JP2002177563A - Pay out device for game balls - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly specify a trouble portion to stop the pay out operation for the game balls or inform this event when a trouble occurs in a pay out device for the game balls. SOLUTION: This pay out device is provided with a ball dispensing detection switch 70 for detecting game balls flowing through a dispensing ball flow passage, a prize ball detecting switch 80 for detecting the game balls flowing through the prize ball flowing passage, an abnormality detecting means for determining the abnormality in paying out the game balls in the case that the ball dispensing detecting switch 70 detects a game ball when the flowing passage for the game balls is switched to the prize ball flowing passage, or in the case that the prize ball detecting switch 80 detects a game ball when the game ball flowing passage is switched to the dispensing ball flowing passage, and a pay out stopping means for stopping the pay out operation for the corresponding game balls when abnormality occurs. The abnormality detecting means and the pay out stopping means are formed by a main control board 110 and a prize ball control board 120.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game ball payout device used in a ball game machine, and more particularly to a game ball payout device capable of detecting a game ball payout abnormality by software.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball hit in a game section wins a winning opening. I have.

In a so-called CR machine which has a card reader / writer and can lend a predetermined number of game balls by inserting a prepaid card, the payout device can be used to lend game balls. It has become. Then, the flow path of the game ball is branched into a prize ball flow path and a lending ball flow path, and a flow path switching member is provided at a branch point, so that the flow path of the game ball is provided when the ball is lent and when the prize ball is paid out. Switching and paying out game balls.

[0004]

By the way, in a ball game machine provided with such a payout device, a flow path switching member for switching a flow path of a game ball breaks down, a prize ball flow path or a lending ball. Even when the downflow path is filled with game balls, if either the prize ball or the rented ball has been paid out, it may not be noticed that the flow path switching member has failed.

[0005] However, when the flow path switching member breaks down, or when the game ball is clogged on the prize ball flow path or the loan ball flow path, a normal game ball payout operation cannot be performed. When such a problem occurs, there is a problem that the player feels frustrated and the fun of the game is reduced.

In this case, it is necessary to quickly find the location where the failure has occurred and to deal with it.
As described above, it has been difficult to specify at which point a failure has occurred.

[0007] From the point of view of the gaming store, there is a problem that it takes time to repair the malfunction, and since the ball game machine cannot be used in the game until the malfunction is eliminated, the profit is reduced.

Further, the number of prize balls paid out due to the occurrence of a prize in the gaming machine, the value of the inserted money, and the number of loaned balls paid out in accordance therewith are often managed by a hall computer. . In such a case, if a game ball that should originally pass through the prize ball flow path passes through the loan ball flow path, or a game ball that should pass through the loan ball flow path passes through the prize ball flow path, The count in the hall computer does not match, which hinders the calculation of the accounting process and the adjustment of the opening and closing of the nail performed according to the number of balls per day.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and when a malfunction occurs in a game ball payout device and an abnormal payout of the game ball is performed, a portion where the malfunction occurs is immediately identified. To stop the payout operation of the game ball,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game ball payout device capable of notifying that fact.

[0010]

The game ball payout apparatus according to the present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

That is, the payout device for game balls according to the present invention lends a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the inserted money value and, when the game balls blown into the game section win the winning opening. In a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls, a loan ball flow path for letting a game ball loaned to a player flow down, and a prize ball flow path for flowing a game ball paid out as a prize. A flow path switching member for switching between the lending ball flow path and the prize ball flow path, a ball lending detection switch for detecting a game ball flowing down in the lending ball flow path, and the prize ball flow path A prize ball detection switch for detecting a game ball flowing down, and the ball lending detection switch despite the flow path switching member switching the flow path of the game ball to the prize ball flow path. Play When the game ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch even if the down flow path of the game ball is switched to the rented ball flow down path by the flow path switching member, Abnormality detection means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the payout operation; and payout for stopping the payout operation of the corresponding game ball when the abnormality detection means determines that an abnormality has occurred. And a stopping means.

Further, the payout apparatus for paying out game balls, when the abnormality detecting means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the payout operation of the game balls, informs that the payout is abnormal. Means can be provided.

Here, the abnormality detecting means and the payout stopping means operate based on the control of the main control board for controlling the game operation in the ball game machine and the main control board, and perform the payout operation of the game ball. And a prize ball control board. The main control board and the prize ball control board include a CPU,
A ROM, a RAM, and the like are provided, and the CPU or the like operates according to a program stored in the ROM or the like, thereby functioning as an abnormality detecting unit and a payout stopping unit.

