JP2006115953A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To putout game media quickly, to prevent excessive putout of the game media, and to report the establishment of the stop condition of a putout operation in a form easily understandable for a player. <P>SOLUTION: Every time of receiving a putout control command specifying the number of prize balls during prize ball putout, a CPU can add the number of the prize balls specified by the putout control command to the value of a putout operation amount counter without stopping a prize ball putout operation, and thus the prize balls are quickly put out. Also, since the CPU stops a putout motor when the value of the putout operation amount counter becomes 0, the excessive putout of the prize balls is prevented. Further, when a full state or a ball run-out state to be the stop condition of the prize ball putout operation is established, since a Pachinko game machine reports that effect by using a variable display device, it is reported in the form easily understandable to the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more specifically, based on a payout means for paying out a game medium as a prize based on the establishment of a predetermined payout condition, and on the fact that a predetermined performance condition is satisfied. The present invention relates to a gaming machine including rendering means for executing a predetermined rendering.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to a player based on the winning when a gaming medium such as a gaming ball launched by a launching device wins a winning area provided in the gaming area. .

The payout of the winning ball is generally divided for each winning prize, but recently, a gaming machine in which the paying of the winning ball is continuously performed without being divided for each winning prize has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). .
JP 2001-212321 A

  The gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1 includes a game control microcomputer that controls the progress of a game, a payout means that pays out game media, and a payout control microcomputer that controls a payout operation of the payout means. In response to the game medium having won the winning area, the microcomputer transmits a control command for designating the number of winning balls to the payout control microcomputer.

  The payout control microcomputer stores the sum of the number of prize balls indicated by the received control command and the game medium detecting means for detecting the game medium paid out from the payout means, and the game medium is detected by the game medium detecting means. A total prize ball counter that decrements the total number of prize balls by 1 each time a game command is received, and each time a control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer is received, the total number of prize balls indicated by the control command is awarded. Sequentially add to the value of the ball counter. Then, the payout control microcomputer continuously executes the payout of prize balls until the value of the total prize ball number counter becomes zero.

  As described above, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 directly pays out award balls by directly referring to the value of the total prize ball counter, so that the last prize ball is paid out. When the prize ball is not detected by the game medium detection means, the value of the total prize ball number counter does not become zero. As a result, the payout control microcomputer continues the payout operation even though the last prize ball is paid out, and there is a possibility that extra prize balls will be paid out.

