JP2004073719A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the durability of a put-out device while carrying out the operation of putting out game balls by preventing the jamming of balls in the put-out device. <P>SOLUTION: In a ball put-out path 22 on the upstream side of the put-out device 23, a ball jamming prevention sensing switch 27 for detecting the jamming of the game balls within the ball put-out path 22 is arranged at a position that enables the storing of the game balls ceaselessly exceeding the number of balls to be separated per lot. When none of the game balls are detected by the ball jamming prevention sensing switch 27, a put-out forbidding means made up of a controller forbids the operation of putting out the game balls with the put-out device 23 after the game balls presently being put out and corresponding to the number of the balls to be separated per lot are run out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize when a game ball hit in a gaming section wins a winning opening, and in particular, a payout operation of game balls can be smoothly performed. Related to naval ball game machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a pachinko machine has been known as this type of ball game machine. This pachinko machine is provided with a plurality of winning ports in the gaming section, and when a gaming ball wins in the winning port, a payout device pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls.
The game balls paid out by this payout device are stored in a ball storage tank provided in the upper part of the pachinko machine, flow down the ball payout passage, and are guided to a payout device provided in the middle thereof. The payout device pays out a predetermined number of game balls as a prize according to a payout signal from the control device. The game balls paid out by the payout device are discharged to an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine via a ball discharge passage on the downstream side.
[0003]
There is also a pachinko machine that rents out game balls using a payout device. In such a pachinko machine, a predetermined number of game balls are lent out according to a rent signal from a control device.
[0004]
Further, a typical payout device includes a sprocket which rotates in contact with a game ball passing through a ball payout passage, a stopper for regulating the rotation of the sprocket, and a solenoid for driving the stopper. ing.
In the payout device having such a configuration, when payout of the prize ball or the game ball is not performed, the stopper is engaged with the sprocket to restrict the rotation of the sprocket. Then, the solenoid is driven in response to a payout signal or a lending signal from the control device, the stopper is released from the sprocket, and the sprocket rotates to pay out a predetermined number of game balls.
[0005]
As described above, the game ball comes into contact with the sprocket when the game ball is paid out, and depending on the timing at which the game ball flows down, the game ball may be bitten by the sprocket.
Therefore, in the conventional pachinko machine, a contrivance has been made so that ball payout does not occur in the dispensing device.
For example, Japanese Patent No. 2500307 discloses a detecting means for detecting whether or not a game ball is present on a guide path for aligning and guiding the game ball provided on the bottom surface of the ball storage tank. There is disclosed a pachinko machine in which when a game ball is not detected by the detecting means, the payout of the game ball by the payout device is prohibited to prevent the ball from being bitten.
[0006]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-28887 also discloses that a second stopper is provided to stop the rotation of the sprocket except when the sprocket rotates in the payout direction with the passage of the game ball, thereby preventing the ball from being caught. There is disclosed a payout apparatus for a ball game machine.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the occurrence of ball biting in the payout device is such that after no game ball is present in the ball payout passage from the ball storage tank to the payout device, the game ball starts flowing down the ball payout passage again. This is because, in such a case, there is a mismatch between the rotation timing of the sprocket and the falling timing of the game ball.
Therefore, in order to reliably prevent the ball from being caught, it is necessary to prevent the flow of the game ball from being interrupted on the upstream side of the payout device.
[0008]
However, according to the technique described in Japanese Patent No. 25003007, the payout operation in the payout device is not prohibited as long as the game ball is present on the ball guide path provided on the bottom surface of the ball storage tank.
That is, although the ball guide path is inclined toward the downstream side, the inclination angle is not so steep due to the structure provided on the bottom surface of the ball storage tank. For this reason, there is a possibility that the game balls come into contact with each other in the ball guide path, and the flow of the game balls may be hindered.
[0009]
As described above, even when the game balls are clogged in the ball guide path and the game balls are not supplied to the payout device, the payout operation in the payout device is not prohibited as long as the game balls exist in the ball guide path. . For this reason, after the game ball flowing down in the ball payout passage is interrupted once and the flow of the game ball resumes, the ball biting in the payout device cannot be completely prevented.
[0010]
In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-28887, the ball is prevented from biting in the dispensing device by restricting the reverse rotation of the sprocket, so that the game ball flowing down in the ball dispensing passage is interrupted once. Even in this case, the possibility of ball biting is low.
[0011]
However, once the game ball flowing down in the ball payout passage is interrupted, the rotation timing of the sprocket and the flow timing of the game ball may be slightly shifted, and in such a case, the ball biting in the payout device may be performed. Could not be completely prevented.
Thus, the number of ball segments that can be paid out is set for each one payout operation in the payout device, and the position of the ball payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device where game balls exceeding the number of ball segments can be accumulated without interruption. A ball biting prevention detection switch for detecting a game ball in the ball payout passage, and when the ball biting prevention detection switch does not detect the game ball, prohibiting the payout device from paying out the game ball. Can be considered.
