JP2003230719A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which a control signal can be transmitted and received in a communication mode in which game balls are exactly put out. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU for put-out control drives a put-out motor for putting out 15 prize balls shown by a put-out number signal when a REQ signal is received. When putting-out of 15 prize balls is not confirmed on the basis of a detecting signal from a put-out count switch even after the lapse of a prize ball passing waiting time from the driving end of the put-out motor, the CPU for put-out control drives the put-out motor for putting one prize ball as corrected processing. When it is confirmed that 15 prize balls are put out by such putting-out of one ball, the CPU for put-out control stops the output of a BUSY signal. Therefore, game balls can be exactly put out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of playing a predetermined game by using a game medium, and a pachinko game machine which pays out a prize game medium as a prize based on a payout condition being satisfied by the game. And gaming machines such as slot machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are provided. There are things that are paid out to the player.
Furthermore, a variable display unit whose display state can be changed is provided,
There is one configured to give a predetermined game value to the player when the display result of the variable display section becomes a predetermined specific display mode.

The gaming value means that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who easily wins a hit ball, or is advantageous for the player. To generate the right to pay for the prize, and to make it easier for the conditions for paying out prize balls to be met.

In the pachinko gaming machine, it is usually called a "big hit" that the display result of the variable display section for displaying the special symbol is a combination of predetermined specific display modes.
When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win is entered. Then, in each opening period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning holes are won, the winning holes are closed. The number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and the special winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number. If the predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied when the special winning opening is closed, the jackpot gaming state ends.

Further, in the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time, and stop and swing in a state in which it matches the specific display mode. , Scaled or deformed state, or multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously in the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is swapped, the possibility of a big hit before the final result is displayed The effect that is performed in a state in which the above is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as the reach state) is referred to as the reach effect. A variable display including a reach effect is called a reach variable display. By changing the variation pattern in the reach state from the variation pattern in the normal state, the interest of the game is enhanced. When the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the variably display device does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, the result is “out”, and the variably display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

The progress of the game on the gaming machine is controlled by the game control means such as a microcomputer. If the payout control means for controlling the prize ball payout is mounted on a payout control board which is different from the main board on which the game control means is mounted, the progress of the game is made by the game control means mounted on the main board. Since it is controlled, the number of prize balls based on winning is
It is determined by the game control means and transmitted to the payout control board. On the other hand, the lending of the game medium is unrelated to the progress of the game, and thus is generally controlled by the payout control means, not through the game control means.

As described above, the game machine is equipped with the control means in addition to the game control means. Then, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game transmits a control signal indicating an operation instruction or the like according to the game situation to each control means mounted on a control board other than the main board. Hereinafter, the game control means and other control means may be referred to as electrical component control means, and the board on which the electrical component control means is mounted may be referred to as an electrical component control board.

[0008]

As described above, the number of prize balls based on the winning is determined by the game control means,
A control signal indicating the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control means. Then, the payout control means performs processing for paying out the number of prize balls based on the winning, based on the control signal from the game control means.

However, the communication of the control signal indicating the number of prize balls exchanged between the game control means and the payout control means,
Since it is executed regardless of the completion of the payout, the number of prize balls based on the winning may not be accurately paid out due to the missing of the signal or the incorrect recognition. Therefore, there is a risk that the game value obtained by the player may disappear.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of transmitting and receiving a control signal in a communication mode in which payout of a game medium is accurately executed.

[0011]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
It is possible to play a predetermined game using the game medium,
The payout condition by the game (for example, a condition that is satisfied when there is a prize in a prize area provided in the game area, a condition that is satisfied when a display in a predetermined display mode predetermined in the slot machine is made on the display device). 44 is a gaming machine that pays out a prize game medium as a prize based on the establishment of a condition), which is game control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, game control means including CPU 56, game control shown in FIG. 44). 561), payout means for paying out the prize game medium (for example, ball payout device 97, payout means 97a shown in FIG. 44), and payout control means for controlling the payout means (for example, payout control including a payout control CPU 371) Means, the payout control means 371a shown in FIG. 44, and a game medium detection means for detecting the prize game medium paid out by the payout means (for example, a payout cow). Switch 301, and the game medium detection means 501 shown in FIG. 44), and the game control means issues a payout command signal (for example, the payout control means) for designating the payout number of the prize game media to the payout control means based on the establishment of the payout condition. The payout number signal, the REQ signal, and the payout command signal shown in FIG. 44) are continuously output (for example, it means that the state is turned on in steps S194 and S195, and thereafter the on state is continuously maintained). Then, the payout control means executes the payout processing of the prize game medium by the payout means based on the payout command signal (for example, the prize ball control processing shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the payout processing of step S757a shown in FIG. 44), The detection signal from the game medium detecting means is
The payout control means inputs the payout control means, and the payout control means monitors the input state of the detection signal from the game medium detecting means and determines whether or not the number of payout game media designated by the payout command signal has been paid out ( For example, the payout amount determination means (step S547) (for example, the payout control means including the payout control CPU 371, the payout amount determination means 371b shown in FIG. 44),
The number of payouts designated by the payout command signal by the number-of-payouts determination means even if a predetermined period (for example, a period until the prize ball passage waiting time ends) has elapsed after the process of paying out the prize game medium based on the payout command signal has finished. When it is not determined that the prize game medium has been paid out, it is determined that the number of payouts of the prize game medium by the payout process is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts designated by the payout command signal (for example, step S54
7) N) that the payout amount is insufficient due to the payout amount insufficient determination means (for example, the payout control means including the payout control CPU 371, the payout amount insufficient determination means 371c shown in FIG. 44) and the payout amount insufficient determination means. When it is determined, the payout means is controlled to pay out the minimum number of units (for example, one when the payout means pays out one game medium each) as a prize game medium payout processing (for example, the processing after step S548). , A shortage payout process control unit (for example, a payout control unit including a payout control CPU 371) that executes the payout process of step S757b shown in FIG. 44, and a shortage payout process control unit 37 shown in FIG.
1d) and a payout completion signal indicating that the payout process is completed when it is determined by the payout number determination means that the number of payout game media designated by the payout command signal has been paid out (for example, the BUSY signal is at a high level). Payout completion signal transmitting means (for example, payout control CPU 371) for outputting to the game control means a prize ball payout completion signal output by lowering the payout completion signal from FIG.
44 including the payout control means including the payout completion signal transmission means 371e) shown in FIG. 44, the game control means outputs the payout command signal continuously output based on the receipt of the payout completion signal. Stop (for example, the signal kept in the ON state is changed to step S385 and step S3).
At 86, it means to be in an off state. ) Payout command signal stop means (for example, game control means including CPU 56, payout command signal stop means 562 shown in FIG. 44) are included.

After the payout amount insufficiency determining means completes the payout processing of the minimum number of units of the game game media by the shortage payout processing control means, the payout processing based on the payout command signal including the payout processing by the shortage payout processing control means. Number of payouts by (for example, the number obtained by adding the number of game balls paid out in the payout process based on the setting in step S536 and the number of game balls paid out in the payout process based on the setting in step S548 ) Determines whether the number of payouts specified by the payout command signal is insufficient, and the insufficient payout processing control means determines that the number of payouts is insufficient by the insufficient payout number determination means. In addition, it may be configured to control the payout means and execute the payout process of the prize game medium for the minimum number of units again (for example, the processes after step S548 are executed again). .

The payout means can execute payout of the prize game medium and payout of the rental game medium to be lent to the player based on a lending request (for example, a ball lending request from the card unit 50), and the game medium detecting means. May be configured to detect the prize game medium and the rental game medium paid out by the payout means.

When the payout control means executes the payout process, payout type judgment means (for example, payout control CP) for judging whether the prize game medium is paid out or the rental game medium is paid out.
The payout control means including U371) is provided, and whether the detection signal from the game medium detection means is based on the detection of the prize game medium or the rental game medium is determined by the determination by the payout type determination means (for example, step S753d). , An external information signal output process for outputting a premium game medium number signal indicating the number of paid-out game media or a rental game medium number signal indicating the number of paid-out game media to the outside of the gaming machine (for example, step It may be configured to execute S753g to step S753j and step S753k to step S753n).

The payout control means indicates that the prize game medium payout process based on the payout command signal is being executed (for example, a BUSY signal. Specifically, for example, the BUSY signal is maintained in the ON state. It may be configured to output to the game control means).

With respect to the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal, the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal are discriminated from each other by a change in the output mode of the same signal (eg, BUSY signal).
The BUSY signal is lowered from the high level to the low level to output the payout completion signal. If the BUSY signal is maintained at the high level, it indicates that the payout processing signal is output. ) May be configured.

The payout control means is a drive unit of the payout means (for example, payout motor 289, gear 291, sprocket 292).
Etc.) may be configured to determine the end of the payout process based on the detection of a motion amount detection unit (for example, a portion of the payout control unit that detects the rotation amount of the payout motor 289). ..

By monitoring the state of a predetermined power source used in the gaming machine, a detection condition (for example, a voltage value of VSL (+ 30V), which is a monitoring voltage, is + for monitoring the supply of power to the gaming machine is +.
The game control means is provided with a power supply monitoring means (for example, power supply monitoring IC 902) that outputs a detection signal (for example, a power supply cutoff signal) based on the establishment of a condition that is satisfied when the voltage drops to 22V. In response to the input of the signal, a supply stop detection signal indicating that the detection condition is satisfied (for example, a power supply confirmation signal. Specifically, for example, a power supply confirmation signal is made to fall to indicate that power supply is cut off). It may be configured to output to the means.

The power supply monitoring means may be configured to be mounted on a game control board (for example, the main board 31) on which the game control means is provided.

When the game control means starts the power supply, the power supply start signal (for example, power supply confirmation signal. Concretely, for example, power supply confirmation) indicating to the payout control means that the control operation of the game control means has started. It may be configured to output (for example, step S14a and step S89a) that the power supply is started by raising the signal.

The payout control means sets a payout prohibited state in which the payout process of the prize game medium is prohibited based on the establishment of the prohibition condition for prohibiting the payout of the prize game medium (for example, a process of setting a payout stop flag). ) Is performed, and if the prohibition condition that caused the setting to the payout prohibition state is a specific prohibition condition (for example, a condition in which it is determined that an in-unit ball biting error or a payout unit error has occurred), a predetermined operation is performed. Means (for example, error release switch 3
It may be configured to release the payout prohibition state based on the operation of 75).

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as seen from the front, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front surface of the gaming board. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example, but the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine and can be applied to, for example, an image-type gaming machine or a slot machine.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is composed of an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame mounted inside the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped glass door frame 2 that is provided in the game frame so as to be openable and closable. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanical parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding a game board described later). It is a structure including and.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply plate (upper plate) 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a ball hitting handle (operation knob) 5 for launching the game ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-shaped body that constitutes the game board 6 and various parts attached to the plate-shaped body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions for variably displaying symbols as identification information is provided. The variable display device 9 includes, for example, “left”, “middle”,
There are three "right" variable display parts (symbol display areas).
In addition, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol starting memory display areas (starting memory display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of starting memories. Each time there is an effective start prize, the display color is changed (for example, changed from blue display to red display) and the start memory display area is increased by one. And the variable display device 9
Each time the variable display of (3) is started, the display area for changing the number of starting memories in which the display color is changed is decremented by 1 (that is, the display color is restored). In this example, since the symbol display area and the starting memory display area are provided separately, the number of starting memories can be displayed even during variable display.
The start memory display area may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the start memory number may be interrupted during the variable display. Further, in this example, the starting memory display area is provided in the variable display device 9, but a display device (special symbol starting memory display device) for displaying the number of starting memories is provided separately from the variable display device 9. You may

Below the variable display device 9, the start winning opening 1
A variable winning ball device 15 is provided. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning opening 14 is guided to the rear surface of the game board 6 and detected by the starting opening switch 14a. Also,
A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the starting winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

At the bottom of the variable winning ball device 15, there is provided an opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). Opening plate 20
Is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. One of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 (V winning area)
The entered winning balls are detected by the V winning switch 22, and the winning balls from the opening / closing plate 20 are detected by the count switch 23. On the back surface of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route inside the special winning opening is also provided.

When the game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, the left and right lamps (the pattern can be visually recognized when turned on) are alternately turned on to perform variable display. For example, when the variable display ends, the right lamp is turned on. And when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. Normal symbol display 10
The number of winning balls that entered the gate 32 is displayed near 4
A normal symbol start-up memory display 41 having a display section with two LEDs is provided. Every time there is a prize in the gate 32, the normal symbol starting memory display 41 turns on the LED that is turned on by 1
increase. Then, each time the variable display of the normal symbol display device 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is reduced by 1.

The game board 6 has a plurality of winning openings 29, 30,
33, 39 are provided, and the winning openings 29, 30, 3 for gaming balls
The prizes for 3 are prize winning opening switches 29a, 30 respectively.
a, 33a, 39a. Each prize hole 2
Reference numerals 9, 30, 33, and 39 form a winning area provided on the game board 6 as an area for accepting a game medium and allowing a prize. It should be noted that the starting winning opening 14 that accepts the game medium and allows the winning, and the special winning opening also constitute the winning area. Decorative lamps 25 that are displayed blinking during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 that absorbs a game ball that has not won is provided in the lower part. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit a sound effect are provided on the upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b and a right frame lamp 2
8c is provided. Further, a decorative LED is installed around each structure (a special winning opening, etc.) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decorative LED are examples of the decorative light-emitting body provided in the game machine.

In this example, the prize ball lamp 51 which is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls near the left frame lamp 28b.
Is provided, and a ball-out lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball runs out is provided near the top frame lamp 28a.
As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with the lamps and the LEDs as the light emitting bodies at various places. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

The card unit 50 has a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether or not it is in a usable state, and a connecting board direction indicator indicating which side the card unit 50 corresponds to the pachinko gaming machine 1. 153, a card insertion display lamp 154 indicating that a card is inserted in the card unit 50, a card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card reader provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot 155. A card unit lock 156 is provided for releasing the card unit 50 when checking the mechanism of the writer.

The game ball shot from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then comes down from the game area 7. When the game ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the symbol can be started, the variable display device 9 starts the variable display (variation) of the special symbol. If it is not in a state where variable display of symbols can be started, the number of starting memories is increased by 1.

The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. If the special symbol combination at the time of stop is a big hit symbol (specific display result), the big hit game state is entered. That is, the opening / closing plate 2
0 is released until a certain time has elapsed or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are won. And
When the game ball enters the V winning area and is detected by the V winning switch 22 while the opening / closing plate 20 is open, the continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The continuation right can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

A combination of special symbols in the variable display device 9 at the time of stop is a big hit symbol with a probability variation (probability variation symbol)
In the case of the combination of, the probability of the next big hit is high. That is, the state of probability change is more advantageous for the player.

When the game ball wins the gate 32, the normal symbol display 10 is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 1
5 is opened only for a predetermined time. Furthermore, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 will be a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probability variation symbol, and the like, and from a disadvantageous state for the player. Change to an advantageous state. In addition, increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine viewed from the back side. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the mechanism plate to which various members are attached as seen from the rear side of the gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the gaming machine, a variable display control unit 49 including a symbol control board 80 for controlling the variable display device 9, a gaming control board (mainly a gaming control microcomputer, etc.) is mounted. Substrate) 31 is installed. Further, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. Furthermore, various decorations L provided on the game board 6
ED, normal pattern starting memory display 41, decorative lamp 25,
Top frame lamp 28a and left frame lamp 2 provided on the frame side
8b, a right frame lamp 28c, a prize ball lamp 51, and a lamp control board for mounting a lamp control means for controlling lighting of the out-of-ball lamp 52, and sound control for mounting sound control means for controlling sound generation from the speaker 27. A substrate 70 is also provided. In addition, DC30V, DC21V, DC1
A power supply board 910 and a firing control board 91 on which a power supply circuit for generating 2V and DC5V is mounted are provided.