The dispensing abnormality notifying means is constituted by an LED or lamp for notifying an abnormal state, a speaker for generating a sound effect or the like.

[0015] The monetary value refers to data corresponding to coins, bills, or coins stored in a prepaid card or the like.

[0016]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game ball payout apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Pachinko Machine> FIG. 2 is a rear view of a pachinko machine provided with a game ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although not shown, the pachinko machine 10 has a game board attached to the front side thereof, and a game section surrounded by a pair of guide rails is provided on the surface of the game board. In addition, obstacles such as obstacle nails and windmills, a plurality of winning ports for accepting game balls, and outs for discharging game balls that were not accepted by any of the winning ports from the inside of the game section. A mouth is provided. In addition, below the game board, an upper plate for receiving a game ball for use in a game, a lower plate for receiving a game ball overflowing from the upper plate, and a firing handle for performing a shooting operation of the game ball. And so on.

Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, FIG.
As shown in the figure, a ball tank 20 for storing a game ball to be lent to a player and paid out as a prize ball is provided at an upper portion thereof, and a ball is provided between the ball tank 20 and an upper plate and a lower plate. A downflow path 30 is provided, and a ball separation device 40 is provided in the middle of the ball downflow path 30 for separating and paying out a predetermined number of game balls.

The ball flow path 30 located below the ball dividing device 40 includes a ball flow path 31 for letting a game ball lent to a player flow, and a game ball winning one of the winning openings. In this case, the ball branches off to a prize ball flow path 32 for letting the prize ball paid out flow down. Further, a flow path switching member 50 for switching the flowing direction of the game ball between the lending ball flow path 31 and the prize ball flow path 32 is provided at the branching section under the ball flow.

<Spherical Separator> The spherical separator 40 and the flow path switching member 50 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the ball separating device 40 and the flow path switching member 5.
FIG. 3A is a rear view showing a state when a game ball is lent, and FIG. 3B is a rear view showing a state when a prize ball is paid out. In addition, in FIG. 3, in order to explain the structure of the ball separation device 40 and the flow path switching member 50, a part of the members is shown as a cross section.

As described above, the downflow path of the game ball is branched into a lending ball downflow path 31 and a prize ball downflow path 32 on the way. As shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B), the ball separating device 40 for the game balls provided above the branch portion of the ball down flow path 30 once flows down the ball down flow path 30 and dams the game balls once. The sprocket 41 includes a sprocket 41 for stopping and flowing down by a predetermined number, a regulating piece 42 for regulating the rotation of the sprocket 41, and a ball segment control solenoid 43 for driving the regulating piece 42.

In the ball separating device 40, when the payout of the game ball is not performed, the regulating piece 42 is attached to the sprocket 41.
When the game balls are paid out, the regulating piece 42 is separated from the sprocket 41 so that the sprocket 41 can rotate. Then, when paying out a prize ball or lending a game ball to a player, a control device (not shown)
The ball separation control solenoid 43 is operated based on the signal from the control unit and the rotation of the sprocket 41 is restricted by the restriction piece 42 or the rotation is permitted to pay out a predetermined number of game balls.

<Flow path switching member> The flow path switching member 50 provided below the branch portion of the spherical downflow path 30 is provided with a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), the flapper 51 and the flapper 51 are driven to switch the ball flow path 30 by selectively blocking either the rental ball flow path 31 or the prize ball flow path 32. Switching solenoid 52 for
And a connecting member 53 for connecting the flapper 51 and the passage disconnection switching solenoid 52. When paying out a prize ball or renting out a game ball to a player, the flow path switching solenoid 52 operates based on a signal from a control device (not shown), and is connected via a connecting member 53. By changing the position of the flapper 51, the flow path of the game ball is switched to the rental ball flow path 31 and the prize ball flow path 32.

That is, when lending out the game balls to the player, the prize ball flow path 32 is closed by the flapper 51 so that the game balls flow down to the loan ball flow path 31 side.
When paying out a prize ball, the rented ball flow-down path 31 is closed by the flapper 51 so that the game ball flows down to the prize ball flow-down path 32 side.

