JP2001212349A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of accurately controlling the prize information and dispensed game medium information respectively by accurately grasping the number of delivered prize game mediums and the number of delivered dispensed game mediums. SOLUTION: The delivery of pachinko balls by a prize ball delivering device and a ball dispenser is detected by a prize ball counting switch 301A and a ball dispenser counting switch 301B, and delivery detection signals are outputting to both a game control substrate and a prize ball control substrate. Both the prize ball counting switch 301A counting only the delivery of prize balls and the ball dispenser counting switch 301B counting only the dispensed game mediums are equipped, thereby the number of the dispensed game mediums and the number of the prize gamer mediums can be obtained separately.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like, and particularly detects a payout of a gaming medium such as a ball, a coin or a medal. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a game medium payout detecting means that can be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, or the like, a prize game medium such as a prize ball, a prize coin or a prize medal is given to a player by a game medium payout means in accordance with a prize. It is generally known that the game medium is provided with a game medium payout detecting means for detecting the payout.

In this type of conventional gaming machine, first,
The game medium is detected by the game medium payout detection means. Thereafter, the game medium payout detection means outputs a detection signal capable of specifying the number of paid out game media to the game medium medium payout control means for controlling the payout operation of the game medium payout means.
Based on the input payout detection signal, the game medium payout control means externally outputs information that can specify the number of paid out game media. The output information is transmitted to, for example, a management computer of a game arcade, and data is aggregated.
It is used as information to help playground management.

[0004]

In the above-described game medium payout detecting means, the prize game medium to be paid out with the prize and the rental game medium to be lent to the player are detected without distinction. It is not possible to obtain information that specifies the number of game media and the number of rental game media separately. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately grasp the number of premium game media and the number of rental game media. As a result, the prize information of the gaming machine and the number of the rental media cannot be separately managed accurately.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as its object to obtain prize information and prize information by accurately grasping the number of payouts of prize game media and the number of payouts of rental game media. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of accurately managing each of the rental media information.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game control means for outputting number information capable of specifying the number of premium game media to be paid out, and the number outputted from the game control means. Game medium payout control means for controlling the number of prize game media specified by the information, and a predetermined number of rented game media according to the lending request to be paid out by the game medium payout means, and the game medium payout means A payout of the prize game medium by the payout of the premium game medium by the payout of the prize game medium by the payout of the prize game medium by detecting the payout of the game media by the And a prize game medium payout detecting means for outputting a detection signal to both the game control means and the game medium payout control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the game control means pays out the paid out game medium based on the inputted payout detection signal. Information that can specify the number is output to the outside.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the game medium payout control means includes an input of the payout detection signal and the input of the loan detection signal. Further, there is provided an abnormality determining means for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the payout system of the game medium by using at least one of the above.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, the abnormality determining means includes a prize specified by the input payout detection signal and the loan detection signal, respectively. It further has a function of determining whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred in the payout system for the game media based on at least one of the number of game media and the number of game media for rental.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the abnormality determining means is configured to detect the input of the payout detection signal and the loan detection signal. It further has a function of determining whether or not a payout detection abnormality has occurred based on at least one of the payout detection states.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, the game medium dispensing control means includes an inputting means for inputting the abnormality determining means. When it is determined that the number of game media specified by at least one of the payout detection signal and the loan detection signal is smaller than the number of game media to be paid out, the game is performed so as to pay out the insufficient game media. Control the medium dispensing means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any of the third to sixth aspects, at least one of an abnormal payout of the game medium and an abnormal detection of the payout is generated. Is further provided, and the game medium payout control means uses the abnormality notification means to notify that there is an abnormality when the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any of the third to seventh aspects, the game medium payout control means determines that the abnormality determination means has an abnormality. In such a case, control is performed to stop the payout operation of the game medium payout means according to the type of abnormality.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to eighth aspects, a prize game medium unpaid for notifying that there is an unpaid prize game medium. The game control unit further includes a notification unit, and determines whether or not there is an unpaid prize game medium by using the input payout signal. A notification that there is unpaid is provided using the game medium unpaid notification unit.

The present invention described in claim 10 is the first invention
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 9, the game control means includes a first unpaid prize game medium number storage means for storing the number of unpaid prize game media, and The payout prize game medium number storage means adds the number of prize game media to be paid out newly generated according to satisfaction of the game medium payout condition to the number of unpaid prize game media, and the payout detection signal is inputted. Each time it is performed, the number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of unpaid premium play media.

The present invention described in claim 11 provides the invention according to claims 1 to
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 10, the game medium payout control means includes a second unpaid prize game medium storage means for storing the number of unpaid prize game media,
The second unpaid prize game medium number storage means adds a corresponding number to the number of unpaid prize game media in accordance with the input of the number information, and sets the unpaid prize game medium every time the payout detection signal is input. The number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of premium game media.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the following effects are produced. By the function of the game medium payout means, it becomes possible to pay out the prize game medium given to the player by the establishment of the prize game medium payout condition and the lending game medium lent to the player in response to the lending request. By the function of the game control means, the game state of the gaming machine is controlled, and the number information that can specify the number of premium game media is output. By the function of the game medium payout control means, the number of prize game media to be paid out specified by the number information outputted from the game control means, and a predetermined number of rental game media according to the lending request are transferred to the game medium. Control for paying out by the payout means is performed. By the function of the rental media payout detection means,
Upon detecting the payout of the game media by the game medium payout means, a loan detection signal is output to the game medium payout control means. By the function of the prize game medium payout detecting means, the payout of the prize game medium by the game medium payout means is detected, and a payout detection signal is output to both the game control means and the game medium payout control means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the game is controlled by the game control means and paid out based on the input payout detection signal. Information that can specify the number of game media to be paid out is output to the outside.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the input of the game medium is controlled by the function of the abnormality determining means of the game medium payout control means. Using at least one of the payout detection signal and the lending detection signal, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the payout system of the game medium.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the third aspect of the present invention, the abnormality detecting means operates to output the payout detection signal and the loan detection signal, respectively. Based on at least one of the specified number of premium game media and the number of rental game media, it is determined whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred in a payout system for the game media.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the input of the payout detection signal and the lending are performed by the function of the abnormality determining means. It is determined whether or not a payout detection abnormality has occurred based on at least one of the payout detection states of the detection signals.

According to the game medium of the present invention described in claim 6, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 3 to 5, the abnormalities are caused by the operation of the game medium payout control means. When the determining means determines that the number of game media specified by at least one of the input payout detection signal and the lending detection signal is less than the number of game media to be paid out, the insufficient game media are determined. The game medium payout means is controlled so as to pay out.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the third aspect of the present invention,
When the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality by the function of the abnormality notifying means capable of notifying the occurrence of at least one of the payout abnormality and the payout detection abnormality of the game medium, the abnormality is notified.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the function of the third aspect of the present invention,
By the function of the game medium payout control means, when the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality, control is performed to stop the payout operation of the game medium payout means according to the type of abnormality.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the function of the first aspect of the present invention,
By the function of the prize game medium unpaid notification means, the game control means can notify that there is unpaid when there is unpaid using the input payout signal.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the function of the gaming machine according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the number of first prize unpaid game media of the game control means is provided. In the storage means, the number of prize game media to be paid out newly generated according to the establishment of the game medium payout condition is added to the number of unpaid prize game media, and each time a payout detection signal is input. The number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of unpaid premium game media and stored.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the gaming machine according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the payout control means stores the number of second unpaid game media. In the means, the number corresponding to the input of the number information is added to the number of unpaid prize game media, and each time the payout detection signal is input, the number of unpaid prize game media corresponds to the number of unpaid game media. Are sequentially subtracted and stored.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, a pachinko game machine is shown as an example of a game machine. However, the game machine of the present invention may be, for example, a coin game machine or a slot machine, and the game medium is a game medium. As long as the gaming machine is provided with a game medium detecting means capable of detecting the payout from the payout means, the same effect as the gaming machine of the present invention can be obtained in all other gaming machines.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming machine 1 as an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a card unit (also referred to as a card processing machine) 50 installed correspondingly.

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

When a player inserts a so-called prepaid card having a card balance recorded therein into the card insertion slot 155,
The card balance recorded on the prepaid card is read. Next, when the player performs a predetermined ball lending operation, the balance of the lending amount set in advance is reduced, and the ball for the lending amount is hit by the ball supply tray 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Lending to

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

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

A game effect LED 28 is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7.
a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, a prize ball lamp 51 which is turned on when there is an unpaid prize ball to be paid out, and a ball payout device 97 for paying out prize balls and ball lending (see FIG. 3).
And a speaker 27 for emitting sound effects such as stereo sound on the left and right of the upper part of the game area 7 are provided. , 27 are provided.

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

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

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

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

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

The ball hitting the passing gate 11a is detected by the gate switch 12. Hitting the gate switch 1
2, the variable display 10 is variably started. If a further hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 while the variable display 10 is variably displaying, the passing ball is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the storage number, and the storage number is passed. It is displayed on the storage display 10a.

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

In addition, the general winning opening 24 (24a, 24b,
24c, 24d, and 24e), the winning balls are provided on the gaming board 6 by the respective winning opening switches 240 (240a, 2e).
40b, 240c, 240d, 240e), which are promptly detected, and ten prize balls are paid out based on this.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanical plate 36 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. As shown in FIG. 3, the ball that has passed through the guide gutter 39 has a ball-break detection switch 187 (18).
7a, 187b) and the ball supply gutter 186 (186)
a, 186b) to reach the ball dispensing device 97. Note that the guide gutter 39 is provided with a cutout detection switch 167 that detects a cutout on the upstream side of the cutout switch 187.

The balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hitting operation supply plate 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port 45. On the side of the communication port 45, an excess ball passage 46 communicating with the excess ball tray 4 provided on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed. When a large number of balls based on the prize are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and finally the ball is further paid out after reaching the communication port 45, the ball is transferred to the surplus ball tray 4 via the surplus ball passage 46. Be guided. When the ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 presses the full tank switch 48 and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor (stepping motor) 289 in the ball payout device 97 stops, the operation of the ball payout device 97 stops, and the driving of the hit ball firing device 34 also stops as necessary.

For controlling the payout of the prize balls, the starting port switch 17 and each of the winning port switches 240 (240a, 240b,
240c, 240d, 240e), signals from the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23 are sent to the game control board 31. When the ON signals of these switches are sent to the game control board 31, a prize ball number command is sent from the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending board 37. For example, when the winning ball detection switch is turned on in response to the turning on of the starting port switch 17, a winning ball number command indicating the number of winning balls "5" is output from the game control board 31, and the count switch 23 or the V count switch 22 A prize ball number command indicating the prize ball number “15” is output in response to turning on. Then, when the winning opening switch 240 other than those switches is turned on, a winning ball number command indicating the winning ball number “10” is output.

The power supply unit box 31 is provided on the mechanism plate 36.
9 and a power supply relay board (not shown) are assembled in a superimposed manner. The power supply unit box 319 accommodates a power supply unit board (not shown) that generates a plurality of power supplies having different voltages. AC2 on the power supply unit board
A power connector and a power switch to which a power cord is connected to a power supply of 4 V, and a relay board connector (not shown) for connecting to a power relay board are mounted. In the power supply unit board, a plurality of power supplies are generated by turning on a power switch and supplied to the game control board 31, the prize ball lending board 37, and other control boards via a power relay board (not shown). It has become.

Note that the power supply unit box 319 and the power supply relay board are parts that can be used regardless of the type of the game board 6, for example, when the game board 6 of the game machine is replaced with another game board. Can also be reused.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, pachinko gaming machine 1
The configuration of the intermediate base unit installed on the mechanism plate 36 on the back side of the above will be described. The ball supply gutters 186a and 186b and the ball payout device 97 are installed in the intermediate base unit. As shown in FIG. 4, connecting concave protrusions 182 are formed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate base unit. The connection concave projection 182 connects and fixes the intermediate base unit and an upper base unit and a lower base unit of a mechanism plate (not shown).

The passage 18 is located above the intermediate base unit.
4 is fixed. The ball dispensing device 97 is fixed to a lower portion of the passage body 184. The passage body 184 has ball passages 186a and 186 through which two rows of balls whose flowing direction has been changed to the left and right directions by the curve gutter 174 (see FIG. 3) flow down.
6b. On the upstream side of the ball passages 186a and 186b, ball breaking switches 187a and 187b are provided. The ball break switches 187a and 187b are connected to the ball passage 18
6a, 186b to detect the presence or absence of a ball,
When the ball cutout switches 187a and 187b stop detecting the ball, the rotation of the payout motor (not shown in FIG. 4) in the ball payout device 97 is stopped, and the ball payout is deactivated.

Note that the burnout switches 187a and 187b
Is locked by a locking piece 188 at a position where the presence of 27 to 28 balls in the ball passages 186a and 186b can be detected.

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

Below the passage body 184, a ball payout device 97 is provided.
To supply the ball to the ball, and in the event of failure, the ball payout device 97
A ball stop device 190 for stopping the supply of the ball to the ball is provided. The ball payout device 97 installed below the ball stopping device 190 is housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case 198. Protrusions are provided at four places on the left and right of the case 198. The lower end of the case 198 is fitted into an elastic engagement piece provided at a lower part of the intermediate base unit in a state in which each projection rests on a positioning projection provided on the intermediate base unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ball payout device 97. The configuration and operation of the ball payout device 97 will be described with reference to FIG. In the ball payout device 97 in this embodiment, the stepping motor (payout motor) 289 is
The pachinko balls are dispensed one by one by rotating 88. The ball payout device 97 pays out not only prize balls based on winnings but also lending balls to be lent.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ball payout device 97
There are two cases 198a and 198b. The ball dispensing device 9 is provided at two places on the left and right of each case 198a, 198b.
7 is provided with an engagement projection 280 that is in contact with a positioning projection provided at the upper part of the installation position. In addition, in each case 198a, 198b, the ball supply path 281a, 2
81b are formed. Ball supply path 281a, 281b
Has curved surfaces 282a and 282b, and has curved surfaces 282a and 282b.
Below the end of 282b, a ball feed horizontal path 284a,
84b are formed. Further, the ball feed horizontal path 284
Ball discharge passages 283a and 283b are formed at the ends of a and 284b.

Ball supply paths 281a and 281b, ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b, and ball discharge paths 283a and 283b.
Are formed in front of partition walls 295a and 295b that partition the cases 198a and 198b forward and backward, respectively.
Further, in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b, a ball pressure buffering member 285 is sandwiched between the cases 198a and 198b. The ball pressure buffering member 285 distributes the balls supplied to the ball dispensing device 97 to the left and right sides and the ball supply paths 281a and 281.
1b.

Further, a payout motor position sensor including a light emitting element LED 286 and a light receiving element (not shown) is provided below the ball pressure buffering member 285. Light emitting element 286
And the light receiving element are provided at a predetermined interval.
The distal end of the screw 288 is inserted into the space. In addition, the ball pressure buffering member 285
Is completely housed and fixed inside the cases 198a and 198b when they are bonded to each other.

The ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b have a screw 28 rotated by a payout motor 289.
8 are arranged. The payout motor 289 is fixed to the motor fixing plate 290, and the motor fixing plate 290 is
Fixing grooves 291a, 2 fixed behind 5a, 295b
91b. In this state, the motor shaft of the dispensing motor 289 projects forward of the partition walls 295a, 295b, so that the screw 288 is fixed forward of the projection. On the outer periphery of the screw 288, there is provided a spiral projection 288a for moving the balls placed on the ball feed horizontal paths 284a, 284b forward by the rotation of the payout motor 289.

A recess is formed at the tip of the screw 288 so as to house the light-emitting element 286, and two notches 292 are formed at 180 ° around the recess.
Is formed apart. Therefore, the screw 288
During one rotation, the light from the light emitting element 286 is detected twice by the light receiving element via the notch 292.

That is, the dispensing motor position sensor including the light emitting element 286 and the light receiving element is for stopping the screw 288 at the fixed position and detecting that the dispensing operation has been performed. Note that the light-emitting element 286,
The wires from the light receiving element and the payout motor 289 are put together and pulled out to the outside from a drawer hole formed below the rear part of the case 198a, 198b, and connected to the connector.

When the payout motor 289 is rotated while the balls are placed on the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a and 284b, the balls are directed forward on the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a and 284b by the spiral projection 288a of the screw 288. Move. And finally, the ball feed horizontal path 284a,
From the end of 284b, it falls to ball discharge paths 283a and 283b. At this time, the left and right ball feed horizontal paths 284a, 284
The drops from b are performed alternately. That is, every time the screw 288 makes a half turn, one ball falls from one side. Therefore, every time one ball falls, the light emitting element 2
The light from 86 is detected once by the light receiving element.

As shown in FIG. 4, a ball distribution member 311 is provided below the ball dispensing device 97, and further below the ball distribution member 311, a prize ball count switch 301A by a proximity switch and a ball distribution switch 301A are provided. Ball rental count switch 3
01B is provided.

The ball distributing member 311 includes the distributing solenoid 3
Driven by 10. In a steady state in which the solenoid 310 is not excited, the ball distribution member 311 is tilted to the left as shown by the solid line in the drawing, and the falling ball is a prize ball passage 312A.
And is detected by the prize ball count switch 301A. On the other hand, when the solenoid 310 is excited, the ball distribution member 311 falls to the right as shown by the broken line in the figure, and the falling ball passes through the ball lending passage 312B and is detected by the ball lending count switch 301B.

The solenoid 310 is excited when lending a ball,
Otherwise, it is not excited. Therefore, at the time of a prize ball based on winning, the ball sorting member 311 is tilted to the right, and the balls from the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b both pass through the prize ball count switch 301A. On the other hand, when the ball is lent, the solenoid 310 is excited so that the ball discharge paths 283a, 283
The ball from 83b is a ball rental count switch 301
Pass B.

As described above, by providing the ball sorting member 311, the balls flowing down the two ball flow paths can be used for the prize ball count switch 301 A and the ball lending count switch 30.
1B. Therefore, the number of prize balls or the number of ball lending can be immediately grasped from the detection output of the prize ball counting switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B without determining whether the ball is a prize ball or a ball lending.

As described above, since the ball payout apparatus 97 can be operated not only for lending balls but also for paying out prize balls, the cost can be reduced. In addition, by controlling the switching of the ball distribution member 311, the prize ball and the ball lending can be easily counted individually.

When the payout of the lending ball is not required, the state of the ball sorting member 311 is maintained so that the ball is guided to the prize ball counting switch 301A side. Since the frequency of paying out prize balls is higher than the frequency of payout, the number of times of switching control of the ball sorting member 311 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the failure of the ball distribution member 311 and the control components related thereto caused by the repeated switching, and to prolong the life of those components.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing various control boards used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 and components related thereto. 6 and 7, as game control boards, a game control board (also referred to as a main board) 31, a prize ball lending board 37, a lamp control board 35, a voice control board 7
0, a launch control board 91 and a display control board 80 are shown.

Game control board 31, prize ball lending board 37, lamp control board 35, voice control board 70, launch control board 9
A microcomputer and the like are mounted on the display control board 1 and the display control board 80. In each of these control boards, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the R provided on the control board is
Initial processing such as initializing data in the AM is performed for each control board, and the award ball lending board 37, the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, the emission control board 91, and the display control board 80 are initialized. At the time when the processing is completed, the command from the game control board 31 can be effectively received.

The prize ball lending board 37 includes a firing control board 9
1. The ball payout device 97, the balance display board 74, and the card unit 50 are connected. The game effect LED 28a, the prize ball lamp 51, the ball cutout lamp 52, and the game effect lamps 28b and 28c are connected to the lamp control board 35. The operation control board 91 (ball hitting handle) and a drive motor 94 for driving a ball hitting hammer (not shown) are connected to the launch control board 91. The hitting force of the hitting hammer is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. The variable display device 8 (not shown) for special symbols is connected to the display control board 80. The voice control board 70 has a speaker 27
Is connected.

