JP2003038829A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can judge whether an excessive put-out is accidentally performed, or the excessive put-out is performed by an abnormality of a putting out device such as a failure, when the excessive put-out by the putting out device is detected; and can release the abnormality notification when a put-out after the detection of the excessive put-out is normal. SOLUTION: For this game machine, an abnormality-detecting means, an abnormality-notifying means, and an abnormality-releasing means are provided. In this case, the abnormality-detecting means detects that the putting out state is abnormal when a put-out detecting means 60, which detects game mediums to be put out by the putting out device 56, detects a put-out exceeding a quantity to be put out. The abnormality-notifying means notifies the abnormality when the abnormality-detecting means detects the abnormality. The abnormality- releasing means releases the abnormality detecting state and the abnormality notifying state when it is detected that a put-out is normal by the put-out detecting means after the detection of the abnormality by the abnormality- detecting means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a payout device for paying out a game medium due to establishment of a payout condition, and a payout detecting means for detecting a game medium paid out by the payout device. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine having a payout device for paying out a game medium due to establishment of a payout condition and a payout detecting means for detecting a game medium paid out by the payout device is widely known. Conventionally, the game medium to be paid out by the payout device is detected by the payout detection means, but due to fraud or a change in the shape of the payout device, etc., even if an excessive payout is issued in excess of the number of payouts to be paid out, Some game machines do not judge overpayment and pay out the game medium. It should be noted that, when the over-payment is not detected, even if the pay-out device is in an abnormal state such as distorted at the time of molding etc., it is not detected but is gradually paid out more than the number of pay-outs to be paid out. Was occurring.

Further, in a device capable of detecting an overpayment, once an overpayment is detected, an abnormality notification is continued until the power is turned off once. For example, a lamp or the like for reporting an abnormality has been kept on. When the game medium to be over-paid is detected, even if the over-payment is detected even once, the lamp or the like keeps informing, and if the pay-out device happens to over-pay, the over-payment is detected. As a result, the abnormality notification state occurs, and in order to cancel the notification, the power source must be turned off once and the reset switch must be pressed, which may hinder the operation of the gaming machine.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to determine, when an overpayment by a payout device is detected, whether it is accidentally overpaid or is overpaid due to an abnormality of the payout device such as a failure. If it can be judged, and the payout is normal after the overpayment is detected, the abnormal notification is canceled and the game is played as usual. If the payout after the overpayment is detected is abnormal, the abnormal An object is to provide a game machine that can be notified of an abnormality by determining the state.

[0005]

A gaming machine according to claim 1 is a payout device for paying out a game medium due to establishment of a payout condition, and a payout detection means for detecting a game medium paid out by the payout device. In order to solve the above problems, an abnormality detection means for detecting that the payout state is abnormal when the payout detection means detects a number of payouts that exceeds the number to be paid out, and An abnormality notifying means for notifying that the abnormality is detected when the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality,
After the abnormality detection by the abnormality detection means, when the payout detection means detects that the payout is normal, an abnormality cancellation means for canceling the abnormality detection state and the abnormality notification state is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the abnormality notifying means includes a first notifying means for notifying each time the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, when the abnormality detecting means detects a number of payouts that exceeds the number to be paid out, the excess payout number is stored. It is characterized in that it is provided with an excessive payout amount storage means for performing the above.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game machine according to the third aspect, the abnormality notification means is provided when the excess payout number stored by the excess payout number storage means is equal to or more than a predetermined number. A second notifying means for notifying the user is provided.

A gaming machine according to a fifth aspect is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the abnormality notifying means is provided on a front surface of the gaming machine and a rear surface of the gaming machine. It is a feature.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a card-type pachinko gaming machine will be described as one mode of the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to the card-type pachinko gaming machine, and the game medium is paid out due to the establishment of the payout condition. Any gaming machine provided with a payout device and a payout detection means for detecting a game medium paid out by the payout device is a target.

The gaming machine of the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a front view of a card-type pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the card-type pachinko gaming machine 1 is composed of a pachinko gaming machine 2 and a card unit 3 that is arranged adjacent to the front left side of the pachinko gaming machine 2. At the center of the card unit 3, a card insertion slot 4 into which a prepaid card having a valuable value similar to money is vertically inserted is provided.

