JP2003220266A - Game machine, computer program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which performs discrimination about whether an abnormality in a prize ball discharge state occurs by intrusion of noise in a line or an individual difference between a main board and a discharge control board and enables a user to take countermeasures without stopping the discharge of the prize balls when the abnormality occurs in the prize ball discharge state. <P>SOLUTION: The prize balls are counted by both of the main baseboard 100 and the discharge control board 200 based on a detection signal from a prize ball discharge sensor. In this case, when it is judged that the main board 100 does not complete counting when the discharge control board 200 completes discharging the prize balls (S148: No) and also time-up is judged (S150: Yes), '1' is added to a deceleration counter which determines a degree for decelerating a prize ball discharge motor. Thus, a prize ball discharge speed is decelerated and a time for detecting the prize balls by the prize ball discharge sensor is made to be longer and the detection signal becomes stable. Consequently, a counting miss owing to the individual difference is eliminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention, as represented by a pachinko machine, is a game machine that pays out prize balls by winning game balls.
The present invention relates to a computer program for causing the gaming machine to function by a computer, and a recording medium having the computer program recorded therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pachinko machine shown in, for example, FIGS. 16 and 17 is known as a game machine of this type.
FIG. 16 is a front explanatory view of a conventional pachinko machine, and FIG.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory block diagram showing an electrical configuration for paying out prize balls in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 16. Pachinko machine 5
When the game ball fired by operating the operation handle 501 provided at 00 wins the first-class start opening 502 or the ordinary electric auditors's figure 503 with both wings open, the special symbol display 504 is displayed on the side of the screen. A plurality of special symbols (for example, 0 to 9) are scroll-displayed in the vertical direction at three positions in the direction. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, scrolling at the above-mentioned three places is stopped, and when the three stop symbols at that time are big hit symbols (for example, 777 as shown in FIG. 16), a big hit occurs, and the door-type opening / closing member 505. Is operated to open, and the special winning opening 506 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko machine 500 is provided with a main board 510 and a payout control board 520. A main CPU 511, a counter 512, a ROM 513, and a RAM 514 are mounted on the main board 510, and the payout control board 520 has a sub CPU 52.
1, counter 522, ROM 523 and RAM 524
Is installed. Main C mounted on main board 510
The PU 511 performs main control of the game according to the computer program recorded in the ROM 513, and the sub CPU 521 mounted on the payout control board 520 is the ROM 523.
The payout of prize balls is controlled in accordance with the computer program recorded in. When a game ball wins the winning opening, the winning detection switch 509 is turned on. Main CPU
When the winning detection switch 509 is turned on, the memory 511 stores the winning number “1” in the RAM 514, and the line L1.
The payout control board 520 is instructed to pay out the prize balls via. The sub CPU 521 drives the prize ball payout motor 530, and the prize ball payout motor 530 pays out the prize ball. The paid-out prize balls are detected by the prize-ball payout sensor 531 and the detection signal is output to the main board 510 via the line L2 and to the payout control board 520 via the line L3.

A counter 512 mounted on the main board 510
And a counter 522 mounted on the payout control board 520
Respectively counts the number of prize balls paid out based on the detection signals output from the prize ball payout sensor 531. For example, when the number of prize balls to be paid out is 15, the counters 512 and 522 respectively set “15” and subtract “1” from “15” each time a detection signal is input. Then, when the count value of the counter 512 becomes “0”, the main CPU 511 subtracts “1” from the winning number stored in the RAM 514, and when the winning number is still stored, the main CPU 511 tells the sub CPU 521. Instruct to pay the next prize ball. Further, the sub CPU 521 stops the prize ball payout motor 530 when the count value of the counter 522 becomes “0”. Here, the count value of the counter 522 is “0”.
However, if the count value of the counter 512 is not “0” for some reason, the prize ball payout motor 530 is stopped, and the count value is set as the unpaid number in the RAM 51.
Store in 4. When the unpaid number exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 50), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of prize balls, the prize ball payout motor 530 is stopped, and the "prize ball" is displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 504. "Payout abnormality" is displayed.

[0005]

By the way, it is presumed that there are the causes described below as the causes of generation of unpaid prize balls. (1) The detection signal flowing through the line L2 is affected by noise, and the waveform is greatly broken to the extent that it can be individually determined as a detection signal. Therefore, the counter 512 erroneously counts one prize ball as a plurality. It was (2) The detection signal flowing through the line L2 was affected by noise and the waveform was finely broken, so that the counter 512 could not count. (3) The detection signal flowing through the line L3 is affected by noise, and the waveform is greatly broken to such an extent that it can be individually determined as a detection signal. Therefore, the counter 522 mistakenly counts one prize ball as a plurality. It was (4) The counter 522 could not count because the detection signal flowing in the line L3 was affected by noise and the waveform was finely broken. (5) Due to manufacturing variations in the main substrate 510, for example, there are individual differences in the signal input detection level, so when the edge of the detection signal captured from the line L2 is unstable, the main substrate 510 fails in edge detection. However, it could not be counted. (6) Dispensing control board 520
Since there are individual differences in the signal input detection level due to manufacturing variations, when the edge of the detection signal taken in from the line L3 is unstable, the payout control board 520 fails in edge detection and cannot count. It was That is, it is considered that the causes are roughly classified into two types: a cause due to a change in the detection signal due to noise invading the lines L2 and L3 and a cause due to individual differences between the main substrate 510 and the payout control substrate 520. . However, in the conventional pachinko machine 500, when the unpaid number exceeds a predetermined number, the prize ball payout motor 530 is stopped and only the prize ball payout abnormality is displayed, and the cause of the unpaid number occurs. There is a problem that it is not possible to distinguish whether it is due to a change in the detection signal due to noise entering the lines L2 and L3 or due to individual differences between the main board 510 and the payout control board 520. In addition, there is also a problem that as a measure to be taken when the unpaid prize balls are generated, only a measure for stopping the prize ball payout motor 530 can be taken.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to distinguish whether the cause of the abnormal state of the payout of the prize balls is caused by the noise penetrating into the line or the individual difference between the main board and the payout control board. It is an object of the present invention to realize a gaming machine which is capable of taking measures without stopping payout of prize balls when the payout state of prize balls is abnormal.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a prize detecting means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and the prize detecting means. , A command transmission means for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing payout of a prize ball when a winning of the game ball is detected, and receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmission means, and receiving the prize. It is provided with a prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the ball payout command, and a prize ball detection means for detecting the prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout means, and transmitting the command. The means and the prize ball paying means are gaming machines for counting the number of prize balls based on the detection of the paid prize balls by the prize ball detecting means, respectively, and the command transmitting means is
When the counting of the number of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command transmitted to the award ball payout means is finished, a count end command indicating the end is transmitted to the award ball payout means, The prize ball paying means receives the counting end command from the command transmitting means for a predetermined period after the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball paying command received from the command transmitting means is completed. If it is determined that the prize ball has not been paid out, a technical means is used that has a function of reducing the speed at which the prize balls are paid out and a function of informing the notification means that the deceleration has been performed.

The command transmission means and the prize ball payout means are
Since the number of prize balls is counted based on the detection of the prize balls by the prize ball detection means, the command transmission means and the prize ball payout means should end counting the prize balls at the same timing. The command transmission means transmits the counting end command to the prize ball payout means within a predetermined period after the prize ball payout means finishes paying out the prize balls. Therefore, if the prize ball payout means does not receive the count end command from the command transmitting means within a predetermined period after the payout of the prize balls is completed, the detection signal changes due to the influence of noise, or the command transmitting means and the prize Due to individual differences in the ball payout means, the prize ball payout means excessively counted the prize balls,
Alternatively, it is considered that the command transmitting means counts the prize balls too small, but at this stage, it is not known what cause.

