JP2003325939A - Recording medium processing machine and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording medium processing machine surely controlling ball dispensation, smoothly reducing the amount during the control of the ball dispensation, and effectively using fractions of the residual amount of the recording medium for the ball dispensation, and to provide a game system. <P>SOLUTION: A pinball game machine transmits a ball dispensation preparation signal (S17) in response to a ball dispensation request signal (S15) transmitted from a recording medium processing machine, the recording medium processing machine receiving it transmits a ball dispensation command signal (S20), and the pinball game machine delivers balls based on the ball dispensation command signal and then transmits the ball dispensation completion signal. The recording medium processing machine reduces the amount of the recording medium before receiving the ball dispensation completion signal (S21). When the residual amount of the recording medium does not satisfy the set amount, the processing machine sets the number of balls worth of the residual amount and requests the ball dispensation to the pinball game machine (S13). <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 recording medium processing machine and a game system, and more specifically, it can communicate with a ball game machine typified by a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine, etc. The present invention relates to a recording medium processing machine that performs processing for executing lending, and a gaming system including a ball game machine and a recording medium processing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a ball lending machine for discharging balls by inserting cash has been known as a device for dispensing balls for ball game machines. The player receives the ball rental balls discharged from the ball rental machine of this type in a case, for example, and pours them into the upper plate of the ball game machine to start the ball game.

[0003]

By the way, the ball game machine itself is provided with a ball dispenser for dispensing balls. In order to utilize this ball dispenser for discharging balls, for example, recording on a recording medium. A recording medium processing machine that performs processing for causing the ball game machine to perform ball lending using the balance specified by the information is communicably connected to the ball game machine, It is conceivable that the ball-and-ball game machine is configured to pay out balls in response to a command.

In such a structure, the recording medium processing machine issues a request for ball lending and performs a reduction processing of the remaining amount specified by the recording medium, while the ball game machine side actually lends the ball. Therefore, for example, whether or not balls can be lent out (for example, whether or not the balls have run out) and whether or not as many balls as the number of balls to be lent out have been lent out as scheduled, are It is necessary to surely lend the balls while contacting the ball game machine side.

Further, even when the remaining amount of the recording medium is less than the set amount to be withdrawn in accordance with one ball lending operation, it is desirable that the fraction can be effectively used for ball lending. Furthermore, it is desirable that the reduction processing performed by the recording medium processor be performed more smoothly in the control of the ball lending.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to make it possible to perform control of ball lending reasonably and surely, and to perform a reduction process more smoothly in control of ball lending. It is also possible to provide a recording medium processing machine and a gaming system that can be effectively used for lending the remaining amount of the recording medium.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ball lending is performed in which a ball dispenser (ball dispenser 63) is driven in response to a ball lending command to lend a ball to be used for a game. (S97 in FIG. 17) Communicates with the ball game machine (pachinko game machine 60) (wiring connected to the card processing machine control unit 135 of the card processing machine 62 is a relay terminal provided on the pachinko game machine 60) The card processing machine controller 135 and the relay terminal board 138 are connected to the board 138 by a connector 139 so that information can be transmitted and received between the card processing machine control section 135 and the relay terminal board 138.), and the balance specified by the record information of the recording medium is used. A recording medium processing machine (card processing machine 62) for performing processing for causing the ball game machine to execute a ball lending, which is a ball lending operation for ball lending operation provided in the ball game machine. Means (of FIG. 1 Ball lending operation signal input means (switch circuit 704a, detection circuit 309 in FIG. 7) for inputting an operation signal output from the ball game machine side based on the operation of the lending button 44c), and the ball lending operation signal input When the input of the operation signal to the means is detected (S8 in FIG. 10), the remaining amount specified by the recording information of the recording medium is set by a predetermined amount (ball rental amount setting switch 137 (see FIG. 2). )
(S11 of FIG. 10) for determining whether or not the set amount set in step S11), and that the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than the set amount. When the determination is made, the set amount is set as the ball rental amount to be subtracted from the remaining amount, and when it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the set amount, the ball rental amount setting is set as the ball rental amount. Means (S12, S13 in FIG. 10)
And a ball lending control means (S15 to S24 in FIG. 10, S27 to S3 in FIG. 11) for causing the ball game machine to execute a ball lending corresponding to the ball rental amount set by the ball rental amount setting means.
3), the ball lending control means transmits a ball lending request signal for requesting a ball lending to the ball game machine after the ball lending amount setting means sets the ball lending amount (FIG. 10). S15:
A ball lending request signal) for transmitting a ball lending request signal, and a ball lending preparation signal indicating that ball lending is ready after the ball lending request signal is transmitted by the ball lending request signal transmitting means. On condition that the ball has been transmitted from the ball game machine (S17 in FIG. 10: ball lending preparation signal), a ball lending (unit amount (for example, 1
Ball lending command signal transmitting means (S20 in FIG. 10: ball lending command signal) for transmitting a ball lending command signal for instructing a pachinko ball (for example, 25 pieces) corresponding to 00 yen) to the ball game machine.
Then, after the ball lending command signal is transmitted by the ball lending command signal transmitting means, a ball lending completion signal indicating completion of ball lending corresponding to the one unit amount according to the ball lending command signal (S2 in FIG. 11).
While waiting for 8) to be transmitted from the ball game machine, a reduction means for reducing the one unit amount from the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium (FIG. 1).
0) S21), and the ball lending control means repeatedly executes the ball lending request signal by the ball lending request signal transmitting means and the ball lending command signal by the ball lending command signal transmitting means. By doing this, the ball lending machine corresponding to the ball lending amount is executed by the ball game machine (each time the pachinko game machine side lends a pachinko ball corresponding to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen)). Since the ball lending completion signal is output from the payout control microcomputer to the card processing machine control microcomputer, the card processing machine control microcomputer outputs the ball rental amount (see S12 and S13) every time the output signal is input. Judgment is made on whether or not all of the pachinko balls in No. have been lent, and if there is any unloaned loan that has not yet been loaned, until all of that unrented loan has been loaned out. Serial unit amount (for example, 100 yen) is performed repeatedly lending pachinko balls in.) It is characterized.

The present invention as set forth in claim 2 executes a ball lending in which a ball dispenser (ball dispenser 63) is driven in response to a ball lending command to lend a ball to be used for a game (S97 in FIG. 17). : Payout solenoid ON) Ball game machine (Pachinko game machine 60)
And communicates with the ball game machine (the wiring connected to the card processor control unit 135 of the card processor 62 is connected to the relay terminal board 138 provided in the pachinko game machine 60 by the connector 139, and the card The processor control unit 135 and the relay terminal board 138 can send and receive information to and from each other by wiring.), Using the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium, the ball lending to the ball game machine. Is a game system comprising a recording medium processing machine (card processing machine 62) for performing a process for executing, and the recording medium processing machine is for ball lending operation provided in the ball game machine. Ball lending operation means (ball lending button 44c in FIG. 1)
Ball lending operation signal input means (switch circuit 704a, detection circuit 309 of FIG. 7) for inputting an operation signal output from the ball game machine side based on the operation of, and the ball lending operation signal input means to the ball lending operation signal input means. When the input of the operation signal is detected (S8 in FIG. 10), the remaining amount specified by the recording information of the recording medium is a preset amount (ball rental amount setting switch 1).
37 (see FIG. 2) and a determination means (S11 in FIG. 10) for determining whether or not it is equal to or more than the set amount, and the determination means determines the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium. When it is determined that it is equal to or more than the set amount, the set amount is set as the ball rental amount to be subtracted from the remaining amount, and when it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the set amount, the remaining amount is set as the ball rental amount. Ball rental amount setting means (S in FIG. 10)
12, S13) and ball lending control means (S15 to S24 in FIG. 10, FIG. 11) for causing the ball game machine to execute a ball lending corresponding to the ball rental amount set by the ball rental amount setting means.
S27 to S33), and the ball lending control means transmits a ball lending request signal for requesting a ball lending to the ball game machine after the ball lending amount setting means sets the ball lending amount. (S15 of FIG. 10: ball lending request signal) indicating that the ball lending request signal transmitting means and that the ball lending request signal transmitting means transmits the ball lending request signal, and that the ball lending is ready. On condition that a ball lending preparation signal is transmitted from the ball game machine (S17 in FIG. 10: ball lending preparation signal), a predetermined amount equivalent to a predetermined unit amount within the range of the ball lending amount (a unit amount (for example, Pachinko balls equivalent to 100 yen (for example 25
The ball lending command signal transmitting means (S20 in FIG. 10) for transmitting a ball lending command signal to command the ball lending to the ball game machine.
Ball lending command signal), and after the ball lending command signal transmitting means transmits the ball lending command signal, a ball lending completion signal indicating completion of ball lending corresponding to the one unit amount according to the ball lending command signal. While waiting for (S28 in FIG. 11) to be transmitted from the ball game machine, a reduction unit for reducing the amount of one unit from the balance specified by the record information of the recording medium (FIG. 11). 10, S21), and the ball lending control means repeatedly executes the ball lending request signal by the ball lending request signal transmitting means and the ball lending command signal by the ball lending command signal transmitting means. Thereby, the ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount is executed by the ball game machine (for each pachinko ball (for example, 25 pieces) corresponding to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen) on the pachinko gaming machine side, is lent. Microcomputer for payout control From data on the card processor control microcomputer is than ball lending completion signal is outputted,
In the card processor control microcomputer, the amount of ball rental is made each time the output signal is input (see S12 and S13)
Judgment is made on whether or not all the pachinko balls for each minute have been lent out, and if there is an unallocated portion that has not been lent yet, the unit amount (for example, 1
The pachinko balls (00 yen) are lent out repeatedly. ), The ball game machine is a ball lending operation means (ball lending button 44c in FIG. 1), the ball dispenser (ball dispenser 63 in FIG. 5), and a ball lending from the recording medium processor. And a payout control means (payout control microcomputer 350 in FIG. 9) for controlling the payout of balls to be lent from the ball payout device in accordance with a command, the payout control means from the recording medium processing machine. On condition that the ball lending request signal (S73 in FIG. 14: ball lending request signal) is received and the ball lending is possible (S70 to S72, S74 in FIG. Other than that), the ball lending preparation signal is transmitted to the recording medium processor (S77 of FIG. 14: ball lending preparation signal), and the one unit amount equivalent (unit amount (for example, 10)
Perform the preparation control (S76 in FIG. 14) necessary to lend a pachinko ball (for example, 25 coins) corresponding to 0 yen), and after the preparation control, the ball lending command from the recording medium processing machine. When a signal is received, the ball dispenser is controlled to lend a ball corresponding to the one unit amount (S76 in FIG. 14,
S79, S97, S118 in FIG. 15), when the ball lending corresponding to the one unit amount is completed, the ball lending completion signal is transmitted to the recording medium processor (S119 in FIG. 15), and the ball lending request signal By repeating the control from the reception to the transmission of the ball lending completion signal, the ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount is performed (as described above, it corresponds to the unit amount (for example, 100 yen) on the pachinko gaming machine side). Every time a pachinko ball (for example, 25 pieces) to be rented is lent out, the pachinko ball of the unit amount (for example, 100 yen) is lent out repeatedly.).

[0009]

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, the operation of the ball lending operation signal input means causes the ball lending operation means for ball lending operation provided in the ball game machine to operate based on the operation. An operation signal output from the ball game machine side is input. When the input of the operation signal to the ball lending operation signal input means is detected, whether or not the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than a preset set amount is determined by the determination means. It is judged by the work. When the determination unit determines that the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than the set amount, the function of the ball rental amount setting unit causes the set amount to be subtracted from the remaining amount. Is set. On the other hand, when the determination means determines that the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is less than the set amount, the ball rental amount setting means sets the remaining amount as the ball rental amount. . By the function of the ball lending control means, the ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount set by the ball lending amount setting means is executed by the ball game machine.
The ball lending control means includes a ball lending request signal transmitting means, a ball lending command signal transmitting means, and a reducing means. After the ball lending amount setting means sets the ball lending amount, the ball lending is performed. By the function of the request signal transmitting means, a ball lending request signal for requesting a ball lending is transmitted to the ball game machine. After the ball lending request signal is transmitted by the ball lending request signal transmitting means, a ball lending preparation signal indicating that the ball lending is ready for lending is provided from the ball game machine. Due to the operation of the lending command signal transmitting means, a predetermined 1 within the range of the above-mentioned ball rental amount
A ball lending command signal for instructing ball lending corresponding to a unit amount is transmitted to the ball game machine. After the ball lending command signal is transmitted by the ball lending command signal transmitting device by the function of the reducing device,
While waiting for the ball lending completion signal indicating the completion of the ball lending corresponding to the ball lending command signal corresponding to the ball lending command signal to be transmitted from the ball game machine, the amount of 1 unit is recorded on the recording medium. A reduction process for reducing the remaining amount specified by the information is executed. By the function of the ball lending control means, the ball lending request signal transmitting means transmits the ball lending request signal and the ball lending command signal transmitting means repeatedly transmits the ball lending command signal, whereby the lending is performed. A ball lending corresponding to the ball amount is executed by the ball game machine.

According to the present invention of claim 2, the operation of the ball lending operation signal input means causes the ball lending operation means for ball lending operation provided in the ball game machine to operate based on the operation. An operation signal output from the ball game machine side is input. When the input of the operation signal to the ball lending operation signal input means is detected, whether or not the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than a preset set amount is determined by the determination means. It is judged by the work. When the determination unit determines that the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than the set amount, the function of the ball rental amount setting unit causes the set amount to be subtracted from the remaining amount. Is set. On the other hand, when the determination means determines that the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is less than the set amount, the function of the ball rental amount setting means,
The remaining amount is set as the ball rental amount. By the function of the ball lending control means, the ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount set by the ball lending amount setting means is executed by the ball game machine. The ball lending control means includes a ball lending request signal transmitting means,
The ball lending command signal transmitting means and the reducing means are included, and after the ball lending amount setting means sets the ball lending amount, the ball lending request signal transmitting means works to transfer the ball to the ball game machine. A ball lending request signal for requesting lending is transmitted. After the ball lending request signal is transmitted by the ball lending request signal transmitting means, a ball lending preparation signal indicating that the ball lending is ready is provided from the ball game machine. By the function of the lending command signal transmitting means, a ball lending command signal for instructing a ball lending corresponding to a predetermined one unit amount within the range of the ball lending amount is transmitted to the ball game machine. By the work of the reduction means,
After the ball lending command signal is transmitted by the ball lending command signal transmitting means, a ball lending completion signal indicating completion of ball lending corresponding to the one unit amount according to the ball lending command signal is transmitted from the ball game machine. While waiting for the payment, a reduction process for reducing the one unit amount from the remaining amount specified by the record information on the recording medium is executed. By the function of the ball lending control means, the ball lending request signal transmitting means transmits the ball lending request signal and the ball lending command signal transmitting means repeatedly transmits the ball lending command signal, whereby the lending is performed. A ball lending corresponding to the ball amount is executed by the ball game machine. By the function of the payout control means included in the ball game machine, the ball lending request signal is received from the recording medium processing machine, and the ball lending preparation signal is provided on condition that the ball lending is possible. When the ball lending command signal is received from the recording medium processor after the preparation control necessary for transmitting the ball lending to the recording medium processor and performing the ball lending corresponding to the one unit amount is performed. The ball dispenser is controlled to lend a ball corresponding to the one unit amount, and when the ball lending corresponding to the one unit amount is completed, the ball lending completion signal is transmitted to the recording medium processing machine. By repeating the control from the reception of the ball lending request signal to the transmission of the ball lending completion signal, the ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount is performed.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko game machine will be described as an example of a ball game device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a ball game device such as a coin game machine. However, in short, all the ball-playing game devices in which a game is performed by hitting a hit ball secured in a predetermined hit-ball waiting portion into a game area are targeted.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine 60 and a card processing machine 62 which are an example of a ball game device according to the present invention.

