JP2003290444A - Game machine, program and transaction medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko machine capable of exactly detecting a game ball which has passed a ball path resulting in a winning ball unit. <P>SOLUTION: Three respective award ball payout sensors 208a-208c, 209a-209c for each of ball paths 204a, 204b are arranged within a winning ball unit 62. When the respective award ball payout sensors detect game balls for each of the ball paths by the majority of those sensors, one game ball is determined to have passed one of the ball paths. Accordingly, when one award ball payout sensor malfunctions in its normal detection operation, the passage of the game ball through the ball paths can exactly be detected based on the normal detection operation by the remaining two award ball payout sensors. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, a program and a recording medium, for example, a pachinko machine, a program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the pachinko machine, and a computer in which the program is recorded. The present invention relates to a readable recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional pachinko machine has a winning ball detection switch (hereinafter referred to as a winning ball detection switch for detecting a game ball (game medium) that has won in a winning area (for example, a winning opening or a winning device) set on a game board surface. , "Winning ball SW") is provided for each winning area. These prize balls SW are
It is electrically connected to the main board via the board relay board, and the detection signal output from the SW can be input to the main board. The main board receives the detection signal from each winning ball SW, and the number of game balls corresponding to the winning ball SW from which the detection signal is output (that is, the number corresponding to the winning area) is a winning ball (prize medium). As a result, the payout control system including the payout control board and the prize ball unit is controlled so that the payout is paid out to the player.

In this payout control system, the number of prize balls corresponding to each winning area is stored in advance in the ROM mounted on the main board. Then, the main board regularly monitors whether or not the detection signal of the winning ball SW is input, and when the detection signal of the winning ball SW is input, it is based on the signal line (connection pin) from which the detection signal is output. And the winning ball S that has output the detection signal
The number of prize balls corresponding to W (winning area) is read from the stored contents of the ROM, and a prize ball payout command corresponding to the read number of prize balls is output to the payout control board. On the other hand, the payout control board periodically monitors whether or not a prize ball payout command is input, and when the prize ball payout command is input, the prize ball payout command is analyzed by referring to the stored contents of the ROM. , The number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball payout command is obtained.

By the way, a prize ball unit is electrically connected to the payout control board through a sensor relay board.
The prize ball unit includes a prize ball payout motor that rotationally drives a drive shaft according to a drive signal output from the payout control board, a spiral delivery member that is rotationally controlled by the prize ball payout motor, and a delivery member thereof. It is composed of two sphere passages rotatably arranged on the way, and a housing in which the motor, the sending member, and the sphere passage are provided inside, and a sphere inlet and a sphere outlet of each sphere passage are formed. Has been done. Two ball passing paths are provided for the purpose of efficiently paying out prize balls.

The payout control board generates a drive signal based on the prize ball payout command, and outputs the drive signal to the prize ball payout motor of the prize ball unit. Then, the prize ball payout motor rotates the sending member to discharge the game balls corresponding to the prize ball payout command from the respective ball outlets, thereby paying out from the prize ball unit. By the way, in the prize ball unit, a prize ball payout sensor for detecting a game ball discharged from the ball exit of the ball passage path is provided for each two ball passage paths.
They are provided individually. Here, the prize ball payout sensor is electrically connected to the payout control board via the sensor relay board and to the main board via the sensor relay board and the game frame relay board. Then, the prize ball payout sensor outputs a detection signal of the game ball to the payout control board and the main board every time one game ball passes through the ball passing path.

The main board detects the total number of game balls paid out from the prize ball unit (hereinafter referred to as "paid prize ball number") based on the detection signal output from each prize ball payout sensor. . Next, the main board compares the number of paid award balls with the number of award balls to be paid out from the award ball unit as an award ball based on the award ball payout command (hereinafter referred to as “award-determined award ball number”). Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether the number of prize balls paid out is too large or too small. When the number of prize balls is too large or too small, the main board informs that fact (for example, the prize ball abnormality notification LED provided on the game board is turned on).

[0007]

By the way, in the conventional pachinko machine, as described above, one prize-ball payout sensor is provided for each of the two ball passage paths. This award ball payout sensor is, for example, an optical sensor that detects a game ball based on the fact that the projection light projected from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked by the game ball, or that a game ball that is a steel ball has passed. It is composed of a galvanic device or the like that detects electromagnetic waves using electromagnetic induction. However, noise from the outside is applied to the detection signal of the prize ball payout sensor, or abnormality occurs in the prize ball payout sensor due to heat or vibration of the prize ball payout motor or the sending member, and thus normal detection of the prize ball payout sensor There was a risk that the operation would be hindered. When the normal detection operation of the prize ball payout sensor is hindered, the player is disadvantaged or should be paid out because the number of prize balls less than the number of prize balls to be originally paid out is paid out. There is a problem in that the number of prize balls that are larger than the number of prize balls is paid out, and the pachinko hall (game shop) suffers a disadvantage.

The winning ball detection switch is also composed of an optical sensor, a galvanic device, etc., like the winning ball payout sensor. If external noise is applied to the detection signal of the winning ball detecting sensor, the normal detecting operation of the winning ball detecting sensor may be hindered. And even if the normal detection operation of the winning ball detection switch is disturbed,
The player suffers a disadvantage that only a smaller number of prize balls than the originally expected prize balls are paid out,
There is a problem that a number of prize balls that are larger than the number of prize balls that should be originally paid out are paid out and the pachinko hall suffers a disadvantage.

Further, the conventional pachinko machine is provided with a ball rental unit for lending a game ball as a ball rental ball, and a ball rental dispensing sensor for detecting a game ball loaned from the ball rental unit. One unit is provided on the ball passage path of the unit. Like the prize ball payout sensor, this ball payout sensor is also composed of an optical sensor, a galvanometer, etc. When external noise is applied to the detection signal of the ball payout sensor, the ball payout sensor is paid out. The normal detection operation of the sensor may be hindered. Then, if the normal detection operation of the ball lending sensor is hindered, the number of game balls that is less than the number that should be originally lent is lent and the player suffers a disadvantage, or the number that is originally lent is less than the number that should be lent. There is a problem that a large number of game balls are lent out and the pachinko hall suffers a disadvantage.

Therefore, in order to avoid such a problem,
Number of game balls (number of game balls paid out from the prize ball unit) that have passed through the game ball passage path (ball passage path of the prize ball unit, ball passage path of the ball rental unit, winning area, etc.) provided in the gaming machine , The number of game balls won in the winning area, the number of game balls lent from the ball rental unit, etc.)
There is a demand for a gaming machine capable of accurately detecting the.

The present invention has been made to satisfy the above requirements, and has the following objects. (1) To provide a game machine capable of accurately detecting a game medium that has passed through a passage route. (2) A program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the gaming machine of (1) is provided. (3) To provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to function to realize the gaming machine of (1) is recorded.