Therefore, when it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for the predetermined period, the prize ball paying means decelerates the speed for paying the prize balls. As a result, the speed of the game ball passing through the detection area of the prize ball detecting means becomes slower, and the time during which the prize ball detecting means detects the prize ball becomes longer, so that the edge of the detection signal becomes stable accordingly. Even if there is a weakness in edge detection of the detection signal due to the individual difference of the command transmitting means or the prize ball paying means, it can be covered. Therefore, if the prize ball payout means receives the count end command from the command transmission means within the predetermined period at the time of the next prize ball payout, the reason why the prize ball cannot be received last time It can be concluded that this was due to individual differences in command transmission means or prize ball payout means.
Moreover, the payout abnormality of the prize balls can be solved by reducing the payout speed without stopping the payout of the prize balls. Moreover, since the notification means can be notified that the payout speed of the prize balls has been reduced, the gaming machine can know that the game machine is operating with the payout speed of the prize balls being reduced. For this reason, the game store in which the gaming machine is installed can take measures such as exchanging a portion related to payout of prize balls.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the winning detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball, and the winning detection means,
When the winning of the game ball is detected, command transmitting means for transmitting a prize ball payout command instructing the payout of the prize ball, and the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means are received, and the prize ball is received. The command transmission means comprises: a prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the payout command; and a prize ball detection means for detecting the prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout means. And the award ball payout means is a gaming machine for counting the number of award balls based on the detection of the award balls paid out by the award ball detection means, respectively, and the command transmission means, to the award ball payout means When the counting of the number of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the transmitted award ball payout command is completed, a count end command indicating the end is transmitted to the award ball payout means, and the award ball payout means is The above During the process of paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command received from the command transmitting means, a count end command indicating the end of counting the prize balls is received from the command transmitting means. If it is determined that it has been done, a technical means is used that has a function of reducing the speed at which the prize balls are paid out and a function of informing the notification means that the deceleration has been performed.

The command transmission means and the prize ball payout means are
Since the number of prize balls is counted based on the detection of the prize balls by the prize ball detection means, the command transmission means and the prize ball payout means should end counting the prize balls at the same timing. The command transmission means transmits the counting end command to the prize ball payout means within a predetermined period after the prize ball payout means finishes paying out the prize balls. Therefore, if the count end command indicating the end of the counting of the number of prize balls is received from the command transmitting means while the prize ball payout means is paying out the prize balls, the detection signal changes due to the influence of noise. Or, it is considered that the prize ball paying means excessively counted the prize balls or the command transmitting means counted the prize balls too small due to the individual difference between the command transmitting means and the prize ball paying means. , At this stage, I don't know which cause.

Therefore, when the prize sphere payout means receives a count end command indicating the end of the counting of the prize spheres from the command transmission means while paying out the prize spheres,
Decelerate the speed at which prize balls are paid out. As a result, the speed of the game ball passing through the detection area of the prize ball detecting means becomes slower, and the time during which the prize ball detecting means detects the prize ball becomes longer, so that the edge of the detection signal becomes stable accordingly. Even if there is a weakness in edge detection of the detection signal due to the individual difference of the command transmitting means or the prize ball paying means, it can be covered. Therefore, by decelerating the payout speed of the prize balls, at the time of the next prize ball payout, while the prize ball payout means is paying out the prize balls, the counting end indicating the end of the counting of the prize balls is completed. When the command is not received from the command transmitting means, it can be concluded that the cause of the previous reception is due to the individual difference of the command transmitting means or the prize ball paying means. Moreover, the payout abnormality of the prize balls can be solved by reducing the payout speed without stopping the payout of the prize balls. Moreover, since the notification means can be notified that the payout speed of the prize balls has been reduced, the gaming machine can know that the game machine is operating with the payout speed of the prize balls being reduced. For this reason, the game store in which the gaming machine is installed can take measures such as exchanging a portion related to payout of prize balls.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the award ball paying means determines the judgment when the speed at which the award ball is paid out is decelerated. In the case of performing, the technical means having a function of further decelerating the speed for paying out the prize ball and a function of informing the notifying means of the fact that the further deceleration is performed is used.

That is, while the speed of paying out the prize balls is being reduced, a predetermined period has elapsed after the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command received from the command transmitting means is completed. When it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means, or during the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command received from the command transmitting means, the payout When it is determined that the counting end command indicating the end of step 1 has been received from the command transmitting means, the speed at which the prize balls are paid out can be further reduced. Therefore, even if the edge of the detection signal output from the prize ball detection means is improved by slowing down the payout speed of the prize ball and lengthening the time for detecting the prize ball by the prize ball detection means, the command transmission means or the If the prize ball payout means fails to detect the edge of the detection signal, the edge of the detection signal can be made more stable by further reducing the payout speed of the prize ball. It is possible to reduce the risk that the transmission means or the prize ball payout means will fail to detect the edge of the detection signal. Moreover, since the notification means can be informed that the payout speed of the prize balls has been further reduced, the gaming machine can know that the award ball payout speed is operating in a reduced speed. For this reason, the game store in which the gaming machine is installed can take measures such as exchanging a portion related to payout of prize balls.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the prize-ball payout means has made a predetermined number of times of making the determination. In the case of a function to reduce the speed of paying out the prize balls,
The technical means having a function of informing the informing means that the deceleration has been performed is used.

That is, it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for a predetermined period after the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball paying command received from the command transmitting means is completed. Or, while the prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command received from the command transmitting means are being paid out, when the count end command indicating the end of the payout is received from the command transmitting means. When the number of times the determination is made reaches a predetermined number, the speed at which the prize balls are paid out can be reduced. Therefore, if the number of determinations has not reached the predetermined number of times, it is estimated that the abnormality of payout of prize balls is due to the effect of a sporadic noise, and if the number of determinations has reached the predetermined number of times, Since it is possible to presume that the abnormal ball payout is caused by a stationary thing, such as individual differences in command transmission means or prize ball payout means,
It is possible not to slow down the payout speed of prize balls in the case of a single cause, and to solve the cause by slowing down the payout speed of prize balls in the case of a steady cause. it can. Moreover, since the notification means can be notified that the payout speed of the prize balls has been reduced, the gaming machine can know that the game machine is operating with the payout speed of the prize balls being reduced. For this reason, the game store in which the gaming machine is installed can take measures such as exchanging a portion related to payout of prize balls.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the prize-ball payout means has made a predetermined number of times of making the determination. In this case, a technical means is used that has a function of stopping the payout of the prize balls and a function of informing the notification means of the stop.

That is, it can be estimated that there is a steady cause for the payout of the prize balls when the number of judgments reaches the predetermined number. In such a case, the prize balls are paid out. Stop. Therefore, there is no possibility that a player or a game store will be disadvantaged if the awarding of prize balls continues abnormally. Further, since the notification means can be notified that the payout of the prize balls has been stopped, the gaming machine can know that the payout of the prize balls has been stopped. Therefore, the amusement store can take measures such as exchanging a portion related to the payout of prize balls.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the winning detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball, and the winning detection means,
When the winning of the game ball is detected, command transmitting means for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing payout of the prize ball, and the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means are received, and the prize ball The command transmission means comprises: a prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the payout command; and a prize ball detection means for detecting the prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout means. And the award ball paying means is a computer program for causing a computer to function as a gaming machine for counting the number of award balls based on detection of the award balls paid out by the award ball detecting means. When the computer functioning as the means finishes counting the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command transmitted to the prize ball payout means. A computer program for executing a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the prize ball paying means, and a computer functioning as the prize ball paying means, according to the prize ball paying command received from the command sending means. When it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for a predetermined period after the payout of the prize balls corresponding to the indicated prize balls is completed, the deceleration for decelerating the prize balls is reduced. A technical means called a computer program having a process and a computer program for executing an informing process of informing an informing unit that the deceleration has been performed is used.