On the back side of the game machine, a terminal board 160 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the game machine is installed above. Terminal board 160
At least, the terminal for ball breakage for introducing the output of the ball breakage detection switch and outputting it externally, the terminal for prize balls for externally outputting the prize ball number signal and the external output for the ball lending number signal A ball lending terminal is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the center, an information terminal board (information output board) 34 provided with each terminal for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed.

The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail 39, and as shown in FIG. 4, the curve gutter 1
After 86, the ball payout device covered with the prize ball case 40A is reached. At the upper part of the ball payout device, a ball break switch 187 is provided as a game medium cut detection means. When the out-of-ball switch 187 detects out-of-ball, the payout operation of the ball payout device is stopped. The out-of-ball switch 187 is a switch that detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the out-of-ball detection switch 167 that detects a shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion of the guide rail 39 (the storage tank 38). (Provided near). When the out-of-ball detection switch 167 detects a shortage of game balls, the supply mechanism provided on the game machine installation island supplies game balls to the game machine.

A large number of game balls as prizes based on prizes and game balls based on ball lending requests are paid out, the batting ball supply plate 3 becomes full, and finally the game balls reach the contact port 45 and further game balls are provided. When paid out, the game ball is guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 4 through the surplus ball passage 46. Further, when the game ball is paid out, the sensing lever 47 presses the full tank switch 48 as the storage state detection means, and the full tank switch 48 as the storage state detection means is turned on. In that state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device is stopped, and the driving of the launching device is also stopped.

As shown in FIG. 4, a ball passage 191 extending from the curve gutter 186 to the discharge port 192 at the bottom of the game machine is formed on the side of the ball payout device. Ball passage 19
1 is provided with a ball removing lever 193, and when the ball removing lever 193 is operated by a game store clerk or the like, a game ball passage from the guide rail 39 to the ball removing passage 191 is formed and stored in the storage tank 38. The played game ball is discharged from the discharge port 192 to the outside of the game machine.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a structural example of the ball payout device 97. In this example, a ball payout device 97 is formed inside the three cases 140, 141, 142 as the prize ball case 40A. Holes 170, 171 communicating with the ball passage at the bottom of the ball break switch 187 are provided in the upper part of the cases 140, 141, and the game ball has holes 170, 171.
It flows into the ball payout device 97 from 171.

The ball payout device 97 includes a payout motor (for example, a stepping motor) 289 serving as a drive source. The rotational force of the dispensing motor 289 is transmitted to the gear 290 fitted to the rotation shaft of the dispensing motor 289, and further transmitted to the gear 291 that meshes with the gear 290. A sprocket 292 having a recess is fitted on the central axis of the gear 291. The game balls that have flowed in from the holes 170 and 171 are dropped one by one into the ball passage 293 below the sprocket 292 by the recess of the sprocket 292. That is,
In this embodiment, the minimum unit number of game balls paid out by the ball payout device 97 (the smallest number of game balls that can be paid out separately by the payout device) is one. If two sprocket 292 are provided, or two game balls are introduced into the recess of the sprocket 292, two balls are paid out by the ball payout device 97. In this case, the minimum number of game balls that the ball payout device 97 pays out is two.
Moreover, you may make it use the payout device which set the minimum number of units to three or more.

In this embodiment, the ball passage 293 is commonly used both when paying out a prize ball and when lending a ball. Therefore, the game ball flows down the ball passage 293 both when paying out the prize ball and when lending the ball. The payout motor 289 is controlled by the payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 37.
The payout control CPU is a payout motor 2 in response to a command from the game control CPU mounted on the main board 31.
Control 89.

A payout sensor (payout count switch) 301 for detecting the game balls paid out by the ball payout device is provided below the flow path of the game balls. The payout count switch 301 detects both the game ball paid out as the prize ball and the game ball paid out as the rental ball. That is, in this example, the detection of the prize balls paid out,
The common dispense sensor is used to detect the dispensed loan ball. The detection signal of the payout count switch 301 is input to the payout control CPU of the payout control board 37. The payout control CPU counts the number of game balls actually paid out based on the detection signals. In this embodiment, the payout count switch 301
No detection signal is input to the CPU of the main board 31.
Power is supplied from the power supply board 910 to the payout count switch 301 via the payout control board 37.
Further, a plurality of payout sensors may be provided.

A protrusion 295 forming a payout motor position sensor is formed around the gear 291. The protrusion 295 transmits or shields the light from the light emitting body (not shown) with the rotation of the gear 291 or the rotation of the payout motor 289 with respect to the light receiving portion (not shown) of the payout motor position sensor. Or The payout control CPU is
The position of the payout motor 289 can be recognized by the detection signal from the light receiving unit.

The ball payout device may be configured to perform both prize ball payout and ball lending, but a ball payout device for paying a prize ball and a ball payout device for lending a ball are separately provided. It may be. Further, for example, the rotation direction of the sprocket may be changed to divide the prize ball payout and the ball lending, and the ball payout device having any structure other than the ball payout device 97 exemplified in the present embodiment. The present invention can also be applied by using.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an exposed portion of the power supply board 910 installed on the game board 6. As shown in FIG. 6, most of the power supply board 910 overlaps with the main board 31, but there is an exposed portion that is visible from the outside without overlapping with the main board 31. In this exposed portion, a power switch 914 as a power supply permission unit for executing or cutting off power supply to each electric component control board and each electric component of the gaming machine 1 and a memory content holding included in the main board 31 There is provided a clear switch 921 as an operating means for clearing the backup data stored in the means (for example, the backup RAM capable of retaining the contents even when the power supply is stopped). In this way, since the power switch 914 and the clear switch 921 are arranged close to each other, the operation of the clear switch 921 related to starting power supply to the gaming machine by the power switch 914 becomes easy.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. Note that FIG. 7 also shows the payout control board 37 and the effect control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a starting opening switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23, winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39.
a and the signal from the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 5
3, a solenoid circuit 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15, a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20, and a solenoid 21A for switching the path within the special winning opening, which is driven according to a command from the basic circuit 53. The circuit 59 is mounted.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, a count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58. Further, the gate switch 32a, the starting port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a,
The switch such as 39a may be what is called a sensor. That is, the name does not matter as long as it can detect the game ball. In particular, each of the starting opening switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a for performing the winning detection is also a winning detection means. The winning detection means may be one that collectively detects each of the gaming balls that have been won separately in a plurality of winning openings. Also, the gate switch 32a
Even if a passing gate like this is used, if a prize ball is paid out, the game ball entering the passing gate becomes a prize, and a switch (for example, a gate switch 32a) provided at the passing gate is It becomes a winning detection means.

Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the big hit information indicating the occurrence of the big hit, the effective starting information indicating the number of the starting winning balls used to start the variable display of the symbols on the variable display device 9, and the probability variation. An information output circuit 64 that outputs an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating that it has occurred to an external device such as a hall computer is mounted.

The basic circuit 53 is a ROM 54 for storing a program for controlling a game, and R as a storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory.
AM55, CPU5 which controls according to the program
6 and I / O port section 57. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. Note that the 1-chip microcomputer only needs to have at least the RAM 55 built therein, and
The OM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be external or built-in.

A part of or the entire RAM 55 (which may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a power supply board 91.
It is a backup RAM that is backed up by a backup power supply created at 0. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 are saved for a predetermined period.

A hitting ball launching device for hitting and launching a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launching control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the launch control board 91 controls the game ball to be launched at a speed according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

In this embodiment, the production control means mounted on the production control board 80 controls the display of the normal symbol start memory display 41 and the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board, Display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c provided on the frame side is performed. The production control means mounted on the production control board 80 also controls the display of the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol and the ordinary symbol display 10 that variably displays the ordinary symbol.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing components related to payout, such as the components of the payout control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 8, the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 is input to the I / O port 372b of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72. Also,
The detection signal from the ball break switch 187 also applies to the relay board 72.
Is input to the I / O port 372b of the payout control board 37 via.

CPU 37 for payout control of payout control board 37
In No. 1, when the detection signal from the out-of-ball switch 187 indicates the out-of-sphere state or the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates the full state, the ball dispensing process is stopped.

When there is a winning, the output circuit 67 of the main board 31
Then, an REQ signal (prize ball request signal) for making a prize ball payout request and a payout number signal indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out are output. The payout number signal is composed of 4-bit data and is output by four signal lines. The payout number signal is input / output through the input circuit 373A.
It is input to the port 372a. CPU 371 for payout control
When the REQ signal and the payout number signal are input from the I / O port 372a, the control is performed to drive the ball payout device 97 to pay out the number of game balls indicated by the payout number signal. A power supply confirmation signal is also output from the output circuit 67 of the main board 31. Further, when the payout control board 37 is performing the prize ball payout processing, the main board 31 outputs a BUSY signal output via the output circuit 373B of the payout control board 37 and indicating that the payout processing is being performed. (Prize ball payout signal) is input. The output form of each signal will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 371 is a one-chip microcomputer and has at least a built-in RAM.

The payout control CPU 371 uses the output port 3
A terminal board (including an external terminal board for a frame and an external terminal board for a board) 160 is provided with a prize ball payout number signal indicating the number of prize balls paid out and a ball lending number signal indicating the number of loan balls paid out via 72c. Output to. The terminal board 16
0 (outer terminal board for frame) has a door opening information switch 1
61 is connected. Also, an error signal is output to the error display LED 374 via the output port 372d. Further, a signal for instructing turning on / off of the lamp is output to the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball burn-out lamp 52 via the output port 372f. The payout control board 37
A detection signal from the error canceling switch 375 for canceling the error state is input to the input port 372d of. The error release switch 375 is used to release the error state by software reset.

Further, the input port 3 of the payout control board 37
The detection signals from the payout count switch 301 and the payout motor position sensor for detecting the rotational position of the payout motor 289 are input to 72b via the relay board 72. The payout count switch 301 is used for the ball payout device 9
7 is provided in the payout mechanism portion and detects the actually paid game balls (prize balls and loan balls). Discharge control board 37
The drive signal from the payout motor 289 to the payout motor 289 is output port 3
It is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via 72c and the relay board 72.

A card unit control microcomputer is mounted on the card unit 50. Also,
The card unit 50 is provided with a usable indicator lamp 151, a connecting stand direction indicator 153, a card insertion indicator lamp 154 and a card insertion slot 155 (see FIG. 1). On the interface board 66, a frequency display LED 60 provided near the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a ball lendable LE
The D61, the ball lending switch 62 and the return switch 63 are connected.

From the interface board 66 to the card unit 50, the ball lending switch 6 is operated according to the operation of the player.
A ball lending switch signal indicating that 2 has been operated and a return switch signal indicating that the return switch 63 has been operated are given. Further, a card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lendability display signal are given from the card unit 50 to the interface board 66. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37,
Connection signal (VL signal), unit operation signal (BRDY signal), ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), ball lending completion signal (EXS signal) and pachinko machine operation signal (PRDY signal) are input port 372b and output port 372e. Exchanged via. An interface board 66 is interposed between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37. Therefore, signals such as the connection signal (VL signal) are shown in FIG.
As shown in, the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 are exchanged via the interface board 66.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The payout control CPU 371 of the payout control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. Further, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a VL signal. The payout control CPU 371 determines the connected state / unconnected state based on the input state of the VL signal. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50 and the ball lending switch is operated to input a ball lending switch signal, the card unit controlling microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 37. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point in time, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 37.

Then, the payout control C of the payout control board 37 is used.
When the PU 371 raises the EXS signal to the card unit 50 and detects the fall of the BRQ signal from the card unit 50, it drives the payout motor 289 to pay out a predetermined number of lending balls to the player. When the payout is completed, the payout control CPU 371 causes the card unit 5
The EXS signal for 0 is dropped. After that, if the BRDY signal from the card unit 50 is not on,
The prize ball payout control is executed. The power supply voltage AC24V used in the card unit 50 is supplied from the payout control board 37.

Power supply board 91 for card unit 50
The power supply from 0 is performed via the payout control board 37 and the interface board 66. In this example, the card unit 50 arranged in the interface board 66.
A fuse for protecting the card unit 50 is provided on the 24 V AC power supply line to prevent the card unit 50 from being supplied with a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage.

In this embodiment, the case where the card unit 50 is installed separately from the gaming machine and adjacent to the gaming machine is taken as an example, but the card unit 50 is integrated with the gaming machine. May be. Further, the present invention can be applied even in the case where a game ball corresponding to the amount of coins is lent out according to the coin insertion.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply board 910. The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the electric component control boards such as the main board 31, the effect control board 80, and the payout control board 37, and generates a voltage used by each electric part control board and mechanical parts in the gaming machine. In this example, AC24V, VSL (DC + 30V), DC + 21
Generates V, DC + 12V and DC + 5V. Also,
The capacitor 916 serving as a backup power supply, that is, a memory holding unit is charged from DC + 5V, that is, a power supply line for driving the IC or the like on each substrate. Note that VSL is generated in the rectifier circuit 912 by rectifying and boosting AC24V with a rectifying element. VSL serves as a solenoid drive power source.

The power supply board 910 is provided with a power switch 914 for executing or cutting off power supply to each electric part control board and mechanical parts in the game machine. The transformer 911 converts the AC voltage from the AC power supply into 24V. The AC 24V voltage is output to the connector 915.
The rectifier circuit 912 also generates a DC voltage of + 30V from AC 24V and outputs the DC voltage to the DC-DC converter 913 and the connector 915. DC-DC converter 913
Has one or more converter ICs 920 (only one is shown in FIG. 9) and is +21 based on VSL.
V, + 12V and + 5V are generated and output to the connector 915. A relatively large-capacity capacitor 923 is connected to the input side of the converter IC 920. Therefore,
When the power supply to the game machine from the outside is stopped,
DC voltages such as + 30V, + 12V, and + 5V drop relatively slowly. Also, on the input side of the connector 915,
A relatively large-capacity capacitor 924 is connected. Therefore, the + 30V DC voltage output to the connector 915 drops more gently than other DC voltages. The connector 915 is connected to, for example, a relay board, and the relay board supplies electric power of a required voltage to each electric component control board and mechanical components.

However, the power supply board 910 may be provided with each connector reaching each electric component control board so that each voltage can be supplied from the power supply board 910 to each board without passing through the relay board. In addition, one connector 9 is shown in FIG.
Although 15 is representatively shown, the connector is provided for each electric component control board.

+ 5V from the DC-DC converter 913
The line branches to form a backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 916 is connected between the backup + 5V line and the ground level. The capacitor 916 is a backup RAM of the electric component control board when the power supply to the game machine is stopped (RAM whose power is backed up, that is, backup storage means that can be in a storage content holding state even when the power supply is stopped).
It becomes a backup power supply that supplies electric power so that the memory state can be maintained. In addition, a diode 9 for preventing backflow is provided between the + 5V line and the backup + 5V line.
17 is inserted. In this embodiment, backup + 5V is supplied to the main board 31.

A battery which can be charged from a + 5V power source may be used as the backup power source. When a battery is used, a rechargeable battery is used which loses its capacity when the power is not supplied from the + 5V power source for a predetermined time. Further, instead of the capacitors 923 and 924 described above, a battery that can be charged from a + 30V power source may be used.
When a battery is used instead of the capacitor 923, a rechargeable battery that can supply power to the payout count switch 301 for a period equal to or longer than a payout confirmation period described below is used. In addition,
The above battery does not have to have a charging function,
For example, a battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery, an alkaline battery or a manganese battery can be used.