[0012]

[Means / Actions for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
(Claim 1) The invention according to claim 1 made in order to achieve the object, detecting means for detecting a game medium, and the detecting means, in the passage direction of the game medium in the path through which the game medium passes. The gist of the gaming machine is that it is provided with a plurality of units along the line, and a determination unit that determines that the game medium has passed through the route based on the detection results of the plurality of detection units. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even if some normal detection operations of the plurality of detection means are disturbed, the route is determined based on the normal detection operations of the remaining detection means. It is possible to accurately detect that the game medium has passed. It should be noted that as the number of detecting means is increased, the accuracy of detecting the game medium passing through the route can be increased.

(Claim 2) By the way, as in the invention according to claim 2, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, the determination means is a detection means of more than a majority of the plurality of detection means. When the game medium is detected, it may be determined that the game medium has passed through the route. (Claim 3) Further, as in the invention according to claim 3, in the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, the detection means may be provided in an odd number. With this configuration, it is possible to facilitate the determination of the majority, particularly in the invention according to claim 2.

(Claim 4) Next, the invention according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination means is detected within a set time. The determination is made by validating the detection result of the detection means and invalidating the detection result of the detection means detected over the set time, and the set time is the speed of the game medium passing through the path and the path in the path. The gist is that it is set based on the position where a plurality of detection means are provided. Here, the game medium passing through the route should originally be detected by the detection means within the set time, and when it is detected over the set time, the detection result is detected by the detection means caused by some cause. This is due to abnormal operation.
Therefore, as in the invention described in claim 4, the detection result detected over the set time is invalidated to perform the determination, thereby avoiding the influence of the abnormal operation of the detection means and passing through the route. It is possible to accurately detect the game medium.

(Claim 5) Next, the invention according to claim 5 is, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, provided with a payout means for paying out a game medium as a prize medium.
The gist of the detecting means is that it is provided in a passage path of the game medium paid out from the payout means.
Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 5, it is possible to accurately detect the game medium paid out from the payout means.

(Claim 6) Next, the invention according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: lending means for lending a game medium, wherein the detecting means is provided. The gist is that it is provided in the passage route of the game medium lent from the lending means. Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to accurately detect the game medium rented out from the renting means.

(Claim 7) Next, the invention according to claim 7 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection means is in a winning area in which a game medium wins. The gist is to detect a game medium that is provided and passes through the winning area. Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 7, it is possible to accurately detect the game medium that has won the winning area.

(Claim 8) Next, the invention according to claim 8 provides a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. To do. That is, the function for realizing each of the means in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 can be provided as a program executed by a computer system.

(Claim 9) Next, the invention according to claim 9 records a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Computer-readable recording medium. In the case of such a program, for example, the ROM or the backup RAM may be recorded as a computer-readable recording medium, and the ROM or the backup RAM may be incorporated into a computer system for use. In addition, semiconductor memory (smart media, memory stick, etc.), hard disk, flexible disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD)
-RW, DVD, etc., magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.),
The program is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a phase change disk or a magnetic tape,
The program may be used by loading it into a computer system and activating it as necessary.

The constituent elements described in [Claims] and [Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention] and the constituent members described in [Embodiment of the Invention] described later The correspondence is as follows.
The “gaming machine” corresponds to the first type pachinko machine 10. The “game medium” corresponds to a game ball. The “prize medium” corresponds to a prize ball. The "detection means" is the prize-ball payout sensor 208a-.
208c, 209a to 209c, 220a to 220c,
221a to 221c, or each switch 24c, 27
a, 29c, 31a, 41b, 43a. The “path” corresponds to the ball passing paths 204a and 204b.
The “determination means” corresponds to the prize ball payout confirmation processing (S200) executed by the main CPU 112 of the main board 100.

The "payout means" corresponds to the prize ball unit 62 and the prize ball payout process (S920) executed by the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200. The “lending means” is the ball lending unit 63 and the sub CPU 2 of the payout control board 200.
12 corresponds to the ball rental processing (S930). The “winning area” is each winning opening 24a, 24b, 27,
It corresponds to 29a, 29b, 31, 41 and the specific area 43. The "program" is the main CPU of the main board 100.
This corresponds to the process of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 executed by 112 and the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 executed by the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200. The “recording medium” corresponds to the ROMs 114 and 214.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is embodied as a first type pachinko machine will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Overall Main Configuration] FIG. 1 is a front view of a type 1 pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment. A substantially rectangular front frame 11 is attached to the first type pachinko machine (gaming machine) 10 so as to be openable and closable. A glass frame 12 is attached to the front frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Two glass plates 13a and 13b are fitted into the glass frame 12 with a predetermined distance (for example, about 5 to 10 mm) apart in the front-rear direction.
A game board 14 is disposed on the rear surface side (opposite to the player) of the glass frame 12 and each of the glass plates 13a and 13b, and the glass boards 13a and 13b and the game board 14 are arranged in parallel. ing.

At the lower right of the front frame 11, a firing handle 15 is provided.
a is rotatably attached. The firing motor 15e (see FIG. 8) is driven based on the player gripping the firing handle 15a and rotating the firing handle 15a.
A game ball (game medium) at a launch speed according to the turning angle of 5a
Are fired to the game board 14. Further, based on the player operating the firing stop switch 15b provided on the firing handle 15a, the firing motor 15e is stopped and the firing of the game ball is also stopped.

A frame lamp 18a is provided on the front frame 11 above the glass frame 12. An upper tray panel 16 is attached to the front side of the front frame 11 below the glass frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. On the upper left side of the upper saucer panel 16,
In addition to supplying game balls as prize balls (prize media) and rental balls,
A prize ball / ball rental supply port 17 is formed for discharging game balls in excess of the capacity of the upper tray 19. An upper tray 19 for accommodating the game balls (prize balls, ball rental) supplied from the prize ball / ball rental supply port 17 is disposed on the supply side of the prize ball / ball rental supply port 17 in the upper tray panel 16. It is set up.

Below the upper tray 19, a lower tray outlet 19a for discharging game balls in excess of the number of upper trays 19 that can be accommodated is formed. A lower tray 20 for accommodating the game balls discharged from the lower tray outlet 19a is provided on the discharge side of the lower tray outlet 19a. On the upper right side of the upper tray 19, an upper tray ball removing lever 19b for discharging the game balls stored in the upper tray 19 from the lower tray outlet 19a to the lower tray 20 is slidably arranged. Below the lower tray 20, a lower tray ball removing lever 20b for sliding the game balls stored in the lower tray 20 into a ball box (not shown) from the lower tray ball removing hole 20a is slidably arranged. .

On the left side of the front frame 11, a device outside the gaming machine (CR card sand) 22 is attached. A slit 22a for inserting a prepaid card and the like are provided in the device outside the gaming machine portion 22. That is, the first-class pachinko machine 10 is a type in which a game is played using a prepaid card instead of cash, and this type is generally called a "CR machine".