If the flow path switching member 50 breaks down, the prize ball and the lending ball flow down the same flow path. That is, when the flow path switching member 50 breaks down and the flapper 51 remains in the state of closing the prize ball flow path 32, the prize ball and the lending ball flow down the lending ball flow path 31. On the other hand, when the flow path switching member 50 breaks down and the flapper 51 remains in the state of closing the lending ball flow path 31, the prize ball and the lending ball flow down the prize ball flow path 32.

In such a state, it is impossible to count the loaned balls and the prize balls separately, and it is impossible to perform the normal payout operation of the game balls. For example, when a prize ball paid out in accordance with a prize is paid out through a lending ball flow path,
Suspicion that a loaned ball is obtained without inputting a monetary value arises, and conversely, if a loaned ball is paid out through a prize ball flow path, there is a suspicion that a prize ball is obtained without a prize. Would. If such a situation is neglected, it is misunderstood that the player is cheating despite the fact that the player is playing a sound game, causing trouble between the player and the game store, This will have undesirable consequences for both.

For this reason, in the game ball payout apparatus according to the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the failure of the flow path switching member 50 and the clogging of the ball in the ball downflow path 30 are quickly found, and the game ball is dispensed. Such a problem is dealt with by stopping the payout operation and notifying that an abnormality has occurred.

<Detection Switch of Game Ball> A ball separation control switch 6 for detecting a game ball flowing down the ball flow path 30 is provided in the ball flow path 30 located above the branch portion.
0 is attached, and the lending ball flow path 31 is
A ball lending detection switch 70 for detecting a game ball flowing down inside 1 is mounted, and a prize ball detection switch 80 for detecting a game ball flowing down the prize ball flow path 32 is mounted on the prize ball flow path 32. ing.

The ball segment control switch 60 is composed of a photo sensor, and detects a light beam from a ball segment control light emitting device 61 (see FIG. 1) provided opposite to the ball segment control switch 60, thereby detecting the game ball. Detect the number of passing.

Each of the ball lending detection switch 70 and the prize ball detection switch 80 comprises a proximity sensor.

<Control Device> The pachinko machine described above detects a winning ball that has won each winning opening, controls a game operation such as performing a predetermined effect, etc., rents a game ball, and pays out a prize ball. A control device for controlling the operation is provided.

The control device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device and each device connected to the control device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 100 is roughly divided into a main control board 110 for controlling the game operation in the pachinko machine 10 and a sub-control board that operates based on the control of the main control board 110. Is done. The sub-control board includes a prize ball control board 120 for controlling a game ball launching operation, a game ball lending operation, and a prize ball payout operation;
50, a symbol control board 140 for controlling a symbol change in a symbol display device 260 for displaying symbols used in the game, and an effect LED 270. And an LED control board 150 for controlling lighting or blinking of the LED.

The main control board 110 is connected to game ball detection switches provided at each winning opening, and a detection signal is input from these detection switches. The game ball detection switch is a start port switch 1 provided at the start winning port.
60, a winning ball detection switch 1 provided in a general winning opening
70, a V count switch 180 provided in the continuous winning opening in the special winning opening, a count switch 190 provided in the special winning opening, and a gate switch 200 provided in the passing gate which is a normal symbol starting opening. .

The main control board 110 also includes a special winning opening solenoid 210 for opening and closing the special winning opening, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 22 for operating the normal electric accessory.
0 are connected, and a drive control signal is transmitted to them.

Further, a prize ball detection switch 80 provided on the prize ball flow path 32 is connected to the main control board 110, and a detection signal is inputted from the prize ball detection switch 80.

The prize ball control board 120 includes a prize ball flow path 32
Ball detection switch 80 provided on the
1, a ball lending detection switch 70 provided in the ball separation device 40 and a ball separation control switch 60 provided in the ball separation device 40 are connected, and a detection signal is input from these switches.

The prize ball control board 120 includes a flow path switching solenoid 52 provided in the middle of the ball down flow path 30 and a ball separation control solenoid 4 provided in the ball separation device 40.
3 and a ball segment control light emitting device 61 which is paired with the ball segment control switch 60, and transmits a drive control signal to them.

A launching device 230 for launching a game ball is connected to the prize ball control board 120, and transmits a drive control signal to the launching device 230.

The prize ball control board 120 is connected to a prepaid card unit 240 having a card reader / writer for reading data recorded on the prepaid card and updating the data. Data is transmitted to and received from the unit 240.