A metal frame 6 is provided on the front frame 5 of the pachinko gaming machine 2, a glass door 7 is provided on the metal frame 6 so as to be openable and closable, and a game board 8 visually recognized through the glass door 7 is provided on the front frame 5.
Is attached to the top of the. An upper ball saucer 9 for storing game balls (pachinko balls) to be supplied to a hitting ball launching device (described later) is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the metal frame 6, and a lower part of the upper ball saucer 9 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 5. A lower ball receiving tray 10 for storing pachinko balls overflowing from the upper ball receiving tray 9 is provided, and a ball hitting handle 11 of a ball hitting device is provided on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 10. A ball lending operation unit 12 is provided in the center of the front surface of the upper ball tray 9, and the ball lending operation unit 12 has a ball lending switch 13 that is operated when lending a ball and a card balance indicator 14 that displays the balance of the card.
And card return switch 15 to be operated when returning the card
Is provided.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 8 of the pachinko gaming machine 2 of FIG. An outer guide rail 16 and an inner guide rail 17 are erected in a substantially circular shape on the edge of the game board 8, and a game area 18 surrounded by the inner guide rail 17 and the upper portion of the outer guide rail 16 is formed. At the center of the game area 18, from the top to the bottom, in order, a symbol display unit 19, an auxiliary accessory device 20, an accessory unit 21,
An outlet 22 is provided. Further, lamp-equipped wind turbines 23, 23 are arranged on both sides of the shoulder of the symbol display unit 19, and a left gate 24 and a right gate 25 for normally starting symbol fluctuation are arranged below these, and left and right gates 24 are arranged. ，
Below the 25, each is a checker-style left sleeve prize hole 2
6 and a right sleeve winning opening 27 are provided.

The symbol display unit 19 is assembled with a special symbol display device 28 composed of a color liquid crystal display device in the center, and an ordinary symbol display device 29 consisting of a segment type display device using LEDs is provided above the symbol display unit 19. Is provided. In the upper part of the auxiliary accessory device 20,
Special symbol display device 28 with a chucker
The first starting winning opening 30 related to the start of the symbol variation of the special symbol in is provided, and the lower part of the auxiliary accessory device 20 immediately below the first starting winning opening 30 is expanded by an electromagnetic means such as a solenoid. A tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 31 having a variable winning port 32 is provided. In addition, the variable winning a prize opening 32 of the ordinary electric accessory 31 is the special symbol display device 2
It is set to the second starting winning opening related to the start of the symbol variation of the special symbol in 8.

At the center of the accessory unit 21, a special winning opening 34 opened by an opening / closing door 33 is provided. A special area (not shown) which is a special winning area is provided in a part of the special winning opening 34, and a special area door (not shown) for opening and closing the special area is provided in the special area. There is. In addition, the accessory units 2 on both sides of the special winning opening 34
On both sides of 1, a leftward winning opening 35 and a rightward winning opening 36 of a chucker type are arranged. The big winning mouth 34
Is a special game state (big hit game state) when the result of the stop of variation of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 28 is a big hit, and is released for a predetermined time. However, the special winning opening 34 is closed when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings are made during opening or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

If the game ball passes through the specific area while the special winning opening 34 is open, the continuation condition is satisfied, and after the big winning opening opened this time is closed, a new large winning opening is newly created. The winning opening 34 is opened. The continuous opening operation of the special winning opening 34 based on the passage of the game ball through the specific area has an upper limit number of times, for example, a maximum of 16 including the first opening.
Up to times. In addition, in the big hit game state, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area while the big prize hole 34 is opened, the big hit game state ends when the big prize hole 34 is closed this time. Further, when the continuous opening operation of the special winning opening 34 continues up to the 16th time, the big hit game state ends when the 16th special winning opening 34 is closed.

Also, the left and right gates 2 for starting the normal symbol variation
When the game ball passes 4, 25, the normal symbol display device 29
In the case where the normal symbol is variably displayed, and the result that the variation of the normal symbol is stopped is a hit (a predetermined symbol), the variable winning opening (second starting winning opening) 32 is in an expanded state. .

The number of prize balls to be paid out for winning the game balls to the special winning opening 34 is set to, for example, 15. In addition, the number of payouts of prize balls for winning game balls to the winning openings other than the special winning opening 34 is set to, for example, seven.

Further, at the left corner of the game board surface, there is provided a prize ball error LED 39 which constitutes a part of an abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality relating to the payout state according to claim 1. In addition, on the game board surface, various lamps that are lit and displayed according to the game situation (lights and displays information related to the game), LEDs (for example, left side lamp 37, right side lamp 38), and the like are provided. .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part of a control system provided in the card-type pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment. A main control circuit 40, which mainly constitutes a control means for performing game control on the game board surface 8, is constituted by a one-chip microcomputer 41, an interface 42 for inputting / outputting data and signals, and the like. The one-chip microcomputer 41 has a CPU 43 (hereinafter referred to as a main CPU), a RAM 44, and a ROM 45 inside. The one-chip microcomputer 41 is connected to various control circuits, various driving devices, various switches, and the like via an interface 42.

That is, the interface 42 is provided with the above-described starting winning port 30 and the variable winning port 3 of the ordinary electric accessory 31.
2, a start opening sensor 46, left and right gates 2
Ordinary symbol start switch 47 for detecting passage of game balls to 4, 25 and other winning sensors are connected.