The game control board 31 has a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in accordance with a game control program.
, A switch circuit 58, a solenoid circuit 59, a lamp / LED circuit 60, an information output circuit 64, an initial reset circuit 65, and an address decode circuit 67.

The basic circuit 53 is a microcomputer for game control, a ROM 54 for storing a game control program for game control, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, and CPUs 56 and I for performing control operations in accordance with the control program. / O port 57 is included.

When the power is turned on, the initial reset circuit 65
This is a circuit for resetting the PU 56. The CPU 56 executes an initialization process in response to the initial reset pulse sent from the initial reset circuit 65. In addition, the CPU 56
As described later, the game control program is executed again from a predetermined position by a timer interrupt generated periodically (for example, every 2 ms).

The address decode circuit 67 includes a CPU 56
Is a circuit that decodes an address signal given from the I / O port and outputs a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports 57.

The switch circuit 58 is a circuit for supplying signals from various switches to the CPU 56. Switch circuit 5
8 includes a gate switch 12, a starting port switch 17, a winning port switch 240 (240a to 240e), a V count switch 22, a count switch 23, a prize ball count switch 301A, a full tank switch 48, a ball exhaustion detection switch 167, and a ball. Switch 187 (187a, 18
7b) is connected. The full tank switch 48 is a switch that detects whether the excess tray 4 is full. The detection signal from the full tank switch 48 is input to the game control board 31 via the relay board 71. The prize ball count switch 301A is connected to the ball payout device 97 as shown in FIG.
And a switch for detecting the payout of award balls. The detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A is transmitted to the I
It is also input to the / O port 372b.

The information output circuit 64 generates big hit information indicating the occurrence of a big hit, start information indicating the number of start winning prize balls used for variable display of the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation in accordance with data supplied from the CPU 56. This is a circuit that outputs probability change information and the like indicating the fact to a host computer such as a hall management computer. Solenoid circuit 59
Is the solenoid 1 that operates the movable piece 15 of the starting port 14.
6 is a circuit for driving a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the open / close plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 19 in accordance with a command from the CPU 56. The lamp / LED circuit 60 is a circuit for lighting and extinguishing the start storage indicator 18 and for driving the variable indicator 10 and the decorative lamp 25 using 7-segment LEDs.

From the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending board 37,
A command, which is an example of command information, is transmitted to the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80. Each control board performs control based on this command. When a command is output from the game control board 31, an INT signal indicating a valid period of the command is output accordingly. The INT signal has a low level (off state) in an invalid state, and has a high level (on state) in a valid state. The command is
All are composed of 7-bit data.

For example, the prize ball commands transmitted from the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending board 37 include a command as command information relating to payout control of prize balls and a command as command information relating to payout control of lending balls. (For example, a ball lending prohibition command, a ball lending prohibition canceling command, etc.). Of the 7-bit data constituting the prize ball command,
The lower 4 bits are used to specify the number of winning balls, and the upper 3 bits are used to specify the control content.

The payout ball lending board 37 is provided with a payout control microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer includes a ROM for storing a prize ball control program (including control relating to ball lending) and the like, a RAM used as a work memory, and CPUs 2915 and I2 for performing control operations in accordance with a prize ball control program. / O port 372 (372a-372g). In FIG.
Of these, CPU 2915 and I / O port 372
(372a to 372g) and other parts are not shown.

The award ball number commands (D7 to D0) are input to the I / O port 372a from the I / O port 57 (port G577) of the game control board 31. The I / O port 372b includes a detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A, a detection signal of the ball lending count switch 301B,
The detection signal of the payout motor position sensor 286 and the detection signal of the reset switch (reset SW) 379 are input. A drive signal to the payout motor 289 is output from the I / O port 372c. An excitation signal to the distribution solenoid 310 is output from the I / O port 372d. Error indication LED from I / O port 372e
An error display signal to 374 is output. The I / O port 372f is connected to the card unit 50, and various control signals are exchanged with the card unit 50 through the I / O port 372f. I / O port 3
From 72g, a ball lending number signal to the terminal board 160 and a buzzer drive signal to the buzzer 75 are output.

The CPU 2915 for controlling the prize ball lending controls the ball payout device 97 in accordance with the prize ball command and a control signal from the card unit. CPU of game control board 31
56 outputs a predetermined lamp control command to the lamp control board 35 based on the occurrence of a big hit or a winning.
The lamp control board 35 controls the lighting of the electric decorative component based on a lamp control command from the game control board 31.

The CPU 56 outputs a display control command to the display control board 80. The display control board 80 controls the display of the variable display device 8 based on the display control command. The display control command includes, for example, a command for designating that a predetermined initial screen is displayed on the variable display device 8 when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and a change in a special symbol is started with a start winning. There is a command to specify that the operation is to be performed.

The CPU 56 sends a predetermined voice control command to the voice control board 7 based on the occurrence of a big hit or a prize.
Output to 0. The voice control board 70 is a game control board 31
The control for outputting a predetermined sound effect from the speaker 27 is performed based on a voice control command input from the speaker 27.
Note that the voice control command is a command for instructing a voice output of the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 in accordance with the progress of the game.

The CPU 56 is provided with a burnout detection switch 167.
Alternatively, if the detection signal from the ball-out switch 187 indicates a ball-out state, or if the detection signal from the full-state switch 48 indicates a full-state, a prize-ball prohibition command and a ball lending may be made according to the situation. The prohibition command is sent to the payout control microcomputer 370 of the prize ball lending board 37, and the payout of the prize ball and the payout of the lending ball by the ball payout device 97 are stopped. The CPU 56 counts the number of winning balls based on the detection signal of the winning ball count switch 301A.

The RAM 55 of the basic circuit 53 is provided with counters (counters A, B, C) for storing that there is a winning detection signal from each of the switches 17, 22, 23, 240a to 240e. . Counter A has V
The detection signals of the count switches 22 and 23, that is, the number of detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 15 are stored together. The counter B indicates the number of detection signals of the starting port switch 17, that is, the number of payouts = 5.
The corresponding detection signal is stored. In counter C,
The detection signals of the winning opening switches 240a to 240e, that is, the number of detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 10 are stored.

When the start switch 17, the winning opening switch 240 (240 a to 240 e), the V-count switch 22, and the count switch 23 detect a hit ball, the CPU 56 disables the INT signal for controlling a prize ball. Then, the award ball number command is output to the award ball ball lending board 37 as an award ball command for designating the award ball number and specifying the award ball number. The INT signal is sent from the port H 578 via the buffer circuit 68 to the CPU 2915 of the prize ball lending board 37.
Is input to Further, when outputting the winning ball number command, the CPU 56 adds a numerical value corresponding to the command to a total winning ball counter described later.

Even if the payout of the winning balls based on the previously output winning ball number command is not completed, the CPU 56 sets the winning detection switch (1) provided on the game board.
7, 22, 23, 240a to 240e), when a winning is detected, the prize ball number command is immediately output. The CPU 2915 on the winning ball ball lending board 37 side controls a drive signal given to the ball payout device 97 based on the winning ball number command, and performs payout control such as payout control of the number of winning balls specified by the winning ball number command. Do. On the prize ball ball rental board 37 side, the prize ball number command is sent one after another irrespective of whether or not the payout of the prize ball based on the previous prize ball number command is completed. The award ball number data of the award ball number command which does not exist is cumulatively added and stored in the total award ball number counter in the RAM 2916, and balls are paid out sequentially based on the added storage data. This allows
On the game control board 31 side, even when the payout of the winning ball based on the previously output winning ball number command is not completed, it is not necessary to perform the process of storing the next winning ball number command, and Since it is not necessary to perform the process of outputting the prize ball number command while checking the operation status of the prize ball lending substrate 37 side, the control load of the CPU 56 can be reduced and the process can proceed promptly.

As shown in FIG. 7, the portion for outputting the prize ball command on the game control board 31 side can output information from the inside of the game control board 31 to the outside, but from the outside of the game control board 31. It is constituted by a buffer circuit 68 as an irreversible output means which cannot input information into the inside. Similarly, the buffer circuit 373 to which the prize ball command is input on the prize ball lending board 37 side allows the signal transmission only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the prize ball lending board 37, but the prize ball lending is performed. This is an irreversible input interface that does not transmit signals from the rental board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the prize ball lending board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if an unauthorized alteration is added to the transmission path of the prize ball command, a signal output by the illegal alteration is transmitted to the game control board 3.
It is not transmitted to one side. Therefore, the game control board 31
One-way communication between the signal and the prize ball lending board 37 is ensured, and the game control board 31 is transmitted via the prize ball command transmission path.
An illegal signal (data) can be input to the device to perform an illegal control operation, thereby reliably preventing an illegal operation.

The same circuit as the buffer circuit 373 is applied to each control board of the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the emission control board 91 and the display control board 80 in addition to the award ball lending board 37. It is provided in. For this reason,
One-way communication of signals between the game control board 31 and each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 is ensured, and each of the control boards 35, 7
It is possible to reliably prevent an illegal act of inputting an illegal signal from 0, 80 to the game control board 31 to perform an illegal control.

The CPU 56 of the game control board 31 counts the number of prize balls paid out based on the detection signals from the prize ball count switches 301A and 301B, and sequentially subtracts from the total counter. If the value of the total prize ball counter indicates that there is an unpaid prize ball, the CPU 56 outputs a command for notifying the unpaid prize ball to the lamp control board 35. Thereby, the award ball lamp 51 controlled by the lamp control board 35 is turned on. Further, the total prize ball counter is decremented according to the detection of the prize ball count switch 301A. When the value of the total prize ball counter becomes 0 and there are no unpaid prize balls, a command for stopping the notification of the unpaid prize ball is performed. Accordingly, the lamp control board 35 turns off the prize ball lamp 51. The prize ball lamp 51 is not limited to lighting and extinguishing, but may be reversed, or may have different lighting patterns, or may have different lighting colors. That is, it is only necessary that the award ball lamp 51 has a change that can be visually distinguished.

On the other hand, the CPU 291 on the prize ball lending board 37 side
5 receives the detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A, subtracts the total prize ball number counter, counts the number of prize balls paid out, and counts the detection signal of the ball lending count switch 301B. Count the number of balls paid out.

Further, the CPU 2915 includes a prize ball count switch 301A and a ball lending count switch 301.
In parallel with the operation of counting the balls based on the detection signal of B,
Using the detection signal from the payout motor position sensor 286, the number of paid prize balls and the number of balls to be paid are counted. That is, in the ball payout device 97, the screw 28 for paying out balls is used.
8 rotates by 180 degrees and the dispensing motor position sensor 286
Is configured to discharge one ball each time is turned ON / OFF once.
The paid-out balls are indirectly detected based on the change of the output signal of 86, and the number of balls is counted.

Note that, instead of the payout motor position sensor 286, the number of step pulses of the payout motor 289 which is a stepping motor is detected to detect the payout operation amount (rotation amount) of the screw 288, thereby indirectly. The payout of the ball may be detected. However, the payout motor position sensor 2 which directly detects the rotation of the screw 288
Using 86 has the advantage that a highly accurate detection result can be obtained. When detecting the payout operation amount (rotation amount) of the screw 288 based on the number of step pulses of the stepping motor, an error occurs in the detected operation amount if the control amount per step changes for some reason. It is.

When the number of balls is counted based on the output signal of the payout motor position sensor 286,
Although the counting operation can be performed more quickly than counting the balls based on the output signals of the count switches 301A and 301B in which a detection signal is output after waiting for the ball to drop from the ball 8, the balls are aligned in the screw 288. There is a disadvantage that one ball is regarded as having been dispensed even if an unnecessary gap is left between the balls and the ball is not dispensed when the screw 288 has rotated half a turn. Alternatively, even if the ball was not actually paid out due to a ball bite or other causes, it is considered that one ball was paid out.

For this reason, after the number of balls counted based on the output signal of the payout motor position sensor 286 reaches the expected payout number, the CPU 2915 temporarily stops the screw 288.
Is stopped, and by referring to the counting result based on the detection signals of the count switches 301A and 301B, it is confirmed whether or not the payout of the ball is satisfactorily performed as expected. The screw 288 is rotated to control the shortage of the balls.

By performing such two-stage control, the screw 288 is used until the number of balls (prize balls or lending balls) counted based on the detection output of the payout motor position sensor 286 reaches the expected payout number. By rotating the ball at high speed and continuously paying out the balls, the payout of the balls can be expedited, and even if the payout becomes insufficient due to the shortage, the payout is performed by paying out the shortage later. Can be accurate.

The launch control board 91 is supplied with a launch control signal for controlling the launch state of the hit ball from the prize ball lending board 37 to the launch control board 91. In the firing control board 91, when the firing control signal is at the LOW level, the firing of the hit ball is prohibited,
It is controlled so that the shot cannot be fired. On the other hand, when the firing control signal is at the HIGH level, the firing of the hit ball is permitted, and the firing of the hit ball is controlled to be possible.

The CPU 2915 is connected to the I / O port 3
A ball lending number signal indicating the lending ball number is output to the terminal board 160 via 72. Further, the CPU 2915
When an error occurs in lending a ball or paying out a prize ball, a buzzer driving signal is output to a buzzer 75 in a warning process (see FIG. 31) described later, and an error code display 37 is displayed.
4 (see FIG. 3).
For example, the payout motor rotates during the prize ball, but the prize ball path error when the paid game ball passes through the ball lending number count switch is "0". A ball lending path error when the game ball passes through the prize ball count switch is "1", and a prize ball switch error or prize when a disconnection of the prize ball count switch and clogging of the ball in the game ball detector are detected. The ball count count switch ball clogging error is set to "2". The ball lending switch error when the ball lending number count switch is disconnected and the ball clogging is detected by the game ball detecting unit or the ball lending number count switch ball clogging error is set to "3". ”, The payout mode in the event that the rotation of the payout motor becomes abnormal due to the clogging of the game ball by foreign substances such as prize balls or litter during the payout operation of ball lending. The Tamakami error "4", the payout error except when dispensing when payout is detected when the payout of prize balls should not be made to display with seven segments as "5". When a payout stop command described later is received, the payout stop state error may be displayed as “7”. This error is displayed by the reset switch (reset SW) 3
The operation is stopped by pressing operation 79. Card unit 5
0 is equipped with a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling the card unit. Also, the balance display board 7
Reference numeral 4 is connected to a frequency display LED (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the hit ball supply tray 3. The ball lending switch signal and the return switch signal are sent from the balance display board 74 to the card unit 50 according to the operation of the ball lending switch (not shown) or the return switch (not shown) by the player. 37.

The balance display board 74 from the card unit 50
, A card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending possible display signal are given via the prize ball lending substrate 37. Between the card unit 50 and the prize ball lending board 37, a unit ball lending operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), and a ball lending completion signal (EXS)
Signal) and a pachinko machine operation signal (PRDY signal) are exchanged. In addition, although not shown, it is confirmed from the card unit 50 to the prize ball lending substrate 37 that the card unit 50 is connected to the prize ball lending substrate 37. A signal for confirming the connection of the card unit used for the connection is provided.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The prize ball control CPU 2915 of the prize ball lending board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50, the ball lending switch is operated, and the ball lending switch signal is input, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit controls the lending ball lending, provided that the card lending switch signal is input from the PRDY signal. The BRDY signal is output to the board 37, and after a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, the card unit controlling microcomputer sends the B
The RQ signal is output. Specifically, the BRQ signal is set to a high level (ON). And C of the prize ball lending board 37
The PU 2915 switches the EXS signal to a high level (ON) and returns a ball lending preparation signal to the card unit controlling microcomputer. The card unit controlling microcomputer changes the BRQ signal to low level (OF) on condition that the ball lending preparation signal is input.
By switching to F), a ball lending command signal is transmitted to the CPU 2915 of the prize ball lending board 37. The CPU 2915 of the prize ball lending board 37 receives the ball lending command signal, drives the payout motor 289, and sets a predetermined number (for example,
(25) payout balls to the player. Then, when the ball lending is completed, the CPU 2915 switches the EXS signal to a low level (OFF), thereby transmitting a ball lending completion signal to the card unit 50. That is, the EXS signal is used to transmit two types of information, a ball lending preparation signal and a ball lending completion signal.

As described above, all signals from the card unit 50 are input to the prize ball lending board 37. Therefore, regarding the ball lending control, the card unit 5
No signal is input to the game control board 31 from 0, and there is no room for a signal to be illegally input from the card unit 50 side to the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31. Next, the award ball command output from the game control board 31 to the award ball lending board 37 will be described in detail. FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing the contents of award ball command data output from a basic circuit 53. The CPU 56 sends the command data having the format shown in the figure to the lamp control board 35, the prize ball lending board 37, and the voice control board 70.
Output to Here, a prize ball command will be described as a representative example.

Command data is composed of, for example, 7 bits of 8-bit transmittable data as shown in the figure. Of these, bit 7 is used for the INT signal. As described above, since the format of the command data is common to the lamp control board 35, the award ball lending board 37, and the voice control board 70, the command data for specifying the control operation of various control boards is generated. Work becomes easy.

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

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

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a mode in which the winning ball ball lending board 37 receives a winning ball command. As described above, when the signal state of the INT signal is at a high level, the signal is valid, and when the signal is at a low level, the signal is invalid. When transmitting new command data, the game control board 31 switches the INT signal from the low level to the high level for 4 ms, and continues the command data of the required prize ball command to the prize ball lending board 37 for 4 ms. And output. When it is necessary to continuously output award ball commands, a command non-output period of at least 4 ms is provided between commands as an interval period. Therefore, when it is necessary to continuously output the prize ball command, the INT signal becomes high level for 4 ms, and after the prize ball command is continuously output for 4 ms, the INT signal is output for at least 4 ms. The output of the prize ball command is stopped at the same time as the low level, and then the command transmission mode is such that the INT signal goes high for 4 ms and the prize ball command is continuously output for 4 ms.

The award ball ball lending board 37 executes various controls based on award ball command data input when the INT signal is at the high level. Prize ball lending board 37
Once starts control based on command data, the control is continued until new command data is input.

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

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

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

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

The award ball command includes a game control board 3
When outputting from 1, the output priority is determined in advance. The highest priority is the ball lending prohibition command. Hereinafter, the prize ball prohibition command, the firing prohibition command, the ball lending prohibition release command, the prize ball prohibition release command, the firing prohibition release command, and the prize ball number command (in FIG. 9) The priority is lower in the order of “payout”). Furthermore, in the case of the prize ball number command, even with the same payout, the payout with the larger number of prize balls has higher priority.

When it is necessary to output a plurality of prize ball commands at the same time, prize ball commands are output in order from the one with the highest priority according to the priority determined in this way. As described above, the prize ball commands are sequentially output according to the priority order, so that the processing load on the CPU 56 can be reduced. The reason is as follows. In other words, when it is necessary to output a plurality of award ball commands at the same time, if a plurality of award ball commands are to be output at the same time, it is necessary to greatly increase the number of bits of the transmission command. In order to simultaneously prepare a number of data, it is necessary to process a large amount of data at the same time, so that the processing load on the CPU 56 that handles such data increases. On the other hand, when the prize ball commands are sequentially output in accordance with the priority order, it is not necessary to output a plurality of types of command information at the same time, so that the amount of data to be simultaneously processed for output can be suppressed. Become
The processing load on the CPU 56 can be reduced. Also,
Similarly, the CPU 2915 for controlling the prize ball lending does not need to output a plurality of types of command information at the same time, so that the amount of data to be simultaneously processed for output can be suppressed. The processing load on the CPU 2915 can be reduced.