A card processing machine 62 is provided on one side (left side in the drawing) of the pachinko gaming machine 60 in the left-right direction.
It is provided so as to be separable from 0. 130 in the figure
Is a processor usable display, and is for illuminating and indicating that the card processor 62 is operating and can be used. In addition, the processor usable display 130 displays various error states described later. Card processor 62
Is provided with a card reader / writer control unit 134 provided with a card reader / writer. When a card is inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 133, the recorded information recorded on the card is read by this card reader / writer. . The remaining card amount at the time of insertion, which is included in the read card information, is displayed on the remaining amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50. This card processor 62 has a CPU, R
Card processor control unit 135 with built-in OM, RAM, etc.
The card processing machine control unit 135 controls the entire card processing machine 62.

When the player inserts a card into the card insertion / ejection slot 133, the inserted card is proper, and the card lending operation is possible when the card balance remains, the card processor control unit 135 A control signal for lighting the ball lending LED is output from the pachinko gaming machine 60 side, and the ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d provided in the ball storage tray 59, which is an example of the ball striking standby unit, is turned on. It The ball lendable LED (ball lendable indicator) 48d is a lighted display indicating that the ball lending operation can be performed. The player confirms that this ball lending LED (ball lending indicator) 48d is lit and the ball lending button 4
4c is pressed. Then, a ball payout command signal is output from the card processing machine 62 side to the payout control microcomputer 350 on the pachinko gaming machine 60 side, and the ball rental amount setting switch 13 including, for example, a rotary switch described later is output.
The number of game balls (pachinko balls) corresponding to the ball rental amount (hereinafter, simply referred to as the ball rental amount) paid out by one ball lending operation preset by 7 (see FIG. 2) is paid out into the hitting ball supply plate 59. To be done. The ball lending possible LED (ball lending possible indicator) 48d is turned off until the payout of the amount of the ball lending is completed. Then, when the payout of the pachinko balls for the ball rental amount is completed, the card remaining amount of the card inserted in the card processing machine 62 is updated by the ball rental amount. The card processor 62 inputs the record information of the recording medium in which the information possessing the valuable value owned by the player is recorded, and the valuable value specified by the inputted record information is used to rent a ball. Ball payout command means for deriving a ball payout command signal for payout is configured.

Reference numeral 42c in the figure denotes a return button, which allows ball lending.
The operation is valid while the ED (ball lending indicator) 48d is lit. When the player presses the return button 42c, the card inserted in the card processor 62 is returned to the player from the card insertion / eject port 133. This card insert / eject port 13
3, a protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the groove portion into which the card is inserted and ejected, and the protrusion 133b on the left side is configured to have a larger protrusion amount than the protrusion 133a on the right side in the drawing. There is a problem that a player who tries to play a game with a pachinko gaming machine (not shown) installed on the left side of the card processing machine 62 inadvertently inserts a card into the card insertion / ejection port 133 of the card processing machine 62. I try to prevent it as much as possible. In the figure, reference numeral 132 denotes a card insertion lamp, which lights up when the card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 133 and held at a predetermined position.

[0016] The balance of the card when the card is inserted and the balance of the card after the ball lending is performed and the discount is updated by the balance display (card balance display) 50 provided in the hitting ball supply tray 59. Is displayed. When the pachinko balls are paid out into the hitting ball supply plate 59, the player operates the hitting ball operating handle 12
If you operate 1, the game area 120 one by one pachinko balls
It is driven in. In the game area 120, the starting winning opening 12
5a, 125b, 125c are provided, and the variable display device 123 is variably started when a pachinko ball is won at the start winning holes 125a to 125c. When the display result at the time of stop is a combination (777) of specific identification information, it is a big hit, the variable winning ball device 124 is opened, and the first state where the pachinko balls are easy to win. When a pachinko ball wins the start winning hole 125a
Pieces (for example, 7 pieces) of prize balls are paid out to the hit ball supply plate 59. When a pachinko ball is won in the start winning holes 125b and 125c, m (for example, 10) prize balls are paid out into the hitting ball supply plate 59 for each winning. Furthermore, if a pachinko ball is won in a normal winning hole or a variable winning ball device 124 provided in the game area 120, K (for example, 15) prize balls per winning ball are hit ball supply plate 59.
Paid out in. The payout lamp 126 lights up or blinks during the payout of these prize balls.

The prize balls to be paid out into the hitting ball supply tray 59 are stored in a ball tank 151 (see FIG. 2) described later, and if there are no more stored balls in the ball tank 151, the tank ball sensor 150. No longer detects a ball, and at that time the ball breakage indicator 127 lights up or blinks to indicate that there are no accumulated balls. The surplus balls which are filled with the prize balls and cannot be stored any more are delivered to the surplus ball storage tray 122. A credit score indicator for storing and displaying the number of prize balls or the amount of money equivalent to the prize ball when the surplus ball storage tray 122 is also full May be provided in the hit ball supply tray 59. That is, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, one prize ball-addressed process is performed in which after the prize ball payout control based on one prize ball is completed, the prize ball payout control based on the next prize ball is further performed. If the prize balls to be paid out based on the prize balls exist after the surplus ball storage tray 122 is full, the number of the prize balls to be paid out based on the prize balls or the prize balls to be paid out. The corresponding amount may be added and stored, and after the addition and storage is completed, the addition and storage based on the next prize-winning ball may be performed, and the stored value thus added and stored may be displayed by the credit score indicator. In that case, ball storage tray 59
After the number of pachinko balls in the surplus ball storage tray 122 has decreased, the prize balls corresponding to the points displayed on the credit score indicator are paid out. The balance display device (card balance display device) 50 is composed of a 7-segment display device, but instead, a plurality of light emitting diodes may be provided corresponding to the ball rental amount or 100 yen unit. Further, the remaining amount display (card balance display) 50 may be used to display the ball rental amount,
Further, another indicator may be provided to display the amount of rented balls or to stick a sticker on which the amount of lent balls is printed. Reference numeral 15 in the figure denotes a speaker, which produces a sound effect when a big hit occurs.

A fraction display switch 136 is provided on the front side of the card processing 62. The fraction display switch 136 is a display digit when the remaining amount of the insertion card displayed by the remaining amount display (card balance display) 50 has a fraction less than a predetermined unit number (for example, 100 yen). Is displayed to display a fraction less than the predetermined unit number (for example, 100 yen). In other words, when a card balance less than a predetermined number of units (for example, 100 yen) is generated due to a change in the monetary equivalent value of a pachinko ball that is rented with the ball rental rate changed, this fraction display switch 1
When 36 is switched, first, if there is a balance of 10,000 yen unit, the fraction is rounded down and the balance display (card balance display) 5
The display is blinked by 0, and when the remaining amount of 10,000 yen units is exhausted, the display is automatically switched and the display is turned on up to a fraction less than 100 yen. The balance display (card balance display) 50 may be provided on the curtain plate or the like.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

Card processor control unit 1 of card processor 62
The wiring connected to 35 is connected to the relay terminal board 138 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 60 by the connector 139, and the card processing machine controller 135 and the relay terminal board 1
38 and 38 can transmit and receive information to and from each other by wiring. Further, on the relay terminal board 138, the payout centralized control board 730 housed in the payout control board box 145, the game control board housed in the game control board box 148, the gaming machine terminal box 149, and the ball payout. The board 70 has connectors 141,
They are connected via 144, 143, 142. further,
Switches of the above-mentioned various indicators and various operation buttons provided on the hit ball supply tray 59 are connected to the relay terminal board 138 via the connector 140. It should be noted that the card processing machine control unit 135, the switches of various indicators and various operation buttons provided on the hitting ball supply tray 59, and the payout concentration control board 730 in the payout control board box 145 do not need to go through the relay terminal board 138. Alternatively, the payout centralized control board 730 and the ball payout board 70 may be directly connected to each other via the relay terminal board 138. In addition, the card processor control unit 135 and the payout central control board 73
0 may be directly connected by a connector.

On the back side of the card processor 62, there is provided a ball rental amount setting switch 137 for inputting and setting the ball rental amount paid out by one ball lending operation in advance. 100 yen, 200 yen, 300 yen, 400 yen,
You can enter and set five types of money of 500 yen. For example, if the ball rental amount is set to 300 yen by an attendant of the game hall as shown in the figure, the 300 yen is used as the ball rental amount, and the microcomputer 30 of the card processor control unit 135
0 (see FIG. 9). Then, the player inserts the card into the card insertion / ejection slot 133, and the ball lending button 44
This ball rental amount (30
Pachinko balls for 0 yen) will be paid out into the hitting ball supply plate 59 and will be deducted from the card balance. Reference numeral 134 in the figure denotes a card reader / writer control unit including a card reader / writer and its control circuit.

The payout control board box 145 is provided with an error cause indicator 146 so that the kind of the cause of the abnormality can be displayed when the pachinko ball payout by the ball payout device 63 is abnormal. ing. Then, when the attendant at the game arcade repairs the generated abnormality, the reset button 147 is operated to reset the ball payout control program. Instead of providing the error cause indicator 146 on the payout control board box 145, the cause of the error is indicated by the balance amount indicator (card balance indicator) 50 provided on the ball storage tray 59, or on the front side of the gaming machine. Depending on the cause, a pay-out lamp 126
This may be handled by changing the blinking mode of, or may be displayed on the hall management computer. The ball payout device 63 and the payout control board in the payout control board box 145 constitute a ball payout device. The ball dispenser 63 is detachably attached to the mechanism plate 751 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 with screws or the like. Note that the mounting method is not limited to screwing, and any mounting method such as locking with locking metal fittings or elastic holding using an elastic holding member may be used.

If the pachinko balls hit in the game area 120 win the starting winning holes 125a, 125b, 125c (see FIG. 1), the winning balls are detected by the starting winning ball detection switches 128a, 128b, 128c. The game control board in the game control board box 148 performs variable control of the variable display device 123 (see FIG. 1) based on the detection signal. This starting winning ball detection switch 128a
Detection signal of the payout control microcomputer 350 of the payout central control board 730 via the game control microcomputer 370 (see FIG. 11) of the game control board.
(See FIG. 11) and is used for control described later.
These start winning ball detection switches 125a, 125b, 1
The winning balls detected by 25c are guided to the winning ball processing device 400 and processed one by one. If a pachinko ball is won in the center start winning opening 125a shown in FIG. 1, n (eg, 7) prize balls are paid out for each winning ball, and the starting winning openings 125b, 125c provided on the left and right sides are paid out. If a pachinko ball wins in any of them, m prize balls (for example, 10) are paid out for each prize ball. On the other hand, if a pachinko ball is won in a normal winning hole other than the starting winning holes 125a, 125b, 125c or in the variable winning ball device 124, k prize balls (for example, 15 prize balls) for each winning ball are hit ball supply plates. It is paid out to 59. The number (n, m, k) of prize balls to be paid out per winning ball is set as fixed information in the payout amount setting unit 71 of the ball payout substrate 70. Then, when the power is turned on, the prize ball number data is transmitted to and stored in the payout concentration control board 730.

The surplus balls which cannot be stored any more are discharged into the surplus ball receiving tray 122, and the surplus ball receiving tray 122 is also full. When it becomes, the full tank detection switch 162 detects that the tank is full,
The payout of balls is controlled to stop.

The pachinko balls dispensed by the ball dispenser 63 are stored in the ball tank 151. A tank ball sensor 150 is provided in the middle of the tank rail for guiding the stored balls in the ball tank 151 to the ball dispenser 63, and it is detected by the tank ball sensor 150 that the stored balls in the ball tank 151 have run out, The detection signal is sent through the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the relay terminal board 138 to the payout central control board 730 in the payout control board box 145.
Entered in. When the tank ball sensor 150 no longer detects a ball, the ball breakage indicator 127 is lit and displayed, and only the pachinko ball payout operation by ball lending is disabled as described later (see S74 in FIG. 14). ).

The ball tank 151 is supplied with pachinko balls from a supply gutter 152 provided on the island through a supply device 153 including a supply ball detector. The supply balls supplied to the ball tank 151 are detected by the supply ball detector of the supply device 153, and it is detected that a predetermined number a (for example, 10) of pachinko balls have been supplied and one pulse is detected. A signal is output from this replenishing ball detector. The output signal is transmitted to the connector 154. Instead of paying out the pachinko balls in the ball tank 151 to the hitting ball supply plate 59 in response to the ball lending request signal from the card processing machine 62, the ball rental balls purchased by the player from the ball lending machine are in the hitting ball supply plate 59. In the case of a conventional general pachinko game machine that puts into
The connector 154 and the connector 155 connected to the hall management computer are connected to each other, and a detection signal from the replenishing ball detector is transmitted to the hall management computer, and the hall management computer is based on the transmitted detection signal. Then, the number of disadvantageous balls that is disadvantageous to the amusement hall is totaled. However, as in the present embodiment, in the pachinko gaming machine of the type that dispenses a part of the stored balls in the ball tank 151 into the hitting ball supply tray 59 based on the ball lending request signal from the card processing machine 62, The ball supply tank 152 to the ball tank 151 for lending balls, which is not a disadvantageous number of balls for the game hall.
The supplied balls will be detected by the replenishment ball detector and will be input to the hall management computer as the information of the number of unfavorable spheres. This causes the inconvenience of not being able to count the number of balls. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, the connector 155 connected to the hall management computer is removed from the connector 154 connected to the replenishing ball detector of the replenishing device 153 and connected to the gaming machine terminal box 149. Connected to the connector 156. Then, each time the number of prize balls paid out based on the winning of a pachinko ball reaches a predetermined number a (for example, 10), a predetermined pulse signal is output from the payout central control board 730, and the predetermined pulse signal is the gaming machine terminal. It is configured to be transmitted to the hall management computer via the box 149, the connector 156, and the connector 155. With this configuration, the pulse signal for the pachinko ball lending is not output to the hall management computer as the disadvantage ball count information, and the pulse signal is used only for the payout of the prize ball associated with the prize. The information is sent to the management computer, and the hole management computer can accurately collect information about the number of disadvantageous balls.