As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply board 910 includes
A clear switch 921 having a push button structure is mounted. When the clear switch 921 is pressed, a low level (on state) clear switch signal is output and transmitted to the main board 31 via the connector 915. If the clear switch 921 is not pressed, a high level (off state) signal is output. In this embodiment, when the clear signal in the ON state is output, the operation signal is output from the clear switch 921 as the operation unit. The clear switch 921
It may have a configuration other than the push button structure.

In this embodiment, the clear switch 92
Since 1 is mounted on the power board 910, even if the power board 910 is used as it is for the game board 6 after replacement when the game board 6 is replaced, etc., the game board 6 after replacement remains unchanged. It is possible to execute a game state restoration process and the like. That is, the power supply board 910 can be reused. Note that the clear switch 92 may be provided on another board such as a switch board instead of the power board 910.
1 may be mounted.

FIG. 10 shows the CPU 56 in the main board 31.
It is a block diagram showing an example of the circumference. As shown in FIG. 10, a power supply monitoring IC 902 as a power supply monitoring circuit is mounted on the main board 31. Power supply monitoring IC90
2 introduces the VSL voltage from the power supply board 910 and detects the occurrence of the power supply stop to the game machine by monitoring the VSL voltage. Specifically, when the VSL voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (+ 22V in this example), the power supply cutoff signal is output (specifically, it is set to a low level). The power supply voltage to be monitored is preferably higher than the power supply voltage (+5 V in this example) of the circuit element mounted on each electric component control board. In this example, VSL, which is the voltage immediately after conversion from AC to DC, is used.

The power-off signal from the power monitoring IC 902 is a non-maskable interrupt terminal (XNMI terminal) of the CPU 56.
Entered in. As described above, the power supply monitoring circuit is a circuit that monitors the voltage of one of the various DC power supplies used by the gaming machine and detects a power supply voltage drop. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage of VSL is monitored, and when the voltage value becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, a low level power-off signal is generated.
VSL is the maximum DC voltage in the gaming machine, and is + 30V in this example. Therefore, the CPU 56
Can confirm the occurrence of power failure by interrupt processing.

The predetermined value for the power supply monitoring IC 902 to detect the stop of power supply is lower than the normal voltage, but is a voltage at which the CPU on each electric component control board can operate for a while. Further, the power supply monitoring IC 902 is a CPU
For driving circuit elements such as (+5 in this example)
The voltage is higher than V) and is configured to monitor the voltage immediately after the conversion from AC to DC, so that the monitoring range can be expanded with respect to the voltage required by the CPU. Therefore, more precise monitoring can be performed.

Furthermore, VSL (+ 30V) is used as the monitoring voltage.
In the case of using, since the voltage supplied to the various switches of the gaming machine is + 12V, it can be expected to prevent erroneous detection of switch-on at the moment of power interruption. That is, when the voltage of the + 30V power supply is monitored, it is possible to detect a decrease in + 12V generated after + 30V is generated, before the voltage starts to drop. When the voltage of the + 12V power supply drops, the switch output starts to turn on. However, if the + 30V power supply voltage that drops earlier than + 12V is monitored and it is recognized that the power supply has stopped, the power supply will turn on before the switch output turns on. It is possible to enter a state of waiting for restoration and enter a state in which no switch output is detected.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the system reset circuit 65 is mounted on the main board 31. The reset signal from the system reset circuit 65 is input to the reset terminal (reset signal input unit) of the CPU 56.

When the power is turned on, the reset IC 651 in the system reset circuit 65 sets the output to the low level for a predetermined time determined by the capacitance of the external capacitor, and sets the output to the high level after the predetermined time has elapsed. That is,
The reset signal is raised to a high level to put the CPU 56 in an operable state. Further, the reset IC 651 has a power supply voltage V which is equal to the power supply voltage monitored by the power supply monitoring circuit.
The SL power supply voltage is monitored, and when the voltage value falls below a predetermined value (a value lower than the power supply voltage value at which the power supply monitoring circuit outputs a power-off signal), the output is set to low level. Therefore, the CPU 56
The system is reset (that is, returned to the initial state of the system) after performing a predetermined power supply stoppage process in response to the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit.

As shown in FIG. 10, the reset IC 651 is used.
The reset signal from is input to the NAND circuit 947 and also to the clear terminal of the counter IC 941 via the inverting circuit (NOT circuit) 944. The counter IC 941 counts the clock signal from the oscillator 943 when the input to the clear terminal becomes low level.
Then, the Q5 output of the counter IC 941 is the NOT circuit 9
It is input to the NAND circuit 947 via 45 and 946. The Q6 output of the counter IC 941 is input to the clock terminal of the flip-flop (FF) 942.
The D input of the flip-flop 942 is fixed to the high level, and the Q output is input to the logical sum circuit (OR circuit) 949. The NAND circuit 9 is connected to the other input of the OR circuit 949.
The output of 47 is introduced via the NOT circuit 948. The output of the OR circuit 949 is connected to the reset terminal of the CPU 56. With such a configuration, when the power is turned on, the reset terminal of the CPU 56 is supplied with the reset signal (low level signal) twice.
Reliably starts operation.

Then, for example, the detection voltage of the power supply monitoring circuit (power supply monitoring IC 902) (the voltage at which the power supply cutoff signal is output) is set to + 22V, and the detection voltage for setting the reset signal to the low level is set to + 9V. . In such a configuration, since the power supply monitoring circuit and the system reset circuit 65 monitor the voltage of the same power supply VSL, the timing at which the voltage monitoring circuit outputs the power cutoff signal and the system reset circuit 65 resets the system. It is possible to reliably set the difference between the timings of outputting the signals in a desired predetermined period. The desired predetermined period is a period from the start of the power supply stop time process to the reliable completion of the power supply stop time process in response to the power off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit. The voltages of the power supplies monitored by the power supply monitoring circuit and the system reset circuit 65 may be different.

While power is not being supplied from the + 5V power supply which is the driving power supply for the CPU 56, at least a part of the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power supply supplied from the power supply board 910, and the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. The contents are saved. When the + 5V power supply is restored, a reset signal is issued from the system reset circuit 65, so that the CPU 56 returns to the normal operating state. At that time, the necessary data is backup R
Since it is saved in the AM, it is possible to restore the game state at the time of occurrence of a power failure or the like when recovering from a power failure or the like.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, a reset signal (low level signal) is applied twice to the reset terminal of the CPU 56 when the power is turned on, but the reset signal is surely reset even if the rising timing of the reset signal is only once. When using the released CPU, reference numerals 941 to 949
The circuit element indicated by is unnecessary. In that case, the output of the reset IC 651 is directly connected to the reset terminal of the CPU 56.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 1
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts the main processing after step S1. In the main processing, the CPU 56 first
Make the necessary initial settings.

In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and the stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is initialized (step S4). After initializing CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) (step S5), the RAM is set to the accessible state (step S6).

CPU 56 used in this embodiment
Also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). Also, the CTC has two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2,3.
And two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.

CPU 5 used in this embodiment
6 has the following three types of maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that issued the interrupt request has an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3
Byte) on the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 56 executes the instruction of the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. At reset, CPU 56 automatically sets interrupt mode 0
become. Therefore, when it is desired to set the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted,
It is a mode to always fly to the address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output by the built-in device is the interrupt address. Is a mode indicating. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, the interrupt processing can be installed at an arbitrary (although discrete) even address. Each built-in device has a function of transmitting an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it becomes possible to easily process the interrupt request from each built-in device, and the interrupt processing can be installed at an arbitrary position in the program. It will be possible. Further, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.

Next, the CPU 56 confirms the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 inputted via the input port 1 only once (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S1).
5). When the clear switch 921 is on (when pressed), a low level clear switch signal is output. In the input port 1, the on state of the clear switch signal is high level. Further, for example, the game shop staff can easily execute the initialization process by starting power supply to the gaming machine (for example, turning on the power switch 914) while turning on the clear switch 921. That is, the RAM clear or the like can be performed.

If the clear switch 921 is not in the ON state, the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) is performed when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not (step S8). In this embodiment, when the power supply is stopped, a process for protecting the data in the backup RAM area is performed. When such a protection process is performed, backup is made. When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing.

In this embodiment, the backup RAM
Whether or not there is backup data in the area is confirmed by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area during the power supply stop process. In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is backup (on state), and if a value other than "55H" is set, there is no backup (off). State).

After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 5
6 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Further, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of checksum target data is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area indicated by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above process is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area,
The data after inversion is used as the checksum.

In the power supply stop process, the checksum is calculated by the same process as the above process, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. If the power is restored after an unexpected power outage such as a power outage, backup RA
Since the data in the M area should have been saved, the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply was stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply was stopped, the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is restored from the stop, is executed.

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs a game state recovery process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply was stopped (step S10). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the backup RAM area is set in the PC and the address is restored.

In this way, when "backup is present" is not confirmed by the state of the backup flag, the initialization process described below is performed without performing the game state recovery process described below, so the backup data It is possible to prevent the game state restoration process from being executed even though there is no, and it is possible to return the control state to the initial state by the initialization process.

Further, when the check result using the check data is not normal, the initialization process described below is performed without performing the game state recovery process described below, so it is not when the power supply is stopped. It is possible to prevent the game state recovery process from being executed based on the backup data having different contents, and it is possible to return the control state to the initial state by the initialization process.

The CPU 56 uses the backup flag and the check data such as the checksum to perform the backup R.
Check whether the data in the AM area is saved.
That is, when the power supply is restored, a plurality of restoration conditions for determining whether to restore the control state before the power supply is stopped (in this example, the backup flag is stored normally) If all the checksums are normal), a recovery process for recovering the control state is executed based on the stored contents stored in the variable data storage means, and at least one of the plurality of recovery conditions is set. When the condition is not satisfied, it is possible to execute the initialization process for initializing the storage contents of the fluctuation data storage means. By using a plurality of recovery conditions, it is possible to accurately return the game state to the state when the power supply was stopped. That is, the certainty of the state restoration process based on the data in the backup RAM area is improved. When the operation signal is output from the operation means, the initialization process is executed regardless of the plurality of recovery conditions (step S7). In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as a trigger for executing the state restoration process.

In the initialization processing, the CPU 56 first executes R
AM clear processing is performed (step S11). RA
The predetermined data (for example, the data of the count value of the counter for generating the big hit determination random number) may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of M. For example, when the data of the count value of the counter for generating the big hit determination random number is left as it is, the big hit determination random number is generated even if the initialization process is executed by an unauthorized means. It is difficult to aim at a timing when the count value of the counter coincides with the jackpot determination value. Further, a predetermined work area (for example, a random symbol counter for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, a prize ball medium flag, a ball out flag) , A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag for selectively performing processing according to a control state such as a payout stop flag (step S
12).

Further, the CPU 56 executes a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the effect control board 80 to the effect control board 80 (step S14). As the initialization command, there is a command or the like indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9. Further, the CPU 56 turns on the power supply confirmation signal (step S14a).

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every 2 ms (step S15). That is,
A value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register).

Execution of initialization processing (steps S11 to S1)
When 5) is completed, the display random number updating process (step S17) and the initial value random number updating process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16), and when the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are completed, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random numbers. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value of a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In the game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, the initial value is set to the counter.

The interrupt-prohibited state is set when the display random number updating process is executed, because the display random number updating process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later. This is to avoid competing with. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the process of step S17 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value is lost. There are cases. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt prohibition state is set during the process of step S17.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the game state restoration processing. In the game state recovery process, C
The PU 56 first performs a stack pointer restoration process (step S80). The value of the stack pointer is saved in a predetermined RAM area (a stack pointer save buffer in a work area where power is backed up) in a power supply stop process which will be described later in detail. Therefore,
In step S81, the value of the RAM area is set in the stack pointer to restore the value. In the area pointed to by the restored stack pointer (that is, the stack area), the register value and the value of the program counter (PC) when the power supply is stopped are saved.

Next, the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command for restoring the display state of the special symbol on the variable display device 9 when the power supply is stopped (step S84).

After that, the CPU 56 clears the backup flag (step S88), that is, resets the flag indicating that a predetermined storage protection process has been executed at the previous power supply stop. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from remaining after the control state is restored.
Also, the saved values of various registers are read from the stack area, and various registers (IX register, HL register, D
Set to E register, BC register) (step S8)
9). That is, register restoration processing is performed. The value of the stack pointer is decremented each time each register is restored. That is, the value of the stack pointer is updated to point to the address immediately before the stack area. Further, the power supply confirmation signal is turned on (step S89).
a). Then, when the parity flag is not turned on, the interrupt permission state is set (steps S90 and S91). Finally, the AF register (accumulator and flag register) is restored from the stack area (step S9).
2).

Then, the RET instruction is executed. RET
When the instruction is executed, the CPU 56 realizes the return operation of the program by setting the data stored in the area pointed to by the stack pointer in the program counter. However, the return destination here is not the part that called the game state recovery processing. This is because the stack pointer restoration process is performed in step S81, and after the register restoration process is completed in step S89, the stack pointer pointing to the stack area is NM.
It indicates the area where the address of the program being executed when the power supply stop processing by I was started is saved. That is, the return address stored in the stack area pointed to by the restored stack pointer is
This is the address where the NMI occurred when the power supply was last stopped in the program. Therefore, the next RET instruction in step S92 returns to the address where the NMI occurred when the power supply was stopped. That is, in this embodiment, the recovery control is executed based on the address data (program address data) saved in the stack area.

When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56
After performing the register save process (step S20), the game control process of steps S21 to S32 shown in FIG. 14 is executed. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first
Via the switch circuit 58, the detection signals of the switches such as the gate switch 32a, the starting opening switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a are input to determine their states (switch processing: Step S21).

Next, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing: step S22).

Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is performed (step S23).
The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number (steps S24 and S25).

Further, the CPU 56 carries out special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process control, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Also, a normal symbol process process is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 10 in a predetermined order. And the value of the normal symbol process flag,
It is updated during each process according to the game state.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the effect control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S28). Moreover, the process of sending the production control command by setting the production control command relating to the ordinary symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (ordinary symbol command control process: step S29).

Further, the CPU 56 carries out an information output process for outputting data such as big hit information, starting information and probability variation information which are supplied to the hall management computer (step S30).

Further, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S31). In order to open or close the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20 or to switch the game ball passage in the special winning opening, the solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21, 21A according to the drive command. To do.

Then, the CPU 56 causes the winning opening switch 2
A prize ball process is performed for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of 9a, 30a, 33a and 39a (step S32). Specifically, the winning opening switches 29a, 30
In response to the winning detection based on that a, 33a, 39a are turned on, a control signal such as a payout number signal indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37. The payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a control signal such as a payout number signal indicating the number of prize balls. After that, the contents of the register are restored (step S33), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S3).
4).

According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is activated every 2 ms.
In this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process, but in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set,
The game control process may be executed in the main process.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of a non-maskable interrupt process (power supply stoppage process) executed in response to a power-off signal from the power supply board 910. The non-maskable interrupt process means a process in which the interrupt prohibition is not applied. When a non-maskable interrupt occurs, the interrupt control mechanism built in the CPU 56 uses the stack pointer as the address of the program being executed at the time of the non-maskable interrupt (specifically, the next address after completion of execution). Save to the stack area pointed to by,
Increase the value of the stack pointer. That is, the value of the stack pointer is updated to point to the next address in the stack area.