  In addition to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when a condition for stopping the payout operation such as running out of a prize ball or full tank of a game ball tray is satisfied, the payout is normally performed. An error is notified by a dedicated error display LED or the like directly connected to the control microcomputer. However, there is a possibility that such a notification may not be understood by a general player who is not familiar with the structure of the gaming machine.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that realizes quick payout of game media and prevents excessive payout of game media. To do.
In addition, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of notifying the player that the payout stop condition has been established in an easy-to-understand manner when the payout stop condition for stopping the game media payout operation is satisfied. To do other purposes.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application,
A payout means (for example, a payout device 50) for paying out a game medium (for example, a prize ball) as a prize based on the establishment of a predetermined payout condition (for example, winning a game ball in a winning area), and a predetermined effect condition (for example, A gaming machine comprising rendering means (for example, a variable display device 4) for performing a predetermined rendering (for example, variable display of special symbols) based on the establishment of a game ball (winning to the normal variable winning ball device 6). (For example, pachinko machine 1)
A game control microcomputer (for example, a game control microcomputer 110 mounted on the main board 11) for controlling the progress of the game;
A payout control microcomputer (for example, a payout control microcomputer 150 mounted on the payout control board 15) for controlling the payout operation of the game medium by the payout means based on a control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer;
A payout operation detecting means (for example, a payout motor position sensor 71) for detecting a payout operation of one game medium in the payout means;
A payout game medium detecting means (for example, a payout count switch 72) for detecting a game medium paid out from the payout means;
Discharge stop condition establishment detection means (for example, full tank switch 26 or ball cut switch) for detecting whether or not a payout stop condition (full tank state or ball cut state) to stop the game medium payout operation by the payout means is satisfied. 27) and
An effect control microcomputer (for example, an effect control microcomputer 120 mounted on the effect control board 12) for controlling the effect by the effect means based on a control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer;
With
The game control microcomputer is:
Based on the establishment of the predetermined payout condition, a payout control command (for example, payout control command F0XX for specifying the number of prize balls) for designating the number of game media to be paid out as prizes from the payout means is used as the control command. A payout control command transmission means for transmitting to the payout control microcomputer (for example, a portion where the CPU 113 executes the command transmission processing of steps S234 and S239 in the command set processing of step S154);
The payout control microcomputer includes:
A payout control command receiving means for receiving the payout control command transmitted by the payout control command transmitting means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the processes of steps S43 and S46);
Total prize number data storage means (for example, prize ball total counter 255) for storing total prize number data indicating the total number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means;
A payout operation amount data storage means (for example, a payout operation amount counter 254) for storing payout operation amount data based on the number of game media paid out by the payout means;
The payout operation amount data setting means (for example, the CPU 153 executes the process of step S557) for setting the total prize number data stored in the total prize number data storage means as the payout operation amount data in the payout operation amount data storage means. Part) and
When the payout operation amount data is set by the payout operation amount data setting means, the payout operation start control means for controlling the payout means to start the game medium payout operation (for example, the CPU 153 executes the process of step S558). Part)
A payout operation amount that subtracts the value of the payout operation amount data stored in the payout operation amount data storage means in accordance with the detection of the payout operation by the payout operation detection means (for example, the number of times the payout motor position sensor 71 is turned on). Data subtracting means (for example, the part where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S605);
The payout operation amount data discriminating means (for example, the CPU 153 performs the process of step S565) for determining whether or not the value of the payout operation amount data subtracted by the payout operation amount data subtracting means matches a predetermined end value (eg, 0). Part to execute)
When the payout motion amount data determining means determines that the value of the payout motion amount data matches the predetermined end value (for example, when the CPU 153 determines Yes in the process of step S565), the payout means is controlled. Then, payout operation stop control means for stopping the payout operation of the game medium (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S566),
A payout stop condition for stopping the payout operation of the game medium when the payout stop condition establishment detecting means detects the establishment of the payout stop condition (for example, when the CPU 153 determines Yes in step S624 or step S629). Establishment stop control means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 determines Yes in the process of step S551 or step S552 and executes the process);
A payout stop signal transmitting means for sending a payout stop signal (for example, a full tank state signal or a ball running out state signal) to the game control microcomputer when the payout stop condition establishment detecting means detects the establishment of the payout stop condition. For example, the part where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S672 or S675),
The payout control command receiving means has received a payout control command between the start of the payout operation by the payout operation start control means and the stop of the payout operation by the payout operation stop control means (for example, the CPU 153 performs processing in step S514) The reception flag setting means (for example, the CPU 153 executes the processing of step S516) that turns on a reception flag (for example, a receiving flag during payment) indicating that the payment control command has been received. Part) and
Reception determination means for determining whether or not the payout control command is received during the game medium payout operation by the payout means by determining whether or not the reception flag is set to ON by the reception flag setting means. (For example, the part where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S561);
The game specified by the payout control command when the receiving determining means determines that the payout control command receiving means has received the payout control command (for example, when the CPU 153 determines Yes in the process of step S561). A payout operation amount data update means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S562) for updating the value of the payout operation amount data stored in the payout operation amount data storage means according to the number of media;
Including
The game control microcomputer further includes:
A payout stop signal receiving means for receiving a payout stop signal transmitted from the payout stop signal transmitting means (for example, a portion where the CPU 113 executes the process of step S105);
Based on the payout stop signal received by the payout stop signal receiving means, an effect control command (for example, a full tank notification command C000 or a ball-out notification command C002) that instructs the effecting means to notify the payout stop of the game medium is issued. An effect control command transmission means (for example, a portion where the CPU 113 executes the command transmission process of steps S234 and S239 in the command set process of step S113 or S119) that transmits to the effect control microcomputer as the control command;
Including
The production control microcomputer is:
Effect control command receiving means for receiving the effect control command transmitted by the effect control command transmitting means (for example, the part where the CPU 123 determines Yes in the process of step S801 or step S805);
Based on the effect control command received by the effect control command receiving means, the effect means is controlled to execute the effect of notifying that the payout operation of the game medium is stopped by the payout means. Control means (for example, a portion where the CPU 123 executes the process of step S802 or S806),
It is characterized by that.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
A prize indicating the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means between the start of the payout operation by the payout operation start control means and the stop of the payout operation by the payout operation stop control means. A payout prize quantity data storage means for storing the quantity data (for example, a payout receipt quantity counter 257);
The payout operation amount data update unit adds the value of the prize number data stored in the payout amount data storage unit to the value of the payout operation amount data stored in the payout operation amount data storage unit. Thus, the value of the payout operation amount data is updated (for example, the process of step S562 executed by the CPU 153).