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

Next, a process for operating the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. First, the processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the main processing and interrupt processing executed by CPU 56. 10A shows the main processing, and FIG. 10B shows the interrupt processing.

Referring to FIG. 10A, in the main process, first, a stack setting process for setting a designated address of a stack pointer is performed (S1). Next, an initialization process is performed (S2). In the initialization process,
The CPU 56 determines whether an error is included in the RAM 55, and if an error is included, performs processing such as initializing the RAM 55 and initial setting of various flags. Further, in the initialization process, a process of setting a timer interrupt time (for example, 0.002 seconds) for defining the timing of executing an interrupt process described later in the CPU 56 is performed. As a result, clocking for defining the execution timing of the first interrupt process after resetting due to power-on or the like is started.

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

Next, referring to FIG. 10 (b), the interrupt processing is performed when the time value of the timer for the timer interrupt managed by the CPU 56 is set to the set value (the timer interrupt time set in S2 or S14). ), The execution is started.

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

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

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

Next, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (S9). In the special symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state.
Further, a normal symbol process is performed (S10). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

Further, the CPU 56 controls the gate switch 1
2. The state of the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the like is input, and a switch process is performed to determine whether or not there is a prize for each prize port or the variable prize ball device (S11). Next, the CPU 56 executes S3
Then, the same display random number updating process as that described above is performed (S12). Next, winning ball signal processing is performed with the payout control microcomputer 370 (S13). Details of the winning ball signal processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, a prize ball command output process is performed (S14). Details of the award ball command output processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, a timer interrupt time setting process is performed (S15). In S15, a process of setting the timer interrupt time (for example, 0.002 seconds) as described above in the same manner as in S2 is executed. After S15, this interrupt processing ends. As a result, at the end of this interrupt processing, S
The timer interrupt time is set by 15 and the time measurement for defining the execution timing of the next interrupt processing is started. Therefore, the time for the timer interrupt is measured each time the interrupt processing ends, and thereafter, the interrupt processing is executed every time the timer interrupt time elapses. When this interrupt processing is completed, the execution of the program of the above-described main processing is resumed from the position where it was temporarily stopped.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the start winning opening check process. This start winning opening check process is a process included in the switch process executed in S11 of the interrupt process shown in FIG. CPU5
6 first checks whether the type 1 starter switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value (SS
1). The first-type start port switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal of the start port switch 17 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, when the type 1 starter switch counter matches the switch-on determination value, the starter switch 1
7 determines that the start winning has been detected, and updates (+1) the counter B (SS2).

As described above, the counter B is a counter that stores the detection signal of the starting port switch 17, that is, the detection signal corresponding to the number of payouts = 5. Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol winning storage counter for counting the number of starting memories is equal to or more than the maximum value (= 4) of the special symbol winning memory counter (SS3). If the maximum value has been reached, the process ends without storing the start. If the maximum value has not been reached, the special symbol winning storage counter is updated (+1) (SS4). Next, a special symbol determination bank address corresponding to the count value of the newly stored special symbol winning storage counter is calculated (SS5). Next, the fluctuation shortening set time for shortening the variable display time of the special symbol is temporarily set in the fluctuation shortening timer bank (SS
6). Note that the change reduction setting time set here can be changed to a normal variable display time according to the number of startup storages evaluated in SS11 described later. That is, when the number of stored memories is large, the setting is maintained as it is, and when the number of stored memories is small, the display time is changed to a normal variable display time.

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

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

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the special winning opening check process. This special winning opening check process is a process included in the switch process executed in S11 of the interrupt process shown in FIG.

In this special winning opening check process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the count switch counter does not coincide with the switch-on determination value (ST1). The count switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the output of the detection signal from the count switch 23 continues. If the count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process proceeds to ST5 described later. If the count switch counter matches, the count switch 23 determines that the winning has been detected and sets a count passage flag indicating that (see FIG. 5). S
T2). Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag value indicating the gaming state is other than a value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened (ST3). If the value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, the process proceeds to ST5 described later. If the value indicates that the special winning opening is being opened, a special winning opening winning counter updating process is executed (ST4).

Here, the counter A is added and updated based on the previously set count passage flag. As described above, the counter A is a counter that stores the detection signals of the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23, that is, the detection signals corresponding to the number of payouts = 15. Next, it is checked whether the V count switch counter (specific area count switch counter) does not match the switch-on determination value (ST5). The V count switch counter is a counter that is added and updated as the detection signal output from the V count switch 22 continues.
If the V count switch counter does not match the switch-on determination value, the process proceeds to ST10 described later. If they match, it is determined that the V count switch 22 has detected a winning.

Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol process flag value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened (ST6). If the value is other than the value indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, the process proceeds to ST8 described later. If the value indicates that the special winning opening is being opened, a special winning opening winning counter updating process is executed (ST7). Here, the counter A is added and updated based on the detection signal of the V count switch 22. Next, the continuation number counter that counts the number of times the variable continuation ball device 19 performs the repetition continuation control is the final value of the continuation number counter (= 1.
6) It is determined whether or not it is above (ST8). If the final value is reached, the process proceeds to ST10 described later. If the final value is not reached, a specific area passage flag indicating that the hit ball has passed the specific area is set (ST10).
9).

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

FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts for explaining the winning ball signal processing. As described above, the winning ball signal processing is executed once every 2 ms. First, each timer used will be described.

(1) Timer TA1: Ball distribution member 311
Is used to predict the sum of the time required for switching from the ball lending side to the prize ball side and the time required for the paid-out ball to fall and be detected by the prize ball count switch 301A.

(2) Timer TA5: Set when an error is detected, and an error is displayed until a timeout occurs.

(3) Timer TA6: The timer TA6 is repeatedly restarted each time a timeout occurs. If the cumulative error count exceeds a predetermined number at the time of the timeout, an irrecoverable error occurs.

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

Next, the control advances to SA2a to determine whether or not the award ball count switch 301A (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is ON. S if not ON
The process proceeds to A3, but if it is ON, the process proceeds to SA2b, and it is determined whether or not the prize ball paying flag is ON.

The award ball paying flag is set when the CPU 2915 of the award ball lending board 37 is inferred by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 to be in the award ball payout state. Specifically, the CPU 56 sets an award ball number command output flag for outputting the award ball number command to the award ball ball lending board 37 side, and thereby is turned on by SA18 described later, and a predetermined number of a number to be paid out is set. When a prize ball is paid out and detected by the prize ball count switch, the prize ball is turned off by SB9 described later. Then, the prize ball count switch 301A is turned ON only when the prize ball paying flag is ON as long as the ball is normally operating. If the prize ball count switch 301A is normal, the process proceeds to SA3. The prize ball paying flag is O
Prize ball count switch 301A despite not being N
Is turned ON, the control advances to SA2c, and error processing is performed. In this error state, the CPU 56 is in a halt state (HALT state) and does not perform any operation.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the timer TA6 has timed out (SA3). If the timeout has occurred, the timer value of the timer TA6 is cleared and the value of the winning ball error counter is checked (SA6). If the value of the winning ball error counter exceeds a predetermined value, an error state is entered (SA9). In the error state, the CPU 56
Is in a halt state (HALT state).

When the timer TA6 times out,
If the value of the prize ball error counter does not exceed a predetermined number,
The winning ball error counter is initialized (SA7), and the timer TA6 is started again (SA8).

As will be described later, the value of the winning ball error counter is counted up when an excessive number of winning balls is detected. Therefore, if a prize ball excess error exceeding a predetermined number occurs within a predetermined time (within the count-up time of the timer TA6), the state is not canceled. In this way, if the system is configured not to be in the halt state immediately when an excessive prize ball error occurs but to be in the halt state when a prize ball excessive error occurs frequently, an error that occurs temporarily and naturally recovers can occur. Then, the gaming machine does not become inoperable. In addition, when the prize ball excess error frequently occurs, an inspection or the like is often required. In such a case, the gaming machine can be made inoperable.

Here, the timer TA6 is started irrespective of the occurrence of an error, and every time the timer TA6 times out, the number of errors generated at the time TA6 is checked. However, when an error occurs, the timer is started. Other monitoring methods may be used. In short, any monitoring method may be used as long as it can detect that an error has occurred more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

If NO is determined in SA3, it is confirmed whether or not the award ball payout flag is ON (SA4). If it is on, the process proceeds to SB1. If the prize ball paying flag is not turned on, it is confirmed whether or not a winning is detected (SA5). Specifically, the aforementioned RAM
With reference to 55 counters (counters A, B, C), it is determined whether or not a winning has been detected. If no winning has been detected, the process ends. In this embodiment, the ON state of the flag means a state where the flag is set, and the OFF state of the flag means a state where the flag is not set, that is, a state where the flag is cleared (reset). I do. On the other hand, when a winning is detected, a winning ball possible determination process is executed (SA10). This prize ball possibility determination process is a process for determining whether or not payout of a prize ball is possible. The content of the process will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

When no winning is detected by any of the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and each winning opening switch 240, it can be determined that the winning opening is detected by the starting opening switch 17. Specifically, it can be determined that the counter B for storing the detection signal of the starting port switch 17 has a stored value. In this embodiment, in order to pay out five prize balls for a winning through the starting port 14,
If it is determined that the answer is NO in SA12, five prize balls are set to the expected prize ball count (SA19), and then the total prize ball counter is set to “5”.
The addition is updated (SA20). Next, the counter B is set to “1”.
Subtraction is updated (SA20a).

As described above, the game control board 31 performs the payout control corresponding to each detection signal in accordance with a predetermined priority order even when the detection signals are simultaneously input from a plurality of winning detection switches. .

Further, since the total number of expected payouts corresponding to a plurality of winnings is stored in the total winning ball counter, the total number of expected payouts corresponding to a plurality of winnings is compared with the case of storing the expected number of payouts for each winning. In addition, the storage area required for the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 can be reduced.

Thereafter, the CPU 56 sets a prize ball command output flag to output a prize ball command according to the expected prize ball number (SA17). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the award ball lamp lighting command transmission completed flag is ON (SA17a). If not ON, SA
If not, the prize ball lamp lighting command output flag is set to output a command to turn on the prize ball lamp 51 indicating that the prize ball has not been paid (SA17b). Next, the award ball lamp lighting command transmission completion flag is set (SA17c).

As described above, a prize ball command corresponding to each detection signal is output in a predetermined priority order so that control when detection signals are simultaneously input from a plurality of winning detection switches is facilitated. . The prize ball lending board 37
CP of payout control microcomputer 370 in Japan
U2915 performs the prize ball payout control of the number specified by the prize ball command.

Next, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the award ball paying flag is ON (SA18). If not, the CPU 56 turns on the award ball paying flag (SA18).
a) Then, the timer TA1 is started (SA18).
c), the process ends. Next, when the prize ball signal processing is executed, since the prize ball paying flag is ON in SA4, the process proceeds from SA4 to SB2.

On the other hand, if it is determined by SA18 that it is ON, then it is determined by SA18b whether or not the moment the prize ball prohibition flag has changed from ON to OFF. If NO, this determination is made. The process ends. However, if the prize ball prohibition flag is set during the prize ball payout and then released, the determination of YES by SA18b is made and the timer TA1 is set by SA18c. The prize ball prohibition flag is a flag for prohibiting the prize ball operation (see SD6 and SD11).

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not the winning ball count switch 301A is turned on (SB)
2). When the ON of the winning ball count switch is detected, the CPU waits for the OFF of the winning ball count switch (SB3). Next, the prize ball payout counter value is incremented by 1 (SB5a). Thereafter, if the award ball payout counter value is not “10”, the timer TA1 is started (SB6). If the prize ball payout counter value is "10", the prize ball information output flag is set (SB5c). Next, the award ball payout counter is cleared (SB5d).

Then, the timer TA1 is started (SB
6). The timer TA1 is started or restarted each time the output of the winning ball count switch is turned off after the output is turned on.

If the award ball count switch is not turned on in SB2, it is checked whether or not the timer TA1 is operating (SB4). If the timer TA1 is not operating, the process ends. On the other hand, if the timer TA1 is operating,
The CPU 56 checks whether or not the timer TA1 has timed out (SB7). SA if not timed out
Go to 5. Next, when the prize ball signal processing is executed, since the prize ball paying flag is ON, the SA
4 to SB2.

The value of the timer TA1 (the time from the start to the time-out) is a payout cycle (a period from when the award ball count switch 301A is turned on to when it is turned on next time) when payout is normally performed. ) Is set longer. Therefore, when the payout is normally performed, the next award ball count switch is turned on (SB2) before the timer TA1 times out, except for the last payout. That is, when the payout is normally performed, the timer TA1 times out only after the last payout is performed.

In SB7, when the timer TA1 times out, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the total prize ball counter is "0" (SB8). When the timer TA1 times out, after the determination in SB7, the timer TA1
Clear the timer value of When the payout is completed normally, the counter value of the total prize ball counter becomes “0”. Therefore, when the counter value of the total prize ball counter becomes “0”, the prize ball lamp extinguishing command output flag is turned on to turn off the prize ball lamp 51 (SB8).
a) In order to stop the output of the award ball command, the award ball paying flag is turned off (SB9), and the process proceeds to SA5.

On the other hand, if the counter value of the total prize ball counter has not become "0" when the timer TA1 times out, the CPU 56 determines whether the counter value of the total prize ball counter is smaller than "0". Check whether or not (SB
10). If the counter value of the total prize ball counter is not smaller than “0”, that is, if it is determined that the payout is insufficient, S
Proceed to B9. On the other hand, when the counter value of the total prize ball counter is smaller than "0", that is, when it is determined that the payout is excessive, the total prize ball counter is reset (SB12), and thereafter, the process proceeds to SB9.

As described above, since the number of unpaid prize balls is managed not only on the prize ball lending board 37 side but also on the game control board 31 side, the unpaid number of prize balls is more reliably managed. be able to. When the game control board 31 has not paid for the prize ball, the prize ball lamp lighting command output flag is set to turn on the prize ball lamp 51 (SA17).
c) When the prize ball is completely paid out, the prize ball is turned off by turning off the prize ball lamp turn-off command output flag (SB8a) to turn off the prize ball lamp 51. A person can confirm that there is a state. As a result, it is possible to early detect that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of the prize game medium, pay out the prize ball to be paid out, and take measures to repair the failure of the pachinko gaming machine at an early stage.

Next, when the prize ball signal processing is executed, the prize ball paying flag is on, so that SA4 to SB1 are set.
Move to Then, when the winning ball count switch is turned off after the on of the winning ball counting switch is detected in SB2, the CPU 56 resets the counter value of the total winning ball counter by -1.
(SB5). Then, the timer T1 is restarted (S
B6) and end the process.

FIG. 16 shows the SA of the winning ball signal processing described above.
3 is a flowchart for explaining a ball lending possibility determination process executed by the first embodiment. In the ball lending possibility determination process, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the full tank flag 1 is set (SC1). Full tank flag 1
Is a flag that is set when the surplus ball tray 4 is full when there are balls to be paid out by the ball payout device 97, and is a full flag for ball lending.

When it is determined that the full tank flag 1 is set, the process proceeds to SC17 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full tank flag 1 is not set, it is determined whether or not the ball-out switch 187 detects that there is a ball-lending (detection that there is a ball-lending to be paid out) ( SC2). If it is determined that there is no lending, the process proceeds to SC3 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a ball lending, it is determined whether the ball lending prohibition flag is in an on state (set state) (SC8). Here, the ball lending prohibition flag is a flag for indicating that ball lending is prohibited. If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to SC9 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is not turned on, the SC13
Then, based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48, it is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is detected.

When it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the ball lending possibility determination processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full state is detected, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer TA8 by “1” is performed (SC14). Here, the timer TA8
Is a timer for measuring the duration of the full state detection state, and is used for determining whether or not the full state flag 1 is set.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer TA8 has reached a predetermined value at which the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be full based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48. Is performed (SC15). The predetermined value used in the determination in this case is instantaneously detected based on a detection continuation time and a ball falling state which are considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous detection of a full state due to noise. It is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) for excluding a case where a state occurs. If it is determined that the timer value of the timer T8 has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA8 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is full, and a process of setting the full tank flag 1 is performed (SC16). After SC16, the process proceeds to SC6, in which the ball lending prohibition flag is turned on (set state), the ball lending prohibition command output flag is turned on in SC7 (set state), and the ball lending possibility determination process ends.

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

If it is determined in SC8 that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state and the process proceeds to SC9, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer by "1" is performed. (SC9). here,
The ball lending possibility determination timer is a ball lending prohibition state when the ball lending prohibition state is entered based on the detection of a ball lending by the ball expiration switch 187 and then the ball lending switch 187 enters a non-detection state. This is a timer used to determine the timing of automatic release. In other words, if it is determined that the broken-out switch 187 has changed from the detected state of broken-out to the non-detected state of broken-out, it is determined that the broken-out state has been restored on condition that the non-detected state has continued for a certain period of time. Erroneous determination of restoration due to noise or the like can be prevented, and restoration of a broken-ball state can be reliably determined.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the ball lending possible determination timer has reached a predetermined value (for example, 2000 mS) at which it can be determined that the ball-out condition has been successfully restored (SC10). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is set to a value corresponding to a time during which noise can be eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of restoration due to noise or the like, and to reliably determine restoration of a broken-ball state.
Other methods are conceivable to obtain such an effect. For example, the CPU 56 outputs a ball lending prohibition release command immediately upon detection of the lending of a ball without having a lending possible determination timer, but the CPU 56 of the award ball lending substrate 37 again
Since the ball lending command is sent by performing the lending ball absence determination, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during lending.

If it is determined that the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer has reached the predetermined value, a process of turning off the ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SC1).
1). As a result, it is not possible to indicate that the ball lending is prohibited. The timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer is S
When it is determined in C10 that the timer value of the ball lending possibility determination timer has reached a predetermined value, the value is cleared. Then, after the process of setting the ball lending prohibition release command output flag to the ON state (set state) (SC12) is performed, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. Here, the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is a flag that is set when the ball lending prohibition release command is output as a prize ball command so that the CPU 56 can grasp a state relating to ball lending. In this way, the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is set, and the ball lending prohibition release command is sent to the prize ball lending board 37.

If it is determined in SC2 that the presence of a ball is not detected by SC2 and the process proceeds to SC3, a process for adding and updating the timer value of the timer TA7 by "1" is performed. Here, the timer TA7 is a detection of the ball-break switch 187 in order to prevent the off-state of the ball-break switch 187 caused by flowing of the lending ball through the supply passage to the ball payout device 97 from being erroneously regarded as a ball-break. This is a timer used to define the validity period.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer TA7 has reached a predetermined value corresponding to the detection validity period of the burnout switch 187 (SC4). In this case, the predetermined value is set to a value longer than a value corresponding to the off period of the on / off state of the ball breaking switch 187 caused by the movement of the pachinko ball supplied to the ball payout device 97.
In other words, when the pachinko balls are flowing through the supply passage to the ball dispensing device 97, unlike the case where the pachinko balls are stagnating, the ball out switch 1
87 repeats on / off. However, if the case where the ball-break switch 187 is turned on at an extremely short timing is regarded as a ball-break detection state, a short-time off-state during the on-off state accompanying the passage of a pachinko ball is erroneously regarded as a ball-break state. May be detected. In order to prevent such an erroneous detection, it is determined that the ball is in the cut-off state only when the cut-out switch 187 is turned on after waiting for a period longer than the on-state period in the on-off state caused by the passage of the pachinko ball. Judge.
This is the case where a nearby switch is used. For example, when a ball is flowing in the flow path using a micro switch or the like, a mechanism that does not change the state of the micro switch is provided. It is not always necessary to provide TA7. This is the same for a prize ball described later.

