JP2001246100A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine provided with a means of capable of outputting efficiently a dispensed ball count command signal responding correctly to a plurality of signal inputs even when many signals triggering processing of ball dispensation such as winning detection signals or the like are inputted at once. SOLUTION: The pachinko machine has a ball dispensation section carrying out ball dispensation, a winning detection section detecting a win of a game ball and outputting a win detection signal, a control section outputting a dispensed ball count command signal to instruct the number of prize balls to be dispensed to the ball dispensation section on the basis of input of a winning detection signal outputted from the winning detection section, and the control section outputs a control signal indicating the sum of the number of prize balls to be dispensed that is to be set for each winning detection signal to the dispensation section as one dispensed ball count command signal based on input of each winning detection signal, if winning detection signals are outputted twice or three or thrice or more during a prescribed period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a pachinko machine,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a control technology related to award ball payout processing and other ball payout processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a so-called pachinko machine, a pachinko ball ejected on a game board is put into a winning opening formed on the game board (winning) to obtain a predetermined number of prize balls or a specific game. It is a gaming machine that enjoys reaching the situation (big hit). One of the main processes performed in such a pachinko machine is a process related to the payout of pachinko balls, and the pachinko machine is equipped with various devices (electrical components) for performing the ball payout process. For example, on the back side of the pachinko machine, there is provided a ball storage section for storing a large number of pachinko balls, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls are used as prize balls or ball-lending in a ball tray provided on the front side of the pachinko machine. A ball dispensing unit including a ball dispensing device or the like for dispensing is provided. Thus, the ball payout unit is provided with a prize ball control unit for operating electric components such as a motor constituting the ball payout device in various modes.

A prize ball payout process, which is a typical ball payout process, is performed as follows. That is, when a pachinko ball (hereinafter, referred to as a “game ball”) ejected on a game board enters a predetermined winning opening, a winning detecting unit (winning detection switch) provided corresponding to the winning opening. Thus, the winning detection signal is output to a predetermined control unit (typically, a main control unit). Next, various control signals for performing the ball payout process in response to the input of the winning detection signal are output from the control unit to the ball payout unit (the prize ball control unit). By the way, in the conventional pachinko machine, the number of prize balls paid out for one input of a winning detection signal (meaning winning of one game ball) or one input of a ball lending payout signal is paid out. The number of rented balls is predetermined. For example, in the case of prize ball payout, typically, two or three or more types of payout prize balls per one prize are determined in advance according to the type of a prize port (the type of a prize detection signal). Therefore, when a certain prize detection signal is input to the control unit (typically, the main control unit), it corresponds to the input of the prize detection signal (that is, a prize of a game ball to a certain prize port). In order to notify the ball payout unit of the number of prize balls to be paid out, a control signal for commanding the number of payout balls related to prize ball payout based on the input of the prize detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a “payout ball number command signal”). ) Is output. Thus,
In response to the payout ball number command signal being input to the ball payout unit, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the signal are paid out from the ball payout unit.

[0004] Next, a brief description will be given of a mode of processing relating to the output of the payout ball number command signal in the conventional pachinko machine. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing one mode of a conventional output process of a number-of-balls-to-be-paid command signal relating to prize ball payout. As shown in FIG. 7, in the conventional pachinko machine,
The control unit (typically, the main control unit) that has input the signal that triggers the ball payout process (in this case, the winning detection signal)
The payout ball number command signal corresponding to each of the received winning detection signals is individually output. According to this method, one X per prize provided on the game board surface
When a total of three prize holes, namely two prize holes a and c for paying out prize balls and a prize hole b for paying out Y prize balls per one prize, are almost simultaneously entered within a predetermined period, Is processed as shown in FIG. That is, when the prize detection signals a, b, and c for notifying the prize to the prize openings a, b, and c are continuously and substantially simultaneously input to the control unit 1 (see detection a, detection b, and detection c in the figure). A value indicating each of the received prize detection signals a, b, c, or a value of the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to each of the prize detection signals a, b, c as shown in the figure (hereinafter referred to as the number of payout balls). Are collectively stored in the storage device 2 provided in the control unit 1 once. More specifically, as shown in the figure, data on the number of payout balls corresponding to each of the winning detection signals a, b, and c is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 2. Thus, at a predetermined cycle (in this figure, a cycle of 4 ms), a payout ball number command signal relating to the payout award ball number corresponding to each of the stored individual values (data) is sequentially output to the ball payout section. I do. Then, the value (data on the number of payout balls) corresponding to the output ball number command signal whose output has been completed is sequentially cleared from the storage device 2.