The interface circuit 42 has a relay circuit 4
8 are connected to the relay circuit 48, and each solenoid 49 (a solenoid for opening the special winning opening 34 and a solenoid for opening and closing a door provided for a specific area), a prize for the special winning opening 34 A count sensor 50 for detecting a game ball and a specific area sensor 51 for detecting passage of the game ball to a specific area provided in the special winning opening 34 are connected. Further, the interface 42 has an award ball error LED 39, a left side lamp 37, and a right side lamp 3.
Various display lamps and L installed in the game machine including 8 etc.
A lamp control circuit 52 for controlling lighting of the ED and the like, a voice control circuit 53 for performing voice control for amplifying various sound effects from a speaker, and other solenoids (for example, a solenoid for expanding the ordinary electric accessory 31). It is connected.

A payout control circuit 54 and a display control circuit 55 are connected to the interface 42. The display control circuit 55 controls the display of each of the special symbol display device 22 and the ordinary symbol display device 23 according to the display control command from the main control circuit 40, and the interface 4
An input circuit connected to the main control circuit 40 via 2,
A liquid crystal display control CPU, a RAM having image data and a work area by the CPU, and display control data corresponding to each command, and an R storing the character and the pattern.
A control circuit including an OM and an output circuit are provided.
When the display control circuit 55 receives the strobe signal from the main control circuit 40, the display control CPU recognizes the display control command from the signal. The display control commands include those for special symbols and those for ordinary symbols. In the case of a display control command for a special symbol, the display control CPU reads display control data and characters and symbols from the ROM from a data area corresponding to the display control command, and stores the image data in the RAM. Stored in. When the display order of the stored image data comes, the image data is read from the RAM and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen.

The payout control circuit 54 is for award ball payout control, a ball lending payout control in accordance with a ball lending operation, and a stop / operation of the hit ball launching device.
It controls the operation stop release, and has a control CPU inside.
(Not shown, hereinafter referred to as payout CPU), the payout CP
A RAM having a storage area for holding and storing a work area by U and the number of prize balls corresponding to each prize ball command, and a ROM storing control data and a control program for paying out prize balls and paying out balls. And so on. The payout control circuit 54 drives and controls the prize ball payout device 56 in accordance with the prize ball command issued from the main control circuit 40, and performs payout control of prize balls.

Further, the payout control circuit 54 is connected to the card unit 3 which sends a ball rental request signal to the payout control circuit 54 in response to a ball lending operation. The payout control circuit 54 drives and controls the ball-renting solenoid of the ball-renting payout device 57 in response to a ball-renting request signal from the card unit 3 to control the payout of the ball. Further, the payout control circuit 54 includes the firing control circuit 5
A hitting ball launching device 59 for launching a pachinko ball toward the game board surface through 8 is connected, and the hitting ball launching device 5
Control of operation stop / release of operation stop of 9 is controlled.

The prize-ball payout device 56, for example, drives the prize-ball motor M1 to rotate so as to receive a rotating-ball receiver (for example,
It is a known method in which a pachinko ball received in a ball receiving portion of a rotary ball receiver is rotated by a screw type) to be fed by the rotation of the rotary ball receiver to discharge the balls one by one. In addition, in order to actually detect the prize balls to be discharged, the prize ball payout device 56 is arranged so as to face the two discharge paths for prize balls provided in the prize ball payout device 56, respectively. 60a, 60
b (not shown, for example, constituted by a photo sensor). The detection signals of the prize ball sensors 60a and 60b are
It is divided into two by the photo distribution circuit 61 and input to both the payout control circuit 54 and the main control circuit 40.

The ball rental payout device 57 is, for example, a ball rental stopper (not shown) that is rotatable in the middle of a ball passage provided in the device case by exciting the ball rental solenoid.
It is a publicly known one that opens and closes with to discharge the ball and detects the number of payout game balls with a ball rental sensor. The detection signal of the ball rental sensor is input to the payout control circuit 54 and is used to confirm the number of balls paid out as a ball.

The main control circuit 40 and the payout control circuit for the prize ball payout based on the detection of the winning of the game ball to the winning opening in the pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment configured as described above, and the count of the paid prize ball. The processing performed by 54 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process relating to a prize executed by the main CPU. First, the main CPU detects whether or not there is a winning of a game ball to various winning openings arranged on the game board surface 8. In the present embodiment, the number of prize balls to be paid out for winning a game ball will be described as only two kinds, for example, 15 and 7, but not limited to this.
The number of payouts may be two or more.

The main CPU determines whether or not there is a winning in the 15 winning holes, that is, the winning detection switch (in the present embodiment,) provided for the 15 payout outlet (the large winning opening 34 in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not there is a detection signal from the count sensor 50) (step S01). Main CPU is 1
If there is no winning in the five winning holes, the process proceeds to step S04, while if there are winnings in the 15 winning holes, the payout control circuit 54 (paying CPU) is instructed to pay 15 coins (1
A five-ball payout prize command, for example, F in hexadecimal, is transmitted (step S02), the transmitted payout number of 15 is added to the number of payout balls HC (step S03), and the process proceeds to step S04. The initial value of the payout ball number HC is set to "0" by the initialization process performed immediately after the power is turned on.