[Main Structure of Game Board 14] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 14 removed from the first type pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front side. On the left side of the game board 14, a guide rail 21 for guiding the game balls shot on the game board 14 to the game area is provided. On the left and right of the center of the game board 14, a decorative windmill 25a decorated with LEDs,
25b is provided. Corner decoration lamps 18b and 18c are arranged at the upper left and right ends of the game board 14, respectively. Side decoration lamps 18d and 18e are arranged at the left and right ends of the center of the game board 14. At the upper left corner of the game board 14, an award ball number excessive display LED 18f and an award ball number excessive display LED 18g are arranged.

A center case 30 is arranged in the approximate center of the game board 14. Around the center of the center case 30, a plurality of special symbols (for example,
A special symbol display 32 that variably displays combinations of "0" to "9" and the like) is provided. The special symbol display 32 is a display device (eg, LCD,
CRT, plasma display, etc.). On the upper part of the special symbol display 32 in the center case 30, four which the number of times the special symbol display 32 can start the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the game ball to the first type starting opening 27 is displayed. The special symbol memory display LED 36, which is composed of the above LED, is provided.

Below the center case 30, there is provided a first type starting opening 27 having a function of activating the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display 32. A normal electric accessory 28 is disposed in the first-type starting opening 27. The ordinary electric accessory 28 includes symmetrical wing pieces (generally referred to as “tulips”) so that both movable wing pieces that are normally in the upright state rotate left and right about their respective spindles to open. Has become. And the ordinary electric accessory 28 is
Normally, when the symbol display device 34 hits and displays a stop symbol, both movable wing pieces are opened. Ordinary electric accessory 28
When both movable wing pieces of are opened, the entrance of the first type starting opening 27 is opened or enlarged, and the game ball is easy to win.

Below the first type starting port 27, a variable winning device 40 is provided which operates when the special symbol display device 32 displays a jackpot stop symbol (predetermined symbol). An opening / closing member 42 that opens a special winning opening 41 when a jackpot gaming state occurs is openably and closably attached to the variable winning device 40. Inside the special winning opening 41, a specific area 43 having a function of continuously opening the special winning opening 41, and a specific area switch 43a for detecting (detecting) a game ball passing through the specific area 43 (see FIG. 8) ), And a special winning opening switch 41b for counting the number of game balls that have won the special winning opening 41
(See FIG. 8) are provided.

On the left side of the variable winning device 40, the lower left winning opening 2
9a is provided, and a lower right winning opening 29b is provided on the right side of the variable winning device 40. The left sleeve winning opening 24a is disposed above the lower left winning opening 29a on the left side. The right sleeve winning opening 24b is disposed above the lower right winning opening 29b on the right side. On the upper left side of the left sleeve winning opening 24a, a normal symbol display device 34 including three LEDs vertically arranged is arranged. On the upper right side of the right sleeve winning opening 24b, a normal symbol memory display LED 35 including four LEDs arranged in the vertical direction is arranged. This normal symbol storage display LED35 displays the number of times the normal symbol display device 34 can start the variable display of the normal symbol based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gates 26a and 26b.

At the upper left and right center of the center case 30,
The sky winning port 31 is provided (opened). A left inlet 45a is arranged (opened) on the upper left side of the center case 30, and a right inlet 45b is arranged (opened) on the upper right side of the center case 30. The part extending to the left end of the center case 30 forms a left cover material 30a, and the part extending to the right end of the center case 30 is a right cover material 30b.
Is formed. Then, the left and right cover materials 30a, 30b
Respectively extend to the vicinity of the side decoration lamps 18d and 18e.

In the portion along the left side of the special symbol display 32 in the left cover material 30a, a passage (not shown) having two upper and lower ends through which one gaming ball can pass is provided,
The upper end of the passage is at the left entrance 45a of the center case 30.
, And the lower end of the passage communicates with the front side of the special symbol display device 32. A passage (not shown) having two upper and lower ends through which one gaming ball can pass is also arranged in a portion along the right side of the special symbol display in the right cover material 30b, and the upper end of the passage is It communicates with the right entrance 45b of the center case 30, and the lower end of the passage communicates with the front side of the special symbol display 32.

On the game board 14 covered with the left and right cover members 30a, 30b, there are provided normal symbol operation gates 26a, 26b each having a function of starting the variable display of the ordinary symbol by the ordinary symbol display device 34. . Below the left and right cover materials 30a, 30b (ordinary pattern operation gate 26
Below the a and 26b), the ordinary wind turbines 23a,
23b is provided. A large number of nails (not shown) are driven into the game board 14, and the game balls shot on the game board 14 flow down (fall) on the surface of the game board 14 while dancing between the nails. At the center of the lowermost part of the game board 14, an out port 44 is provided for collecting, as an out ball, a game ball that has not won a prize among the game balls flowing down the surface of the game board 14.

[Main Structure of Back Set of First-Class Pachinko Machine] FIG. 3 is a front view of the back setting mechanism plate 320.
On the back side of the first type pachinko machine 10, a back setting mechanism plate 32
0 is attached so that it can be opened and closed. Back setting mechanism plate 3
A tank 321 is disposed above the 20. The tank 321 stores the game balls supplied from the game ball supply mechanism of the island facility (not shown) in which the plurality of first type pachinko machines 10 are installed. Incidentally, the island facility is provided with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting the game balls returned from the respective game machines in the island facility, and the collected game balls are supplied from the game ball supply mechanism to the respective pachinko machines 10 in the island facility. A circulation system is provided for distribution to and from.

At the bottom of the tank 321, the tank rail 3
22 are provided. The tank rail 322 is inclined downward to the right, and a game ball guide rail 323 is connected to the right end of the tank rail 322. That is, tank 3
The game ball stored in 21 rolls on the tank rail 322 and is guided to the game ball guide rail 323. The prize ball unit 62 is disposed below the game ball guide rail 323. Below the prize ball unit 62, a ball rental unit 63 is arranged. Inside the game ball guide rail 323, three rails (not shown) are formed, two of the three rails are connected to the prize ball unit 62, and the remaining one is the ball rental unit 63. Are linked to.

Each of the two rails connected to the prize ball unit 62 in the game ball guide rail 323 has a prize ball break switch 6 for detecting that the prize ball has run out.
4a and 64b are provided. In addition, a ball rental out switch 61 for detecting that there are no more balls to be rented is provided on the one rail of the game ball guiding rail 323 connected to the ball renting unit 63. Each of the ball break switches 61, 64a, 64b also detects a ball clogging of the game ball in the rail, an abnormality in the flow of the game ball due to dust in the rail, and the like.

The prize balls paid out from the prize ball unit 62 and the loan balls lent out from the ball rental unit 63 pass through the payout ball guiding path 324, which is a tubular member arranged on the back setting mechanism plate 320, to win the prize. It is supplied from the ball / ball rental supply port 17 to the upper tray 19. By the way, the state where more prize balls than the game balls launched to the game board 14 continues to be paid out,
If a large number of prize balls are paid out in a short time in a jackpot game state, the upper tray 19 is filled with game balls. When the prize balls are paid out in a state where the upper tray 19 is full, the paid game balls overflow the number of the upper tray 19 that can be accommodated and are discharged from the prize ball / ball rental supply port 17.