In the power supply stop processing, the CPU 56
Turns off the power supply confirmation signal (step S450). Also, the AF register (accumulator and flag register) is saved in a predetermined backup RAM area (step S451). Also, the interrupt flag is copied to the parity flag (step S452). The parity flag is formed in the backup RAM area. Further, the BC register, the DE register, the HL register, the IX register and the stack pointer are saved in the backup RAM area (steps S454 to S458). When the power is restored, the register contents are restored based on the saved contents, and the interrupt enable / disable state is internally set according to the contents of the parity flag.

Next, the CPU 56 causes the clear data (0
0) is set in an appropriate register (step S45
9), the number of processes (“7” in this example) is set in another register (step S460). Further, the address of the output port 0 is set in the IO pointer (step S46).
1). Another register is used as the IO pointer.

Then, the clear data is set to the address pointed to by the IO pointer (step S46).
2), the value of the IO pointer is incremented by 1 (step S46
3) The value of the number of processes is subtracted by 1 (step S464).
In the processes of steps S462 to S464, the value of the number of processes is 0.
Is repeated (step S465). As a result, clear data is set to all output ports 0-6. In this example, since "1" is on and clear data "00" is set to each output port,
All output ports are turned off.

As described above, since each output port is turned off, it is possible to surely prevent the occurrence of a situation inconsistent with the saved game state. That is, in a gaming machine that has a variable winning ball device, such as a pachinko gaming machine,
Due to the mounting, the position of the variable winning opening in the variable winning ball device and the installation position of the winning opening switch for detecting the winning must be separated to some extent. If you do not immediately turn off the output port, especially the output port that outputs the signal to open the variable winning ball device, when the power supply is stopped, even if you win the variable winning port, even if the power supply is stopped A situation may occur in which execution of the process is started and the winning opening switch is not detected. In that case, the fact that the variable winning a prize has been won is not saved. That is, the actually occurring game state (there is a prize) and the saved game state do not match. However, in this embodiment, since the output port is cleared and the variable winning ball device is closed, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a situation inconsistent with the saved game state.

Further, since the output port can be cleared during the power supply stoppage process executed before the electric components cannot be driven, the electric components cannot be driven. Before that, each electric component controlled by the game control means can be put into an appropriate operation stopped state. For example, after closing the open special winning opening and closing the open variable winning ball device 15, the operation of the electric components is disabled after the operation of the electric components is stopped. be able to. Therefore, it becomes possible to wait for the restoration of the power supply in an appropriate stop state.

Further, since the operation of each electric component is stopped during the power supply stop process, electric power is not consumed to drive each electric component, and the signal is output from the output port. Since the current used is cut off, it is possible to suppress power consumption though it is a small amount.

When all the output ports are turned off (step S465), the CPU 56 stores the designated value with backup ("55H" in this example) in the backup flag (step S487). The backup flag is formed in the backup RAM area. Then
Create parity data (steps S488 to S49)
7). That is, first, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area (step S488),
The checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer (step S489). Also, the number of checksum calculations is set (step S490).

Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated (step S491). The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area (step S49).
2), increment the pointer value by 1 (step S493),
The value of the checksum calculation count is subtracted by 1 (step S4
94). The processes of steps S491 to S494 are repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0 (step S495).

When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area (step S496). Then, the inverted data is stored in the checksum data area (step S497). This data becomes the parity data that is checked when the power is turned on. Then R
An access prohibition value is set in the AM access register (step S498). After that, the built-in RAM 55 cannot be accessed.

Then, when the access prohibition value is set in the RAM access register, the CPU 56 enters the standby state (loop state). Therefore, nothing is done until the system is reset.

In this embodiment, the RAM area in which the data used in the game control processing is stored is all backed up by power supply. Therefore, the checksum generation process indicating whether or not the contents are correctly saved, and the RAM access prevention process for preventing the contents from being rewritten correspond to the process for saving the game state.

In this embodiment, the power supply stoppage process is executed according to the NMI, but the power-off signal is changed to C
You may connect to the maskable terminal of PU56 and may perform a power supply stop process by a maskable interrupt process. Alternatively, a power-off signal may be input to the input port, and the power supply stoppage process may be executed according to the check result of the input port.

Further, in this embodiment, the register saving process is performed at the beginning of the process activated in response to the power-off signal, but after the switch detection process is executed, that is, the backup flag is set and the checksum is set. The register saving process can be performed before the calculation process of. In that case, register saving process, backup flag setting process,
The checksum calculation process and the output port off setting process can be regarded as the power supply stop process. further,
Even when some registers are used, the registers that are not used can be stored in registers before the backup flag is set and the checksum is calculated.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the state of the power supply voltage drop and the NMI signal (= power off signal: power supply stop signal) when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. When the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the voltage value of the monitoring voltage (voltage input to the power supply monitoring IC 902) of VSL, which is the highest DC power supply voltage, gradually decreases. Then, in this example, when the voltage drops to + 22V, the power supply cutoff signal is output from the power supply monitoring IC 902 mounted on the main board 31 (becomes a low level).

The power-off signal is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 56. The CPU 56 executes a predetermined power supply stop process by the NMI process.

When the voltage value of VSL further decreases to a predetermined value (+ 9V in this example), the output of the system reset circuit 65 mounted on the main board 31 becomes low level, and the CPU 56 is in the system reset state. become.
The CPU 56 completes the power supply stoppage process before the system is reset.

When the voltage value of VSL further decreases and falls below the voltage capable of generating Vcc (+ 5V for driving various circuits), each circuit becomes inoperable in each substrate. However, at least on the main board 31, the power supply stop processing is executed, and the CPU 56 is in the system reset state.

As described above, in this embodiment, the power supply monitoring circuit monitors the highest voltage of the power supply VSL among the DC voltages used in the game machine, and the voltage of the power supply falls below a predetermined value. Generates a voltage drop signal (power cut detection signal). As shown in FIG. 17, at the timing when the power-off signal is output, the IC drive voltage is still a voltage value that can sufficiently drive various circuit elements. Therefore, an operation time is ensured for the CPU 56 of the main board 31 operating with the IC drive voltage to perform a predetermined power supply stoppage process.

Here, the power supply monitoring circuit monitors the voltage branched from the highest power supply VSL of the DC voltage used in the gaming machine, but the timing of generating the power supply cutoff signal is the IC drive voltage. The voltage to be monitored does not have to be the highest voltage of the power supply VSL, as long as the operation time for the electric component control means operating in (3) secures the operation time for performing the predetermined power supply stop processing. That is, if at least a voltage higher than the drive voltage of the IC or the solenoid is monitored, the power-off signal is generated at such a timing that the operation time for the electric component control means to perform the predetermined power supply stop processing is secured. be able to. In this example, the voltage branched from the power supply VSL is used as the drive voltage of the solenoid or the like, but unlike the line to which the monitored voltage is supplied, a large-capacity capacitor 924 is provided in the line that supplies the drive voltage to the solenoid or the like. Since they are connected, the power-off signal can be generated at a timing when a predetermined period in which the supply of the drive voltage to the solenoid etc. can be continued is secured.

When a voltage other than the highest power source VSL is set as the monitored voltage, it is preferable that the monitored voltage is a voltage that can be expected to prevent erroneous switch-on detection when power supply is stopped, as described above. That is, since the voltage (switch voltage: driving voltage of the payout count switch 301, for example) supplied to various switches of the gaming machine is + 12V, it is preferable that the voltage drop can be detected before the + 12V power supply voltage starts to drop. . Therefore, it is preferable to monitor at least a voltage higher than the switch voltage.

Next, a specific example of the switch process (step S21) in the main process will be described. In this embodiment, when the ON state of the detection signal of each switch continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is certainly turned on, and the process corresponding to the switch on is started. A switch timer is used to measure a predetermined time. The switch timer is a 1-byte counter formed in the backup RAM area, and is incremented by 1 every 2 ms when the detection signal indicates the ON state. As shown in FIG. 18, switch timers are provided by the number N of detection signals. Also,
In the RAM 55, the address of each switch timer is
They are arranged in the same order as the bit arrangement of the input ports.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a processing example of the switch processing of step S21 in the game control processing. The switch process is first executed in the game control process as shown in FIG. In the switch process, the CPU 56 first inputs the data input to the input port 0 (step S101). Then
The number of processes is set to "8" (step S102), and the address of the switch timer for the winning opening switch 33a is set in the pointer (step S103). Then, the switch check processing subroutine is called (step S104).

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a switch check processing subroutine. In the switch check processing subroutine, the CPU 56 sets the port input data, in this case, the input data from the input port 0 as the "comparison value" (step S121). In addition, clear data (00) is set (step S1
22). Then, the switch timer pointed to by the pointer (the address of the switch timer is set) is loaded (step S123), and the comparison value is shifted to the right (from the upper bit to the lower bit) (step S).
124). The data of the input port 0 is set as the comparison value. Then, in this case, the detection signal of the winning opening switch 33a is pushed out to the carry flag.

If the value of the carry flag is "1" (step S125), that is, if the detection signal of the winning opening switch 33a is on, the value of the switch timer is incremented by 1 (step S127). If the value after addition is not 0, the added value is returned to the switch timer (step S128,
S129). When the value after addition becomes 0, the added value is not returned to the switch timer. That is, when the value of the switch timer has already reached the maximum value (255), the value is not increased.

If the value of the carry flag is "0", that is, if the detection signal of the winning opening switch 33a is in the off state, clear data is set in the switch timer (step S126). That is, if the switch is in the off state, the value of the switch timer returns to 0.

Thereafter, the CPU 56 increments the pointer (address of the switch timer) by 1 (step S130) and decrements the processing number by 1 (step S13).
1). If the number of processes is not 0, step S122
Return to. Then, the processing of steps S122 to S132 is repeated.

The processing of steps S122 to S132 is repeated for the number of processings, that is, eight times, and during that time, the switch detection signals input to the 8 bits of the input port 0 are sequentially turned on or off. If the check process is performed and the switch is on, the value of the corresponding switch timer is incremented by one.

The CPU 56 executes step S of the switch processing.
At 105, the data input to the input port 1 is input. Then, "4" is set as the number of processes (step S106), and the address of the switch timer for the count switch 23 is set in the pointer (step S107). Then, the switch check processing subroutine is called (step S108).

In the switch check processing subroutine,
Since the processing described above is executed, steps S122 to S122
The processing of 132 is repeated for the number of processings, that is, four times, and during that time, with respect to the detection signal of the switch input to the 4 bits of the input port 1, the check processing of whether it is in the on state or the off state is performed sequentially. If it is on, the value of the corresponding switch timer is incremented by one.

In this embodiment, since the game control process is activated every 2 ms, the switch process is also executed once every 2 ms. Therefore, the switch timer is incremented by 1 every 2 ms.

21 and 22 are flowcharts showing an example of the prize ball process of step S32 in the game control process. In the present embodiment, in the prize ball processing, the prize winning hole switches 33a, 39a, 29a, which are targets of prize ball payout,
30a, count switch 23 and starting opening switch 1
4a is surely turned on, and when turned on, an REQ signal (prize ball request signal) for making a prize ball payout request and a payout number signal indicating the number of prize balls are output to the payout control board 37. Processing such as control is performed.

In the prize ball process, the CPU 56 sets "0" as the offset of the input determination value table (step S169) and "0" as the offset of the switch timer address (step S170). The offset “0” in the input determination value table means that the first data in the input determination value table is used. The offset "0" of the switch timer address means that the switch timer corresponding to the winning opening switch 33a is designated in this example. Also, as the number of repetitions, "4"
Is set (step S171). Then, the switch-on check routine is called (step S17).
2).

The input judgment value table is set with a judgment value for each switch, for judging how many times the switch is continuously turned on to judge that the switch is turned on.
It is the M region. A configuration example of the input determination value table is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, in the input determination value table, determination values of “2”, “250”, and “1” are set in order from the top, that is, in the order of the area having the smallest address value. In the switch-on check routine, the judgment value set at the address determined by the start address and offset value in the input judgment value table is compared with the switch timer value determined by the start address and offset value of the switch timer. If they match, a switch-on flag is set, for example.

An example of the switch-on check routine is shown in FIG. In the switch-on check routine, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the input determination value table (see FIG. 24) (step S281).
Then, the offset is added to the address (step S282), and the switch-on determination value is loaded from the added address (step S283).

Next, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the switch timer (step S284), adds an offset to the address (step S285), and loads the value of the switch timer from the added address (step S286). Since the switch timers are arranged in the same order as the bit order of the input ports, the value of the switch timer corresponding to the switch is loaded.

Then, the CPU 56 compares the loaded switch timer value with the switch-on determination value (step S287). If they match, the switch-on flag is set (step 228).

In this case, in the switch-on check routine, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the winning opening switch 33a matches the switch-on determination value "2", the switch-on flag is set (step S1).
73). Then, the switch check-on routine is executed for the number of repetitions set initially (steps S176, S177) while the address offset of the switch timer is updated (step S178).
After all, the winning opening switch 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a
For, the value of the corresponding switch timer is compared with the switch-on determination value “2”.

When the switch-on flag is set, the value stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer (unpaid amount data) is set to 10
Is added (step S175). The total prize ball number storage buffer is a buffer for storing the cumulative value of the prize ball numbers instructed to the payout control means (however, subtraction is made when payout is made), and is formed in the backup RAM.

Next, the CPU 56 sets "0" as the offset of the input determination value table (step S17).
9), "5" is set as the offset of the switch timer address (step S180). The offset “0” in the input determination value table means that the first data in the input determination value table is used. Since the switch timers are arranged in the same order as the bit order of the input ports, the offset "5" of the switch timer address means that the switch timer corresponding to the starting port switch 14a is designated. Then, the switch-on check routine is called (step S181).

In the switch-on check routine,
If the value of the switch timer corresponding to the starting port switch 14a matches the switch-on determination value "2", the switch-on flag is set (step S182). When the switch-on flag is set, 5 is added to the value stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer (step S184).

Next, the CPU 56 sets "0" as the offset of the input judgment value table (step S18).
5), "6" is set as the offset of the switch timer address (step S186). The offset “0” in the input determination value table means that the first data in the input determination value table is used. Further, since the switch timers are arranged in the same order as the bit order of the input ports, the offset "6" of the switch timer address means that the switch timer corresponding to the count switch 23 is designated. Then, the switch-on check routine is called (step S187).

In the switch-on check routine,
If the value of the switch timer corresponding to the count switch 23 matches the switch-on determination value "2", the switch-on flag is set (step S188). When the switch-on flag is set, 15 is added to the value stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer (step S190).

Then, if the REQ signal is at a low level (ON state) (step S191), the CPU 56 monitors the number of prize balls actually paid out from the ball payout device 97 and stores the total prize ball number storage buffer. Prize ball payout completion confirmation processing for subtracting the stored value is performed (step S192).