When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA7 has not reached the predetermined value, the ball lending possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA7 has reached the predetermined value, it is determined whether the ball lending prohibition flag is in an on state (set state) (SC).
5). When it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is in the ON state, the ball lending prohibition state is already in the ball lending prohibition state, and the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending prohibition flag is not in the on state, a process of setting the ball lending prohibition flag to the on state is performed (SC6). This indicates that the ball lending is prohibited. Then, the ball lending prohibition command output flag is set to the ON state (set state) (SC7), and the ball lending possibility determination processing ends.

If it is determined at SC1 that the full tank flag 1 has been set and the routine proceeds to SC17, the surplus ball tray 4 is detected based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48.
It is determined whether or not the full state is detected. If it is determined that the full state has been detected, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the timer TA
A process of adding and updating the 15 timer values by "1" is performed (SC18). Here, the timer TA15 is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-full state detection state, and is used for determining whether or not to reset the full state flag 1.

Next, the timer value of the timer TA15 is set based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48, and
It is determined whether or not has reached a predetermined value that can be reliably determined to be in the non-full state (SC19). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 seconds) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous determination of the non-full state due to noise.
s). When the timer value of the timer TA15 is
If it is determined that the predetermined value has not been reached, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA15 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is no longer in the full state, and the full tank flag 1 is reset (SC2).
0). When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA15 has reached the predetermined value, the timer value of the timer TA15 is cleared in SC20.

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

[0177] As described above, the case where the broken-out state is detected in the ball payout device 97 and the surplus ball tray 4
In each of the cases where is full, ball lending is prohibited. Then, when such a broken-out state and a full state are respectively restored, the ball lending prohibition is released according to each of them. Since the release of the ball lending prohibition state is automatically performed without depending on the operation of the attendant, the labor of the attendant for releasing the ball lending prohibition state can be saved.

Further, based on the detection of the presence or absence of a lending ball which can be paid out by the ball out switch 187, it is possible to determine that the lending ball cannot be paid out from the ball payout apparatus 97, and the lending ball can be determined. When it is determined that the payout is not possible, the payout control microcomputer 370 outputs to the payout control microcomputer 370 a ball lending prohibition command capable of specifying that the payout of the lending is prohibited (stopped). Can stop the payout of the lending ball by the CPU.
At 56, the situation of the ball dispensing device 97 can be managed from the side of the broken ball.

In addition, based on the detection of the full tank by the full tank switch 48, it is possible to determine that the ball payout device 97 cannot pay out the ball lending, and in the state where the ball lending cannot be paid out. When it is determined that there is a ball lending, a ball lending prohibition command capable of specifying that the lending of the lending is prohibited (stopped) is output to the payout control microcomputer 370, and the lending of the ball by the ball payout apparatus 97 is performed. Since it is possible to stop, the state of the ball dispensing device 97 can be managed in the CPU 56 from the state where the surplus ball tray 4 is full.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the firing possibility determination process. This firing possibility determination process
This is a process executed by SA2 of the winning ball signal process shown in FIG.

First, based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48, it is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is detected (SP1). If it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the process proceeds to SP7 described later.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the full state has been detected,
It is determined whether or not the firing prohibition flag is in the on state (set state) (SP2). Here, the firing prohibition flag is a flag for indicating that the firing of the hit ball is prohibited, and is turned on by SP5 described later and turned off (reset state) by SP10 described later.
To be.

If it is determined by SP2 that the firing prohibition flag is on, the firing feasibility determination process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined by SP2 that the firing prohibition flag is not in the ON state, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the timer TA3 by "1" is performed (SP
3). Here, the timer TA3 is a timer for measuring the duration of the full state detection state, and is used for determining whether or not the firing inhibition flag is to be turned on.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer TA3 has reached a predetermined value at which the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be full based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48. Is performed (SP4). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous detection of the full state due to noise. I have. When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA3 has not reached the predetermined value yet, the firing possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA3 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is full, and a process of turning on the firing inhibition flag is performed (SP5). . Then, the firing inhibition command output flag is turned on (set state) (S
P6), the firing possibility determination process ends. When the firing prohibition command output flag is turned on in this way, a firing prohibition command is output as a prize ball command.

If it is determined that the full state has not been detected by the above-described SP1 and the process proceeds to SP7,
It is determined whether the firing prohibition flag is in the ON state (set state) (SP7). If it is determined by SP7 that the firing prohibition flag is not in the ON state, the firing possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined by SP7 that the firing prohibition flag is on, the timer T
A process of adding and updating the timer value of “1” by “1” is performed (SP8). Here, the timer T2 is a timer that measures the duration of the non-full state detection state, and is used to determine whether or not to turn off the firing prohibition flag.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer TA2 has reached a predetermined value at which the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be in the non-full state based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48. It is determined (SP9). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous determination of the non-full state due to noise.
Is set to When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA2 has not reached the predetermined value yet, the firing possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA2 has reached the predetermined value,
Is regarded as not being in the full state, and a process of turning off the firing prohibition flag (reset state) is performed (SP10). Then, the firing prohibition release command output flag is turned on (set state) (SP11), and the firing feasibility determination process ends. When the firing prohibition release command output flag is turned on, a firing prohibition release command is output as a prize ball command.

As described above, when the surplus ball tray 4 becomes full, firing of hit balls is prohibited.
Then, when such a full state is restored, the firing prohibition is released. Since the release of the firing prohibition state is automatically performed without depending on the operation of the attendant, it is possible to save the labor of the attendant about the release of the firing prohibition state. Regarding the prohibition of firing and release thereof, the CPU 56 sends a command to the prize ball lending board 37 and does not specify it. When the prize ball or ball lending prohibition command is issued, the prize ball lending board 3 is issued.
The CPU 2915 may automatically prohibit firing.

FIG. 18 shows the SA of the winning ball signal processing described above.
10 is a flowchart for explaining a prize ball possibility determination process executed by the CPU 10; In the winning ball possible determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the full tank flag 2 is set (SD1). The full tank flag 2 indicates that the surplus ball tray 4 is in a state where there is a prize ball that can be paid out by the ball payout device 97.
Is set when the tank is full, and is a full tank flag for award balls.

If it is determined that the full tank flag 2 is set, the process proceeds to SD17 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the full tank flag 2 is not set, it is determined whether or not the prize ball is detected (detection of the existence of the prize ball to be paid out) by the out-of-ball switch 187 ( SD2). If it is determined that there is no prize ball, the process proceeds to SD3 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a winning ball, it is determined whether or not the winning ball prohibition flag is on (set state) (SD8). Here, the prize ball prohibition flag is a flag for indicating that the payout of the prize ball is in a prohibition state. If it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds to SD9 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to SD13, and based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48,
It is determined whether or not the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is detected.

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

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer TA5 has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 so that the surplus ball tray 4 can be reliably determined to be full. Is performed (SD15). The predetermined value used in the determination in this case is instantaneously detected based on a detection continuation time and a ball falling state which are considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous detection of a full state due to noise. It is set to a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 s) for excluding a case where a state occurs. If it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA5 has not reached the predetermined value yet, the ball lending possibility determination process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA5 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is full and the full tank flag 2 is set (SD16). When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA5 has reached the predetermined value, the timer TA5 is determined in SD16.
Is cleared. Thereafter, the process proceeds to SD6 to be described later, and sets the winning ball prohibition flag to the on state (set state). Then, in SD12, sets the winning ball prohibition command output flag to the on state (set state), and this winning ball possible determination processing ends.

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

If it is determined in SD8 that the prize ball prohibition flag is in the ON state and the process proceeds to SD9, a process of adding and updating the timer value of the prize ball possible determination timer by "1" is performed. (SD9). Here, the prize ball possible judgment timer is a prize ball when the ball cut-out switch 187 enters the non-detection state of ball cut-out after the ball-ball cut-off switch 187 enters the prize ball prohibited state based on the ball cut-out detection. This is a timer used to determine the timing for automatically canceling the prohibited state. That is, switch 1
When it is determined that the broken-out state has been restored on condition that the non-detected state has continued for a certain period of time when the state of the broken-out state has been changed from the broken-out detection state to the recovery state due to noise or the like. Misjudgment can be prevented, and recovery of the broken-ball state can be reliably determined.

Next, the timer value of the winning ball possible determination timer is
It is determined whether or not a predetermined value (for example, 2200 mS) is reached (SD10) at which it can be determined that the broken-ball state has been successfully restored. The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is
The value is set to a value corresponding to a time during which noise can be eliminated. This prevents erroneous determination of recovery due to noise etc.,
It is possible to reliably determine the recovery of the broken ball state.

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

If it is determined in SD2 that there is no detection of a prize ball and the process proceeds to SD3, a process for adding and updating the timer value of the timer TA4 by "1" is performed. Here, the timer TA4 is detected by the ball-break switch 187 so that the off-state of the ball-break switch 187 caused by the pachinko ball flowing through the supply path to the ball payout device 97 is not erroneously regarded as a ball-break. This is a timer used to define the validity period.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the timer TA4 has reached a predetermined value corresponding to the detection validity period of the burnout switch 187 (SD4). In this case, the predetermined value is set to a value longer than a value corresponding to the ON period of the ON / OFF state of the ball breaking switch 187 caused by the movement of the pachinko ball supplied to the ball payout device 97.
In other words, when the pachinko balls are flowing through the supply passage to the ball dispensing device 97, unlike the case where the pachinko balls are stagnating, the ball out switch 1
87 repeats on / off. However, if the case where the ball-break switch 187 is turned on at an extremely short timing is regarded as a ball-break detection state, a short-time off-state during the on-off state accompanying the passage of a pachinko ball is erroneously regarded as a ball-break state. May be detected. In order to prevent such an erroneous detection, it is determined that the ball is in the cut-off state only when the cut-out switch 187 is turned on after waiting for a period longer than the off-state period in the on-off state caused by the passage of the pachinko ball. Judge.

When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA4 has not reached the predetermined value, the winning ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA4 has reached the predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the winning ball prohibition flag is in an on state (set state) (SD5).
If it is determined that the prize ball prohibition flag is on,
Since the prize ball is already in the prohibited state, this prize ball possibility determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball prohibition flag is not in the on state, a process of turning the prize ball prohibition flag on is performed (SD6). This indicates that the winning ball is prohibited. Then, the award ball prohibition command output flag is turned on (set state) (SD
7), the prize ball possible determination processing ends.

If it is determined in SD1 that the full tank flag 2 is set and the process proceeds to SD17, the surplus ball tray 4 is detected based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48.
It is determined whether or not the full state is detected. When it is determined that the full state has been detected, the prize ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the full state has not been detected, the timer TA1
A process for adding and updating the timer value of No. 6 by "1" is performed (SD18). Here, the timer TA16 is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-full state detection state, and is used for determining whether or not to reset the full state flag 2.

Next, the timer value of the timer TA16 is set based on the detection signal from the full tank switch 48, and
It is determined whether or not has reached a predetermined value that can be reliably determined to be in the non-full state (SD19). The predetermined value used for the determination in this case is a detection continuation time (for example, 0.2 seconds) which is considered to be impossible to occur when noise is mixed so as to prevent erroneous determination of the non-full state due to noise.
s). When the timer value of the timer TA16 is
If it is determined that the predetermined value has not yet been reached, the winning ball possible determination processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA16 has reached the predetermined value, it is considered that the surplus ball tray 4 is no longer in the full state, and the full state flag 2 is reset (SD2).
0). When it is determined that the timer value of the timer TA16 has reached the predetermined value, the timer value of the timer TA16 is cleared in SD20.

After the process of resetting the full tank flag 2 is performed, the process of turning off the prize ball prohibition flag is performed (SD11), and then the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is turned on (set state). Processing (SD12)
Is made. Thereafter, the prize ball possible determination processing ends. As described above, when the state is no longer full, the prize ball prohibition flag is turned off, thereby indicating that the prize ball can be paid out, and the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is set. By being set, a prize ball prohibition release command is sent to the prize ball lending substrate 37. In the present embodiment, since the prize ball and the ball lending are performed by the same device, the condition of the ball breaking is the same, so the prize ball possibility determination process shown in FIG. It is also possible.

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

Further, based on the detection of the presence or absence of a prize ball that can be paid out by the ball out switch 187, it is possible to determine that the ball payout device 97 cannot pay out the lending ball. When it is determined that the payout cannot be paid out, the payout control microcomputer 370 outputs to the payout control microcomputer 370 a prize ball prohibition command capable of specifying that the payout of the prize ball is prohibited (stopped). Of the prize ball by the CPU 5 can be stopped.
In 6, it becomes possible to manage the state of the ball payout device 97 from the side of the broken ball.

Also, based on the detection of the full tank by the full tank switch 48, it is possible to judge that the ball payout device 97 cannot pay out the lending ball. When it is determined that there is a prize ball, a prize ball prohibition command capable of specifying to prohibit (stop) the prize ball payout is output to the payout control microcomputer 370 so that the ball payout device 97 pays out the prize ball. Since it is possible to stop, the state of the ball dispensing device 97 can be managed in the CPU 56 from the state where the surplus ball tray 4 is full.

FIGS. 19 to 22 are flowcharts for explaining the award ball command output processing. This prize ball command output process is a process executed in S15 of the interrupt process shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 19, in the prize ball command output processing, first, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition command output flag is on (SE1). If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition command output flag is not in the on state, the process proceeds to the check of the prize ball prohibition command output flag in SE10 described later.

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

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that it is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to the check of a winning ball prohibition command output flag by SO10 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 ms or more, it is determined whether or not the time of the command timer has expired (SE3).
Here, the command timer is a timer used to define the output period of the prize ball command. This command timer expires when it reaches a timer value corresponding to a predetermined value (4 mS).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, processing for setting output data of the ball lending prohibition command is performed (SE7). This allows
A ball lending prohibition command is output from the game control board 31 as a prize ball command. Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SE8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the processing (SE9) for adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1", the SO10
Proceed to. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

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

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

On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball prohibition command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the above-mentioned command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SE11).

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the value is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a check of a firing prohibition command output flag by SF1, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time has exceeded mS, it is determined whether the above-described command timer has expired (SE).
12).

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

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

Next, referring to FIG. 20, in SF1, it is determined whether or not the firing prohibition command output flag is on. If it is determined that the firing prohibition command output flag is not in the ON state, it is determined that SF1 (described later)
Proceed to check the ball lending prohibition command output flag by 0.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the firing prohibition command output flag is on, it is determined whether the timer value of the above-mentioned command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SF1).

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

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, processing for setting the output data of the firing prohibition command is performed (SF7). As a result, the firing prohibition command is changed to the game control board 31 as the award ball command.
Output from Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SF8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after the process (SF9) of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by "1" is performed, the process proceeds to SF1. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

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

Next, in SF10, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is on. If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to the check of the firing prohibition command output flag by SF1, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SF11). .

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

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

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

Next, referring to FIG. 21, in SG1, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is on. If it is determined that the prize ball prohibition release command output flag is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to the check of the firing prohibition release command output flag by SG10 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball prohibition canceling command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SG2). .

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

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

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

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

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

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the difference is not equal to or longer than mS, the process proceeds to a check of a winning ball number command output flag by SH1 described later. On the other hand, when the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time has exceeded mS, it is determined whether or not the above-described command timer has expired (SG).
12).

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

On the other hand, if it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the firing inhibition release command output flag is performed (SG13). As a result, the output of the firing prohibition release command that has been output is not requested. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SG14). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized.
Next, after the process of starting the timing of the command interval timer (SG15) is performed, the process proceeds to SG1. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, referring to FIG. 22, in SH1, it is determined whether or not the prize ball number command output flag is on. If it is determined that the award ball number command output flag is not in the ON state, the award ball command output processing ends.

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

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

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, a process of setting output data of the winning ball number command is performed (SH7). Thereby, the award ball number command is changed to the award ball command as the game control board 31.
Output from Next, a process of resetting the command interval timer is performed (SH8). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process (SH9) of adding and updating the timer value of the command timer by “1” is performed, and the award ball command output process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the winning ball number command output flag is performed (SH4). This allows
The output of the number-of-prize-balls command already output is not required. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SH5). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process of starting the timing of the command interval timer (SH)
After 6) is performed, the award ball command output processing ends. Thus, after the command timer times out, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer, and the award ball command output processing ends.

Next, referring to FIG.
A part of the lamp on / off processing performed by 5 will be described. First, in SH10, it is determined whether or not the prize ball lamp lighting command output flag is in the ON state. If it is determined that the prize ball lamp lighting command output flag is not in the ON state, the prize ball command output processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the award ball lamp lighting command output flag is in the ON state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SH11). .

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time is not longer than mS, the award ball lamp lighting command output process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 ms or more, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned command timer has timed out (SH12).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, a process of setting output data of a winning ball lamp lighting command is performed (SH16). Thereby, the award ball lamp lighting command is output from the game control board 31 as an award ball command. Next, a process for resetting the command interval timer is performed (S
H17). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, the processing (SH) for adding and updating the timer value of the above-mentioned command timer by "1" is performed.
After 18) is performed, the process proceeds to SH1. Thus, after the command interval timer expires, the command timer measures the prize ball command output period.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the prize-ball lamp lighting command output flag is performed (SH13). Thereby, the output of the already output award ball lamp lighting command is not required. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SH14). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, a process (SH15) of starting time measurement of the command interval timer is performed. As a result, after the command timer expires, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer.

Next, in SH19, it is determined whether or not the award ball lamp extinguishing command output flag is on. If it is determined that the prize ball lamp extinguishing command output flag has not been turned on, this prize ball command output processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the award ball lamp extinguishing command output flag is in the on state, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the above-mentioned command interval timer is 4 ms or more (SH20). .

When the timer value of the command interval timer is 4
If it is determined that the time is not longer than mS, the award ball lamp extinguishing command output processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value of the command interval timer has become 4 ms or more, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned command timer has timed out (SH21).

If it is determined that the time of the command timer has not expired, processing for setting output data of the award ball lamp extinguishing command is performed (SH25). As a result, the award ball lamp extinguishing command is output from the game control board 31 as an award ball command. Next, a process for resetting the command interval timer is performed (S
H26). Thereby, the command interval timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, the processing (SH) for adding and updating the timer value of the above-mentioned command timer by "1" is performed.
After 27) is performed, the lamp on / off processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time of the command timer has expired, processing for turning off the prize ball lamp extinguishing command output flag is performed (SH22). As a result, the output of the prize ball lamp turn-off command that has been already output is not required. Then, a process of resetting the command timer is performed (SH23). Thereby, the command timer whose time has expired is initialized. Next, after a process (SH24) for starting timing of the command interval timer is performed, the award ball lamp extinguishing command output process ends. As a result, after the command timer times out, the interval time is measured by the command interval timer, and the lamp turning on / off processing ends.

According to the prize ball command output processing described above, the output period and the non-output period of the prize ball command are time-managed by the timer. The prize ball commands include a ball lending prohibition command, a prize ball prohibition command, a firing prohibition command, a ball lending prohibition release command, a prize ball prohibition release, a firing prohibition command, and a prize ball number command in the order of priority. Since the processing for outputting each prize ball command is performed in a predetermined order in descending order of priority, the processing load on the CPU 56 can be reduced as described above. Furthermore, since the processing for outputting each prize ball command is executed in order from the one with the highest priority, the processing load on the payout control microcomputer 370 can be reduced as described above. Furthermore, since the priority order is determined for the output processing of the award ball command, it is possible to output a command important for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as a payout stop as soon as possible.

