JP2006095214A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a lent ball which is put-out in a ball lending operation from overflowing from a storage tray for catapulting toward a storage tray for a surplus. <P>SOLUTION: A game machine comprises a means for making data of the number of unpaid held balls, which stores and holds the number of game balls for the portion of the amount of lent money as unpaid holding number data, based on a lent-ball put-put request signal from a ball lending unit 11; a put-out indicating means for indicating the put-out of the game balls within the range of the number of the game balls stored as the unpaid holding number data after storing and holding the number of the game balls for the portion of the amount of the lent money as the unpaid holding number data; and a data put-out means for operating a put-out device 32, so as to perform putting-out by the number of the game balls, which is indicated by the put-out indicating means, to the storage tray 15 for catapulting, and to subtract the number of the put-out game balls from the unpaid holding number data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a gaming machine that uses a game ball as a game medium, communicates with a ball lending unit adjacent to the side of the machine body, performs a ball lending operation, and pays the game ball for the loan amount to the input storage tray. It relates to a game machine to be issued.

  Conventionally, pachinko machines are best known as game machines using game balls as game media, and slot machines (hereinafter referred to as parrot machines) using game balls for pachinko machines as game media are known. It has been. Such a gaming machine is provided with a charging storage tray for storing a gaming ball to be thrown into a launching device or the like by a player, and when a prize is won in a game, a payout device inside the machine is activated, The acquired game balls (prize balls) are paid out to the input storage tray. In addition, a surplus storage tray is provided below the input storage tray. When the input storage tray is full, the game balls sent out from the payout device flow down to the surplus storage tray. It is to be stored.

  In addition, some of these gaming machines communicate with a ball lending unit adjacent to the aircraft to perform a ball lending operation, and pay out game balls (lending balls) for the amount of lending from the dispensing device to the input storage tray. Are known. Specifically, a ball lending operation switch for a player to perform a ball lending request operation is provided on the front of the gaming machine, and when the ball lending operation switch is operated, a ball lending request signal is sent from the game machine to the ball lending request. Sent to the unit. When the ball lending unit receives the ball lending request signal, the ball lending request signal requesting to pay out game balls (for example, 250 balls) corresponding to the lending amount (for example, 1000 yen) set in advance by the lending amount setting means. Is sent to the gaming machine, and the loan amount is subtracted from the inserted amount data storing the amount of the inserted prepaid card and cash. Here, the lending payout request signal is specified to request a specified number (for example, 25) of payouts at a time, and the ball lending unit repeatedly transmits the lending payout request signal by the lending amount. As a result, the game machine is requested to pay out game balls for the loan amount. However, if the ball lending unit transmits one lending payout request signal, it does not transmit the next lending payout request signal until it receives a payout response signal from the gaming machine. When the ball lending request signal is received, the paying device is operated without delay, and a specified number of game balls are paid out, and then a payout response signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit. A ball payout request signal can be transmitted.

JP-A-12-185166 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-070967

  By the way, according to the gaming machine and the ball lending unit, when the player operates the ball lending operation switch, the game balls corresponding to the lending amount are paid out to the input storage tray without delay unless an abnormality such as a ball break occurs. It is like that. However, in conventional pachinko machines and parrot machines, the capacity of the input storage tray is generally smaller than the number of game balls (for example, 250) that can be paid out by one operation of the ball lending operation switch. In many ball lending units, the player himself can operate the lending amount setting means to select the lending amount in advance. Usually, the player selects the upper limit amount (for example, 1000 yen), Since the rent amount is hardly changed, the throwing-out storage tray is often filled by paying out the rented balls, and the game balls that do not fit in the charging storage tray are released to the surplus storage tray. For this reason, the operation | work which transfers the game ball concerning the storage tank for surplus from the storage container for surplus generate | occur | produces, and becomes a player's burden.

  In order to solve such a problem, it is also conceivable to enlarge the storage reservoir. However, in this case, the charging storage tray is formed to bulge on the front side of the machine body so as to be able to receive the game balls refilled by the player. The amount of bulge increases, and there is a limit to the expansion of the storage area from the viewpoint of game operability. In particular, in the case of a parrot machine, since game operation tools such as a start switch and a stop switch are generally provided in front of the input storage tray, the size of the input storage tray is determined by the operation of the game operation tool. It is limited to the extent that it does not impair the sex.

  On the other hand, it may be possible to decrease the number of gaming balls that can be paid out for one operation of the ball lending operation switch by reducing the set upper limit value of the lending amount (for example, 50). Since the ball lending request signal is frequently transmitted from the gaming machine to the ball lending unit, there arises a problem that a transmission error is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the current situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a rental ball is difficult to be paid out to a surplus storage tray during a ball lending operation.

  The present invention provides a lending amount setting means for setting a lending amount and a lending amount request signal for requesting a specified number of game balls to be paid based on reception of a ball lending request signal from a gaming machine. The payout request means for transmitting the number of times equivalent to the number of game balls for the minute, and the amount of money inserted from the slot is stored and held as the amount of money to be thrown in. Based on the reception of the ball lending request signal, A gaming machine connected to a ball lending unit provided with a charged amount settlement means for subtracting the amount, and a charging storage tray for storing the gaming balls for input, and the gaming balls are sent to the charging storage tray Based on a payout device, a ball lending operation switch for transmitting a ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit, and a ball lending request signal from the ball lending unit, the number of game balls for the lending amount is unpaid pending data Unpaid hold ball to remember as Within the range of the number of game balls stored as the unpaid pending number data, after the digitizing means and the unpaid pending ball data converting means store and hold the number of game balls for the loan amount as unpaid pending number data The payout instruction means for instructing the payout of game balls and the payout device are operated to pay out the number of game balls instructed from the payout instruction means to the input storage tray, and the number of game balls paid out is the number of pending payouts. A gaming machine comprising data payout means for subtracting from data (claim 1).

  Here, the unpaid reserved ball data generating means, the payout instructing means, and the data payout means can be realized mainly by a board in which an electric circuit is incorporated, a program executed on the board, and the like. Data is electrically stored in a memory area or the like on the substrate. Also, the payout instruction from the payout instructing means to the data payout means is realized by an electrical signal or the like between the substrates or in the substrates.