Moreover, the game balls that overflow from the tray 19 and are discharged from the prize ball / ball rental supply port 17 are the payout ball guide path 324.
It is discharged to the lower tray 20 from the lower tray discharge port 19a through the overflow ball guiding path 325 made of a tubular member communicating with the lower tray 20. Further, in the vicinity of the lower tray discharge port 19a on the exit side of the overflow ball guide path 325, the lower tray full detection switch 2 for detecting that the lower tray 20 is full of game balls
0d is provided.

[Main Structure of Prize Ball Unit 62] FIG. 4
(A) is a partially transparent side view of the prize ball unit 62.
4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball unit 62. FIG. 6 shows the divided body 201 removed from the prize ball unit 62.
b, prize ball payout motor 206, sensor mounting holder 207a
It is a principal part perspective view of FIG. FIG. 7A shows the prize ball unit 62.
It is a perspective view of sensor attachment holder 207b and prize ball payout sensors 209a-209c which were removed from. Figure 7
(B) is an exploded perspective view of the sensor mounting holder 207b and prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c.

The prize ball unit 62 includes a housing 201,
Ball entrances 202a and 202b, ball exits 203a and 203
b, ball passing paths 204a and 204b, delivery member 205,
Prize ball payout motor 206, sensor mounting holders 207a, 2
07b, prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c, 209a
.About.209c. The substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 201 includes three divided bodies 201a made of synthetic resin.
It is divided into 201c. On the upper surface side of the divided body 201a,
Ball entrances 202a and 202b, which are respectively connected to the two rails of the game ball guide rail 323 (see FIG. 3), are opened. In addition, on the lower surface side of the divided body 201b attached to the lower side of the divided body 201a, the payout ball guiding path 324
Ball outlets 203a and 203b communicating with (see FIG. 3) are opened.

Inside each of the divided bodies 201a and 201b,
A sphere passage path 204a which connects the sphere entrance 202a and the sphere exit 203a and a sphere passage path 204b which connects the sphere entrance 202b and the sphere exit 203b are provided. Incidentally, each of the openings 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b and each of the ball passage paths 204a, 204b are formed in a size that allows only one game ball P to pass. Therefore, the game balls P passing through the ball passing paths 204a and 204b are aligned in a line. In addition, the ball entrance 202a and the ball passing path 204
a, the structure of the sphere outlet 203a is the same as the structure of the sphere inlet 202b, the sphere passage path 204b, and the sphere outlet 203b.
A spiral delivery member 205 is disposed on each of the ball passage paths 204a and 204b in the divided body 201b.

A prize ball payout motor 206, which is a stepping motor, is arranged in each of the divided bodies 201a and 201c. The motor shaft of the prize ball payout motor 206 is attached and fixed to the central shaft 205a of the delivery member 205. Then, the sending member 205 is half-turned by one ON operation of the prize ball payout motor 206, and by the half-turning of the sending member 205, one gaming ball supplied from the respective ball inlets 202a, 202b into the housing 201. P is sent out into each ball passing path 204a, 204b, and each ball outlet 203
a, 203b.

That is, the delivery member 205 is rotated once by the turning-on operation of the prize ball payout motor 206, and each rotation of the delivery member 205 causes the ball entrances 202a and 202a.
The game balls P supplied from b to the inside of the housing 201 are sent out one by one into the ball passage paths 204a and 204b, respectively, and discharged from the ball outlets 203a and 203b. In addition, the ball inlets 202a and 202b, the ball outlet 203a,
203b and 2 ball passing paths 204a and 204b respectively
They are arranged one by one in order to efficiently pay out the prize balls.

Sphere passage path 20 in the divided body 201b
The sensor mounting holder 20 is provided near the ball outlet 203a of 4a.
7a is provided. Further, a sensor mounting holder 207b is arranged in the divided body 201b near the ball outlet 203b of the ball passage path 204b. In the sensor mounting holder 207a, three prize ball payout sensors 20 are provided in the vertical direction of the ball passing path 204a along the passing direction of the game ball P.
8a to 208c are attached and fixed. Further, three prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c are fixedly attached to the sensor mounting holder 207b in the vertical direction of the ball passing path 204b along the passing direction of the game ball P. In addition, each prize ball payout sensor 208a-2 in the ball passage route 204a.
The installation position of 08c is the same as the installation position of each prize ball payout sensor 209a to 209c in the ball passage route 204b.

Each prize ball payout sensor 208a-2 having the same structure
Reference numerals 08c and 209a to 209c are optical sensors including a light emitting element 211a and a light receiving element 211b, and each element 210, 211 is a passing direction of the game ball P (each ball passing path 2).
It is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the path directions of 04a and 204b). And each prize ball payout sensor 208a-
208c, 209a to 209c, the game sphere P cuts the projection light projected from the light emitting element 211a to the light receiving element 211b as shown by the arrow α, and the game sphere P follows the respective ball passage paths 204a, 204b. It detects that it has passed. The light emitting element 211a is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode or a neon tube. The light receiving element 211b is composed of, for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor.

Here, each prize ball payout sensor 208a-20.
8c and 209a to 209c are arranged along the passage direction of the game sphere P from above the ball passage paths 204a and 204b to below. Therefore, the ball passage route 204
The game ball P passing while falling (flowing down) in a is first detected by the prize ball payout sensor 208a, then detected by the prize ball payout sensor 208b, and finally detected by the prize ball payout sensor 208c. Ball exit 20
It is discharged from 3a. In addition, the game ball P passing through the ball passing path 204b while falling is first detected by the prize ball paying sensor 209a, and then the prize ball paying sensor 209.
b, finally detected by the prize ball payout sensor 209c, and then discharged from the ball outlet 203b.

[Electrical Structure of Type 1 Pachinko Machine 10] FIG. 8 is a block circuit diagram showing the electrical structure of the type 1 pachinko machine 10. The first-type pachinko machine 10 is provided with a main board (electronic control device) 100, and a microcomputer (microprocessor) 110 is mounted on the main board 100. Microcomputer 1
10, a main CPU 112 for executing game control
And a ROM 114 in which various control programs for the main CPU 112 to execute various controls are stored, and a control program read from the ROM 114 when the main CPU 112 executes various control programs and hits that occur during a game A RAM 116 for temporarily storing various data such as data is installed. In addition, the RAM 116 backs up data processed by the main CPU 112 at the time of power shutdown, commands sent to each device and each board, and the like in order to reproduce the game state at the time of power shutdown such as power failure after the power is restored.

The following components are electrically connected to the main substrate 100. Power board 80, prize ball (prize medium)
A payout control board 200 for controlling the payout of a ball or a rental of a ball, a special symbol control device 33 for controlling the special symbol display 32, a lamp control device 75 for controlling lamps provided on the game board 14, a game in progress. A voice control device 7 for controlling a voice reproduction device 79a for reproducing (pronuncing) sound effects and the like
Detecting (detecting) the winning of a game ball into the first type starting opening 27
First-type start opening switch 27a (in FIG. 8, the switch is referred to as "SW") for playing, game board information (prize,
The game frame information terminal board 52, the board surface relay board 51, the game frame relay board for sending out a game stop, etc.) to a computer (hereinafter, referred to as “hall computer” (not shown)) provided in a pachinko hall management room 53.