[0012]
When the gaming machine is configured as described above, when the ball biting prevention detection switch detects that the number of game balls is short during the payout of one unit of ball, the game ball is detected. Is temporarily stopped, and after the game balls required for the payout operation are replenished, the remaining game balls are paid out. For example, when the number of ball divisions is set to 15, at the stage where five game balls are paid out, when the ball biting prevention detection switch detects the shortage of the game balls, the payout operation of the game balls is temporarily stopped, and the game balls are stopped. When refilled, the remaining 10 game balls are paid out.
[0013]
Here, there is no problem if the refilling of the game balls is performed properly, but if the replenishment of the game balls is not in time, the payout of one unit of the ball is performed. During this period, the payout operation of the game balls is frequently stopped, and the game balls are paid out intermittently. For example, when a large hit is generated and a large amount of prize balls are paid out, if the replenishment of the game balls cannot keep up for some reason, the game balls are intermittently paid out little by little.
In such a state, the operation stop and the operation restart of the dispensing device are frequently continued, and the solenoid and the like constituting the dispensing device are repeatedly turned on and off, which is not preferable in terms of durability and the like.
[0014]
In a conventional gaming machine, a payout control board for performing payout control of a game ball operates based on a control command from a main control board for performing control relating to game progress. For this reason, when performing the payout stop and payout resuming operation of the game ball, communication for transmitting and receiving the control command signal is performed between the main control board and the payout control board, and the transmission timing of the control command signal is not accurate. Otherwise, the payout operation of the game balls may not be performed smoothly.
[0015]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and is a ball capable of preventing ball biting in a payout device, smoothly performing a payout operation of game balls, and improving durability of the payout device. It aims to provide a gaming machine.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The ball game machine of the present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.
[0017]
That is, the ball game machine of the present invention includes a plurality of winning ports provided in the gaming section, a payout device for paying out gaming balls on condition that the gaming balls have won the winning ports, and a gaming ball. A ball storage tank for storing, comprising a ball payout passage for allowing game balls to flow down by communicating the payout device and the ball storage tank,
In a ball game machine in which the number of ball segments that can be paid out for each payout operation in the payout device is set,
A ball biting prevention detection switch for detecting game balls in the ball payout passage at a position in the ball payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device where game balls exceeding the number of ball divisions can be accumulated without interruption. While arranging
A payout prohibiting means for prohibiting a payout operation of the game balls by the payout device after the game balls are paid out by the number of the ball divisions currently being paid out when the ball biting prevention detection switch does not detect the game balls. Which is characterized by having
[0018]
In the above-mentioned ball game machine, a main control board for controlling a game progress based on a predetermined input signal, and a payout for performing a payout control of a game ball based on a control command from the main control board. And a control board,
It is preferable that the payout control board receives a detection signal from the ball bite prevention detection switch, and directly controls stop and restart of payout of the game ball in the payout device.
[0019]
Further, in the above-mentioned ball game machine, the payout device includes a sprocket rotating in contact with a game ball passing through the ball payout passage, a stopper for regulating the rotation of the sprocket, and a drive for driving the stopper. And the solenoid of the present invention.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 3 show a pachinko machine which is a typical example of a ball game machine according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a pachinko machine control device and peripheral devices, and FIG. 2 is a pachinko machine. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine.
[0021]
<Pachinko machine>
As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an outer frame 2 for mounting to an island facility, a mounting base 3 that is openably and closably mounted on the outer frame 2, and a mounting base 3. A game board 4 attached to the upper half.
As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 4 includes a substantially circular game part 6 surrounded by a pair of guide rails 5, and inside the game part 6, a plurality of obstacles such as nails and windmills are provided. 7 and an image display device 8 for variably displaying a plurality of special symbols and displaying an image of an effect related to the game, and an ordinary symbol display device 10 having two ordinary symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b. And a plurality of winning ports, and an out port 11 for discharging gaming balls that have not won any of the winning ports from within the gaming section 6.
[0022]
<Winning Port>
The winning opening is divided into a plurality of types according to its function, and a general winning opening 12 for discharging a predetermined number of winning balls on condition that the game ball has won, and on condition that the game ball has passed, A normal symbol starting port 13 for starting the variable display of the normal symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b in the normal symbol display device 10, and a variable member that can be switched between a state where game balls are easily accepted and a state where game balls are hardly accepted. (Hereinafter, usually referred to as an electrically-powered accessory 14), a start winning port 15 for starting a variable display of a special symbol on the image display device 8 on condition that the game ball has won, and a game ball can be easily received. It is possible to switch between a state and a state where it is difficult to accept a game ball. Consisting winning opening 16 for being switched to the state easy to accept the constant number of times the game ball.
[0023]
In addition, a special electric accessory (attacker) 17 for opening and closing the special winning opening 16 is attached to the special winning opening 16.
[0024]
<Normal design opening>
The ordinary symbol starting port 13 is provided at the lower left of the starting winning port 15. Up to four passing balls of the ordinary symbol start-up port 13 can be stored, and based on the winning memory, the symbol variation display on the ordinary symbol display device 10 is performed. Further, on the upper part of the image display device 8, four ordinary symbol storage LEDs 18 for displaying the number of passing symbols of the ordinary symbol starting port 13 are provided. The number of passing symbols of the ordinary symbol starting port 13 can be displayed by the lighting number of the ordinary symbol storage LED 18.