Further, when the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, even if the prize ball payout is stopped in accordance with the prize ball prohibition command, the number of prize ball payouts that can specify the number of prize ball payouts is determined. The command is output. As will be described later, the prize ball number specified by the prize ball number command is cumulatively stored in the payout control microcomputer 370, and the stored information is used by the ball payout device 97 to control the prize ball payout. Therefore, the prize ball number command can be output immediately one after another according to the establishment of the prize ball payout condition without monitoring the state of the prize ball payout control. As described above, it is not necessary to monitor the prize ball payout control state, and the basic circuit 53 does not need to store the output of the prize ball number command in the basic circuit 53 side.
3 can reduce the processing load.

When one command output period ends, the command output flag is reset (turned off), so that the award ball command is output only during one command output period. In other words, the command information need only be output once for a predetermined output duration period every time the output condition of the award ball command (command) occurs. As will be described later, if the payout control microcomputer 370 receives the prize ball command once, it stores the content of the prize ball command. Therefore, if the prize ball command is received once, there is no problem in the control. As described above, the prize ball command only needs to be output during one command output period.
This eliminates the need for the PU 56 to repeatedly output the same prize ball command. This makes it possible to reduce the number of processes relating to the output of the prize ball command, so that the processing load on the CPU 56 can be reduced.

Next, the processing executed by the CPU 2915 of the payout control microcomputer provided on the prize ball lending board 37 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a prize ball lending control process and 50
It is a flowchart for demonstrating a 0 microsecond timer interruption process. In FIG. 24, (a) shows the prize ball lending control processing, and (b) shows the 500 μS timer interruption processing.

Referring to FIG. 24A, in the award ball lending control processing, first, initial processing for initializing data such as initialization of RAM 2916 is performed (S).
I1). Next, a payout motor control process for performing drive control of the payout motor 289 of the ball payout device 97 is executed (SI2). Details of the payout motor control processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. Next, the payout motor control continues to be repeatedly executed in an infinite loop. However, when a 500 μS timer interrupt process described later is started, the payout motor control is temporarily stopped at an executing position in a program constituting the payout motor control process. Then, a 500 μS timer interrupt process is executed (SI3). When the 500 μS timer interrupt process ends, the program is restarted from the position of the temporarily stopped program.

Next, referring to FIG.
The S timer interrupt processing will be described. When the INT signal and the prize ball command are sent from the game control board 31, the 500 μS timer interrupt processing is started every time the timer value of the timer for timer interrupt managed by the CPU 2915 reaches 500 μS. .

In the 500 μS timer interrupt processing, first, initial processing for initializing predetermined data is performed (SI4). Next, the game control board 31
The award ball data reading process for reading the award ball command sent from the player is executed (SI5). Then, this 50
The 0 μS timer interrupt processing ends, and the loop of the payout motor control processing is executed again.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining the award ball data reading processing. The award ball data reading process is a process executed by SI5 of the above-described 500 μS timer interrupt process. This prize ball data reading process is 5
It is executed every time 00 μS elapses.

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

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

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

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

At SI12, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the winning ball communication counter is "3". If it is determined that the counter value of the prize ball communication counter is not "3", the prize ball command received this time is set (stored) in the work area of the RAM 2916 (SI16), and this prize ball data reading processing ends. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value of the prize ball communication counter is "3", a process of setting (storing) the prize ball command that matches three times in succession in the received command storage area is performed (SI14). . The received command storage area is an area in which command data regarded as regular command data is set.
The control based on the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area is performed by the payout control microcomputer 37.
Performed by 0.

Next, it is determined whether or not payout of prize balls is specified by the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area (whether or not the prize ball number command is received) (SI15). If it is determined that payout of the prize ball has not been designated, the prize ball command received this time is set (stored) in the work area of the RAM 2916 (S
I16), the award ball data reading process ends. When it is determined that the payout of the prize ball is designated, the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball command stored in the received command storage area is counted by the total prize ball number counter 1 and the total prize ball number counter 2 Are added to the data (S
I17). Thereafter, the award ball data reading process ends.

The total prize ball number counters 1 and 2 are both counters for storing the number of prize balls to be paid out.
It is configured with 16 storage areas. When a prize ball number command is input as a prize ball command, the payout number of prize balls specified by the prize ball number command (5, 10
, Or 15) are cumulatively added to the counter values of the total prize ball number counters 1 and 2 at that time. Therefore, when the winning ball number command is input, the same value is added to each of the total winning ball number counters.

As described above, since the total number of expected payouts corresponding to the plurality of awarded ball number commands is stored in the total awarded ball number counters 1 and 2, the expected payout number is stored for each awarded ball number command. In this case, the storage area of the RAM 2916 can be reduced as compared with the case of performing the operation. This is because it is not necessary to divide the storage area for each award ball number command in advance.

On the other hand, every time a prize ball is paid out, the number of prize balls paid out is subtracted from the counter value of the total prize ball number counters 1 and 2. , And the total prize ball number counter 2 is decremented based on the detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A. Therefore, in a state where the ball is correctly paid out every time the ball payout screw 288 in the ball payout device 97 makes a half turn (every time one detection signal of the payout motor position sensor 286 is input), the total prize is obtained. The remaining number of the ball number counter 1 and the remaining number of the total winning ball number counter 2 match. However, in the case where balls are not paid out due to missing balls or the like with the screw 288, the remaining number of the total prize ball number counter 2 becomes larger than the remaining number of the total prize ball number counter 1. The shortage of payout can be detected by this.

The RAM 2916 is backed up by the backup power supply (capacitor 517) as described above. For this reason, even if the power supplied to the gaming machine is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the stored values of the total prize ball number counters 1 and 2 are retained, and a disadvantage occurs to the player even if a power failure or the like occurs Absent.

FIGS. 26 to 28 are flow charts for explaining the payout motor control processing. This payout motor control process is the same as the SI of the prize ball lending control process of FIG.
2 is a process executed by

In the payout motor control processing, first, a ball lending control processing for ball lending is executed (SJ1).
The details of the ball lending control process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Next, the above-mentioned total prize ball number counters 1 and 2
Is determined whether or not the counter value is other than "0" and whether or not the winning ball flag is set (SJ2). Here, the prize ball in progress flag is a flag for indicating that a prize ball is currently in play, and is set by SJ5 described later. In SJ2, the total prize ball number counter 1,
2 is determined to be other than "0", that is, that there is an unpaid prize ball and that the prize ball in progress flag is set, that is, that the prize ball is being paid. That is, it is determined whether driving of the motor 289 is necessary. If at least one of the two determination conditions of SJ2 is satisfied, the driving condition of the payout motor 289 is satisfied.

If it is determined that the driving condition of the payout motor 289 is not satisfied (NO in SJ2), it is determined whether or not the winning ball count switch is ON (SJ).
2a) If YES, a warning process is performed (SJ2)
b) If NO, the process returns to the ball lending control process (SJ1) again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the driving condition of the payout motor 289 is satisfied (YES in SJ2), the control proceeds to SJ3.
Then, it is determined whether or not the winning ball prohibition flag is ON. If it is determined that it is ON, the payout motor control process ends. As a result, when the prize ball prohibition flag is set, the prize ball (prize ball)
Is not paid out. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is not ON, it is determined whether or not the timer T34 has timed out (SJ3a). I do. If the timer T34 has timed out, it is determined whether the distribution solenoid is OFF (SJ3b). When the distributing solenoid 310 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is not OFF and the prize ball payout operation is performed as it is, the prize ball flows down the ball lending passage side and is detected by the ball lending count switch 301b. Is performed. Therefore, if the distribution solenoid is not OFF, the process proceeds to SJ3c, where the distribution solenoid is turned OFF, and the timer T22 is set by SJ3d.
Is started, and the control does not shift to the winning ball payout operation after SJ4 until the timer T22 times out. The timer T22 measures the time required until the ball distribution member 311 is actually switched to the winning ball side after the control for turning off the distribution solenoid 310 is started. Then, the timer T is set by SJ3e.
At the stage where it is determined that the process 22 has been completed, the ball sorting member 31
1 is completely switched to the prize ball side.

The sorting solenoid is turned off by SJ3a.
If it has been determined that SJ3b, SJ3b, S
Since there is no need to perform J3c processing, the control
Go to J3d. As a result, since the timer T22 has not been started, YES is determined in SJ3d, and the control proceeds to SJ4. This SJ4 is a branching process for branching the process according to the winning ball command stored in the received command storage area, and will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the above-described processing for setting the award ball flag is performed (SJ5). This indicates that the payout ball is being paid out.

Next, the payout motor 289 is controlled to be driven (ON state) (SJ7). As a result, a prize ball payout operation is performed. Then, a process of activating the timer T11 is performed (SJ8). Here, the timer T11 is
This is set when the driving of the payout motor 289 is started or when one payout ball is paid out, and when a timeout occurs, an error of the payout motor position sensor 300A is generated. That is, it is an on-check timer of the payout motor position sensor 300A.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the payout motor position sensor 300A has been turned on (SJ9). If the timer is not turned on, the process proceeds to SJ11, where it is determined whether or not the timer T11 has timed out. If the timer T11 has timed out, the process shifts to error processing because there is a possibility that a ball is caught or the like (SJ11, SJ12). The error processing will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the timer T11 has not timed out, the process proceeds to SJ13 shown in FIG. In SJ13, the timer T11
It is determined whether or not is operating. If YES, the process proceeds to SK12, and if NO, it is determined whether the payout motor is ON (SJ14). If NO, SK12
Then, if YES, the timer T12 is started (SJ15). Next, it is determined whether or not the payout motor position sensor has changed from ON to OFF (SJ16).
If O, it is determined whether or not the timer T12 has timed out (16a). If the timer T12 has not timed out, the process proceeds to SK12, and if the timer T12 has timed out, error processing is performed (SJ16b). If the determination in SJ16 is YES, the retry counter is reset (SJ17), and then the timer T12
After stopping, proceed to SK12.

In SJ9, the dispensing motor position sensor 30
When 0A turns on, the timer T11 is stopped after the retry counter is reset (SJ9a) (SJ9a).
J10). In this case, as shown in FIG. 27, it is considered that one ball was paid out because the payout motor position sensor 300A was turned on, and the process of subtracting and updating the counter value of the total prize ball number counter 1 by "1" is performed. This is performed (SK1).

Next, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the total prize ball number counter 1 is 0, that is, whether or not all the balls to be paid out have been paid out (SK2). If it is determined that the counter value of the total prize ball number counter 1 is 0,
The process proceeds to SK3 described below. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value of the total winning ball number counter 1 is not 0, it is determined whether or not the winning ball count switch 301A is turned on (SK12). If the winning ball count switch is not ON, it is determined whether or not the timer T13 is operating (SK12).
a), if YES, proceed to SK14; if NO,
As shown in FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not the ball lending count switch 301B has been turned on (SK27). Ball sorting member 3
As long as 11 is normally switched, no ball is detected by the ball lending count switch 301B during the prize ball payout operation, and the determination of SK27 is NO. In that case, the process ends. On the other hand, if YES is determined in SK27, a warning process is performed because it is abnormal (SK27).
28). This warning process will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball count switch is ON, the timer T13 starts counting (SK1).
3). Here, the timer T13 is used as an off-check timer of the award ball count switch 301A.

Next, it is determined whether or not the prize ball count switch 301A has been turned off (SK14). If it is determined that the prize ball count switch 301A has not been turned off yet, it is determined whether or not the timer T13 has timed out. Is determined (SK17). If it is determined that the timer T13 has not timed out, the flow shifts to SK19 described later. On the other hand, if the timer T13 times out without the award ball count switch 301A being turned off, it is considered that a disconnection failure of the award ball count switch or a ball jam or the like occurs near the award ball count switch 301A. , A warning process is executed (SK18).
Details of the warning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Before timer T13 times out, SK
If it is determined at 14 that the prize ball count switch 301A has been turned off, the timer T13 stops counting (SK15), and then the total prize ball number counter 2 is decremented and updated (-1) (SK16). That is, since the payout of the ball is detected by the prize ball count switch 301A, the number of the detected balls is subtracted from the remaining number of the total prize ball number counter 2.

Next, it is determined whether or not the total prize ball number counter 2 is 0 (SK19). Total prize ball number counter 2
Is not 0, it is determined whether the timer T14 has timed out (SK23).

Here, the timer T14 is a timer which is set in SK4 when the value of the total prize ball number counter 1 (subtracted and updated by the output of the payout motor position sensor 286) becomes 0, and starts counting time. is there. After the value of the total prize ball number counter 1 becomes 0, the timer T14
This is a timer for temporarily stopping the payout motor 289 and thereafter counting the predetermined period when checking whether or not the value of the total prize ball number counter 2 also becomes 0 within the predetermined period.

That is, from the time when the output of the payout motor position sensor 286 is confirmed to the time when the payout ball corresponding to the detected output falls from the ball feeding screw 288 and is soon detected by the prize ball count switch 301A. Is
Since it takes some time, the timer T14 is used to fill the time lag.

If the process proceeds to SK23 with the total prize ball number counter 1 not yet set to 0, the timer T14 is not set, so a NO determination is made in SK23 and the payout motor control process ends.

Thereafter, the counting of the winning balls by the detection output of the winning ball count switch 301A and the payout motor position sensor 286 proceeds, and the total winning ball number counters 1 and 2 are decremented and updated. When the value of 1 becomes 0, YES is determined in SK2. In this case, as long as the payout motor position sensor 300A detects the number of outputs, all the balls to be paid out have been paid out, so the driving of the payout motor 289 is temporarily stopped (S).
K3). Here, the expression “temporarily stopped” is used for the screw 28 for feeding the ball as described above.
This is because there is a possibility that the expected number of balls have not been actually paid out due to missing balls or biting of balls at 8, and in this case, the payout of the insufficient balls is necessary again.

Next, the timer T14 starts counting time (S
K4) As described above, until the timer T14 times out, the detection by the winning ball count switch 301A is waited. Subsequently, the confirming flag is set (SK5). Thereafter, the payout motor control process is temporarily terminated. Note that by setting the checking flag,
Next time, when the payout motor control processing is executed, the processing shifts to SK12 or later by the branch processing (SJ4).

[0287] The processing when the under-confirmation flag is set will be described below. After shifting to SK12, the total winning ball number counter 2 is decremented and updated by one each time the winning ball count switch 301A is turned on / off (SK1).
6). That is, the balls detected by the payout motor position sensor 300A on the upstream side of the ball flow path are sequentially detected by the prize ball count switch 301A with a time lag, and the total prize ball number counter 2 is decremented and updated accordingly. .

Thereafter, in SK19, the total prize ball number counter 2
Is determined to be 0 or not. If the value is not 0 but the timer T14 has not yet timed out, the state in which the payout motor 289 is stopped is maintained (N in SK23).
O). If the value of the total prize ball number counter 2 becomes 0 before the timer T14 times out, all the balls of the expected payout number have actually been confirmed to be paid out by the prize ball count switch 301A. In order to ensure that all the balls to be paid out have been paid out, the counting of the timer T14 is stopped (SK20), and subsequently, the prize-ball in-progress flag and the confirmation-in-progress flag are reset (SK21, SK22).

On the other hand, if the value of the total winning ball counter 2 does not become 0 even after the timer T14 times out, that is, even though the ball payout device 97 operates normally, the ball payout device 97 It is considered that a gap has occurred between the pachinko balls in the game machine for some reason, and a difference has occurred between the operation and the number of paid out prize balls (empty cut). Then, the value of the total prize ball number counter 2 is added (SK26). As a result, the value of the total prize ball number counter 1 indicating the completion of the payout of the number of balls to be paid out (= 0) is corrected to the number of unpaid balls indicated by the value of the total prize ball number counter 2. Is done. Thereafter, the payout motor control processing ends. In this case, the number of unpaid balls is commonly stored in both the total prize ball number counters 1 and 2, and the payout motor 289 is turned on in SJ7 by executing the payout motor control process again. Then, the unpaid balls are paid out. Therefore, in this abnormality, no error code is displayed for relieving the abnormality by replenishment, and the dispensing motor is not stopped due to abnormality.

As described above, according to the payout motor control processing, the payout operation amount of the screw 288 (the number of 180-degree rotations) detected by the payout motor position sensor 300A pays the prize balls of the expected payout number. The prize balls are continuously paid out until the operation amount necessary for the payout is reached. Thereafter, as shown in SK3, the drive of the payout motor 289 is stopped, and the payout is stopped. When it is determined whether or not the prize ball is detected (SK19), if the payout of the prize ball is insufficient, control for paying out the shortage is performed (SK23 to SK26). Can do it.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining error processing. In the error processing, first, the payout motor 289 is turned off (SL6). Next, it is determined whether or not the retry counter is "1" (SL6a). If it is "1", a warning process (SL11) described later with reference to FIG. 31 is performed. If the retry counter is not "1", "1" is added to the retry counter (SL6b). Subsequently, the payout motor 289 is rotated in the reverse forward direction by one step (SL7). As a result, the screw 288 driven by the payout motor 289 reversely rotates in a direction different from the normal payout direction, and then rotates forward to recover from an abnormal state such as ball biting. Next, it is determined whether or not the payout motor position sensor 300A is turned on (SL).
8) If it is determined that the payout motor position sensor 300A is not turned on, the process proceeds to SJ7 (see FIG. 26). On the other hand, if it is determined that the payout motor position sensor has been turned on, the payout motor is turned on (SL9), and the process returns to the process before the error occurred (SL10).

As described above, when an abnormality occurs in the ball dispensing operation, the error processing for recovering the abnormality is automatically performed. , And the management of the gaming machine by the clerk at the game hall becomes easy.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the branching process. This branching process is a process executed by SJ4 of the payout motor process described above.

In the branching process, first, it is determined whether or not bits 0 to 3 of the award ball command are “1” in decimal, ie, “0001” in binary (SL1). That is, here, it is determined whether or not the normal payout is performed. When it is determined that the payout is the normal payout, payout control designation processing for designating the control content of the prize ball command is executed (SL5), and thereafter, the process proceeds to SL4 described later. The details of the payout control designation processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, if the prize-ball prohibition flag is not set, the process is terminated, and if the prize-ball prohibition flag is set, the process proceeds to SKK29 shown in FIG. At SKK29, it is determined whether or not the ball lending count switch is ON.
If ES, a warning process is performed (SKK30), NO
If so, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not normal payout, it is determined whether or not the above-described timers T11, T12, T13 are operating (SL2). Timer T11
If it is determined that is operating, the above-described SJ9
Proceed to. That is, when the timers T11, T12, and T13 are already operating when the branch processing is being executed,
Since it is not necessary to execute the above-described processing of SJ5 to SJ8, the processing directly bypasses the processing and directly proceeds to SJ9. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timers T11, T12, and T13 are not operating, it is determined whether or not the checking flag is set (SL3). If it is determined that the checking flag is set, the timer T1
It is determined whether 3 is operating. If the timer T13 is operating, the process proceeds to SQ22 in FIG. 41. If the timer T13 is not operating, the process proceeds to SK12 in FIG. On the other hand, SL
If it is determined in step 3 that the in-confirmation flag is not set, the process proceeds to SL4 described above.

After execution of the payout control designating process (SL5), or if a negative determination is made in SL3, the winning ball prohibition flag (set or reset in the payout control designating process described later) is turned on. (Set state) is determined (SL4). If it is determined that the prize ball prohibition flag is in the on state, the payout motor control processing ends because the payout motor control does not need to be performed because the payout of the prize ball is prohibited. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning ball prohibition flag is not in the ON state, the branching process ends, and the flow proceeds to SJ5 of the payout motor control process described above.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the warning process. In the warning process, first, timing of various timers is temporarily stopped (SL11), and then the payout motor 289 is turned off (SL12). Next, an error code is displayed by an error code display 374 including seven segments, and a warning sound is generated (SL1).
3) It is determined whether or not the reset switch 379 has been turned on (SL14). And reset switch 379
An error code display and an audible alarm are sounded continuously until ON is detected. For example, a clerk at a game hall that notices the warning sound rushes to the game machine, confirms the cause of the error by displaying an error code, eliminates an abnormality such as a ball jam, and operates the reset switch 379. Is detected, the output of the warning sound is stopped, the timer is restarted (SL15), and the retry counter is reset (SL16), and the process ends.

