JP2002204868A - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correctly put out balls for prize-winning even in power interruption in a pachinko machine. SOLUTION: Prize-winning balls are discharged when a change-over lever 54 is at a normal position (A position) during power supply. Unless power is supplied due to power interruption, the change-over lever 54 is at a power interruption position (B position) and the prize-winning balls are stored in a storage area 60. The balls stored in the storage area 60 can cope with even the prize-winning balls which are not detected by one of or neither of a prize- winning detecting means and a prize-winning ball recognizing switch 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of pachinko machines, and more particularly to paying out prize balls.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Pachinko machine payout prize balls are mechanically used in the past, and in recent years, electric and electronic types are mainly used. Very recently, research has been under way to ensure the correct number of payouts even in the event of a power outage, and specifically, a technique as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-328822 filed by the same applicant as the present application. Are also being considered.

[0003] The application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-328822)
The outline of the prior art and the new technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-27133 is that the main board and / or the prize ball control board are provided with a backup function (backup power supply and NMI program) so that even if an unexpected power failure occurs, The state is backed up, and after the power is restored, the game state before the power failure is restored by the backup function.

[0004] In particular, in order to guarantee correct payout even in the event of a power failure during the payout of payout balls, the time required to pay out (fall) one payout ball during execution of the NMI program (about 40 ms). Is paying close attention to adding a program to check for payouts.

[0005] However, these techniques still have problems. One of the problems is the configuration shown as a prior art in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-328822. For example, a power failure occurs immediately after a game ball is fired by a launch device, and the game ball is delayed by an obstacle nail or the like. A power failure occurs when a winning ball is won in such a winning opening, that is, when there is a gaming ball that has not been determined to be winning or out, and when a gaming ball subsequently wins. In other words, despite the fact that the player has clearly confirmed the prize, it is about 40 m from the power outage.
The prize after s is not detected (it is not recognized as a prize in the control), so that the payout is not performed.

The winning of one ball in the winning opening is equivalent to 15 or 10 prize balls, and only one prize ball is paid by the prize ball payout device.
If it is intended to guarantee even if there is an excess or deficiency of the number of balls, a prize ball in such a case (an extremely large number compared to one error in the prize ball dispensing apparatus) should also be accurately guaranteed. At least, when a player complains of complaint, there is a need for a technology that confirms the authenticity and enables correct response.

The second problem is Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-328822.
This occurs at the time of the configuration of the embodiment. In the case of this embodiment, payout is not performed only by a prize detection signal to each prize port of the game board for the purpose of improving resistance to a fraudulent player, but all prize balls are collected in a prize ball collective passage and a prize ball confirmation switch. Is paid out (under the condition of the detection signal of the winning ball confirmation switch and the winning detection signal).

For this reason, there is a problem that if a power failure occurs about 40 ms or more before the winning ball reaches the winning ball confirmation switch, it is ignored (no payout is performed). Further, in the configuration of this embodiment, the same problem as the above problem 1 also exists. That is, there is a greater risk that no payout will be made even if a prize is won.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem relating to the payout of prize balls in a pachinko machine, that is, to properly pay out prize balls, and furthermore, a dispute between a player and a pachinko shop employee. It is also intended to prevent the occurrence of the problem.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pachinko machine for solving the above-mentioned problems, wherein when the pachinko machine is supplied with power, the winning ball is discharged out of the machine. When power is not supplied, the winning balls are retained in the aircraft without being discharged, so that the presence or absence of a winning after a power failure can be confirmed by the presence or absence of gaming balls (hereinafter referred to as “reserved balls”) retained in the aircraft. . Therefore, it is possible to confirm the stored balls and appropriately respond to the complaint of the player that a payout has not been made after the power outage. In particular, it is important as an atmosphere of a healthy playground not to give a pleasure requesting a prize ball by telling a lie "winning".

The payout of prize balls to the stored balls can be performed by, for example, opening a glass window and inserting a game ball into a winning opening after the pachinko machine is restored. In addition, as is clear from the above description, it is necessary to be able to confirm the presence or absence (the number) of the stored balls. Therefore, the portion for holding the stored balls (such as a ball gutter) is transparent or a hole is provided, and the pachinko machine is used. It is desirable to have a structure in which the stored spheres can be seen when opened, or a structure in which the stored spheres can be taken out and counted.

There is no particular limitation on the configuration for discharging or storing the winning prize ball outside the machine according to the power supply interruption, but the configuration of claim 2 can be recommended. The pachinko machine according to claim 2 is
2. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein when the pachinko machine is supplied with power, the winning ball is moved to a discharge port to the outside of the machine so as to be discharged, and when the power is not supplied, the winning ball is kept inside the machine. It is characterized by including a winning ball discharge control mechanism that enters a storage state.

The winning ball discharge control mechanism is, for example, an actuator such as a solenoid which is energized when the power of the pachinko machine is turned on, and is driven by this actuator. When the actuator is energized, the path of the winning ball is opened to the discharge port. When the actuator is de-energized, it can be constituted by a displacement member that shuts off the path of the winning ball and prevents the movement to the discharge port. Alternatively, a similar actuator, a normal discharge path that guides the winning ball to the discharge port, a storage discharge path that guides the winning ball to the storage unit, and a winning ball that is driven by the actuator and is energized to turn the winning ball into the normal discharge path. And a displacement member for guiding the winning ball to the storage / discharge path when the actuator is de-energized.