  According to such a configuration, when receiving the lending payout request signal from the ball lending unit, the lending amount requested to be paid out by the lending payout request signal by the unpaid reserved ball data conversion means without operating the payout device. The number of game balls for one minute is temporarily stored and held as unpaid pending number data. Here, the existing ball lending unit does not transmit a new lending payout request signal until it receives a payout response signal from the gaming machine. By sending a payout response signal to the ball lending unit each time it is received, even if the ball lending unit has an existing configuration, it is possible to receive a lending payout request signal for the lending amount without delay. . Then, at a predetermined opportunity, the payout instruction means instructs the data payout means to pay out the game balls within the range of the number of game balls stored as the unpaid pending number data, and the data payout means Is activated to pay out the designated number of game balls as rental balls to the input storage tray, and subtract the paid-out number from the unpaid pending number data. The unpaid pending number data after the subtraction is stored and held, and is again subtracted to “0” every time the data payout means instructed by the payout instructing means pays out the game ball when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, when the ball lending operation switch is operated, all the game balls for the loan amount are paid out from the payout device without delay, whereas in the present invention, the number of game balls for the loan amount is electronically By temporarily storing the data as data, the processing of the ball lending unit is completed first, and then the payout instructing means sends an instruction to the data payout means to subdivide the number of game balls and lend at an appropriate timing. The ball can be paid out. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of game balls to be paid out to the input storage tray at a time, even if the amount of game balls set for the ball rental unit is equal to or larger than the free capacity of the input storage tray By suppressing this, it is possible to prevent the game storage ball from flowing down to the surplus storage tray when the input storage tray is full, and to reduce the transfer work from the surplus ball storage tray to the input storage tray. . Note that it is desirable that the gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a display for displaying the unpaid pending number data, and constantly notifies the player of the number of game balls electrically stored and held.

  A predetermined operation by the player can be considered as an opportunity for the payout instructing means to instruct the payout. Specifically, the payout instructing means includes a payout operation switch for requesting payout of the game ball stored as unpaid pending number data by the player, and each time the payout operation switch is operated, the data payout means Then, a configuration for instructing payout of the game ball is proposed (claim 2). In such a configuration, the player can receive payout of the game ball stored as unpaid-out number data when necessary by operating the payout operation switch.

  On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the payout instructing means instructs the payout when the predetermined game condition is satisfied. Specifically, each time the payout instruction means reaches a predetermined number of difference between the number of game balls thrown from the input storage tray and the number of game balls paid out to the input storage tray, the data payout means A configuration for instructing payout of a game ball is proposed (claim 3). Here, since the game balls thrown from the throwing storage tray and the game balls paid out to the throwing storage tray are respectively detected by a ball detection switch or the like, the number of game balls thrown from a predetermined timing And a means for calculating the difference between the paid-out game balls and the number of paid-out game balls can be easily realized by a board or the like in which an electric circuit is incorporated. In such a configuration, since the increase or decrease in the number of game balls of the input storage tray can be estimated by the difference between the number of game balls input from the input storage tray and the number of game balls paid out, this difference is If the number of game balls in the input storage tray reaches a predetermined number that is estimated to be insufficient, the payout instruction means can be set to instruct the payout to match the decrease in the number of game balls in the input storage tray. Thus, it becomes possible to automatically pay out the game balls of the unpaid pending number data. In addition, it is also possible to automatically pay out the game balls with the unpaid-on-hold number data when the predetermined number of game balls are simply inserted from the input storage tray. Note that the trigger for the payout instructing unit to give a payout is not limited to one, and it is possible to use both the player's operation and a predetermined game condition as a trigger.

  Further, the number of game balls in which the payout instructing means instructs the data payout means to pay out per instruction can be variously set. For example, the number of game balls may be designated by a player, or may be set in advance by a manufacturer or a game store. Here, the number of payouts may be different for each instruction, but it is desirable to repeatedly instruct the same number of payouts. For example, the payout instructing means pays out a number of game balls of a predetermined number of payout units within the range of the number of game balls stored as unpaid pending number data for each instruction to the data payout means. A configuration for indicating is proposed (claim 3). In such a configuration, each time the payout instructing unit instructs the payout, the payout unit number of game balls is paid out. The payout instruction means uniformly classifies the number of game balls for the loan amount by a predetermined number of payouts unrelated to the loan amount, and pays out the divided number of game balls for each instruction to the data payout means. A configuration for indicating is also proposed (claim 4). In such a configuration, the number of game balls corresponding to the loan amount is always paid out at the set number of payouts regardless of the loan amount.

  By the way, as described above, in the configuration in which the payout instructing unit instructs payout when the payout operation switch is operated, when the unpaid pending number data is not stored, that is, when the unpaid pending number data is “0” When a ball lending operation is requested, the ball lending operation switch must be operated to store the game ball in the unpaid pending number data, and then the payout operation switch must be operated. The operation becomes more complicated than the conventional configuration in which a rental ball is paid out only by operating the switch. Therefore, the ball lending operation switch and the payout operation switch are combined with a single ball lending / dispensing operation switch connected to the payout instructing means, and the payout instructing means is operated by the ball lending / dispensing operation switch. Sometimes, when the number of game balls is stored and held as unpaid pending number data, the ball paying unit is instructed to pay out the game balls without sending the ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit, and the unpaid hold If the number data is not stored, a ball lending request signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit, and the unpaid reserved ball data conversion means stores and holds the number of game balls for the loan amount as unpaid reserved number data. A configuration for instructing the data payout means to pay out the game ball is proposed (claim 5).

  In such a configuration, when the ball lending operation switch and the payout operation switch are arranged as a single ball lending / dispensing operation switch having the functions of the two switches, and the unpaid pending number data is not stored, When the lending / dispensing operation switch is operated, a ball lending request signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit, and after the game balls for the lending amount are stored in the unpaid pending number data, the range of the unpaid pending number data The game ball is paid out to the input storage tray in the inside, and a ball lending request signal is transmitted and a ball lending request is issued to the dispensing instruction means by one operation of the ball lending / dispensing operation switch. Can do. On the other hand, when the number of game balls is stored as unpaid pending number data (unpaid pending number data> 0), it is possible to pay the balls to the input storage tray without communicating with the ball lending unit. For this reason, the payout instruction means instructs the data payout means to pay out without transmitting the ball lending request signal. Thereby, the player can pay out the rented ball to the charging storage tray with the same operation feeling as the conventional ball lending operation switch without being aware of the unpaid pending number data.

  Further, the storage amount detection means for detecting that the amount of game balls stored in the input storage tray is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference storage amount is provided, and the storage amount detection switch is provided while the data payout means is operating the payout device. When it is detected that the amount is equal to or more than the reference storage amount, a configuration is proposed in which the payout device is stopped and the number of game balls paid out by the time the payout device is stopped is subtracted from the unpaid pending number data ( Claim 6). According to such a configuration, when the game balls in the input storage tray are equal to or greater than the reference storage amount, the payout of the rental balls is stopped, and the number of unpaid suspensions until the game balls in the input storage tray become equal to or less than the reference storage amount It becomes impossible to pay out the game balls of data, and the paid-out rental balls are not overflowed from the input storage tray and discharged to the surplus storage tray. Here, the storage amount detection switch can be realized by a detection switch or the like that is installed so as to face the input storage tray and that is turned ON when a game ball is stored in a predetermined position of the input storage tray. When the detection switch is configured, the reference storage amount can be appropriately set by changing the installation position of the detection switch. In addition, if the reference storage amount to be set is small, the payout of the rental balls frequently stops. Therefore, it is desirable to set the reference storage amount close to the full amount of the input storage tray.