In the gaming machine according to claim 3,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
When the payout control command receiving means receives the payout control command again between the start of the payout operation by the payout operation start control means and the stop of the payout operation by the payout operation stop control means (for example, the CPU 153 in step S556 When the processing of step S43 and step S46 is executed again after the processing is executed and before the processing of step S572 is executed and it is determined Yes in the processing of step S512 and step S514), the received payout control The number of game media specified by the command is added to the value of the prize number data stored in the paid out prize quantity data storage means, and the added value is used as the prize number data, thereby giving the prize number data. The amount-of-payout data update means for updating the value of the payout value (for example, the CPU 153 Includes a portion) that performs the process of S515.

In the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The reception flag setting means is also in a state where the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means (for example, when the CPU 153 determines Yes in step S551 or step S552 after executing the process in step S556). A reception flag indicating that the payout control command has been received in response to the payout control command receiving means having received the payout control command (for example, the CPU 153 has determined Yes in steps S512 and S514). Including a condition satisfaction reception flag setting means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S516),
The payout premium number data storage means is a prize number indicating the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means even when the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means. A condition fulfilling payout premium data storing means for storing data (for example, a payout received quantity counter 257);
When the payout control command receiving means receives the payout control command again even when the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means (for example, the CPU 153 performs the process of step S556). When it is determined Yes in the process of Step S551 or Step S552 after executing the above, the process of Step S43 and Step S46 is executed again, and the process of Step S512 and Step S514 is determined Yes) The number of game media specified by the payout control command is added to the value of the premium number data stored in the payout premium number data storage means, and the added value is used as the premium number data. Updating the number of premiums during the payment of the conditions for updating the number of premiums (E.g. partial CPU153 is executing the processing of step S515).

In the gaming machine according to claim 5,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
When the value of the prize number data is added to the value of the payout operation amount data by the payout operation amount data update means (for example, when the CPU 153 executes the process of step S562), the value of the payout operation amount data is set. It includes a prize number subtracting means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the processing of step S563) for subtracting the value of the added prize number data from the payout prize quantity data storage means.

In the gaming machine according to claim 6,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
A reception flag off means for turning off the reception flag when the value of the prize number data is added to the value of the payout movement quantity data by the payout movement quantity data updating means (for example, the part where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S564) )including.

In the gaming machine according to claim 7,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
Control command determining means for determining whether or not the control command received by the payout control microcomputer is the payout control command (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S512);
The reception flag setting means turns on the reception flag when the control command determination means determines that the control command is a payout control command (for example, when the CPU 153 determines Yes in the process of step S512). Set (for example, the process of step S516 executed by the CPU 153).

In the gaming machine according to claim 8,
The payout means has a function of paying out a game medium (for example, a rental ball) for lending to a player in response to a predetermined lending request,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
By adding the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means to the value of the total prize number data stored in the total prize number data storage means, the total prize number Total prize number data updating means for updating the data value (for example, the part where the CPU 153 executes the processing of step S513);
Whether the detected game medium is paid out as a prize in response to detection of the game medium by the payout game medium detection means (for example, the CPU 153 determines Yes in the process of step S609) A game medium determining means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S610) for determining whether the money is paid out for lending to
When it is determined by the game medium determining means that the game medium has been paid out as a prize (for example, when the CPU 153 determines Yes in the process of step S610), it is stored in the total prize number data storage means. Total prize number data subtracting means for subtracting the value of the total prize number data (for example, the part where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S611);
When the payout operation stop control means stops the game medium payout operation (for example, when the CPU 153 executes the processes of steps S567 and S559 and determines Yes in the process of step S568), the total prize number data Total prize number data discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the value of the total prize number data subtracted by the subtracting means matches the predetermined end value (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S569);
When the total prize number data discriminating unit determines that the value of the total prize number data does not match the predetermined end value (for example, when the CPU 153 discriminates No in step S569), the total prize number A payout operation amount data resetting means (for example, a portion where the CPU 153 executes the process of step S570) for setting data as payout operation amount data in the payout operation amount data storage means;
including.