[0025]
<Start winning prize>
Above the start winning opening 15, a tulip-shaped ordinary electric accessory 14 is provided which can be switched between a state where game balls are easily accepted and a state where game balls are not easily accepted. The ordinary electric accessory 14 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball in a normal state, and accepts a game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) when a “hit” occurs in the ordinary symbol display device 10. It can be switched to an easy state.
[0026]
In addition, up to four winning balls can be stored in the starting winning opening 15, and based on the winning storage, the symbol display on the image display device 8 is changed and displayed. Further, on the upper part of the image display device 8, four special symbol storing LEDs 19 for displaying the number of winning combinations stored in the starting winning opening 15 are provided. The number of winning combinations stored in the starting winning opening 15 can be displayed based on the number of lit special symbol storage LEDs 19.
[0027]
<Image display device>
The image display device 8 is composed of a liquid crystal display device provided substantially at the center of the game section 6, and displays a plurality of special symbols represented by images on the display section while displaying an animation corresponding to the game state. By doing so, it is possible to perform a game effect.
The special symbols displayed on the image display device 8 are, for example, numbers such as “0”, “1”, “2”,..., “7”, “8”, and “9”. Is displayed as fluctuation. Then, when the combination of the numbers stopped and displayed on each symbol group is “7”, “7”, or “7”, a special game that is advantageous to the player as compared with the general game is performed as a “big hit”. it can.
[0028]
The above-mentioned special game means that, for example, the large winning opening 16 is switched to a state in which game balls can be easily received for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, and more game balls are won than in a general game, thereby obtaining many prize balls. It is a game that you can play.
[0029]
<Normal symbol display device>
The ordinary symbol display device 10 includes two ordinary symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b provided above the image display device 8 and capable of emitting two colors. Although the ordinary symbol display device 10 according to the present embodiment does not actually display symbols, the two ordinary symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b exhibit the same function as the actual symbol display. In the ordinary symbol display device 10, the two ordinary symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b alternately blink in red and green emission colors, respectively, and the blinking of the two ordinary symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b ends. When the green light is turned on as a “win”, the ordinary electric accessory 14 provided in the starting winning opening 15 is switched to a state in which game balls can be easily received for a predetermined time, and the starting winning opening 15 receives game balls. Make it easier.
[0030]
The ordinary symbol display device 10 can be constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display or the like in addition to the two ordinary symbol display LEDs 9a and 9b described above. In this case, for example, numbers such as “0”, “1”, “2”,..., “7”, “8”, and “9” are variably displayed as normal symbols displayed on the 7-segment display, and are stopped and displayed. The case where the number is “3” or “7” is defined as “hit”.
[0031]
<Sphere payout route>
On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a ball storage tank 20 for storing game balls is provided at an upper portion thereof, and a ball guide path provided below the ball storage tank 20. A ball payout passage 22 is provided from 21 to an upper plate and a lower plate (not shown) provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 1.
In the middle of the ball payout passage 22, there is provided a payout device 23 for paying out game balls as prizes and paying out game balls to be lent to players.
[0032]
Further, in the ball payout passage 22 on the upstream side of the payout device 23, a ball biting prevention for detecting game balls in the ball payout passage 22 is provided at a position where game balls exceeding the number of ball segments described later can be accumulated without interruption. A detection switch 27 is provided. The ball biting prevention detection switch 27 includes, for example, a photo sensor, a proximity switch, and the like.
In addition, between the payout device 23 and the ball biting prevention detection switch 27, it is not necessary that adjacent game balls are continuous without any gap at all. Is also acceptable.
[0033]
<Dispensing device>
The payout device 23 includes a sprocket 28 that rotates in contact with a game ball passing through the ball payout passage 22, a stopper 29 for regulating the rotation of the sprocket 28, and a solenoid 30 for driving the stopper 29. ing.
[0034]
In the dispensing device 23, the lower end side of the stopper 29 always projects toward the sprocket 28 and is engaged with the sprocket 28 by the urging force of a spring (not shown). In this state, the rotation of the sprocket 28 is restricted. When the solenoid 30 is excited in response to a payout signal from a control device described later in detail, the stopper 29 is attracted against the urging force of the spring, and the engagement between the stopper 29 and the sprocket 28 is released, and the sprocket 28 is released. Can be rotated, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. When the payout of the predetermined number of game balls is completed, the solenoid 30 is demagnetized, and the lower end of the stopper 29 protrudes toward the sprocket 28 again by the urging force of the spring to engage with the sprocket 28, thereby causing the rotation of the sprocket 28. regulate.
[0035]
In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of ball divisions that can be paid out is set for each payout operation in the payout device 23. The number of sphere divisions is, for example, 15 pieces. The payout device 23 temporarily stops paying out the prize balls when 15 prize balls are paid out and determines whether or not there is a request for a loan ball. Is controlled to be performed preferentially.