<Control Procedure of Pachinko Machine> Next, based on FIGS.
Of the control procedures described above, the description will focus on a control procedure related to the lending of game balls and the payout of prize balls, which are performed by the prize ball control board 120. 4 to 20 are flowcharts illustrating a control procedure of the pachinko machine by the control device.

First, the outline of the prize ball and ball lending and payout control process in the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

<Idling control processing> Pachinko machine 10
As shown in FIG. 4, in the idling control process of the payout control in (1), when the power is turned on (A1), the built-in RAM
, An access permission is issued (A2), the built-in RAM and the like are initialized (A3), an interrupt is permitted (A4), and a watchdog check process for periodically performing an error check is performed (A5). Until the power is turned off, the interrupt processing (A4) and the watchdog check processing (A5) are repeated.

<Award Ball Control Command Reception Interruption Processing>
An interrupt process for permitting the reception of a prize ball control command will be described. In the prize ball control command reception interrupt processing, as shown in FIG. 5, the protection register is saved (B1), the contents of the input port are input and stored in the command reception buffer (B2), and the protection register is restored. (B3), an interrupt is permitted (B4).

<System Timer Interrupt Process> Next, a system timer interrupt process for performing an interrupt for each unit time to perform various control processes will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, this system timer interrupt processing is performed by permitting the interrupt (C
1) Save the protection register (C2).

Subsequently, input port read processing (C) for performing chattering removal and edge detection of the switch input.
3) A ball lending control process (C) for lending gaming balls within the range of the monetary value stored in the prepaid card
4), prize ball control processing for paying out prize balls (C
5) A ball segment control switch detection process (C) for controlling the detection of a game ball by the ball segment detection switch 60
6), abnormality processing (C7) for detecting an abnormality in the lending of the game balls and the payout of the prize balls, and the ball separation control for renting the game balls and paying out the prize balls by driving the ball separation control solenoid 43. After performing the solenoid drive processing (C8) and the like, the port output processing (C) for transferring the port output data from the work area to the output port is performed.
9), the protection register is restored (C10), and the process ends.

<Ball Lending Control Process> In the above-described ball lending control process (C4), as shown in FIG. 7, a prepaid card for communicating with the prepaid card unit 240 and instructing the number of game balls to be lent is provided. Card unit communication processing (D1), ball lending detection switch detection processing for detecting game balls with the ball lending detection switch 70 (D2), ball lending payout processing for lending a predetermined number of game balls (D3),
A flow path switching solenoid driving process (D4) for driving the flow path switching solenoid 52 to switch the flow path of the game ball is performed, and the processing ends.

<Ball Lending Detection Switch Detection Process> In the ball lending detection switch detection process (D2), as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether the ball lending detection switch 70 has detected a game ball and turned on. It is determined (E1), and if the ball lending detection switch 70 is not turned on, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the ball lending detection switch 70 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball lending break counter is "0", that is, whether or not the predetermined number of ball lending breaks has been reached. Judge (E2). Here, if the value of the ball lending break counter is not “0” and does not reach the predetermined ball lending break count, “1” is subtracted from the ball lending break counter value (E3).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball lending counter is "0", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have been lent out (E4), and the value of the ball lending counter is set to "0". If not, "1" is subtracted from the value of the ball lending counter (E5), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when the value of the ball lending counter is “0”, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball lending overpayout counter is “0”, that is, the gaming ball is overlending. It is determined whether or not there is (E6).

Here, if the value of the ball lending overpayment counter is not "0", "1" is subtracted from the value of the ball lending overpayment counter (E8), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the ball lending overpayment counter becomes "0", a ball lending overpayment error flag indicating that the game balls are overlending is set (E7), and the process is terminated. I do.

By such processing, even if the value of the ball lending counter is "0", when the game ball flows down the lending ball flow-down path 31 and is detected by the ball lending detection switch 70, the game is executed. It can be determined that the ball is over-lending. In addition, since there are variations in the flowing speed of the game balls flowing down the lending ball flowing down path 31, an error may occur. If the value of the ball lending counter is “0” and the ball lending detection switch 70 is turned on, it is determined that excessive lending of game balls is being performed immediately. To see if they are
It is necessary to perform a recovery operation from the error, which increases the burden on the employees of the game arcade. Therefore, by setting the initial value of the ball lending over-lending counter to a value that does not cause a significant disadvantage to the game store, for example, “50”, 50 game balls are set after the value of the ball lending counter becomes “0”. Is rented out, it is determined for the first time that the game balls are being over-lended, so that the clerk is not overly burdened.