Next, the main CPU determines whether or not there are 7 winning holes, that is, the 7 payout outlets (in this embodiment, the winning holes 26, 27, 30, 32, other than the special winning opening 34). Three
5, 36), it is determined whether or not there is a detection signal of each winning detection switch (in the present embodiment, the starting opening sensor 46 and the winning sensor in FIG. 3) (step S04).
The main CPU proceeds to step S07 if there is no winning in the seven winning holes, while if there is winning in the seven winning holes, the payout control circuit 54 (paying CPU) issues a payout command for paying out seven coins ( A 7-ball payout prize command, for example, a hexadecimal number 7) is transmitted (step S05), the transmitted payout number 7 is added to the number of payout balls HC (step S06), and the process proceeds to step S07.

In this way, the main CPU executes the step S
By the processing from 01 to step S06, the winning of the game balls to the various winning openings arranged on the game board surface 8 is detected, and the payout CPU is instructed of the payout number of the winning balls set in the detected winning openings. The commanded number of payouts is added as the number of payout balls HC. The main CPU executes steps S01 to S06.
After performing the process of step S7, the process proceeds to step S07 to perform the payout sensor detection process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the payout sensor detection process executed by the main CPU. The main CPU determines whether or not there is a detection signal from the payout sensor (the payout sensors 60a and 60b in the present embodiment) (step S10). If there is no detection signal from the payout sensor, the main CPU ends the payout sensor detection processing and returns to the processing routine relating to winning. The prize ball payout device 56 is driven by the processing of the payout control circuit 54, and the prize ball payout device 56 is driven.
Substantial processing is performed when the detection signals of the payout sensors 60a and 60b provided in the above are input to the main control circuit 40.

On the other hand, when there is a detection signal from the payout sensor, the main CPU proceeds to step S11 and determines whether or not the value of the payout number HC is 0 (step S1).
1). If there is the added number of payouts in step S03 or step S06, the value of the number of payout balls HC is not 0, and the payout sensor detects the payout ball in response to the payout command, which is a normal state. On the other hand, when the value of the number of payout balls HC is 0 in the process of step S11, the payout ball is detected by the payout sensor even though there is no condition for paying out, and the payout ball to be normally paid out. It is determined that the overpayment has been paid out in excess of the number.

In step S11, the value of the payout number HC is 0.
If it is, the main CPU determines that the payout is excessive and sets the abnormality flag F1 (memorizes the abnormality detection), finishes the payout sensor detection processing, and returns to the processing routine relating to winning.

On the other hand, when the value of the number of payout balls HC is not 0 in step S11, the main CPU determines that the value is normal, and subtracts one from the value of the number of payout balls HC corresponding to the detection of the payout ball ( In step S12), the value of the subtracted payout number HC is 0.
It is determined whether or not (step S13).

In step S13, the number H of payout balls subtracted
If the value of C is not 0, it means that the number of payout balls HC exists, and the main CPU ends the payout sensor detection process and returns to the process routine relating to winning. On the other hand, the main CPU
In step S13, if the value of the subtracted payout ball number HC is 0, that is, if there is no payout ball number, it is determined whether or not abnormality is being detected (whether or not the abnormality flag F1 is set) ( Step S14). If the abnormality is not being detected, the main CPU ends the payout sensor detection processing and returns to the processing routine relating to winning. On the other hand, if the abnormality is being detected, it is determined that the number of payout balls to be paid out has been normally paid out, and the abnormality is detected. The flag F1 is cleared (step S15), the payout sensor detection process is ended, and the process returns to the winning process routine.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the main CP
After completing the payout sensor detection processing in step S07, U performs the abnormality notification processing in step S08. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a subroutine of abnormality notification processing executed by the main CPU. In the abnormality notification process, the main CPU determines whether or not the value of the abnormality flag F1 is set (step S20). If the abnormality flag F1 is set, the main CPU lights up the award ball error LED 39 as an abnormal state to issue an abnormality notification, and ends the abnormality notification processing, while if the abnormality flag F1 is cleared, it is normal. As a state, the prize ball error LED 39 is turned off, and the abnormality notification processing ends. With the above, the main CPU
Finishes the process relating to winning, and thereafter, in step S01.
~ Each process up to step S08 is repeated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the payout control process executed by the payout CPU (hereinafter referred to as the main routine of the payout control process). First, the main CPU determines whether or not the payout command (prize ball command) transmitted from the main control circuit 40 is received (step A01). If the payout command (prize ball command) has not been received, the payout CPU proceeds to step A06, while if the payout command (prize ball command) has been received, the process proceeds to step A02.

When the process proceeds to step A02, the payout CPU
Determines whether or not the payout command received this time is 15 payouts (step A02). If the payout command received this time is 15 payouts, the payout CPU sets 1 to the planned payout number YC.
5 is added (step A03) and the process proceeds to step A04, while if the payout command received this time is not 15 payouts.
The process directly goes to step A04. The initial value of the planned payout amount YC is set to "0" by the initialization process performed immediately after the power is turned on.