That is, since the gaming machine according to claim 1 functions by a CPU (computer) provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in an embodiment of the invention described later, By storing the computer program in a recording medium such as a ROM and causing the CPU to execute the stored computer program, the gaming machine can be caused to function.

In the invention according to claim 7, the winning detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball, and the winning detection means,
When the winning of the game ball is detected, command transmitting means for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing payout of the prize ball, and the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means are received, and the prize ball The command transmission means comprises: a prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the payout command; and a prize ball detection means for detecting the prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout means. And the award ball paying means is a computer program for causing a computer to function as a gaming machine for counting the number of award balls based on detection of the award balls paid out by the award ball detecting means. When the computer functioning as the means finishes counting the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command transmitted to the prize ball payout means. A computer program for executing a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the prize ball paying means, and a computer functioning as the prize ball paying means, according to the prize ball paying command received from the command sending means. In the process of paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls shown, when it is determined that a count end command indicating the end of counting of the prize balls is received from the command transmitting means, the prize balls are A technical means called a computer program having a deceleration processing for decelerating the payout speed and a computer program for executing an informing processing for informing the informing means that the deceleration has been performed is used.

That is, since the gaming machine according to claim 2 functions by a CPU (computer) provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in an embodiment of the invention described later, By storing the computer program in a recording medium such as a ROM and causing the CPU to execute the stored computer program, the gaming machine can be caused to function.

In the invention according to claim 8, the winning detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball, and the winning detection means,
When the winning of the game ball is detected, command transmitting means for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing payout of the prize ball, and the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means are received, and the prize ball The command transmission means comprises: a prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the payout command; and a prize ball detection means for detecting the prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout means. And the award ball paying means is a recording medium in which a computer program for causing a computer to operate a game machine for counting the number of award balls based on detection of the award balls paid out by the award ball detecting means is recorded. Then, the computer functioning as the command transmitting means, the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command transmitted to the prize ball paying means. When the number ends, a computer program for executing a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the prize ball payout means, and a computer functioning as the prize ball payout means, from the command transmitting means. When it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for a predetermined period after the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the received prize ball payout command is completed, the prize balls are Technical means of a recording medium having a computer program recorded therein, the computer program having a deceleration process for decelerating a payout speed and a computer program for performing an informing process of informing an informing unit that the deceleration has been performed. To use.

That is, the gaming machine that functions by using a computer is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in the embodiments of the invention described later. Since the CPU (computer) executes the computer program to function, the game machine according to claim 1 can be caused to function by using the recording medium.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the winning detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball, and the winning detection means,
When the winning of the game ball is detected, command transmitting means for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing payout of the prize ball, and the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means are received, and the prize ball The command transmission means comprises: a prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the payout command; and a prize ball detection means for detecting the prize ball paid out by the prize ball payout means. And the award ball paying means is a recording medium in which a computer program for causing a computer to operate a game machine for counting the number of award balls based on detection of the award balls paid out by the award ball detecting means is recorded. Then, the computer functioning as the command transmitting means, the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command transmitted to the prize ball paying means. When the number ends, a computer program for executing a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the prize ball payout means, and a computer functioning as the prize ball payout means, from the command transmitting means. While paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the received prize ball payout command, it is determined that a count end command indicating the end of counting the prize balls is received from the command transmitting means. If
A technique called a recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon, which has a computer program for executing a deceleration process for decelerating the speed of paying out the prize ball and a computer program for informing an informing unit that the deceleration has been performed. Use the appropriate means.

That is, the gaming machine that functions by using a computer is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in the embodiments of the invention described later. Since the CPU (computer) executes the computer program to function, the game machine according to claim 2 can be caused to function by using the recording medium.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments described below, a pachinko machine of the first type will be described as an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention. [Overall Main Configuration] First, the main configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a front frame 2 that can be opened and closed, and a glass frame 4 is attached to the front frame 2 so that the glass frame 4 can be opened and closed.
On the right side of the front frame 2, a keyhole 3 into which a key for opening and closing the glass frame 4 is inserted is provided. A game board 5 is provided inside the glass frame 4, and a firing handle 15 for operating a launching device (not shown) for firing a game ball to the game board 5 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 2. It is rotatably attached.
Below the glass frame 4, prize balls to which prize balls and rental balls are supplied.
A ball rental supply port 6a is formed, and on the supply side of the prize ball / ball rental supply port 6a, a prize ball or a ball supplied from the ball / ball rental supply port 6a is stored. The upper tray 6 is attached. Below the upper tray 6 is the upper tray 6
The discharge port 7a is formed to discharge the prize balls that have flowed in excess of the number that can be accommodated and the game balls discharged from the upper tray 6 by operating the upper tray ball removing lever 6b. Outlet 7
On the discharge side of a, a lower tray 7 for storing the game balls discharged from the discharge port 7a is provided. A frame lamp 9 is provided above the game board 5, and an ashtray 7b is provided on the left side of the lower tray 7.

[Main Structure of Game Board 5] Next, the main structure of the game board 5 will be described with reference to the front explanatory view of FIG. 2 showing it. At the center of the game board 5, the center case 3
0 is provided. The center case 30 has a winning entrance 31 and an ordinary symbol display device 34 including three LEDs.
And, the normal symbol memory display LED35 that displays the number of times this normal symbol display device 34 can be started by four LEDs
In addition, a predetermined message (for example, “prize ball abnormality” as shown in FIG. 2) is displayed when an abnormality occurs in the payout of prize balls, or a plurality of special symbols or background images are displayed on the liquid crystal. It is provided with a special symbol display 32a.
Decorative windmills 46 decorated with LEDs are provided above both sides of the center case 30, respectively. On the lower right side of the decorative windmill 46 on the right side, the normal symbol display device 34
A normal symbol actuation right gate 25 for operating is provided, and a normal symbol actuation left gate 26 is also provided diagonally below and to the left of the left decorative wind turbine 46. The wind turbines 24 are provided below both sides of the center case 30, and the right winning opening 12 is provided below the wind turbine 24 on the right side.
The left winning opening 13 is provided below the left windmill 24. A right sleeve winning opening 22 is provided to the right of the right winning opening 12, and a left sleeve winning opening 23 is provided to the left of the left winning opening 13. Below the center case 30, there is provided a first type starting port 27 having a function of starting the variation of the special symbol by the special symbol display 32a, and a lower portion of the first type starting port 27 is a normal symbol. A normal electric accessory 28 that opens both wings when the stop symbol of the display device 34 hits the symbol is provided.
The normal electric accessory 28 with both wings open is the first-type starting opening 27.
Similarly, the special symbol display 32a has a function of starting the variation of the special symbol. In addition, special symbol display 3
The number of times 2a can be started (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol starting memory number) is displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a.

Below the center case 30, there is provided a variable winning device 40 which operates when the definite symbols in the three display areas of the special symbol display 32a are big hit symbols. A plate-like opening / closing member 43 that opens to open the special winning opening 41 when the big hit occurs is attached to the variable winning device 40 so as to be opened and closed like a door. The lower right winning opening 14 is provided on the right side of the variable winning apparatus 40, and the lower left winning opening 44 is provided on the left side of the variable winning apparatus 40. In addition, inside the variable winning device 40,
A specific area having a function of continuously opening and closing the opening / closing member 43, and a specific area switch (indicated by reference numeral 42a in FIG. 6) for detecting a game ball passing through the specific area are provided. In addition, the game board 5 is attached with a rail 16 for guiding the shot game balls to the game area, and at the upper part of the game board 5, a corner decoration 11 for decorating both left and right upper corners with LEDs or the like. Side decorations 2 are provided on the left and right sides of the game board 5 and are decorated with LEDs or the like.
0 is provided for each. Furthermore, on the game board 5,
An out port 45 is provided for collecting game balls that have not been won as out balls. Then, many nails (not shown) are driven into the game board 5, and the game balls shot on the game board 5 fall while dancing between the nails, and each prize hole and the first kind start. It is won in the mouth 27, passes through the normal symbol operation gates 25 and 26, or is collected from the outlet 45.