[0005]

According to the conventional payout ball number command signal output process, for example, when a game ball continuously wins in a large number of winning ports at one time, the payout ball at the above-mentioned predetermined cycle is used. A number of winning detection signals are input to the control unit 1 at a rate exceeding the output of the number command signal. As a result, it is necessary to store all the data relating to the number of payout balls corresponding to each of the inputted winning detection signals individually, even temporarily. Conventionally, even if a large number of prizes are concentrated at one time, in order to be able to sequentially output the number-of-balloons command signal accurately in response to them, it is more than enough to say that the number is excessive. It is necessary to secure an area in the storage device 2 where data on the number of payout balls can be individually stored. This is because if such an area is too small, when a large number of winnings are concentrated at once, there is a concern that a so-called overflow state may occur in which all data on the number of payout balls corresponding to each winning detection signal cannot be stored. The occurrence of such an overflow state may impair the player's profit, and is not preferable. On the other hand, securing an excessive storage area in order to prevent the occurrence of such an overflow state, that is, increasing the storage capacity of the storage device 2 is a factor that increases the manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine and is inherently preferable. is not.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems associated with the ball payout processing of a pachinko machine, and aims at increasing the capacity of the storage device, which also causes an increase in cost. Even if a large number of prize detection signals or other signals triggering the ball payout process are input at a time, the payout ball number command signal accurately corresponding to the plurality of signal inputs can be efficiently output. Means are provided, and a pachinko machine provided with such means is provided.

[0007]

A pachinko machine according to the present invention, developed to achieve the above object, has a ball dispensing unit for performing a ball dispensing process for dispensing a predetermined number of pachinko balls, and an opportunity for the ball dispensing process. A signal output unit for outputting a predetermined one signal, and a control unit for controlling the ball payout process, wherein the one signal output from the signal output unit is input and the one signal is input. And a control unit that outputs a payout ball number command signal for instructing the number of payout balls based on the control unit. When the predetermined signal that triggers the ball payout process is input twice or three times or more during a predetermined period, the control unit outputs the input two or three or more signals. To output a control signal indicating a value obtained by adding the number of payout balls set for each of the balls to the ball payout unit as a single payout ball number command signal based on the signal input twice or three or more times. It is configured. In this specification, the "predetermined one signal which triggers the ball payout process" is set in advance so as to cause the control unit to perform any kind of output process of a payout ball number command signal by inputting the signal. One of the signals being used. For example, a winning detection signal in the prize ball payout process and a ball loan payout signal in the ball loan payout process are typical examples that can be one predetermined signal that triggers the ball payout process in the present invention.

In the pachinko machine having such a configuration, a predetermined signal which triggers the ball payout process two or three or more times from the signal output unit is input to the control unit substantially simultaneously or continuously during a predetermined period. In this case, the number of payout balls corresponding to each of the inputted two or more signals is added. Thus, a single payout ball number command signal indicating the sum value is output. That is, instead of transmitting the payout ball number command signal individually in response to the plurality of inputs of the signal, the payout ball number command signal to be output to the ball payout unit in response to the plurality of signal inputs is single. Can be In addition, with this, in the pachinko machine of the present invention,
Even if a large number of the signals are input to the control unit at one time, it is not necessary to individually output the payout ball number command signal corresponding to each signal. It is not necessary to separately store data on the number of payout balls corresponding to each command signal in the storage device (see FIG. 7). For this reason, according to the pachinko machine of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently output the number-of-balloons command signal while avoiding an increase in the capacity of the storage device, which causes a cost increase.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pachinko machine, comprising: the ball payout section; and at least one prize detection section for detecting a prize of a game ball and outputting a prize detection signal as the signal output section. A payout ball number command, which is a control unit for controlling the ball payout process, which receives the prize detection signal output from the prize detection unit, and instructs the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the input of the prize detection signal. A pachinko machine having a control unit that outputs a signal to the ball payout unit, wherein the control unit receives the prize detection signal twice or three times or more during a predetermined period. A control signal indicating a value obtained by adding the number of payout prize balls set for each of the two or three or more prize detection signals is set based on the input of the two or three or more prize detection signals. Payout ball As a command signal is a pachinko machine that is configured to output to the ball dispensing unit.

In the pachinko machine of the present invention having such a configuration, when two or more winning detection signals are continuously input from the winning detecting unit to the control unit during a predetermined period, that is, substantially simultaneously or continuously during a predetermined period. When there are two or more winnings, the number of payout prize balls corresponding to each of the two or more winning detection signals input is added up. Thus, the one-time payout ball number command indicating the total value of the number of prize balls to be paid out for each of the two or more winning detection signals (ie, two or more wins) input. Output a signal. That is, the payout ball number command signal to be output to the ball payout unit in response to the input of the winning detection signal a plurality of times can be unified. With this, in the pachinko machine of the present invention, even when a large number of winning detection signals are input at one time by the control unit, each of the winning detection signals as in the conventional payout ball number command signal output processing is used. Correspondingly, the control signals relating to the number of payout prize balls are not individually output sequentially, and data relating to payout prize balls corresponding to the payout ball number command signals waiting to be output are individually stored in the storage device. No need. For this reason, according to the pachinko machine having such a configuration, it is possible to accurately cope with a case where a large number of prizes are concentrated at one time while avoiding an increase in the capacity of the storage device which causes a cost increase. An output process relating to the number of payout prize balls can be performed.