The winning balls that have been driven into the game area 120 and have won the winning port and the out balls that have been collected in the out port merge and drop into the driving ball tank 159, and the driving ball detector After being detected by the (striking ball counter) 160, it falls on a collecting gutter 161 provided on the island. In the figure, reference numeral 180 denotes a ball-punching solenoid. When the ball-punching solenoid is excited by a control signal from the payout central control board 730, a predetermined on-off valve (not shown) is opened to open the ball tank 151.
The pachinko balls stored inside are discharged to the outside of the machine through the ball discharge gutter 420. This on-off valve is also configured to be opened by manual operation. In the present embodiment, the output of the hit ball detector 160 is directly input to the hall management computer as in the conventional case.
The output of the hit ball detector 160 is once paid out, and the centralized control board 73 is once delivered.
It may be configured to input to 0 and input from the payout central control board 730 to the hall management computer on condition that the ball-punching processing based on the payout abnormality is not performed. By doing so, it is possible to collect accurate profit sphere number information. Instead of this, the punched pachinko balls may be configured not to drop into the driven-in ball tank. In the figure, 158 and 157 are connectors for connecting the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the hall management computer, which are unit price sales signals (S12 in FIG. 16) described later.
1) is transmitted to the hall management computer via the connectors 158 and 157.

Reference numeral 830 in the figure denotes a unit box, which has both a function of a power source for a card processing machine and a transmission function of a unit price sales signal (see S22 and S23 in FIG. 10) described later. The unit box 830 is provided with an outlet 831 for AC100V, the voltage of AC100V is supplied to the unit box 830 through the outlet 831, and the voltage transformed into a predetermined voltage by the unit box 830 is It is supplied to the card processor control unit 135 via the connection cable 837. In addition, unit price sales data and the like are transmitted from the card processor control unit 135 to the unit box 830 through the connection cable 837. In the unit box 830, the transmitted unit price sales signal is transmitted to the hall management computer via the wiring 834 and also transmitted to the card processing terminal box via the wiring 838. In this way, the unit price sales signal is transmitted from both the pachinko gaming machine 60 and the card processing machine 62 to the hall management computer. As a result, if one of the unit price sales signals goes wrong due to failure or malfunction of one of them, it is possible to immediately determine that an abnormality has occurred because it is inconsistent with the other unit price sales signal. Accurate management of sales is possible. In the unit box 830, an energized indicator 836 for displaying the energized state,
A reset switch 832 is provided for restarting the power supply by a manual operation when an abnormality occurs in the card processor 62.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the winning ball processing apparatus. The winning ball processing device 400 has discharge motors A (402a) and B (402b) as drive sources. Both discharge motors A (402a), B (4
02b) is composed of a stepping motor, and is arranged in parallel with a predetermined spacing maintained by a spacing member 412. These discharge motors A (402a), B (402
b) shows coils 409a and 409b and an iron core (rotor) 408 in casings 410a and 410b, respectively.
a and 408b are built in, connectors 411a,
The current supplied from 411b is applied to the coils 409a and 409.
The coils 409a and 409b are excited by flowing through b, and the magnetic forces cause the iron cores 408a and 408b to rotate. A bearing 406b is provided on the casing 410b, and a motor shaft 405b, which is an example of a first drive shaft, is rotatably supported by the bearing 406b. The motor shaft 405b and the iron core 40
8b is integrally formed with the motor shaft 405b. When the iron core 408b rotates, the motor shaft 405b also rotates integrally. On the other hand, the bearing 406a is similarly provided on the casing 410a.
The bearing 406a rotatably supports a motor shaft 405a, which is an example of a second drive shaft. The motor shaft 405a and the iron core 408a are integrally formed. When the iron core 408a rotates, the motor shaft 405a also integrally rotates. The motor shaft 405b has a cylindrical shape, and the motor shaft 405a is concentrically inserted into the cylinder. The discharge motor 402 as a so-called two-axis motor configured in this manner is attached and fixed to the motor attachment plate 404 attached to the attachment boss 413.

A ball feeding rotary member 414 is attached to the motor shaft 405a.
a is attached in a state in which it cannot rotate relatively. Further, a ball feeding / rotating member 414b is attached to the motor shaft 405b in a state in which it cannot relatively rotate. And the motor shaft 405a
Is rotated so that the ball feeding rotary member 414a is integrally rotated, and when the motor shaft 405b is rotated, the ball feeding rotary member 414b is also integrally rotated. As shown in FIG. 4, the ball feeding / rotating members 414a and 414b are provided with recesses 415a and 415b. The winning balls that have won the second winning area and have been collected in the winning ball collecting gutter 416a are placed on the outer circumference of the ball feeding and rotating member 414a and temporarily stop at the position of the ball placing portion 417a.
The winning ball sensor A (401a) is attached to the ball placing portion 417a.
Is provided, and a winning ball on the ball placing portion 417a is detected. On the other hand, the winning balls that have won the first winning area are collected in the winning ball collecting gutter 416b. Then, in FIG. 3, the prize balls gathered in the prize ball collecting gutter 416b are recessed 415b formed in the ball feeding and rotating member 414b.
It is shown indented inside. The winning ball sensor B (401b) is also provided at the position of the ball placing portion 417b of the winning ball collecting gutter 416b, and the winning balls are detected.

Discharge motors A (402a), B (402
When b) rotates, the ball feeding rotary members 414a, 41
4b rotates, and the winning balls enter into the recesses 415a, 415b formed in the ball feeding / rotating members 414a, 414b and are carried to the winning ball discharging gutters 419a, 419b. Ball discharge gutter 4
20 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the winning ball processing apparatus. Reference numeral 404 in the drawing denotes a motor mounting plate, and a ball feeding rotating member 414b (414a) is mounted on the motor shaft 405b (405a) of the discharge motor 402 mounted on this motor mounting plate 404. The winning balls collected in the winning ball collecting gutter 416b (416a) are temporarily stopped at the position of the ball placing portion 417b (417a), and are detected by the winning ball sensor 401b (401a) at that position.
In this state, when the ball-sending / rotating member 414b (414a) rotates, the prize-winning ball enters the recess 415b (415a) formed in the ball-sending / rotating member 414b (414a). When the ball feeding / rotating member 414b (414a) further rotates, the winning balls that have entered the recesses 415b (415a) are carried to the winning ball discharging trough 419b (419a) and discharged to the ball discharging trough 422.

The ball feeding / rotating member 414b (414a) is provided with a reference position detecting piece 418b (418a),
When the reference position detection piece 418b (418a) passes the reference position sensor 403b (403a), the reference position sensor 403b (403a) detects the reference position detection piece 418b (418a), and the ball feed rotation member 414b.
The reference position of (414a) is detected. The reference position sensors 403a and 403b detect the absolute positions of the ball feeding / rotating members 414a and 414b when the power is turned on or when the power is reset, and the winning ball process is performed by controlling the rotational resolution from the absolute position. Be done.

5 (a), 5 (b) and 6 show the ball dispenser 6
3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of FIG.

The ball dispenser 63 is formed with ball passage openings 64a and 64b for receiving the prize balls from the tank rail 67 (see FIG. 2) which allows the prize balls to flow down while being aligned in two rows. A payout sprocket 74 having a part of the stopper engaging portion 78 inserted therein is provided in the openings 64a and 64b. Further, a payout solenoid 223 for switching the payout sprocket 74 between a locked state and an unlocked state is provided. When the payout solenoid 223 is excited, the actuator 232 is pulled to the left in FIG. The locking of the stopper locking portion 78 by 232 is released, and the payout sprocket 74 becomes rotatable. This payout solenoid 22
3, the actuator 232, the stopper engaging portion 78, and the payout sprocket 74 constitute a ball payout mechanism.

In this state, the payout sprocket 74 rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure due to the weight of the pachinko balls in the ball passage openings 64a and 64b. Then, one pachinko ball is paid out in a state in which the payout sprocket 74 is rotated by the rotation angle from the stopper locking part 78 having the payout sprocket 74 to the next adjacent stopper locking part 78, and the excitation of the payout solenoid 223 is released. The stopper locking portion 78 is locked again by the actuator 232, and the payout sprocket 74 is locked again. The payout sprocket 74 is formed with a plurality of ball mounting portions 76a and 76b,
The pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64a are held by the one ball placing portion 76a (see (a) of FIG. 5), and the other ball placing portion 7 is held.
By 6b, the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64b can be held (see (b) of FIG. 5).

The ball payout device 63 is provided with a ball payout substrate 70, and the light receiving elements 68a to 68d and the light projecting elements 67a to which are controlled by the ball payout substrate 70.
67d (see FIG. 6) is provided. Ball passage port 64a
It is placed across. The light emitting element 67a and the light receiving element 68a confirm whether or not there is a pachinko ball inside the ball passage opening 64a. The light receiving element 68a confirms whether or not there is a pachinko ball inside the ball passage opening 64a. A ball confirmation sensor A for doing this is configured. on the other hand,
A light projecting element 67 disposed across the ball passage opening 64b.
By using b and the light receiving element 68b, it is confirmed whether or not there is a pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64b.
The light receiving element 68b constitutes a ball confirmation sensor B for confirming the presence or absence of a pachinko ball inside the ball passage opening 64b. Further, the light projecting element 67c and the light receiving element 68c count the number of pachinko balls paid out by the ball payout mechanism among the pachinko balls in the ball passing opening 64a. A ball counting sensor A for counting the pachinko balls paid out by the ball payout mechanism out of the pachinko balls. On the other hand, the light projecting element 67d and the light receiving element 68d count the number of pachinko balls in the ball passing opening 64b that have been paid out by the ball payout mechanism. A ball counting sensor B for counting the pachinko balls in 64b, which are paid out by the ball payout mechanism, is configured.

The light projecting elements 67a and 67b and the light receiving elements 68a and 68b constitute first ball detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of game balls to be paid out by the ball payout mechanism. In addition, the light projecting elements 67c, 6
The 7d and the light receiving elements 68c, 68d constitute a second ball detecting means for detecting the game balls paid out by the ball payout mechanism. At least the light projecting element 67a,
As shown in FIG. 5, the 67b and the light receiving elements 68a and 68b are provided at positions deviated to the right side of the drawing from the center lines of the ball passage openings 64a and 64b, and are connected and flow down as the balls pass. Be sure to aim at the ball break 1
It is configured so that it can be detected individually. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the light projecting elements 67a, 67b, 67c, 67d.
The light emitting elements 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d are arranged in the center and adjacent light projecting elements are arranged in opposite directions.
Since the light emitting elements are arranged on the left and right sides with the ball passing ports 64a and 64b interposed therebetween, it is possible to prevent the problem that the light emitted from the light emitting element is erroneously received by the adjacent light receiving element in the adjacent light receiving element. obtain. Further, the light projecting element 67a shown in FIG.
The same advantages can be obtained by arranging the light receiving elements 68a to 68d instead of the light projecting elements at the positions where the to 67d are disposed.

Next, the payout operation of the game balls will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows the state of pachinko balls in the ball passage port 64a, and FIG. 5B shows the state of pachinko balls in the ball passage port 64b. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the ball passage opening 64a has a relatively large distance t1 between the stopper engaging portion 78 of the payout sprocket 74 and the inclined portion 444a, so that the pachinko ball inside the ball passage opening 64a is relatively large. One is paid out downward.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the ball passing port 64b has a stopper engaging portion 78 and an inclined portion 44.
Since the distance t2 from 4b is relatively narrow, the pachinko balls are still held by the payout sprockets 74 as shown in the figure, and the pachinko balls are not paid out in this state.

In the state where the payout sprocket 74 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. However, the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64b are paid out downwards because they are locked and held by. Then, the pachinko balls paid out downward by the rotation of the payout sprocket 74 are ball counting sensors A (68c),
It is detected by the ball counting sensor B (68d). In this way, by rotating the payout sprocket 74 by one pitch angle, one pachinko ball is alternately ejected from either of the ball passage openings 64a and 64b.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control circuit of the card processor controller. The card processing machine control unit 135 (see FIG. 2) incorporates the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. The card processing machine control microcomputer 300 has a function of controlling the operation of various devices as described below. For this reason, the card processor micro-computer 300 is composed of, for example, an LSI of several chips, in which a CPU 301 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, and a CPU
A ROM 302 for storing the operation program data and a RAM 303 capable of writing and reading necessary data are included.

Further, the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 receives an input signal and supplies the input data to the CPU 301, and also receives an output data from the CPU 301 and outputs the input / output circuit 304 to the outside. A power-on reset circuit 305 that gives a reset pulse, a clock generation circuit 306 that gives a clock signal to the CPU 301, a clock signal from the clock generation circuit 306 is frequency-divided, and a reset pulse is given to the CPU 301 periodically (for example, every 2 msec). Pulse frequency divider circuit (periodic reset circuit) 307 and C
An address decoding circuit 308 for decoding address data from the PU 301 is included.

The address decoding circuit 308 is the CPU 30.
The address data from 1 is decoded, and the ROM 302,
A chip select signal is given to each of the RAM 303 and the input / output circuit 304.

In this embodiment, the ROM 302
, A programmable ROM is used so that the content of the program can be rewritten, that is, the program data for the CPU 301 stored therein can be changed if necessary. Then, the CPU 301 gives control signals to various devices according to the program data stored in the ROM 302 and in response to the output of each control signal described below.

The following signals are given to the microcomputer 300 for controlling the card processor as an input signal.

The staff at the amusement arcade sets the ball rental amount setting switch 137.
(See Fig. 2) By setting the ball rental amount,
The setting signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the detection circuit 309. When the fraction display switch 136 (see FIG. 1) is operated, the switch operation signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the detection circuit 309. When the player presses the ball lending button 44c (see FIG. 1), the pressing operation is detected by the ball lending operation detector 44d, and the detection signal is sent via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 309 to control the card processor. It is input to the control microcomputer 300. The player returns a button 42c
When the pressing operation (see FIG. 1) is performed, the pressing operation is detected by the return operation detector 42d, and the detection signal is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 309. . A card acceptance signal, a card abnormality signal, and a card processing completion signal, which will be described later, are input from the card reader / writer control unit 134 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

From the payout control microcomputer 350 via the relay terminal board 138 and the information input circuit 312,
A payout enable signal, a ball lending preparation signal, a ball lending completion signal, which will be described later,
A ball lending signal is input. The information input circuit 312 has a built-in photocoupler, and the above-mentioned various signals from the payout control microcomputer 350 are sent via the photocoupler to the card processing machine control microcomputer 3.
00 is input. Since the signal is input via the photocoupler in this way, the adverse effect of the failure that has occurred in the payout control microcomputer 350 does not reach the card processor control microcomputer 300. Microcomputer 300 for controlling card processing machine due to failure
The inconvenience of failure can be prevented as much as possible.