<Award Ball Control Process> In the above-described award ball control process (C5), as shown in FIG. 9, award ball control commands for receiving award ball control data and instructing the number of award balls to be paid out. Processing (F1), prize ball payout processing for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls (F2), prize ball detection switch detection processing for detecting game balls to be paid out as prize balls by the prize ball detection switch 80 (F3) Is performed, and the process ends.

<Award Ball Control Command Processing> In the award ball control command processing (F1), as shown in FIG. 10, when the award ball number command is received (G1), the received award ball number is stored in the award ball counter. Add (G2).

Subsequently, when a payout prohibition command is received (G3), a payout prohibition command reception flag is set (G3).
4) When the payout permission command is received (G5), the payout prohibition command reception flag is reset (G6), and the process ends.

As described above, the detection and notification of the excessive payout of the prize balls are performed by the main control board 110, and the prize ball control board 120 performs the payout operation of the prize balls based on the instruction from the main control board 110. It has become.

<Award Ball Detection Switch Detection Process> In the above-described award ball detection switch detection process (F3), as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the award ball detection switch 80 has detected a game ball and turned on. Judge (H1), award ball detection switch 80
If is not turned on, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the award ball detection switch 80 is turned on, it is determined whether or not the value of the award ball segment counter is "0", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of award ball segments has been reached. Judge (H2). Here, if the value of the prize ball segment counter is not “0” and does not reach the predetermined prize ball segment number, “1” is subtracted from the prize ball segment counter value (H3).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball counter is "0", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out (H4), and the value of the prize ball counter is set to "0". If not, "1" is subtracted from the value of the prize ball counter (H5), and the process ends. The process is also terminated when a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out and the value of the prize lending counter is “0”.

<Sphere Separation Control Switch Detection Process> In the above-described ball segment control switch detection process (C6), FIG.
As shown in (1), it is determined whether or not the ball segment control switch 60 is turned on upon detecting a game ball (I1). If the ball segment control switch 60 is not turned on, the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the ball segment control switch 60 is turned on, "1" is subtracted from the value of the ball segment counter (I2), and the abnormality detection flag indicating a fall confirmation abnormality is released (I3). ), And terminate the process.

As described above, even if the abnormality detection flag is set without confirming that the game ball has flowed down, even if the ball separation control switch 60 is turned on and the game ball is confirmed to flow down, Is configured to perform a self-restoration process by canceling the abnormality detection flag.

<Ball Separation Control Solenoid Driving Process> In the above-described ball separation control solenoid driving process (C8), as shown in FIG. 13, the output to the ball separation control solenoid 43 is stopped, and the falling path of the game ball is closed. (J1), it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality detection other than the fall confirmation abnormality (J2). If there is an abnormality detection, the process is terminated and the payout operation of the game ball is not performed.

On the other hand, when there is no abnormality detection, a payout stop factor confirmation process (J3) for confirming the payout stop factor by performing a predetermined calculation is performed. Here, it is determined whether or not there is a payout stop factor (I4). If there is no payout stop factor, the process is terminated. If there is a payout stop factor, the game ball to be paid out as a lending ball or a prize ball is determined. A fall confirmation process (J5) is performed to confirm whether or not there is any.

Then, it is determined whether both the number of prize balls and the number of lent balls are "0" (J6), and it is determined whether the value of the ball segment counter is "0" (J7).
Here, when both the winning ball number and the ball lending number are “0”, or both the winning ball number and the ball lending number are “0”.
However, if the value of the ball segment counter is “0”, the process ends.

On the other hand, when both the number of winning balls and the number of lent balls are not “0” and the value of the ball segment counter is not “0”, the output to the ball segment control solenoid 43 is set to the payout state, and Open the fall path (J
8).

<Abnormal Processing> In the above-described abnormal processing (C7), an abnormality detecting processing (K1) for detecting an abnormality in the payout operation of the game ball or the payout operation of the prize ball. Is performed and the process is terminated.

<Abnormality Detection Process> In the above-described abnormality detection process (K1), as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the switching of the downflow path of the game ball is completed (L1). When the switching of the downflow path is completed, whether the downflow path of the game ball is on the prize ball downflow side 32, Alternatively, it is determined whether it is on the rented ball flow down road 31 side (L2).