If the REQ signal is at a high level (OFF state) (step S191), if the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is not 0, that is, if there is a prize ball remaining (step S193), The CPU 56 outputs the payout request signal while setting the REQ signal to the low level and outputs the payout number signal (step S1).
94, S195). In this example, the payout number signal indicates any number from 1 to 15. In this example, in step S195, if the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is less than 15, a payout number signal indicating that number is output, and if it is 15 or more, a payout number signal indicating 15 is output. To be done. Then, the number indicated by the payout number signal in the output state in step S195 (that is, the number requested to be paid out to the payout control board 37) is stored in the requested number buffer (step S196). The requested number buffer is a storage area which is provided, for example, in a power-backed area of the RAM 55 and stores the number of prize balls for which the payout control board 37 is requested to be paid out.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the control signal output from the game control means to the payout control means and the control signal input from the payout control means to the game control means. In this embodiment, the main board 31 and the payout control board 3 are provided in order to perform various kinds of control relating to payout control and the like.
A plurality of types of control signals are exchanged with the device 7. Figure 2
As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply confirmation signal is in a high-level output state when the main board 31 rises (for example, in an initialization state or a game state restoration process), and is output to the payout control board 37. Is a signal for notifying that the main board 31 has risen. Further, the power supply confirmation signal is set to a low level output state at the time of detecting the power failure, and is also used as a signal for notifying the payout control board 37 that the main board 31 has detected the power failure. The REQ signal (prize ball request signal) is in a low-level output state when a prize ball payout request is made, and is a signal for requesting execution of prize ball payout processing (payout request signal: trigger signal for prize ball payout request). Has the role of). Also,
The REQ signal is in a high-level output state when receiving the payout completion notice from the payout control board 37, and is also used as a signal (payout completion acceptance signal) for notifying that the payout completion notice has been accepted. The payout number signal is a signal output for designating the number of game balls (1 to 15) for which a payout request is made. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned payout request signal and payout number signal (an example of a payout command signal) are not one-shot signals for transmitting specific information due to a change in signal level, but the payout control board 37.
Is a signal that continuously maintains an output state until a prize ball payout completion signal described later is received, and transmits specific information according to the signal level. The BUSY signal is sent to the main board 31.
Is a signal used to confirm the operating state of the payout control board 37. The BUSY signal is in a high-level output state at the start of the prize ball payout process, and is used as a signal for notifying that the prize ball payout process is being performed (prize ball payout signal). The BUSY signal is a low-level output state when the prize ball payout process is completed, and is a signal for notifying that the number of prize ball payout processes according to the request from the main board 31 have been completed. It is also used as a (prize ball payout completion signal). It should be noted that each control signal may have a configuration in which the output state and the stopped state can be distinguished,
The positive and negative of the above logic may be reversed.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing signal lines used for transmitting and receiving the control signals shown in FIG. FIG. 26
As shown in, the power supply confirmation signal, the REQ signal, and the payout number signal are output by the CPU 56 through the output circuit 67, and the payout control CPU through the input circuit 373A.
371 is input. Further, the BUSY signal is output by the payout control CPU 371 via the output circuit 373B and input to the CPU 56 via the input circuit 68.
The power supply confirmation signal, the REQ signal, and the BUSY signal are each made up of 1-bit data and transmitted by one signal line. In the present example, the payout number signal designates 1 to 15, so that it is made into 4-bit data and transmitted by 4 signal lines.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing an example of the prize ball payout completion confirmation processing. In the prize ball payout completion confirmation processing, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not a prize ball payout completion signal has been received (step S381). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the BUSY signal has fallen from the high level to the low level. When the prize ball payout completion signal is received, the CPU 56 loads the stored value of the total prize ball number storage buffer and the stored value of the requested number buffer (step S382), and requests from the stored value of the total prize ball number storage buffer. The value stored in the number buffer is subtracted (step S38).
3). That is, the number of prize balls that have been paid out is subtracted from the value stored in the total prize ball number storage buffer. Then, the stored value in the requested number buffer is cleared (for example, "0" is stored as an initial value) (step S384).

Then, the CPU 56 sets the output of the REQ signal to the high-level off state to output the payout completion acceptance signal (step S385), and sets the output of the payout number signal to the low-level stopped state (step S38).
6).

Next, the operation of the payout control means will be described. FIG. 28 is a payout control means (payout control CPU 371).
And peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM). In the main process, the payout control CPU 371 first performs necessary initial settings. That is, the payout control CPU 371 first sets the interruption prohibition (step S701). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S702), and the stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S703). Further, the payout control CPU 371 initializes the built-in device register (step S70).
4), initialization of CTC and PIO (step S70
After performing 5), the RAM is set to the accessible state (step S706).

In this embodiment, one channel of the built-in CTC is used in the timer mode. Therefore,
In the built-in device register setting processing of step S704 and the processing of step S705, register setting for setting the channel to be used in timer mode, register setting for permitting interrupt generation, and register for setting interrupt vector Settings are made. Then, the interrupt by that channel is used as a timer interrupt. When it is desired to generate a timer interrupt every 2 ms, for example, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

The interrupt vector set in the channel set to the timer mode (channel 3 in this embodiment) corresponds to the start address of the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the start address of the timer interrupt process is specified by the value set in the I register and the interrupt vector.
In the timer interrupt process, payout control process is executed.

In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 3
Also in 71, the interrupt mode 2 is set. Therefore, the built-in CT
An interrupt process based on C count up can be used. Further, it is possible to set the interrupt processing start address according to the interrupt vector sent by the CTC.

The interrupt based on the count-up of the channel 3 (CH3) of the CTC is an interrupt that occurs when the internal clock (system clock) of the CPU is counted down and the register value becomes "0", which will be described later in 2 ms.
Used as a timer interrupt. Specifically, the CPU 37
A clock obtained by dividing the operation clock of 1 is given to the CTC, and the value of the register is subtracted by the input of the clock.
When the register value becomes 0, a timer interrupt is generated. For example, the register value of CH3 is 1/25 of the system clock.
It is subtracted in 6 cycles. Since the subtraction is performed based on the divided clock, the initial value of the register does not increase. In step S705, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set as an initial value in the CH3 register.

Next, the payout control CPU 371 executes a normal initialization process (steps S711 to S713). In the initialization process, the payout control CPU 371
First performs a RAM clear process (step S71).
1). Also, initial values are set in flags and counters in the RAM area. Then, the register of the CTC provided in the payout control CPU 371 is set so that a timer interrupt is taken every 2 ms (step S71).
2). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register). Since the interrupt is prohibited in step S701 of the initialization process, the interrupt is permitted before the initialization process is completed (step S713).

In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 3
71 built-in CTCs are set to repeatedly generate timer interrupts. In this embodiment, the repetition period is 2
Set to ms. And when a timer interrupt occurs,
As shown in FIG. 29, a timer interrupt flag indicating that a timer interrupt has occurred is set (step S792).
Then, in the main process, when it is detected that the timer interrupt flag is set (step S751), the timer interrupt flag is reset (step S751).
752), payout control process (steps S752 to S76)
0) is executed.

In the timer interruption, as shown in FIG. 29, the interruption permission state is first set (step S79).
1). Therefore, during the timer interrupt process, the interrupt enable state is set, and the payout control command reception process based on the input of the INT signal can be preferentially executed.

In the payout control process, the payout control CPU
The 371 first determines whether or not a switch such as the payout count switch 301 input to the input port 372b is turned on (switch processing: step S753).

Next, the payout control CPU 371 sets the payout prohibition state when the out-of-ball switch 187 or the full tank switch 48 is turned on, and the out-of-ball switch 187 and the full tank switch 48 are turned off to satisfy the payout prohibition condition. If not established, the payout prohibition state is canceled (payout prohibition state setting process: step S754). In addition, ball break switch 1
The out-of-bulb lamp 52 is turned on / off according to turning on / off of 87. Then, the prepaid card unit control process is performed (step S755).

Next, the payout control CPU 371 controls the payout of the lent balls in response to the sphere lending request (step S756).

Further, the payout control CPU 371 performs a prize ball control process for paying out the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal from the main board (step S757). Then, the ball payout device 9 is output through the output port 372c and the relay board 72.
The drive signal is output to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism portion of No. 7, and the payout motor control process for rotating the payout motor 289 by a predetermined rotation number is performed (step S75).
8).

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the payout motor 2
A stepping motor is used as 89, and a 1-2 phase excitation method is used to control them. Therefore,
Specifically, in the payout motor control process, eight types of excitation pattern data are repeatedly output to the payout motor 289. Further, in this embodiment, each excitation pattern data is output by 4 ms.

Next, error detection processing is performed, and predetermined display is performed on the error display LED 374 according to the result (error processing: step S759). In addition, processing such as outputting a ball lending number signal output to the outside of the gaming machine is performed (output processing: step S760).

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage example of the RAM incorporated in the payout control CPU 371. In this example,
In the RAM area, a total number storage (for example, 2 bytes) and a rental ball number storage are formed. The total number storage stores the number of unpaid prize balls out of the number of paid prize balls instructed from the main board 31 side. The loaned ball number storage is for storing the number of unpaid lent balls. It should be noted that the RAM area is not limited to the area for storing the information about the number of game balls described above, and various flags such as a flag indicating an error state such as a payout suspension flag and a payout route error flag described later are stored in the RAM area. A region for storing various buffers such as a received command buffer and the like are also formed.

Then, when the payout control CPU 371 receives a prize ball number signal indicating the number of prize balls from the game control means, for example, in the prize ball control processing (step S757), the total number of stored coins is stored. Increase content. In addition, in the ball lending control process (step S756), the content is increased to the lending ball number storage by one unit (for example, 25) each time the ball lending request signal is received from the card unit 50. Further, the payout control CPU 37
1 is a payout count switch 30 in the prize ball control process.
When 1 detects the payout of one prize ball, the value of the total number memory is set to 1
When the payout count switch 301 detects one payout of the loaned ball in the ball lending control process, the value of the number of loaned balls stored is decremented by one. Therefore, the number of unpaid prize balls and the number of lent balls are stored in the RAM area.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing an example of the switch process of step S753. In the switch processing, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the payout count switch 301 is in the ON state (step S753a). If it is in the ON state, the payout control CPU 371 increments the payout count switch ON counter by 1 (step S753b). The payout count switch ON counter is a counter for counting the number of times the ON state of the payout count switch 301 is detected.

Then, the value of the payout count switch ON counter is checked (step S753c), and if the value is 2, it is determined that one gaming ball has been paid out. Next, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether the one paid game ball is a prize ball or a loan ball. In this example, it is confirmed whether or not a ball lending processing flag, which will be described later, is on (step S753d). If it is on, it is determined that one loan ball has been paid out, and if it is not on, one ball is on loan. It is determined that the prize balls have been paid out. When it is determined that one loan ball has been paid out, the payout control CPU 371 decrements the loan unpaid ball counter (the loan ball number stored in the loan ball number memory) by -1 (step S753e). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that one prize ball has been paid out, the payout control CPU 371 decrements the prize ball unpaid number counter (the number of prize balls stored in the total number memory) by -1 (step S753f). In addition,
In step S753d, the award ball processing flag may be confirmed to identify whether the player is a ball lender or a player pays a prize ball.

If it is determined that one loan ball has been paid out, the payout control CPU 371 increments the value of the loan ball information counter by 1 (step S753g). When the value of the loan ball information counter is 25 or more (step S753h), the value of the loan ball information output counter is +
The value is set to 1 (step S753i), and the value of the loan ball information counter is decreased by -25 (step S753j). The value of the loan ball information output counter is referred to in the output process (step S760) in the payout control process shown in FIG. 28, and if the value is 1 or more, one pulse is output as the ball loan number signal. It Therefore, in this embodiment, every time 25 gaming balls are paid out as a lending ball,
One ball lending number signal is output to the outside of the gaming machine.

When it is determined that one prize ball has been paid out, the payout control CPU 371 increments the value of the prize ball information counter by 1 (step S753k). If the value of the prize ball information counter is 10 or more (step S75)
3l), the value of the prize ball information output counter is incremented by 1 (step S753m), and the value of the prize ball information counter is reduced by -1.
0 (step S753n). The value of the prize ball information output counter is referred to in the output process (step S760) in the payout control process shown in FIG. 28, and the value is 1
In the above case, one pulse is output as the prize ball payout number signal. Therefore, in this embodiment, one prize ball payout number signal is output to the outside of the gaming machine every time 10 game balls are paid out as prize balls.

When it is confirmed in step S753a that the payout count switch 301 is not on,
The payout control CPU 371 clears the payout count switch ON counter (step S753o).

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing an example of the payout prohibition state setting process of step S754. In the payout prohibition state setting process, the payout control CPU 371
It is confirmed whether or not the full tank switch 48 is in the ON state (step S754a). If it is in the ON state, the payout control CPU 371 increments the full tank switch ON counter by 1 (step S754b). The full tank switch ON counter is a counter for counting the number of times the ON state of the full tank switch 48 is detected.

Then, the value of the full tank switch-on counter is checked (step S754c), and if the value is 50, it is determined that the lower plate full tank state has been reached. When it is determined that the lower plate is full, the payout control CPU 371 sets the payout prohibition state (step S).
754d).

When it is confirmed in step S754a that the full tank switch 48 is not in the ON state, the payout control CPU 371 clears the full tank switch ON counter (step S754e).

Next, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the out-of-ball switch 187 is in the ON state (step S754f). If it shows the on state,
The payout control CPU 371 increments the out-of-ball switch-on counter by 1 (step S754i). The out-of-ball switch on counter is a counter for counting the number of times the on-state of the out-of-ball switch 187 is detected.

Then, the value of the out-of-ball switch-on counter is checked (step S754j), and the value is 250.
If it is, it is judged that the ball has run out. When it is determined that the ball has run out, the payout control CPU
371 sets the payout prohibition state (step S754).
k).

When it is confirmed in step S754f that the out-of-ball switch 187 is not in the on state, the payout control CPU 371 clears the out-of-ball switch on counter (step S754g). Release the payout prohibition state (step S75)
4h). Therefore, if it is confirmed that neither the full tank switch 48 nor the out-of-ball switch 187 is in the on state while the payout prohibited state is set, the payout prohibited state is released.

When setting the payout prohibition state,
For example, the driving of the payout motor 289 is stopped, and an internal flag (payment stopped flag) indicating that the payout is stopped is set. Further, when the payout prohibition state is released, the driving of the payout motor 289 is restarted and the payout stop flag is reset. That is, in steps S754d and S754k, a process of storing data indicating that the payout is prohibited (the set payout suspension flag) in a predetermined storage area is executed, and in step S754h, the payout is performed. The process of storing the data (reset payout suspension flag) indicating that the state is permitted in the predetermined storage area is executed.

The payout suspension flag is stored in the RAM area, for example. The payout suspension flag is, for example, D0 to D
It is made up of 1 byte consisting of 7 bits. In this case, for example, if D0 is "1", the payout prohibition state is set, and if D1 is "1", the payout prohibition state is released. Further, D2 is used, for example, to indicate that it is in a waiting state for return after the payout prohibition state is released. Note that D3 to D7 are unused areas.

Here, the state of the payout suspension flag in the process of FIG. 32 will be specifically described. Step S754d
And in the process of step S754k, the payout control CP
U371 sets D0 of the payout suspension flag to “0” and sets D1 to “1”. Also, step S754
In the process of h, the payout control CPU 371 sets D0 of the payout suspension flag to “1”, sets D1 to “0”, and sets D2 to “1”. The payout control CPU 37
When D2 is "1", 1 sets D2 to "0" after a predetermined period (for example, 1 [s]) has elapsed. In this embodiment, the payout suspension flag indicates that the payout prohibition state is set when D0 is "0" and D1 is "1". Further, when D0 is “1” and D1 is “0”, it indicates that the payout permission state (the payout prohibition state is released). Note that the payout suspension flag may have a configuration other than the 1-byte configuration, and each bit may be used in another manner (for example, by using only D0, D
If 0 is “0”, it indicates that the payout is prohibited and D0 is “1”.
In that case, the payout permission state may be indicated).