A particularly preferred pachinko machine having the above-described configuration relating to the prize ball payout processing is that a prize detection signal output from the prize detection section includes two or three or more types of payout prize balls corresponding to each other. When the prize detection signal is input twice or three times or more during the predetermined period, the control unit inputs the value of the number of payout prize balls to be added. This is a pachinko machine configured to vary according to the type of the winning detection signal. In the pachinko machine having such a configuration, two or three or more types of winning ports having different payout prize balls (typically, a plurality of winning ports are provided for each type having different payout prize balls). The above-described summation processing is performed in response to any of two or three or more types of winning detection signals output in response to the above. For this reason, according to the pachinko machine of this configuration, the payout prize ball number corresponding to each of the two or three or more prize detection signals input in a predetermined period regardless of the prize place (that is, the type of the prize port) is determined. All of them can be summed up, and a single payout ball number command signal indicating the summed value can be output. Therefore, the output process relating to the number of payout prize balls can be performed more efficiently.

In another preferred pachinko machine of the present invention, the control section is provided with storage means for storing information on the ball payout processing, and the control section stores the summed value in the storage section. Means to temporarily store the control signal indicating the summed value stored in the storage means at a predetermined cycle to the ball payout unit as the one time payout ball number command signal. It is configured. In the pachinko machine having such a configuration, the total value (total value) relating to the number of payout balls obtained by executing the above-described summation process can be output to the ball payout unit at a predetermined cycle. For this reason, according to the pachinko machine of this configuration, even if the input interval of the signal for triggering the ball payout process varies, such as a change in winning frequency, one payout ball number command signal is output at regular time intervals. As a result, the ball payout process in the ball payout unit can be periodically and efficiently and accurately performed. Further, according to the above-mentioned conventional means for individually outputting the number-of-balloons command signals, when a large number of the signals are input to the control unit at once, the output of the number-of-balloons command signal related to the input of the signals is completed. However, according to the pachinko machine having this configuration, the output of the total number of balls to be paid out is output at a predetermined cycle, so that the output of the number of balls to be paid out is delayed more than necessary. And a speedy ball payout process can be realized.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a payout ball corresponding to a case where a certain control unit inputs a predetermined signal which triggers the ball payout process twice or three times in a predetermined period. It is sufficient if the number is added and a single payout ball number command signal is output to the ball payout unit in response to the plurality of signal inputs. It does not limit the type of signal or the function / position of the control unit that inputs the one signal in the pachinko machine. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a prize ball payout process, which is a ball payout process particularly preferable to embody the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition,
The present invention relates to a ball payout process executed in a pachinko machine, and the devices other than those described here and modes for operating them may be the same as those in a conventional pachinko machine. It does not limit the practice of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an outline of an electrical system related to the present invention in a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the main control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical system of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment is configured around a main control unit 10, similarly to a conventional pachinko machine. Thus, the main control unit 10 includes the prize detection unit 4, the power supply unit 6, and the prize ball control unit 22 in the ball payout unit 20.
Etc. are electrically connected. Although these are connected to each other by a power supply line and a signal line (not shown),
Such a connection method itself is well known in the art, and does not characterize the present invention at all. The main control unit 10 is connected to a ball cut detection unit, a stored ball detection unit, a symbol display control unit, a sound control unit, a lamp control unit, and the like, in addition to the components shown in the figure. The overall operation of the pachinko machine is controlled by transmitting and receiving related control signals. The main control unit 10 is supplied with +5 V DC power obtained by rectifying and smoothing AC 24 V power supplied from an external power supply from the power supply unit 6.

In the present embodiment, the prize detecting section 4 constitutes a prize detecting switch (typically a proximity switch) attached to each prize port provided on a game board (not shown) mounted on the pachinko machine. It corresponds to a circuit. In the present embodiment, two types of winning ports having different numbers of payout prize balls per winning are provided. That is, a prize port (hereinafter, referred to as a “first prize port”) in which six prize balls are paid out for one game ball, and 12 prize balls for one game ball. A plurality of winning ports (hereinafter, referred to as "second winning ports") for paying out the prize balls are provided at predetermined positions on the game board surface (not shown). Each first winning opening is provided with a first winning opening winning detection switch 4a for detecting a winning of a game ball to the winning opening. On the other hand, each second winning opening is provided with a second winning opening winning detection switch 4b for detecting a winning of a game ball to the winning opening. That is, the winning detection unit 4 according to the present embodiment is configured for each winning opening. Thus, when a game ball wins in one of the first winning ports, the first winning detection signal is sent from one of the first winning port winning detection switches 4a attached to each first winning port to the main control unit. Output to 10. When a game ball has won one of the second winning ports, a second winning detection signal is sent from one of the second winning port winning detection switches 4b attached to each second winning port to the main control unit 1.
Output to 0.