[Main Structure of Back Set] Next, the main structure of the back set of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing it. Back set mechanism plate 9 of the pachinko machine body 93
A tank 66 is provided above the 0. Tank 6
6 is for storing game balls that are prize balls and rental balls,
It receives supply of game balls from a ball supply path installed at the top of the island (not shown). At the bottom of the tank 66, the tank rail 6
7 is attached. The tank rail 67 is inclined slightly downward to the right, and the game ball guide rail 6 is provided at the right end thereof.
8 are connected. That is, the game balls stored in the tank 66 are rolled on the tank rail 67 and guided to the game ball guide rail 68. The prize ball unit 62 is provided below the game ball guide rail 68, and the ball rental unit 63 is provided below the prize ball unit 62. Inside the game ball guide rail 68, although not shown, three rails are formed vertically. Of the three rails, two are connected to the prize ball unit 62 and one is connected to the ball rental unit 63. Inside the game ball guide rail 68, prize ball out detection switches 64, 65,
A ball rental out detection switch 61 is provided. The prize ball loss detection switches 64 and 65 and the ball rental loss detection switch 61 detect a ball clogging or an abnormality in the flow of the balls due to the inclusion of dust or the like. In addition, the prize ball out detection switches 64, 65 and the ball rental out detection switch 61 are provided with tiltable push plates in the corresponding rails, and the push plates pushed by the game balls flowing down in the rails are When it returns to the position before it was pushed, switching operation is performed and the ball is detected. Further, below the back setting mechanism plate 90, there is provided a full gutter 69 for accommodating the prize balls that reach the upper part of the discharge port 7a (FIG. 1) when the lower tray 7 is filled with the prize balls. The full gutter 69 is provided with a full detection switch 72. Full detection switch 72
Has a push plate tiltably provided in the full gutter 69, and when the push plate is pushed by a prize ball housed in the full gutter 69, a switching operation is performed to detect fullness.

(Structure of Prize Ball Unit 62) The structure of the prize ball unit 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 (A) is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of the prize ball unit 62, and FIG. 4 (B) is AA of FIG. 4 (A).
FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the housing 62d is removed from the prize ball unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 (A) is an explanatory view showing a state in which the prize balls are paid out from one of the two exits for paying out the prize balls, and FIG. 5 (B) shows that the prize balls are paid out from the other exit. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it is paid out. The prize ball unit 62 is provided with a housing 62d.
A collection gutter 62e for collecting and arranging the prize balls P to be paid out is provided in d. This gutter 62e is
It communicates with the two rails. Also, the housing 6
2d is provided with a prize ball payout motor 62c, and at the tip of a motor shaft 62f thereof, a sending member 6 for sending out the prize balls P arranged in the collecting gutter 62e downward.
2g is attached. The sending-out member 62g is formed in a worm gear shape, and has a prize-ball payout motor 62c.
When is rotated, the delivery member 62g is rotated and the prize ball P is delivered downward. As shown in FIG. 5 (A), one prize ball P is delivered per half rotation of the delivery member 62g, and as shown in FIG. 5 (B), one more prize ball P is provided. Sent out. That is, two prize balls are paid out per one rotation of the delivery member 62g. The prize balls P paid out from the prize ball unit 62 are discharged to the upper tray 6 (FIG. 1).

On the right side of the delivery member 62g, a prize ball payout sensor 62a for detecting the prize ball delivered by the delivery member 62g is provided.
On the left side of, a prize ball payout sensor 62b for detecting a prize ball sent by the sending member 62g is provided. The prize ball sent out when the sending-out member 62g makes a half rotation is detected by one prize ball payout sensor, and the prize ball sent out when the sending member 62g makes another half turn is detected by the other prize ball payout sensor. . In other words, the prize balls delivered by the delivery member 62g are alternately detected by the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b. Also, FIG.
As shown in, the prize-ball payout sensors 62a and 62b are electrically connected to the main board 100 and the payout control board 200, respectively. That is, the prize ball payout sensors 62a, 62
The prize ball payout sensor signal output from b is the main board 100.
And the payout control board 200, respectively.

[Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1] Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main board 100, and a microprocessor 110 is mounted on the main board 100. The microprocessor 110 determines whether or not it is a big hit, determination of winning,
The main CPU 112 that executes the main control of the game such as counting the number of prizes to the special winning opening 41 and controlling the round in the game of big hit, the payout counter 113 that counts the number of prize balls paid out, and the main CPU 112 are various. A ROM 114 in which a computer program for executing control and the like is recorded, a count value of the payout counter 113, a detection result that a game ball has passed through the first-type starting opening 27, and various types that occur during a game such as winning. A RAM 116 for temporarily storing data, a computer program read from the ROM 114, and the like is installed. The following components are electrically connected to the main board 100. A first type starting port switch 27a for detecting that the game ball has won the first type starting port 27 or a normal electric accessory 28 with both wings open, a special symbol control device 32, a lamp control device for controlling LEDs and lamps 300, a power supply board 74, a payout control board 200 for controlling the payout of prize balls, a voice control device 79 for controlling sound effects during a game, a winning board, a reach pattern, a big hit occurrence, a big hit pattern, etc. A game frame information terminal board 52, a board relay board 51, and a game frame relay board 53 for transmission to a computer (not shown) provided in a management room of a pachinko hall.

The payout control board 200 is equipped with a microprocessor 210 which operates by inputting a control command sent from the main board 100. The microprocessor 210 has a sub CPU for controlling the payout of prize balls and the like.
212 and a payout counter 2 for counting the number of prize balls paid out
13 and a ROM storing various control programs for the sub CPU 212 to execute control such as payout of prize balls
214, count value of payout counter 213, sub CPU 2
ROM 214 when 12 executes various control programs
RAM for temporarily storing various data such as the control program read from the game and the number of winnings and the number of prize balls generated during the game
216 and are mounted. Further, the payout control board 200
Includes a power supply board 74, a firing motor drive board 15c for driving the firing motor 15e, and a game frame information terminal board 52.
And the payout relay substrate 55 is electrically connected. The firing motor drive board 15c includes the firing motor drive board 15
A firing switch 15d for outputting a drive signal from c to the firing motor 15e is connected. To the game frame relay board 53, a full detection switch 72, award ball detection switches 64 and 65, and a sensor relay board 54 are electrically connected. The sensor relay board 54 includes the prize ball unit 62.
Are electrically connected to the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b and the payout relay substrate 55 provided in the. The payout relay substrate 55 is electrically connected to the ball-rental-end detection switch 61, the prize-ball payout motor 62c, and the ball-rental unit 63.

The board relay board 51 has an ordinary electric accessory 28.
Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 28a for driving, a normal symbol display device 34, a normal gate actuation right gate switch 25a for detecting a game ball passing through the right gate 25, a normal symbol actuation left for detecting a game ball passing through the left gate 26 The gate switch 26a, the big winning opening switch 41a for detecting the game ball winning the big winning opening 41, the right sleeve winning opening switch 22a for detecting the gaming ball winning the right sleeve winning opening 22, the left sleeve winning opening 2
Left sleeve winning opening switch 23 that detects the game ball that won 3
a, a right winning opening switch 12a for detecting a gaming ball winning the right winning opening 12, a left winning opening switch 13a for detecting a gaming ball winning the left winning opening 13, and a gaming ball winning for the lower right winning opening 14 The lower right winning opening switch 14a, the lower left winning opening switch 44a which detects the game ball winning the left lower winning opening 44, the winning entrance switch 31a which detects the gaming ball winning the winning entrance 31, and the special winning opening relay board 50 Is. The special winning area relay board 50 has a specific area switch 42
a, a specific area solenoid 42b that drives a member that changes the specific area, and a special winning opening solenoid 41b that drives the opening / closing member 43 are electrically connected. Power board 7
4 is electrically connected to the CR connection board 56, and C
The R connection board 56 is electrically connected to a device outside game machine portion 71 including a frequency display board for displaying the remaining frequency of the prepaid card and a device for reading the prepaid card. The power supply board 74 is AC24V (50Hz / 60
(Hz) from the main power source 70 to supply necessary power to each substrate and device.