When the payout prohibition state is set, the payout motor 289 may be stopped immediately, but the payout motor 289 is not controlled in such a manner, but at a good cutting point.
May be stopped. For example, the payout of the game balls is executed in a request unit (for example, any of 5, 10, 15, or 25) from the main board 31 or the card unit 50, and the payout motor is executed when the payout of one unit is completed. 28
9 may be stopped and the internal state may be set to the payout prohibition state. As described above, the ball break switch 187 is installed at a position where it can detect that there are about 27 to 28 gaming balls in the payout ball passage, so the payout control means of the payout control board 37 is a ball. Even if a break is detected, at least 25 payouts are possible from that point. Therefore, there is no problem even if the payout prohibition state is set at the time when the payout of one unit is completed. Further, if the payout prohibition state is set for each unit, the control at the time of restarting the payout becomes easy.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing an example of the prepaid card unit control process of step S755. In the prepaid card unit control process, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the VL signal input from the card unit control microcomputer is detected (step S755a). If the VL signal is not detected, the VL signal non-detection counter is incremented by 1 (step S755b). Further, the payout control CPU 37
1 confirms whether or not the value of the VL signal non-detection counter is 125 in this embodiment (step S755).
c). If the value of the VL signal non-detection counter is 125,
The payout control CPU 371 stops the output of the emission control signal to the emission control board 91 and stops the drive motor 94 (step S755d).

With the above processing, 125 times (2 ms ×
(125 = 250 ms) When the OFF of the VL signal is continuously detected, the ball firing prohibition state is set.

If the VL signal is detected in step S755a, the payout control CPU 371 clears the VL signal non-detection counter (step S755e). If the output control signal output is stopped (step S755f), the payout control CPU 371 starts the output control signal output to the discharge control board 91 to put the drive motor 94 into an operable state (step S755g). .

34 and 35, step S756 is executed.
It is a flow chart which shows an example of the ball lending control processing of.
In addition, in this embodiment, the maximum value of the continuous payout number is one unit (for example, 25) of the lending sphere, but the maximum value of the continuous payout number may be another number.

In the ball lending control process, the payout control CP
U371 confirms whether or not the ball lending is suspended (step S510). If it is stopped, the process ends.
Whether or not the ball lending is stopped is confirmed by whether or not the payout stopped flag which is set in the payout prohibition state setting process shown in FIG. 32 is turned on.

If the ball lending is not stopped, the payout control CP
The U371 confirms whether or not the ball lending is being issued (step S511), and if the ball lending is being delivered, the process shifts to the ball lending process shown in FIG. In addition, whether or not the lent-out of the lent-out sphere is being performed is determined by the state of the lent-out-of-ball-lending flag described later. If the loan balls are not being paid out, it is confirmed whether or not the prize balls are being paid out (step S512). Whether or not the prize balls are being paid out is determined by the state of a prize ball processing flag described later.

If neither the lending balls nor the prize balls are being paid out, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not there is a ball lending request from the card unit 50 (step S5).
13). If there is a request, the ball lending processing flag is turned on (step S514), and 25 (one unit of ball lending: 100 yen in this case) is set in the number of lent balls in the RAM area (step S515). Then, the payout control CPU 371 turns on the EXS signal (step S
516). Further, the payout control CPU 371 sets the motor rotation time for paying out the 25 game balls, or determines the number of output pulses corresponding to the motor rotation time. Then, the payout motor 289 is turned on (step S518), and the processing proceeds to the processing during ball lending shown in FIG.

The payout motor 289 is turned on by
Strictly speaking, the BRQ signal is turned off to indicate that the card unit 50 has recognized the acceptance. The ball lending processing flag is set in the RAM area.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the processing during ball lending in the payout control processing by the payout control CPU 371. In the ball lending process, the payout motor 289 is turned on if it is not turned on. In addition, in this embodiment,
In the switch processing of step S752, since it is confirmed whether or not the lent balls have been paid out by the detection signal of the payout count switch 301 or the like, the subtraction of the lent ball number storage is not performed in the ball lending control processing.

In the ball lending control process, the payout control CP
U371 confirms whether or not it is in the waiting time for passing the loan ball (step S519). If it is not during the waiting time for passing the rental ball, the rental ball is paid out (step S520),
It is confirmed whether or not the driving of the payout motor 289 should be ended (whether one unit of payout operation is ended) (step S52).
1). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the rotation corresponding to the predetermined number of payouts is completed. When the rotation corresponding to the predetermined number of payouts is completed, the payout control CPU 371 stops driving the payout motor 289 (step S522).
The lending ball passage waiting time is set (step S52).
3).

[0209] If it is during the lending ball passage waiting time in step S519, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the lending ball passage waiting time has ended (step S52).
4). The lending ball passage waiting time is the time from when the last payout ball is paid out by the payout motor 289 to when it passes through the payout count switch 301. When confirming the end of the lending ball passage waiting time, all of the one unit of lending balls have been paid out, so that it is possible to indicate to the card unit 50 that the next ball lending request can be accepted. E
The XS signal is turned off (step S525). In addition, the ball lending processing flag is turned off (step S527). If the last payout ball does not pass through the payout count switch 301 before the lending ball passage waiting time elapses, a payout route error is generated. Further, in this embodiment, both the prize balls and the ball lending are performed by the same payout device.

After turning off the EXS signal indicating acceptance of the ball lending request, if the BRQ signal which is the ball lending request signal is turned on again within a predetermined period, the ball lending process is continued without turning off the payout motor. You may do it. That is, instead of performing the ball lending process for each predetermined unit (100 yen unit in this example), the ball lending process may be continuously executed.

36 and 37, step S757 is executed.
It is a flow chart which shows an example of the prize ball control processing. In the prize ball control processing, the payout control CPU 371 first confirms whether or not the prize ball is stopped (step S5).
30). If it is stopped, the process ends. Whether or not the prize ball is stopped is confirmed by whether or not the payout stopped flag which is set in the payout prohibition state setting process shown in FIG. 32 is turned on.

If the prize ball is not stopped, the payout control CPU
The 371 confirms whether or not the lending balls are being paid out (step S531), and if the lending balls is being paid out, the process is ended. In addition, whether or not the lent ball is being paid out is determined by the state of the ball lending processing flag. If the payout of the rented balls is not in progress, it is confirmed whether or not the prize ball payout processing has already been started, that is, whether or not the prize balls are being paid out (step S53).
2). If it is in the prize ball, the process moves to the process in the prize ball shown in FIG. Whether or not a prize ball is in play is determined by the state of a prize ball processing flag, which will be described later.

If the prize balls are not being paid out, the payout control CPU
The 371 confirms whether or not the REQ signal is input (step S533). If the REQ signal is input, the payout control CPU 371 determines that the prize ball payout request is made from the main board 31, and turns on the prize ball processing flag (step S534). The prize ball processing flag is set in the RAM area.

Next, the payout control CPU 371 determines the number (eg, 5 or 1) indicated by the payout number signal from the main board 31.
0, 15) are set in the total number memory as the number of unpaid prize balls (step S535). Also, C for payout control
The PU 371 outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 289 so as to rotate the payout motor 289 until the number of game balls indicated by the payout number signal (for example, 5, 10, 15) is paid out. Therefore, the payout operation for the number indicated by the payout number signal is set (step S536). Specifically, the motor rotation time for paying out the number of game balls indicated by the payout number signal is set, or the number of output pulses corresponding to the motor rotation time is determined. Then, the payout control CPU 371 outputs the BUSY signal (prize ball payout signal) for notifying the main board 31 that the prize ball payout operation is being executed. Also, the payout control CPU
371 turns on the payout motor 289 (step S5).
38). Then, the process shifts to the process of paying out prize balls in the prize ball control process shown in FIG.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing an example of a prize ball process in the payout control process by the payout control CPU 371. In the prize ball control processing, the payout motor 289
If is not on, turn it on.

[0216] In the processing during the prize ball, the payout control CPU
The 371 confirms whether or not the input of the REQ signal is maintained (step S539a). When it is confirmed that the REQ signal has been turned off, the payout control CPU 37
1 stops the driving of the payout motor 289 (step S5
39b), the BUSY signal is stopped (step S
539c), an error flag is set (step S53).
9d). This error flag is referred to in the error processing of step S759, and is set to an error state if it is set (for example, setting of a payout suspension flag or notification of the error type is performed).

If the input of the REQ signal is maintained in step S539a, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not it is in the prize ball passage waiting time (step S5).
540). If it is not during the prize ball passage waiting time, prize balls are paid out (step S541), and it is confirmed whether or not the driving of the payout motor 289 should be ended (whether the payout operation of the number indicated by the payout number signal is ended). (Step S542). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the rotation corresponding to the predetermined number of payouts is completed. When the rotation corresponding to the predetermined number of payouts is completed, the payout control CPU 371 stops driving the payout motor 289 (step S543) and sets the prize ball passage waiting time (step S545). The prize ball passage waiting time is the time from when the last payout ball is paid out by the payout motor 289 to when it passes through the payout count switch 301.

If it is during the prize ball passage waiting time in step S540, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the prize ball passage waiting time is over (step S54).
6). When the prize ball waiting time is over, step S
It is a state in which all the prize balls paid out by the payout operation set in 536 are detected by the payout count switch 301. In this example, if the prize ball passage waiting time is over,
The payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the storage content of the total number storage is 0 in order to confirm whether or not the number of prize balls requested to be paid out from the main board 31 is completed. (Step S547). If the storage content of the total number storage is not 0, the payout control CPU 371
It is determined that the number of game balls indicated by the number-of-payments signal from the main board 31 is not completely paid out, and the payout motor 289 is rotated so as to rotate the payout motor 289 until the predetermined corrected number of game balls are paid out. In order to output the drive signal to the, the payout operation for one item is set in this example (step S548). Then, the processing from step S537 onward is executed.

As described above, in this example, step S54
If the stored content of the total number memory is not 0 in 7, a process (correction process) for paying out one game ball as the correction number is executed. That is, the game balls are paid out one by one until it is confirmed in step S547 that the stored content of the total number memory is 0. However, in this embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, although the process of paying out a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls has been performed by the correction process, in step S547 Confirmed that the content of the total number memory is 0
If it is not confirmed, it is considered a payout route error.

When it is confirmed in step S547 that the stored content of the total number storage is 0, the payout control CPU
371 determines that the payout of the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal from the main board 31 is completed, sets the BUSY signal to the stopped state (step S549), and turns off the prize ball processing flag (step S550). .

In this embodiment, step S5
11, the ball lending is prioritized over the prize ball processing according to the determination in step S531, but the prize ball processing may be prioritized over the ball lending.

In the above embodiment, the case where the RAM is used as the fluctuation data storage means is shown. However, as the fluctuation data storage means, any electrically rewritable storage means other than RAM can be used. You may use.

Further, in the above embodiment, the power supply monitoring means and the circuit for generating the signal for system reset are provided on the main board 31, but one or both of them are provided on the power supply board 910. It may be.

Next, the output state of the control signal transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described.
FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing an example of the output state of the control signal. Here, a switch for detecting a prize (for example, a prize opening switch 33a, 39a, 29a, 30
The case where 15 awards are detected after 5 awards have been detected by a, the starting port switch 14a, and the count switch 23) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 38, when five winnings are detected, the CPU 56 turns on the REQ signal at the low level and turns on the payout number signal indicating five at the high level. To be done. CPU 3 for payout control
When 71 receives the REQ signal, it sets 5 in the total number memory based on the payout number signal, and outputs the BUSY signal indicating that the prize balls are being paid out.
The payout motor is driven to execute the payout process of the five prize balls indicated by the payout number signal. When it is confirmed that five prize balls have been paid out based on the detection signal from the payout count switch 301, the payout control CPU 371 causes the BUSY to be BUSY.
The signal is lowered to a low level and a prize ball payout completion signal is output. Upon receipt of the prize ball payout completion signal, the CPU 56 confirms that the payout process has been completed, raises the REQ signal to a high level to output the payout completion acceptance signal, and turns off the payout amount signal.

When it is confirmed that the payout processing based on the winning of 5 pieces has been completed, the CPU 56 turns on the REQ signal and turns on the payout number signal indicating 15 pieces. When the payout control CPU 371 receives the REQ signal, the payout control CPU 371 stores 1 in the total number memory based on the payout number signal.
BUSY showing that prize balls are being paid out by setting 5
While the signal is in the output state, the payout motor is driven to execute the payout process of the 15 prize balls indicated by the payout number signal. Upon confirming that 15 prize balls have been paid out based on the detection signal from the payout count switch 301, the payout control CPU 371 lowers the BUSY signal to a low level and outputs a prize ball payout completion signal. . CPU
Upon receipt of the prize ball payout completion signal, 56 confirms that the payout process has been completed, raises the REQ signal to a high level to output a payout completion acceptance signal, and turns off the payout amount signal.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 38, the payout process based on 15 winnings is in a waiting state until the payout process based on 5 winnings is completed. That is,
In this example, if a plurality of winnings occur consecutively, C
The PU 56 waits for a prize ball payout request based on the subsequent prize until the payout of the prize ball based on the previous prize is confirmed by the reception of the prize ball payout completion signal.

FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing an example of the output state of the control signal when a prize ball payout request is issued during execution of the ball lending process. As shown in FIG. 39,
When 15 winnings are detected, the CPU 56 makes R
When the EQ signal is turned on at the low level and 1
The payout number signal indicating five is turned on at a high level. Even if the REQ signal is output, the payout control CPU 371 does not accept the prize ball payout request because the ball lending process is being executed (specifically, step S53 described above).
The process of step S533 is not performed according to the judgment of 1), and the BUSY signal is not brought into an output state until the ball lending process is completed. When the ball lending process is completed, the payout control CPU 371 sets 15 in the total number memory based on the payout number signal, puts the BUSY signal in the output state, and drives the payout motor 289 to output the payout number signal. The payout process of the 15 prize balls shown by is executed. Upon confirming that 15 prize balls have been paid out based on the detection signal from the payout count switch 301, the payout control CPU 371 lowers the BUSY signal to a low level and outputs a prize ball payout completion signal. . Upon receipt of the prize ball payout completion signal, the CPU 56 confirms that the payout process has been completed, raises the REQ signal to a high level to output the payout completion acceptance signal, and turns off the payout amount signal.

As described above, in this example, when a prize ball payout request is made during execution of the ball lending process, the payout control C is performed.
The PU 371 is adapted to accept a payout request after finishing the ball lending process.

In FIG. 40, even though the payout control board 37 has completed the operation of the payout motor 289 for paying out the required number of prize balls from the main board 31, the request is made from the main board 31. It is a timing chart showing an example of the output state of the control signal when the payout count switch 301 has not detected the payout of a certain number of prize balls (when the total number of storages is not 0). As shown in FIG. 40, 1
When five prizes are detected, the CPU 56 causes RE
When the Q signal is turned on at the low level,
The payout number signal indicating the number is turned on at a high level. Upon receipt of the REQ signal, the payout control CPU 371 sets 15 in the total number memory based on the payout number signal, puts the BUSY signal in the output state, and pays out 15 prize balls indicated by the payout number signal. Therefore, the payout motor 289 is driven. When the driving of the payout motor 289 for paying out 15 prize balls is completed, the payout control CP
U371 confirms whether or not 15 prize balls have been paid out based on the detection signal from the payout count switch 301 (confirms whether the total number memory is 0). Here, as shown in FIG. 40, the payout control CP
U371 has confirmed the payout of 14 prize balls, but has not yet confirmed the payout of 15 prize balls.

However, when it is not confirmed that 15 prize balls have been paid out by the detection signal from the payout count switch 301 (when the total number memory does not become 0 even after the prize ball waiting time is over). : Step S547
In the reference), the payout control CPU 371 drives the payout motor 289 to pay out one prize ball as a correction process (see step S548). When it is confirmed by the detection signal from the payout count switch 301 based on this one payout that 15 prize balls have been paid out (when the total number of stored balls becomes 0), the payout control CPU 371. Lowers the BUSY signal to a low level and outputs a prize ball payout completion signal. Upon receipt of the prize ball payout completion signal, the CPU 56 confirms that the payout process has been completed, raises the REQ signal to a high level to output the payout completion acceptance signal, and turns off the payout amount signal.