Next, the card processor micro-computer 300 outputs a control signal to the following circuits and devices.

LED drive circuit 310, relay terminal board 13
Ball lending indicator 48d, card balance indicator 5 via 8
0 (see FIG. 1) outputs the display control signal.
Through the lamp drive circuit 311, the card insertion indicator 13
2. A display control signal is supplied to the processor usable display 130. Card reader / writer control unit 134 (see FIG. 1,
(See FIG. 2), the current balance data, card write / discharge command signal, zero balance data, and card recovery command signal, which will be described later, are output. A ball lending request signal, which will be described later, is output to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the information output circuit 313 and the relay terminal board 138. Unit box 83
0, the unit price sales signal described later is output to the ball lending card central management computer via the card processor terminal box 320. This ball lending card centralized management computer is a centralized management computer installed in a company that issues ball lending cards, and is a terminal box for a card processing machine in contrast to a card processing machine 62 installed in each amusement arcade in Japan. The communication line is connected via 320. A unit price sales signal is transmitted to the hall management computer via the unit box 830, and a predetermined power is supplied to the card processing machine 62.

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit for transmitting and receiving a signal between the pachinko gaming machine side and the card processing machine side.

Power supply 7 provided on the pachinko machine side
AC voltage 24V of 00 is the power supply circuit 70 on the card processor side.
Input to 1. The power supply circuit 701 is a general power supply circuit including a rectifier, and is for converting an alternating current into a direct current VC (+ 12V) and applying it to various circuits and electronic devices. Each LED indicator 50a, 5 which constitutes the above-mentioned card balance indicator 50 provided on the pachinko gaming machine side
A common electrode drive circuit 310a for applying a voltage to each of the common electrodes 0b and 50c is provided on the card processor side. The common electrode drive circuit 310a is for applying a voltage to the common electrode of each of the LED displays 50a to 50c based on a control signal from the card processing machine control microcomputer. The common electrode drive circuit 31
0a is a switch circuit 702a, 7a including a photo coupler.
02b and 702c, the control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor is once converted into light and then converted into an electric signal again.

A segment corresponding electrode driving circuit 310b for applying a voltage to the electrodes corresponding to the seven display segments of each of the LED displays 50a to 50c is provided on the card processor side. The segment-corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b selects a desired segment-corresponding electrode on the basis of a display control signal from a card processor controlling microcomputer and applies a voltage thereto.
Then, on condition that the voltage is applied to the common electrode, the segment corresponding to the applied segment corresponding electrode is switched to the display state. The segment-corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b also has switch circuits 703a to 703g composed of photocouplers, and the display control signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor is once converted into light and then converted into an electric signal again. The segment is applied to the corresponding electrode. Even if the switch circuits 702a to 702c and 703a to 703g cause an abnormal state such as an abnormally high voltage of the display control signal from the card processor controlling microcomputer, the LED indicators 50a to 50c have an effect. It is possible to prevent it from being damaged due to receiving.

The above-mentioned ball lending operation detector 44d and return operation detector 42d provided on the pachinko gaming machine side are input to the card processing machine control microcomputer through the above-mentioned detection circuit 309. This detection circuit 309
Includes a switch circuit composed of a photocoupler corresponding to each of the detectors 44d and 42d.
The detection signal from 42d is once converted into light and then converted into an electric signal again and input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. As a result, each detector 42
Even if the detection signals from d and 44d become abnormal signals having an abnormally high voltage, it is possible to prevent the failure of the circuit or the electronic device on the card processor side due to the influence thereof.

Ball lending available on the card processor side
The ED drive circuit 310c includes a switch circuit 705 composed of a photocoupler, and the display control signal from the card processor micro-computer 300 is once converted into light and then converted into an electric signal again. Display control of the display 46d is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the failure of the ball lending indicator 46d under the influence of the abnormality in the display control signal from the card processor controlling microcomputer 300 side.

A ball lending request signal, which will be described later, from the card processing machine controlling microcomputer 300 is provided with a switch circuit 706 comprising a photo coupler provided on the card processing machine side and a switch circuit 707 comprising a photo coupler provided on the pachinko gaming machine side. It is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the. Also, the card is a card processing machine 6
The control signal is input from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 to the switch circuit 708 composed of a photo coupler based on the insertion into the card processor 2. After the control signal is once converted into light, it is converted into an electric signal again and the pachinko machine is operated. It is input to the switch circuit 709 including a photo coupler provided on the gaming machine side, is once converted into light, is then converted into an electric signal again, and is input into the payout control microcomputer 350. These switch circuits 707 and 7
06 is a power supply circuit 70 provided on the card processor side.
1 is connected in series to the switch circuit 709,
708 is also connected to the power supply circuit 701 in series.
Then, the switch circuits 706 and 708 on the card processor side
Switch circuit 707, 70 on the pachinko machine side
9 is switched on and off, and when it is switched on, the photo coupler is operated by the DC voltage VC from the power supply circuit 701 on the card processor side. Switch circuit 70 on the pachinko machine side
7, 709 is configured to be operated by the DC voltage VC of the power supply circuit 701 on the card processing machine side. The voltage applied to the switch circuits 707, 709 on the pachinko gaming machine side is the switch circuit on the card processing machine side. 706, 7
08 is also applied to the switch circuits 707 and 70.
When 9 is configured to operate by the DC voltage from the power supply circuit on the pachinko gaming machine side, the voltage from the power supply circuit on the pachinko gaming machine side partially enters the card processing machine side. As a result, an abnormally high voltage may partially enter the card processing machine side due to a failure of the power supply circuit on the pachinko gaming machine side, and card processing is affected by the failure of the power supply circuit on the pachinko gaming machine side. This is because the circuit or electronic device on the machine side will be inconvenient, and such inconvenience will be eliminated. In addition, the switch circuits 706, 707, 70 including photo couplers
8,709, it is possible to prevent the abnormal voltage of one device from adversely affecting the other device on the pachinko gaming machine side and the card processing machine side, as described above. In the present embodiment, the card processing machine side always outputs the card insertion signal to the pachinko gaming machine side while the card is being inserted, but for example, the ball lending request signal is the pachinko gaming machine side. The card insertion signal may be output only when it is output to.

A ball lending preparation signal and a ball lending completion signal, which will be described later, are input from the payout control microcomputer 350 to a switch circuit 710 composed of a photocoupler, and once converted into light, they are converted into electric signals again, and a card processor. It is input to the switch circuit 711 composed of a photo coupler on the side, is once converted into light, is then converted into an electric signal again, and is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300.
In addition, the payout enable signal is input from the payout control microcomputer 350 to the switch circuit 712 including a photocoupler, and is once converted into light and then converted into an electric signal again, and the switch circuit 713 including a photocoupler on the card processor side. Is input to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. Since the switch circuits 710, 711, 712, and 713 composed of photocouplers are provided, it is possible to prevent the abnormal voltage of one device from adversely affecting the other device as much as possible, as described above. The common electrode drive circuit 310a, the segment-corresponding electrode drive circuit 310b, the detection circuit 309, and the ball lendable LED drive circuit 31.
0c, switch circuits 706, 708, 711, 713
Are respectively applied with the DC electrodes VC of the power supply circuit 701. 8 is, for example, the relay board 1 shown in FIG.
38 is omitted in the drawing. 730a-730g in the figure
Is a display unit 50a, 50b, 50c of the balance display 50.
It is a resistor built in to make the magnitude of the voltage applied to the desired value. That is, each of the display devices 50a, 50
The voltage applied to b and 50c is the voltage generated in the power supply circuit 701 on the card processor 62 side, and the balance indicator 50 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 connected to the card processor 62.
There is a case that the voltage is not necessarily suitable for. In that case, the resistors 730a to 730 having a predetermined resistance value.
g is incorporated so that a desired voltage is applied to the balance indicator 50. For the same reason, resistors 731, 73
2 is provided, and the voltage applied to the switch circuits 707 and 709 can be set to a desired voltage value by these resistors 731 and 732. In the present embodiment, during the period when the card is inserted, whether the card processing machine side always outputs the card insertion signal to the pachinko gaming machine side, for example, the ball lending request signal is sent to the pachinko gaming machine side. The card insertion signal may be output only when it is output.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a payout control circuit of the payout central control board 730 housed in the payout control board box 145 (see FIG. 2).

The payout control circuit is provided with a payout control microcomputer 350. This payout control microcomputer 350 is similar to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 in FIG.
ROM 352, RAM 353, power-on reset circuit 355, clock generation circuit 356, pulse frequency dividing circuit 35
7, an address decoding circuit 358 and an input / output circuit 354 are included, and the description thereof will not be repeated here. In addition,
The payout control microcomputer 350 is configured by a one-chip microcomputer in which the various circuits described above are integrated into one chip.

The following signals are given to the payout control microcomputer 350 as input signals.

A game attendant presses the reset button 147 (see FIG. 2) to reset switch 147.
Is turned on, and the reset operation detection signal is input from the detection circuit 359 to the payout control microcomputer 350. When the surplus ball tray 122 (see FIG. 1) is full and the full tank switch 162 (see FIG. 2) is ON, the ON signal is given to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the detection circuit 360. The payout amount setting unit 71 is for setting and storing various payout numbers on the payout control microcomputer 350 side, and when a payout number request signal is sent from the payout control microcomputer 350. In addition, the number of rental balls p, the number of payouts of each prize ball k, m, n
The signal for identifying the payout control microcomputer 35
Sent to 0. When there is a pachinko ball in the ball passage opening 64a (see FIG. 5A), a projector (projector element)
The ball confirmation sensor A (63a) is blocked by the projection of light from 67a.
It is possible to confirm that the ball is no longer received and the confirmation signal is transmitted via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 360 to the payout control microcomputer 350.
Entered in. Similarly, the presence of a pachinko ball in the ball passage port 64b (see FIG. 5B) indicates that the ball confirmation sensor B (6
8b), and the detection signal is detected by the relay terminal board 1
38, and is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the detection circuit 360. On the other hand, if the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64a are paid out by the rotation of the payout sprocket 74 (see FIG. 5 (a)), the paid-out pachinko balls block the projection of light from the projector 67c. The ball counting sensor A (68c) no longer receives the light, and it is detected that the balls are paid out, and the detection signal is given to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the relay terminal board 138 and the detection circuit 360. . Similarly,
If the pachinko balls in the ball passage opening 64b (see FIG. 5B) are paid out downward by the rotation of the payout sprocket 74,
The paid out pachinko ball is a ball counting sensor B (68d)
Detected by the relay terminal board 138,
It is given to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the detection circuit 360. In the detection circuit 360, the ball confirmation sensor A (68a) and the ball confirmation sensor B (68a)
The detection signal of b) may be input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via an AND gate. By doing so, both the confirmation signal from the ball confirmation sensor A (68a) that a pachinko ball is present and the confirmation signal from the ball confirmation sensor B (68b) that a pachinko ball is present are both detected by the detection circuit 360. The confirmation signal that the pachinko ball is present is given to the payout control microcomputer 350 only when it is input to.

Reference position sensor A of the winning ball processing device 400
(403a) and B (403b) are reference position detection pieces 418.
When a and 418b (see FIG. 4) are detected, the detection signal is input through the detection circuit 360. Winning ball sensors A (401a) and B (401b) of the winning ball processing device 400
If a winning ball is detected, its detection output is the detection circuit 360.
Be entered via. The presence or absence of a ball in the ball tank 151 is detected by the tank ball sensor 150 (see FIG. 2), and the detection output is input via the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the detection circuit 360. The game control microcomputer 3 provided on the game control board housed in the game control board box 148 (see FIG. 2).
A winning signal for a pachinko ball, which will be described later, is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 from the relay terminal board 138 and the information input circuit 365. From the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 to the relay terminal board 13
8. A ball lending request signal is input via the information input circuit 365. The information input circuit 365 is provided with a photo coupler, and the game control microcomputer 37
0 and the aforementioned signal input from the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is input to the payout control microcomputer 350 via the photocoupler.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the adverse effects of a failure that has occurred in the game control microcomputer 370 and the card processor control microcomputer 300 from reaching the payout control microcomputer 350, and to prevent the game control microcomputer 370 or the card processor control microcomputer 350. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the payout control microcomputer 350 also fails due to the failure that has occurred in the microcomputer 300.

Next, the payout control microcomputer 3
Reference numeral 50 outputs the following control signals to the following circuits and devices.

Through the LED drive circuit 361, the projector 6
7a to 67d, and a lending display control signal is output to the lending display 46d, respectively. LED
The error cause indicator 146 (see FIG. 2) via the drive circuit 361.
The control signal for error cause display is given to (refer to). The payout solenoid 223 (see FIG. 5) via the solenoid drive circuit 362.
Output the control signal for solenoid excitation. Ball confirmation sensor and ball counting sensor 68a-68d, each projector 6
7a to 67d and the payout solenoid 223 are provided in the ball payout device 63.

Motor drive control signals are output to the discharge motors A (402a) and B (402b) (see FIG. 3) through the motor drive circuit 367. Each reference position sensor 403a, 403b and each prize ball sensor 401a, 401
b and the respective discharge motors 402a and 402b are provided in the winning ball processing device 400. Solenoid drive circuit 362
A control signal for solenoid excitation is given to the ball pulling solenoid 180 (see FIG. 2) via the. Lamp drive circuit 363
A payout lamp lighting control signal is given to the payout lamp 126 (see FIG. 1) through the gaming machine control terminal box 149. To the hall management computer via the information output circuit 364 and the gaming machine control terminal box 149,
It outputs a unit price sales signal and a prize ball payout signal, which will be described later.
A ball lending preparation signal, a ball lending completion signal, a payable signal, and a ball lending enable signal are output to the card processing machine control microcomputer 304 via the information output circuit 366 and the interruption terminal board 138. The information output circuit 364 is provided with a relay switch, and the above-mentioned various signals output to the gaming machine control terminal box 149 are output via the relay switch. As a result, the adverse effect of the failure that has occurred in the payout control system is prevented from reaching the hall management computer, and the inconvenience that the hall management computer fails due to the failure that has occurred in the payout control system can be prevented as much as possible. . Ball check sensor A (68
a), B (68b) and ball counting sensor A (68c), (6
8d) constitutes a ball payout detection means for detecting the payout of balls by the ball payout mechanism.