  Normally, the winning ball and the rented ball are paid out from a single unitized payout device. However, the present invention relates to the rented ball payout mode, and the prize ball is not limited in any way. Payment can be made in the same manner as before, regardless of the lending operation. For example, a winning ball generated in a prize can be paid out by quickly operating a payout device without electrically storing and holding, and as described above, the storage amount detection switch exceeds the reference storage amount. Even if it is detected that, the payout ball may be paid out to the input storage tray by operating the payout device.

  As described above, the present invention provides an unpaid-on-hold-ball data converting means for storing and holding the number of game balls for the loan amount as unpaid-on-hold number data based on a ball-paying request signal from the ball-lending unit. The unpaid reserved ball data converting means stores and holds the number of game balls corresponding to the loan amount as unpaid reserved number data, and then within the range of the number of game balls stored as unpaid reserved number data, The payout instructing means for instructing payout and the payout device are operated to pay out the number of game balls instructed from the payout instructing means to the input storage tray and to subtract the number of game balls paid out from the unpaid pending number data. Since the gaming machine is characterized by comprising a data payout means (Claim 1), the number of game balls corresponding to the rent amount is temporarily stored as unpaid pending number data to be paid out at a time. The number of game balls As fewer than spheres number, it is possible to pay out a plurality of times to put for storing dishes. For this reason, even if the lending amount set for the ball lending unit is large, it is difficult for the game balls to overflow from the input storage tray, and the player transfers the game balls from the surplus storage tray to the input storage tray. Time and effort can be reduced. In particular, in the present invention, at the stage where the game balls for the loan amount are stored as unpaid pending number data, the communication between the ball rental unit and the gaming machine is completed, so that the game balls for the loan amount are paid out in a long time. However, the communication time is not prolonged, the frequency of transmitting the ball lending request signal is reduced, and it is possible to realize a highly reliable ball lending operation in which a communication error hardly occurs. Further, since the present invention can be connected to an existing ball rental unit in an amusement store and exhibit the above-mentioned effects, it is possible to improve the ball lending operation system without requiring a new ball rental unit. There is also.

  Further, the payout instructing means includes a payout operation switch for requesting payout of the game ball stored as unpaid pending number data by the player, and each time the payout operation switch is operated, the data payout means When instructing the payout of a ball (claim 2), the player can pay out the game ball of the unpaid pending number data at an arbitrary timing.

  When the difference between the number of game balls thrown from the input storage tray and the number of game balls paid out to the input storage tray reaches a predetermined number, the payout instruction means pays out the game balls to the data payout means. If instructed (Claim 3), it becomes possible to automatically pay out the game balls in the unpaid reserve number data in accordance with the decrease in the game balls in the input storage tray, There is no burden on the player when paying out the game balls for data.

  Then, the payout instructing means pays out a number of game balls of a predetermined number of payout units within the range of the number of game balls stored as unpaid pending number data for each instruction to the data payout means. In the case of instructing (claim 4), in principle, since the number of game balls to be paid out is paid out, the payout instruction of the payout instruction means is paid out in the configuration triggered by the operation of the payout operation switch. The amount of game balls can be accurately predicted, and the payout operation switch can be operated at an appropriate timing according to the empty capacity of the input storage tray. Also, even if the payout instruction means has a structure in which the payout instruction is triggered by a predetermined game condition, since the number of game balls to be paid out at a time is constant, The storage tray is difficult to fill up.

  Further, the payout instruction means uniformly classifies the number of game balls for the loan amount by a predetermined number of payouts unrelated to the loan amount, and pays out the divided number of game balls for each instruction to the data payout means. (Claim 5), it is possible to always pay out the game balls for the rent amount stored as unpaid-on-hold data.

  Further, the ball lending operation switch and the payout operation switch are used as a single ball lending / dispensing operation switch, and the payout instructing means plays a game as unpaid pending number data when the ball lending / dispensing operation switch is operated. When the number of balls is stored and held, the ball lending request signal is not transmitted to the ball lending unit, the game paying out is instructed to the data dispensing means, and the unpaid pending number data is not stored. Sends a ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit, and after the unpaid reserved ball data conversion means stores and holds the number of game balls for the lending amount as unpaid pending number data, the game payout of game balls to the data payout means (Claim 6), the operation of the ball lending operation switch and the payout operation switch can be suitably combined with the operation of a single ball lending / payout operation switch. Improve operability It is possible.

  In addition, when the data payout means detects that the storage amount detection switch is equal to or greater than the reference storage amount during the operation of the payout device, the payout device is stopped and until the time when the payout device is stopped. When the number of game balls paid out is subtracted from the unpaid pending number data (claim 7), it is possible to eliminate the rental balls overflowing from the charging storage tray.

  Embodiments of the present invention are described according to the following examples. A gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a parrot machine to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a wooden outer frame 2 fixed to a gaming island (not shown) for a pachinko machine is provided. I have. The outer frame 2 is formed by assembling plate materials into a rectangular frame shape, and is formed in the same shape as a wooden outer frame of a general pachinko machine. A front frame 4 having one side edge pivoted by upper and lower hinge members 3 and 3 is attached to the front surface of the outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front frame 4 is formed with a rectangular game board portion 5 at a position closer to the center. The game board portion 5 is decorated with an appropriate pattern on the front surface, and a display which allows a symbol P (see FIG. 2) of the rotary reels 63a to 63c (described later) to be visually recognized from the front is provided at a substantially central portion. Windows 8a-8c are formed. A winning line lamp 9 (see FIG. 2) for notifying the player of an effective winning line is provided on the left side of the display window 8a located on the left side. Below the display windows 8a to 8c, various displays 10a to 10d (see FIG. 2) attached to the game board 5 are arranged in a horizontal row. Among these, the leftmost number-of-games display 10a displays the number of winnings in the regular bonus, and the right-side payout display 10b displays the number of winning balls won by one winning. Further, the bet number set at the present time is displayed on the right BET number display 10c, and is stored as unpaid pending number data according to the present invention on the rightmost unpaid pending number display 10d. The number of played balls is displayed. Further, an effect liquid crystal display 29 that displays various effect patterns according to the gaming state is disposed above the display windows 8a to 8c.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a reel unit 62 is attached to the back side of the game board portion 5. Here, the reel unit 62 is a unit in which three rotary reels 63a to 63c and a plurality of reel drive motors (not shown) for driving the rotary reels 63a to 63c are assembled to a frame. Various kinds of symbols P (see FIG. 2) are displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective rotating reels 63a to 63c. And the reel unit 62 is arrange | positioned in the game board part 5 in the state which can display the symbol P of this rotating reel 63a-63c on the display windows 8a-8c mentioned above. Each reel drive motor of the reel unit 62 is electrically connected to a symbol control board 102 (see FIG. 4) for controlling the rotation of the motor via a wiring (not shown).