[0036]
<Control device>
The payout of the game balls as the prize, the operation of renting the game balls, the operation of the game, the operation of lighting the lamps and the LEDs, and the effect of the sound generation from the speakers, etc. in the pachinko machine 1 are provided with functions such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Control device.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control device is roughly divided into a main control board 100 for controlling the entire game operation in the pachinko machine and a sub-control board that operates based on the control of the main control board 100. The sub-control board includes a payout control board 110 for controlling prize ball payout, an effect control board 120 for controlling display of effect images, generation of sound effects, and the like. Although not shown, a launch control board for controlling the launch of a game ball is also a type of sub-control board.
[0037]
The main control board 100 includes a control unit 101 including a CPU 101b, a ROM 101a, a RAM 101c, and the like, an I / O unit 102 for inputting and outputting signals, and transmitting and receiving signals between the control unit 101 and the I / O unit 102. To connect the data bus 103 for performing the operation, the sub-control board interface 104 for relaying the transmission and reception of signals between the sub-control boards (payout control board 110 and the production control board 120), and the pachinko machine test test device 48. , A switch input unit interface 106 for receiving a signal input from a prize detection switch 49 for detecting a game ball that has won a prize hole, and a special motor provided in the special prize hole 16. A software for relaying a drive signal to the accessory 17 and the ordinary electric accessory 14 provided in the starting winning opening 15. And an external terminal board interface 108 for relaying the Wakugaibu terminal plate 50 for outputting a signal to the maytansinoid controller interface 107, and a game outside.
[0038]
The effect control board 120 is a sub-control board for controlling various effects and the like in the pachinko machine 1, and transmits control signals to the image display device (LCD) 8, the speaker 41, and the decoration LED 42, Controls production display and sound effect generation.
[0039]
The payout control board 110 is a sub-control board for controlling the payout of the prize balls, and includes a prize ball payout request signal from the main control board 100, a detection signal from the count detection switch 45, a shortage of balls in the ball storage tank 20. Detection signal from the ball out detection switch 46 for detecting the ball, a detection signal from the lower plate full detection switch 47 for detecting that the lower plate is filled with game balls, and a detection from the ball bite prevention detection switch 27 The payout device 23 is controlled based on the signal to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls.
[0040]
Further, the payout control board 120 transmits a control signal to the payout LED 43 and the trouble LED 44 to notify the payout state of the game balls and the fact that an error has occurred. Further, the payout control board 110 is directly connected to the frame external terminal board 50 that outputs a signal to the outside of the gaming machine, and outputs a signal related to payout of award balls to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the frame external terminal board 50. It has become.
[0041]
<Pachinko machine control procedure>
Next, based on FIG. 4 to FIG. 24, among the control procedures of the pachinko machine 1 by the control device, a description will be given focusing on a control procedure related to payout of game balls.
4 to 24 are flowcharts showing a control procedure of the pachinko machine 1 by the control device.
[0042]
<Idling control processing>
In the idling control process of the payout control in the pachinko machine 1, as shown in FIG. 4, when the power is turned on (A1), it is determined whether or not a power interruption has occurred (A2). If the disconnection detection flag is set, control is performed such that the reception command at the time of power failure is stored in the reception buffer (A10), the initialization process (A11) is performed, and then the address returns to the address at the time of power failure occurrence. (A12).
[0043]
On the other hand, if the power interruption detection flag is not set, the internal RAM and the like are initialized (A3), and the interruption is permitted (A4). Then, a watchdog check process (A5) for performing a periodic check, a ball lending control process (L6) for renting a game ball, and a prize for paying out a prize ball are performed to check whether the CPU has runaway. Ball control processing (A7), frame switch detection processing relating to the discharge of game balls when the ball in the ball storage tank runs out and the lower plate is full (A8), a ball for confirming that a predetermined number of standby balls are present in the ball payout passage The bite prevention detection processing (A9) and the error processing when an error state occurs (A10) are repeated.
[0044]
<Award ball control command reception interrupt processing>
Next, a prize ball control command reception interrupt process, which is an interrupt process for receiving a prize ball control command, will be described.
In this prize ball control command reception interrupt processing, as shown in FIG. 5, the protection register is saved (B1), the contents of the input port are input and stored in the command reception buffer (B2), and the protection register is restored. (B3), an interrupt is permitted (B4).
[0045]
<System timer interrupt processing>
Next, a system timer interrupt process for performing an interrupt for each unit time to perform various control processes will be described.
In this system timer interrupt processing, as shown in FIG. 6, the interrupt is permitted (C1) and the protection register is saved (C2).
[0046]
Subsequently, input port reading processing (C3) for performing chattering removal and edge detection of the switch input, prepaid card unit communication processing (C4) for performing communication with the prepaid card unit, and payout of award balls are performed. Detection switch detection processing (C5), ball separation control switch detection processing (C6) for controlling the detection of game balls in the ball separation control switch, and ball separation solenoid drive processing (C7), working with port output data Port output processing (C8) for outputting data from the area to the output port is performed, the protection register is restored (C9), and the processing ends.