As shown in FIG. 2, a main control unit 10 according to the present embodiment basically includes a CPU (processor) 11.
And a storage device such as a ROM 12 and a RAM 13, an input processing circuit 14 including an input port, a communication control circuit 15 including an output (control) port, a clock (oscillation) circuit 16, and the like. The CPU 11 controls all the gaming machines equipped in the pachinko machine according to predetermined programs stored in the ROM 12. Also, a RAM which is a writable storage device in the main control unit 10
13 temporarily stores input / output signals to be processed in the control program. Hereinafter, a mechanism related to the prize ball payout process of the main control unit 10 will be described. The main control unit 10 includes a mechanism for transmitting and receiving drive / control signals to and from various control devices and drive devices in addition to the mechanism described below, but a description of matters not particularly related to the present invention is omitted. I do. In FIG. 2, the input processing circuit 14 receives a prize detection signal (that is, a first prize detection signal and / or a second prize detection signal) transmitted from the prize detection unit 4 attached to each prize port. Convert to a processable waveform,
9 to the CPU 11 or the RAM 13. On the other hand, the communication control circuit 15 is a circuit that transmits output control data (for example, the payout ball number command signal) sent from the CPU 11 via the bus 19 to the prize ball control unit 22 of the ball payout unit 20. The clock circuit 16 is a circuit that defines a processing cycle of the CPU 11, and sends a periodic reset signal at a predetermined cycle.

Next, the ball payout section 20 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ball payout unit 20 includes a main control unit 1
The prize ball control unit 22 is electrically connected to the prize ball 0, a motor 24, a ball lending detection switch 27, a prize ball detection switch 28, and the like are electrically connected to the prize ball control unit 22. The prize ball control unit 22 basically includes a CPU (processor) and a storage device such as a ROM and a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like. The payout ball number command signal output from the main control unit 10 or The drive control of the ball payout motor 24 (typically a stepping motor) is performed based on a ball payout signal output from a card reader unit (not shown). Thus, a predetermined number of prize balls and ball-for-lending in accordance with the drive of the motor 24 are transmitted from a ball storage section provided on the back side of the pachinko machine through ball paths for prize-ball payout and ball-for-lending payout (not shown). The ball is paid out to the ball tray on the pachinko machine side. In addition,
The manner in which the prize balls are paid out from the ball storage section to the ball tray by driving the motor 24 is the same as that in the conventional pachinko machine, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The prize ball control unit 22 includes a prize ball detection switch 2 installed in each of the prize ball payout ball passage and the lending ball payout ball passage.
8 and the ball letting detection switch 27 are also electrically connected. The prize balls and the lending balls to be paid out are respectively detected by the detection switches 27 and 28 when passing through the prize ball paying ball passages or a part of the lent ball paying ball passages. Is output to the prize ball control unit 22. As a result, the prize ball control unit 22
It is possible to detect the number of prize balls and the number of ball rentals actually paid out in the prize ball payout processing and the ball rental payout processing accompanied by the driving of. That is, the number of pachinko balls to be paid out is added and stored in the RAM based on the input of the payout ball number command signal or the lending ball payout signal, and a drive signal is output to the motor 24. On the other hand, when the pachinko balls to be stored in the ball storage unit by driving of the motor 24 are paid out as prize balls or rental balls, the prize ball detection switch 28 and the rental ball detection switch 27 detect the payout balls, The prize ball control section 22 adds (by one) and stores the number of balls to another area of the RAM each time the detection signal output from the detection switches 27 and 28 is input. Thus,
A switch (not shown) that adds and stores the number of pachinko balls to be paid out and the number of pachinko balls to be paid out in another area of the RAM when the number of these two storage balls becomes equal. )) (That is, a signal that has detected the rotation of one ball paid out), the number of storage spheres is subtracted (by one), and the number of storage spheres becomes 0.
When it becomes, the prize ball (lending ball) payout process ends. As a result, a prescribed number of prize balls or rental balls can be accurately paid out.

Next, the main control unit 1 which characterizes the present invention.
The processing flow relating to award ball payout at 0 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the input of the winning detection signal and the output of the payout ball number command signal in the main control unit 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a winning detection process (including the summing process of the present invention) related to the winning ball payout process of the main control unit 10. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a payout ball number command signal transmission process according to the prize ball payout process of the main control unit 10.