  Further, a surplus storage tray 13 is disposed in the lower front portion of the front frame 4, and a ball discharge port 14 is formed in the front frame 4 so as to face the surplus storage tray 13. In the surplus storage tray 13, game balls and the like paid out when the later-described input storage tray 15 is full flows from the ball discharge port 14 and is stored. Further, the surplus storage tray 13 is provided with a ball slide slider 16 (see FIG. 2) for opening and closing the opening formed on the bottom surface thereof, and the player opens the ball slide slider 16 by moving the ball slide slider 16. Is opened, and the game balls in the surplus storage tray 13 are discharged downward.

  A front door 17 having one side edge pivoted by a hinge member (not shown) is attached to the front side of the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. The front door 17 includes a window 18 in which a transparent cover plate made of glass or synthetic resin is fitted, and the rotary reels 63a to 63c that are exposed from the window 18 to the display windows 8a to 8c described above. The design P and various displays 10a-10d can be visually recognized. Decorative lamps 19 are disposed on the left and right sides of the window 18, and speakers 20 are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper portion thereof. The decoration lamp 19 and the speaker 20 are used to produce an effect with a predetermined blinking light or sound effect according to the gaming state.

  A ball lending operation unit 21 (see FIG. 2) is disposed below the window 18. The ball lending operation unit 21 is provided with a card return switch 25, a ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26, and a frequency display 27. The card return switch 25 is for requesting the ball lending unit 11 connected to the gaming machine 1 to return the prepaid card inserted by the player, and the frequency indicator 27 displays the balance of the prepaid card. The input money amount data shown is displayed. The ball lending / payout operation switch 26 serves as both the ball lending operation switch and the payout operation switch according to the present invention. As will be described later, the ball lending unit 11 and the gaming machine 1 are operated by operating the switch 26. Performs the ball lending operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a game operation unit 39, in which a charging storage tray 15 is integrally formed, is disposed below the front door 17. The game operation unit 39 is provided with a start switch 41, stop switches 43a to 43c, and a return switch 65 on the front wall surface thereof, and further provided with a MAXBET switch 42a and a 1BET switch 42b on the right side of the upper wall surface. And a game is performed by operation of these lever type and button type switches. The MAXBET switch 42a and the 1BET switch 42b are for setting game balls into the plane and setting the number of bets. When these are pressed, the game balls in the input storage tray 15 are automatically moved to the front frame 4. The number of bets is set according to the number of game balls that are taken into the back side and taken in. Then, when the lever type start switch 41 is pushed down in the state where the betting number is set, the rotation reels 63a to 63c start to rotate, and the stop switches 43a to 43c are pressed while the rotation reels 63a to 63c are rotating. When operated, the rotating reels 63a to 63c corresponding to the switches are stopped based on the operation timing. When the return switch 65 is pressed, the game balls in the input storage tray 15 are discharged to the surplus storage tray 13. The BET switches 42a and 42b, the stop switches 43a to 43c, and the return switch 65 are each provided with a lamp, and the player is notified that the switch operation is effective by lighting each lamp. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the charging storage tray 15 has a storage area 36 for storing game balls, and a ball supply port opened to the left of the front door 17 so as to face the storage area 36. A game ball flows from 47. Further, the game balls stored in the storage area 36 sequentially flow out from a ball outlet 58 formed on the right side of the storage area 36 and are taken into the machine one by one by a take-in device (not shown). Here, the storage region 36 is provided with an elongated groove-shaped rectifying passage 54 that is inclined downward to align the game balls in a line and roll them to the ball outlet 58. Further, the bottom surface of the storage area 36 is inclined downward toward the rectifying passage 54 so that the game balls can flow into the rectifying passage 54 sequentially. Further, the game ball taken into the take-in device is guided to the rear side of the machine body and discharged from the take-in ball discharge port 61 (see FIG. 3) to the game island facility. In addition, the structure for taking in the game ball from the charging storage tray 15 can suitably use the configuration of a conventional parrot machine.

  On the back side of the front frame 4, a back mechanism plate 37 pivoted at one side edge is attached so as to be opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 3, a substrate unit 38 is mounted on the back surface of the back mechanism plate 37. The substrate unit 38 has a plurality of substrates 100 to 104 in which electronic circuits are incorporated (see FIG. 4). Is built-in. These boards 100 to 104 are electrically connected to each other and are connected to various sensors, switches, motors, lamps, and the like included in the gaming machine 1, and the game control device of the gaming machine 1 is used for these boards 100. To 104. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a ball tank 30 that receives supply of game balls from a game island ball supply device (not shown) is provided above the back mechanism plate 37. The ball tank 30 communicates with the above-described payout ball discharge port 14 through a vertical ball supply passage 31 formed to be biased to the side of the back mechanism plate 37. A payout device 32 is provided in the midway position. The payout device 32 includes a payout motor (not shown) for sending game balls from the ball tank 30 side to the ball discharge port 14 side, and a payout ball detection switch (not shown) for detecting the sent game balls. Actuated by a command signal from the main control board (see FIG. 4), a predetermined number of game balls located on the ball tank 30 side are sent to the ball discharge port 14 side. The game balls paid out from the payout device 32 normally flow into the charging storage tray 15 from a ball supply port 47 provided in the middle of the ball supply passage 31, but the charging storage tray 15 is full. In this case, the game ball is automatically discharged from the ball discharge port 14 to the surplus storage tray 13. That is, by the operation of the payout device 32, the game ball on the side of the ball tank 30 is paid out to the charging storage tray 15 or the surplus storage tray 13 as a rental ball or a prize ball.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a loading tray full detection switch 95 that detects that the loading storage tray 15 is full is provided behind the ball supply port 47. This throwing tray full detection switch 95 detects the gaming ball and turns ON when the throwing storage tray 15 is full of gaming balls and the gaming balls that do not enter the storage area 36 stop at the ball supply port 47. Based on the operating state of the switch 95, the main control board (see FIG. 4) determines whether or not the charging storage tray 15 is full. Here, in this embodiment, the reference storage amount as a condition for stopping the lending operation of the lending ball is the full amount of the input storage tray 15, and the storage amount detection switch according to the present invention is such an input. It is constituted by a dish full detection switch 95. Further, a surplus tray full detection switch 98 for detecting that the surplus storage tray 13 is filled with game balls is provided at the back of the ball discharge port 14, and the main control board 100 (see FIG. 4) is provided. The full state of the surplus storage tray 13 is detected by the ON operation of this switch.