These are examples of the configuration of the winning ball discharge control mechanism. Other configurations are possible, but relatively simple components such as a member that is displaced in response to the power supply of the pachinko machine is cut off. It can be realized by the configuration. A plurality of prize ball discharge control mechanisms may be provided (for example, for each prize port), but this complicates the configuration.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the pachinko machine according to the second aspect, a prize ball collecting passage for guiding all of the prize balls to one place is provided, and the prize ball discharge control mechanism includes A configuration is employed in which a winning ball guided by the winning ball collecting passage is discharged or stored outside the machine in accordance with the power supply cutoff.

Since all the winning balls are guided to one place in the winning ball collecting passage and the collected winning balls are processed by the winning ball discharge control mechanism, there is no need to provide a plurality of winning ball discharge control mechanisms and the structure is complicated. I can't mimic it. In addition, there is an effect that the function relating to the discharge of the winning ball can be controlled centrally (for example, in a unit).

By the way, if the configuration is such that the stored balls are kept in the aircraft forever, for example, when the pachinko machine cuts off the power supply by adjusting the pachinko machine, the ball entering the winning opening becomes the stored ball, There may be inconveniences such as the next player requesting the right for the stored ball generated at the time of the player.
Otherwise, it is not preferable that the stored spheres continue to be accumulated.

It is also sometimes necessary to take out the stored balls and have the player confirm them. In order to cope with such inconvenience, the pachinko machine according to claim 4 is based on claim 1.
4. The pachinko machine according to any one of 3 to 3, further comprising a storage ball discharging means for discharging a winning ball held in the machine to the outside of the machine by operation of a game clerk, wherein the storage ball discharging means Can be discharged, so that the above-mentioned inconvenience can be prevented.

"By operation of a game clerk" means
For example, the meaning includes that a game clerk directly moves a stopper or the like (direct operation) or operates a switch or the like to operate a stored ball discharging means. A pachinko machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the pachinko machine according to the fourth aspect, wherein a discharge drive source is provided in the stored ball discharge means, and when the stored ball discharge condition is satisfied, the discharge drive source is operated to keep the inside of the machine. The system is equipped with a stored ball discharge control means for discharging the winning prize balls outside the machine, so that by appropriately setting the stored ball discharge conditions, it is possible to set appropriate timing (for example, when a response to a player following a power outage is completed) Can be discharged)
The above inconvenience can be prevented well. Further, since the stored balls can be automatically discharged, there is an effect that the management of the pachinko machine becomes easy. By discharging the stored balls at such appropriate timing, it is possible to prepare for a new power failure.

In the case of the configuration in which the stored balls are automatically discharged, evidence of winning at the time of a power outage does not always remain. Therefore, the pachinko parlor must make a declaration when a prize is won at the time of the power failure but is not paid out. (For example, posting or broadcasting in a store) is desired.

It is preferable that the stored ball discharge condition is set to be satisfied by an event that occurs on the premise that the response to the player following the power failure is completed, for example, a normal restart of the game. Claim 6 is a preferable example. The pachinko machine according to claim 6 is the pachinko machine according to claim 5, wherein the game starts, a set number of game balls have been fired since the start of the game, the game has continued for a set time or more from the start of the game, or a new prize has been won. One of the detections is set as the stored ball discharge condition.

If the start of the game is detected, it can be considered that the response to the player accompanying the power failure has been completed, and the stored ball discharging means may be operated at that time. However, since there are times when the pachinko machine fires several shots to confirm that it operates normally (trial hitting), it is slightly necessary to judge that the game is restarted just by firing the game ball. There's a problem.

In order to solve such a problem, it is necessary to set, as the stored ball discharge condition, that a set number (for example, 100 shots) of game balls have been fired since the start of the game or that the game has been continued for a set time (eg, one minute) since the start of the game. Can be dealt with. In addition, although it is possible that a prize was won by accidentally firing, it is possible that the game was resumed normally when a new prize was detected because it did not occur so frequently, By setting this as the storage ball discharge condition, the same problem can be solved.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will be described in order to specifically and clearly show the structure and effects of the present invention. In this embodiment, as an example of the effort and technology performed to pay out the correct number of prize balls, Japanese Patent Application No. 200
The technique of 0-388817 is explained, the effort and the technique are powerless only when the game ball fired at the same time or shortly before the occurrence of the power failure wins, and the problem is solved by using the present invention. Explain that it is done. Therefore, this embodiment has a lot in common with the embodiment of Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-388817.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 1, an outer shell of a pachinko machine 100 is formed by a machine frame 101. A front frame 1 is attached to the machine frame 101 so as to be openable and closable like a door, and a game board 14 is mounted on the back side of the front frame 1.

A main board 27 is mounted on the left side of the back of the game board 14, and a liquid crystal display 29 is mounted substantially at the center. This liquid crystal display device 29 is capable of displaying a plurality of symbols by scrolling, for example, by scrolling, and is also capable of static display. Similarly to the well-known pachinko machine, in this embodiment, if a so-called 3-digit aligned special symbol (for example, 333, 777, etc.) is statically displayed on the liquid crystal display device 29, a big hit is displayed and a special game is executed.

A normal winning opening 17 is provided above and to the left and right of the liquid crystal display device 29, and a starting winning opening 15 is provided below. Below the start winning opening 15, a big winning device 31 having a big winning opening 30 is arranged. This special winning device 31 is known under the name of attacker. Also,
The normal winning opening 16 is provided on the left and right of the big winning device 31. The starting winning opening 15 has a starting winning sensor 18, the normal winning opening 17 has a normal winning sensor 17 a, and the normal winning opening 1
6 is provided with a normal winning sensor 19, respectively.
The winning ball to each winning opening is detected by the respective winning sensors and then guided by a gutter (not shown). The special winning device 31 is provided with a V sensor 32 and a count sensor 33, and a winning ball to the special winning opening 30 is detected by passing through any of them, and guided by a gutter (not shown).
These start winning sensor 18, normal winning sensor 17a, normal winning sensor 19, V sensor 32 and count sensor 3
Reference numeral 3 corresponds to winning detection means. In the case of this embodiment,
5 for the start winning opening 15 and normal winning openings 16 and 17
, And 15 winning balls are set in the special winning opening 30.