Here, the downflow path of the game ball is the prize ball downflow path 3
In the case of the second side, it is determined whether or not the confirmation of the number of award ball divisions has been completed (L3). It is determined whether a ball has been detected (L4).

When a game ball is detected by the ball rental detection switch 70, a prize ball / ball rental switching abnormality flag is set (L5). That is, when the flow path of the game ball is on the side of the prize ball flow path 32, the ball lending detection switch 70 should not normally detect the game ball, so that an abnormality has occurred. Judge.

Also, the downflow path of the game ball is the rented ball downflow path 3
In the case of the first side, it is determined whether or not the confirmation of the number of ball rental breaks has been completed (L6).
It is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected (L7).

When a game ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch 80, a prize ball / ball lending switching abnormality flag is set (L8). That is, when the flow-down path of the game ball is on the loaned ball flow-down path 31 side, there is normally no case where the game ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch 80, so that an abnormality occurs. Judge.

Subsequently, when the detection of the abnormal flow of the game ball in the prize ball flow path 32 and the rental ball flow path 31 is completed,
It is determined whether or not a ball lending overpayout is abnormal (L9). Here, in the case of a ball lending overpayment abnormality, a ball lending overpayment abnormality flag is set (L10), and it is confirmed whether a predetermined number of game balls have been paid out as lending balls or prize balls. Then, a drop operation confirmation process (L11) is performed to end the process.

When the path switching is not completed (L
1; No), if the confirmation of the number of award ball divisions has been completed (Yes in L3), the ball lending detection switch 7
0 when no game ball is detected (N at L4
o) If the number of ball rental breaks has been confirmed (L
If the game ball is not detected by the prize ball detection switch 80 (No in L7), the processing after the ball lending overpayout or more (L9) is performed.

<Falling Operation Confirmation Process> In the above-described falling operation confirmation process (L11), as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the input from the ball segment control switch 60, the ball lending detection switch 70, and the prize ball detection switch 80 are input. In any case, it is determined whether or not the ballless state continues (M1).

Here, if the ball-free state does not continue in any of the inputs from the switches 60, 70, and 80, the ball-present state occurs in any of the inputs from the switches 60, 70, and 80. It is determined whether or not the operation is continued (M2).

If the ball presence state does not continue in any of the inputs from the switches 60, 70, and 80, the ball clogging abnormality flag is released (M3), and the drop confirmation switch abnormality flag is set. It is released (M4), a ball clogging monitoring time is set (M5), and a drop confirmation monitoring time is set (M6).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ball clogging monitoring time has elapsed (M7). If the ball clogging monitoring time has elapsed, a ball clogging abnormality flag is set (M9), and the fall is confirmed. Switch abnormality flag is set (M10).

If the ballless state continues at any of the inputs from the switches 60, 70, 80, there is a possibility that one of the switches 60, 70, 80 has failed. Therefore, each of the above processes (M2 to M
Without performing 9), the fall confirmation switch abnormality setting processing (M10) is performed.

If the state of presence of a sphere continues at any of the inputs from the switches 60, 70, and 80, there is a possibility that a ball is clogged somewhere in the ball downflow path 30. For this reason, the above-described processes (M3 to M6) are not performed, but the process (M6) for determining whether the clogging monitoring time has elapsed is performed.

If the clogging monitoring time has not elapsed (No in M7), "1" is subtracted from the value of the clogging monitoring timer.

Subsequently, the prize ball or ball rental break counter value is set (M11), and the sphere partition counter value is compared with the prize ball or ball rental break counter value (M1).
2). Then, it is determined whether or not the ball segment counter value is equal to or greater than the segment counter value (M13). If the ball segment counter value is equal to or greater than the segment counter value, the ball segment counter value and the segment counter value are exchanged (M13). M14).

Subsequently, the difference between the ball segment counter value and the segment counter value is calculated (M15), and it is determined whether the calculation result is smaller than a specified value (for example, "5") (M1).
6). Here, when the calculation result is larger than the specified value, the switch abnormality flag for drop confirmation is set (M1
7).