[0047]
<Ball lending control process>
In the ball lending control process (A6) described above, as shown in FIG. 7, a ball lending signal output data generation process (D1) for generating output data related to ball lending, and a ball lending for lending a predetermined number of game balls. The payout process (D2), a route switching process (D3) for driving the channel switching solenoid to switch the channel of the game ball is performed, and the process ends.
[0048]
<Sphere lending signal output data generation processing>
In the ball lending signal output data generation process (D1), as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the ball lending signal output cycle has elapsed, that is, whether or not the ball lending is permitted. E1) If the ball lending signal output period has elapsed, it is determined whether or not there are 25 ball lending signals (E2).
If the number of ball lending signals is 25, 25 is subtracted from the ball lending signal counter and stored (E3), output data (ball lending signal) is set (E4), and the ball lending signal output is performed. The cycle is stored in the ball lending signal output monitoring timer (E5), and "1" is subtracted from the content of the ball lending signal output monitoring timer (E6).
[0049]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the period during which the ball lending signal is ON has elapsed (E7). If the ball lending signal ON period has elapsed, the output data (ball lending signal) is reset. (E8), and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the ball lending signal ON period has not elapsed, the processing ends.
[0050]
If the ball lending signal output cycle has not elapsed in step E1, steps E2 to E5 are skipped, and the processing after the ball lending signal output monitoring timer subtraction processing (E6) is performed.
[0051]
If the number of ball lending signals is not 25 in step E2, steps E3 to E7 are skipped, an output data reset process (E8) is performed, and the process ends.
[0052]
<Ball lending and dispensing process>
In the ball lending payout process (D2), as shown in FIG. 9, whether the payout ball is excessively paid out and a payout abnormality occurs (F1), whether there is a payout stop factor (F2), Whether the drop confirmation is completed, that is, whether the value of the payout separation counter is “0” (F3), whether the ball biting prevention detection flag is ON, that is, the ball on the upstream side of the payout device It is determined whether or not game balls exceeding the number of ball divisions exist in the payout passage (F4).
[0053]
Here, when a payout abnormality has occurred, when there is a payout stop factor, when the drop check is not completed, and when the ball biting prevention detection flag is turned on, the ball payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device is provided. If there is no game ball exceeding the number of ball divisions, the process ends. That is, in these states, the payout operation of the game balls is stopped, and the payout operation of the game balls is restarted after each payout stop factor is removed.
[0054]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball lending counter is "0", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have been lent out (F5). Here, when the value of the ball lending counter becomes “0” and the lending of the game ball ends, it is determined whether or not the ball lending route has been switched (F13). It is determined whether or not communication with the credit card unit is in progress (F14).
[0055]
Here, if the path has been switched to the ball lending path and it is not communicating with the credit card unit, the fact that the game ball falling path is the prize ball path is set (F15), and the path switching timer initial value (2 seconds) ) Is stored in the path switching timer (F16), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it has not been switched to the ball lending route, or if it is in communication with the credit card unit, the process ends as it is.
[0056]
Further, no payout abnormality has occurred in step F1, there is no payout stop factor in step F2, the drop confirmation is completed in step F3, and the number of ball sections exceeds the ball payout path on the upstream side of the payout device in step F4. If there is a game ball and the ball biting prevention detection flag is off, and if the value of the ball lending counter is not “0” in step F5 and the lending of the game ball has not been completed, the ball separation number variable The ball lending counter value is set in (F6).
[0057]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the ball lending counter is less than “15” (F7). If the value of the ball lending counter is “15” or more, “15” is set to the ball segment number variable ( F8) The sphere segment number variable is stored in the sphere segment counter and the payout segment counter (F9). On the other hand, if the value of the ball lending counter is less than “15”, the ball segment number variable is stored as it is in the ball segment counter and the payout segment counter (F9).
[0058]
Next, it is determined whether or not the ball lending route has been switched (F10). If the ball lending route has not been switched, it is set that the game ball falling route is the ball lending route (F11), and the route is set. The switching timer initial value (2 seconds) is stored in the path switching timer (F12), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the route has been switched to the ball lending route, the process ends.
[0059]
<Route switching process>
In the above-described path switching processing (D3), as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the path switching timer is "0", that is, whether or not the path switching is completed (G1). When the switching timer is "0" and the path switching is completed, the path switching is set to completed (G2). On the other hand, if the path switching timer is not “0” and the path switching is not completed, the path switching timer is decremented by “1” (G3).
[0060]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the route is a ball lending route (G4). If the route is not a ball lending route, that is, if the route is a prize ball route, a prize ball route signal is output (G5). ), End the process. On the other hand, if the route is a ball lending route, a ball lending route signal is output (G6), and the process ends.
[0061]
<Award ball control processing>
In the prize ball control process (A7), as shown in FIG. 11, a prize ball signal output data generation process (H1) for generating prize ball signal output data, and a prize for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls. The ball payout process (H2), a prize ball control command process (H3) for receiving the prize ball number command and instructing the number of prize balls to be paid out is performed, and the process is terminated.
[0062]
<Award signal output data generation processing>
In the above-described prize ball signal output data generation processing (H1), as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not a prize ball signal output cycle has elapsed, that is, whether or not a prize ball payout period is permitted. (I1) If the award ball signal output period has elapsed, it is determined whether or not there are ten award ball signals (I2).