[Prize ball payout motor drive circuit] Next, the prize ball payout motor drive circuit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between the prize ball payout motor drive circuit and its periphery. In this embodiment, a 4-phase stepping motor having phases A to D is used as the prize ball payout motor. The prize ball payout motor drive circuit 80 includes a CPU 81, a RAM 82, a ROM 83,
The pulse generation circuit 84 and the drive circuit 85 are provided. CP
U81 is electrically connected to the main board 100 and the payout control board 200, and the drive circuit 85 is electrically connected to the prize ball payout motor 62c. The drive circuit 85 is
It is electrically connected to the pulse generation circuit 84, and the pulse generation circuit 84 is electrically connected to the CPU 81.
The prize ball payout motor 62c is supplied with driving power from a DC 32V power supply 74a. The CPU 81 receives the command transmitted from the main board 100 via the line L1, analyzes the received command, determines the cycle of the drive pulse based on the analysis result, and generates the determined cycle of the pulse. Instruct the circuit 84. Pulse generation circuit 84
Generates a drive pulse signal of the designated cycle and outputs it to the drive circuit 85. The drive circuit 85 sequentially applies the input drive pulse signals to the A-phase to the D-phase of the prize ball payout motor 62c. As a result, the A-phase to the D-phase of the prize ball payout motor 62c are sequentially excited and rotate at the rotation speed corresponding to the cycle of the drive pulse signal. Then, the prize balls paid out by the prize ball paying motor 62c are detected by the prize ball paying sensor 62a or the prize ball paying sensor 62b, and the prize ball paying sensor 6
The detection signal of 2a or the prize-ball payout sensor 62b is transmitted to the main board 100 via the line L2 and to the payout control board 200 via the line L3, respectively.

[Cycle of Drive Pulse Signal] Next, the cycle of the drive pulse signal will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 8
The pulse generation circuit 84 shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing of the drive pulse generated when controlling the rotation speed of 2c to V1-V3. The drive pulse generated in the pulse generation circuit 84 differs depending on the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c. The normal rotation speed is V1 and the cycle is T. Further, the rotation speed when the payout of the prize balls becomes abnormal is V2, and the cycle is 1.5T.
In other words, by reducing the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c (FIG. 4) when the payout of the prize ball is abnormal to 1 / 1.5 of the normal time, the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b perform the prize ball payout. Increase the detection accuracy of. In addition, V1 is, for example, the rotational speed at which 15 prize balls are paid out in 2 seconds, and V2 is
It is the rotation speed for paying out 15 prize balls in 3 seconds.

[Structure of Winning Table] Next, the structure of the winning table will be described with reference to FIG. 14 showing the structure. The winning table Ta1 has a total of 15 rewritable winning number storage areas M1 having addresses 01H to 0FH (hexadecimal numbers) corresponding to the number of winning balls 1 to 15. For example, when the main CPU 112 detects that the special winning opening switch 41a (FIG. 6) is turned on, the winning number "1" is stored in the winning number storage area M1 of the address 0FH having 15 prize balls. The number of winnings is added every time there is a winning. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the number-of-winnings memory area M1 at address 0FH is “0”.
0001001 "(binary), the winning number is" 9 ". Then, when the count value of the payout counter 113 changes from "15" to "0", "1" is subtracted from the winning number storage area M1 at the address 0FH to obtain the winning number storage area M1.
Becomes "0000100". The winning table Ta
1, the main CPU 100 is supplied with power and the main CPU 1
ROM 114 to RAM when 12 becomes operational
Read into 116.

[Count Value and Unpaid Number] Next, the count value of the payout counter 113 and the unpaid number of prize balls will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the count value and the number of unpaid prize balls. Payout counter 113
When counting the number of 15 award balls, for example, "1" is subtracted from "15" each time the edge of the detection signal transmitted from the award ball payout sensors 62a and 62b is detected. Here, for example, the sixth prize ball is paid out by the prize ball payout motor 62c, and the detection signal transmitted from the prize ball payout sensor that has detected the prize ball to the main board 100 changes under the influence of noise. It is assumed that the payout counter 113 cannot detect the edge of the detection signal. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the count value of the payout counter 113 is 6
Since the counting of the second item fails and one item is skipped,
When the number of prize balls to be paid out reaches 15, the count value remains "1" and the prize balls are stopped.

[Main Flow of Game] Next, the main flow of the game will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. Figure 9
4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a first-type starting opening process executed by the main CPU 112. Figure 10 shows the main C
It is a flow chart which shows the flow of special design control which PU112 performs. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of payout control command transmission processing executed by the main CPU 112. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of payout control command reception processing executed by the sub CPU 212. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of payout control executed by the sub CPU 212.

(First type starting port processing) Main CPU 112
Determines whether or not the first type starting opening switch 27a (FIG. 6) is turned on (step (hereinafter, abbreviated as S) in FIG. 9) 1
0), when it is determined that it is turned on (S10: Yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol starting memory number U1 is less than "4" (S12). Here, when it is determined that the number is less than "4" (S12: Yes), the special symbol starting memory number U1 is "1".
Is added (S14), one count value counted by the jackpot counter is acquired (S16), and the acquired count value is temporarily stored in the RAM 116 (S18). The big hit counter is a counter that counts a number for determining whether it is a big hit or a loss, for example, a total of 256 from 0 to 255. In addition, the above-mentioned first type starting port processing,
It is executed by a computer program stored in the ROM 114.

(Special symbol control) The main CPU 112,
Whether or not the control command for controlling the special symbol control device 32 is output to the special symbol control device 32, that is, whether or not the special symbol is changing is determined (S2 in FIG. 10).
0), if it is determined that it is not fluctuating (S20: No), it is determined whether the special symbol starting memory number U1 is "1" or more (S22). Here, if it is determined that the special symbol starting memory number U1 is "1" or more (S22: Yes), "1" is subtracted from the special symbol starting memory number U1 (S2).
4). Subsequently, the main CPU 112 reads the count value temporarily stored in the RAM 116 in S18 (FIG. 9) of the first-type starting opening process (S26). Then the main CP
Whether or not the probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation is set is set in U112 (whether the probability variation flag is 1 or 0).
Is determined (S28). The probability change means that the game state is changed to a high probability that a big hit will occur.

If the probability variation flag is set (S28: Yes), the jackpot value set at the time of high probability in the jackpot value table is referred to (S30) and S26.
Whether or not it is a big hit is determined based on whether or not the same big hit value as the count value read in S is set (S3).
2). For example, the count value read in S26 is "7", "17", "77", "177" and "27".
If any of the five "7", it is determined as a big hit (S32: Yes). If the probability variation flag is not set (S28: No), the jackpot value set at the normal probability of the jackpot value table is referenced (S28).
34), based on whether or not the same big hit value as the count value read in S26 is set, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (S32). For example, if the count value read out in S26 is "7", it is determined to be a big hit (S3).
2: Yes).

Subsequently, when the main CPU 112 determines that it is a big hit (S32: Yes), it sets a big hit flag indicating the occurrence of a big hit (S36), and refers to the big hit symbol table to select a big hit symbol (S38). . Subsequently, the main CPU 112 determines whether or not the selected big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol (S40). Here, in the case of the probability variation pattern (S40: Yes), the probability variation flag is set (S42). When the main CPU 112 determines that it is not a big hit (S32: No), it refers to the lost symbol table and selects the lost symbol (S4).
4). The big hit symbol table includes a plurality of random numbers, for example, "0" to "9" and a plurality of big hit symbols, for example, "0".
00 "to" 999 "are associated with each other, and the jackpot symbol associated with the random number selected by the main CPU 112 is selected. The lost symbol table is also configured by associating a plurality of random numbers, for example, “0” to “9” with a plurality of lost symbols, for example, “0” to “9”, and the random number selected by the main CPU 112. Select the lost symbol associated with. Furthermore, the probability variation design means a jackpot design that promises that the next game after the game of jackpot will change in a probability variation,
For example, among the big hit symbols “000” to “999”, odd big hit symbols are set as the probability variation symbols.