Next, the structure of the ball lending unit 11 provided next to the gaming machine 1 will be described.
The ball lending unit 11 of this embodiment is for inserting a prepaid card in which amount data is recorded, and is set in the ball lending unit 11 by communicating with the gaming machine 1 based on a ball lending request by a player. In exchange for the gaming machine 1 paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the lent amount, the lent amount is subtracted from the amount data of the inserted prepaid card. A card insertion slot (insertion slot) 80 is provided in the center of the front of the ball lending unit 11. When a player inserts a prepaid card from the insertion slot 80, the card balance is read, and the card The card insertion lamp 81 is lit. Further, above the card insertion lamp 81, three button-type lending amount setting switches 82a to 82c for setting a lending amount are provided. The loan amount setting switches 82a to 82c are a 100 yen setting switch 82a for setting the loan amount to 100 yen from the top, a 500 yen setting switch 82b for setting 500 yen, and a 1000 yen setting switch 82c for setting 1000 yen. When the player operates each of the switches 82a to 82c, a lamp built in each switch is turned on, and the loan amount is set to each amount. That is, the sphere rental amount setting switches 82 a to 82 c constitute a sphere rental amount setting means of the sphere rental unit 11. Further, above the lending amount setting switch 82a, a card available lamp 83 for notifying the player that a prepaid card can be inserted is provided. The ball lending unit 11 is used for a conventional pachinko machine, and an existing ball lending unit can be suitably connected to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. Note that the rent amount setting means is not limited to the one in which the player performs the setting operation as described above, but may be set in advance by the game store.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing various boards constituting the game control means of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention and connection modes of the boards.
The main control board 100 constituted by a microcomputer is provided with a board circuit including a central control device (CPU) for main control for comprehensively controlling the game operation of the gaming machine 1. The unpaid-on-hold ball data conversion means and the data payout means are constituted by the main control board 100, and the payout instruction means is a ball lending / payout operation switch 26 (see FIG. 5) connected to the main control board 100 and the board. ). The board circuit of the main control board 100 is provided with an input port and an output port (not shown) for performing data communication with peripheral devices, and a control signal from the main control board 100 is transmitted through the output port. The signal is output to each input port of the control board 102, the sound lamp control board 103, and the CR connection board 104. The start switch 41, the BET switches 42a and 42b, the stop switches 43a to 43c, the return switch 65, and the like are connected to the input port of the main control board 100. These operating states are checked every 2 ms, for example, and the gaming state is controlled according to the ON operation. The main control board 100 is also connected with a loading tray full detection switch 95, a surplus tray full detection switch 98, a take-in device, a ball cutting detection switch, and the like. Further, the main control board 100 includes a storage device ROM that stores an operation program used for arithmetic processing and a storage device RAM that can read and write necessary data at any time via a bus (not shown). Connected to CPU. The unpaid pending number data according to the present invention is stored in the storage device RAM, and is adjusted by the central control CPU for main control as necessary.

  The symbol control board 102 is provided with a board circuit for performing stop control of the rotary reels 63a to 63c. To this board circuit, each reel drive motor of the reel unit 62 and a reel reference position sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the rotary reels 63a to 63c are connected, and the reel drive motor is operated according to a command sent from the main control board 100. The rotary reels 63a to 63c are operated to rotate, and the rotary reels 63a to 63c are stopped at the rotation angle position designated by the command. The symbol control board 102 is also connected to various displays 10a to 10d provided in the upper and lower positions of the display windows 8a to 8c and the production liquid crystal display 29, and is a number corresponding to a command from the main control board 100. And display the effects on each display.

  The voice lamp control board 103 is connected with a winning line lamp 9 and lamps built in various switches 42 a, 42 b, 43 a to 43 c provided in the game operation unit 39, and are sent from the main control board 100. Various lamps are controlled to be turned on according to the command to notify the player that the winning line or the switch operation is valid. Further, a decoration lamp 19 is connected to the sound lamp control board 103, and the decoration lamp 19 is lit and blinks in a predetermined manner according to the gaming state in accordance with a command sent from the main control board 100. In addition, a speaker 20 is also connected to the sound lamp control board 103, and sound effect and sound output control is performed according to commands from the main control board 100.

  The CR connection board 104 is connected to the main control board 100 and the ball rental unit 11 and relays signals communicated between the main control board 100 and the ball rental unit 11. The CR connection board 104 is connected to a card return switch 25, a ball lending / payout operation switch 26, and a frequency indicator 27 provided in the ball lending operation unit 21, and each switch 25, 26 and display 27. And relaying signals between the main control board 100 and the ball lending unit 11. Since the control circuit related to the ball lending operation is related to the main part of the present invention, details will be separately described later. The CR connection board 104 is also connected to a main switch of the gaming machine 1 and a setting switch for setting a winning probability.

  Each of the substrates 100 and 102 to 104 is connected to the power supply substrate 101. This power supply board 101 is connected to an external main power supply outside the apparatus, and supplies the current from the external main power supply to each board in a form suitable for 100, 102 to 104.

FIG. 5 is a control circuit of the gaming machine 1 and the ball lending unit 11 related to the ball lending operation.
The ball lending unit 11 includes a ball lending unit control board 107 having a central control unit (CPU) for comprehensively controlling the operation of the unit. This ball lending unit control board 107 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the operation of the ball lending unit 11, and is a payout request means for transmitting a lending payout request signal to the gaming machine and an input for subtracting the input money amount data. Configure the money settlement means. Further, a card detection sensor for detecting whether or not a prepaid card is inserted from the card insertion slot 80, a card storage / discharge mechanism, and a card reading / writing mechanism are provided on the circuit board of the ball lending unit control board 107. The card insertion lamp 81, the card available lamp 83, and the loan amount setting switches 82a to 82c are connected. The ball lending unit 11 is connected to the card return switch 25 of the ball lending operation unit 21 and the frequency indicator 27 via the CR connection board 104.

  On the other hand, the payout device 32 is connected to the main control board 100 as described above, and the payout motor of the payout device 32 is driven to send the game ball to the input storage tray 15 and to detect the payout ball. By receiving the switch detection signal and counting the number of game balls sent out, an arbitrary number of game balls can be paid out. Further, the main control board 100 is connected to the throwing tray full detection switch 95, the surplus tray full detection switch 98, and the ball cutting detection switch. Make it possible. Further, the main control board 100 is connected to the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 via the CR connection board 104. As will be described later, when the operation signal of the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is received, The device 32 is operated to pay out the game balls to the input storage tray 15 and send a ball rental request signal to the ball rental unit 11 according to the situation.

  The main control board 100 and the ball rental unit control board 107 are connected via the CR connection board 104, and a ball rental request signal and a payout response signal are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the ball rental unit control board 107. The unit READY signal and the sphere rental payout request signal are transmitted from the sphere rental unit control board 107 to the main control board 100. The ball lending request signal is a signal for requesting the ball lending unit 11 to start the ball lending operation. Based on the operation of the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26, the ball lending request signal is received by the main control board 100. Send. The rental ball payout request signal is a signal for requesting the gaming machine 1 to pay out a specified number (here, 25), and by repeatedly transmitting such a rental ball payout request signal, payout of game balls corresponding to the loan amount is made. Request. The payout response signal is transmitted when a specified number payout signal is received from the ball lending unit 11, and when the ball lending unit control board 107 receives the payout response signal, it transmits the next ball lending payout request signal. . Here, when the gaming machine of the conventional configuration receives the lending payout request signal, it sends out a payout response signal after paying out a specified number of gaming balls, whereas the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is lending. When the ball payout request signal is received, the payout device is not operated, and the requested 25 game balls are electrically stored and held as unpaid pending ball data, and a payout response signal is transmitted. The unit READY signal is a signal for notifying the gaming machine 1 that the ball lending unit 11 is processing ball lending, and after receiving the ball lending request signal, a payout response signal corresponding to the lending amount. Is continuously transmitted to the gaming machine 1 until it is received. As described above, the ball lending unit 11 is an existing one, and the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is connected to the ball lending unit 11 in the same manner as the existing gaming machine, and the ball lending unit 11 is wired with the same wiring as the conventional machine. A request signal and a payout response signal are transmitted.