Here, when the number of award ball signals is 10, 10 is subtracted from the award ball signal counter and stored (I3), output data (award ball signal) is set (I4), and award ball signal output is performed. The cycle is stored in the prize ball signal output monitoring timer (I5), and "1" is subtracted from the content of the prize ball signal output monitoring timer (I6).
[0063]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the period during which the award ball signal is ON has elapsed (I7). If the award ball signal ON period has elapsed, the output data (award ball signal) is reset. (I8), and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the award ball signal ON period has not elapsed, the processing is terminated as it is.
[0064]
If the award ball signal output cycle has not elapsed in step I1, steps I2 to I5 are skipped, and the processes subsequent to the award ball signal output monitoring timer subtraction process (I6) are performed.
[0065]
If the number of prize ball signals is not 10 in step I2, steps I3 to I7 are skipped, output data reset processing (I8) is performed, and the processing ends.
[0066]
<Award ball payout process>
In the prize ball payout process (H2) described above, as shown in FIG. 13, whether the prize balls are paid out excessively and an overpayout abnormality occurs (J1), and whether there is a payout stop factor (J2). , Whether the drop confirmation is completed, that is, whether the value of the payout separation counter is “0” (J3), whether the ball biting prevention detection flag is on, that is, whether the upstream side of the payout device Whether or not there are game balls exceeding the number of ball divisions in the ball payout passage (J4), whether or not the value of the prize ball counter is "0", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out ( J5) is determined. Here, when an overpayment abnormality has occurred, when there is a payout stop factor, when the drop check has not been completed, the ball biting prevention detection flag is on, and the ball payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device is provided. When there is no game ball exceeding the number of ball divisions, and when the value of the prize ball counter becomes "0" and the payout of the prize ball is completed, the processing is terminated.
[0067]
On the other hand, no overpayment abnormality has occurred, there is no payout stop factor, the drop confirmation is completed, and there are more game balls than the number of ball divisions in the ball payout path on the upstream side of the payout device and the ball biting prevention detection flag Is off, and if the value of the prize ball counter is not "0" and the payout of the prize balls has not been completed, 15 (the number of sphere divisions) is set in the ball division number variable (J6).
[0068]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball counter is equal to or greater than "15" (J7). If the value of the prize ball counter is equal to or greater than "15", the value of the prize ball counter is set in the ball segment number variable. (J8), and stores the number-of-spheres division variable in the sphere division counter and the payout division counter (J9), and ends the processing. On the other hand, if the value of the prize ball counter is less than "15", the number of sphere segment numbers variable is stored in the sphere segment counter and the payout segment counter as they are (J9), and the process is terminated.
[0069]
<Prizeball control command processing>
The award ball control command process (H3) determines whether or not the award ball number command has been received (K1), and only when it is determined that the award ball number command has been received, as shown in FIG. The received number of prize balls is added to the prize ball counter (K2).
[0070]
<Frame switch detection processing>
In the frame switch detection process (A8), as shown in FIG. 15, the state of the ball out detection switch is determined (L1), the state of the lower plate full tank detection switch is determined (L2), and the ball out detection is performed. When the switch is ON, that is, when the game balls in the ball storage tank are insufficient, or when the lower plate full detection switch is ON, that is, when the game is If the ball is full, a payout stop factor flag is set to stop paying out the game ball (L4), and the process ends.
[0071]
On the other hand, when enough game balls are stored in the ball storage tank and the lower plate is not full, the payout stop factor flag is reset to permit the payout of the game balls (L3), and the processing is performed. To end.
[0072]
<Sphere biting prevention detection process>
In the above-described ball bite prevention detection process (A9), as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether the ball bite prevention detection switch is ON (M1), and the ball bite prevention detection switch is ON. In this case, the ball biting prevention flag is set (M2), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the ball bite prevention detection switch is off, the ball bite prevention flag is reset (M3), and the process is terminated.
[0073]
<Error handling>
In the above error processing (A10), as shown in FIG. 17, a game machine error state signal output data generation processing (N1) for generating a game machine error state signal transmitted when an error state occurs, and an error is generated by a trouble LED The trouble LED display processing (N2) for notifying the occurrence of the state and the payout LED display processing (N3) for notifying the payout state of the game ball by the payout LED are performed, and the processing is terminated.
[0074]
<Game machine error state signal output data generation processing>
In the above-described gaming machine error state signal output data generation processing (N1), as shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not there is a payout abnormality (O1) and whether or not there is a payout stop factor (FIG. 18). O2) If there is at least one of a payout abnormality and a payout stop factor, output data (gaming machine error state signal) is set (O4), and the process is terminated.
[0075]
On the other hand, when there is no abnormality in the payout and there is no cause for stopping the payout, the output data (the gaming machine error state signal) is reset (O3), and the process is ended.
[0076]
<Trouble LED display processing>
In the trouble LED display processing (N2) described above, as shown in FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not there is a payout abnormality (P1), and whether or not there is a payout stop factor (P2). If there is no payout stop factor, the output data (trouble LED) is reset (P8), and the process ends.