The payout control board 200 is equipped with a microcomputer (microprocessor) 210 which operates by inputting control commands sent from the main board 100. The microcomputer 210 pays out prize balls and rents balls. Sub CPU 21 for controlling the rental of items
2, a ROM 214 in which various control programs for the sub CPU 212 to execute control such as payout of prize balls and rental of balls for rent, and a sub-CPU 212 read from the ROM 214 when executing various control programs The RAM 216 for temporarily storing various data such as the control program and the number of prize balls generated during the game is mounted. The payout control board 200 includes a power supply board 80, a CR connection board 56, and a firing motor drive board 15.
c, the game frame information terminal board 52, the sensor relay board 54, the ball rental switch 61, the ball rental unit 63, and the prize ball payout motor 206 provided in the prize ball unit 62 are electrically connected. The ball rental unit 63 includes a ball rental solenoid 63a for lending a game ball as a ball, and a ball payout sensor 63b for detecting the loaned ball. The sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200 counts the number of lent balls that have been lent out based on the detection signal from the lent ball payout sensor 63b.

The firing motor drive board 15c includes a firing motor 15e, a firing switch 15d, and a firing stop switch 15.
b is electrically connected. When the firing handle 15a is operated, the firing switch 15d changes the firing handle 15a.
The detection signal corresponding to the rotation angle is generated, and the detection signal of the firing switch 15d is sent to the sub CPU 212 via the firing motor drive board 15c. Then the sub-CP
A drive signal is output from U212 to the launch motor 15e via the launch motor drive board 15c, and the launch motor 15e launches the game ball at a launch speed according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 15a in accordance with the drive signal.

When the firing handle 15a is operated to turn off the firing switch 15d, the firing switch 1
The detection signal of 5d is sent to the sub CPU 212 via the firing motor drive board 15c. Then, the sub CPU2
A drive stop signal is output from 12 to the launch motor 15e via the launch motor drive board 15c, and the launch motor 15e stops the launch of the game ball according to the drive stop signal. When the firing stop switch 15b is operated, the detection signal of the firing stop switch 15b is the firing motor drive substrate 1
Is sent to the sub CPU 212 via the 5c, and the sub CP
A drive stop signal is output from U212 to the firing motor 15e via the firing motor drive board 15c.
e stops the firing of the game ball according to the drive stop signal.

To the game frame relay board 53, the lower tray full detection switch 20d, the award ball break switches 64a and 64b, and the sensor relay board 54 are electrically connected. The prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and 209a to 209c provided in the prize ball unit 62 are electrically connected to the sensor relay board 54. Each prize ball payout sensor 208a-2
The detection signals of 08c and 209a to 209c are sent from the sensor relay board 54 through the game frame relay board 53 to the main board 100.
Is sent to the main CPU 112 based on the signal.
Counts the number of prize balls paid out.

The following materials are electrically connected to the board relay board 51. Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 28a for opening and closing both movable wings of the ordinary electric accessory 28 (note that
In FIG. 8, the solenoid is referred to as “SL”), a normal symbol display device 34, a gate switch 26c for detecting (detecting) that the game ball has passed one of the normal symbol operation gates 26a and 26b, a large size. Big winning opening switch 41 for detecting (detecting) winning of a game ball into the winning opening 41
b, a sleeve winning opening switch 24 for detecting (detecting) winning of a game ball into either of the sleeve winning openings 24a and 24b
c, the lower winning opening switch 29 for detecting (detecting) the winning of the game ball into one of the lower winning openings 29a and 29b
c, a winning entrance switch 31a for detecting (detecting) winning of a game ball into the winning entrance 31, a big winning relay board 50
Is.

On the special winning opening relay board 50, a specific area 43
A specific area switch 43a for detecting a game ball that has passed (winning) and a special winning opening solenoid 41a for opening and closing the special winning opening 41 by opening and closing the opening / closing member 42 are electrically connected. The CR connection board 56 is electrically connected to the out-of-game device portion 22 including a device for reading a prepaid card.

The power supply board 80 receives an alternating current (A
C) 24V (50Hz / 60Hz) power supply,
A DC power supply of various voltages is generated from the AC power supply, and the DC power supply is used for each substrate 56, 100, 200 and each device 3.
Supply to 3,75,79. Then, the detection signal of the first-type starting port switch 27a is input to the main CPU 112 of the main board 100, and the detection signals of the switches 24c, 26c, 29c, 31a, 41b are input via the board relay board 51. The detection signal of the specific area switch 43a is input from the special winning opening relay board 50 via the board relay board 51, and each switch 20d via the game frame relay board 53.
The detection signals of 64a and 64b are input, and the detection signals of the respective prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and 209a to 209c are input from the sensor relay board 54 via the game frame relay board 53.

[Awarding Ball Disbursement Control Processing Performed by Main CPU 112] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the awarding ball payout control processing performed by the main CPU 112 of the main board 100 in this embodiment. The main CPU 112
According to the program recorded (stored) in the ROM 114, the processes of the following steps (hereinafter referred to as “S”) are executed by various arithmetic processes by the computer. A computer-readable recording medium (semiconductor memory (smart media, memory stick, etc.), hard disk, flexible disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.),
Optical disc (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, D
(VD, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), phase change disk, magnetic tape, etc. are recorded (stored) in an external recording device (external storage device), and the program is stored in the external recording device as necessary. Alternatively, the main CPU 112 may be loaded into the main CPU 112 and started up. The main CPU 112 has a winning process (S100), a prize ball payout confirmation process (S200), and a prize ball payout abnormality process (S300).
After sequentially executing, the process returns to S100 again, and S1
The processing of 00 to S300 is repeatedly executed.

<Winning process> In the winning process (S100), the main CPU 112 causes the switches 24c and 27 to operate.
Based on the detection signals of a, 29c, 31a, 41b, 43a, the number of game balls to be paid out from the prize ball unit 62 as a prize ball (hereinafter, referred to as "payout determination prize ball number") is determined, and the payout is determined. A prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of prize balls is generated, and the prize ball payout command is issued to the payout control board 20.
0 to the sub CPU 212. Here, the switches 24c, 41b, 43a are connected to the respective winning openings 24a, 24b, 4
The number of payout determination prize balls when the winning of the game ball to 1 and the specific area 43 is detected is set to, for example, 15 with respect to the winning of one game ball to the winning port. In addition, each switch 27a, 29c, 31a is a prize hole 2
The number of payout determination prize balls when the winning of the game balls to 7, 29a, 29b, 31 is detected is set to, for example, 5 for the winning of one game ball to each of the prize holes. There is.