10 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

By step (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1,
The setting of the ball rental amount is read. The “reading the rental ball amount setting” is a process of reading the ball rental amount set by the ball rental amount setting switch 137 shown in FIG. 2 into the card processing machine control microcomputer 300.

Next, in S2, the processor usable indicator 130 is displayed.
(See FIG. 1) is lit to indicate that the device is ready for use. Next, in S3, it is determined whether or not there is a card acceptance signal from the card reader / writer control unit, and if not, it is determined in S4 whether or not there is a card abnormal signal from the card reader / writer control unit. If not, the process returns to S3 again. If the card reader / writer accepts an appropriate card during the loop, the card reader / writer control unit determines that there is a card acceptance signal, and proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if there is a card abnormal signal output from the card reader / writer control unit, Y is determined in S4.
When the ES is determined, the process proceeds to S5, and control is performed to display the card abnormality cause on the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1) by a code. Specifically, the card balance display 50 displays a code indicating the type of abnormal cause such as unreadableness of the inserted card and security error. And
Proceeding to S6, the processor availability indicator 130 (see FIG. 1) blinks. The control at the time of this abnormality will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of the self-diagnosis processing described later. If the recorded data on the card is abnormal, a command signal for collecting the abnormal card is output to the card reader / writer control unit 134. On the other hand, in S7, the card insertion indicator 132 and the ball lending indicator 48d are turned on and the card balance indicator 50 displays the current card balance.

Next, in S8, it is judged whether or not there is a ball lending operation. If there is no ball lending operation, then the processing advances to S9, where it is judged whether or not there is a return operation, and if there is no return operation, the processing returns to S8. If the player presses the return button 42c (see FIG. 1), the process proceeds to S10, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned off, and the process proceeds to S26, in which control for returning the inserted card is performed. On the other hand, if the player presses the ball lending button 44c (see FIG. 1), the process proceeds to S11, where the current balance of the inserted card, that is, the card balance indicator 50 (see FIG. 1).
It is determined whether or not the balance displayed in is equal to or more than the set amount set by the ball rental amount setting switch 137 (see FIG. 2). Then, if the current balance is equal to or more than the set amount, a process of setting the set amount to the ball rental amount is performed in S12, and the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the current balance is less than the set amount, the current balance is set to the ball rental amount in S13, and then the process proceeds to S14. In other words, if the current balance of the insertion card is less than the set amount, it is not possible to set the set amount to the ball rental amount and pay out the pachinko balls for the set amount, so it is possible to pay with the insertion card. The maximum amount of money, that is, the current balance of the insertion card is set to the ball rental amount.

Next, in S14, processing for turning off the ball lending indicator 48d (see FIG. 1) is performed. Since the next ball lending operation is not accepted until the ball lending operation is once performed and the ball lending operation based on the ball lending operation is completed, S3 described later is performed.
Until the ball lending indicator is turned on by 3, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned off to display that the ball lending operation cannot be performed. Next, proceeding to S15, control is performed to start outputting the ball lending request signal to the payout control microcomputer.
Next, proceeding to S16, the timer T1 is set, and proceeding to S17, it is judged whether or not a ball lending preparation signal is input from the payout control microcomputer. In the payout control microcomputer, the ball lending request signal in S15 is received, and if the ball lending is possible, the ball lending preparation signal is sent to the card processing machine control microcomputer in S77 after the ball lending preparation control is performed. Is output. Microcomputer for controlling card processing machine is S1
If this ball lending preparation signal is received before the timer T1 set by 6 ends, a YES determination is made in S17, and a ball lending command signal is output to the payout control microcomputer in S20, and thereafter, for payout control. A process of waiting for the transmission of a signal indicating that the ball lending of the microcomputer is completed is performed. On the other hand, when the ball lending preparation signal is not input from the payout control microcomputer until T1 ends, the process proceeds to S19, the output of the ball lending request signal is stopped, and the processing for clearing the ball lending amount is performed and S8 is executed. Proceed to.

When the pachinko gaming machine 60 has already paid out balls for rental, or when paying out prize balls associated with a prize, S100, S101, S76, S to be described later.
Since the processing of 77 is not performed, the payout control microcomputer does not output the ball lending preparation signal until the end of T1. In that case, the processing of S19 is not performed. The T1 is, for example, 10 msec or more and 10 sec or less.

On the other hand, after the ball lending command signal is output in S20, the unit amount is subtracted from the current balance and the unit amount is subtracted from the ball rental amount in S21. When the ball lending command signal by S20 is given to the payout control microcomputer, the pachinko ball equivalent to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen) is ball-rented on the pachinko gaming machine side, as described later. The unit amount, which is the amount corresponding to the pachinko balls to be lent out, is subtracted from the current balance of the insertion card, and the unit amount is subtracted from the ball rental amount set in S12 and S13. Next, the process proceeds to S22, where a unit price sales signal is output to the card processing terminal box via the unit box. The unit amount sales signal transmitted to the card processing terminal box is output to the ball lending card central management computer, and the ball lending card central management computer totals the usage data of the ball lending card. The sales signal output from the card processor terminal box to the ball lending card centralized management computer may be performed in real time, or may be collectively performed at regular intervals or once a day. In addition, in S23, processing for outputting a unit price sales signal to the hall management computer is performed. As a result, the hall management computer can get sales information from both the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.
Also, compare the sales information by collecting information from both sides,
By determining an abnormality when they do not match, a failure or the like can be found promptly.

Next, in S27, the timer T3 is set. The timer T3 is set to, for example, about 10 sec in consideration of the time required for paying out balls on the pachinko gaming machine side. If a ball lending completion signal is input from the payout control microcomputer before the timer T3 expires, the process proceeds to S31.
If the ball lending completion signal is not input even after the process ends, the process proceeds to S30, the processor usable display 130 (see FIG. 1) is turned off, and the process proceeds to S24. Then, the return control of the inserted card after S24 is performed. That is, although the ball lending preparation signal is input from the payout control microcomputer and the ball lending control should be performed by the payout control microcomputer, the ball lending completion signal is paid out even after T3 ends. If it is not transmitted from the control microcomputer, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the ball payout device or the like on the pachinko gaming machine side, and in that case, the insertion card is returned to the player.

On the other hand, if the ball lending completion signal is input from the payout control microcomputer before the end of T3, S
Proceeding to 31, it is judged whether or not the ball rental amount = 0. If there are unpaid unpaid coins among the pachinko balls corresponding to the ball rental amount set in S12 and S13, the ball rental amount is not "0", and thus NO is determined in S31. Then, the process proceeds to S15, and the ball lending request signal is output again to the payout control microcomputer. On the other hand, when all the pachinko balls for the ball rental amount have been paid out, the ball rental amount is 0, so S
Proceeding to 32, it is judged whether or not the current balance = 0. When the current balance of the insertion card still remains, the process proceeds to S33, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned on,
In S8, the operation of accepting the ball lending operation and the returning operation is performed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that the current balance = 0, the process proceeds to S34, and a process of outputting a balance of 0 and a card writing discharge command signal to the card reader / writer control unit is performed. Thereby, the card reader / writer control unit returns the inserted card to the player side after updating the card balance of the inserted card to "0".

Next, the card insertion indicator is blinked in S35, and the timer T4 is set in S36. The timer T4 is set in consideration of a time sufficient for the card reader / writer to return the inserted card after updating the balance of the inserted card to "0", and the timer T4 ends. If the card processing completion signal has not been received from the card reader / writer control unit before, S39
Then, the processing for displaying the abnormality of the card processor by the code on the card balance display 50 is performed, and the processor availability indicator 130 is controlled to blink. Specifically, for example, an error or the like when the balance “0” cannot be written in the insertion card, the reading of the written data is confirmed, or the like is displayed by a code.

On the other hand, if a card processing completion signal is input from the card reader / writer control unit before the timer T4 expires, the process proceeds to S40, and a card insertion display for displaying that a card is inserted. Bowl 132
(See FIG. 1) is turned off, and it is determined in S41 whether there is a ball lending abnormality. If not, the process proceeds to S3, in which the acceptance of insertion of a new card into the card reader / writer is controlled, If there is a ball lending abnormality, the process proceeds to S42, in which the payout control signal reception control is performed from the payout control microcomputer.

As described above, every time a pachinko gaming machine side lends a pachinko ball (for example, 25 coins) corresponding to a unit amount (for example, 100 yen), the payout control microcomputer changes to a card processing machine control microcomputer. Since the ball lending completion signal is output, the card processing machine control microcomputer determines whether or not all the pachinko balls for the ball rental amount (see S12 and S13) have been lent each time the output signal is input. If there is an unloaned portion that has not yet been rented out, pachinko balls of the above-mentioned unit amount (for example, 100 yen) are repeatedly lent out until all of the unlented portion is lent out.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show, for example, 4 mse.
It is a flowchart which shows the interrupt program executed once for every c, FIG. 12 shows the flowchart for a self-diagnosis process, and FIG. 13 shows the flowchart for a fraction display process.

At S43, self-diagnosis is carried out to judge whether the result is proper or not. If it is determined to be appropriate, it is determined in S44 whether or not a payout enable signal is input from the payout control microcomputer 350 of the pachinko gaming machine 60 to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300, and if there is an input. Returns to S43. If there is any abnormality as a result of the self-diagnosis, NO is determined in S43. The types of abnormalities are roughly classified into two types: errors that can be recovered by an error on the card processor side and errors that cannot be recovered by an error on the card processor side. An error that cannot be recovered due to an error on the card processor side is called a special error, and an error that can be recovered due to an error on the card processor side is called a normal error.

As a concrete example of this normal error, for example, when the insertion card is clogged in the card reader / writer, an illegal card such as a counterfeit card is inserted, or predetermined data such as new balance data is inserted in the insertion card. Writing If the read data is not correct when the read data is read and confirmed, it is an error or the like caused by a communication failure with the terminal box for the card processing machine. Although the unit price sales signal is transmitted from the card processing machine 62 to the card processing machine terminal box 320, if a communication failure with the card processing machine terminal box 320 occurs, the unit sales to be transmitted. The forehead data is stored in the card processor 62, and a normal error occurs only when the stored data reaches the storage capacity limit.

Among the special errors, specific examples of errors that cannot be recovered due to errors on the card processor side are errors that cannot be recovered unless the power is restarted, or the card processor fails and the card It is an error that the processor 62 must be replaced. As a specific example of the error on the pachinko gaming machine side among the special errors, the ball lending preparation signal and the ball lending completion signal that change the signal only after the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied have changed from the beginning when the power was turned on. In this case, when the above-mentioned payout possible signal is not transmitted when the power is turned on, or when the ball lending completion signal is not transmitted within T3 (see S29), the above-mentioned payout possible signal is O during operation.
When it becomes FF, that is, there is a power cutoff or a disconnection of the signal line on the pachinko gaming machine side.

When it is determined as a result of self-diagnosis that there is any abnormality, or when it is determined that the payout enable signal is not input, the card processing control is interrupted in S45, and whether a special error is present or not in S46. Judgment is made. If the error that occurred is a special error, S4
8, the processor availability indicator 130 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. On the other hand, if it is not a special error, that is, if it is a normal error, control is performed in S47 to display a code indicating an abnormal portion on the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1). Further, in the case of a normal error, in addition to the display in S47, the processor usable display 130
Is controlled to blink.

Next, the fraction display processing will be described with reference to FIG. Fraction display switch 131 by S49
It is determined whether or not (see FIG. 1) is operated, and if it is operated, it is determined in S50 whether or not the ball lending process is being performed. If the ball lending process is not in progress, the process directly proceeds to S51, but if the ball lending process is in progress, the display operation is invalid. If the ball lending process is in progress, the process may proceed to S51 after the ball lending process is completed. In S51, it is determined whether an error is occurring. This error includes a normal error and a special error as described above. If it is determined in S51 that the error is not in progress, the process proceeds to S52, and based on S52 to S56, the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1) is used to display the fraction and the ball rental amount setting switch 137 (see FIG. 2). Display of set ball rental amount, display of balance when a card is inserted, display of unit number for specifying one set of card processor 62 and unit box 830, fluctuation with game The current balance of the inserted card balance is displayed. The various displays are sequentially switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1 second) in the order described above. Finally, the current balance display is performed in S56, and the current balance display is continuously displayed until the next display switching based on the operation of the fraction display switch 136 is performed.

Next, if the error judged as being in error in S51 is a special error, the process proceeds to S58, and the card balance indicator 50 is operated in accordance with S58 to S63.
(Refer to Fig. 1) The error code that displays the error location and the content of the error, etc. by code, the fraction display, the ball rental amount display, the insertion balance display, the unit number display, and the current balance display for a predetermined time ( The display is switched at intervals of 1 second, for example. Finally, the current balance is displayed, and the current balance is displayed until the next display switching based on the operation of the fraction display switch. In this way, the error code is displayed only after the fraction display operation is performed.

Next, when the error judged as being in error in S51 is a normal error, the process proceeds to S64, and in accordance with S64 to S69, the current balance is displayed by the card balance display 50 (see FIG. 1). The display is switched at a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) in the order of display, fraction display, ball rental set amount display, insertion balance display, unit number display, and error code display. Finally, the error code is displayed, and this error code is continuously displayed until the next display switching is performed based on the operation of the fraction display switch.

14 to 18 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

17 and 18 while the program shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 14 to 16 is being executed.
The interrupt program shown in is executed once every 2 msec, for example. First, this interrupt program will be described with reference to FIGS.

In S156, it is determined whether or not there is a winning signal from the game controlling microcomputer, and the process waits until it is found. When the pachinko balls that have been hit in the game area 120 win the starting winning opening 125a (see FIG. 1), a winning signal is input from the game controlling microcomputer 370 to the payout controlling microcomputer 350, and the winning memory is stored in S157. The number is incremented by "1" and the process returns to S156.

FIG. 18 shows an interrupt program for outputting a payout enable signal from the payout control microcomputer 350 to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300. In S158, a ball payout abnormality is given to the pachinko gaming machine side. It is determined whether or not there is.
As a specific example of this payout abnormality, there is a cause that the payout abnormality code is displayed in FIGS. 14 to 16 described later. If there is a payout abnormality, the output of the payout enable signal is stopped in S160, and if there is no payout abnormality, the payout enable signal is output in S159.