  Next, the control process of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment performed on the main control board 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the control process of the gaming machine 1 includes a main process that repeatedly executes a plurality of subroutines after an initial setting process after power-on. That is, when the gaming machine 1 is first turned on, the internal operation initialization is performed, and then whether or not the erasure condition for the storage device RAM is satisfied, and if the condition is satisfied, the contents of the storage device RAM Is deleted, and then the internal device is initialized.

  After such an initial setting process after turning on the power, a bet number setting process, an internal lottery process, a reel rotation process, a reel stop process, a winning determination process, a winning ball paying process, a lending paying process are executed, Then, a series of subroutines from the bet number setting process to the payout control process are repeatedly executed. Briefly explaining each subroutine, in the bet number setting process, at the start of the game, a process for setting the bet number and returning the game ball according to the operation of the player is performed. In the internal lottery process, a random value lottery and a result determination are performed in order to determine whether or not to make a winning possible state. In the reel rotation process, the reel drive motor is driven to rotate the rotation reels 63a to 63b at a predetermined rotation speed. In the reel stop process, the symbol form to be fixedly displayed is determined based on the operation timing of the stop switches 43a to 43c and whether or not the winning is possible, and the reel drive motor is stopped. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not a winning is made according to the arrangement of the symbols P that are fixedly displayed, and when a winning is made, a prescribed number of winning balls are generated. In the prize ball payout process, the generated prize balls are paid out to the charging storage tray 15 (or the surplus storage tray 13). Further, in the rental ball payout processing, processing related to payout of the rental ball such as addition / subtraction of unpaid pending number data and operation control of the payout device 32 is performed. Here, with respect to the subroutine from the betting number setting process to the winning ball payout process, it is possible to perform the same control process as that of a known parrot machine, and in the following, only the loan payout process according to the present invention will be described in detail. Describe.

  In the rental ball payout processing, processing related to payout of a rental ball such as addition / subtraction of unpaid pending number data and operation control of the payout device 32 is performed. FIG. 7 shows the processing contents of the lending payout process including a subroutine, and the main processing of the payout instructing means according to the present invention is realized in the lending payout process. First, at the start of the ball lending process, the state of the ball lending payout flag and the state of the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 are determined. As a result of the determination, when the lending payout flag is ON or the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is OFF, a data storage payout process described later is executed, and then the lending payout process is terminated. On the other hand, when the ball rental payout flag is OFF and the ball loan / payout operation switch 26 is ON, the ball rental payout flag is set to ON. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the unpaid pending number data is “0”, and if it is “0”, a ball rental data conversion process described later is performed. Thereafter, the data storage payout process is executed, and the rental ball payout process is terminated. As described above, the lending / paying flag is turned on based on the operation of the lending / dispensing operation switch 26. As described later, when the lending / paying flag is turned on, the unpaid pending number data is set. The number of game balls stored in memory is paid out. Therefore, the payout instruction from the payout instructing means to the data payout means according to the present invention is realized by changing the state of the lending payout flag.

  In the lending data conversion processing, the processing for converting the gaming balls for the lending amount requested to be paid out by the lending payment request signal into data is performed, and the main processing of the unpaid reserved ball data converting means according to the present invention is as follows. The ball rental data conversion process is executed. As shown in FIG. 8, a ball lending request signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit 11 at the start of the ball lending data conversion process. Next, it is determined whether or not a unit READY signal is received from the ball lending unit 11 based on the transmitted ball lending request signal. If the unit READY signal has not been received, it is assumed that the ball lending request signal has been rejected due to a shortage of balance, etc., and the lending data conversion processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the unit READY signal is received, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the rental payout request signal has been received until the unit READY signal from the ball rental unit 11 stops, and the rental payout request signal is received. Each time it is received, “25” is added to the unpaid pending number data and a payout response signal is output.

  In the data storage payout process, the game balls stored as unpaid pending number data are processed to be paid out to the input storage tray 15, and the main process of the data payout means according to the present invention is the data storage payout process. Executed in First, as shown in FIG. 9, the state of the rental ball payout flag is determined. If the rental ball payout flag is OFF, the data storage payout process is terminated. On the other hand, when the lending payout flag is ON, the state of the ball-out detection switch, the excess tray full detection switch 98, and the loaded tray full detection switch 95 is determined, and any of the switches is ON Is determined that the payout is impossible, the sphere payout flag is turned OFF, and the data storage payout process is terminated. On the other hand, when all the switches are OFF, a series of processes for paying out the unpaid pending number data is performed. Here, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a predetermined payout unit within the range of the number of game balls stored in the unpaid pending number data for one operation of the ball lending / payout operation switch 26. The number (50) is paid out. That is, it is determined whether or not the unpaid pending number data is 50 or more. If it is 50 or more, the value of the unit payout counter is set to “50”. Set the value of the hold count data in the unit payout counter. After the continuous payout counter indicating the number of game balls to be paid out without interruption is set to “25”, the payout motor is continuously driven and the payout ball detection switch detects the game ball sent out every time it is unpaid. Subtract "1" from the hold number data, continuous payout counter and unit payout counter, stop the payout motor when the unit payout counter reaches "0", turn off the lending payout flag, and store data The payout process is terminated. Here, in this embodiment, from the viewpoint of protecting the payout motor, the upper limit of the number of game balls to be continuously paid out by the payout device 32 is set to 25, and when the continuous payout counter becomes “0”. Then, after performing the interval standby process and stopping the payout motor for a predetermined time, the continuous payout counter is set to “25” again, and the payout drive motor is driven again. Further, when the loading tray full detection switch 95 is turned ON while the dispensing motor is being driven, or when a predetermined dispensing interval monitoring time has elapsed, even if the unit dispensing number counter is not “0”, at that time The payout device 32 is stopped, the sphere payout flag is turned OFF, and the data storage payout process is ended.

  It should be noted that the payout of the winning balls of the gaming machine 1 is executed in the normal prize ball payout process independently of the lending payout process. Regardless of the operating state of 95, the payout device 32 operates every time a prize is won, and a specified number of prize balls are quickly paid out to the charging storage tray 15.