<Prize ball payout confirmation processing> FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the prize ball payout confirmation process (S200) which PU112 performs. In the prize ball payout confirmation process (S200), the main CPU 112 performs the first prize ball payout sensor process (S210), the second prize ball payout sensor process (S220), and the paid prize ball number detection process (S230).
After being sequentially executed, the process proceeds to prize ball payout abnormality processing (S300).

(First prize ball payout sensor process) In the first prize ball payout sensor process (S210), the main CPU 112 is operated.
First, based on the on / off (ON / OFF) states of the detection signals of the respective prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c, the edge data E1a to data indicating that the detection signals are surely turned on. E1c is detected. That is, at the time when the edge data E1a to E1c are detected, the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c have detected the game balls. Here, the edge data E1a corresponds to the detection signal of the prize ball payout sensor 208a, the edge data E1b corresponds to the detection signal of the prize ball payout sensor 208b, and the edge data E1c corresponds to the detection signal of the prize ball payout sensor 208c. ing.

11 to 15 show each prize ball payout sensor 20.
8a to 208c detection signals and edge data E1a to
It is a timing chart which shows each example of E1c. Figure 11
Then, all the detection signals of the respective prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c are surely turned on, and the three edge data E1a to E1c are detected. In FIG. 12, the detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208a and 208c are surely turned on, whereas the prize ball payout sensor 208 is detected.
The detection signal of b is not surely turned on, and only the two edge data E1a and E1c are detected. In FIG. 13, the detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208a and 208b are surely turned on, whereas the detection signals of the prize ball payout sensor 208c are not reliably turned on. Only the edge data E1a and E1b are detected.

In FIG. 14, the detection signal of the prize ball payout sensor 208a is surely turned on, whereas the detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208b and 208c are not certainly turned on. Only one edge data E1a is detected. In FIG. 15, the prize ball payout sensor 208
While the detection signal of c is surely in the ON state, the detection signals of the respective prize ball payout sensors 208a and 208b are not in the reliable ON state, and one edge data E
Only 1c is detected.

Next, the main CPU 112 sets a set time Ta (for example, from the time when the edge data E1a is detected).
Edge data E1b detected within 12 msec),
Only E1c is determined to be valid, and the edge data E1b and E1c detected over the set time Ta are determined to be invalid.
The main CPU 112 unconditionally determines that the edge data E1a is valid. Then main CPU
112 determines that the edge data E1c detected within the set time Tb (for example, 8 msec) from the time when the edge data E1b is detected is valid, and the edge data E1c detected after the set time Tb is invalid. To do.

Then, the main CPU 112, when the number of the edge data E1a to E1c determined to be valid is 2 or more (when it is a majority or more), each prize ball payout sensor 208.
1 to the ball passage path 204a in which a to 208c are arranged.
It is determined that the individual game balls have passed. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the edge data E1 determined to be valid.
Since the number of a to E1c is two, the ball passing path 204
It is determined that one game ball has passed a. Further, the main CPU 112 sets the edge data E1 that is determined to be valid.
If the number of a to E1c is less than 2 (less than the majority), it is determined that the game ball has not passed the ball passage route 204a. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,
Since the number of edge data E1a to E1c determined to be valid is one, it is determined that the game ball has not passed the ball passing path 204a.

(Second Prize Ball Payout Sensor Process) In the second prize ball payout sensor process (S220), the main CPU 112
Is the same as the first prize ball payout sensor process (S210), it is determined whether or not one game ball has passed the ball passing path 204b in which the prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c are arranged. That is, the main CPU 112 firstly, based on the ON / OFF state of the detection signals of the respective prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c, the edge data E2 which is data indicating that the detection signals are surely turned on.
a to E2c are detected.

Next, the main CPU 112 determines that only the edge data E2b and E2c detected within the set time Ta from the time when the edge data E2a is detected are valid and the edge data detected over the set time Ta. E2
It is determined that b and E2c are invalid. The main CPU 112
Determines that the edge data E2a is unconditionally valid. Subsequently, the main CPU 112 determines that the edge data E2c detected within the set time Tb from the time when the edge data E2b is detected is valid and sets the set time Tb.
It is determined that the edge data E2c that has been detected beyond the range is invalid. Then, the main CPU 112, when the number of edge data E2a to E2c determined to be valid is two or more,
It is determined that one game ball has passed the ball passage route 204b in which the prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c are arranged. Further, when the number of edge data E2a to E2c determined to be valid is less than 2, the main CPU 112 determines that the game ball has not passed through the ball passage path 204b.

(Processing for detecting the number of paid-out prize balls) In the process for detecting the number of paid-out prize balls (S230), the main CPU 112 is operated.
Is based on the processing results of the first prize ball payout sensor process (S210) and the second prize ball payout sensor process (S210).
The total number of game balls paid out from the prize ball unit 62 (hereinafter, referred to as "paid prize ball number") is detected by adding the number of game balls that have passed through the ball passage paths 204a and 204b.

<Award Winning Ball Abnormality Processing> In the winning ball paying abnormality processing (S300), the main CPU 112 detects the number of paid award balls (S200) in the winning ball paying confirmation processing (S200).
230) and the number of paid-out prize balls detected and the winning process (S1
00) and the number of payout determination prize balls determined in step 00). Then, when the number of paid-out prize balls is smaller than the number of pay-out determination prize balls, the main CPU 112 reduces the number of prize balls (= paid-out prize balls) smaller than the number of prize balls to be originally paid (= payout-decision prize ball number). It is determined that only the (number) has been paid out, a lamp control command for notifying that is generated, and the lamp control command is sent to the lamp control device 75. Then, the lamp control device 75, based on the lamp control command, displays the number of prize balls insufficient display LED 18f.
(See FIG. 2) is lit.

Further, when the number of paid-out prize balls is larger than the number of payout determination prize balls, the main CPU 112 has a larger number of prize balls (= payout number than the number of prize balls to be originally paid out (= payout determination prize ball number)). It is determined that the number of paid prize balls) has been paid out, a lamp control command for notifying that is generated, and the lamp control command is sent to the lamp control device 75. Then, the lamp control device 75, based on the lamp control command, displays the prize ball excess number display LED 18g.
(See FIG. 2) is lit. In addition, when the number of paid-out prize balls is equal to the number of payout determination prize balls, the number of prize balls equal to the number of prize balls to be originally paid out (= number of payout determination prize balls) (=
Since the number of paid prize balls has been paid out, each LED1
Both 8f and 18g remain turned off.

[Main processing executed by sub CPU 212]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing executed by the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200 in this embodiment. The sub CPU 212 executes the processes of the following steps by various calculation processes by the computer according to the program recorded (stored) in the ROM 214. Note that the program is recorded (stored) in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program is transferred from an external recording device to the sub CPU 2 if necessary.
It may be used by loading it in 12 and starting it.

The sub CPU 212 executes the game ball launching process (S
910), the prize ball payout process (S920), and the ball rental process (S930) are sequentially executed, and then the process returns to S910 and the processes of S910 to S930 are repeatedly executed.