Next, a ball payout control operation will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in S70, it is determined whether or not the ball confirmation sensors A and B detect the presence of a ball. When there is a pachinko ball at the detection positions of the ball confirmation sensor A (68a) and the ball confirmation sensor B (68b) shown in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to S71, and it is determined whether or not full tank detection is performed. Is performed. Surplus ball storage tray 122
If (see FIG. 1) is not yet full, the process proceeds to S72, and it is determined whether or not the unpaid amount = 0.
This "unpaid number" means the number of pachinko balls that have not yet been paid out of the pachinko balls that should be paid out,
The respective values are set in S76, S86, S89, and S90 described later, and each time a pachinko ball is paid out, "1" is subtracted by 1 in S116 described below.

If the unpaid amount is "0", S
Proceeding to 73, it is judged whether or not there is a ball lending request signal from the microcomputer for controlling the card processor.
This determination in S73 is repeated until the timer T7 times out, and if there is no ball lending request signal from the card processor micro-computer until T7 ends, the process proceeds to S83, in which the prize ball sensor A It is determined whether or not a ball is detected, and the winning ball sensor A (401
If a) does not detect the winning ball, it is determined in S84 whether the winning ball sensor B (401b) has detected the winning ball. If not, the process proceeds to S91. The timer T7 is provided for giving priority to the reception of the ball lending request over the reception of the winning balls only for a certain period, and is set by S122 described later.

At S91, the ball counting sensor A (68c),
It is determined whether or not any of B (68d) (see FIG. 6) has detected the flow of pachinko balls, and if not detected, ball confirmation sensors A (68a) and B (68b) (FIG. 6).
It is determined whether or not any of the above (see) has detected the flow of the ball. If not detected, the process proceeds to S94, and it is determined whether or not the payout solenoid 223 (see FIG. 5) is turned on. , If not ON, the process returns to S70. These S70 to S73, S75, S83, S84, S91,
If the payout solenoid 223 (see FIG. 5) is excited during the circulation of the loop consisting of S92 and S94, a YES determination is made in S94 and the process proceeds to S95, in which the payout abnormality is indicated by the error cause indicator 146 (see FIG. 2). The code is displayed, and the ball-punching solenoid 180 (see FIG. 2) is excited to carry out the ball-punching process.

That is, the determination of YES in S94 means that the payout solenoid 223 is excited even though the pachinko ball payout control is not performed. Such an abnormality is caused by the solenoid drive circuit. Is suspected to have failed. In that case, the failure of the solenoid drive circuit is notified, and the ball tank 151 and the tank rail 67 (see FIG. 2) are subjected to the ball punching process.
The pachinko balls inside are taken out of the machine to prevent a large amount of pachinko balls from being accidentally discharged into the hitting ball supply tray 59 (see FIG. 1). The payout solenoid 223 is turned on.
Whether or not is determined by incorporating, for example, a photocoupler in the solenoid drive unit in the ball payout unit 63 (see FIG. 2) and detecting the actual drive state. Next, if any of the ball counting sensors A, B or the ball confirmation sensors A, B detects the flow of the ball, the process proceeds to S93,
While the pachinko ball payout control is not being performed, an abnormality notification that the pachinko ball has been paid out is performed, and a ball removal process is performed.

If the ball lending request signal is transmitted from the card processor micro-computer 300 according to the step S15 before the timer T7 times out, a YES determination is made in S73 and S7 is executed.
4, the control for ball lending operation is performed. As described above, the control for the ball lending operation is prioritized until the end of T7, and the prize ball payout control based on the winning prize is performed only after the end of T7. Therefore, the set amount (S12,
When the value of the prize ball is 200 yen or more, the control for the ball lending operation is prioritized over the prize ball payout control.

In S74, it is determined whether or not the tank ball sensor detects a ball. If not, the process proceeds to S75, in which the pachinko ball payout operation by ball lending is disabled, but it is detected. If so, the process proceeds to S76, and the number of unpaid balls is set to p, and the payout state is set to "lens". The “unpaid number” is the number of remaining payouts that have not yet been paid out of the pachinko balls to be paid out, and is S76 and S86, S89, S9 described later.
Each value is set by 0, and "1" is subtracted by S116 each time one pachinko ball is paid out. Note that p in S76 is the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the unit amount (see S21), and is set to 25, for example. Next, proceeding to S77, a process of outputting a ball lending preparation signal to the card processing machine controlling microcomputer 300 is performed, and then proceeding to S78. Timer T in S78
After 9 is set, the process proceeds to S79, in which it is determined whether or not there is a ball lending command signal from the card processor side.
The judgment of 79 is controlled to be repeated. In the meantime, if the ball lending command signal is transmitted based on S20, the process proceeds to S82, the control for starting the blinking of the lending indicator is performed, and the process proceeds to S96.
After the unpaid amount is cleared by 81, the process returns to S70.

On the other hand, the starting winning openings 125a, 125b, 1
If a pachinko ball is won in any of 25c, it is detected by the prize ball sensor A, YES is determined in S83, and the process proceeds to S85, in which it is determined whether or not the winning memory number = 0. This "number of winning prizes" means the above-mentioned S1.
57 is added by "1" and subtracted by "1" from S134, which means the number of prize balls which have not yet been paid out as prize balls out of the prize balls which have won in the starting winning opening 125a. . Then, if the number of stored prizes is not 0, the process proceeds to S86, the third payout number n (for example, 7) is set to the unpaid amount, the payout state is set to “n payout”, and the payout display lamp 126 is started to light. After performing the processing, the process proceeds to S96. In other words, if a pachinko ball wins the starting winning opening 125a, n (for example, 7) prize balls will be paid out for each winning. On the other hand, when the number of stored winnings = 0, the process proceeds to S87, and it is determined whether the payout state is “n payout” or “m payout”. When the current payout state is “n payout” or “m payout”, the process proceeds to S88, and it is determined whether or not the winning ball sensor B (401b) detects a pachinko ball, and if not detected. The process proceeds to S89 in which m (for example, 10) is set to the number of unpaid amounts, the payout state is set to "m-paid", and lighting of the payout display lamp 126 is started.
That is, when a plurality of pachinko balls are won in the starting winning holes 125a, 125b, 125c, first, the payout of n (for example, 7) pachinko balls based on the winning balls won in the starting winning port 125a is given priority. After that, the second payout number m (for example, 10) of prize balls are paid out based on the winning balls that have won the start winning holes 125b and 125c. On the other hand, when a pachinko ball is won in a winning hole other than the starting winning holes 125a to 125c, the winning ball sensor B (4
01b) (see FIG. 4), the winning ball is detected, and S
The determination of YES is made by 84, and the process proceeds to S90. On the other hand, the payout of the last prize ball is the prize ball sensor A (401a).
Is a payout of a prize ball of n or m based on the detection output of
If there is a pachinko ball detection output from the winning ball sensor B (401b), a YES determination is made in S88 and S9
Go to 0. In S93, the number of unpaid amounts is set to k (for example, 15
Individual) is set, the payout state is set to “k payout”, and control for starting lighting of the payout display lamp 126 is performed. As a result, when both the prize balls sensors A and B detect the prize balls, the payout of the prize balls based on one of the prize ball sensors and the payout of the prize balls based on the other prize ball sensor are alternately performed. .

In S96 of FIG. 15, the timer T5 is set. This timer T5 defines the time for which the payout solenoid 223 is excited, and the payout sprocket 74 is used.
(See FIG. 5) Time required for the pachinko ball to rotate by one stopper locking portion due to its own weight (for example, 8-10 mse
Only c) is for exciting the payout solenoid 223. Next, control for turning on the payout solenoid is performed in S97, and the process proceeds to S98, in which it is determined whether or not the ball counting sensor A has detected a payout ball. If the ball counting sensor A has not detected the payout balls yet, S99
Then, it is determined whether or not the ball counting sensor B has detected a payout ball, and if it has not been detected, S107.
Then, it is judged whether or not the timer T5 has expired, and if the timer T5 has not yet expired, S10 is executed.
Then, it is judged whether or not the subtraction is completed by advancing to step 8. If the subtraction is not completed, the process returns to S97, and the payout solenoid is continuously controlled to be ON. Payout solenoid 2
As 23 (see FIG. 5) is excited, the payout sprocket 74 becomes rotatable as described above, and the payout sprocket 74 rotates due to the weight of the pachinko ball, and one pachinko ball goes downward from the ball passing opening 64a. If paid out to
The ball counting sensor A (68c) detects a payout ball, and S10
The process proceeds to 0, and it is determined whether or not there is a detection memory of the ball counting sensor A.

The detection memory of the ball counting sensor A is stored in S101 when the ball counting sensor A detects a payout ball when the ball counting sensor A has no memory.
The memory is cleared by S103 in a state where the ball counting sensor B detects a payout ball without the memory of the ball counting sensor B being stored. That is, when the ball dispenser 63 is operating normally, one pachinko ball is paid out alternately from the two ball passage openings 64a and 64b, and in that case, the ball counting sensor A is always paid out. The detection memory of the ball counting sensor A should be cleared when the ball is detected, and the detection memory of the ball counting sensor B should be cleared when the ball counting sensor B detects the payout ball. Therefore, the determination of NO should be made in S100 and S102. However, if the pachinko ball is clogged in the device or the ball counting sensor fails, S100 or S100
If YES is determined by 102, in this case, the process proceeds to S104, and the error cause indicator 146 is used to display a code indicating that a failure of the ball counting sensor or an abnormal state of ball clogging in the device has occurred, and Extraction processing is performed.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S100, the process proceeds to S101, the detection of the ball counting sensor A is stored, the detection memory of the ball counting sensor B is cleared, and "1" is added to the detected number. . On the other hand, when the determination in S102 is NO, the process proceeds to S103, in which the detection of the ball counting sensor B is stored and the detection storage of the ball counting sensor A is cleared,
"1" is added to the detected number. Next, in S105, it is determined whether or not the detected number = 2. When the ball payout operation is normally performed, the payout solenoid 223 should be excited for the set time of T5 and one pachinko ball should be paid out and detected, and the detected number becomes "1". Should be. If the detected number is not "2", the process proceeds to S107, and it is determined whether the timer T5 has expired. If the timer T5 has expired, S110 is determined.
Then, the payout solenoid is controlled to be turned off.
When two pachinko balls are paid out and the detected number becomes “2”, the process proceeds to S106, and the error state indicator 146 indicates an abnormal state that a plurality of balls are paid out by one operation of the payout solenoid. Is displayed by a code and a ball-punching process is performed.

Next, when it is determined in S108 that the subtraction is finished, the process proceeds to S109, and after the timer T6 is set, the payout solenoid 223 is turned off in S110.
Controlled by FF. The timer T6 is for counting the time required to check whether or not the pachinko balls paid out by the payout solenoid 223 being excited are detected by the ball counting sensor A or B. And S1
At 11, it is determined whether or not T6 is completed, and if so, the process proceeds to S114, at which it is determined whether or not the detected number = 0. If it is normally dispensed, the detected number is "1", so the process proceeds to S115, the detected number is cleared, the number of operations is cleared, and S116 is performed.
Thus, the unpaid amount is subtracted by "1" and the process proceeds to S117. Each time the pachinko balls are paid out in S116, the unpaid number is decremented by "1". If the unpaid number is not "0", a NO judgment is made in S72 and the pachinko balls after S96 Although the payout control is performed, if the unpaid number becomes "0", a YES determination is made in S72, and the payout control is suspended until the pachinko ball payout is once completed and the next payout condition is satisfied. . Next, in S117, it is determined whether or not the payout state is "ball lending". If the payout state is other than "ball lending", that is, if a prize ball is paid out based on a winning ball, the process proceeds to S126. The control associated with the payout of the prize balls is performed. On the other hand, when the payout state is “lens lending”, the process proceeds to S118, and it is determined whether or not the number of unpaid payouts = 0, and when it is not 0, the process proceeds to S70, but when it is 0, the process proceeds to S119. Proceeding, the processing of outputting the ball lending completion signal to the card processing machine control microcomputer 300 is performed, the lending indicator 46d is turned off in S120, and the gaming machine terminal box 149 and the connectors 158 and 157 are processed in S121. Processing for outputting the unit price sales signal to the hall management computer. This "unit price sales signal" means the unit price (S1
2, S13) is a sales signal of pachinko balls for a unit amount due to the pachinko balls being rented out using a card, and the hall management computer receiving this signal aggregates the sales amount by the card. To do. Then S122
Thus, the timer T7 is set and the process returns to S70.

On the other hand, if no pachinko balls are paid out within the period when the timer T6 expires, a YES determination is made in S114 and the process proceeds to S123 where "1" is added to the number of operations and S124 is performed. And the operation count is "2"
If the number of operations is the first time, the process returns to S70 and the pachinko ball payout control is performed again. If no pachinko balls are paid out despite the pachinko ball payout control again, S
The number of operations is increased by “1” by 123. as a result,
The number of operations = 2, and in S124, the error cause indicator 146 indicates that the pachinko ball is not paid out or the paid-out ball is not detected although the payout condition for paying out the pachinko ball is satisfied. The code is displayed by and the ball-punching process is performed.

The cause of the abnormal condition of the abnormal condition process in S125 may be specified in more detail. That is, if the ball confirmation sensor detects the flow of a pachinko ball, it is a failure of the ball counting sensor, and if the ball confirmation sensor does not detect the flow of the ball and the operation of the payout solenoid is detected, the ball jams or If the ball confirmation sensor is out of order, and the ball confirmation sensor does not detect the flow of the pachinko ball and the operation of the payout solenoid is not detected, the cause of the abnormality may be finely determined such as the failure of the payout solenoid. In addition, the ball confirmation sensor is used to detect and determine the flow of balls,
The number of falling balls detected by the ball confirmation sensor and the number detected by the ball counting sensor may be compared to monitor the payout state of the balls.

Next, if it is determined in S111 that T6 has not ended, the process proceeds to S112, it is determined whether or not the payout solenoid is ON, and if it is not ON, S98. Proceed to. On the other hand, when the payout solenoid is turned off in S110 but the payout solenoid is turned on, a YES determination is made in S112, the process proceeds to S113, and the error of the solenoid drive circuit is indicated by a code by the error cause display 146. It is displayed and the ball is removed. This S1
Similarly to the above, the determination by 12 is also made by incorporating a photocoupler in the solenoid drive portion of the ball payout device 63 and detecting the actual drive state.