On the back side of the front frame 1, a back mechanism board 2 made of synthetic resin is attached so as to cover the edge of the game board 14. A prize ball tank 3 is mounted on an upper portion of the back mechanism board 2, and a tank rail 4 is mounted on a lower side thereof. The tank rail 4 guides the game balls flowing out of the prize ball tank 3 while aligning them. The ball supply path 5 is connected to the downstream end of the tank rail 4, and the downstream side of the ball supply path 5 reaches the payout path 6.

On one side of the ball supply path 5, a prize ball payout unit 9 corresponding to a prize ball payout device is installed. The prize ball payout unit 9 includes a sprocket 12 and a motor 10 for rotating the sprocket 12. A part of the sprocket 12 is projected into the ball supply path 5, and when the motor 10 is not energized and is prevented from rotating (at a stop), the sprocket 12 blocks the game ball as illustrated, and When it is driven to rotate by energizing 10, the game ball is passed while rotating.

The ball supply path 5 has a sprocket 12
The control sensor 8a is located at the position of the game ball stopped by the counter, and the counting sensor 8 is moved downward by one game ball therefrom.
b are respectively attached. Actually, each of the control sensor 8a and the counting sensor 8b is a light receiving element (a phototransistor in this embodiment) of a photocoupler, and a light emitting element (in this embodiment, LEDs (not shown) are provided. Then, when a game ball exists between the light emitting element and the light emitting element, the light from the light emitting element is shut off, so that the game ball can be detected based on the output levels of the control sensor 8a and the counting sensor 8b. The counting sensor 8b corresponds to a prize ball detecting means.

An upstream portion of the discharge passage 6 communicates with an upper plate (not shown) provided on the front surface of the front frame 1 through a through hole 6a, and a downstream portion of the passage 6 is a lower plate (not shown). Connected to the side. Therefore, the game balls that have fallen with the rotation of the sprocket 12 are first paid out to the upper plate via the payout passage 6,
When the upper plate is full, it is paid out to the lower plate.

As shown in FIG. 1, a prize ball collecting passage 20 for collecting prize balls (safe balls) is provided in the back mechanism panel 2.
(Hereinafter, simply referred to as "collection passage 20"), and the winning start-up opening 15, the normal winning opening 16, 17 and the large winning opening 30 are awarded, and the prize is induced to fall after passing through each sensor. All the spheres flow into the collecting passage 20. A winning ball confirmation switch 25 is disposed at the downstream end of the collective passage 20, and each winning ball is assigned to this winning ball confirmation switch 2.
After the signal is transmitted to the main board 27 by operating the button 5, it flows into the winning ball discharge control mechanism 48.

The winning ball discharge control mechanism 48
A communication path 52a communicating with the downstream end of the communication path 52a, a normal discharge path 52b and a storage discharge path 52c formed by branching the communication path 52a into two, and provided downstream of a junction of the normal discharge path 52b and the storage discharge path 52c. And a ball passage 52 having a discharge port 52d.

A switching device 50 having a rotary solenoid 53, which is a type of actuator, and a switching lever 54, which is a displacement member driven by the rotary solenoid 53, is provided at a branch between the normal discharge path 52b and the storage discharge path 52c. I have. The switching lever 54 closes the storage discharge path 52c and guides the winning sphere that has passed through the communication path 52a to the normal discharge path 52b (position A in the drawing), and closes the normal discharge path 52b to form the communication path 52a. The winning ball that passed through is stored and discharged 5
It is freely displaceable between a power failure position (position B in the drawing) leading to 2c, and is set to the normal position when the rotary solenoid 53 is energized, and is set to the power failure position when the rotary solenoid 53 is de-energized.

A discharge device 51 corresponding to the stored ball discharge means is attached to the storage discharge path 52c. Discharge device 51
Are mounted on a solenoid 56 serving as a discharge driving source, a stopper 55 connected to the plunger 57 and reciprocating with the plunger 57, an operation rod 59 attached in a direction perpendicular to the plunger 57 and moving with the plunger 57, and a play on the plunger 57. It is constituted by a spring 58 arranged in a compressed state between the fitting operation rod 59 and the solenoid 56 main body.

The stopper 55 is capable of protruding and retracting in the storage / discharge passage 52c. When the solenoid 56 is not energized, the stopper 55 projects to the storage / discharge passage 52c by the urging force of the spring 58. When the solenoid 56 is energized, the storage / discharge is performed. This is the position where the vehicle has left the road 52c. Therefore, the solenoid 56
When is not energized, the storage / discharge path 52c is shut off by the stopper 55, and even if there is a game ball moving from the upstream, the passage is blocked by the stopper 55. A portion for retaining the game ball (upstream of the stopper 55) is a storage area 60. If the operation rod 59 is moved in the right direction in the figure by applying a force, the stopper 5 can be moved independently of the solenoid 56.
5 is withdrawn from the storage / discharge path 52c.

The winning ball confirmation switch 25 corresponds to a winning ball confirming means, and its installation position is a detection position. A winning ball control board 26 is provided behind the collective passage 20. The control system of the pachinko machine 100 is configured around a main board 27 as shown in FIG.