The main control unit 10 according to the present embodiment
In the same manner as in the conventional pachinko machine, the initialization processing is performed immediately after the power of the present pachinko machine is turned on. That is, the CPU 11 sets the initial values of the flag register and the counter necessary for the processing to be performed below. If an abnormality is found in the state of the RAM 13, a RAM initialization process is performed. Thus, when the CPU 11 determines that the initialization process is not completed or immediately after the power is turned on, the prize ball payout process is periodically performed at a predetermined cycle.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the main control unit 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined period defined by a periodic reset signal transmitted from a clock circuit 16 attached to the main control unit 10 (see FIG. 3). At t ₀ ), the following prize ball payout routine, that is, a winning detection process, a payout ball number command signal transmission process (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and the like are repeated. Note that, although not particularly limited, t _{0 according} to the present embodiment is 4 ms. That is, t ₁ ,
At t ₃ , t ₅ , and t ₇ , a prize detection process, which will be described later, is performed at each period (t ₀ ) defined by the periodic reset signal (typically at a rate of one cycle as shown). Be executed. Further, at times t ₂ , t ₄ , t ₆ , and t ₈ in FIG. 3, every period (t ₀ ) defined by the periodic reset signal (typically, one period In this case, a payout ball number command signal transmission process described later is executed. Hereinafter, the prize detection process, which is an input process related to the prize ball payout process, will be described in detail.
Are not limited to those described below. For example, processing related to the input of a ball-out signal, a power failure signal, and the like that is not particularly related to the present invention is also executed.

Before describing the winning detection processing in detail, the manner of outputting a winning detection signal from each of the winning detection units 4 will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present pachinko machine, the first and second winning detection signals a ₁ ,
b ₁ employs a signal which is a relatively low potential. That is, when there is no game ball in the winning opening, that is, in a normal state where no winning is made, the signals a ₀ ,
b ₀ is output from each winning detection unit 4 (each first winning opening winning detection switch 4a, second winning opening winning detection switch 4b), and when there is a game ball in any winning opening, that is, when winning Winning detection signals a ₁ , b relatively low in potential
₁ is output from the winning detection unit 4 attached to the winning opening (see the downward arrow in FIG. 3).

By the way, as shown in FIG.
In the pachinko machine according to the above, one game ball wins
Ri_aAnd t_bPeriod (here both are about 7m
s), the output of the low potential winning detection signal is continued.
It is built to be. Typically, game ball winning openings
(Specifically, the speed (time) passing through the prize detection unit).
The output period is determined in advance. For example, a proximity switch
In the winning detection unit (detection circuit) consisting of
If the passing speed is relatively high, the low potential
(T) during which the output of the winning detection signal of_a, T_b) Is
If it becomes relatively short and the speed becomes relatively slow,
The output of the low-potential winning detection signal corresponding to
Period (t_a, T_b) Is relatively long. In addition,
Adjustment of the passing speed of the game ball is based on obstacles such as nails around the winning opening.
It can be done by changing the arrangement of harmful objects and modifying the winning opening shape
You. Thus, t in the figure_xRepeated at the specified cycle indicated by
(Ie, the same period) between the winning detection process
Processing interval) is t_aAnd t_bPeriod shorter than any of
Between, ie t_a, T_bIn relation to_a, T_b
> T_xIs set to be provided. Note that typically
Means that a winning detection process is executed at a predetermined cycle, and t _x= T₀
May be established. Thus, typically, t_a, T_b
> T₀Can also be established. Thus, t_a, T_b> T_xTo
By providing, in each winning detection process, a predetermined
(Ie, t_x) Is output from each winning detection unit 4
The winning detection signal can be input and detected reliably, and later
As described above, this time (for example, t₁Time) winning detection signal level
And the next time (for example, t₃Time) and the winning detection signal level
Input signal (t₁) To low potential input signal
Number (t₃By confirming that it has changed
It is possible to judge that there was a game ball prize at a fixed winning opening
it can. Note that, typically, t in FIG._yThe above specified
And the payout ball number command signal transmission process
The period between sending out ball number command signal processing (that is, during the same processing
Interval) is constant and therefore t_x= T_yHolds. This
As a result, as described later, the winning detection process for each predetermined period is performed.
Command signal for the number of balls to be paid out according to the number of winnings detected in
It can be output at a predetermined cycle.

Hereinafter, the winning detection processing according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. In order to clarify that the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the number of winning ports, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the gaming board has n winning ports on the gaming board (hereinafter, the first winning port is n-1). The following description will be made on the assumption that the number of points and the second winning opening are one (a total of n points). The first winning detection signal shown in FIG. 3 indicates a signal relating to the first winning opening detection switch 4a attached to the first winning opening out of the n places, and the second winning detection signal shown in FIG. The winning detection signal is related to the second winning opening detection switch 4b attached to the second winning opening out of the n places. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the third to n-th winning ports (not shown) are all first winning ports. It is easily understood by those skilled in the art that the actual number of n and the abundance ratio of the first winning port and the second winning port may be different depending on the game board surface configuration of the pachinko machine.