  Next, a control process executed on the ball lending unit control board 107 (see FIG. 5) of the ball lending unit 11 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the ball lending unit process for realizing the ball lending operation on the ball lending unit 11 side. This ball lending unit process is repeatedly executed when a prepaid card is inserted and a detection signal is received from the card detection sensor. This is mainly realized in this ball rental unit processing. First, at the start of the ball lending unit process, it is determined whether or not it is immediately after the prepaid card is inserted. If it is immediately after the insertion, a series of initial processes after card insertion is executed. That is, the balance record information of the card is read and stored as input amount data. Here, if the inserted amount data is “0”, the prepaid card is discharged and the ball lending unit processing is ended. If the input amount data is not “0”, the input amount data is displayed on the frequency display 27. Thereafter, the lending amount is set according to the state of the lending amount setting switches 82a to 82c, the corresponding lending amount setting switches 82a to 82c are turned on, and the lending for making a payout request for the number of game balls for the lending amount The number of repetitions N of the payout request signal is set.

  After the initial processing immediately after the card insertion is completed, or when the initial processing is not necessary while the card is being inserted, it is determined whether or not a ball rental request signal has been received from the gaming machine 1. If the ball rental request signal has not been received, it is determined whether or not the card return switch 25 is ON. If it is OFF, the ball rental unit processing is terminated as it is, and if it is ON, the prepaid card is inserted. After discharging, the ball lending unit processing ends. On the other hand, if the ball lending request signal has been received, the ball lending payout request signal is transmitted N times, and a series for requesting the gaming machine 1 to pay out the number of game balls for the lending amount. Perform the process. That is, the unit READY signal is continuously output to the main control board 100, and thereafter, a ball rental payout request signal is output to the main control board 100, and it waits until a payout response signal is received, and a ball rental request signal is received. Then, the process of subtracting “1” from the repeat count N is repeated until the repeat count N becomes “0”. When the number of repetitions N becomes “0”, the loan amount is subtracted from the input amount data, and the output of the unit READY signal is stopped. Finally, check the input amount data. If the input amount data is not “0”, the ball lending unit processing is terminated. If the input amount data is “0”, the prepaid card is discharged and the ball rental is completed. Terminates unit processing.

  In the above ball lending operation, the payout response signal is received from the gaming machine 1 for the number of repetitions N, and then the loan amount is subtracted from the input amount data. Each time, the amount of money for 25 gaming balls (100 yen) may be subtracted from the input amount data.

  An example of a ball lending operation executed by the gaming machine 1 and the ball lending unit 11 of this embodiment will be described according to the timing chart of FIG. At the start of the timing chart, a prepaid card is inserted into the ball lending unit 11 and sufficient amount of money is stored and held, and the amount of lending is 1000 yen (repetition count N = 10). Is set. First, when the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is pressed, the main control board 100 determines the value of the unpaid hold count data, and the unpaid hold count data is “0”. A ball lending request signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit 11. The ball lending unit 11 that has received the ball lending request signal starts to continuously transmit the unit READY signal to the main control board 100 and transmits a ball lending payout request signal. Upon receiving this ball rental payout request signal, the main control board 100 adds “25” to the unpaid pending number data and transmits a payout response signal to the ball rental unit 11. Each time the ball lending unit 11 receives the payout response signal, it subtracts “1” from the number of repetitions N and transmits the ball payout payout signal to the main control board 100 again. Every time a ball rental payout request signal is received, “25” is added to the unpaid pending number data and a payout response signal is transmitted to the ball rental unit 11. The exchange of the ball lending payout request signal and the payout response signal is repeated until the ball lending unit 11 transmits the ball lending payout request signal 10 times and the number of repetitions N becomes N = 0. When the ball lending unit 11 receives the payout response signal ten times, the ball lending unit 11 subtracts the lending amount 1000 yen from the input amount data, stops the unit READY signal, and ends the communication with the main control board 100. On the other hand, when the unit READY signal from the ball lending unit 11 is stopped, the main control board 100 operates the payout motor to store 50 game balls (number of payout units) for a predetermined interval. While paying out to the tray 15, "50" is subtracted from the unpaid pending number data, and 200 game balls are stored and held as unpaid pending number data. Then, when the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is operated again thereafter, since 200 game balls are stored in the unpaid pending number data, the main control board 100 sends the ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit. 11, the payout motor is operated, 50 game balls are paid out from the payout device 32 to the charging storage tray 15, and the unpaid pending number data is subtracted to “150”.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1, when the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is operated in a state where the unpaid pending number data is “0”, the ball lending request signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit 11, and the ball lending unit 11 The number of game balls corresponding to the loan amount is stored and held as unpaid pending number data, and then 50 game balls (the number of payout units) are input to the input storage tray 15. It is paid out and 50 unpaid pending number data is subtracted. While game balls are stored as unpaid pending number data, 50 balls from the unpaid pending number data are transmitted without transmitting a ball lending request signal each time the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is operated. Game balls are paid out one by one. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the lending amount of the ball lending unit 11 is set to 1000 yen, 250 gaming balls for 1000 yen are paid out at the time of lending the ball. Rather, 250 pieces are divided into 50 pieces and paid out, and when the ball is lent, the input storage tray 15 is unlikely to become full, and the game balls are transferred from the surplus storage tray 13 to the input storage tray 15. The number of replacement operations can be suppressed as compared with the conventional configuration.

  In particular, in this embodiment, by operating the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26, the player can pay out the game balls of the unpaid pending number data at an arbitrary timing, and the number of payout units always fixed. Since 50 game balls are paid out, the player can operate the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 at an appropriate timing according to the empty capacity of the input storage tray.

  Furthermore, the operation of the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 can suitably perform both the transmission of the ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit 11 and the leasing of the lending ball, so that the operability is excellent.

  Further, when the input storage tray 15 becomes full during the operation of the payout device 32, the payout of the rental balls automatically stops, so that the paid-out rental balls cannot enter the input storage tray 15. Moreover, it can prevent reliably flowing down to the surplus storage tray 13.