The main board 27 includes a CPU 27a, a ROM 27
b, a circuit for input / output (not shown), etc., with a one-chip microcomputer composed of a RAM 27c and the like as the center. The prize ball control main program is written in the ROM 27b and performs the prize ball control in cooperation with the microcomputer of the prize ball control board 26. The main program is in the prize ball control main program, and the main board 27 (prize ball control main program) is used. The program) is a so-called master, and the award ball control board 26 is also a slave.

The main board 27 has a backup power supply 2
7d is attached, or backup power is supplied from a power supply board 44 described later, and even if a power outage accident occurs, it is possible to return to the immediately previous gaming state after power is restored.
For this reason, even if the power is interrupted during the jackpot, for example, if the power is restored, the state returns to the jackpot, and the player does not suffer any disadvantage. In addition, although details will be described later, the winnings that have not been paid out are also stored, so that the winnings before the power outage can be correctly paid out.

Further, the control signal generator 2 is provided on the main board 27.
7e is attached. The control signal generation unit 27e is connected to the CPU 2
A reset signal (hereinafter referred to as "RES") for distinguishing whether or not the power supply voltage of the power supply 7a is within the normal operating voltage, a separate power supply for correctly operating mechanical components such as a solenoid, and a sensor or switch having a ball. A non-maskable interrupt signal (hereinafter, referred to as "NMI") for determining whether or not the voltage is within a normal operating voltage for correctly determining absence is output. or,
If necessary, a ram clear signal (hereinafter referred to as "R") for forcibly clearing the data stored in the RAM 27c.
AMCLR ". ) Is output.

The above RES, NMI and RAMCLR are C
The RES and NMI act on the PU 27a appropriately, and the microcomputer RES of the prize ball control board 26 via the AND circuit 27f.
It is configured to appropriately act on a. Although the operation will be described later, the display 28 is provided outside or inside the main board 27. Further, a discharge device 51 is connected to the main substrate 27, and the main substrate 27 can control the operation of the discharge device 51.

The normal winning sensor 17a,
19. Winning detection signals from the start winning sensor 18, the V sensor 32, the count sensor 33, and signals from other sensors and switches provided on the game board 14 are input as board information. In addition, signals from the winning ball confirmation switch 25 and the counting sensor 8b are also input, and signals from sensors and switches provided in the frame device (for example, a signal indicating that the lower plate is full, a signal indicating that the winning ball tank 3 has run out of balls, etc.) are also received. Is entered.

The board information and peripheral information and game-related information (commands and control signals) output from the one-chip microcomputer of the main board 27 are used as inspection signals for the main board 2.
7 is output. Although the output of the inspection signal is not related to the control processing of the main board 27, that is, the operation of the pachinko machine 100, in order to improve the efficiency, rationalization, and accuracy of the inspection of the pachinko machine by a public organization or a third party, It is configured to output an inspection signal. For example, there is an advantage that the bias of the winning frequency can be easily inspected.

Note that the port output from the main board 27 causes the award ball control board 26, the sound board 41, and the liquid crystal board 4
2. Commands and the like can be transmitted to the lamp board 43. However, the transmission of the command and the like is one-sided, and the transmission from the award ball control board 26 or the like to the main board 27 is not performed. Also,
Power is supplied from the power supply board 44 to the main board 27, the prize ball control board 26, the sound board 41, the liquid crystal board 42, and the lamp board 43.

The prize ball control board 26 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
A one-chip microcomputer 26a made of M or the like is provided, and controls the operation of the prize ball payout unit 9 according to a prize ball command from the main board 27. A drive signal of the motor 10 is transmitted from the prize ball control board 26 to the prize ball payout unit 9 via the transistor 26d, and when activated, the prize ball payout unit 9 outputs detection signals of the control sensor 8a and the counting sensor 8b to the prize ball. It is input to the control board 26. The signal of the counting sensor 8b serving as a prize ball detecting means is also input to the main board 27 as described above.

The sound board 41 drives a speaker (not shown) with an audio signal generated in response to a command from the main board 27 to generate various sound effects. The liquid crystal substrate 42 controls the liquid crystal display device 29 in response to a command from the main substrate 27, and performs a variable display of symbols, a static display, a display of various information, and the like.

The lamp board 43 controls turning on and off of an LED for notification and decoration according to a command from the main board 27. Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 100 having the above-described configuration will be described focusing on control by the main board 27. However, the operation similar to that of the known pachinko machine and having no relation to the present invention will not be described.

First, the processing of the main substrate 27, in particular, the payout of prize balls will be described with reference to FIG. In the SW reading (S1), the normal winning sensors 17a, 19, the starting winning sensor 18,
The input state of the V sensor 32, the count sensor 33, the winning ball confirmation switch 25, and the like is read.

FIG. 6 shows the construction in detail. The normal winning sensors 17a, 19, the starting winning sensor 18, the V sensor 3
2. The presence or absence of a prize is determined based on the prize detection signal from the count sensor 33 (S22), and if a prize has occurred, its type (separate from paying out 5, paying out 10, and paying out 15) is determined. (S23) If five pieces are paid out, the value X of the five storage areas provided in the RAM 27c is incremented by 1 (S24).
If the payout is zero, the value Y of the ten storage areas is incremented by one (S25), and if the payout is fifteen, the value Z of the fifteen storage areas is incremented by one (S26). Next, winning ball confirmation switch 2
It is determined whether the ball has passed through 5 (S27), and if the ball has been passed, the value W of the winning ball confirmation storage area provided in the RAM 27c is incremented by one, and the process is terminated (S28). Note that each storage area can store up to 0 to 255 X-, Y-, and Z-bits each of 8 bits, and store 10-bits of 0 to 1024 of 0 to 999 for W, and store three digits. It is restricted so that it can be displayed on the display 28.