In the game ball firing process (S910), the sub CPU 212 drives the firing motor 15e based on the detection signals of the firing switch 15d and the firing stop switch 15b transferred through the firing motor drive board 15c. A drive stop signal is generated, and the drive signal or drive stop signal is sent to the firing motor 15e via the firing motor drive board 15c. Then, as mentioned above,
The firing motor 15e fires a game ball or stops firing based on the drive signal or the drive stop signal.

In the prize ball payout process (S920), the sub CPU 212 generates a drive signal based on the prize ball payout command transferred from the main CPU 112 of the main board 100, and outputs the drive signal to the prize ball unit 62. It outputs to the ball payout motor 206. Then, the prize ball payout motor 20
6 operates according to the drive signal, rotates the delivery member 205, sends out the game balls as many as the payout determination prize balls corresponding to the prize ball payout command into the ball passing paths 204a and 204b, and the game balls are balls. It is paid out from the prize ball unit 62 by discharging from the outlets 203a and 203b.

In the ball lending process (S930), the sub CPU 212 generates a drive signal based on the ball lending command sent from the main CPU 112 of the main board 100, and outputs the drive signal to the ball lending unit 63. Output to the ball solenoid 63a. Then, the ball rental solenoid 63
a operates according to the drive signal, and the ball rental unit 63 uses the number of game balls corresponding to the ball rental command as the ball rental.
Lend from.

[Operation / Effect of Embodiment] According to this embodiment described in detail above, the following operation / effect can be obtained. (1) In the ball passing path 204a in the prize ball unit 62,
Each prize ball payout sensor 208a to along the passing direction of the game ball
208c is provided. Further, on the ball passing path 204b in the prize ball unit 62, prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c are arranged along the passing direction of the game balls. Then, in the first prize ball payout sensor process (S210), the main CPU 112 causes each prize ball payout sensor 208.
When the number of the edge data E1a to E1c determined to be valid by detecting each of the edge data E1a to E1c indicating that the detection signals of a to 208c are surely turned on is two or more (in the case of a majority number or more) ), It is determined that one game ball has passed the ball passage route 204a.

The second prize ball payout sensor process (S22)
In 0), the main CPU 112 detects the edge data E2a to E2c indicating that the detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c are surely turned on, and the edge data E2a to E2c determined to be valid. If the number is 2 or more (less than a majority), it is determined that one game ball has passed the ball passage route 204b. Here, at the time when each of the edge data E1a to E1c and E2a to E2c is detected, each of the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208a.
208c and 209a-209c have detected the game ball.

By the way, the prize-ball payout sensors 208a-20
Noise from the outside is applied to the detection signals of 8c and 209a to 209c, the prize ball payout motor 206 and the delivery member 2
If the prize ball payout sensor becomes abnormal due to heat or vibration of 05, the normal detection operation of the prize ball payout sensor may be hindered. However, in this embodiment,
In the case where three prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c, 209a to 209c are provided for each ball passing path 204a, 204b, and a majority of prize ball paying sensors detect a game ball for each ball passing path. , It is determined that one game ball has passed through the ball passage route.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when the normal detection operation of one prize ball payout sensor is disturbed, the ball passing path is determined based on the normal detection operation of the remaining two prize ball payout sensors. It is possible to accurately detect that the game ball has passed. That is, according to the present embodiment, in the case where the normal detection operation of the prize ball payout sensor is hindered, as compared with the conventional technique in which only one prize ball payout sensor is provided for each ball passing path. However, each ball passing path 204a,
It is possible to accurately detect the number of game balls that have passed through 204b.

(2) First prize ball payout sensor process (S21
0), the main CPU 112 causes the edge data E
From the time when 1a is detected, a set time Ta (for example, 12
edge data E1b, E1 detected within msec)
It is determined that only c is valid, the edge data E1b and E1c detected over the set time Ta are invalid, and the edge data E1b is detected within the set time Tb (for example, 8 msec) from the time of detection. Edge data E1c
Is determined to be valid, and the edge data E1c detected over the set time Tb is determined to be invalid. In addition, in the second prize ball payout sensor process (S220), the main CPU 112.
Determines that only the edge data E2b, E2c detected within the set time Ta from the time when the edge data E2a is detected is valid, and the edge data E2b, E2c detected over the set time Ta is invalid. , The edge data E2c detected within the set time Tb from the time when the edge data E2b is detected is determined to be valid, and the set time Tb
It is determined that the edge data E2c that has been detected beyond the range is invalid.

Here, the set times Ta and Tb are the falling speeds of the game balls passing through the ball passage paths 204a and 204b and the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and 209a to.
It is experimentally set in advance based on the installation position of 209c. That is, the game balls passing through the ball passage path 204a are sequentially detected by the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c. The game balls passing through the ball passage route 204b are sequentially detected by the prize ball payout sensors 209a to 209c. Therefore, the prize ball payout sensor 208a,
The game ball detected by 209a is a prize ball payout sensor 208.
The time required to fall to the detectable positions of c and 209c is measured, and a time obtained by adding a sufficient margin to the time is set as the set time Ta. In addition, the prize ball payout sensor 208
b, the game ball detected in 209b is the prize ball payout sensor 2
The time required to drop to the detectable positions of 08c and 209c is measured, and a time obtained by adding a sufficient margin to that time is set as the set time Tb.

That is, each ball passing path 204a, 204b
The game ball passing through is originally each prize ball payout sensor 208a to 208c, 209a to 209 within the set time Ta and Tb.
If it is detected by c and is detected over the set times Ta and Tb, the detection result is for some reason (for example, noise applied from the outside, prize ball payout motor 206).
It is considered that this is due to an abnormal operation of the prize-ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and 209a to 209c caused by heat or vibration of the delivery member 205. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, by determining that the edge data E2b and E2c detected over the set times Ta and Tb are invalid,
Prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c, 209a to 209
By avoiding the influence of the abnormal motion of c, each ball passing path 204
It is possible to accurately detect the number of game balls that have passed through a and 204b.

[Another Embodiment] By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be embodied as follows. Even in that case, an operation equivalent to or more than that of the above-mentioned embodiment The effect can be obtained. [1] In the above-described embodiment, each ball passing path 204a, 20
Three prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208 for every 4b
c, 209a to 209c are provided. However, two or four or more prize ball payout sensors may be provided for each of the ball passage paths 204a and 204b. For example, when two prize ball payout sensors are provided for each of the ball passing paths 204a and 204b, the ball passing path is played on the ball passing path only when both of the two prize ball paying sensors detect the game ball. It may be determined that the vehicle has passed.

When four or more prize ball payout sensors are provided for each ball passing path 204a, 204b, a majority of prize ball paying sensors detect a game ball for each ball passing path. It is only necessary to determine that the game ball has passed the ball passage route. In this way, as the number of prize ball payout sensors is increased, the detection accuracy of the game balls that have passed through the ball passage paths 204a and 204b can be increased. In addition, in order to facilitate the determination of the majority, each ball passing path 204a, 2
It is desirable that the number of prize ball payout sensors provided for each 04b be an odd number.