As described above, in this example, the payout control board 3
7, the payout count of the number of prize balls requested from the main board 31 is counted even though the operation of the payout motor 289 for paying out the number of prize balls requested from the main board 31 is completed. When the switch 301 has not detected, a correction process of adding one game ball and paying it out is executed so that an appropriate number of prize balls are paid out. If the deviation of recognition is not eliminated even if one game ball is added and paid out, a correction process of adding one game ball and paying out is further performed. Also, a predetermined number (for example, 3
If the payout of the required number of prize balls from the main board 31 is not detected by the payout count switch 301, even though the game balls of (pieces) have been paid out by the correction processing, it is determined as a payout path error. It

The cause of the above-mentioned misrecognition is, for example, an abnormality of the payout motor 289, an abnormality of the payout count switch 301, or the payout control board 3.
7 abnormalities are possible.

FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing an example of the output state of the control signal when the power is cut off during the payout of the prize balls. As shown in FIG. 41, when 15 winnings are detected, the CPU 56 sets the REQ signal to the low level ON state and the payout number signal indicating 15 pieces to the high level ON state. Upon receipt of the REQ signal, the payout control CPU 371 sets 15 in the total number memory based on the payout number signal, and BU
The SY signal is set to the output state, and the payout motor 289 is driven to pay out the 15 prize balls indicated by the payout number signal. When detecting the power failure, the CPU 56 executes a process of turning off the power supply confirmation signal. At this time, CP
U56 also stops the payout amount signal.

When it is confirmed that the power supply confirmation signal is turned off during the payout process for paying out the prize balls, the payout control CPU
371 sets the BUSY signal to the stopped state and executes processing for forcibly stopping the driving of the payout motor 289.

Specifically, the payout control CPU 371 is
When it is confirmed that the power supply confirmation signal has been turned off, the process currently being executed is interrupted, the process of clearing the output port is executed, and then a standby state (loop state) is entered until the power supply is stopped. By clearing the output port, the output of the drive signal to the payout motor 289 and the drive signal to the firing motor is stopped. Therefore, the main substrate 3
In response to the detection of the power failure on the first side, the payout motor 28
The driving of 9 can be stopped to stop the payout process. In addition, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being launched even though the main board 31 side is in the process of stopping the power supply (non-maskable interrupt process), so that the game ball enters the winning opening. However, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of inconveniences such as winning detection not being made.

As described above, in the present example, when the power is cut off while the prize ball payout process is being executed, the prize ball payout process is forcibly terminated.

FIG. 42 shows the main board 3 in the payout control board 37.
Although the payout of the number of prize balls requested from 1 has not been completed, an example of the output state of the control signal when the abnormality related to the game is detected on the main board 31 and the prize ball payout request is urgently stopped It is a timing chart shown. As shown in FIG. 42, when 15 winnings are detected, the CPU 56
Thus, the REQ signal is turned on at a low level, and the payout number signal indicating 15 is turned on at a high level. Upon receipt of the REQ signal, the payout control CPU 371 sets 15 in the total number memory based on the payout number signal, puts the BUSY signal in the output state, and pays out 15 prize balls indicated by the payout number signal. Therefore, the payout motor 289 is driven.

When it is confirmed that 15 prize balls have been paid out based on the detection signal from the payout count switch 301 after the driving of the payout motor 289 is completed, the payout control CPU 371 causes the payout control CPU 371 to pay out. Judge that the processing is completed. However, here, as shown in FIG. 42, during the payout process (until the completion of the payout is confirmed after the start of the payout process (here, the payout operation by the payout motor 289)). At, an abnormality relating to the game is detected and the REQ signal is urgently stopped (that is, the forced stop signal is output). Note that C
When detecting an abnormality relating to the game, the PU 56 turns off the REQ signal and turns off the payout amount signal.

The payout control CPU 371 uses the payout motor 2
While driving 89 to execute the payout process, REQ
It is detected that the signal is turned off (step S539).
a) N) (that is, when the forced stop signal is detected), the BUSY signal is stopped, and the driving of the payout motor 289 is forcibly stopped, resulting in an error state.

As described above, in this example, the payout control board 3
When the payout control board 37 confirms that an abnormality relating to the game is detected in the main board 31 during the payout processing in 7, the prize ball payout processing is forcibly ended and an error state ( (Payout unit error).

[0242] It should be noted that, as for the abnormality related to the game detected by the main board 31, for example, when a game ball is detected by the V winning switch 22 or the count switch 23 even when the game is not in the big hit state, the starting opening switch 14a, etc. The disconnection or short circuit of each sensor is applicable. Note that in this embodiment, the payout control board 37 performs the detection of the ball out and the lower bowl full, but when the detection signals of the ball out switch 187 and the full tank switch 48 are input to the main board 31, The main board 31 may make an emergency stop of the REQ signal when a disconnection or full tank is detected. That is, it is possible to stop the payout process by emergency stop of the REQ signal in the case of not only an abnormality relating to the game but also another failure in which it is not desirable to continue the payout process. In addition,
In this embodiment, the game-related abnormality is determined by the above-described error processing in step S22, and when the game-related abnormality is detected, the processing in step S22 causes the REQ signal to be urgently stopped and is paid out. The counting signal is stopped.

Next, error processing will be described. Figure 4
3 is an error type and an error display LED 374 (see FIG. 8).
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship with the display of (see FIG. In this embodiment, when each of the errors shown in FIG. 43 occurs, in the present example, the payout suspension flag is set and the payout prohibition state is set. In this example, it is determined that the out-of-bulb error has occurred when the out-of-bulb switch 187 is on, and it is determined that the lower-bowl full-tank error has occurred when the full-tank switch 48 is on. Although not shown in FIG. 43, an error based on the error flag set in step S539d (the payout control board 3 when the main board 31 notifies the occurrence of an abnormality relating to a game)
7), the same processing as each error shown in FIG. 43 (processing such as setting of the payout prohibition state) is executed.

Further, when an abnormality in the motor sensor output is detected, it is determined that an in-unit ball biting error has occurred, and when an abnormality has occurred in the payout unit on which the payout device 97 is mounted, a payout unit error is detected. It is determined that it has occurred. The motor sensor output abnormality is detected, for example, in the ball lending control process or the prize ball control process, when the motor position sensor is kept on for a predetermined period or longer or is kept off for a predetermined period or longer. In this case, the sprocket 292
It is conceivable that a game ball or a foreign object is caught in. Further, the abnormality in the payout unit corresponds to an abnormality of the payout count switch 301 (for example, an abnormality due to a disconnection, a short circuit, a ball clogging), or the like. The payout unit error includes a payout route error.

Further, when the VL OFF detection flag is set, it is determined that a prepaid card unit non-connection error has occurred, and when communication with the card unit 50 is executed at an irregular timing, a prepaid card unit communication error occurs. It is determined that it has occurred. In addition,
The VL OFF detection flag is set in step S7 shown in FIG.
It will be set at 55d.

In this example, when it is determined in the error processing of step S759 that a ball out error has occurred, the payout control CPU 371 causes the error display LED to be displayed.
“0” is displayed in 374. Further, when it is determined that the lower plate full tank error has occurred, the error display LED 37
4 is displayed as "1", and if it is determined that an in-unit ball biting error has occurred, "2" is displayed at the error display LED 374, and if it is determined that a dispensing unit error has occurred, an error is displayed. When it is determined that the prepaid card unit non-connection error has occurred by displaying "3" on the display LED 374, "4" is displayed on the error display LED 374 and it is determined that the prepaid card unit communication error has occurred. LED3 for error display
“5” is displayed on 74.

In this example, if an error in ball biting in the unit occurs, if the error release switch 375 is pressed after the abnormality is released, the dispensing stop flag is reset and the error display LED 374 is displayed. Disappears and the error condition is cleared. Further, even when a payout unit error occurs, when the error release switch 375 is pressed, the payout stop flag is reset and the display of the error display LED 374 is erased to eliminate the error state.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a structure of a characteristic portion in the above-mentioned gaming machine of this example. As shown in FIG. 44, the gaming machine of the present example can perform a predetermined game using the game medium, and pays out a prize game medium as a prize based on the fact that the payout condition is satisfied by the game. The game machine is a game control means 561 for controlling the progress of the game, and a payout means 97 for paying out a prize game medium.
a and payout control means 371a for controlling the payout means 97a
And the game medium detecting means 501 for detecting the prize game medium paid out by the payout means 97a, and the game control means 561 pays out the prize game media to the payout control means 371a based on the establishment of the payout condition. The payout command signal designating the number is continuously output, and the payout control means 371a
Based on the payout command signal, the payout means 97a executes the payout processing of the prize game medium (the payout processing of step S757), and the detection signal from the game medium detection means 501 is input to the payout control means 371a, and the payout control means 371a.
Is a payout amount determination unit 371b that monitors the input state of the detection signal from the game medium detection unit 501 and determines whether or not the prize game medium of the number of payouts designated by the payout command signal has been paid out, and a payout command. When the payout amount determination means 371b does not determine that the payout amount of the prize game medium designated by the payout command signal has been paid out even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the payout process of the prize game medium based on the signal has ended. The number of payouts due to the prize game medium due to the payout process is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts specified by the payout command signal. If it is determined that the payout means 97a is controlled, the minimum number of units (for example, one minimum game ball that can be paid out using the payout device 97 is one). 1 If, when the two means two.) And lack payout processing controller 371d for executing a payout process of the prize game media content, the payout number determination unit 371b
The payout completion signal transmission means for outputting to the game control means 561 a payout completion signal indicating that the payout processing is completed when it is determined that the number of payout game media designated by the payout command signal has been paid out. 371e and
The game control means 561 is characterized by including a payout command signal stopping means 562 that stops the output of the payout command signal that is continuously output based on the receipt of the payout completion signal.

As described above, the game control means outputs the payout amount signal indicating the payout amount of the prize game medium and the REQ signal for making the payout request, based on the establishment of the payout condition. The payout control means can start the payout process based on the REQ signal and pay out the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal.

Also, as described above, the payout control means is
The input state of the detection signal from the payout count switch 301 is monitored to confirm whether the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal has been paid out, and it is confirmed that the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal has been paid out. When it is done, since it is configured to output the prize ball payout completion signal, it is possible to recognize that the prize ball has been accurately paid out on the game control means side, and between the game control means and the payout control means. The possibility that a recognition error related to the number of coins paid out will occur is reduced. In this way, since the control signal is transmitted and received in a communication mode in which the payout of the prize balls is accurately executed, it is possible to prevent the gaming value obtained by the player from disappearing.

Whether or not the payout is completed, R
If the EQ signal is stopped when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of output, the payout is not completed but R
Although there is a possibility that the EQ signal may be stopped, in the above-described embodiment, when it is confirmed by the prize ball payout completion signal that the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal has been paid out. Since the REQ signal is stopped, such an adverse effect does not occur.

Also, as described above, the payout control means is
After the payout operation for paying out the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal is completed, the stored contents of the total number memory are confirmed, and if the number of prize balls to be paid out remains, one prize is awarded. Configuration for performing a correction payout operation for paying out a ball (FIG. 40).
Therefore, the correction payout operation can be executed when the payout control means has a discrepancy in recognition, and the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal can be paid out with certainty. In this way, since the control signal is transmitted and received in a communication mode in which the payout of the prize balls is accurately executed, it is possible to prevent the gaming value obtained by the player from disappearing. The number of game balls paid out by the correction operation may not be one, for example, the number set in the total number memory.

In the above-described embodiment, the payout control means performs the corrective payout operation in accordance with the stored contents of the total number storage, so that the game control means manages the remaining payout number to the payout control means. It is not necessary to newly transmit a control signal indicating the number of deficient payouts. Therefore, the control load of the game control means is reduced. Further, since the payout control means is configured to execute the corrective payout operation based on the information managed by the payout control means (the stored content of the total quantity storage), the payout control means manages the payout quantity independently. be able to.

Further, as described above, the correction payout operation for paying out one prize ball is configured to be repeatedly executed unless the stored content of the total number storage becomes 0. The number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal can be paid out more reliably.

Further, as described above, in the case where the stored content of the total number storage does not become 0 even if the correction payout operation for paying out one prize ball is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times), Since the error state has occurred, it is possible for the player or the game store staff to recognize that the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal is not accurately paid out. When the above error state occurs, the payout suspension flag is set and the payout prohibition state is set. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the payout process from being continuously performed when the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal is not accurately paid out. The number of times of repetition determined as an error state may be any number of times, for example, the same number of times as the number of payouts indicated by the payout number signal (for example, 15 times in the case of 15 payouts).

Also, as described above, the payout control means is
The state of the REQ signal is confirmed during execution of the payout process (step S539a), and when the payout request by the REQ signal is stopped, the payout operation for paying out the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal is performed. Even if it is not finished, the payout process is configured to be forcibly finished (see FIG. 42), so that the payout process can be managed by the game control means, and the payout process is performed when an abnormality relating to the game occurs. Can be forcibly stopped.

Further, when it is confirmed that the payout request by the REQ signal has been completed during execution of the payout processing,
In addition to forcibly ending the payout process, it is configured to disable payout as an error state (payout unit error) (set the payout stop flag to make the payout prohibited state), It is possible to prevent the game from being continued despite the related abnormality.

The state of the REQ signal during the payout process may be confirmed each time the prize ball control process as described above is executed (for example, every 2 ms), or a predetermined number (for example, 1 It may be performed every time the payout operation of (pieces) is completed. When confirming the state of the REQ signal for each predetermined number of payout operations, each time the operation of the payout motor 289 for paying out the predetermined number (for example, the operation of the number of rotations for paying out the predetermined number) is completed. , REQ signal status may be confirmed.

In the above-described embodiment, since the payout operation is forcibly terminated when the payout request by the REQ signal is completed during execution of the payout operation by the payout control means, the game control means changes to the payout control means. It is not necessary to newly send a control signal for instructing the forced termination of the payout operation. Therefore, the control load of the game control means is reduced. Further, the payout control means manages the payout quantity independently (the payout quantity is managed based on the detection of the payout count switch 301), but the game control means can manage the payout processing. Therefore, there is no adverse effect that the payout operation cannot be stopped midway. By controlling the output state of the REQ signal, the game control means forcibly terminates the payout process when it is not desirable to continue the payout process (for example, when an abnormality relating to the game is detected). This is because the payout processing of the payout control means is managed.

Also, as described above, the payout control means is
Since the control signal indicating that the payout process of the number of prize balls indicated by the payout number signal is completed (the prize ball payout completion signal due to the fall of the BUSY signal) is output to the game control means, the payout control means The game control means can recognize that the payout process has been completed.

Also, as described above, the payout control means is
Since the control signal (BUSY signal) indicating that the payout process based on the REQ signal is being executed is output to the game control means, the fact that the payout process is being executed is notified to the game control means. Can be recognized.

As described above, the game control means is
A control signal (power confirmation signal) indicating that power shutdown has occurred (specifically, the detection condition of the power monitoring IC 902 is satisfied) in response to the input of the power shutdown signal from the power monitoring unit (power monitoring IC 902). Is output (the power supply confirmation signal is turned off), it is possible to cause the payout control means to recognize that the power is cut off. In the above-described embodiment, the power supply confirmation signal is turned off at the beginning of the non-maskable interrupt processing, but the timing of turning off the power supply confirmation signal is at any stage in the non-maskable interrupt processing. Good.