Returning to FIG. 5, after S1, it is determined whether or not the value of the check counter CK is 0 (S2). As will be described in detail later, if the value of the check counter CK is 1 or more, it indicates that the payout of the prize ball has not been completed, and if the value is minus, it indicates that excessive payout has been performed. When the value of the check counter CK is 0 (S2: YES), it is determined whether or not the value of the winning ball confirmation memory W is 0 (S3). This judgment is 0
Means that there is no prize from the winning opening on the board,
Or, even if a prize is won, the prize ball is a prize ball confirmation switch 2
This means that it has not yet reached 5, and there is no need to pay out award balls, so this processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is not 0 (S3: YES),
The value of W in the winning ball confirmation memory is displayed on the display 28 (S
4). The meaning will be described later. In the next step S5, the storage content is decremented by 1 with priority given to the majority of the storage area, and a prize ball command of the number of prize balls corresponding to the storage content is generated. More specifically, first, it is checked whether or not the value Z of the 15 storage areas of the RAM 27c is 0. If the value Z is not 0, this value is set to Z = Z−1, and a prize ball command of 15 payouts is generated. When Z = 0, it is checked whether the value Y of the ten storage areas is 0, and if not 0, the value is set as Y = Y−1 and 1
A prize ball command of paying out 0 pieces is generated. When the value Y of the 10 storage areas is 0, the value X of the 5 storage areas
Is determined to be 0, and if it is not 0, this value is set to X = X−1 to generate a prize ball command of 5 payouts.

When generating the prize ball command, the numerical values selected from the storage area, for example, 15
A winning ball command is created by adding the values of 0 and 5 and the value of the check counter CK. Of course, now CK
Since = 0, the fifteen, ten or five values themselves are the values of the award ball command.

Then, the award ball command generated in S5 is sent to the award ball control board 26 (S6). Next, the number of winning balls (corresponding to the number of instructions) specified by the winning ball command is entered into the check counter CK (S7).

Since the prize ball command is transmitted in S6, the prize ball control board 26 receiving the command transmits the prize ball payout unit 9
Is operated, and the payout is started. Therefore, in the next S8, it is determined whether or not there is a winning ball detection signal of the counting sensor 8b.
If the prize ball detection signal has been input (S8: present), the value of the check counter CK is decremented by 1 (S9), and it is determined whether or not the value of the check counter CK has become 0 (S1).
0). If the check counter CK is not 0, the process returns to S8.

If the prize ball detection signal has not been input (S8: no), the aging determination in S11 is performed. Usually 1
Since the payout of five pieces is completed in about 1.5 seconds, usually, S11
The processing is completed within 30 seconds by the negative judgment loop. On the other hand, due to some trouble, for example, data is garbled due to noise (for example, 15 = 1111 has been transmitted as 1 bit with 13 = 1101), and supply from the replenishment facility is not in time, and the award ball becomes empty. If there is a failure of the prize ball control board 26, the designated number is not reached even after 30 seconds, and the check counter CK remains at 0 (S11: Y).
ES).

Here, next in S12, the check counter C
A winning ball command is generated with the value of K, and the process returns to S6 to S12.
The prize ball command generated in step (1) is output to prompt the prize ball control board 26 to pay out. The cause is data corruption and 1111 in the above example is 11
In the example of 01, the instruction number is 0010 in S12.
Is generated and output in S6. In response to this, if two payouts are made, S10 will be issued soon.
CK = 0 is established and the trouble is eliminated.

Further, when CK = 0 does not hold due to a failure involving the destruction of the award ball control board 26 or the award ball payout unit 9 which is not automatically repaired, the power of the entire pachinko machine 100 is turned off. By replacing the ball control board 26 or the prize ball payout unit 9 and returning to power, the payout is automatically and correctly continued.

If this point is described in more detail, it is assumed that a part failure has occurred and the dispensing has stopped. Even if the game is progressing until the power is turned off, the memories X, Y, Z, and W can take in new data during that time. When the power is turned off, data is stored by an NMI program described later. When the power is restored, the original state is restored by the action of the NMI program. That is, if the power is turned off at CK = 5, S1
Five award ball commands are generated and transmitted in a loop of 1, S12, and S6. On the other hand, the prize ball control board 26 is in a system in which data is not backed up, and when the power is turned on again, the RAM is cleared to an initial state and a new command is received.
It becomes 0.

As described above, the prize ball payout according to the present embodiment is performed automatically or by replacing parts for all conceivable causes for troubles that are insufficient for the number of payouts specified by the main board 27. Correct payout can be continued. Now, returning to FIG. 5, it is assumed that a normal payout in which the designated number and the payout number match is achieved. The main board 27 determines that one payout has been completed, and decrements the value W in the winning ball confirmation storage area by one (S1).
3).

In this embodiment, a waiting time of 0.2 seconds is provided in the next step S14. One of the purposes is to separate the prize ball payout operation to give the player a sense of security,
Another is to determine the presence or absence of excessive payout. Normally, the time required to pay out one prize ball is 0.1 second or less, and the check counter CK is also used during the wait time of 0.2 second.
Is configured to be decked by the signal of the counting sensor 8b, and if it is determined whether or not the check counter CK is negative in S15, it can be determined whether or not excessive payout has occurred. Of course, if a negative determination is made in S15, the process ends normally.

On the other hand, if the overpayout is determined in the affirmative determination in S15, a wait time of 0.2 seconds is provided again in S16, and it is determined in S17 whether the check counter CK has changed during that time. You. The effect is, for example, S15
If the value of CK = -1 changes in step S17 to CK = -2, the state of excessive payout still continues, and S1
If CK remains -1 at 7, it can be determined that the overpayout state is over and stable. Therefore, if the determination is negative in S17, the process goes to the end, and if the determination is positive, S18
It is determined whether or not CK is smaller than -8. C
If K = −2, −3,... -8 (S18: NO)
Returning to S16, it is determined whether or not excessive payout continues.