Next, the payout CPU determines whether or not the payout command received this time is seven payouts (step A0).
4). If the payout command received this time is seven, the payout CPU adds 7 to the planned payout amount YC (step A0).
5) While proceeding to step A06, if the payout command received this time is not seven, the process directly proceeds to step A06.
In the case of the present embodiment, the payout command transmitted from the main control circuit 40 is either the 15-payout command or the 7-payout command, and therefore Step A02 and Step A03.
If step A04 is false, step A04 is false, and if step A02 is false, step A04 and step A05 are executed.

In this way, the payout CPU executes step A0.
Through the processing from 1 to step A05, the main control circuit 40
When the prize ball payout command transmitted from is received, the commanded payout amount is added as the planned payout amount YC. Payout CPU
Performs the processing from step A01 to step A05,
The process proceeds to step A06 and the payout sensor detection process is performed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the payout sensor detection process executed by the payout CPU. First, the payout CPU determines a payout sensor (payout sensors 60a, 6a).
0b) is detected (step A)
20). If there is no detection signal from the payout sensor, the payout CPU ends the payout sensor detection process and returns to the main routine of the payout control process. In addition, when the prize ball payout device 56 is driven by the driving process of the prize ball payout device in step A10 performed by the payout CPU described later, the balls are paid out, and the detection signals of the payout sensors 60a and 60b provided in the prize ball payout device 56 are detected. Is input to the payout control circuit 54, and substantial payout sensor detection processing is performed.

For the sake of explanation, the prize-ball payout device 56 is not driven by the payout device driving process of step A09 performed by the payout CPU, and therefore the processes of steps A21 to A26 will be described later. To do.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the payout CPU
When the payout sensor detection processing in step A06 is completed,
It is determined whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0 (step A07). In the present embodiment, the prize ball payout device 56.
Is a maximum of 15 pieces to be paid out at one time, and the planned number of payouts YC is added when a big hit or the like occurs, and when it is not possible to pay out at one time, for example, when a total of 50 pieces must be paid out, 15 pieces are paid out three times, and the remaining 5 pieces are paid out. The payout counter is a counter for setting the number of payout balls to be paid out at one time by the prize ball payout device 56. Therefore, the value set in the payout counter is a value of 1 or more and a maximum of 15. The initial value of the payout counter is set to "0" by the initialization process performed immediately after the power is turned on. Further, in this case, the value of the payout counter is not set and is 0, and the payout CPU determines that step A07 is true and performs the current payout number setting process of step A08.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the current payout amount setting process executed by the payout CPU. The payout CPU determines whether or not the planned payout amount YC is 0 (step A12). The payout CPU is the planned payout number YC.
Is 0, the current payout number setting process is terminated and the process returns to the main routine of the payout control process. In this case, there is no payout amount to be paid out this time, and the value of the payout counter is 0.
Will remain.

On the other hand, in the payout CPU, the planned payout number YC is 0.
If not, there is a payout amount to be paid out this time, and the process advances to step A13 to determine whether or not the planned payout amount YC is 15 or more (step A13). Payout CP
If the planned payout amount YC is 15 or more, U sets 15 as the current payout amount in the payout counter (step A1).
4) Then, 15 is subtracted from the value of the planned payout amount YC (step A15), the present payout setting process is ended, and the process returns to the main routine of the payout control process. Further, the payout CPU, in step A13, when the planned payout amount YC is not 15 or more,
That is, if the value N of the planned payout amount YC is any value from 1 to 14, N is set as the current payout amount in the payout counter (step A16), and the value set this time from the value of the planned payout amount YC. N is subtracted (step A17), the present payout setting process is ended, and the process returns to the main routine of the payout control process. In this case, there is the number of payouts to be paid out this time, and the value of the payout counter is set to one of the values 1 to 15 (maximum 15). The planned payout amount YC
When all the values of are paid out to the payout counter, the planned payout amount YC becomes 0.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the payout CPU
When the present payout number setting process of step A08 is finished, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0 (step A09). If the value of the payout counter is 0 after executing the present payout number setting process of step A08, there is no payout number to be paid this time, and the payout CPU
Determines that step A09 is true, and proceeds to the abnormality notification processing of step A11. On the other hand, if the value of the payout counter is not 0 after executing the present payout number setting process of step A08, it means that the payout number to be paid out this time is set in the payout counter, and the payout CPU sets it in the payout counter. The prize-ball payout device 56 is driven so that the current number of payouts is paid out (for the number of payouts) (step A1).
0). By this processing, the maximum number of balls to be paid out at one time is 15 from the prize ball payout device 56. Payout C
When the PU finishes the process of step A10, it returns to step A1.
Go to 1.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the payout CPU
When the driving process of the prize ball payout device 56 in step A10 is completed, the abnormality notification process in step A11 is performed. Figure 10
6 is a flowchart of a subroutine of an abnormality notification process executed by the payout CPU. The payout CPU determines whether or not the value of the abnormality flag F2 is set in the abnormality notification processing (step A30). If the abnormality flag F2 is set, the payout CPU notifies the abnormality by an error display LED as an abnormal state, and ends the abnormality notification process, while if the abnormality flag F2 is cleared, an error display is displayed as a normal state. Error display is displayed by the LED, and the abnormality notification process ends.

