
To store the command payout number according to the content of the prize ball command.

When an error due to clogging of a ball occurs in the ball discharge device 10, the cause of the error caused by a staff member or the like is eliminated. After eliminating the cause of the error, the error release switch 14 is pressed. An operation signal (error cancel signal) of the error cancel switch 14 is input via the input port 15. The sub CPU determines that step S26 is true, clears the error flag (step S27), turns off the error display on the error display or the like (step S28), clears the monitoring counter to 0 (step S29), and step S02. Return to

As a result of clearing the error flag and clearing the monitoring counter to 0, the sub CPU proceeds to step S
After the process at step S05, the process moves to step S06. If the payout flag is cleared, the process proceeds to step S07. If the value of the command reception counter is not 0, a new prize ball is paid out according to the command payout number stored and stored. Start. If the payout flag is set and the current payout number is still the value set in step S08, the payout of the prize ball is restarted by the processing of step S12 and subsequent steps.

As described above, the dispensing control device 3 of the present embodiment includes the dispensing abnormality caused by the clogging of the ball when the ball discharging device 10 is clogged with the ball, for example, from the ball discharging device 10. Error detection processing for detecting a payout ball non-detection error in which no payout ball is detected, and a single payout error in which only one of the front and rear prize ball discharge paths detects a payout ball and no payout ball is detected from the other. Means are provided. When the error detection processing means detects the above error, an error flag is set.
In the state where the error flag is set, if a prize ball command is transmitted from the main control device 1, the command reception storage means (step S 02, step S 02) receives the command and stores the command payout number corresponding to the prize ball command. S03,
In step S04), the ball discharging device 1 is in the operating state.
The operation for paying out the prize ball for 0 is stopped. Then, the error release processing means is connected to the error release switch 14.
By monitoring the presence / absence of the operation signal of the above, and clearing the error flag when the operation signal of the error release switch 14 is detected, the payout control of the prize ball to the ball discharge device 10 is restarted.

In this embodiment, the payout control device connected to the main control device (main CPU) of the pachinko gaming machine, that is, the error release processing means for performing the error release with respect to the sub control device (sub CPU) has been described. ,
This is a symbol display device connected to the main control device of the pachinko game machine, a lamp LED for information display and decoration display.
The display device, the hit ball launching device that launches and launches a pachinko ball, or an audio control device that issues a voice according to the status of a pachinko game, may be an error release processing unit that releases an error that has occurred.

[0048]

According to the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the operable error release switch is connected to the payout control device through the input port, so that the error release switch can be compared with that connected to the reset terminal of the payout control device. Therefore, the operation of the payout control device does not stop, the prize ball command is correctly received even when the operation signal of the error release switch is input, and the error release processing means monitors the presence or absence of the operation signal of the error release switch, and Since the payout control of the prize ball is restarted when the operation signal of the release switch is detected, the accurate payout of the prize ball can be maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main block diagram of a payout control system of a prize ball provided in a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sub CPU provided in the payout control device according to the embodiment;
Showing the main routine of the payout control process executed by the user

FIG. 3 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage state of a command payout number in a command payout number storage area;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a shift state of a command payout number relating to a set of the payout number in a command payout number storage area.

FIG. 6 is a main block diagram for explaining an error canceling function when an error occurs in the conventional prize ball payout control.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 main control device 2 main control board 3 payout control device 4 prize ball control board 5 sub CPU 6 ROM 7 RAM 8 I / O port 9 internal bus 10 ball discharge device 11 driver 12 discharge ball sensor 13 discharge ball sensor 14 error release switch 15 Input port 16 Reset terminal

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a pachinko game machine provided with a payout control device for controlling payout of a prize ball in response to a prize ball command from a main control device for performing overall control of a pachinko game, an operation-type error release switch is provided. Connected to the payout control device through the input port, the payout control device monitors the presence or absence of an operation signal of the error release switch, and restarts the payout control of the prize ball when the operation signal of the error release switch is detected. A pachinko game machine provided with an error canceling processing means.