Next, when the payout state is not the "lens lending" but the payout of the prize balls, the prize ball payout number is incremented by "1" in S126. That is, every time one prize ball is paid out based on the winning, a process of adding "1" to the prize ball payout number is performed in S126. Next, in S127, it is determined whether or not the number of paid out prize balls has reached “a”,
If not, the process proceeds to S132, but if not, the process proceeds to S128 and the gaming machine terminal box 1
49, the prize ball payout signal is output to the hall management computer via the connectors 156 and 155. The hall management computer counts the number of disadvantageous balls, which is disadvantageous to the game hall, based on the prize ball payout signal.
In this way, every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, a prize ball payout signal is output to the hall management computer for one pulse, and the prize required to output the one pulse gift ball payout signal The payout number of balls is “a” and is set to, for example, 10. This “a” is the same value as the output unit number of the replenishing ball detector of the replenishing device 153.
Then, when the prize ball payout signal is output, the prize ball payout number is cleared to "0" in S129. Then S13
Then, the process proceeds to 0, and it is judged whether or not the unpaid amount = 0, and if it is not "0", the process proceeds to S70, but if it is "0", the process proceeds to S131 and the timer T8 is set. This timer T8 counts the time required for checking the winning ball discharge processing. Next, the process proceeds to S132, the payout display lamp 126 (see FIG. 1) is extinguished, and S133
Thus, it is determined whether or not the payout state is “n payout”. When the payout state is “n payout”, S134
Thus, the process of subtracting "1" from the winning memory is performed.
In the case of "n-payout", the number of unpaid coins is "0" (S because the prize balls are paid out based on the winning prize memory number (see S157).
(See 130), the payout memory is decremented by "1" when the payout of the prize balls based on the number of one winning memory is completed. Next, in S136, the prize ball sensor A
It is determined whether or not (170a) detects that there is a pachinko ball. If the payout state is n payout or m payout, the prize ball sensor A (170a) should have detected the prize ball, and the discharge motor A (402a).
When is turned on and excited, as shown in FIG. 4, one pachinko ball in the prize ball sensor A (170a) drops downward, and the prize ball sensor A within the predetermined period.
(170a) should no longer detect the ball. Then, in S140, the discharge motor A (402a) is continuously rotated until the timer T8 ends, and it is determined whether or not the winning ball sensor A detects the presence of a ball.
If no longer detects the presence of a ball, the process proceeds to S141, where it is determined whether the discharge motor A (402a) has rotated a predetermined angle. The control is performed and the process returns to S70. The reference position sensor A (403a) determines whether or not the rotation by the predetermined angle is performed in S141.
(See FIG. 4) and the number of steps of the discharge motor A (402a) composed of the stepping motor.

On the other hand, when the prize ball sensor A continues to detect the presence of a ball during the period when the timer T8 ends, the pachinko ball inside the prize ball sensor A is controlled even though the discharge motor A is rotationally controlled. Is a case where an abnormality such as not falling downward occurs, and there is a possibility that a ball jam or a failure of the winning ball sensor A or the discharge motor A is performed. Error cause indicator 146 indicating that a dispensing error has occurred
Causes the code to be displayed and the ball-punching process to be performed. If the winning ball sensor A does not detect the presence of a ball before the discharging motor A rotates, the winning ball sensor A or the discharging motor A may be damaged.
The error cause indicator 1 indicates that a dispensing error has occurred according to 7.
A code is displayed by 46, and a ball removing process is performed. Next, in S154, it is determined whether or not a reset operation has been performed, and the process waits until the reset operation is performed. If there is a reset operation, the process proceeds to S155,
The process of clearing the detected number, the number of operations, the detection memory of the ball counting sensor A and the detection memory of the ball counting sensor B is performed, and the process returns to S70.

On the other hand, in S135, it is judged whether or not the payout state is "m payout". If the payout state is "m payout," the process proceeds to S136, but the payout state is not "n payout". If it is not “m payout”, that is, if it is “k payout”, the process proceeds to S145, and it is determined whether or not the winning ball sensor B detects the presence of a ball. If the payout state is "k payout", the winning ball sensor B must detect the ball in S84 as a premise, and therefore, naturally, the winning ball sensor B determines that there is a ball in S145. Although it is determined that it has been detected, if any abnormality such as a failure of the winning ball sensor B occurs, S
A determination of NO is made by 145. In that case S1
The process proceeds to S46, and the dispensing abnormality is displayed by the code on the error cause display 146, and after the punching process is performed, the process proceeds to S154. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning ball sensor B detects the presence of a ball, the process proceeds to S147, the rotation of the discharge motor B (402b) is started, and the winning ball sensor B (401b) determines that there is a ball in S148. Whether or not it has been detected is determined, and the timer T8
If the presence of a ball is no longer detected before the end of step S15
In step 0, similarly to the above, it is determined whether or not the ball feeding / rotating member 414b (see FIG. 3) has rotated by a predetermined angle. Return to S70. On the other hand, if the prize-winning ball sensor B continues to detect the presence of a ball until the timer T8 expires, the process proceeds to S152, the payout motor B is stopped similarly to the above, and the payout abnormality code is output in S153. After the control of the display and the punching process is performed, S15
Go to 4.

In addition to the control of S70, S91 and S93 described above, the ball confirmation sensor A fails when the ball confirmation sensor A does not detect the presence of a ball and the ball counting sensor A detects the flow of the ball. Abnormal code indicating the cause of the error 14
6, and when the ball confirmation sensor B does not detect the presence of a ball and the ball counting sensor B detects the flow of a ball, an error code indicating that the ball confirmation sensor B has failed is displayed by the error cause indicator 146. You may control so that it may be displayed.
Further, when the determination in S98 is NO, a step for determining whether or not the ball confirmation sensor A detects the presence of a ball is inserted, and when the ball confirmation sensor A detects the presence of a ball, the ball counting is performed. An abnormal code indicating that the sensor A has failed may be displayed and the punching process may be performed. Further, in S99, when the ball counting sensor B does not detect the ball payout, a step of determining whether or not the ball confirmation sensor B detects the presence of the ball is inserted, and the ball confirmation sensor B detects the presence of the ball. In this case, an abnormal code indicating that the ball counting sensor B has failed may be displayed and the ball removing process may be performed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a timing chart for explaining the operation timing of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

First, the power is turned on (power on), and at time A, the ball lending preparation signal line is turned on and the payout enable signal on the pachinko gaming machine side is output. Next, at the time B when the card is accepted, the card insertion indicator 132 and the ball lending indicator 4
8d and are turned on. Next, the ball lending operation detector 44d is O
When it becomes N, the player's ball lending operation is detected, and at C, it is detected that there is a ball lending operation. At this time, the ball lending indicator 48d is turned off and turned off, the ball lending enable signal line is turned on, and the card processor 62 is in the ball lending enabled state. At a time point D when a predetermined delay time a (for example, 20 msec) has elapsed from the time point C, the ball lending request signal line is turned ON and the ball lending request signal is output from the card processing machine 62 to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side. . The reason for providing the predetermined delay time a is to prevent a malfunction due to noise by providing a sufficient time for the pachinko gaming machine side to determine that the ball lending enable signal line is turned on.

From this time point D, the ball lending preparation signal confirmation time b (b≤T≤Measured by the timer T1 shown in S18).
At the time of E when 1) has passed, the payout state signal line is turned on and the ball lending preparation signal is output from the pachinko gaming machine 60 side to the card processing machine 62 side. From this time point, the ball lending command signal confirmation time c (c≤T is measured by the timer T9 shown in S80.
At the time of F after 9) has passed, the ball lending request signal line is turned off, and accordingly, the ball lending command signal is output from the card processing machine 62 side to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side. From this time point, at the time point G when the ball lending completion signal confirmation time d (d ≦ T3) measured by the timer T3 shown in S29 has elapsed, the payout state signal line is turned OFF, which causes the ball lending completion signal. From the pachinko gaming machine 60 side to the card processing machine 6
It is supposed to be output to the 2 side. From this point, S
When the next ball lending request signal confirmation time e (e ≦ T7) measured by the timer T7 by 75 has elapsed, the ball lending request signal line is turned on at time D and the next ball lending request signal is sent to the card processor 62.
Is output to the pachinko gaming machine 60 side, and the output of the ball lending preparation signal, the output of the ball lending command signal, and the output of the ball lending completion signal are repeated as described above. In FIG. 19, the output of the ball lending request signal, the output of the ball lending preparation signal, the output of the ball lending command signal, and the output of the ball lending completion signal are repeated three times in total, and the last ball lending completion signal is output. When the ball lending request signal is not output during the next ball lending request signal confirmation time e, the ball lending possible signal line is switched off. Next, return operation detector 4
When 2d is turned ON and H, the player's return operation is detected, and at that time, the card insertion display 132 blinks and the ball lendability display 48d turns OFF and goes out. Then, at time I, the card is returned to the player.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ball payout device.

Since the structure of the ball payout device 600 is almost the same as the structure of the winning ball processing device 400 shown in FIG. 3, it will be briefly described here. The ball payout device 600 includes discharge motors A (602a) and B (602) as drive sources.
b). Both discharge motors A (602
Reference characters a) and B (602b) are stepping motors, which are arranged side by side with a predetermined spacing maintained by a spacing member 612. These discharge motors A (602
a) and B (602b) are respectively connected to the connector 611.
a, 611b supplies the current to the coils 609a, 6a
The iron cores 608a and 608b are configured to rotate by flowing through 09b. Casing 610a, 6
10b are provided with bearings 606a and 606b, respectively. The bearings 606a and 606b are connected to the motor shaft 60, respectively.
5a and 605b are rotatably supported. And
When the iron cores 608a and 608b rotate, the respective motor shafts 605a and 605b rotate integrally. The motor shaft 605b has a cylindrical shape, and the motor shaft 605a is concentrically inserted in the cylinder.
The discharge motor 602 as a so-called two-axis motor configured as described above is attached and fixed to the motor attachment plate 604 attached to the attachment boss 613.

Sprockets 614a and 614b are attached to the respective motor shafts 605a and 605b so as not to rotate relative to each other. Then, the balls in the ball tank 151 are supplied to the supply passages 616a and 616b, and the recesses 615a formed in the sprockets 614a and 614b.
In the state that the ball has entered the inside of 615b, the ball placing portion 617a,
The balls are placed on 617b. In this state,
As the discharge motor A (602a) rotates, the sprocket 614a rotates and the balls on the ball placing portion 617a pass through the delivery passage 619a and are discharged downward. On the other hand, the sprocket 614b is rotated by the rotation of the discharge motor B (602b), and the balls on the ball placing portion 617b are discharged downward through the delivery passage 619b. Each of the balls paid out downward has a payout confirmation sensor A (618a), B.
It is detected by (618b). In the figure, 607 is a bearing.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram for explaining the operations of the winning ball processing apparatus and the ball payout apparatus.

In the figure, 625b (625a) is a prize winning ball collecting gutter, and the winning prizes winning the starting winning openings 125a, 125b, 125c are collected on the winning prize collecting gutter 625a.
The winning balls that have won the winning holes other than the starting winning holes 125a, 125b, 125c are collected on the winning ball collecting gutter 625b. Beside each of the winning ball sensors B (626b) and A (626a), the discharge solenoids B (627b) and A are provided.
Downflow restricting members 629b, 62 rotated by (627a)
9a is provided. This downflow regulation member 629b, 6
29a are provided with weights respectively, and in the state where the discharge solenoid B (627b) is de-excited as shown in the figure, the weight of the weights reduces the flow-down restricting member 6a.
29b is rotating clockwise. In that state,
Discharge solenoid B (627b) actuator 628
b enters the winning ball discharging passage 630b, and the winning balls collected on the winning ball collecting gutter 625b are stopped in the winning ball sensor B (626b) by the actuator 628b. When the discharge solenoid B (627b) is excited, the actuator 628b is attracted to retract from the prize winning ball discharge passage 630b, and the flow-down restricting member 629b.
Is pushed up by the actuator 628b and rotated counterclockwise so that the upper end thereof is the winning ball discharge passage 630.
Step inside b. Then, the winning balls supported by the actuator 628b fall downward, and the winning balls located above the winning balls are supported and held by the upper end of the flow-down restricting member 629b. As described above, each time the discharge solenoid B (627b) is excited once, one winning ball is discharged to the winning ball discharging passage 630b and discharged from the ball discharging trough 624 to the outside of the machine. The prize balls gathered on the prize ball collecting gutter 625a are the same as the prize ball sensor A (626).
a) and the flow control member 629.
a, each time the discharge solenoid A (627a) is excited by the action of the actuator 628a, one coin is discharged from the winning ball discharge passage 630a and the ball discharge trough 624 to the outside of the machine.

Then, if the winning ball guided to the winning ball collecting gutter 625b is detected by the winning ball sensor B (626b), the predetermined number k (for example, 15
(1) prize balls are paid out, and when the payout is completed, the discharge solenoid B (626b) is excited once to discharge one winning ball into the one-piece discharge gutter 624. Then, if there is the next prize ball, it is detected again by the prize ball sensor B (626b), and a predetermined number k (for example, 15) of prize balls are paid out as described above. In addition, the prize balls guided onto the prize ball collecting gutter 625a are detected by the prize ball sensor A (626a), and a predetermined number n (for example, 7) or m (for example, 10) of prize balls are paid out, and a payout solenoid is used. A (62
If 6a) is excited and there is a next winning ball, the predetermined number n
Or m prize balls are paid out. As described above, even if the winning balls are continuously generated, the flow-down restricting member 629a,
Due to 629b, only the prize balls for which the prize balls have been paid out are flowed down, and the prize balls for which the prize balls have not yet been paid out are blocked from flowing down and stored as evidence balls. There is an advantage that troubles concerning the number of payouts can be prevented. In addition, instead of storing evidence balls, the number of winning prizes etc. is stored in a microcomputer etc.,
The payout control may be performed based on the stored value. In that case, it is desirable to use a backup power supply so that the stored values are not erased due to a power failure or the like.

The payout solenoids A (627a), B
If (627b) fails and becomes unexcitable, the actuators 628a and 628b cause the winning ball discharge passage 630.
Since it remains in the inside of a, 630b, the pachinko balls are the winning ball sensors A (626a), B (6) even though the discharge solenoid excitation command signal is derived.
26b) is stopped and the winning ball detection signal is continuously derived, and the continuous ON state of the winning ball sensor is detected and the payout solenoid A (627) is detected.
a) and B (627b) are determined to have failed, and an abnormal state is notified. The winning ball sensors A (626a) and B (626b) are configured by so-called proximity switches whose output signals change from a predetermined voltage as the pachinko balls pass.
When the winning ball sensors A (626a) and B (626b) are disconnected, the voltage of the output signal becomes 0V. Therefore, the fact that the voltage becomes 0V is detected and the winning ball sensor A (626b) is detected.
A) and B (626b) may be notified that the disconnection has been made. In addition, this prize ball sensor A (626
When a) and B (626b) are short-circuited, the output voltage becomes an abnormal voltage exceeding the normal voltage. Therefore, by detecting the abnormal voltage, it is determined that the short-circuit has occurred. You may make it notify.