Subsequently, the main CPU 112 refers to the variation pattern determination table and selects the variation pattern of the special symbol (S46). The fluctuation pattern determination table is configured by associating a plurality of random numbers with a fluctuation pattern, for example, and selects a fluctuation pattern associated with the random number selected by the main CPU 112. As the variation pattern, when the same special symbol is confirmed and displayed at two places among the special symbols that are confirmed and displayed at three places on the special symbol display device 32a, the same special symbol is displayed at the remaining one place, and a big hit. A so-called reach pattern, a normal stop pattern other than the reach pattern, or the like, which gives an effect that makes the player flicker, is set. Subsequently, the main CPU 112 transmits a variation start command for instructing the start of variable display of the special symbol to the special symbol control device 32 (S
48), start measuring the fluctuation time indicating the time from fluctuation start to fluctuation stop of the special symbol (S50). Then, when the measurement time is up, the main CPU 112 (S
52: Yes), a variation stop command instructing the variation stop of the special symbol is transmitted to the special symbol control device 32 (S5).
4) The measurement time is reset (S56). The special symbol control described above is executed by a computer program stored in the ROM 114.

(Payout Control Command Transmission Process) First, the main CPU 112 performs the payout counter 1 as an initial setting.
The error between the count value of 13 and the number of times the prize-ball payout sensor is turned on is set to "0" (S60 in FIG. 11). continue,
It is determined whether or not the number of winnings is stored in the winning table Ta1 (FIG. 14) (S62), and if it is stored (S62: Yes), the prize corresponding to the storage area in which the number of winnings is stored. A prize ball command indicating an instruction to pay out the number of balls is transmitted to the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200 (S64). Next, a timer for measuring the reception interval of the detection signal transmitted from the prize ball payout sensor is set (S6).
8). That is, when the detection signal is not transmitted from the prize ball payout sensor for a predetermined time, a timer is set to determine that an abnormality has occurred in paying out the prize ball. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time set by the timer set in S68 has expired (S70). If the time has not expired (S70: No), the detection transmitted from the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b is detected. It is determined whether or not a signal has been received, that is, whether or not the prize balls have been paid out (S72).

If it is determined that the prize balls have been paid out (S72: Yes), "1" is subtracted from the count value set in S66 (S74), and the timer set in S68 is reset (S76). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value has become "0" (S78), and "0"
If not (S78: No), the process returns to S68, the timer is set again (S68), and the payout of prize balls is monitored (S70, S72). Then, S70 to S76
When it is determined that the count value has become “0” by repeating (S
78: Yes), and transmits a count end command indicating that the count has ended to the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200 (S80). If it is determined that the time is up in S70 (S70: Yes), the timer is reset (S82) and an error is detected (S84). For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the payout counter 113 is 6
If the counting of the first prize ball fails, the payout number of prize balls is 1
Since the count value remains "1" when the number reaches 5,
The error "1" is detected. This error “1” is
16 are stored.

Subsequently, the RAM 116 that has been detected so far is detected.
The total of the errors stored in the is calculated (S86), and it is determined whether the total is 50 or more (S88). Here, if it is determined that it is 50 or more (S88: Ye
s), the prize ball abnormality is notified (S90). For example, a message such as "A prize ball abnormality" is displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, or an LED for prize ball abnormality notification provided at a predetermined position of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on or blinks. In addition, a signal for informing a prize ball abnormality is transmitted from the game frame information terminal board 52 to a hall computer provided in a pachinko hall management room or the like, and a "prize ball abnormality" or the like is displayed on the monitor screen of the hall computer. Is displayed. At this time, the pachinko machine 1 in which the prize ball abnormality occurred
By displaying the unit number and the message in association with each other, it is possible to easily know which pachinko machine has the prize ball abnormality. If the total error is less than 50 (S88: No), the process returns to S62, and if the number of winnings is stored in the winning table Ta1, (S62: Ye).
s), S64 to S88 described above are executed. As described above, in the payout control command transmission process, the payout counter 11
Only when the count value of 3 becomes “0”, the count end command is transmitted to the sub CPU 212. The payout control command transmission process is executed by a computer program stored in the ROM 114.

(Payout Control Command Reception Processing) Sub CPU
Upon receiving the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112 (S100 in FIG. 12), the 212 determines whether the received control command is a prize ball command (S100).
102), if it is a prize ball command (S102: Ye
s), a payout start flag indicating that a prize ball payout instruction has been received from the main CPU 112 is set (S104),
A count end flag indicating that the count end command has been received from the main CPU 112 is reset (S106).
Subsequently, it is determined whether the control command received in S100 is a counting end command (S108), and if it is a counting end command (S108: Yes), a counting end flag is set (S110), and payout is started. The flag is reset (S112). The payout control command reception process is executed by a computer program stored in the ROM 214.

(Payout control) The sub CPU 212 determines whether or not the payout start flag is set in S104 of the payout control command receiving process (FIG. 12) (FIG. 13).
S120), if it is determined that it is set (S12)
0: Yes), the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball command received in S100 of the payout control command reception process is set as the count value of the payout counter 213 (S12).
2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of prize balls are being paid out based on whether or not a drive signal is output to a drive circuit that drives the prize ball payout motor 62c (S
124), if it is determined that it is not in the middle (S124: N
o), a drive signal is output to the drive circuit to drive the prize ball payout motor 62c (S128).

Subsequently, the timer for measuring the interval at which the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b are turned on is reset (S13).
0), the timer is set (S132). continue,
It is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer has expired (S134). If the time has not expired (S1
34: No), it is determined whether or not the prize ball payout sensor is turned on (S136). Here, when it is determined that it is turned on (S
136: Yes), "1" is subtracted from the count value of the payout counter 213 (S138), and the timer is reset (S140). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value has become "0" (S142), and if it has not become "0" (S142: No), the timer is set again (S13).
2), S134 to S142 are executed. If it is determined that the time is up (S134: Yes), S1
The process skips to 54, and "1" is added to the deceleration counter that determines the size of decelerating the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c. In this embodiment, when the deceleration counter is "1", the period T of the drive pulse for driving the prize ball payout motor 62c is lengthened to 1.5T, whereby the prize ball payout motor 6 is driven.
The rotation speed V1 of 2c is reduced to V2 (FIG. 8).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the deceleration counter is "3" or more (S156). If not (S156: No), the prize ball payout motor 62c is driven at the rotation speed V2. (S128). As a result, the payout speed of the prize balls by the prize ball payout motor 62c becomes slower.
The time for the prize balls to pass the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b becomes longer, and the detection signals output from the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b become stable accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the probability that the payout counters 113 and 213 will fail to detect the edge of the detection signal. If it is determined that the time is up again (S134: Yes),
"1" is further added to the deceleration counter (S154),
The cycle of the drive pulse output to the prize ball payout motor 62c is
It becomes 2T, and the rotation speed is reduced to V3 (FIG. 8). As a result, the payout speed of the prize balls by the prize ball payout motor 62c is further reduced, so that the time for the prize balls to pass through the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b becomes longer, and the prize ball payout sensor 62a, 62a, The detection signal output from 62b is further stabilized. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the probability that the payout counters 113 and 213 fail to detect the edge of the detection signal.