  Next, a second embodiment having different ball lending operation contents will be described. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment only in the content of the data storage payout process, and the configuration of the gaming machine and other control processes are the same. Then, in the data storage payout process of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the state of the rental ball payout flag is determined. If the rental ball payout flag is OFF, the data storage payout process is terminated. On the other hand, when the lending payout flag is ON, the state of the ball-out detection switch, the excess tray full detection switch 98, and the loaded tray full detection switch 95 is determined, and any of the switches is ON In this case, the rental ball payout flag is turned OFF, and the data storage payout process is terminated. The processing so far is the same as that in the above embodiment. If all the switches are OFF, a series of processes for paying out unpaid pending number data is performed. Here, in this embodiment, the game balls stored as the unpaid pending number data are not paid out in units of payout units, but in principle, on the condition that the input storage tray 15 is not full, With respect to one operation of the payout operation switch 26, all stored game balls are paid out. That is, it is determined whether or not the unpaid pending number data is 25 or more. If it is 25 or more, the value of the continuous payout counter is set to “25”. Set the value of the hold count data in the continuous payout counter. Each time the payout motor is continuously driven and the game ball sent out by the payout ball detection switch is detected, the payout hold number data and the continuous payout counter are decremented by “1”, and the unpaid hold number data is When the value becomes “0”, the payout motor is stopped, the rental payout flag is turned OFF, and the data storage payout process is ended. Here, also in this embodiment, by setting the continuous payout counter in the same manner as in the above embodiment, the interval waiting process is executed every time the continuous payout counter becomes “0”. Furthermore, when the loading tray full detection switch 95 is turned ON while the dispensing motor is driven, or when the dispensing interval monitoring time has elapsed, even if the unpaid pending number data is not “0”, Then, the payout motor is stopped, the lending payout flag is turned OFF, and the data storage payout process is ended. When the payout device 32 stops due to the ON operation of the full tray detection switch 95, the number of game balls paid out up to that point is subtracted from the unpaid pending number data, and the remaining number of game balls is It is stored and held until the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 is operated again.

Next, a third embodiment in which the data storage payout process of the second embodiment is changed will be shown.
As shown in FIG. 13, the data storage payout process of this embodiment is such that the determination process of s in the figure is additionally executed in addition to the data storage payout process of the second embodiment (see FIG. 12). is there. That is, in such a data storage payout process, when the ball lending / payout operation switch 26 is turned off while the payout device 32 is operating, the payout device 32 is stopped, the ball payout flag is turned OFF, and the data storage payout is performed. The process ends. In other words, in such a configuration, the ball lending is paid out on condition that the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26 continues to be operated, and the player releases his hand from the ball lending / dispensing operation switch 26. Thus, the payout operation can be stopped.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the ball lending unit 11 of the present embodiment can only insert a prepaid card, but the gaming machine of the present invention uses a variety of valuable value media such as a type that allows the insertion of cash. Can be connected. Further, in the embodiment, there is a single ball lending operation switch for transmitting a ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit and a payout operation switch for requesting payout of game balls stored as unpaid pending number data. The ball lending / dispensing operation switch is also used, but it is also possible to provide two switches separately.

  Further, instead of providing a payout operation switch, a configuration may be adopted in which a game ball of unpaid pending number data is paid out when a predetermined game condition is satisfied. Specifically, the number of game balls thrown from the throwing storage tray and the number of game balls dispensed are counted on the control board, and when the number of thrown game balls reaches a predetermined number, If the game condition is presumed that the number of game balls in the input storage tray has decreased, such as when the difference between the number of played game balls and the number of game balls paid out reaches a predetermined number, As the number of game balls on the plate decreases, it becomes possible to automatically pay out the game balls of the unpaid pending number data.

  In the embodiment, the main parts of the unpaid-on-hold-ball data generating means, the payout instructing means, and the data payout means according to the present invention are realized by a single main control board 100, but also realized by a plurality of control boards. Each of them can be realized by a separate control board. In addition, the payout device 32 of the embodiment sends out both the rental balls and the prize balls. However, the payout device that operates when paying out the balls and the payout device that operates when paying out the prize balls are provided. It is also possible to provide them separately.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine 1 according to the present invention. It is a front view of game machine 1 same as the above. It is a rear view of game machine 1 same as the above. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit regarding a ball lending operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the main process which consists of a several subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a rental ball payout process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a ball rental data conversion process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a data storage payout process. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process related to a ball lending operation executed by a ball lending unit 11. It is a timing chart which shows an example of a ball lending operation. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the data storage payout process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the data storage payout process of 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 10d Unpaid pending | holding number display device 11 Ball lending unit 13 Surplus storage tray 15 Throwing storage tray 21 Ball lending operation section 25 Card return switch 26 Ball lending / dispensing operation switch 27 Frequency display device 32 Dispensing device 36 Storage area 39 Game operation section 80 Card insertion slot (insertion slot)
81 Card insertion lamp 82a to 82c Loan amount setting switch 83 Card available lamp 95 Loading tray full detection switch (Storage amount detection switch)
98 Surplus pan full detection switch 100 Main control board 107 Ball rental unit control board

Claims (7)

Based on the loan amount setting means for setting the loan amount and the reception of the ball lending request signal from the gaming machine, a lending payout request signal for requesting a specified number of game balls to be paid The payout request means for transmitting the number of times corresponding to the number of times, and the amount inserted from the slot is stored and held as input amount data, and the loan amount is subtracted from the input amount data based on the reception of the ball lending request signal A gaming machine connected to a ball lending unit equipped with a means for settlement of input money,
An input storage tray for storing input game balls;
A payout device for sending game balls to the storage tray;
A ball lending operation switch for transmitting a ball lending request signal to the ball lending unit;
Based on the ball lending request signal from the ball lending unit, the number of game balls for the lending amount is stored and retained as unpaid pending number data,
After the unpaid pending ball data conversion means stores and holds the number of game balls for the loan amount as unpaid pending number data, the game balls are paid out within the range of the number of gaming balls stored as the unpaid pending number data. A withdrawal instruction means for instructing
And a data payout means for operating the payout device to pay out the number of game balls instructed by the payout instruction means to the input storage tray and subtract the number of game balls paid out from the unpaid pending number data. A gaming machine. The payout instruction means includes a payout operation switch for requesting payout of the game ball stored as unpaid pending number data by the player,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein each time the payout operation switch is operated, the data payout means is instructed to pay out a game ball.   The payout instruction means pays out the game balls to the data payout means every time the difference between the number of game balls thrown from the input storage tray and the number of game balls paid out to the input storage tray reaches a predetermined number. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is an instruction.   The payout instructing means instructs the payout of a game ball of a payout unit number that is a predetermined number within the range of the number of game balls stored as unpaid pending number data for each instruction to the data payout means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is one.   The payout instruction means uniformly classifies the number of game balls for the loan amount by a predetermined number of payouts unrelated to the loan amount, and instructs the data payout means to pay out the divided number of game balls. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine. The ball lending operation switch and the payout operation switch are combined with a single ball lending / dispensing operation switch connected to the payout instruction means,
When the ball lending / dispensing operation switch is operated,
If the number of game balls is stored as unpaid pending number data, the game payout unit is instructed to pay out the game balls without sending a ball rental request signal to the ball rental unit,
If unpaid pending number data is not stored, a ball lending request signal is transmitted to the ball lending unit, and the unpaid pending ball data generating means stores the number of game balls for the rent amount as unpaid pending number data. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein after the holding, the data paying means is instructed to pay out a game ball. A storage amount detecting means for detecting that the storage amount of the game ball in the input storage tray is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference storage amount;
If the storage amount detection switch detects that the storage amount detection switch is greater than or equal to the reference storage amount during operation of the dispensing device, the data dispensing means stops the dispensing device and dispenses by the time the dispensing device is stopped. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of game balls is subtracted from the unpaid pending number data.

Images