[2] First prize ball payout sensor process (S210) and second prize ball payout sensor process (S2) of the above embodiment.
20), three edge data E1a to E1c, E2
After a to E2c are detected, each ball passing path 204a,
It is determined whether the game ball has passed 204b. However, the edge data E1a to E1 determined to be valid
When the number of 1c and E2a to E2c becomes two (when more than half is reached), each ball passing path 204a, 20
It may be determined that the game ball has passed 4b.
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 13, it may be determined that the game ball has passed the ball passing path 204a at the time when the edge data E1b is detected. By doing this, it is possible to shorten the time required for the first prize ball payout sensor process (S210) and the second prize ball payout sensor process (S220), and the game ball is moved along each ball passing path 204a, 204b. The passing can be promptly detected.

[3] In the above embodiment, optical sensors are used as the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and 209a to 209c. However, each prize ball payout sensor 20
8a to 208c, 209a to 209c, each prize ball payout sensor 220a to 220c, 221 using a galvanic device that detects that a game ball that is a steel ball has passed by using electromagnetic induction.
You may replace with a-221c. Moreover, you may mix an optical sensor and a galvanometer, for example, only the prize ball payout sensor 208c, 209c is the prize ball payout sensor 220c, 2.
21c may be replaced. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball unit 62 using the prize ball payout sensors 220a to 220c and 221a to 221c. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of each of the prize ball payout sensors 220a to 220c and 221a to 221c.

Ball passing path 204a in the prize ball unit 62
Each prize ball payout sensor 22 along the passing direction of the game ball.
0a to 220c are provided. Further, on the ball passage path 204b in the prize ball unit 62, prize ball payout sensors 221a to 221c are arranged along the passage direction of the game balls. Each prize ball payout sensor 220a to 220 having the same configuration
c, 221a to 221c are two housings 2 made of synthetic resin.
22a, 222b, which are divided into respective housings 222a, 222
A printed circuit board 222c is arranged in b. The detection coil 223 of the galvanometer is formed by printed wiring on the printed circuit board 222c.
Are arranged so as to wind the ball passing paths 204a and 204b.

[4] Although the above embodiment is embodied as the prize ball payout sensor of the prize ball unit 62, the present invention may be applied to the ball payout sensor 63b of the ball payout unit 63. The ball rental unit 62 of the above-described embodiment includes a housing having the same structure as the housing 201 of the prize ball payout unit 62, one ball passage path is provided in the housing, and the game ball is in the ball passage path. A stopper for locking is arranged so as to be able to move forward and backward, and the movement of the stopper is controlled by the ball rental solenoid 63a. In addition, one ball rental payout sensor 63b is arranged in the ball passage path of the ball rental unit 62.
The ball-rental payout sensor 63b is the prize-ball payout sensor 208a to 208c, 209a to 209c, 22 of the above embodiment.
0a to 220c and 221a to 221c have the same configuration. It is possible to more accurately detect the number of lent balls lent out from the lent ball unit 63 by providing a plurality of lent ball payout sensors 63b of the above-described embodiment as in the award ball payout sensor of the above-described embodiment. Become.

[5] The above embodiment is embodied as the prize ball payout sensor of the prize ball unit 62, but the present invention is concerned with each prize hole 24a, 24b, 27, 29a, 29b, 31 ,.
41 and the respective switches 24c, 27a of the specific area 43,
You may apply to 29c, 31a, 41b, 43a. Each switch 24c, 27a, 29c, 31 of the above embodiment
By providing a plurality of a, 41b, 43a like the prize ball payout sensor of the above-mentioned embodiment, each winning hole 24a, 2a.
4b, 27, 29a, 29b, 31, 41 and the number of gaming balls that have won the specific area 43 can be detected more accurately.

[6] In the above embodiment, the first-type pachinko machine was described as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine of a type other than the first type, or other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a type 1 pachinko machine 10 according to an embodiment embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a game board 1 removed from a first-class pachinko machine 10.
4 is a front view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a back setting mechanism plate 320.

FIG. 4 (A) is a partially transparent side view of the prize ball unit 62 removed from the first type pachinko machine 10. Figure 4 (B)
Is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the prize ball unit 62.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of essential parts of components of the prize ball unit 62.

FIG. 7A is a view showing a sensor mounting holder 207b removed from the prize ball unit 62 and a prize ball payout sensor 20.
The perspective view of 9a-209c. FIG. 7 (B) is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 7 (A).

FIG. 8 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the first type pachinko machine 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a prize ball payout control process executed by the main CPU 112 of the main board 100.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of prize ball payout confirmation processing (S200) executed by the main CPU 112.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and edge data E1a to E1c.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and edge data E1a to E1c.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing each example of detection signals and edge data E1a to E1c of each prize ball payout sensor 208a to 208c.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing an example of detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and edge data E1a to E1c.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing an example of detection signals of the prize ball payout sensors 208a to 208c and edge data E1a to E1c.

16 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing executed by a sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a prize ball payout sensor 220a to 220c, 221a to 221 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The exploded perspective view of the prize ball unit 62 using c.

FIG. 18 is a prize-ball payout sensor 220a to 220c, 22.
The disassembled perspective view of 1a-221c.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... First-class pachinko machines 24c, 27a, 29c, 31a, 41b, 43a ... Switches 24a, 24b, 27, 29a, 29b, 31, 41 ...
Winning hole 43 ... Specific area 62 ... Award ball unit 63 ... Ball rental units 204a, 204b ... Ball passage paths 208a-208c, 209a-209c, 220a-
220c, 221a to 221c ... Award ball payout sensor 100 ... Main board 112 ... Main CPU 114 ... ROM 116 ... RAM 200 ... Payout control board 212 ... Sub CPU 214 ... ROM 216 ... RAM

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A detection means for detecting a game medium, and a plurality of the detection means are provided along a passage direction of the game medium in a path along which the game medium passes, and detection results of the plurality of detection means. And a determining means for determining that the game medium has passed through the path based on the above. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the determining means has passed the path when the plurality of detecting means detect a game medium by a majority of the detecting means. A gaming machine characterized by determining that. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection means is provided in an odd number. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination means validates a detection result of the detection means detected within a set time, and the detection result is detected beyond the set time. The determination is made by invalidating the detection result of the detected detection means, and the set time is set based on the speed of the game medium passing through the path and the positions where the plurality of detection means are provided on the path. A gaming machine characterized by being played. 5. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a payout means for paying out the game medium as a prize medium, wherein the detection means passes through the game medium paid out from the payout means. A game machine characterized by being provided on a route. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a lending unit that lends out a game medium, wherein the detection unit is provided in a passage path of the game medium that is lent out from the lending unit. A gaming machine characterized by being. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is provided in a winning area where the game medium wins, and detects the gaming medium passing through the winning area. A gaming machine characterized by. 8. A program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the gaming machine according to claim 1. 9. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the gaming machine according to claim 1 is recorded.