When the count value of the payout counter 213 becomes "0" (S142: Yes), the driving of the prize ball payout motor 62c is stopped (S144), and the count end flag is transmitted from the main CPU 112 from the stop. A timer for measuring the time until it arrives is set (S146).
Then, S11 of the payout control command reception process (FIG. 12)
When it is determined that the count end flag is set to 0 (S148) and it is determined that the count end flag is not set (S148: No), it is determined whether the time measured by the timer set in S146 is up. (S
150). Here, if it is determined that the time is up (S
150: Yes), "1" is added to the deceleration counter (S152).

That is, the payout counter 113 and the payout counter 213 are both the same prize ball payout sensors 62a, 62.
Since the payout prize balls are counted based on the detection signal output from b, the timings at which the counting ends should be substantially the same, but the detection input to the payout counter 113 due to the influence of noise or the like. The signal is finely broken into waveforms, and the payout counter 113 fails to count, or the detection signals input to the payout counter 213 are greatly broken into waveforms that can be individually counted, and the payout counter 213 is excessive. May be counted. Further, the payout counters 113, 21 may be different depending on individual differences such as the input detection level of the main board 100 or the payout control board 200.
The counting accuracy of 3 is slightly different, and the edge detection of the detection signal may fail. When these symptoms occur,
The timing at which the payout counter 113 finishes counting will be later than the timing at which the payout counter 213 finishes counting.

Therefore, if such a symptom occurs,
It is not possible to determine whether the cause is due to noise or the individual difference of the prize ball sensor, but first,
By slowing down the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c to slow down the prize ball payout speed, the time during which the prize ball is detected by the prize ball payout sensor is lengthened, thereby stabilizing the detection signal and paying out. It creates a situation where the counter is easy to detect the edge of the detection signal. As a result, if the above-mentioned symptoms are improved, it can be presumed that the cause is the individual difference of the prize-ball payout sensor. If the cause is that, if the state where the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor is decelerated is continued, the above-mentioned symptom does not occur, so that the correct prize ball payout can be continued. Therefore,
It is possible to prevent a player from being disadvantaged due to a shortage of prize balls due to duplicate counting of prize balls, or a pachinko hall from being disadvantaged due to excess prize balls due to a drop in the number of prize balls. If the above-mentioned symptoms are not improved, the deceleration counter becomes "3" or more (S15).
6: Yes), a signal for notifying the abnormality of the prize ball payout is transmitted to the special symbol control device 32, and the special symbol display device 32a
Thus, it is displayed that the prize ball payout abnormality has occurred (S158). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a message "abnormal prize ball abnormality" is displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the deceleration counter is "4" or more (S160), and when it is "4" or more (S160: Yes), the prize ball payout motor 62c is stopped (S162). As a result, it is possible to prevent the disadvantages incurred by the player and the pachinko hall from increasing.

In this embodiment, assuming that the detection interval of the prize balls by the prize-ball payout sensors 62a and 62b is 70 ms, if the payout counter fails to count, a blank time of 70 ms occurs in the count interval. Therefore, if the count end command is not sent from the main CPU 112 even after 70 ms has elapsed from the timing when the payout counter 213 finished counting, the payout counter 113 indicates that at least one or more prize balls have been set. Has failed to count. Therefore, 70 ms should be set in the timer set in S146. The above-mentioned payout control is executed by a computer program stored in the ROM 214.

[Effects of Embodiment] (1) As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
Using, the payout counter 113 of the main board 100 and the payout counter 213 of the payout control board 200 respectively count the number of prize balls paid out based on the detection signals output from the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b. In this case, even if the payout control board 200 finishes the payout control of the prize balls for a predetermined time, the main board 100 does not send a count end command indicating that the counting is finished, or the payout control board When a symptom such as a count end command is received from the main board 100 while 200 is performing the prize ball payout control, the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c is decelerated to thereby cause the prize ball payout speed. Can be slowed down. Therefore, if the above-mentioned symptom is improved by decreasing the payout speed of the prize balls, it can be estimated that the cause is due to the individual difference in the characteristics of the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b. If the cause is that, if the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c is continued to be decelerated, the above-mentioned symptom does not occur, so that accurate prize ball payout can be continued. In other words, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage due to lack of prize balls due to duplicate counting of prize balls, or the disadvantage of pachinko halls due to excess prize balls due to a drop in the number of prize balls. If the above-mentioned symptoms are not improved, the prize-ball payout motor 62c can be stopped, so that it is possible to prevent the disadvantages of the player and the pachinko hall from increasing. Furthermore, since the speed at which the prize balls are paid out has been reduced, that is, the occurrence of an abnormality in the payout of the prize balls can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, so the pachinko machine 1 dispenses the prize balls. You can know that you are operating at a reduced speed. Therefore, the amusement store can take measures such as exchanging a portion related to the payout of prize balls.

(2) In particular, when the above-mentioned symptom still occurs even if the speed of paying out the prize balls is reduced, the speed of paying out the prize balls can be further reduced. Therefore, the detection signals output from the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b can be made more stable, and the probability that the main board 100 or the payout control board 200 will fail to detect the edge of the detection signal is further reduced. can do. (3) When the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c is to be reduced in four stages, the payout of prize balls can be stopped. That is, the prize ball payout motor 62
The fact that the symptom is not improved even if the rotational speed of c is decelerated in three steps can be presumed to have a steady cause for the payout of prize balls. Stop paying out. Therefore,
There is no possibility that a player or a game store will be disadvantaged if the award ball payout continues abnormally.

<Other Embodiments> (1) Even if a predetermined time elapses after the payout control board 200 finishes the payout control of the prize balls, the main board 100 sends a count end command indicating that the counting is completed. If it is not done for a long time, the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c may be stopped without decelerating, and the prize ball payout abnormality may be notified. That is, when the counting end command is not transmitted, the line connecting the main board 100 and the payout control board 200 is broken, or the connection point between the line and each board is defective. In such a case, the prize ball payout motor 62
Since the problem cannot be solved by reducing the rotation speed of c, the prize ball payout motor 62c is stopped and the prize ball payout abnormality is notified.
For example, as the time set in the timer in S146 of the payout control (FIG. 13), the first time (for example, 7
0 ms) and a second time (for example, 500 ms) are set, and it is determined that the counting end flag is set from the elapse of the first time to the start of the measurement of the second time. In this case, "1" is added to the deceleration counter, and when it is determined that the counting end flag is not set even after the second time has elapsed, the prize ball payout motor 62c is stopped.

(2) In the above embodiment, when the symptom occurs, the rotational speed of the prize-ball payout motor 62c is immediately reduced. The rotation speed can also be reduced when the count value reaches a predetermined value. (3) If the symptom is improved by decelerating the rotational speed of the prize-ball payout motor 62c, then the rotational speed before deceleration can be restored if the symptom does not occur for a predetermined period. (Returning means). In addition, when the symptom occurs after the recovery, the rotation speed can be reduced again. (4) By lighting or blinking an LED provided at a predetermined position of the pachinko machine 1, it is possible to display that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of prize balls. It can also be displayed on the monitor screen of a hall computer provided in a pachinko hall management room or the like. Furthermore, the voice control device 79 can be used to make a voice notification from a speaker. (5) It is also possible to provide a display means for displaying the number of times the rotational speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c has been reduced or the actual rotational speed. For example, it can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, or can be displayed by turning on or blinking the number of LEDs corresponding to the number of times or the rotation speed. Further, those displays can be performed on the monitor screen of the hall computer.