On the other hand, in S18, CK = -9, -10,.
If a large excess payout occurs as in -15 (S18: YES), the process proceeds to S19, where an error is displayed and the replacement of the winning ball payout unit 9 and the winning ball control board 26 is prompted. Of course, the display does not mean that overpayout is normal, but it is useful for prompt repair work.
The value determined as CK <−8 in S18 is a value selected in order to cope with an excessive payout that can occur due to one-bit data corruption in a pachinko machine that pays out 1 to 15 prize balls. It is clear that the determination may be made based on, for example, -16 or another value.

Now, the case where CK ≠ 0 in S2 will be described. If a negative determination is made in S2, it is determined in S20 whether CK is positive or negative. If it is positive, the payout is not completed, and the process branches to S8. If negative, the degree of negativeness is checked in S21. For example, if it is smaller than -8 such as -9 (if the excess is 9 or more), the judgment in S21 is affirmative, the process goes to the end, and no new payout instruction is issued.

On the other hand, if the value is up to -8 (S21: NO)
The process branches to S3, and S3 passes through S4 in the affirmative judgment. In S5, the storage contents are decremented by 1 with priority given to a large number of storage areas. Generate a prize ball command with the added value,
In the next S6, a prize ball command is output. For example, if the number of excessive payouts is 8 (CK = −8) and the original number of payouts next time is 15, it means that 15 + (− 8) = 7 prize ball commands are generated and output. That is, in the case of excessive payout, the difference number is subtracted and corrected by the next prize ball command.

In S5, the majority of the storage area is preferentially used because there are five payout areas in the storage area.
There is a possibility that a prize ball command having a value of −3 and a minus value will be output. If the award ball command having a minus value is sent as it is, the award ball control board 26 ignores the instruction other than the rule of 1 to 15 (no payout is performed). On the other hand, the main substrate 27
Means that after CK = -3 in S7, the counting sensor 8
Since there is no signal b, the process proceeds to S11, where a negative determination is made and the process returns to S8, or an affirmative determination is made in S11 and the process goes through S12 to S6 to output -3 as a prize ball command again. In any case, there is a problem that the payout operation is stopped.
Priority is given to the majority side so that K does not become negative.

Of course, sometimes, in the above example, the memory remains in only the five storage areas, and for example, there is no memory in the fifteen storage areas. In order to cope with such a situation, the processing in S5 is performed by adding the numerical value selected from the storage area and the value of the check counter CK and decrementing the storage content of the corresponding storage area by -1 only when the value is positive. It is preferable to generate a prize ball command and wait until there is a prize ball of a number that should be a positive value (until it is stored in the storage area).

In order to correct the excess numerical value by one time as described above, the check counter CK becomes 0 or minus. The basic idea is that the check counter CK
This is a method of creating a prize ball command in which an excessive number is left in the unprocessed counter, and the value of the unprocessed counter is subtracted at the next or successive times.

As described above, the data of the award ball command is garbled, the deformed ball, the timing shift of the payout unit 9,
It is possible to automatically correct and correct the problem of excessive dispensing caused by temporary adhesion of dust to the sensor. Note that S
It is difficult to automatically repair the trouble (in this embodiment, nine or more payouts) in which an error is displayed and the repair work is prompted, and the prize ball control board 26 or the prize ball payout unit 9 is replaced. You. The game may proceed as it is during the time from the occurrence of the error to the replacement of the part. Storage area X,
Since Y, Z, and W store new data and the value W of the unpaid number is displayed on the display 28, the pachinko machine 10
It is safe for the player to show the player before turning off the entire power supply. By indicating the value of the display 28 to the player even at the time of component replacement when the shortage is not CK ≠ 0, the player's relief can be obtained.

When the power is turned off, the NMI program is executed, and in preparation for normal restart after power recovery, when a defective part is replaced with a non-defective one and power is restored, the error data clear step of the NMI program causes the SMI of FIG. Is cleared, and CK is set to a value equal to or less than -9, and CK is restarted in a state where the data is stored.

If the error data is not cleared in the NMI program, the data is backed up.
Since the data relating to the error in S19 is also saved, the normal recovery is not performed. Therefore, R
It is necessary to clear and return to all AM, but at the same time, there is a problem that important data such as a winning storage area is also erased. This problem is not limited to the present embodiment but is important, and is a technique that can be commonly applied to a control board of a pachinko machine that performs data backup.

The CPU 27a of the main board 27 is shown in FIGS.
The correction means (S5 and S1)
2), and the RAM 27c corresponds to a winning number storage means and a winning ball confirmation storage means. Next, an outline of the data backup of the main board 27 and the program of the award ball control board 26 will be described.

FIG. 7A shows a program when the main board 27 is started by turning on the power or when a reset is started by a watchdog timer. In this program, first, data is released in S31 and access to the RAM area held by the backup power supply is permitted. Next, in S32, it is checked whether or not it is the first time of power-on. Actually, for example, 2
It is checked whether 080H is written. If the power is turned on for the first time, 2080H has not been written yet, so a positive determination is made in S32, the used RAM area is cleared in S33, and the stack pointer SP is subsequently set (S34). Thereafter, in steps S35 and S36, setting of the watchdog timer WDT, setting of the timer interrupt time, PI
Initial settings for operating the microcomputer, such as setting of O, are performed. Next, in S37, a specific value, for example, a numerical value of 2080H is written to a specific address of the RAM 27c as a flag setting which is not the first time of power-on, and the process enters a timer interrupt waiting loop.