As described above, the number of game balls detected by the ball separation control switch 60 provided on the upstream side of the ball down flow path 30 and the ball lending detection switch 70 or the prize ball detection switch provided on the downstream side of the ball down flow path 30 A difference from the number of game balls detected by 80 is calculated, and if the difference is equal to or greater than a specified value, disconnection is detected in any of the ball segment control switch 60, the ball lending detection switch 70, and the prize ball detection switch 80;
There is a possibility that a switch failure such as a short circuit has occurred, the ball separation control solenoid 43 has malfunctioned, or there is a possibility that the game balls have been excessively paid out due to improper operation. Check switch error flag is set.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball or ball rental division counter is "0" (M18). If the value of the prize ball or ball rental division counter is not "0", that is, the game ball If the payout is in the process of (M19), it is determined whether or not there is a cause for stopping the payout (M19) and whether or not abnormality is detected (M20).

Here, when there is a payout stop factor, or when there is no payout stop factor but an abnormality is detected, it is justified that the flow of the game ball is stopped even during the payout of the game ball. Therefore, a fall confirmation monitoring timer is set (M31), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if there is no cause for stopping the payout and no abnormality is detected, it is determined whether or not the drop confirmation monitoring time has elapsed (M21). To end.

If the fall confirmation monitoring time has not elapsed, "1" is subtracted from the fall confirmation monitoring time (M2
2) It is determined whether or not the number of trials of drop confirmation is equal to or more than a specified value (M23). Here, if the number of trials of the drop confirmation is equal to or more than the specified value, the fall confirmation abnormal flag is set (M24), and the fall confirmation monitoring timer is set (M2).
5), end the processing.

As described above, when there is no cause for stopping the payout and no abnormality is detected, the flow of the game ball is checked a predetermined number of times.
It is determined that the game ball is abnormally confirmed to fall.

If the number of trials of drop confirmation is not equal to or more than the specified value (No in M23), "1" is added to the number of trials of drop confirmation (M26), and a drop confirmation monitoring timer is set (M27). ), The ball separation counter, the prize ball and the ball lending separation counter are cleared (M28), and the process ends.

If the value of the prize ball or ball lending break counter is "0" (Yes in M18), the fall confirmation abnormal flag is cleared (M29), and the fall confirmation trial counter is set (M30). The fall confirmation monitoring timer is set (M31), and the process ends.

As described above, when the payout of the game balls has been completed, since the abnormal state has been recovered, the self-recovery and the normal payout process are performed.

<Abnormality Notification Processing> In the above-described abnormality notification processing (K2), as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, it is determined whether or not the prepaid card unit 240 (abbreviated as CR in the figures) is connected. (N1), if the prepaid card unit 240 is not connected, the CR not connected LE
D is turned on (N2), and the prepaid card unit 24
0 notifies that connection is not established.

On the other hand, when the prepaid card unit 240 is connected, the CR unconnected LED is turned off (N3), and whether the ball has run out or whether the lower plate is full is determined. Judge (N4). Here, if the ball has run out or the lower plate is full, the LED of the ball runs out and the lower plate is full is turned on (N5),
Notifies that the ball has run out or that the lower plate is full.

If the ball has not run out and the lower plate is not full, the LED is cut off and the lower plate full LED is turned off (N6) to determine whether a ball lending overpayout abnormality has occurred. Is determined (N7). If a ball lending overpayment abnormality has occurred, the ball lending overpayment LED is turned on (N
8) Notifying that a ball lending overpayment abnormality has occurred, and setting the PRDY signal indicating the ball lending overpayment to a high level (N9).

On the other hand, when the ball lending overpayment abnormality does not occur, the ball lending overpayment LED is turned off (N10).
The PRDY signal representing the ball lending overpayout is set to the low level (N11).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a prize ball / ball lending switching abnormality has occurred (N12). If an award ball / ball lending switching abnormality has occurred, a prize ball / ball lending switching abnormality has occurred. LED
Is turned on (N13) to notify that a prize ball / ball lending switching abnormality has occurred.

On the other hand, if the award ball / ball lending switching abnormality has not occurred, the award ball / ball lending switching abnormality LED is turned off (N14), and it is determined whether or not the fall confirmation switch abnormality has occurred. A judgment is made (N15). Here, when the drop confirmation switch abnormality has occurred, the fall confirmation switch abnormality LED is turned on (N16) to notify that the fall confirmation switch abnormality has occurred.