[Correspondence between Each Claim and Embodiment] First
Seed start opening switch 27a and various winning opening switches
The main board 100 corresponds to the command transmitting means, which corresponds to the winning detection means according to claim 1 or 2. The payout control board 200 and the prize ball payout motor 62c correspond to the prize ball payout means, and the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b correspond to the prize ball detection means. The special symbol display 32a corresponds to the notification means. Then, S146 to S152 of the payout control (FIG. 13) executed by the sub CPU 212, and S124 and S.
126 and S154 correspond to the function of decelerating according to claim 1 or claim 2. Further, S158 corresponds to the notification function described in claim 1 or claim 2.
Further, S80 of the payout control command transmission process (FIG. 11) executed by the main CPU 112 corresponds to the transmission process of claims 6 to 9, and S152 of the payout control (FIG. 13) executed by the sub CPU 212 or S154 corresponds to the deceleration processing, and S158 corresponds to the notification processing. Figure 1
The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the computer program for executing the transmission processing according to claims 6 to 9, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to the computer program for executing the deceleration processing and the notification processing. . The ROM 114 in which the computer program for executing the transmission process is recorded and the ROM 214 in which the computer program for executing the deceleration process and the notification process are recorded correspond to the recording medium according to claim 8 or claim 9. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing an appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a game board 5 provided in the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the main structure of.

3 is an explanatory view showing a main structure of a back set provided in the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the prize ball unit 62, and FIG. 4 (B) is an AA line of FIG. 4 (A).
FIG.

5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a housing 62d is removed from the prize ball unit shown in FIG. Figure 5
FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the prize balls are paid out from one of the two exits for paying out the prize balls, and FIG.
(B) is an explanatory view showing how prize balls are paid out from the other exit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 in blocks.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, a connection relationship between a prize ball payout motor drive circuit and its periphery.

8 is an explanatory diagram of drive pulses generated when the pulse generation circuit 84 shown in FIG. 7 controls the rotation speed of the prize ball payout motor 62c to V1 to V3.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a first type starting opening process executed by the main CPU 112.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of special symbol control executed by the main CPU 112.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of payout control command transmission processing executed by the main CPU 112.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of payout control command reception processing executed by the sub CPU 212.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of payout control executed by the sub CPU 212.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a winning table.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the count value and the number of unpaid prize balls.

FIG. 16 is a front explanatory view of a conventional pachinko machine.

17 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, an electrical configuration for paying out prize balls in the pachinko machine shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 32a Special symbol display (informing means) 62a, 62b Prize ball payout sensor (prize ball detection means) 62c Prize ball payout motor (prize ball payout means) 100 Main board (command transmission means) 200 payout control board (prize ball payout means)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A prize detection means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and a command transmission for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing a payout of a prize ball when the prize detection means detects a prize of the game ball. Means for receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means, and paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command, and the prize ball payout means. The prize transmitting means and the prize ball detecting means for detecting the prize balls paid out by the command transmitting means and the prize ball paying means are respectively based on the detection of the paid prize balls by the prize ball detecting means. A game machine for counting the number of balls, wherein the command transmitting means, when the counting of the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command transmitted to the prize ball paying means is finished, The count end command indicating the end is transmitted to the prize ball paying means, and the prize ball paying means ends the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball paying command received from the command sending means. If it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for a predetermined period, the function of decelerating the speed for paying out the prize balls and the notification means of informing the deceleration is performed. A gaming machine characterized by having functions. 2. A prize detection means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and a command transmission for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing a payout of a prize ball when the prize of the game ball is detected by the prize detection means. Means for receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means, and paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command, and the prize ball payout means. The prize transmitting means and the prize ball detecting means for detecting the prize balls paid out by the command transmitting means and the prize ball paying means are respectively based on the detection of the paid prize balls by the prize ball detecting means. A game machine for counting the number of balls, wherein the command transmitting means, when the counting of the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command transmitted to the prize ball paying means is finished, The count end command indicating the end is transmitted to the prize ball payout means, the prize ball payout means pays out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command received from the command transmission means. If it is determined that a count end command indicating the end of counting the number of prize balls has been received from the command transmitting means, the function of reducing the speed for paying out the prize balls and the deceleration are performed. A gaming machine having a function of causing a notification means to notify that. 3. The award ball payout means further reduces the award speed of the award ball when the determination is made while the award ball payout speed is being reduced, 2. A function for informing the notification means that further deceleration has been performed.
Alternatively, the gaming machine according to claim 2. 4. The award ball paying means has a function of decelerating a speed at which the award ball is paid out when the number of times the judgment is made reaches a predetermined number, and a notification means of the deceleration. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a function of informing. 5. The award ball payout means has a function of stopping the payout of the award ball when the number of times the judgment has been made reaches a predetermined number, and informs the notification means of the stop. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a function. 6. A prize detecting means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and a command transmission for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing a payout of a prize ball when the prize of the game ball is detected by the prize detecting means. Means, a prize ball payout means for receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means, and paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command, and the prize ball payout means The command transmission means and the award ball payout means respectively award based on the detection of the award ball paid out by the award ball detection means. A computer program for causing a game machine for counting the number of balls to function by a computer, wherein the computer functioning as the command transmitting means is:
When the counting of the number of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command transmitted to the award ball payout means is finished, a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the award ball payout means And a computer functioning as the award ball paying means, a predetermined value after the payout of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command received from the command transmitting means is completed. If it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for a period of time, the deceleration processing for decelerating the speed for paying out the prize balls and the notification means for informing the notifying means that the deceleration has been performed are notified. And a computer program for executing processing. 7. A prize detection means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and a command transmission for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing a prize ball payout when a prize of the game ball is detected by the prize detection means. Means, a prize ball payout means for receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means, and paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command, and the prize ball payout means The command transmission means and the award ball payout means respectively award based on the detection of the award ball paid out by the award ball detection means. A computer program for causing a game machine for counting the number of balls to function by a computer, wherein the computer functioning as the command transmitting means is:
When the counting of the number of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command transmitted to the award ball payout means is ended, a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the award ball payout means And a computer functioning as the award ball payout means, while paying out award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command received from the command transmitting means. When it is determined that the count end command indicating the end of counting the number of prize balls is received from the command transmitting means, the deceleration process for decelerating the payout speed of the prize balls and the fact that the deceleration is performed are performed. A computer program comprising: a computer program for executing an informing process for informing an informing unit. 8. A prize detection means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and a command transmission for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing payout of a prize ball when the prize of the game ball is detected by the prize detection means. Means, a prize ball payout means for receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means, and paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command, and the prize ball payout means The command transmission means and the award ball payout means are respectively based on detection of the award ball paid out by the award ball detection means. A recording medium in which a computer program for causing a game machine for counting the number of balls to function by a computer is recorded, wherein the computer functioning as the command transmitting means is
When the counting of the number of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command transmitted to the award ball payout means is finished, a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the award ball payout means And a computer functioning as the award ball paying means, a predetermined value after the payout of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command received from the command transmitting means is completed. If it is determined that the counting end command has not been received from the command transmitting means for a period of time, the deceleration processing for decelerating the speed for paying out the prize balls and the notification means for informing the notifying means that the deceleration has been performed are notified. A recording medium on which a computer program having a computer program for executing processing is recorded. 9. A prize detecting means for detecting a prize of a game ball, and a command transmission for transmitting a prize ball payout command for instructing a prize ball payout when the prize of the game ball is detected by the prize detecting means. Means, a prize ball payout means for receiving the prize ball payout command transmitted from the command transmitting means, and paying out prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball payout command, and the prize ball payout means The command transmission means and the award ball payout means respectively award based on the detection of the award ball paid out by the award ball detection means. A recording medium in which a computer program for causing a game machine for counting the number of balls to function by a computer is recorded, wherein the computer functioning as the command transmitting means is
When the counting of the number of award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command transmitted to the award ball payout means is ended, a transmission process of transmitting a count end command indicating the end to the award ball payout means And a computer functioning as the award ball payout means, while paying out award balls corresponding to the number of award balls indicated by the award ball payout command received from the command transmitting means. When it is determined that the count end command indicating the end of counting the number of prize balls is received from the command transmitting means, the deceleration process for decelerating the payout speed of the prize balls and the fact that the deceleration is performed are performed. A recording medium on which a computer program having a computer program for executing an informing process for informing an informing unit is recorded.