[0024] At time _{t 1} shown in FIG. 3, CPU 11 executes a winning detecting process including summation process according to the present embodiment. Specifically, in this cycle, a first winning opening winning detection switch 4a and a second winning opening winning detection switch 4b respectively attached to the plurality of first winning opening and second winning opening via the input processing circuit 14 are respectively provided. Is sequentially input and detected for each winning opening. That is, FIG.
As shown in, first prize hole winning detection switch that is attached to the first winning hole (in this case the first winning opening winning detection switch 4a) signal (voltage) a ₀ output from the CPU1
1 is detected. Specifically, the voltage a ₀ is digitized by the input processing circuit 14, it is converted into a winning detected voltage value. Thus, the obtained winning detection voltage value is
A process is compared with a determination reference value relating to a winning detection voltage value stored and stored in the ROM 12 in advance to determine whether or not a low-potential winning detection signal has been input, that is, whether or not a winning has occurred (step S1). ). As shown in FIG. 3, winning the detected voltage value is determined that there was no winning to 1st winning hole in time t ₁ when exceeds the determination reference value in this case. At this time, the first of the current cycle
The winning detection voltage value of the winning port is stored in the RAM 13. The stored winning detection voltage value in the current cycle is
It is used for a prize determination on the first prize port in the next cycle. Thus, step S11 shown in FIG. 4 is skipped, and a similar winning determination is made for the second winning opening (step S2). Here, as shown in FIG.
Th winning opening winning detection switch that is attached to the winning port (here, the second prize hole winning detection switch 4b) at t ₁ when the winning detected voltage value based on voltage b ₀ output from exceeds the determination reference value It is determined that there has been no winning in the second winning opening at the time, and the winning detecting voltage value relating to the second winning opening in the current cycle is stored in the RAM 13, and FIG.
Is skipped in step S22, and a similar winning determination is made for the third winning port. Until the winning determination regarding the n-th winning opening is performed (step Sn) in this manner, the winning determination is sequentially performed for each winning opening (winning detection switch) in the same procedure. If no prize is detected in any of the n prize ports by the prize detection processing routine at t ₁ , FIG.
It does not run the payout ball speed command signal transmission processing in the time of t _2. In this case, the main control unit 10 at time _{t 2} is
Various output processes different from the prize ball payout process (for example, output of drive signals for operating various drive devices such as motors and lamps in accordance with a predetermined program) are executed as necessary, and the process in this cycle is performed. finish.

And t₁4 ms after the time, the next cycle (t
₃) Is executed. Here the
1st winning opening (here 1st winning opening), 2nd winning opening
(In this case, the second winning port) and the n-th winning port
Approximately three places in the winning opening (here the first winning opening above)
The processing when a prize is won at the time will be described. t
₃Sometimes, the first attached to the first winning opening
Voltage a output from the winning opening winning detection switch 4a₁But
Prize-winning test detected and obtained by the CPU 11
The winning determination process of comparing the output voltage value with the determination reference value is performed.
Is executed (step S1). As shown in FIG.
When the winning detection voltage value is below the judgment reference value
Is the last cycle (t) stored in the RAM 13₁Time)
The winning detection voltage value for the first winning opening in
Time (at the time of non-winning) is confirmed whether it is of high potential
You. That is, the previous cycle (t₁Winning detection signal at
Signal level (voltage value) and the current cycle (t₃Prize at time)
Comparison with the detection signal level (voltage value) is performed.
The input signal that was high potential in the
If it is confirmed that the input signal has changed,
Winning detection signal a indicating the low potential detected twice₁Is truly winning
Is determined to correspond to, and in the next step S11
The CPU 11 executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM 12.
The first winning detection signal a₁Input
X (6 in this case) payout prize balls set
In a predetermined area of the RAM 13
The initial value (0) relating to the number of payout prize balls is added and stored.
Here, the winning detection voltage value of the previous cycle is high potential
It is necessary to compare and confirm whether or not
It depends. That is, as described above, the pattern according to the present embodiment is
With a dick machine, it takes about 7ms to win one game ball.
During this time, a low-potential winning detection signal is output.
The winning detection voltage value of the previous cycle stored in M13 is a low potential
In other words, two consecutive low potential winnings
Outgoing signal a ₁Is detected (for example, t in FIG. 3).₃
Time and t₅Time relationship), the current cycle (ie, t₅At)
Low potential signal a₁Input does not correspond to actual winnings
Invalidated. Previous cycle (t₃Low potential at
Signal a₁But only for 7ms
Because it is.