It is assumed that a specific numerical value, for example, 2080H is confirmed as a result of the determination in S32 described above. This condition has two cases. One is after the NMI interrupt and the other is W
This is a reset that is not preceded by an NMI, such as a reset due to the DT operation or the intrusion of noise into the reset terminal. In this embodiment, the NMI signal is a power failure notice signal. In order to distinguish this, it is determined in S38 whether or not an NMI interrupt has occurred. This is determined by the NMI occurrence flag created in S52 of FIG. That is, RAM
A mark is put on a specific address of 27c, and in S38, the presence or absence of the specific mark is checked. If there is no mark (S3
8: NO) Because it jumps to S34, the RAM-ALL- of S33 is executed.
The CLR is not performed, and the program is directly executed based on the data remaining in the RAM 27c.

On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative in S38, the program terminated by an NMI interrupt due to a power failure or a normal power cut-off is
When the power is turned on again, the program counter PC is jumped to the next value when the power is turned off, assuming that the power returns to the state at the time of the power shut-down based on the data backed up at that time and operates (S39).

When the timer interrupt shown in FIG. 7B occurs while waiting for the timer interrupt shown in FIG. 7A, the SW reading (S41), the game processing (S42), As in the prize ball payout process (S43), a so-called work program is repeatedly executed at, for example, every 1 ms, and the process returns to the timer interrupt waiting loop of FIG.

On the other hand, if an NMI signal indicating a power failure or power cutoff is received while waiting for the timer interrupt in FIG. 7A or executing the program in FIG. 7B, the process jumps to the NMI interrupt in FIG. 7C. . For example, during execution of the game process (S42), N
Assuming that MI has occurred, the program counter PC and register values are first saved in the RAM 27c in S51. This is an operation for returning to the point of the game processing (S42) after the power is restored.

Next, an NMI generation flag is created in S52. This is used to determine whether the NMI or the reset is performed in S38 when the power is restored. Next, in S53, the presence or absence of a falling prize ball is confirmed. This part is a special part associated with pachinko machines, especially payout balls. If a power failure occurs until the counting sensor 8b detects the moment when the prize ball is paid out, there is a possibility that one of them cannot be counted. Therefore, 1
The count state is maintained for about 40 ms when the ball finishes falling.

Next, in S54, the error data is cleared and the check counter CK is rewritten. Here, not all the error data in the program is cleared. However, as in the case of the error in S19 in FIG. Just apply. This is because RAMC (not shown) is used in this embodiment where data is backed up.
This is because the value of the RAM 27c does not disappear unless the data is forcibly erased by the LR switch. The check counter CK is rewritten to CK = 0 only when its value is -9 or less.

Next, the data is stored in S55. Since power is actually supplied to the backup power supply terminal, the prohibited data is supplied to the RAM access permission prohibited register. Thereafter, the program forms a loop waiting for reset. The CPU 27a of the main board 27 functions as data storage means by executing this NMI interrupt,
Executing step 54 functions as error clear means.

Next, the program of the award ball control board 26 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, a program started by a power-on start or a reset start from a watchdog timer due to a runaway causes a RAM-ALL-CLR (S6) after setting a stack pointer.
In 1), the entire area of the RAM is cleared. Then, in S62, a watchdog timer is set, and runaway can be detected. After the setting of the timer interrupt or the like is performed in S63, the process ends with a loop waiting for the timer interrupt.

The INT interrupt for receiving the prize ball command from the main board 27 shown in FIG. 8B is preferentially performed during the loop running waiting for the timer interrupt and during the execution of the timer interrupt described later. Upon receipt, the number of payout instructions (accurately, the prize ball command) is received in S64, and the process returns to the timer interrupt wait or interrupt program of FIG. 8A. The reception of the number of payout instructions in S64 can be performed by reading the port during the timer interrupt.
NT interrupt is set.

As shown in FIG. 8C, in the timer interrupt processing, first, the payout instruction number is entered into the pay counter PAC (S65). Here, the received data in S64 is cleared. Next, in step S66, the payout ball payout unit 9 is operated to pay out one ball at a time.
Decrease C by one. Next, in S67, it is determined whether the PAC is 0, that is, whether or not the designated number has been paid out, and the process is executed while returning to the timer interrupt wait state of FIG. 8A until the designated number is reached.

In this embodiment, the prize ball payout unit 9 uses the sprocket 12 and the motor 10 as shown in FIG. 2, but it is clear that the prize ball payout device can be replaced with a prize ball payout device using a solenoid as a drive source. is there. Further, in this embodiment, the winning storage area is set to 5 bits, 10 pieces, and 15 pieces each having 8 bits, and the winning ball confirmation storage area stores 0 to 999 out of 10 bits. It is obvious that the storage capacity can be changed to any storage capacity, which is a so-called design matter.

The pachinko machine 1 described in this embodiment has been described above.
0, among the game balls fired from a firing device (not shown), the game balls that have won the starting winning opening 15, the normal winning opening 16, 17 or the large winning opening 30 have the starting winning sensor 18, which is the winning detecting means, respectively. Normal winning sensors 17a, 19,
It is detected by the V sensor 32 or the count sensor 33, and further detected by the winning ball confirmation switch 25. Regarding the amount detected by both the winning detection means (each of the sensors 18, 17a, 19, 32, and 33) and the winning ball confirmation switch 25, the correct number of payout operations is guaranteed in the event of a power failure at any timing. .

However, if the fired ball reaches the winning detection means (each of the sensors 18, 17a, 19, 32, and 33), if the power failure backup processing (NMI program) has already been executed, FIG. Cannot read data into the storage areas X, Y, and Z by the SW read processing.