Further, as described above, since the power supply monitoring means (power supply monitoring IC 902) is mounted on the main board 31, it is possible to install the power supply monitoring means near the CPU 56 to which the power-off signal is input. This allows the game control means to quickly recognize the stop of the power supply.

As described above, the game control means is
At the start of power supply, a control signal (power supply confirmation signal) indicating that power supply to the gaming machine has started is output to the payout control means (power supply confirmation signal is turned on). Therefore, it is possible to cause the payout control means to recognize that the power supply has started. In the above-described embodiment, the power supply confirmation signal is turned on immediately before the timer interrupt is set in the initialization process or immediately before the interrupt permission is given in the game state restoration process, and the game control process in the game control means is performed. Since it is possible to notify the payout control means that the power supply to the gaming machine has started immediately before execution, it is possible to match the start timing of the control processing of the game control means and the payout control means. The timing for turning on the power confirmation signal may be any stage of the initialization process before the timer interrupt is set, and the game state recovery process before the interrupt permission is given. It may be at any stage.

Further, as described above, the payout prohibition state is canceled based on the operation of the error canceling switch 375. Therefore, it is possible to easily cancel the payout prohibition state and activate the payout process. In the above-described embodiment, when an in-unit ball biting error or a payout unit error occurs, the error state is not resolved unless the error release switch 375 is pressed. However, when another error occurs As for the above, the error state may not be eliminated unless the error release switch 375 is pressed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the payout device 97 is configured to pay out both the lending balls and the prize balls, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, since the payout game balls are discriminated whether they are lending balls or prize balls, the remaining number of payouts is updated. It is possible to manage the remaining number of payouts by identifying. In addition, it is configured to check whether the paid game balls are loan balls or prize balls, and separately output the number of loan balls paid out and the number of prize balls paid out to the outside. So
The number of paid out balls and the number of prize balls can be distinguished and grasped externally.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal are both constituted by the BUSY signal, and the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal are distinguished by differentiating the output mode of the BUSY signal. Since it is configured to be, it is possible to reduce the signal line between the game control means and the payout control means.

In the above-described embodiment, when the payout control means fulfills the prohibition condition for prohibiting the payout of the game balls (for example, the ball runs out, the lower plate is full, etc.), the payout process of the game medium is executed. Although it has been configured to perform a process of setting a payout prohibition state (for example, setting of a payout suspension flag) that prohibits the payout prohibition state, a control signal indicating that the payout prohibition condition is satisfied as well as setting the payout prohibition state signal)
May be output to the game control means. According to this structure, the game control means can recognize that the payout is prohibited.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the RAM provided in the payout control board 37 does not have a power-backed area, but like the main board 31, a part or all of the power-backed-up area is backed up. May be.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the detection signal of the payout count switch 301 is input to the payout control board 37, but the payout count switch 30 is used.
The detection signal of No. 1 may be input to the main board 31 so that a control signal indicating that the detection has been made is output from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37.

In the above-described embodiment, the payout request is issued by the REQ signal and the payout number is designated by the payout number signal. However, the payout request and the payout number are designated by the payout number signal. You may. In this case, the payout control means may determine that the payout request is made at the same time when the payout amount signal outputs the signal designating the payout amount.
With this configuration, it is not necessary to use the REQ signal, and the number of signal lines can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the BUSY signal is output during the payout process of the prize balls, but the BUSY signal may be output during the payout process of the lending balls. According to this structure, the game control means can recognize that the ball lending process is being performed. Therefore, the game control means can determine that an error has occurred when it recognizes that the ball lending process is continuously executed for a predetermined period or longer based on the output state of the BUSY signal.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the payout control means determines that the prize ball payout has ended when it detects that the payout motor 289 has rotated by the expected payout number. However, the number of times of detection by the payout motor position sensor is the payout. When the planned number is reached, it may be determined that the prize ball payout has ended. That is, the payout control unit is configured to operate the payout amount (in this example, the payout motor 289).
Rotation amount or the number of detections by the payout motor position sensor)
It may be configured to determine whether or not the payout is completed by detecting.

Further, although not particularly mentioned in the above-mentioned embodiment, the payout control means controls the drive means of the payout means (for example, payout motor 289, gear 291, sprocket 292).
It may be configured to detect whether or not an abnormality related to payout (payout unit error) has occurred based on the detected amount of movement. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably detect an abnormality related to payout.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the ball payout device 97 pays out the prize balls and the lent balls. However, a payout device for paying a prize ball and a payout device for lending a ball may be separately provided. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ball payout device 97 has a configuration capable of executing both a ball lending and a prize ball payout, but even if the mechanism for lending a ball and the mechanism for paying a prize ball are independent, The invention can be applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the payout prohibition state is set when the ball is out or the lower plate is full is explained. However, when it is not preferable to perform another payout or the payout is performed. Even when the payment cannot be performed, the payout prohibition state is set. For example, even when the glass door frame 2 is in the open state and the detection signal is output from the door opening switch 161, the payout prohibition state is set in the above embodiment.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the recording medium used in the recording medium processing device (prepaid card unit 50) is the magnetic card (prepaid card), but the recording medium is not limited to the magnetic card, and the contactless type. Alternatively, a contact type IC card may be used. Further, when the recording medium processing device is configured to be able to specify the record information based on the identification code, the recording medium can read at least the information such as the identification code that can specify the record information by the recording medium processing device. It may be something that can be recorded on. Further, the recording medium may be readablely printed with a predetermined information recording symbol such as a barcode. The shape of the recording medium is not limited to the card shape, and may be any shape such as a disc shape, a spherical shape, or a chip shape.

The pachinko gaming machine of each of the above embodiments is
Mainly, a predetermined game value can be given to the player when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion 9 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols.
Although it was a kind of pachinko machine, a kind of pachinko machine that can give a predetermined game value to the player if there is a prize in the predetermined area of the electric role to open based on the start prize, and a start prize Even if it is a third-class pachinko game machine, a predetermined right is generated or continues when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when a stop symbol of the symbols variably displayed based on the above is a combination of predetermined symbols The present invention can be applied.

Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a pachinko gaming machine in which the game medium is a game ball, but also to a slot machine or the like, provided that electric parts for paying out the game medium are provided.

[0281]

As described above, according to the invention as set forth in claim 1, the payout control means monitors the input state of the detection signal from the game medium detection means and determines the number of payouts designated by the payout command signal. A payout amount determination means for determining whether or not the prize game medium has been paid out, and the payout command signal by the payout amount determination means even if a predetermined period has elapsed after the payout command signal payout processing based on the payout command signal is completed. When it is not determined that the number of payout game media designated by the payout is paid out, it is determined that the number of payouts of the prize game medium by the payout process is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts specified by the payout command signal. When the number of payouts shortage determination means and the number of payouts shortage determination means determine that the number of payouts is insufficient, the payout means is controlled to perform a payout process of the prize game medium for the minimum number of units. And a payout completion signal indicating that the payout process has been completed when it is determined that the number of payout game media designated by the payout command signal has been paid out by the physical control means and the payout number determination means. And a payout completion signal transmitting means for outputting, and the game control means includes a payout command signal stopping means for stopping the output of the payout command signal continuously output based on the receipt of the payout completion signal. Since it is characterized, the possibility of recognition error relating to the number of payouts between the game control means and the payout control means is reduced, and the control load is reduced because it is not necessary to separately send a signal when there is a shortage. Has the effect of being

According to the second aspect of the invention, the payout amount shortage determination means performs the payout processing by the shortage payout processing control means after the shortage payout processing control means completes the payout processing of the prize game medium for the minimum number of units. Judging whether the number of payouts based on the payout command signal based on the payout command signal is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts indicated by the payout command signal. If it is determined that the payout means is controlled and the payout process of the minimum number of units of the prize game medium is executed again, the prize game medium of the number of payouts indicated by the payout command signal is generated. Will be able to be paid out more reliably.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the payout means can execute the payout of the premium game medium and the rental game medium to be rented to the player based on the loan request, and the game medium detection means pays out by the payout means. Since the prize game medium and the rental game medium that are put out are detected, the number of parts can be reduced.

In the invention according to claim 4, the payout type determining means determines whether the detection signal from the game medium detecting means is due to the detection of the prize game medium or the rental game medium, and is paid out. It is configured to execute an external information signal output process for outputting a premium game medium number signal indicating the number of premium game media or a rental game medium number signal indicating the number of loan game media paid out to the outside of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to reliably distinguish whether the paid-out game medium is a prize game medium or a rental game medium from the outside.

In the invention according to claim 5, the payout control means outputs to the game control means a payout processing in-progress signal indicating that the payout processing of the prize game medium based on the payout command signal is being executed. Since it is configured, the game control means can recognize that the payout process is being executed.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal are configured such that the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal are distinguished by the change in the output mode of the same signal. The signal line between the game control means and the payout control means can be reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the payout control means is configured to judge the end of the payout processing based on the detection of the operation amount detection means for detecting the operation amount of the drive part of the payout means. The payout control means can surely recognize the end of the payout operation by the payout means.

According to the invention described in claim 8, a power supply monitor for monitoring a state of a predetermined power source used in the gaming machine and outputting a detection signal based on establishment of a detection condition relating to stop of supply of electric power to the gaming machine. Since the game control means is configured to output a supply stop detection signal indicating that the detection condition is satisfied to the payout control means in response to the input of the detection signal from the power supply monitoring means. The payout control means can understand that the detection condition relating to the stop of the power supply to the gaming machine has been established.

In the invention according to claim 9, the power supply monitoring means is configured to be mounted on the game control board provided with the game control means, and is mounted on the board using the detection signal of the power supply monitoring means. The game control means can quickly recognize the stop of the power supply.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the game control means outputs a power supply start signal to the payout control means at the start of power supply, which indicates that the control operation of the game control means has started. Therefore, the payout control means can be made aware that the control operation of the game control means has started.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the payout control means performs a process of setting a payout prohibited state for prohibiting the payout process of the prize game medium based on the establishment of a prohibition condition for prohibiting the payout of the prize game medium. At the same time, when the prohibition condition that causes the withdrawal prohibition state is a specific prohibition condition, the withdrawal prohibition state is released based on the operation of a predetermined operation means. , The withdrawal prohibition state can be released promptly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front surface of the game board with the glass door frame removed.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine viewed from the back side.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a mechanism plate to which various members are attached as seen from the rear side of the gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of a ball payout device.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an exposed portion of a power supply board installed on the game board.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a game control board (main board).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a payout control board.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a power supply board.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration around a CPU.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a backup flag and whether or not to execute a game state recovery process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a game state recovery process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing non-maskable interrupt processing (power supply stop processing).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing non-maskable interrupt processing (processing when power supply is stopped).

FIG. 17: Power supply drop and N when power supply to a game machine is stopped
It is a timing diagram which shows a mode of MI signal.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a formation example of a switch timer in a RAM.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a switch process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a switch check process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball processing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball processing.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a switch-on check process.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an input determination value table.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a control signal.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmitting and receiving control signals.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball payout completion confirmation processing.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU in a payout control board.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a RAM in the payout control means.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of switch processing.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of payout prohibition state setting processing.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of prepaid card unit control processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of ball lending control processing.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of ball lending control processing.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball control processing.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball control processing.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing an example of an output state of a control signal.

FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing an example of an output state of a control signal.

FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing an example of an output state of a control signal.

FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing an example of an output state of a control signal.

FIG. 42 is a timing chart showing an example of the output state of the control signal.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the type of error and the display of the error display LED.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gaming machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine 31 Game control board (main board) 37 Discharge control board 56 CPU 65 System reset circuit (power supply monitoring means) 97 Ball dispensing device 371 CPU for payout control 902 Power supply monitoring IC (power supply monitoring means)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A game machine which can play a predetermined game using a game medium, and which pays out a prize game medium as a prize on the basis that a payout condition is satisfied by the game. A game control means for controlling, a payout means for paying out the prize game medium, a payout control means for controlling the payout means, and a game medium detection means for detecting the prize game medium paid out by the payout means The game control means continuously outputs a payout command signal designating the number of payouts of a prize game medium to the payout control means based on the establishment of the payout condition, and the payout control means Based on the payout command signal, the payout means carries out the payout processing of the prize game medium, and the detection signal from the game medium detection means is inputted to the payout control means, and the payout control means The means monitors the input state of the detection signal from the game medium detection means, and judges whether or not the prize game medium of the number of payouts designated by the payout command signal is paid out, In the case where it is not determined that the number of payouts specified by the payout command signal has been paid out by the payout number determination means even after a predetermined period has elapsed after the payout command signal based on the payout command signal has been paid. The payout amount shortage determination means for determining that the payout number of the prize game medium by the payout process is insufficient with respect to the payout number designated by the payout command signal, and the payout number by the payout amount shortage determination means. When it is determined that there is a shortage, the payout means is controlled to execute a payout processing of the prize game medium for the minimum unit number, and the payout number determination means. The payout completion signal transmission for outputting to the game control means a payout completion signal indicating that the payout processing is completed when it is determined that the number of prize game media specified by the payout command signal has been paid Characterized in that the game control means includes a payout command signal stopping means for stopping the output of the payout command signal that is continuously output based on the receipt of the payout completion signal. A gaming machine to do. 2. The insufficient payout amount determination means is based on a payout command signal including the payout processing by the insufficient payout processing control means after the payout processing of the minimum amount of prize game media by the insufficient payout processing control means is completed. It is determined whether or not the number of payouts due to the payout process is insufficient with respect to the number of payouts designated by the payout command signal, and the insufficient payout process control means is short of the number of payouts due to the insufficient payout number determination means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the payout means is controlled, the payout processing of the prize game medium for the minimum unit number is executed again. 3. The payout means is capable of executing payout of a prize game medium and payout of a rental game medium to be lent to a player based on a lending request, and the game medium detection means is paid out by the payout means. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, which detects a prize game medium and a rental game medium. 4. The payout control means includes a payout type determination means for determining whether to pay out a prize game medium or a rental game medium when executing the payout process, and the game medium is determined by the payout type determination means. It is specified whether the detection signal from the detection means is due to the detection of the premium game medium or the detection of the rental game medium, and the prize game medium number signal indicating the number of the paid game media paid out or the paid rental media The gaming machine according to claim 3, which executes an external information signal output process for outputting a rental game medium number signal indicating the number to the outside of the gaming machine. 5. The payout control means outputs to the game control means a payout processing in-progress signal indicating that the payout processing of the prize game medium based on the payout command signal is being executed.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the payout completion signal and the payout processing signal are distinguished from each other by a change in the output mode of the same signal. 7. The payout control means determines the end of the payout processing based on the detection of the operation amount detection means for detecting the operation amount of the drive portion of the payout means. Game machine. 8. A power supply monitoring means for monitoring a state of a predetermined power source used in a gaming machine, and outputting a detection signal based on establishment of a detection condition related to stop of supply of electric power to the gaming machine, game control The means outputs the supply stop detection signal indicating that the detection condition is satisfied to the payout control means in response to the input of the detection signal from the power supply monitoring means. Gaming machine described in. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the power supply monitoring means is mounted on a game control board provided with the game control means. 10. The game control means, when starting power supply,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which outputs to the payout control means a power supply start signal indicating that the control operation of the game control means has started. 11. The payout control means performs a process of setting a payout prohibited state of prohibiting a payout process of the prize game medium and a payout prohibited state based on the establishment of a prohibition condition for prohibiting the payout of the prize game medium. The payout prohibition state is released based on the operation of a predetermined operation means when the prohibition condition that has caused the setting is a specific prohibition condition. Game machine.