Next, the second second winning opening winning detection voltage b ₁ output from the switch 4b is the determination reference value winning detected voltage value obtained while being detected by the CPU11 annexed to winning opening Is performed (step S2). And when winning the detected voltage of this time is less than the determination reference value, the same as in the case for the first th winning hole, the second prize in the previous period stored in the RAM 13 (at t ₁₎ The low potential prize detection signal detected this time truly corresponds to a prize on condition that the prize detection voltage value relating to the mouth indicates a normal (non-prize) high potential. determination shall be, payout of Y pieces which in the next step S22 CPU 11 is set in advance with respect to the input of the second prize detection signal b ₁ in accordance with a predetermined program stored in the ROM 12 (12 pieces in this case) A numerical value indicating the number of winning prize balls is added to and stored in a numerical value related to the number of payout prize balls stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 13. That is, in the present cycle, in the predetermined area of the RAM 13 in step S11, numerical values (data) indicating the number of payout prize balls (here, six) as data relating to the number of payout prize balls are already stored.
Is stored, and in the following step S22, the stored numerical values are further added by Y (here, 1).
Numerical values indicating the number of (2) payout prize balls are added. In other words, in step S22, the numerical value (data) indicating the number of X payout prize balls stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 13 is changed to the numerical value (data) indicating the number of X + Y payout prize balls.
Is rewritten and stored.

Next, after the winning detection processing is executed sequentially from the third winning opening to the (n-1) th winning opening (the winning opening has not been won as described above because the winning opening is not described above). is treated in the same manner as in the period (time t ₁₎ last.), the n-th voltage a ₁ output from the first winning opening winning detection switch 4a is CPU annexed to winning opening
A winning determination is performed in which the winning detection voltage value detected and obtained by the CPU 11 is compared with the above-described determination reference value (step Sn). When the winning detection voltage value at this time is lower than the determination reference value, as in the case of the first winning opening, the n-th winning in the previous cycle (at t ₁ ) stored in the RAM 13. The low potential prize detection signal detected this time truly corresponds to a prize on condition that the prize detection voltage value relating to the mouth indicates a normal (non-prize) high potential. it is determined that those, a numerical value indicating the payout award counts X number in CPU11 next step Snn set in advance with respect to the input of the first winning detection signal a ₁ (6 pieces here) RA
The value is added to and stored in the numerical value related to the number of payout prize balls stored in the predetermined area of M13. That is, in the present cycle, as a result of the previous step S11 and step S22, X + Y (here, 18 of 6 + 12) numerical values indicating the number of payout prize balls (here, 18 of 6 + 12) are stored in the predetermined area of the RAM as data relating to the number of payout prize balls. ) Is stored, in this step Snn, a numerical value indicating the number of payout prize balls (here, six) is added to the stored numerical value. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6, in step Snn, the numerical value (data) indicating the number of X + Y payout prize balls stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 13 is X + Y + X (here, 24 of 6 + 12 + 6).
) Are rewritten and stored as numerical values (data) indicating the number of payout prize balls.

[0028] As described above, the sum according to the present embodiment (step S22 and Snn), payout award counts respectively corresponding to the detected three winning in the winning detection processing in the current cycle (time t ₃₎ Can be stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 (see FIG. 6). Then, the main control unit 10 at _{t 4:00} in the current cycle (after 4ms o'clock _{t 2} in this case) to execute the output process. At this time, the payout ball number command signal transmission process related to the prize ball payout process is also executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, as the payout ball number command signal transmission processing, the total value (data) stored in the predetermined area is sent to the transmission buffer (step E1). Then, the total value stored in the RAM 13 is cleared (step E2). The CPU 11 of the main control unit 10 transmits the total value (data) sent to the transmission buffer to the prize ball control unit 22 via the communication control circuit 15 as the number-of-balls-to-be-paid command signal of the current cycle. (Step E3). Thus, the payout ball number command signal transmission processing (output processing) in the current cycle is ended.

Thus, as shown in FIG.
ms), the main control unit 10 repeats the above-described processing. However, in this pachinko machine, as described above, a plurality of prizes are won during one cycle (4 ms) defined by the clock circuit 16. Even if a large number of prizes are received almost simultaneously or consecutively in the mouth, the payout ball number command signal output from the main control unit 10 to the prize ball control unit 22 of the ball payout unit 20 by the above-described summation processing is transmitted every period. Can be unified. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the present pachinko machine, even if any number of winning detection signals a ₁ and b ₁ are input during the one cycle, the information on the number of payout prize balls corresponding thereto indicates the total value. Only the value is required, and it is not necessary to separately store information on the number of payout prize balls for each winning detection signal as in the related art. Therefore, in the pachinko machine, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the storage device such as the RAM 13 in the main control unit 10. In addition, according to the conventional means for individually outputting the number-of-balls-to-be-paid command signal, when a large number of winning detection signals are input to the main control unit 10 at once, the large number of signals are input and then the signals are handled. A considerable time lag may occur until the output of the payout ball number command signal is completed.However, in this pachinko machine, the output of the payout ball number command signal is performed in order to output the total payout ball number command signal in a predetermined cycle. Can be realized without delay unnecessarily, and speedy and real-time prize ball payout processing can be realized.