A ball payout device 600 is provided in the ball storage tray 151 (see FIG. 2) at a position where the pachinko balls are guided. This ball payout device 600 is a payout central control board 631.
Controlled by. Supply passage 61 of ball dispensing device 600
The ball depletion sensor A is provided on the downstream side of 6b (616a).
(601a) and B (601b) are provided, and it is detected whether or not the number of pachinko balls supplied to the ball payout device 600 is insufficient. Ball lending command signal from the card processor 62 (see FIG. 1) or winning ball sensor A (626a), B
(626b) winning ball detection signal (see S83, S84)
Based on the ball depletion sensor A (601a), B (601
The discharge motors 602a and 602b rotate counterclockwise in the drawing on condition that there is the detection output of b) (corresponding to S70) and the detection output of the full tank detection switch 162 (see S71). In addition, specifically, the card processor 62
Only the discharge motor 602b rotates based on the ball lending command signal from the ball lending command signal, and a predetermined number of ball lending is paid out.
The discharge motor 6 based on the winning ball detection signal of (626a)
Only 02a is rotationally driven to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls, and only the discharge motor 602b is rotated based on the prize-ball detection signal of the prize-winning ball sensor B (626b) to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. In addition, the discharge motors 602a and 602
The rotation angle of b is an angle at which a number of coins can be paid out according to a signal from the payout concentration control board 631. The payout balls are respectively payout confirmation sensors A (618a) and B (61
8b), the count confirmation is performed, and on condition that the count value and the payout command number match, a ball lending completion signal is output to the card processor 62, and discharge solenoids A (627a), B (62).
7b) is driven to discharge one winning ball. In addition, when the count value of the balls by the payout confirmation sensors A (618a) and B (618b) is less than the payout command number, the shortage is further paid out, and when it is more than that, error processing is performed. It should be noted that error processing may be performed even when the value is below the limit.

If a ball lending command signal is received from the card processor 62 during payout of prize balls by the discharge motor 602b, the discharge motor 602a may pay out balls. Further, the discharge motor 602a may be a motor dedicated to paying out prize balls, and the discharge motor 602b may be a motor dedicated to paying out ball rentals. Furthermore, every time one pachinko ball is paid out, payout confirmation sensors A (618a) and B (6
18b) confirms the payout, and after confirming, pays out the next pachinko ball one by one, and controls the payout of the balls while checking the pachinko balls to be paid out one by one, and the pachinko balls confirmed to be paid out. The payout may be stopped and controlled when the number of payout commands from the centralized control board 631 is reached.

The pachinko balls paid out by the ball payout device 600 are discharged to the ball payout passage 621 and passed through the communication port 622 to be paid out to the ball storage tray 59 (see FIG. 1). on the other hand,
The surplus balls, which have been filled up in the ball storage tray 59 and cannot be stored any more, pass through the connection gutter 623 and the excess ball storage tray 122.
(See FIG. 1).

On the other hand, the above-mentioned S93, S95, S10
4, S106, S113, S125, S137, S14
4, the discharge motors (602a) and B (602b) are rotated in the reverse direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 21) when the ball removal processing is performed according to S4, S146, and S153.
The pachinko balls in 1 and the like are discharged from the machine through the ball removing passages 620a, 620b and the ball discharging gutter 624.

In the embodiment described above, the card balance is recorded directly on the card, but instead, the card is made to record the information capable of specifying the card balance (for example, the card number), The hall management computer installed in the amusement hall stores the card balance corresponding to the card number, and the hall management computer uses the card number of the insertion card as a clue to determine the card balance corresponding to the insertion card. It may be configured such that the player can play the game by using the indexed card balance. Further, in the embodiment described above, the case where only the drive source of the winning ball processing device 400 or only the driving source of the ball paying-out device 600 is configured by the two-axis motor has been shown. However, the winning ball processing device 400 and the ball paying-out device Both 600 and 600 may be configured by a two-axis motor. Further, if necessary, three or more concentrically provided motor shafts may be independently driven to rotate by three or more ejection motors to control the winning ball processing device and the ball payout device. Further, the motor shafts may have a rectangular tube shape as long as they can rotate independently. Further, when only the drive source of the ball payout device 600 is configured by a two-axis motor, the number of prize balls or the number of unpaid balls corresponding thereto is discharged instead of discharging one prize ball each time the prize ball payout is completed. May be cumulatively added and stored each time a prize ball is generated, and subtracted each time a prize ball is paid out.

According to the above-described embodiment, "a ball game apparatus in which a ball hit in a predetermined ball hitting standby portion is hit in the game area to play a game, and a valuable value owned by the player is specified. Ball payout command means for deriving a ball payout command signal for paying out balls for lending by using the valuable value specified by the record information of the recording medium in which possible information is recorded, and the game area. Winning ball processing means for processing winning balls that have won a predetermined winning area, and paying out balls to the hitting ball waiting section based on a ball paying-out command signal derived from the ball paying-out command means, and winning ball processing A ball payout means for paying out a prize ball to the hitting ball waiting section based on the processing of the prize ball by the means, and at least one drive source of the ball payout means or the prize ball processing means rotates independently. Drive A plurality of drive shafts, wherein the plurality of drive shafts are concentrically arranged so that the other drive shafts penetrate through the hollow drive shaft. Device. " According to the ball-playing device, the ball-playing device is a complicated ball-playing device in which the ball lending is directly paid out to the ball-hit waiting unit, and the player purposely puts the ball-lending ball into the ball-hit waiting unit. Even if the prize balls are processed and the prize balls are paid out in a plurality of modes, the complication of the mechanism can be prevented as much as possible.

[0124]

[Effect of a concrete example of means for solving the problem]
Regarding, regarding the recording medium processing machine, instead of transmitting the request for lending balls for the amount of balls to the ball-playing machine at one time, the recording medium processing machine transmits the request for lending by subdividing one unit for each ball, and each 1 By repeating the control requesting the next 1 unit of ball lending each time a unit of ball lending is completed, the number of balls corresponding to the ball lending amount is large in order to perform the ball lending processing for the ball lending amount. However, the balls for the number of balls can be paid out from the ball game machine without difficulty.
Moreover, in order to exchange the ball lending request signal and the ball lending preparation signal before instructing the ball lending command signal to lend each one unit of the ball, the ball game machine side dispenses one unit of the ball. There is no possibility of giving an unreasonable command such as transmitting a ball lending command signal to the ball game machine even though it is in a state where it cannot be played (for example, lack of balls). Further, even when the balance of the recording medium is less than the set amount, the remaining amount of the remaining amount is lent, so that the remaining amount of the remaining amount can be effectively used for the lending. Furthermore, in order to carry out the reduction processing while waiting for the ball lending completion signal to be transmitted from the ball game machine, the reduction processing can be executed by effectively utilizing the waiting time of the ball lending control. It is possible to speed up the ball lending control as compared with the case where the reduction processing is performed after the reception of the. Furthermore, the reduction process is carried out in advance when the ball lending completion signal is not yet received from the ball game machine side, but by the exchange of the ball lending request signal and the ball lending preparation signal, the ball lending request signal is exchanged. It is a reduction process for one unit amount that is guaranteed in advance, and although it was reduced ahead of time, the balls for that amount were insufficient on the ball game machine side, and the planned number of balls It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the lending operation is actually incomplete.

With respect to claim 2, the recording medium processor is
Instead of sending a ball lending request for the amount of ball lending to the ball game machine at once, send a lending request subdivided into units of 1 unit of ball lending to ensure that each 1 unit of ball lending is completed. 1 for each
By repeating the control requesting the unit ball lending, the number of balls corresponding to the number of balls to be leased can be processed without fail even if the number of balls corresponding to the amount of balls to be leased is large. It can be paid out from a ball game machine. Moreover, in order to exchange the ball lending request signal and the ball lending preparation signal before instructing the ball lending command signal to lend each one unit of the ball, the ball game machine side dispenses one unit of the ball. There is no possibility of giving an unreasonable command such as transmitting a ball lending command signal to the ball game machine even though it is in a state where it cannot be played (for example, lack of balls). Further, even when the balance of the recording medium is less than the set amount, the remaining amount of the remaining amount is lent, so that the remaining amount of the remaining amount can be effectively used for the lending. Furthermore, in order to carry out the reduction processing while waiting for the ball lending completion signal to be transmitted from the ball game machine, the reduction processing can be executed by effectively utilizing the waiting time of the ball lending control. The time required for ball lending control can be shortened by that amount as compared with the case where the reduction processing is performed after waiting for the reception of. Furthermore, the reduction process is carried out in advance when the ball lending completion signal is not yet received from the ball game machine side, but by the exchange of the ball lending request signal and the ball lending preparation signal, the ball lending request signal is exchanged. It is a reduction process for one unit amount that is guaranteed in advance, and although it was reduced ahead of time, the balls for that amount were insufficient on the ball game machine side, and the planned number of balls It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the lending operation is actually incomplete.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card processing machine used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining the structure and operation of the winning ball processing device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the operation of the winning ball processing device.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view showing a structure of a ball dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement position of each sensor in the ball dispenser.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the card processor.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for transmitting and receiving signals between a pachinko gaming machine and a card processing machine.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a payout concentration control board and a ball payout board.

10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

13 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining operation timings of the card processing machine and the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 20 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the structure of a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram for explaining operations of a winning ball processing device and a ball payout device according to another embodiment.

[Description of Reference Signs] 63 is a ball payout device, 71 is a payout number setting unit, 350 is a payout control microcomputer, 70 is a ball payout substrate, 62 is a card processing machine, 60 is a pachinko game machine, 136 is a fraction display switch, 50 is a balance display (card balance display), 59 is a ball storage tray, 730 is a payout central control board, 4
00 is a winning ball processing device, 402a and 402b are discharge motors A and B, and 405a and 405b are motor shafts.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A ball lending machine that drives a ball dispenser in accordance with a ball lending command to lend a ball to be used for a game, communicates with a ball game machine that executes a ball lending, and displays the balance specified by the record information of a recording medium. A recording medium processing machine which performs a process for causing the ball game machine to execute a ball lending, based on an operation of a ball lending operation means for ball lending operation provided in the ball game machine. Ball lending operation signal input means for inputting an operation signal output from the ball game machine side, and recording of the recording medium when the input of the operation signal to the ball lending operation signal input means is detected. Determination means for determining whether or not the balance specified by the information is equal to or more than a preset amount, and the determination means determines that the balance specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than the set amount. Ball rental subtracted from the remaining amount when judged The set amount is set as the amount, and when the remaining amount is determined to be less than the set amount, the ball rental amount setting unit that sets the remaining amount as the ball rental amount, and is set by the ball rental amount setting unit. And a ball lending control means for causing the ball game machine to execute a ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount, wherein the ball lending control means sets the ball lending amount by the ball lending amount setting means. ,
A ball lending request signal transmitting means for transmitting a ball lending request signal requesting a ball lending to the ball game machine, and after the ball lending request signal transmitting means transmits the ball lending request signal, preparation for ball lending is made. A ball lending command signal for instructing a ball lending equivalent to a predetermined unit amount within the range of the ball lending amount, provided that a ball lending preparation signal indicating that the ball lending has been transmitted from the ball game machine. A ball lending command signal transmitting means for transmitting the ball lending command signal to the ball game machine, and after the ball lending command signal is transmitted by the ball lending command signal transmitting means, the ball lending command signal corresponding to the one unit amount corresponding to the ball lending command signal While waiting for the ball lending completion signal indicating the completion of ball lending to be transmitted from the ball game machine, a reduction process for reducing the one unit amount from the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is executed. Reducing means, the ball lending control means, the ball lending By repeating the transmission of the ball lending request signal by the signal transmitting means and the transmission of the ball lending command signal by the ball lending command signal transmitting means, a ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount is given to the ball game machine. A recording medium processing machine characterized by being executed. 2. A ball game machine that drives a ball dispenser in accordance with a ball lending command and lends a ball to be used for a game, and a ball game machine that communicates with the ball game machine to record a recording medium. A gaming system comprising a recording medium processing machine that performs processing for causing the ball gaming machine to perform a ball lending by using a balance specified by information, wherein the recording medium processing machine is the ball A ball lending operation signal input means for inputting an operation signal output from the ball game machine side based on an operation of a ball lending operation means provided for a ball lending operation, and the ball lending operation signal input Determining means for determining whether or not the balance amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is equal to or more than a preset set amount when the input of the operation signal to the means is detected; , The balance specified by the recorded information on the recording medium When it is determined that it is equal to or more than the set amount, the set amount is set as the ball rental amount to be subtracted from the remaining amount, and when it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the set amount, the remaining amount is set as the ball rental amount. And a ball lending control means for causing the ball game machine to execute a ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount set by the ball lending amount setting means. The means, after the ball rental amount is set by the ball rental amount setting means,
A ball lending request signal transmitting means for transmitting a ball lending request signal requesting a ball lending to the ball game machine, and after the ball lending request signal transmitting means transmits the ball lending request signal, preparation for ball lending is made. A ball lending command signal for instructing a ball lending equivalent to a predetermined unit amount within the range of the ball lending amount, provided that a ball lending preparation signal indicating that the ball lending has been transmitted from the ball game machine. A ball lending command signal transmitting means for transmitting the ball lending command signal to the ball game machine, and after the ball lending command signal is transmitted by the ball lending command signal transmitting means, the ball lending command signal corresponding to the one unit amount corresponding to the ball lending command signal While waiting for the ball lending completion signal indicating the completion of ball lending to be transmitted from the ball game machine, a reduction process for reducing the one unit amount from the remaining amount specified by the record information of the recording medium is executed. Reducing means, the ball lending control means, the ball lending By repeating the transmission of the ball lending request signal by the signal transmitting means and the transmission of the ball lending command signal by the ball lending command signal transmitting means, a ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount is given to the ball game machine. The ball game machine dispenses a ball as a ball rental from the ball dispenser in response to a ball lending command from the ball lending operation means, the ball dispenser, and the recording medium processing machine. Payout control means for controlling the payout control means, the payout control means receiving the ball lending request signal from the recording medium processing machine, and provided that the ball lending ready signal is provided. Is sent to the recording medium processing machine to perform the preparation control necessary for lending the balls equivalent to the one unit amount, and after the preparation control, when the ball lending command signal is received from the recording medium processing machine. To control the ball dispenser to
The ball lending corresponding to the unit amount is performed, and when the ball lending corresponding to the unit amount is completed, the ball lending completion signal is transmitted to the recording medium processor, and the ball lending completion signal is received from the reception of the ball lending request signal. A game system characterized in that a ball lending corresponding to the ball lending amount is performed by repeatedly executing control up to the transmission of.