[0298] In the seven segments for displaying the error code, if "YES" is determined in SK27, "0" indicating a prize ball path error is displayed, and SV is displayed.
If YES is determined in 27, “1” indicating a ball lending route error is displayed, and YE is displayed in SK17.
If it is determined to be S, a prize ball switch or a prize ball count switch, "2" indicating a ball clogging error is displayed, and if it is determined to be YES in SV29, "3" indicating a prize ball path error is displayed. SJ11, SV
If YES is determined in 13, a "4" indicating a payout motor ball biting error is displayed, and if "YES" is determined in SJ2a, "5" is displayed indicating a payout error other than at the time of payout. .

Next, a part of the ball lending motor control will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 34 are flowcharts for explaining ball lending motor control. First, as shown in FIG. 32, it is determined whether or not the winning ball flag is ON (SO1). The prize ball flag is ON
If so, the ball lending motor control process ends. If the winning ball flag is not ON, it is determined whether or not the card unit is connected (SO1a). If NO, the transmission control signal is set to LOW (SO20), and the ball lending motor control process ends. If YES, the PRDY signal is set to HIGH (SO1b), and then it is determined whether or not the firing inhibition flag is set (SO2). If NO, the firing control signal is set to HIGH and the process proceeds to SO4 described later. If YES, the firing control signal is set to LOW (SO22).
Then, it is determined whether or not the ball lending flag is set (SO4). If YES, the SV in FIG.
Proceed to 1. If NO, it is determined whether or not the ball lending standby flag is set (SO5). If NO, it is determined whether or not the ball lending prohibition flag is set (SO6). If YES, the ball lending motor process ends. If NO, it is determined whether the ball lending request (BRDY) signal is ON (SO8), and if NO, the ball lending standby flag is set (SO8a). Y
If it is ES, the ball lending standby flag is set (SO9), and the ball lending motor control process ends.

On the other hand, in SO5, it is determined whether or not the ball lending execution request (BRQ) is ON (S5).
O10) If NO, the ball lending motor control process ends. If YES, the ball lending execution (EXS) is turned ON (SO11). Next, the sorting solenoid is turned on (SO
11a). Thereafter, the timer T33 starts (SO12). Subsequently, the ball lending flag set and the ball lending standby flag are reset (SO13), and the ball lending motor control process ends.

As shown in FIG. 33, when the ball lending flag is set in SO4, it is determined whether or not the ball lending request signal (BRQ) is OFF (SV1). If NO, the ball lending motor control process ends. If YES, it is determined whether or not the timer T33 has timed out (SV2). If NO, the ball lending motor control process ends if NO. If timer T33 has timed out, turn on the payout motor
(SV3), then start the timer T30 (SV3).
4). Next, it is determined whether or not the payout motor position sensor has been turned from OFF to ON (SV5). If NO, it is determined whether or not the timer T30 has timed out (SV13). If so, the error processing (SV14) in FIG. 31 is performed. If the timer T30 has not timed out, the SV15 shown in FIG.
Proceed to. If the payout motor position sensor is ON in SV5, the retry counter is set (SV5).
6) Stop the timer T30 (SV7). Thereafter, "1" is added to the ball lending counter 1 (SV8).
Next, it is determined whether or not the ball lending counter 1 is “25”. If NO, SV1 described later with reference to FIG.
Go to 5. If the ball lending counter 1 is "25", the payout motor is turned off (SV10), and then the timer T32 is started (SV11). After that, the even lending confirmation flag is set (SV12), and the ball lending motor control process ends.

Next, as shown in FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not the ball lending count switch is ON (S).
V15). If NO, it is determined whether or not the award ball count switch is ON (SV27). If YES, a warning process (SV28) described with reference to FIG. 31 is performed, and if NO, a ball lending motor control process. To end.

On the other hand, if the ball lending count switch is ON, after resetting the retry counter (SV16),
The timer T31 is started (SV17). Next, it is determined whether or not the ball lending count switch is OFF (SV17a). If NO, it is determined whether or not the timer T31 has timed out (SV2).
9). If YES, a warning process is performed, and if NO, the process proceeds to SV20 described later. If the ball lending count switch is OFF, the timer T31 is stopped (SV1).
8) After that, "1" is subtracted from the ball lending counter 2 (SV19). Next, it is determined whether or not the ball lending counter 2 is "25" (SV20). If NO, the ball lending motor control process ends. Ball rental counter 2
Is "25", the timer T32 is stopped (SV
21) If it is not "25", it is determined whether or not the timer T32 has timed out (SV33). If it has not timed out, the process is terminated. Also, the timer T32
Is stopped, the ball lending flag is reset (SV2
2) After that, the ball lending confirmation flag is reset (SV2)
3). Subsequently, the ball lending execution (EXS) is turned off (S
V24). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ball lending request (BRDY) is ON (SV25). If YES, the ball lending standby flag is set (SV26), and the ball lending motor control process is terminated. If the ball lending request (BRDY) is not ON, after the timer T34 is started (SV31),
After the distribution solenoid is turned off, the ball lending motor control process ends.

Next, the ball lending branching process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 35, it is determined whether or not the timer T30 is operating (SX1). If YES, FIG.
Proceeds to SV5 indicated by, and if NO, it is determined whether or not the ball lending confirmation flag is set (SX)
2). If NO, the ball lending branching process ends, and if YES, it is determined whether or not the timer T31 is operating (SX).
3). If NO, the process proceeds to SV15 shown in FIG. 34, and if YES, the process proceeds to SV5.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the payout control designation processing. This payout control designation processing
This is a process executed by SL5 of the branch process described above.

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

When it is determined that the command is a prize ball prohibition command, a process of setting a prize ball prohibition flag is performed (SN).
5). This indicates that the prize ball prohibition has been commanded. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a winning ball prohibition command, it is determined whether or not the received winning ball command is a firing prohibition command (SN4).

If it is determined that the command is a firing prohibition command, a firing prohibition flag is set (SN7).
The payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is not a firing prohibition command, it is determined whether or not the received prize ball command is a ball lending prohibition release command (SN).
6).

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

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

If it is determined that the command is a firing prohibition release command, the firing prohibition flag is reset (SN13),
Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the command is not the firing prohibition release command, the payout control designation processing ends.

As described above, according to the payout control designation processing,
The award ball command other than the normal payout is decoded, and various flags are controlled and control signals are controlled in accordance with the control content specified by the award ball command.

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

Referring to FIG. 37, a prize for paying out five balls, a prize for paying out 15 balls, and
When winnings for five payouts are detected successively, an INT signal and a prize ball command specifying the number of payouts are immediately output from the game control board 31 in accordance with each of the winnings.
The payout number by such a prize ball command is stored in the RAM 2916 of the payout control microcomputer 370. Then, based on the stored information on the number of payouts, drive signals for the five payout rotations, the fifteenth payout rotation, and the five payout rotations are sent from the prize ball lending substrate 37 to the payout motor 2.
89. With this, 5 prize balls,
Fifteen award balls and five award balls are sequentially paid out, and the number of the award balls is detected by the award ball count switch. In this case, no error operation has occurred on the game control board 31 side.

FIG. 38 shows a control operation when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on. In FIG. 38, the input to the game control board 31 from the winning ball detection switch (general name of the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 240), and the game control board from the ball cutout switch 187. 31; an input to the game control board 31 from the out-of-ball detection switch 167; an output of an INT signal from the game control board 31; an output of a prize ball command from the game control board 31; An input to the substrate 31 and an output of a drive signal from the winning ball lending substrate 37 to the payout motor 289 are shown.

Referring to FIG. 38, when the power of pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, in the above-described initialization processing (S2) in the main processing, the firing prohibition flag, ball lending prohibition flag, and prize ball prohibition flag are set. Are turned on. Then, first, on condition that the full tank switch 48 does not detect the full state, the firing prohibition flag is turned off, and a firing prohibition release command is output with the INT signal. Then, the ball lending prohibition flag is turned off after a lapse of 2000 ms after it is confirmed that the ball luff switch 187 is in the off state (ball luff non-detection state), and a ball lending prohibition release command is output with the INT signal. You. Then, after it is confirmed that the broken-out detection switch 167 is in the off state (the broken-out non-detection state), 22
After a lapse of 00 ms, the prize ball prohibition flag is turned off, and I
A prize ball prohibition release command is output with the NT signal.

In this case, after the prize ball prohibition release command is output, the prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch for the payout of five payouts. The prize ball command for paying out the five prize balls is output after the prize ball prohibition release command is output. The number of payouts by the award ball command is stored in the RAM of the payout control microcomputer 370.
It is stored in the total prize ball number counters 2 and 2916. A drive signal corresponding to five payout rotations is output from the prize ball rental board 37 to the payout motor 289 in accordance with the prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls. As a result, five winning balls are paid out, and the number of winning balls is detected by the winning ball count switch. When a plurality of award ball commands are successively input to the award ball lending substrate 37, balls for the total number of award balls based on the plurality of award ball commands are collectively and continuously paid out. In addition, the drive signal corresponding to the total payout is the payout motor 2
89.

Next, another embodiment of the payout motor control processing will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 39 is a modified example of the flowchart part shown in FIG. 28 in the payout motor control processing shown in FIGS.

In the processing shown in FIG. 28, when it is determined that the number of balls to be paid out is insufficient (SK19, SK23), the total prize ball number counter 1 is set so that the balls with insufficient payment can be paid out. The value is corrected (SK26). This figure 3
In the modification shown in FIG. 9, these processes are performed in the same manner, but before the value of the total winning ball counter 1 is corrected, the occurrence of an abnormality is notified by a warning sound by a buzzer 75.

Referring to FIG. 39, in SKK 19, it is determined whether or not the value of total winning ball counter 2 is 0, as in SK 19 shown in FIG. When it is determined that the value of the total prize ball number counter 2 is 0, the same processing as that of SK20 to SK22 shown in FIG. 28 is executed (SKK20 to SKK22).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the total prize ball number counter 2 is not 0, it is determined whether or not the timer T14 has timed out (SKK23). Ends the processing. If it is determined that the time-out has occurred, a warning sound is generated from the buzzer 75 (SKK26). Next, it is determined whether or not the reset switch (reset SW) 379 has been turned on (SKK27), and a warning sound is continuously output until the reset switch 379 is turned on. Then, when the reset switch 379 is turned on, the output of the warning sound is stopped, and the value of the total prize ball number counter 2 is added to the total prize ball number counter 1 (SKK28). This allows
The total prize ball number counter 1 is provided with the number of prize balls not yet paid out,
The value of the total prize ball number counter 1 is corrected. Thereafter, the process ends.

According to this modification, for example, the timer T
Even if a failure occurs such that the total prize ball number counter 2 does not become "0" even if 14 times out, a store clerk at the game hall can quickly respond. In other words, according to the processing shown in FIG. 27, if the total winning ball counter 2 does not become "0" even after the timer T14 times out, the value of the total winning ball counter 1 is corrected, and the payout motor control process is performed. (See FIG. 28).
Insufficient payout of balls is detected in K19 and SK23, and the same processing may be repeated. Therefore, for example, the abnormality is left until the player points out the abnormality. On the other hand, according to the modification shown in FIG. 40, before exiting the routine of the payout motor control processing (here, before the value of the total prize ball number counter 1 is corrected), the buzzer 75 warns of the occurrence of the abnormality. And the process is in a standby state until the reset switch 379 is turned on, so that the clerk can quickly respond to the abnormality. Also,
Compared to the case where the system is configured to automatically return to the normal state without any notification when an abnormality occurs, for example,
The clerk can check whether the abnormal state occurs frequently. Further, before the value of the total prize ball number counter 1 is corrected, since the process is in a standby state, the clerk can check how much the number of payouts is insufficient, and the clerk himself can perform the shortage. A ball to be played can be given to the player to compensate for the shortage.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the first embodiment described above, after the predetermined number of balls are paid out and the payout motor is turned off, the last of the predetermined number of paid out balls is detected by the prize ball counting switch 301A or the ball lending count switch 301B. After confirming that the predetermined number of payouts have been completed, the distribution solenoid is controlled to switch the ball distribution member 311. However, in the second embodiment, a predetermined number of balls are dispensed. After the payout is performed and the payout motor is turned off, a timer for measuring a time required for the last one of the predetermined number of payout balls to pass through the ball sorting member 311 is started, and the timer is timed up. Then, the distribution solenoid is controlled to switch the ball distribution member 311.

FIG. 40 shows only the part that is changed in the flowchart shown in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 40 (a), FIG.
After the dispensing motor is turned off by SK3 of SK7, SK
Proceed to 29, start the timer T25, proceed to SK4, start the timer T14 and proceed to SK5 in FIG.

Also, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), the first
The control proceeds to SV29 after controlling the payout motor to OFF by SV10 of FIG. 33 in the embodiment, and after the timer T25 is started, the process of starting the timer T32 of SV1 is performed, and then the process proceeds to SV12 of FIG. This SK2
9. The timer T25 of the SV 29 measures a sufficient time required for the last payout ball to pass through the ball distribution member 311 after the payout motor is turned off.

Next, as shown in FIG.
In SJ3b of FIG. 26 of the embodiment, it is determined whether or not the distribution solenoid is turned off. If the distribution solenoid is turned off, the process proceeds to SJ13, and the timer T25 described above ends. A determination is made as to whether or not the processing has not been completed yet.
To determine whether the timer T22 has expired. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer T25 has expired, the control proceeds to SJ3c, where the distributing solenoid 310 is turned off.
An operation for switching the ball distribution member 311 to the prize ball side by controlling the FF is started. That is, after the timer T22 is started, the control for switching the ball sorting member 311 to the winning ball side is started after waiting for the timer T25 to end. Therefore, the ball distributing member 311 is switched to the prize ball side until the last of the dispensed balls dispensed from the ball dispensing device 97 passes through the ball distributing member 311. If the timer T32 times out, a warning process is performed as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the ball lending standby flag is in the ON state by SO5 in FIG. 32 in the embodiment.
If O, the process proceeds to SO6, and if YES, that is, if the ball lending standby flag is ON, the process proceeds to SO16, and it is determined whether or not the timer T25 has expired. The process for turning on the solenoid is performed, and the process proceeds to SO11 in FIG. Timer T2
After waiting for the time of 5 to elapse, control for switching the ball distribution member 311 to the ball lending side is started. as a result,
Wait until the last one of the payout balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 passes through the ball sorting member 311 and wait for the ball sorting member 311.
Is switched to the ball lending side.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 42 to 47 are views showing a third embodiment. FIG. 42 corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. Common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference from FIG. 4 is that switching detectors 300A and 300B for detecting whether the ball sorting member 311 has been switched to the winning ball side or the ball lending side are provided. Specifically, 300A is a prize ball side switching detector, which detects a state where the ball distribution member 311 is switched to the prize ball side (the side shown by the solid line in FIG. 42). 300B is a ball rental side switching detector,
This is to detect a state in which the ball distribution member 311 is switched to the ball lending side (the side indicated by the broken line in FIG. 42). The prize ball side switching detector 300A and the ball lending side switching detector 3
00B is the I / O port 37 of the prize ball lending board 307
2b, and is configured so that each detection signal is input from the I / O port 372b.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program corresponding to each of FIGS. 26 and 37 in the first embodiment. Steps that perform the same processing are denoted by the same step numbers, and differences are mainly described here. As shown in FIG.
In step 3, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition flag is ON.
If it is not N, the payout motor control ends, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to SJ13, and it is determined whether or not the prize ball side switching detector 300A is in the ON state. Next, when the prize-ball-side switching detector 300A is already in the ON state, the process directly proceeds to SJ4 because there is no need to switch the ball sorting member 311 to the prize-ball side. On the other hand, when the prize-ball-side switching detector 300A is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to SJ14, and the ball distribution member prize-ball-side switching processing is executed. This will be described later. Then, the program proceeds to SJ15, in which it is determined whether or not the award ball switching flag is in the ON state. If the flag is in the ON state, this subroutine program is ended. If not, the program proceeds to SJ4. The prize ball side switching flag is a flag that is ON while the ball distribution member 311 is performing an operation of switching to the prize ball side, and is set by SV2 described later with reference to FIG. Reset by SV6.

FIGS. 44 to 46 are flowcharts corresponding to FIGS. 32 to 34 in the first embodiment. The differences between FIGS. 44 to 46 and FIGS. 32 to 34 are as follows.

First, in FIG. 44, it is determined whether or not the ball lending execution request (BRQ) is ON in SO10. If the request is ON, the process proceeds to SO11a, and the ball distribution member prize ball side switching processing is executed. Thereafter, the flow advances to SO11b. SO
In 11b, it is determined whether or not the ball lending-side switching flag is ON. If the flag is ON, the ball lending motor control process ends, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to SO13.

Next, in FIG. 45, when the ball lending request signal (BRQ) is OFF in SV1, the process proceeds to SV3 without using the timer, and the payout motor is turned on.
To

Further, in FIG. 46, in SV25, if the ball lending request (BRDY) is not ONN, the ball distribution member prize ball side switching processing is performed, and then the ball lending motor control processing ends. .

FIGS. 47 (a) and (b) show SO11a,
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine program of the ball distribution member prize ball side switching process and the ball distribution member ball lending side switching process indicated by SV25a.

In the ball distribution member prize ball side switching processing, FIG.
As shown in (a), first, a determination is made by SV1 as to whether or not the winning ball side switching flag is ON.
If it is not ON, the process proceeds to SV2, and the award ball switching flag is set. In the next execution of the subroutine of the ball distribution member prize ball side switching process as a result, a determination of YES is made by SV1.

Next, the flow advances to SV3, where processing for controlling the distribution solenoid 310 to be OFF is performed. Next, SV
The process proceeds to step S4, where the processing for starting the award ball switching timer is performed. The prize ball side switching timer is a timer for measuring a sufficient time required for the ball allocating member 311 to actually switch to the prize ball side after the process of turning off the distribution solenoid 310 is started. .

Next, the flow proceeds to SV5, and it is determined whether or not the prize-ball-side switching detector 300A has been turned ON. If not, the process proceeds to SV7, and the prize-ball-side switching timer times out. It is determined whether or not the current time has not elapsed, and this subroutine program ends. When the switching operation of the ball sorting member 311 is normally performed, the prize ball switching detector 3 is set at a stage before the prize ball switching timer times out.
00A turns ON. As a result, control proceeds to SV6,
The award ball switching flag is reset. On the other hand, if any abnormality such as an abnormality such as a ball biting or a failure of the distribution solenoid 310 occurs at the position of the ball distribution member 311, the prize ball side switching is performed even if the prize ball side switching timer times out. However, the detector 300A does not turn on. In that case,
The control proceeds to SV8, and a warning process is performed. This warning process is the same as in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 47 (b), in the ball distribution member ball lending side switching process, it is first determined by SW1 whether or not the ball lending side switching flag is ON. If it is not ON, the process proceeds to SW2, and processing for setting a ball lending-side switching flag is performed. As a result, in the next execution of this subroutine program, a determination of YES is made by SW1. Next, SW
Then, the process proceeds to step S3, in which the distribution solenoid 310 is turned on. Next, the process proceeds to SW4, in which a process of starting a ball rental side switching timer is performed. The ball lending side switching timer is for measuring a sufficient time until the ball distribution member 311 is actually switched to the ball lending side after the control for turning on the distribution solenoid 310 is started.

Then, the flow advances to SW5, where it is determined whether or not the ball lending-side switching detector 300B has been turned ON. It is determined whether or not it has been up,
If the time has not elapsed yet, this subroutine program ends.