The initial value of the abnormality flag F2 is set to "0" (cleared) by the initialization process performed immediately after the power is turned on. Also in this case,
No abnormality has been detected yet, and therefore the abnormality flag F2
The value of is cleared, and the error display LED displays an error cancellation.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 2 showing one mode of the error display LED arranged on the back surface of the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 11, a payout control board 63 on which a payout control circuit 54 is mounted is arranged on the lower right side of the back surface of the pachinko machine, and an error display LED 62 is arranged on the payout control board 63. The error display LED 62 is composed of, for example, one indicator of a 7-segment type in which the segments illuminated by the LEDs are arranged in the number "8",
The error occurrence is displayed by a predetermined number, and the error cancellation is displayed by a predetermined number different from the case of the error occurrence.

As described above, the payout CPU ends the payout control process, and then repeats the processes from step A01 to step A11. When the prize ball payout device 56 is driven in step A10, the prize ball payout device 56 pays out as many balls as the number of payouts set in the payout counter, and the prizeball payout device 56 is provided. Payout sensor 60a,
The detection signal of 60b is input to the payout control circuit 54, and substantial payout sensor detection processing is performed in step A06.

When the payout CPU has carried out the processing from step A01 to step A05, it again executes the payout sensor detection processing at step A06. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the payout sensor detection signal of step A20 is present, the payout CPU proceeds to step A21 and determines whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0 (step A2).
1).

If the number of payouts has been set this time in step A14 or step A16 of FIG. 9 described above, the value of the payout counter is not 0, and the prize ball payout device 56
The payout ball is detected by the payout sensor with respect to the payout of the ball due to the driving of, and this is a normal state. on the other hand,
When the value of the payout counter is 0 in the process of step A21, the payout sensor detects the payout ball, even though there is no condition for paying out. In this case, the payout that should be normally paid out. Judgment is made as an overpayment that is paid out in excess of the number of balls.

At step A21, the payout counter value is 0.
If it is, the payout CPU determines that it is an excessive payout, sets the abnormality flag F2 (stores the abnormality detection), finishes the payout sensor detection processing, and returns to the main routine of the payout control processing.

On the other hand, when the value of the payout counter is not 0 in step A21, the payout CPU determines that the value is normal, and subtracts one from the value of the payout counter in response to detection of the payout ball (step A22). The value of the subtraction payout counter is 0
It is determined whether or not (step A23).

If the value of the subtracted payout counter is not 0 in step A23, there is still a sphere to be paid out this time, and the payout CPU completes the payout sensor detection process and returns to the main routine of the payout control process. Return. On the other hand, payout C
In step A23, if the value of the subtraction payout counter is 0, that is, if there is no sphere to be paid out this time, the PU determines whether abnormality is being detected (whether the abnormality flag F2 is set). It is determined (step A24). Payout CP
If the abnormality is not being detected, the U ends the payout sensor detection processing and returns to the main routine of the payout control processing, while if the abnormality is being detected, it is determined that the number of payout balls to be paid out has been normally paid out. Clear the error flag F2 (Step A
25), the payout sensor detection process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine of the payout control process.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the payout CPU
When the payout sensor detection processing in step A06 is completed,
The process of determining whether the value of the payout counter is 0 in step A07 is performed. However, if the value of the payout counter is not 0 and there are still balls to be paid out this time, the present payout number setting process and step of step A08 The process of driving the prize ball payout device 56 of A10 is not performed, and the process directly proceeds to the abnormality notification process of step A11. Then, in the abnormality notification process, if the abnormality flag F2 is set in the payout sensor detection process of step A06 in the abnormality notification process, the error display LED 62 displays the error as a number to notify the abnormality, If the abnormality flag F2 is cleared,
The error display LED 62 displays a numerical value for error cancellation (normal state).

Therefore, when the value of the payout counter is not 0 and there is a ball to be paid out this time, the payout CPU
Performs the payout command reception process in steps A01 to A05, the payout sensor detection process in step A06, and the abnormality notification process in step A11. The condition for setting the number of payouts to be paid out to the payout counter is performed on condition that the value of the payout counter is 0, and since the maximum number of payouts to be set is 15, the payout commands for prize balls are concentrated. Also in this case, it is determined whether the number of payouts is normal or is excessive every 15 payouts. Therefore, this time payout (maximum 15)
If an overpayment is detected for the prize ball error L
An abnormality is notified by the ED 39 and the error display LED 62, but if the overpayment for the next payout (15 at maximum) is normal without being detected, the prize ball error L
The abnormality notification by the ED 39 and the error display LED 62 is canceled.