[0077]
On the other hand, when there is at least one of a payout abnormality and a payout stop factor, output data (trouble LED) is set (P3), and it is determined whether or not the trouble LED output cycle has elapsed (P4). If the trouble LED output cycle has elapsed, the trouble LED output cycle is stored in the trouble LED display monitoring timer (P5), and the content of the trouble LED display monitoring timer is subtracted by "1" (P6). On the other hand, if the trouble LED output cycle has not elapsed, the trouble LED display monitoring timer is not stored (P5) and the content of the trouble LED display monitoring timer is decremented by "1" (P6).
[0078]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the trouble LED lighting period has elapsed (P7). If the trouble LED lighting period has elapsed, the output data (trouble LED) is reset (P8), and the process ends. . On the other hand, if the trouble LED lighting period has not elapsed, the process ends without resetting the output data (trouble LED).
[0079]
According to the above-described processing, when an abnormality of the payout has occurred or when there is a cause of stopping the payout, the trouble LED is turned on to notify that the error has occurred.
[0080]
<Payout LED display processing>
As shown in FIG. 20, the payout LED display processing (N3) determines whether or not a prize ball is being paid out (Q1), and determines whether or not a ball is being loaned out (Q2). If the ball is medium or the ball is being paid out, the output data (paying LED) is set (Q4), and the process ends.
[0081]
On the other hand, when the prize ball is not being paid out and the ball lending is not being paid out, the output data (payout LED) is reset (Q3), and the process ends.
[0082]
<Prepaid card unit communication processing>
In the above-described prepaid card unit communication process (C4), as shown in FIG. 21, when a prepaid card unit is communicated and a lending request for 100 yen is received, "25" is added to the ball lending counter at the time of response ( R1), the process ends.
Thus, every time the prepaid card is inserted into the prepaid card unit and the lending switch is operated once, 25 gaming balls are lent out for 100 yen.
[0083]
<Count detection switch detection processing>
In the above count detection switch detection process (C5), as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, it is determined whether the count detection switch has detected a game ball and has been turned ON (S1), and the count detection switch has been turned ON. When it becomes, "1" is added to the content of the counter (S2). If the count detection switch is not turned on, the process of step S2 is not performed.
[0084]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the count counter is "0", that is, whether or not a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out (S3). If the value of the count counter is not "0" , "1" is subtracted from the value of the counter (S4). On the other hand, if a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out and the value of the count counter is "0", the process is immediately terminated.
[0085]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout separation counter is “0”, that is, whether or not a predetermined number of payout separations has been reached (S5). Here, if the value of the payout break counter is not “0” and does not reach the predetermined payout break count, “1” is subtracted from the payout break counter value (S6). If the value of the payout separation counter is “0”, the process of step S6 is not performed.
[0086]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the prize ball path signal is being output, that is, the state of the payout path of the game ball (S7). If the prize ball path signal is being output, the content of the prize ball signal counter is set to "1". Is determined (S8), and it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball counter is "0", that is, whether or not there is a prize ball to be paid out (S9). If the value of the prize ball counter is not "0", the content of the prize ball counter is incremented by "1" (S10), and the process is terminated.
[0087]
On the other hand, when the award ball path signal is not output, the content of the ball lending signal counter is incremented by "1" (S11), and whether the value of the ball lending counter is "0", that is, the payment is made. It is determined whether there is a game ball to be put out (S12). Here, if the value of the ball lending counter is not “0”, the content of the ball lending counter is incremented by “1” (S13), and the process is terminated.
[0088]
When the value of the prize ball counter is "0" and when the value of the ball lending counter is "0", it is determined whether or not the value of the overpayout counter is "0" (S14). ).
If the value of the overpayout counter is "0", an error flag (overpayment) is set (S17), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the value of the overpayout counter is not "0", the content of the overpayout counter is subtracted by "1" (S15), and it is determined whether the value of the overpayout counter is "0" (S15). S16).
If the value of the overpayout counter is "0", an error flag (overpayment) is set (S17), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the value of the overpayout counter is not “0”, the process is terminated as it is.
[0089]
<Sphere separation control switch detection processing>
In the above-described ball segment control switch detection processing (C6), as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the ball segment control switch has detected a game ball and turned on (T1), and the ball segment control switch is turned on. If not, the process ends.
[0090]
On the other hand, when the ball segment control switch is turned on, "1" is subtracted from the value of the ball segment counter (T2), and the process ends.
[0091]
<Sphere separation control solenoid drive processing>
In the above-described ball segment control solenoid driving process (C7), as shown in FIG. 25, the output to the ball segment control solenoid is stopped, and the falling path of the game ball is closed (U1).
[0092]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is a payout abnormality, for example, whether or not the game balls are paid out excessively (U2), whether or not the value of the ball separation counter is “0” (U3). It is determined whether or not there is (U4). Here, when there is a payout abnormality, when the value of the ball segment counter is “0”, or when there is a payout stop factor, the processing is ended.