Further, since it takes more time to reach the winning ball confirmation switch 25 through the winning ball collecting passage 20, the data of the winning ball confirmation memory W cannot be taken in the SW reading process of FIG. That is, there is a problem that a payout is not paid out for a prize that the player can visually confirm at the time of a power failure. This is the subject of the present invention. The prize ball discharge control mechanism 48 can satisfactorily cope with this problem.

When the pachinko machine 10 is operating normally, power is supplied to the rotary solenoid 53, so that the switching lever 54 is in the normal position (position A). For this reason,
The winning balls that have passed the winning ball confirmation switch 25 are all discharged to the outside of the machine from the outlet 52d through the normal discharge path 52b.

When the power is cut off due to the power failure, the driving force of the rotary solenoid 53 is lost, and the switching lever 54 is displaced to the power failure position (position B) by the force of the return means (spring (not shown)). When the switching lever 54 is at the power outage position, all winning balls that have passed the winning ball confirmation switch 25 are guided to the storage / discharge path 52c. Since the power is stopped, there is no driving force of the solenoid 56, and the stopper 55 blocks the storage / discharge path 52c. Therefore, all winning balls that have flowed into the storage / discharge path 52 c are retained in the storage area 60.

The winning balls (reserved balls) retained in the storage area 60 are provided with winning detecting means (each sensor 18, 17a, 1
9, 32, 33) and the winning ball confirmation switch 25, those detected only by the winning detecting means, and those not detected by both.

When the power is thereafter restored, the state before the power failure is restored by the action of the NMI program. It is paid out. No payout will be made for a game which has not been detected by one or both of the winning detection means and the winning ball confirmation switch 25. Here, if there is a complaint from the player, the game store clerk operates the operation stick 5.
9, the stopper 55 is retreated from the storage discharge path 52c, and the stored balls are discharged from the discharge port 52d. At this time, catch the discharged game balls without flowing them to the island equipment,
Winning ball collecting passage 2 upstream of the winning ball confirmation switch 25
Return to 0.

[0091] Since the detected ball is detected by the winning ball confirmation switch 25 in this process (since it is detected by both the winning detecting device and the winning ball confirmation switch 25) in this process, it is detected at the winning position. A corresponding number of prize balls are paid out. Since the portion that is not paid out in this operation is not detected by both the prize detecting means and the prize ball confirmation switch 25, the player is required to declare which prize port has been won, and is inserted into the prize port. Do it. Prize balls are paid out accordingly.

As described above, since there is a possibility that a prize ball detected by the prize detection means and the prize ball confirmation switch 25 may be stored in the storage area 60, there is a prize ball that is not paid out. It is necessary to empty the storage area 60 with the resumption of the game even if there is no declaration of. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the main board 27 is energized to the solenoid 56 to move out the stopper 55 under the condition that, for example, 100 shots are fired or a new winning detection signal is generated. By this operation, the stored balls in the storage area 60 can be discharged from the discharge port 52d. The energization of the solenoid 56 may be continued for an appropriate time, for example, about 5 seconds. Here, the main substrate 27 functions as a stored ball discharge control unit.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a prize ball payout unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a discharge control mechanism according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process related to payout of a prize ball executed by the main board according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of SW reading in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process executed by the main board according to the embodiment by reset start and interruption.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process executed by the award ball control board according to the embodiment by reset start and interruption.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 prize ball payout unit (prize ball payout device) 14 game board 15 starting winning opening 16 normal winning opening 17a ordinary winning sensor (winning detecting means) 17 normal winning opening 18 starting winning sensor (winning detecting means) 19 normal winning sensor (winning) 20 prize ball collecting passage 25 prize ball confirmation switch (prize ball confirmation means) 26 prize ball control board 27 main board (reserved ball discharge means) 27a CPU (reserved ball discharge means) 27d backup power supply 30 big win port 32 V Sensor (winning detection means) 33 Count sensor (winning detection means) 44 power supply board 48 winning ball discharge control mechanism 50 switching device 51 discharge device (reserved ball discharge means) 52 ball path 52c storage discharge path 52b normal discharge path 52d discharge port 52a Communication path 53 Rotary solenoid (actuator) 54 Switching lever (displacement member) 5 Stopper 56 solenoid (discharge drive source) 57 plunger 58 spring 59 operating handle 60 reservoir region 100 pachinko machine

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A pachinko machine characterized in that when power is supplied to a pachinko machine, a winning ball is discharged outside the machine, and when the power is not supplied, the winning ball is not discharged and remains in the machine. Machine. 2. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein when the power is supplied to the pachinko machine, a prize ball is advanced to a discharge port outside the machine, and when the power is not supplied, a prize is won. A pachinko machine equipped with a prize ball discharge control mechanism in which a ball is retained in the cabin in a stored state. 3. The pachinko machine according to claim 2, further comprising a winning ball collecting passage for guiding all of the winning balls to one place, wherein the winning ball discharge control mechanism has been guided by the winning ball collecting passage. A pachinko machine wherein a winning ball is discharged or stored outside the machine in accordance with the power supply cutoff. 4. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, further comprising a storage ball discharging means for discharging a winning ball held in the machine out of the machine by operation of a game store clerk. Pachinko machine. 5. The pachinko machine according to claim 4, wherein a discharge drive source is provided in said stored ball discharge means, and when the stored ball discharge condition is satisfied, said discharge drive source is actuated to win the win. A pachinko machine comprising a storage ball discharge control means for discharging a ball outside the machine. 6. The pachinko machine according to claim 5, wherein a game is started, a set number of game balls have been fired since the start of the game, a continuation of a set time or more from the start of the game, or a new winning is detected. Is set as the storage ball discharge condition.