Conventionally, if the prize-ball payout device makes an overpayment even once (or by accident), the overpayment is detected, an abnormal alarm state is entered, and the power is turned off once to cancel the alarm. Although it is necessary to perform work such as pressing a reset switch, there is a risk that the operation of the gaming machine may be hindered.However, in the case where the overpayment is accidentally made, after the overpayment is detected, It can be determined that the payout is normal, and in this case, the abnormality notification is canceled, so that the game can be played as usual, and it is possible to prevent the operation of the gaming machine from being hindered.

Next, another embodiment relating to the payout sensor detection processing and the abnormality notification for the abnormality detection will be described. FIG. 12 shows the main CPU and / or the payout CPU.
It is a flow chart which shows a 2nd embodiment of payout sensor detection processing which is performed by. The payout sensor detection process of the second embodiment differs from the payout sensor detection process of FIG. 5 described above (referred to as the first embodiment) in that the detection signal of the payout sensor is detected (step B10), and the payout ball count HC Is a process when it is determined that the value of is 0 (step B11), and the subsequent processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Number of payout balls H in the processing of step B11
When the value of C is 0, the payout sensor detects the payout ball despite the fact that there is no condition for paying out, and the surplus amount paid out in excess of the number of payout balls to be paid out normally. It is determined to be paid out (the number of excessively paid balls is 1). If it is determined to be overpayment, 1 is added to the number of overpayments (step B16), and it is determined whether or not the number of overpayments is a predetermined number or more, for example, 5 or more (step B17). ), The abnormality flag is not set until the number of overpayments exceeds a predetermined number, and accordingly, the abnormality notification is not issued,
When the number of overpayments exceeds a predetermined number, the abnormality flag is set (step B18) to start the abnormality notification. If an overpayment is made due to an abnormality of the prize ball payout device such as a failure, the overpayment is frequently detected, so that the number of overpayments becomes a predetermined number or more. In addition, when it is accidentally overpaid, it can be said that the overpayment is not often detected, so it is considered that the number of overpayments does not exceed the predetermined number. Therefore, when the number of excess payouts is equal to or larger than the predetermined number, an abnormality is informed and treated as an abnormality such as a malfunction of the prize ball payout device. The initial value of the excess payout number is assumed to be "0" by the initialization process performed immediately after the power is turned on. Whether or not to reset the excessive payout number (return the value to 0) is treated as a failure as described above, and thus is appropriately selected.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of the payout sensor detection processing executed by the main CPU and / or the payout CPU. The payout sensor detection process of the second embodiment is different from the above-described payout sensor detection process of the second embodiment in FIG.
One is added to the number of excess payouts (step B16), and it is determined whether or not the number of excess payouts is a predetermined number or more, for example, 5 or more (step B17), and the number of excess payouts is determined. The processing is different until the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number, and the processing when the determination result of step B11 is true and normal is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

In the payout sensor detection processing of the third embodiment,
When an overpayment is detected, 1 is added to the number of overpayments (step B16), and it is determined whether or not the number of overpayments is a predetermined number or more, for example, five or more ( In step B17), the abnormality flag is set to 1 until the number of overpayments exceeds the predetermined number (step B17).
19) If the number of excess payouts exceeds a predetermined number, 2 is set to the abnormality flag (step B20).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the abnormality notification processing of the third embodiment corresponding to the payout sensor detection processing of the third embodiment. If the value of the abnormality flag is cleared, step S30 is determined to be false and step S32 is determined to be false, and the prize ball error LED is turned off. Therefore, the abnormality is not notified and the normal game state is maintained. In the discharge sensor detection process, if an overpayment is detected, the abnormality flag is set to 1 until the number of overpayments exceeds a predetermined number, and as a result, step S30 is determined to be true, and the prize ball error LED is displayed.
Blinking. Then, in the discharge sensor detection process, when the excess payout is further detected and the excess payout number is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the abnormality flag is set to 2 and, as a result, step S
30 is determined to be false, step S32 is determined to be true, and the prize ball error LED is turned on.

In the payout sensor detection processing of the third embodiment,
When the number of over-payments at the time of over-payment is added, and the number of over-payments is less than 5 (abnormal flag ← 1), "first notification means"
Alerts the user with an anomaly alerting A pattern, and when the number of over-payments exceeds 5 (abnormality flag ← 2)
The "second notifying means" starts abnormally notifying the B pattern because it is definitely wrong. (The lighting pattern is changed as the number of overpayments increases.) For example, the pattern A is described as blinking the lamp and the pattern B is lighting the lamp. However, the pattern A is lit. , B pattern may be used for both voice abnormality notification or both lamp lighting and voice notification. That is, it is possible that one notifying unit such as a lamp gives different notifications, or a plurality of notifying units give different notifications.