As long as the ball distributing member 311 is performing a normal switching operation, the ball lending-side switching detector 300B is turned ON at a stage before the timer for the ball lending-side switching expires. In that case, the control proceeds to SW6, and a process of resetting the ball lending-side switching flag is performed. On the other hand, if any abnormality such as ball biting occurs at the ball distribution member 311 and the ball distribution member 311 cannot perform the normal switching operation, the ball lending side switching detector 3
The timer for switching the ball lending side times out without 00B being turned ON. In that case, the control proceeds to SW8,
Warning processing is performed. This warning process is the same as that shown in FIG.

Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described first embodiment, the ball lending unit amount (100 yen)
If a prize occurs even during a lending ball lending operation for paying out lending balls (25 pieces) corresponding to the above, the lending operation is interrupted halfway and the operation is shifted to a prize ball payout operation. Although the ball priority control is performed, the fifth embodiment is configured to shift to the prize ball payout operation if a prize is generated after the above-described one-unit ball lending operation is completed.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the state of FIG. 26 in the first embodiment.
Is a flowchart corresponding to S.
If YES is determined by J2, SJ15
Thus, it is determined whether the lending-in-unit flag is ON or not. If it is determined that the switch is ON, the subroutine program ends.
If it is determined that the switch has not been turned ON, the control proceeds to SJ3.
Proceed to a. When the ball lending flag is ON, it means that the above-described 1-unit ball lending operation is being executed. When the 1-unit ball lending operation is being executed, the award ball after SJ3a is being executed. The payout operation is not performed. Then, the lending operation is completed and the lending flag is set to OF.
When the state becomes F, the processing shifts to the award ball payout operation after SJ3a.

Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the description has been made on the assumption that the ball payout device used in the case of having the branch valve is used. However, in the present embodiment, the ball used in the case of not having the branch valve is used. FIG. 49 to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, FIGS. 49 and 5
The ball lending mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. The mechanism for lending a ball is configured to be integrated into a first case 242 and a second case 243. That is, the front end surface of the concave space facing the second case 243 of the first case 242 is
A lending ball passage 1250 formed in a “<” shape is formed,
The upper end of the ball lending passage 1250 is a ball lending ball entrance 245, and the other end of the ball lending passage 1250 is the ball lending ball outlet 12.
It is 51. This ball lending ball exit 1251 has a switch locking claw 1292 so that a ball lending count switch 250 having a ball passing hole 1290 through which a ball passes is faced.
And the switch engagement recess 1293.

Specifically, one side end face of the ball lending count switch 250 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the switch locking claw 1292 being pushed upward is connected to the switch engaging recess 129.
3 and release the switch locking claw 1292, the switch locking claw 1292 and the other end of the ball lending count switch 250 can be engaged so as not to come off. Wiring 1 connected to ball lending count switch 250
Reference numeral 291 is connected to the connector 1237 of the payout unit relay board 256 through the wiring see-through opening 1225. The lower part of the first case 242 is provided with the switch locking claw 12.
A locking claw forming opening 1292a is formed to integrally mold the 22 with the first case 242.

A support boss 1252 having a support hole 1253 protrudes from the bent portion of the ball lending passage 1250. The support hole 1253 has a ball payout member 1261 described later.
The tip of a pivot pin 1260 that rotationally supports is inserted and supported. Note that the bent portion of the ball lending passage 1250 is formed slightly upstream in the middle of the passage 1250.

Also, the second case 24 of the ball lending passage 1250
The three side surfaces are connected by a first holding member 1254. The first holding member 1254 is connected to the first case 24.
When the second case 243 is assembled with the first case 2
42, the positioning hole 1255 formed in the upper part thereof is inserted into the positioning pin 1258 of the second case 243 in advance (however, the upper positioning pin is not shown). The case 242 and the second case 243 are assembled. Further, the first holding member 1254 is formed with an arcuate concave portion 1256 in which the gear portion 1262 of the ball dispensing member 1261 and the tip portion of the ball lending motor position sensor board 278 are accommodated in the middle thereof, and a ball lending at the lower end thereof. A switch contact piece 1257 that contacts the tip side surface of the count switch 250 is added.

On the other hand, the first case 24 of the second case 243
On the side facing 2, a positioning pin 1258 protrudes and a shaft support pin 1260 rotatably supports the ball dispensing member 1261. This pivot pin 126
The ball dispensing member 1261 which is rotatably supported at 0 is a rotary shaft hole 12 through which a support pin 1260 is inserted at the center of a disc.
65 is formed and has a gear portion 1262 on the inner periphery thereof. A plurality of ball feed projecting pieces 1263 project from the circular first case 242 side, and the outer periphery of the disc-shaped second case 243 side is formed. Is provided with a detection piece 1264. A plurality of (three in the case of the present embodiment) projecting balls 1263 are protruded with an interval at which balls flowing down the ball lending passage 1250 fall, and as shown in FIG. It is provided on the back surface corresponding to the intermediate position of the ball feed projecting piece 1263. Note that the tooth heights of the gear portions 1262 are not all the same, and as shown in FIG. 51, low tooth portions 1267 having low tooth tips are formed at regular intervals. This is for aligning a meshing position with a gear 1273 to be described later. In particular, a mark hole 1266 is formed at a position inside the disk of the low tooth portion 1273 to be a meshing position. On the side of the second case 243 facing the first case 242, a configuration for mounting the ball lending motor 248 and the ball lending motor position sensor board 278 is provided. That is, a positioning hole 1271 is formed on the upper position side of the motor mounting plate 1268 to which the ball rental motor 248 is mounted, and the positioning hole 1271 and the second case 2
43, and is inserted into a positioning boss 1294 protruding therefrom. Further, a positioning hole 1280 is formed in an upper portion of one side of the ball rental motor position sensor substrate 278, and the positioning hole 128
0 is inserted into the positioning boss 1294. Thereby, the motor mounting plate 1268 and the ball rental motor position sensor board 278 are provided.
Are overlapped and locked to the positioning boss 1294. Further, a mounting hole 1281 is formed in the upper part on the other side of the ball lending motor position sensor substrate 278, and the mounting hole 1281 is aligned with a stop boss 1231 formed in the second case 243 and fastened with a screw 1282. Thereby, the ball lending motor position sensor board 278 is fixed. When the ball lending motor position sensor substrate 278 is fixed, the motor mounting plate 1268 is sandwiched between the ball lending motor position sensor substrate 278 and the vertical wall surface of the second case 243, so that the motor 24
8 is also temporarily fixed.

The motor wiring 1270 is drawn out from the ball lending motor 248 mounted on the motor mounting plate 1268, and the wiring transparent opening 1223 and the wiring transparent notch 1 are provided.
233 is connected to the connector 1235 on the upper part of the payout unit relay board 256. The ball lending motor 248 passes through the motor through hole 1276 formed in the second case 243 and is located in the concave space of the second case 243.
A gear 1273 is fixed to a motor shaft 1272 (refer to FIG. 51) as an output shaft of. As shown in FIG. 51, the gear 1273 has a smaller number (１ ／ in the case of the illustrated embodiment) than the number of teeth of the gear portion 1262, and all the roots have the same depth. This is not the case, and high tooth portions 1275 having high tooth low portions are formed at regular intervals. This controls the meshing position with the gear portion 1262, and the mark hole 12 is located inside the high tooth portion 1275.
74 are formed.

Thus, the mark hole 126 of the gear portion 1262
When the low tooth portion 1266 in which the gear 6 is locked and the high tooth portion 1275 in which the mark hole 1274 of the gear 1273 is aligned and meshed with each other, the ball feed projection 1126 of the ball discharging member 1261 is engaged.
This is a position for receiving a ball flowing down the lending ball passage 1250 during the period 263, and a position where the detection piece 1264 is detected by the motor position sensor 252 mounted on the ball lending motor position sensor board 278. Thus, the stop position of the ball lending motor 248 can be made accurate. If the low-tooth portion 1266 and the high-tooth portion 1275 are not correctly engaged, the gear 1273 and the gear portion 1262 do not rotate even if the ball lending motor 248 rotates. 1273 or gear section 12
By turning the knob 62, it is possible to confirm whether or not the meshing is correct. The ball rental motor 248
The press fitting of the motor shaft 1272 and the gear 1273 is performed in a state where the ball lending motor 248 is excited and the motor shaft 1272 does not rotate (a two-phase excitation point having a strong excitation force is set as a reference excitation point). Thus, when the ball lending motor 248 is stopped, the rotation of the teeth due to the inertial force can be prevented. The ball payout member 1261
Shaft 1260, which is the rotation axis of the motor, and the ball rental motor 248
And the motor shaft 1272 are arranged in parallel.

The ball rental motor position sensor board 278
, A motor position sensor 252 composed of a light-transmitting / receiving type sensor is mounted at the end on the side facing the first case 242, and a wiring 1279 is connected thereto.
79 is a wiring see-through opening 1222 and a wiring see-through notch 12
32 through the connector 1228 of the position sensor board 254.
It is connected to the. Further, a screw hole 1259 is formed in a vertical surface of the second case 243 corresponding to a portion where the motor position sensor 252 is mounted, so that a soldered portion on the back surface of the motor position sensor 252 enters. .

Thus, as described above, the first holding member 1254, the ball discharging member 1261, the motor mounting plate 1268, and the ball lending motor position sensor board 278 are mounted on the second case 243.
When the first case 242 is fitted from the side in a state where is mounted, the boss holes 1285a and 1285b formed in the upper portion and the intermediate portion of the first case 242 and the second case 243 are formed. Assembled boss holes 1286a, 1
286b matches, and in this state, the assembling hole 1285
a, 1285b, 1286a, and 1286b, from the side of the first case 242, fastening screws 1287a,
Screw 1287b. Thus, the first case 242
The second case 243 and the second case 243 can be assembled side by side. At this time, the distal end surface of the holding boss 1284 protruding from the concave space of the first case 242 comes into contact with the ball lending motor position sensor board 278. Ball rental motor position sensor board 27
8 is fixed so as not to move slightly, and the distal end surface of the screw insertion cylinder 1288 into which the assembly screw 1287b inserted through the assembly boss hole 1285b in the middle portion is inserted is the motor mounting plate 12
The motor mounting plate 1268 is fixed so as not to move slightly by pressing the lower central portion of the lower portion 68. The screw insertion cylinder 12
88 may be formed integrally with the boss in which the assembly boss hole 1285b is formed.

The first case 242 and the second case 242 are
In the state where the case 243 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 51, the ball feed protrusion 1263 of the ball payout member 1261 faces below the bent portion of the ball lending passage 1250, and the ball payout member 1
261 and a gear 1273 fixed to the motor shaft 1272 of the ball lending motor 248 are engaged in an obliquely upwardly inclined state, and the ball lending motor 248 is located behind the winning ball passage 1300 in the second case 243. Is located above the concave space portion.

Next, the mechanism for the prize ball will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 50 and 52. FIG. The mechanism for the prize ball is
The second case 243 and the third case 244 are collectively configured. That is, the third case 24 of the second case 243
The prize ball path 1300 formed in a “<” shape is formed from the front end face of the concave space facing the prize ball path 1.
The upper end of 300 is a prize ball entrance 246, and the lower end of the prize ball passage 1300 is a prize ball exit 1302. A ball passing hole 1344 through which a ball passes is formed at the ball exit 1302 for the prize ball.
It is attached by the switch locking claw 1346 and the switch engagement recess 1347 so that 51a faces. Since this mounting structure is the same as the ball lending count switch 250, the wiring 1345 connected to the first prize ball count switch 251a is not described in detail.
226 is connected to the connector 1237 of the payout unit relay board 256. Further, a support boss 1304 having a support hole 1304a is provided to protrude from a bent portion of the prize ball path 1300. In the support hole 1304a, the ball payout member 1 is provided.
The distal end of a pivot pin 1314 that rotatably supports 315 is inserted and supported. Note that the bent portion of the prize ball passage 1300 is formed slightly downstream of the middle of the passage 1300.

On the other hand, the second case 24 of the third case 244
A prize ball passage 1301 formed in a “<” shape is formed more than the tip end surface of the concave space portion facing 3, and the upper end of the prize ball passage 1301 is a prize ball ball entrance 247.
The lower end of the prize ball passage 1301 is a prize ball exit 1303. A switch locking claw 1351 and a switch engagement recess 1352 are attached to the prize ball outlet 1303 so that a second prize ball count switch 251b in which a ball passage hole 1349 through which a ball passes is formed. Since this mounting structure is the same as the ball lending count switch 250, and will not be described in detail, the wiring 1350 connected to the second prize ball count switch 251b passes through the wiring see-through opening 1226 and the payout unit relay board 256 To the connector 1237. In addition, a locking claw forming opening 1351a is formed below the third case 244 to integrally mold the switch locking claw 1351 with the third case 244. In addition, a support boss 1313 having a pivot pin 1314 protrudes from the bent portion of the prize ball passage 1301. The pivot pin 1314 is connected to a ball discharging member 1315 described later.
Is supported for rotation. Note that the bent portion of the prize ball passage 1301 is formed slightly downstream of the middle of the passage 1301.

In addition, the second case 243 and the third case 24
The second holding member 1305 is held between the second holding member 1 and the second holding member 1. When the second case 243 and the third case 244 are assembled, the partitioning head 1306 at the upper end of the second holding member 1305 has the ball entrance 246 and 247 portions of the prize ball of the second case 243 and the third case 244. Is held by a holding step portion 1353 formed at the rear of the vehicle. Also,
Guide inclined surfaces 1307 are formed on the left and right from the lower end of the partition head 1306 of the second holding member 1305, and the entrance 24 for the prize ball is formed.
The ball from 6,247 is guided obliquely to the side. In addition, a pair of plate-like portions hang down from the lower end side of the guide inclined surface 1307, and arc recesses 1308 and 1309 having different sizes are formed in the upper portions of the respective plates. However, between the pair of plate-shaped portions, a gear portion 1316 of a ball payout member 1315 described later and a tip portion of the prize ball motor position sensor substrate 332 are accommodated. The first arc-shaped concave portion 1308 formed on the plate portion facing the second case 243 has the first ball-feeding convex piece 1
317 penetrates and is formed in a plate-shaped portion facing the third case 244.
The second ball feed convex piece 1318 of No. 5 penetrates. However, since the trapezoidal gear portion 1316 of the ball dispensing member 1315 is arranged in a portion close to the second arc recess 1309,
By reducing the diameter of the first arcuate concave portion 1308, the ball is inserted into the prize ball path 1
I try not to enter from 300. In addition, even if the diameter of the second arc recess 1309 is large, the second arc recess 1309 can be closed by the disk on which the gear portion 1316 is formed, so that the ball does not enter from the prize ball passage 1301. Further, a switch contact piece 131 which is in contact with the lower end of the second holding member 1305 at the lower end of the first prize ball count switch 251a and the tip side surface of the second prize ball count switch 251b.
0 has been added. In addition, award ball passages 1300, 130
In the bent portion from the front end surface of the first circular arc recess 1 described above,
Positioning support pieces 1311 and 1312 are provided so as to be engaged with the second arc recess 1309 and the second arc recess 1309.

On the other hand, a ball discharging member 131 rotatably supported by a pivot pin 1314 protruding from the third case 244.
5 has a rotary shaft hole 1320 through which a pivot pin 1314 is inserted at the center of the disk and has a gear portion 1316 on the outer periphery thereof, and a plurality of first balls on the second case 243 side of the disk. A feeding piece 1317 and a plurality of detection pieces 1319 are protrudingly provided, and a second ball feeding protruding piece 1318 is protrudingly provided on the third case 244 side having a disk shape. 1st ball feed convex piece 1317
In addition, a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) projections are provided for the second ball feed convex piece 1318 at intervals at which balls flowing down the prize ball path 1300 fall, and the detection piece 1319 is provided with the first ball feed. The same number (six in the case of the present embodiment) as the total of the projecting pieces 1317 and the second ball feed projecting pieces 1318 are provided at equal intervals, and the projecting intervals are determined by a motor position sensor described later. Reference numeral 253 denotes an interval at which a ball falls between one ball-feeding convex piece at a position where one detecting piece 1319 is detected, and a ball is placed on the other ball-feeding convex piece. The first
The ball-feeding convex pieces 1317 and the second ball-feeding convex pieces 1318 are provided alternately so as to protrude. In addition, the height of the cutting edge of the gear portion 1316 is not all the same, and as shown in FIG. 52, the low tooth portion 1322 having a low cutting edge is provided at equal intervals. this is,
The position of meshing with a gear 1328 to be described later is aligned.
A mark hole 1321 is formed.

The third case 24 of the second case 243
On the side facing 4, a configuration is provided for mounting the prize ball motor 249 and the prize ball motor position sensor board 332. That is, the positioning hole 13 is provided at the lower position side of the motor mounting plate 1323 to which the prize ball motor 249 is mounted.
26 is formed, and the positioning hole 1326 is formed in the second
It is inserted into a positioning boss 1338 projecting below the position side of the concave space portion of the case 243. A positioning hole 1335 is also formed in the lower portion on the position side of the prize ball motor position sensor board 332, and this positioning hole 1335 is
38. As a result, the motor mounting plate 1323 and the winning ball motor position sensor board 332 overlap and are locked by the positioning boss 1338. Further, a mounting hole 1336 is formed in the upper part on the other side of the prize ball motor position sensor substrate 332, and the mounting hole 1336 is aligned with a transparent boss 1339 formed in the second case 243 and fastened with a screw 1337. Thereby, the winning ball motor position sensor board 332 is fixed. When the winning ball motor position sensor board 332 is fixed, the motor position sensor board 1322 and the second case 243 are fixed.
The motor 249 is also temporarily fixed by sandwiching the lower part of the motor mounting plate 1323 with the positioning boss 1338. The prize ball motor 249 including the gear 1328 and the motor mounting plate 1323 is exactly the same as the ball lending motor 248 including the gear 1273 and the motor mounting plate 1268. Is just pointing in the opposite direction.

The motor wiring 1325 is drawn out of the prize ball motor 249 mounted on the motor mounting plate 1323, and the wiring transparent opening 1224 and the wiring transparent opening 123 are provided.
8 and connected to the connector 1235 at the lower part of the payout unit relay board 256. In addition, the prize ball motor 249
Are mounted on the positioning boss 1338 and the stop boss 1339 so as to be located below the concave space portion of the second case 243. Opening 1331 is formed. The motor shaft 1327 of the prize ball motor 249
The gear 1328 is fixed to the. This gear 1328
26, as shown in FIG. 26, has a smaller number of teeth (１ ／ in the case of the illustrated embodiment) than the number of teeth of the gear portion 1316, and not all tooth bottoms have the same depth. Instead, high tooth bottom portions 1330 with high tooth bottom portions are provided at equal intervals. This aligns the meshing position with the gear portion 1316, and a mark hole 1329 is formed at a position inside the high tooth bottom portion 1330. Thus, the low tooth portion 132 in which the mark hole 1321 of the gear portion 1316 is formed.
When the gear 2 and the high tooth bottom portion 1330 in which the mark hole 1329 of the gear 1328 are aligned and engaged with each other, a ball flowing down the prize ball passage is received between one ball feeding convex piece of the ball discharging member 1315. This is the position where the ball flowing down the other prize ball passage is placed between the other ball feed convex pieces, and the detection piece 1319 is the prize ball motor position sensor board 332.
Is a position detected by the motor position sensor 253 mounted on the first position. Thus, the stop position of the prize ball motor 249 can be made accurate. If the low tooth portion 1322 and the high tooth bottom portion 1330 are not correctly engaged, the gear 1328 and the gear portion 1316 do not rotate even if the prize ball motor 249 rotates. By turning the gear 1328 or the gear portion 1316, it can be confirmed whether or not the meshing is accurate. The press fit of the motor shaft 1327 and the gear 1328 of the prize ball motor 249 is performed in a state where the prize ball motor 249 is excited and the motor shaft 1327 does not rotate (a two-layer excitation point having a strong excitation force is set as a reference excitation point). What is sent. Thereby, when the prize ball motor 249 is stopped, it is possible to prevent an excessive rotation due to an inertial force. Note that a pivot pin 131 which is a rotation axis of the ball discharging member 1315 is used.
4 and the motor shaft 1327 of the prize ball motor 249 are arranged in parallel.