The payout ball number command signal transmitted by the output processing (payout ball number command signal transmission processing: see FIG. 5) is transmitted to the prize ball control unit via an input processing circuit (not shown) of the prize ball control unit 22. It is input to the CPU of the unit 22. Then, the CPU that has received the payout prize ball number command signal sets and stores the payout prize ball number corresponding to the input signal in the RAM, and drives the motor 24 at a predetermined time to pay out the prize ball. Start processing. In this pachinko machine, despite the fact that a plurality of first prize ports and second prize ports having different payout prize balls per one prize are provided,
A single payout prize ball number command signal is input to the prize ball control unit 22 at a predetermined cycle. For this reason, the prize ball payout process is simplified, and efficient and accurate execution of the process can be achieved. Further, since it is not necessary to store the number of payout prize balls for each of the first winning opening and the second winning opening, it is possible to suppress an increase in the capacity of the RAM in the prize ball control unit 22.

Although the preferred embodiment of the pachinko machine of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to such an embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the total number of payout prize balls is determined by the R of the main control unit 10 itself.
Although it is stored in the AM 13, other external storage means may be used as long as such data can be stored. In the above-described embodiment, as a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, one predetermined signal that triggers the ball payout process is a winning detection signal, and the signal output unit is the winning detection unit 4 (that is, the winning detection switch 4a, 4b).
The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to other ball payout processing involving the payout of a predetermined number of pachinko balls. For example, the present invention can be embodied by changing the specifications of a current pachinko machine and using a ball rental payout signal as a predetermined signal that triggers the ball payout process. In the present embodiment, the control unit (control device) for inputting the winning detection signal is the main control unit 10. However, this is only necessary because the control system of the pachinko machine is constructed as such. Not something. The control unit for inputting the winning detection signal may be set in another control unit, or a dedicated control unit (control device) may be separately provided, which is itself a problem in the construction of a control system of a pachinko machine. It is only a device and does not depart from the present invention.

[0032]

According to the pachinko machine of the present invention, it is possible to increase the cost of the pachinko machine itself without increasing the capacity of the storage device in the control unit for the ball payout process.
Even when a large number of winning detection signals or the like are input at one time, an efficient output process characterized by outputting a single number-of-balloons command signal that exactly corresponds to the plurality of signal inputs by the above-described summation process. Can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an outline of a control system related to a ball payout process in a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a rough configuration of a main control unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a relationship between an input of a winning detection signal and an output of a payout ball number command signal in the pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a winning detection process in a main control unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a payout ball number command signal transmission process in the main control unit of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing a means for transmitting a payout ball number command signal accompanied by a summation process in the pachinko machine of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a means for transmitting a payout ball number command signal in a conventional pachinko machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Winning Detector 4a First Winner Winning Detector Switch 4b Second Winner Winning Detector Switch 10 Main Control Unit 11 CPU 13 RAM 14 Input Processing Circuit 15 Communication Control Circuit 20 Ball Payout Unit 22 Winning Ball Control Unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A ball payout unit for performing a ball payout process for paying out a predetermined number of pachinko balls, at least one win detection unit for detecting a winning of a game ball and outputting a win detection signal, and A control unit relating to control, which receives a prize detection signal output from the prize detection unit and outputs a payout ball number command signal for instructing the number of payout prize balls based on the input of the prize detection signal to the ball payout unit. A pachinko machine having a control unit for outputting, when the prize detection signal is inputted twice or three or more times in a predetermined period, the inputted twice or three times. A control signal indicating the sum of the number of payout prize balls set for each of the above prize detection signals is used as a single payout ball number command signal based on the input of the twice or three or more prize detection signals. Output to the ball payout section Pachinko machines that are configured. 2. The prize detection signal output from the prize detection unit includes two or three or more prize detection signals corresponding to different payout prize balls, and the control unit includes: When a prize detection signal is input twice or three or more times during a predetermined period, the value of the total number of payout prize balls to be added is made different depending on the type of the input prize detection signal. The pachinko machine according to claim 1. 3. The control unit includes a storage unit for storing information related to the ball payout process, wherein the control unit temporarily stores the summed value in the storage unit. And a control signal indicating the sum value stored in the storage means at a predetermined cycle, and outputting the control signal to the ball payout unit as the one time payout ball number command signal. The pachinko machine according to 1 or 2.