When it is considered that the prize-ball paying-out device is abnormal, the prize-ball paying-out device is inspected, and if it is abnormal, the prize-ball paying-out device is replaced. Further, in the embodiment, the payout device has been described as a prize ball payout device, but the payout device may be either a prize ball payout device or a ball rental payout device without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0068]

According to the configuration of claim 1, when the payout after the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means is accurately detected by the payout detecting means, the abnormality canceling means cancels the abnormality detecting state and the abnormality notifying state. As a result, if an accidental overpayment is detected, the anomaly notification is automatically canceled, and the troublesome work such as turning off the power of the gaming machine is unnecessary to eliminate the anomaly notification due to the overpayment. can do. Therefore, it contributes to the improvement of the operating rate of the gaming machine.

According to the structure of claim 2, since the abnormality notifying means includes the first notifying means for notifying each time the abnormality is detected, the abnormality notifying means is notified if the abnormality is detected even once, and the next payout is normal. Even if the abnormality is released and the abnormality is canceled, the gaming machine notified by the notification can be used as an opportunity to warn that something may be wrong.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the excess payout number storage means of the abnormality detection means stores the excess payout number when it detects the number of payouts exceeding the number to be paid out.
It is possible to clearly distinguish a rare abnormal state such as accidental overpayment occurring accidentally and an overpayment due to a failure of the payout device or the like by a numerical difference.

According to the structure of the fourth aspect, the second notifying means notifies the abnormal state when the stored value stored by the excessive payout amount storing means of the abnormality notifying means becomes equal to or more than the predetermined number. Therefore, it is possible to clearly recognize by notification that there is an abnormality in the dispensing device, it becomes easier to manage the difference from accidental over-payment, and it is possible to promptly detect and deal with the abnormality.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the abnormality notification means is provided on the front surface and the rear surface of the gaming machine, so that the abnormal state can be confirmed from the front side or the back side. Even if one of the notification means on the side fails, the state can be confirmed by the other notification means.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a card-type pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main part of a control system provided in the card-type pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a winning-related process executed by a main CPU provided in a main control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a subroutine of payout sensor detection processing executed by the main CPU of the above.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a subroutine of an abnormality notification process executed by the main CPU of the above.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a payout control process executed by a payout CPU provided in a payout control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a subroutine of payout sensor detection processing executed by the payout CPU of the above.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine of a current payout amount setting process executed by the payout CPU of the above.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a subroutine of abnormality notification processing executed by the payout CPU of the above.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the pachinko machine showing one mode of an error display LED arranged on the back surface of the pachinko machine of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a payout sensor detection process executed by a main CPU and / or a payout CPU.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of a payout sensor detection process executed by a main CPU and / or a payout CPU.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of abnormality notification processing of the third embodiment corresponding to the payout sensor detection processing of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-card type pachinko machine 2 Pachinko machines 3 card units 4 Card slot 5 Front frame 6 gold frame 7 glass doors 8 game board 9 Upper ball saucer 10 Lower ball saucer 11 ball hitting handle 12 Ball rental operation section 13 Ball rental switch 14 Card balance display 15 Card return switch 16 Outer guide rail 17 Inner guide rail 18 game areas 19 Symbol display unit 20 Auxiliary accessory device 21 accessory unit 22 Out mouth 23 Windmill with lamp 24 left gate 25 right gate 26 Left sleeve prize hole 27 Right Sleeve Winner 28 Special symbol display device 29 Ordinary symbol display device 30 1st starting prize hole 31 Normal electric accessory 32 variable winning a prize 33 Door 34 Grand Prize 35 Left-handed prize hole 36 Right-handed winning hole 37 Left side lamp 38 Right side lamp 39 Award ball error LED 40 Main control circuit 41 One-chip microcomputer 42 interface 43 CPU 44 ROM 45 RAM 46 Start sensor 47 Normal pattern start switch 48 relay circuits 49 Each solenoid 50 count sensor 51 Specific area sensor 52 Lamp control circuit 53 Voice control circuit 54 Dispensing control circuit 55 Display control circuit 56 Prize Ball Dispensing Device 57 Ball Rental Device 58 firing control circuit 59 Ball launcher 60 dispensing sensor 61 Photo distribution circuit 62 Error display LED 63 Dispensing control board M1 prize ball motor

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine, comprising: a payout device for paying out a game medium due to establishment of a payout condition; and a payout detecting means for detecting a game medium paid out by the payout device, wherein the payout detecting means pays out. Abnormality detection means for detecting that the payout state is abnormal when the number of payouts exceeding the number to be issued is detected, and an abnormality notification means for notifying that the abnormality is detected when the abnormality detection means detects the abnormality, and A gaming machine comprising an abnormality canceling unit for canceling the abnormality detection state and the abnormality notification state when the payout detection unit detects that the payout is normal after the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormality. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality notifying unit includes a first notifying unit that notifies each time the abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality. 3. The excess payout number storage means for storing the number of excess payouts when the abnormality detection means detects the number of payouts exceeding the number to be paid out.
Alternatively, the gaming machine described in 2. 4. The abnormality notifying means includes a second notifying means for notifying when the number of excess payouts stored by the excess payout number storage means is equal to or more than a predetermined number. The gaming machine according to claim 3. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality notifying means is provided on a front surface of the gaming machine and a back surface of the gaming machine.