If no drop confirmation switch abnormality has occurred, the fall confirmation switch abnormality LED is turned off (N17) to determine whether a fall confirmation abnormality or a ball clogging abnormality has occurred. (N18). Here, if a drop confirmation error or ball clogging error occurs,
The ball clogging LED is turned on (N19), and it is notified that a drop confirmation abnormality or a ball clogging abnormality has occurred, and the processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if no drop confirmation abnormality or ball clogging abnormality has occurred, the ball clogging LED is turned off (N20), and the process ends.

As described above, when any abnormality occurs, the payout of the game balls is stopped. In this embodiment, however, the game clerk confirms the abnormality, resolves the abnormal state, and turns off the power. When re-inserted, the flags and the like indicating the abnormal states except the overpayout are returned.

In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a typical ball game machine, but the game ball payout device according to the present invention is applicable to other ball game machines. be able to.

[0104]

As described above, in the game ball payout apparatus according to the present invention, the ball lending detection switch detects the lending ball flowing down the lending ball flow path, and detects the prize ball flowing down the prize ball flow path. When a failure of the payout device occurs by detecting with the prize ball detection switch, the location where the failure has occurred is specified, and the payout operation of the game ball is stopped.

Therefore, the flow path switching member may break down,
The game clerk can quickly respond to abnormal conditions such as clogging of the game ball on the prize ball down road or the lending ball down road, and enhance the fun of the game without the player having a frustrated feeling. Can be.

[0106] Further, since the amusement store can quickly repair the malfunction, the operating rate of the ball game machine can be improved, and a decrease in profit can be prevented. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent payout of excessive game balls due to fraudulent acts, and to protect profits of players and game stores playing sound games.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device and each device connected to the control device.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a pachinko machine provided with a game ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B are rear views showing the structures of a payout device and a flow path switching member, wherein FIG. 3A is a rear view showing a state when a game ball is lent, and FIG. 3B is a rear view showing a state when a prize ball is paid out. Figure

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main control process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball control command reception interrupt process;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a system timer interrupt process;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball lending control process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a ball lending detection switch detection process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball control process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball control command process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a prize ball detection switch detection process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball segment control switch detection process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball separation control solenoid driving process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an abnormal process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an abnormality detection process;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a drop operation confirmation process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a drop operation confirmation process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a drop operation confirmation process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an abnormality notification process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an abnormality notification process;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine 20 Ball tank 30 Ball flow path 31 Lent ball flow path 32 Prize ball flow path 40 Ball separation device 41 Sprocket 42 Restriction piece 43 Ball separation control solenoid 50 Flow path switching member 51 Flapper 52 Flow path switching solenoid 53 Connection member 60 Ball break control switch 61 Ball break control light emitting device 70 Ball lending detection switch 80 Prize ball detection switch 100 Control device 110 Main control board 120 Prize ball control board 130 Voice control board 140 Symbol control board 150 LED control board 160 Starting port switch 170 Winning Ball detection switch 180 V count switch 190 Count switch 200 Gate switch 210 Large winning opening solenoid 220 Normal electric accessory solenoid 230 Launcher 240 Prepaid card unit 250 Speaker 260 Display device 270 Direction LED

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A payout for renting out a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the inserted money value, and paying out a predetermined number of game balls when the game balls flipped in the game section win a prize hole. In the apparatus, a lending ball flow path for letting a game ball loaned to a player flow down, a prize ball flow path for flowing a game ball paid out as a prize, the lending ball flow path and the prize ball flow down A flow path switching member for switching between the road and the ball, a ball lending detection switch for detecting a game ball flowing down in the lending ball flowing down road, and a game lending detection switch for detecting a game ball flowing down in the prize ball flowing down path. A prize ball detection switch, even if the downflow path of the game ball is switched to the prize ball downflow path by the flow path switching member, when the ball lending detection switch detects a game ball, or the flow path switching Even if the flowing path of the game ball is switched to the loaned ball flow path by the member, when the game ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch, an abnormality has occurred in the payout operation of the game ball. Abnormality detecting means for determining, and when the abnormality detecting means determines that an abnormality has occurred, a payout stop means for stopping the payout operation of the corresponding game ball, characterized by comprising Game ball payout device. 2. A dispensing abnormality notifying means for notifying that the dispensing is abnormal when it is determined by the abnormality detecting means that the dispensing operation of the game ball is abnormal. The payout device for a game ball according to claim 1.