[0093]
On the other hand, when there is no abnormality in the payout, the value of the ball-separation counter is not “0”, and there is no cause for stopping the payout, the output to the ball-separation control solenoid is set to the payout state, and the flow path of the game ball is opened (U5). ), End the process.
[0094]
<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 has been described as an example of a typical ball game machine. However, the ball game machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine 1, and may be used as a prize ball or a game ball. The present invention can be applied to other ball game machines as long as the ball game machine pays out balls.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
Since the ball game machine of the present invention has the above-described configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, according to the ball game machine of the present invention, the game ball in the ball payout passage is located at a position on the upstream side of the payout device where the game balls exceeding the number of ball divisions can be accumulated without interruption. A ball biting prevention detection switch for detection is provided, and when the ball biting prevention detection switch does not detect a game ball, the payout device pays out the number of game balls currently being paid out, and then plays the game by the payout device. Dispensing of balls is prohibited.
[0096]
Therefore, when the payout device pays out the game balls, the game balls are always present in the ball payout path on the upstream side of the payout device, and the supply of the game balls to the payout device is not interrupted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the payout device from biting the ball and to smoothly perform the payout operation of the game ball. Furthermore, the payout operation of the game balls does not stop while paying out the game balls of one unit of the ball division number, the payout operation of the game balls becomes smooth, and the durability of the payout device can be improved. .
[0097]
In particular, when a payout device is configured by a sprocket that rotates in contact with a game ball passing through a ball payout passage, a stopper for regulating the rotation of the sprocket, and a solenoid for driving the stopper, The timing of the rotation of the sprocket and the timing of the falling of the game ball do not deviate, and it is possible to reliably prevent the payout device from catching the ball.
[0098]
Further, according to the ball game machine of the present invention, the payout control board which operates based on the control command from the main control board receives the detection signal from the ball biting prevention detection switch and pays out the game balls in the payout device. Stop and resume payout directly.
Therefore, since the command signal relating to the operation of stopping and resuming the payout of the game balls is directly input to the payout control board, the command signal is surely not affected by the time lag caused by the communication between the main control board and the payout control board. The operation of stopping the payout of game balls and restarting the payout can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine control device and devices connected thereto according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a game board of the pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an idling control process;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball control command reception interrupt process;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a system timer interrupt process;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball lending control process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a ball rental signal output data generation process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball lending and dispensing process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a path switching process;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball control process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a prize ball signal output data generation process;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball discharging process.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a prize ball control command process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a frame switch detection process.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball bite prevention detection process;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of error processing;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a game machine error state signal output data generation process.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a trouble LED display process.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of payout LED display processing;
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a prepaid card unit communication process;
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a count detection switch detection process;
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a count detection switch detection process.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a ball segment control switch detection process.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a ball separation control solenoid driving process.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
2 Outer frame
3 Mounting base
4 game board
5 Guide rail
6 game club
7 Obstacle materials
8 Image display device
9a, 9b Normal design display LED
10 Ordinary symbol display device
11 Out mouth
12 General Winners
13 Normal design starter
14 Ordinary electric accessories
15 Start Prize Winner
16 Grand Prize Winner
17 Special electric accessories
18 Normal design memory LED
19 Special design memory LED
20 ball storage tank
21 Ball taxiway passage
22 Ball payout passage
23 Dispensing device
27 Ball biting prevention switch
28 sprockets
29 Stopper
30 solenoid
41 Speaker
42 Decorative LED
43 Payout LED
44 Trouble LED
45 Counting detection switch
46 Ball out detection switch
47 Lower plate full detection switch
48 Pachinko machine shooting test equipment
49 Prize detection switch
50 frame external terminal board
100 Main control board
101 control unit
101a ROM
101b CPU
101c RAM
102 I / O section
103 Data bus
104 Interface for sub-control board
105 Pachinko machine test connection
106 switch input interface
107 Solenoid control unit interface
108 External terminal board interface
110 Dispensing control board
120 production control board

Claims (3)

A plurality of winning openings provided in the gaming section, a payout device for paying out game balls on condition that the game balls have won the winning opening, a ball storage tank for storing game balls, and the payout A ball payout path for letting the game ball flow down by communicating the device with the ball storage tank,
In a ball game machine in which the number of ball segments that can be paid out for each payout operation in the payout device is set,
A ball biting prevention detection switch for detecting game balls in the ball payout passage at a position in the ball payout passage on the upstream side of the payout device where game balls exceeding the number of ball divisions can be accumulated without interruption. While arranging
A payout prohibiting means for prohibiting a payout operation of the game balls by the payout device after the game balls are paid out by the number of the ball divisions currently being paid out when the ball biting prevention detection switch does not detect the game balls. A ball game machine having: A main control board for performing control related to game progress based on a predetermined input signal, and a payout control board for performing payout control of game balls based on a control command from the main control board,
2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout control board receives a detection signal from the ball biting prevention detection switch, and directly controls stop and restart of payout of game balls in the payout device. 3. . The dispensing device includes a sprocket that rotates in contact with a game ball passing through the ball dispensing passage, a stopper for restricting rotation of the sprocket, and a solenoid for driving the stopper. The ball game machine according to claim 1.

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