[0360] A motor position sensor 253 composed of a light emitting and receiving type sensor is mounted on the tip of the prize ball motor position sensor board 332 facing the third case 244, and a wiring 1334 is connected thereto. Wiring 133
4 is a wiring see-through opening 1222 and a wiring see-through notch 123
2 and connected to the connector 1229 of the position sensor board 254.

Thus, the second holding member 1305, the ball discharging member 1315, and the motor mounting plate 132 are mounted on the second case 243.
3 and the prize ball motor position sensor board 332 are mounted, and the third case 244 is fitted from the side, thereby assembling boss holes 1341a and 1341b formed at the top and the middle of the third case 244. And the assembly boss holes 1286a, 1286b formed in the second case 243 coincide with each other, and in this state, the assembly holes 1341a, 1341b, 1
286a and 1286b are fixed to the third case 24.
Attachment screws 1342a and 1342b are screwed from the side of No. 4. Thus, the second case 243 and the third case 244
Can be assembled in parallel, but at this time, a magnetically permeable boss 1340 protruding from the concave space of the third case 244.
Is fixed to the winning ball motor position sensor board 332 so that it does not slightly move by contacting the winning ball motor position sensor board 332, and the tip face of the boss hole of the assembling boss hole 1341b in the middle portion and the assembling boss hole. The motor mounting plate 1323 is fixed so as not to move slightly by sandwiching the upper center of the motor mounting plate 1323 with the tip end surface of the boss portion of 1286a.

As described above, the second case 243 and the third case
In the state where the case 244 is assembled, as shown in FIGS. 50 and 52, the first ball feed convex piece 1317 and the second ball feed convex piece 1318 of the ball payout member 1315 are bent in the prize ball paths 1300, 1301. Face the lower part of each
The gear portion 1316 of the ball payout member 1315 and the prize ball motor 24
The gear 1328 fixed to the motor shaft 1327 of the ninth gear 9 meshes in a diagonally lower left state. Further, as shown in FIG. It is located below the space.

As described above, the ball payout device 240 according to this embodiment
However, in the present embodiment, it is possible to pay out a ball received from the prize ball tank 204 as a ball supply unit with a prize ball based on the occurrence of a prize and a ball lending based on a ball lending request signal. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 provided with the ball discharging device 240, the ball discharging device 240 has a prize ball as a power source driving source for a prize ball driving a ball payout member 1315 facing a prize ball passage 1300 or 1301 for guiding a prize ball. The motor 249 and the ball lending motor 24 serving as a ball lending electric drive source for driving the ball dispensing member 261 facing the ball lending passage 1250 for guiding the ball lending.
8 are provided so as to be driven independently, and a prize ball motor 249 and a ball rental motor 248 are vertically arranged and fixed in a case 241 in which the prize ball passages 1300 and 1301 and the ball lending passage 1250 are formed. As a result, the prize ball motor 249 and the ball rental motor 248 in the case 241 of the ball dispensing device 240 are provided in a vertical positional relationship without overlapping in the horizontal direction, so that the width of the case 241 needs to be increased. Absent. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the lateral width of the side of the mechanism plate 200 on which the ball payout device 240 is provided, and the central U-shaped opening window 202 at the center of the mechanism plate 200 can be kept large.

In this embodiment, the case 24
1 includes prize ball passages 1300 and 1301 and ball lending passage 125
0 and three rows of ball passages 1300, 1301, 125
0 are formed in parallel, and three rows of ball passages 1
By attaching the prize ball motor 249 and the ball lending motor 248 to the second case 243 forming the central ball passage 1300 of the ball sphere 300, 1301, 1250, the prize ball is previously stored in the second case 243 forming the central ball passage 1300. The motor 249 and the ball lending motor 248 are mounted, and the first case 242 and the third case 244 forming the left and right ball passages are replaced with the second case 243 forming the center ball passage.
The ball payout device 240 can be completed simply by assembling, and there is an advantage that the assembling operation can be easily performed. In addition,
The one member to which the two motors 248 and 249 are attached is not limited to the side wall of the second case 243 and the boss protruding from the side wall as in the above embodiment. And may be attached to both sides thereof. In short, any structure may be used as long as the two motors 248 and 249 are attached to one member built in the case 241.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ball rental motor 248 and the prize motor 248 are arranged such that the motor shaft 1272 which is the output shaft of the ball rental motor 248 and the motor shaft 1327 which is the output shaft of the prize ball motor 249 are in opposite directions. Ball motor 249
Are arranged, the respective motor shafts 1272, 1327 and the corresponding shaft support pins 1260, 1314, which are the rotating shafts of the ball dispensing members 1261, 1315, are arranged in parallel and the gears fixed to the respective motor shafts 1272, 1327 are provided. 1273, 1328 and the ball payout members 1261, 1315
Since the mechanism for paying out the prize ball and the mechanism for renting the ball are symmetrical with each other by meshing the gear portions 1262 and 1316 formed on the left and right sides, the same component can be used in the opposite direction. As a result, there is an advantage that the configurations of the prize ball passage and the ball lending passage can be simplified, and the degree of freedom in designing the ball payout device increases.

In the above-described embodiment, the stepping motor has been described as an example of the electric drive source for paying out the prize balls and the rental balls. There may be. In the embodiment described above, the ball lending passage 12
Although 50 is a single article and the prize ball paths 1300 and 1301 are two articles, the ball lending path and the prize ball path may be one article.

The first example of the premium game medium detecting means
And the second prize ball count switches 251a, 251b,
Alternatively, the paid-out ball is detected by the motor position sensor 253, which is an example of a prize game medium detecting unit, and a payout detection signal is output to both the game control board 31 and the ball lending board 37. As a result, similarly to the gaming machines described in the first to sixth embodiments, information for specifying the number of balls paid out by the game control board 31 is output to the outside, so that the burden of controlling the ball lending board 37 is reduced. It is reduced.

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

[0369]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems (1) The prize game media given to the player according to the prize game medium payout condition and the lending to be lent to the player in accordance with the lending request by the ball payout devices 97 and 240. A game medium payout means capable of paying out game media is configured. Game control board 31
Thus, a game control means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine and outputting number information (prize ball number command) capable of specifying the number of premium game media to be paid out is constituted (S).
A17, SH1 to SH9). With the prize ball lending board 37,
A game medium payout for controlling the number of prize game media specified by the number information output from the game control unit and a predetermined number of lending game media according to the lending request by the game medium paying unit. Control means is configured. First and second prize ball count switches 251a, 2
51b, at least one of the motor position sensor 253, the prize ball count switch 301B, and the payout motor sensor 286, detects the payout of the game media by the game medium payout means, and detects the payout by the game medium payout control means. A lending game medium payout detecting means for outputting a signal is configured. First and second prize ball count switches 2
51a, 251b, a motor position sensor 253, a prize ball count switch 301A, and / or a payout motor sensor 286, for detecting the payout of the game medium by the game medium payout device, and controlling the game control means and the game medium. A game medium payout detection means for outputting a payout detection signal to both of the payout control means is configured.

(2) The game control board 31 externally outputs information which can specify the number of paid out game media based on the inputted payout detection signal (SB5a to SB5).
d, S6).

(3) SJ9, SJ10, SJ11, S
J12, SK12 to SK14, SK17, SK27, S
K28, SK19, SK23, SV4, SV5, SV1
3, SV14, SV27, SV28, SV9 to SV2
0, SV33, SV34, SV17, SV17a, SV
29, SV30, a ball payout device 97, which constitutes a payout system for a game medium, using at least one of the payout detection signal and the lending detection signal that are input.
240, first and second prize ball count switches 251
a, 251b, a motor position sensor 253, a prize ball count switch 301A, a ball lending count switch 301B, a solenoid 310, and a ball distribution member 311 for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in at least one of them. Means are configured.

(4) The abnormality determining means determines the payout system for the game medium based on at least one of the number of the provided premium game media and the number of the rental game media specified by the input payout detection signal and the loan detection signal, respectively. It is determined whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred (SK19, SK2
3, SV9 to SV20, SV33, SV34).

(5) The abnormality determining means determines whether or not a payment detection abnormality has occurred based on at least one of the payment detection signal and the loan detection signal that have been input (SK12). ~ SK14,
SK17, SK27, SV17, SV17a, SV2
9, SV30).

(6) The game medium payout control means determines whether or not the number of game media specified by at least one of the payout detection signal and the loan detection signal input to the abnormality determination means is a game medium to be paid out. When the number is small (when determined to be YES by SK23 or when determined to be YES by SKK27), the game medium payout means is controlled so as to pay out the insufficient game medium (SK26, SKK28).

(7) Ball cutout lamp 52, speaker 27
Alternatively, the variable display device 8 constitutes an abnormality notifying unit capable of notifying the occurrence of any one of the abnormal payout of the game medium and the abnormal detection of the payout. The game payout means,
When the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality in the payout or the abnormality of the payout detection (SK17, SK27 or SKK).
If a determination of YES is made in step S27), an abnormal signal is output (SL13, SKK26). The payout system abnormality notification means notifies that there is an abnormality in the payout system of the premium game medium based on the output abnormality signal.
(A warning is issued according to SL13.) (8) The game medium payout control means (SK17 or SK2) when the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality.
If the determination is YES in step 7), control is performed to stop the payout operation of the game medium payout means according to the type of abnormality (SL12).

(9) The prize ball lamp 21 constitutes prize game medium unpaid notification means for notifying that there is an unpaid prize game medium. Using the input payout signal, the game control means determines whether or not there is unpaid premium game media. An unpaid-out notification command signal is output (SA17c, SH10 to SH18), and a prize game medium unpaid-out notification is performed.

(10) RAM 5 in Game Control Board 31
The first prize ball counter provided at 5 constitutes a first unpaid premium game media storage unit. In the first unpaid prize game medium number storage means, the number of unpaid prize game media is added to a prize game medium to be paid newly generated according to satisfaction of the game medium payout condition, and a payout detection signal Each time is input, the number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of unpaid premium game media and stored.
(SK1).

(11) RAM 2 in the prize ball lending board 37
The second prize ball number counters 1 and 2 and the ball lending counters 1 and 2 provided at 916 constitute second unpaid prize game media storage means. In the second unpaid prize game medium storage means, the number of unpaid prize game media to be paid out is incremented by a corresponding number according to the input of the number information, and each time a payout detection signal is inputted. Then, the number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of unpaid premium game media and stored (SK16).

[0379]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
With regard to, since both the prize game medium detecting means for detecting only the payout of the prize game medium and the rentable game medium detecting means for detecting the payout of the rentable game medium are provided, the number of rented game media and the number of prize game media are determined. Each can be obtained separately.
Thereby, by obtaining the number of detected prize game media as prize information and the detected number of rented game media as rented game medium information, the number of prize game media paid out and the number of rented game media are obtained. Can be accurately grasped and managed.

Regarding claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the game medium payout detecting means detects the payout of the game medium by the game medium payout means, and both the game control means and the game medium payout control means In order to output the payout detection signal to the game controller, the game control means can externally output information capable of specifying the number of paid out game media based on the input payout detection signal. Therefore, the game medium payout control means does not need to externally output information that can specify the number of paid out game media based on the input payout detection signal. This reduces the burden of the control operation of the game medium payout control means and simplifies the system.

Regarding claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or claim 2, an abnormality is detected in the payout system of the game medium by using at least one of the input payout detection signal and the loan detection signal. Since it is determined whether or not it has occurred, it is possible to minimize the inconvenience that the game media payout system is left undisturbed without any abnormality being determined, even though an abnormality has occurred in the payout system. be able to.

According to Claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to Claim 3, in addition to the number of paid out game media specified by the inputted payout detection signal, a payout abnormality in the payout system of premium game media is caused. Since it is determined whether or not it has occurred, it is possible to determine an abnormality in which a different number of game media from the normal number of game media to be paid out are paid out.

According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the third or fourth aspect, a payout detection error occurs due to at least one of the payout detection signals and the loan detection signals that have been input. Since it is determined whether or not the game medium is paid out, it is possible to determine an abnormality that the payout detection state of the game medium is different from the normal payout detection state.

With regard to claim 6, claims 3 to 5
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, the game medium payout control means may be configured to output the number of game media specified by at least one of the payout detection signal and the loan detection signal input to the abnormality determination means. When it is determined that the number of abnormalities is smaller than the number, the game medium control means is controlled so that the insufficient game medium is paid out. As a result, even if there is a game medium for which the payout is insufficient due to the occurrence of an abnormality in the payout system, since the game medium corresponding to the number of the insufficient game medium is paid out, the player may The disadvantage of suffering disadvantages can be prevented as much as possible.

With respect to claim 7, claims 3 to 6
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, the abnormality notifying means notifies the occurrence of at least one of the abnormal payout of the game medium and the abnormal detection of the payout, so that the attendant can confirm that the abnormality has occurred in the payout system. As a result, it is possible to early detect that an abnormality has occurred in the payout system for the premium game media, pay out the game media to be paid out, and take measures to repair the malfunction of the gaming machine at an early stage.

[0386] Claim 8 relates to claims 3 to 7
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, when the game medium payout control means performs a control to stop the payout operation of the game medium payout means according to the type of abnormality when the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality, It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the payout of the game medium is continued while the occurrence of the error occurs.

Regarding claim 9, claims 1 to 8
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, the prize game medium unpaid notification means notifies that there is unpaid prize game medium, so that the attendant can confirm the state in which the prize game medium is unpaid. As a result, it is possible to early detect that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of the prize game media, pay out the prize game media to be paid out, and take measures to repair the malfunction of the gaming machine at an early stage.

[0388] Regarding claim 10, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 9, the first unpaid prize game media storage means of the game control means stores the number of unpaid prize game media. The number of premium game media to be paid out newly generated according to the establishment of the game medium payout condition is added, and every time a payout detection signal is input, the number corresponding to the input from the number of unpaid game media is input. Are sequentially subtracted and stored, so that the number of unpaid premium game media can be managed in real time.

[0389] According to claim 11, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 10, the second unpaid prize game medium number storage means of the payout control means has an unpaid prize game to be paid out. The number of media is added to the number corresponding to the input of the number information, and each time a payout detection signal is input, the number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of unpaid premium game media and stored. Therefore, the number of unpaid premium game media can be managed in real time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board surface of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is an overall rear view showing a mechanism plate of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a ball payout mechanism used in a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ball payout device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of data of award ball commands output from the basic circuit.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a mode in which a winning ball ball rental board receives a winning ball command.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a main process and an interrupt process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a start winning opening check process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a special winning opening check process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a winning ball signal process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a ball lending possibility determination process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a firing possibility determination process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a winning ball possible determination process.

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

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

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a prize ball command output process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a prize ball command output process.

FIG. 23 is a view for explaining a part of a lamp turning-on / off process performed by the lamp control board 35;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining prize ball lending control and a 500 μS timer interrupt.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a prize ball data reading process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating payout motor control.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating payout motor control.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating payout motor control.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an error process.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a branching process.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a warning process.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining ball lending motor control.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining ball lending motor control.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining ball lending motor control.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining a ball lending branch process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a payout control designation process.

FIG. 37 is a timing chart showing a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing a typical control operation for award balls and ball lending.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which a part of the payout motor control process is modified.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a ball payout mechanism according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of a ball lending device of the ball discharging device used in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 50 is an exploded perspective view of a prize ball payout device of the ball payout device used in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a side view showing the structure of the ball dispensing device used in the fifth embodiment on the ball dispensing device side.

FIG. 52 is a side view showing a structure of a prize ball payout device side of a ball payout device used in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a rear view of the ball payout device used in the fifth embodiment as viewed from the contact surface side between the ball payout device and the mechanism plate.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine, 31 is a game control board, 37 is a prize ball lending board, 51 is a prize ball lamp, 52 is a ball-out lamp, 55 is a RAM, and 97 and 240 are game medium payout means. An example of a ball payout device, 251a and 251b are first and second prize ball count switches of an example of a prize game medium detecting means, 253 is a motor position sensor of an example of a prize game medium detecting means, 286 is a payout motor position sensor, 30
1A is a prize ball count switch as an example of a prize game medium detecting means, and 301B is a ball lending count switch as an example of a lending game medium detecting means.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A game machine in which a game is played using a predetermined game medium, wherein a prize game medium given to a player according to a prize game medium payout condition and a lending game lent to the player in response to a lending request. A game medium paying means capable of paying out a medium, a game control means for controlling a gaming state of the gaming machine, and outputting number information capable of specifying the number of premium game media to be paid out; and A prize game medium of the number specified by the output number information, and a game medium payout control means for performing control for paying out a predetermined number of lending game media according to the lending request by the game medium paying means; A game medium payout detection unit that detects the payout of the game medium by the game medium payout unit and outputs a loan detection signal to the game medium payout control unit; and a game medium payout unit. Wherein detects the payout of prize game medium payout detection signal and a prize game medium payout detection means for outputting to both the game controller and the game medium payout control means, the gaming machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means externally outputs information capable of specifying the number of paid-out game media based on the inputted payout detection signal. 3. The game medium payout control means determines whether an abnormality has occurred in a game medium payout system using at least one of the input payout detection signal and the loan detection signal. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an abnormality determination unit that performs the abnormality determination. 4. The abnormality determining means, based on at least one of the number of prize game media and the number of rental game media specified by the input payout detection signal and the loan detection signal, respectively. The gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising a function of determining whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred in the payout system. 5. A function for determining whether or not a payout detection error has occurred based on at least one of the payout detection states of the input payout detection signal and the loan detection signal. The gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising: 6. The game medium payout control means, wherein the number of game media specified by at least one of the payout detection signal and the loan detection signal input to the abnormality determination means is to be paid out. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, when it is determined that the number of abnormalities is smaller than the number, the game medium paying means is controlled so as to pay out the insufficient game medium. 7. An abnormality informing means for informing at least one of a payout abnormality and a payout detection abnormality of the game medium, wherein the game medium payout control means is configured to determine that the abnormality determination means has an abnormality. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, when the determination is made, notification that there is an abnormality is performed using the abnormality notification unit. 8. The game medium payout control means performs control to stop the payout operation of the game medium payout means in accordance with the type of abnormality when the abnormality determination means determines that there is an abnormality. The gaming machine according to claim 7. 9. A prize game medium not-yet-paid notification means for notifying that there is an unpaid prize game medium, wherein the game control means uses the inputted pay-out signal to provide an unpaid prize game medium. 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there is an unpaid prize game medium. The gaming machine described in Crab. 10. The game control means includes first unpaid prize game medium number storage means for storing the number of unpaid prize game media, and the first unpaid prize game medium number storage means comprises: The number of prize game media newly generated according to the establishment of the game medium payout condition is added to the number of prize game media to be paid out, and each time the payout detection signal is input, unpaid prize play media Sequentially subtracts the number corresponding to the input from the number,
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. The game medium payout control means includes a second unpaid prize game medium number storage means for storing the number of unpaid prize game media, wherein the second unpaid prize game medium number storage means comprises: The number corresponding to the input is added to the number of unpaid premium game media, and the number corresponding to the input is sequentially subtracted from the number of unpaid game media each time the payout detection signal is input. The gaming machine according to claim 1.