  The inventions according to claims 1 to 8 of the present application have the following effects.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the payout control microcomputer does not stop the payout operation of the payout means even when the payout control command receiving means receives the payout control command during the payout operation. Since the payout operation amount data stored in the payout operation amount data storage unit can be updated, a quick payout operation can be realized. Further, the payout control microcomputer ends the payout operation of the payout means when the payout operation amount data matches a predetermined end value. Thus, the payout control microcomputer determines whether to stop the payout operation based on the payout operation amount of the payout means, not the number of game media paid out from the payout means. It is possible to prevent extra game media from being paid out. As a result, the payout control microcomputer can realize accurate management of the number of game media paid out from the payout means. In addition, when a predetermined payout stop condition for stopping the payout operation is satisfied, the game control microcomputer notifies the effect control microcomputer that the payout stop condition is satisfied based on the payout stop signal received from the payout control microcomputer. Since the effect control microcomputer controls the effect means based on the control command, it is possible to notify the player that the payout stop condition has been established in an easy-to-understand manner.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, the payout control microcomputer stores the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means during the payout operation, and stores the number of payout premium data. And then, the payout operation amount data is updated by adding the value in the payout premium number data storage means to the value of the payout operation amount data. Thus, when the payout control microcomputer updates the payout operation amount data, it is not necessary to perform an operation for specifying the number of game media from the payout control command, so that the processing load can be reduced.

  According to the configuration of claim 3, each time the payout control microcomputer receives the payout control command during the payout operation, the payout control microcomputer determines the number of game media specified by the received payout control command as the value of the prize number data. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of payout premium data storage means. For this reason, the payout control microcomputer can reduce the data storage area to be secured.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the payout control microcomputer can determine the game medium specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means even when the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means. The number is cumulatively added to the value of the prize number data. Therefore, when the stop of the payout operation by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means is released and the payout operation is restarted, the payout operation amount data update means performs the payout operation based on the premium number data accumulated during the stoppage. Update the value of quantity data. For this reason, the payout control microcomputer can quickly pay out the game medium after releasing the payout operation stop.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the payout control microcomputer adds the value of the premium number data to the value of the payout operation amount data, and then adds the premium number data stored in the payout premium number data storage means. By subtracting the value of the premium number data added from the value, it is possible to realize an accurate payout of the game medium.

  According to the configuration of claim 6, the payout control microcomputer adds the value of the prize number data to the value of the payout operation amount data, and then turns off the reception flag to accurately determine the game medium. Payout can be realized.

  According to the configuration of claim 7, the payout control microcomputer executes the payout control command reception determination process by turning on the reception flag only when the received control command is the payout control command. The number of times can be reduced.

  According to the configuration of claim 8, the payout control microcomputer is one in which the detected game medium is paid out as a prize in response to detection of the game medium by the payout game medium detecting means. It is possible to determine whether the money has been paid out for lending to the player. Thereby, the common payout game medium detection means can be used when the game medium as a prize is paid out from the payout means and when the game medium to be lent out to the player is paid out. Can be simplified. Further, the payout control microcomputer compares the value of the total prize number data when the payout operation is stopped by the payout operation stop control means with the predetermined end value, and does not match the predetermined end value The value of the total prize number data is set in the payout operation amount data storage means as indicating the number of game media that have not been paid out yet. Thus, the payout control microcomputer can pay out unpaid game media and can accurately manage the number of game media to be paid out.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine in the present embodiment is a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using a prepaid card. For example, a bullet ball with a probability setting function called a general electric machine or a pachinko machine. It may be a gaming machine or the like. Furthermore, it is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with cash.

  A pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. .

  The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A variable display device 4 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area. A passing gate 5 is provided on the side of the variable display device 4. Under the variable display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device (start winning port) 6 is disposed. A special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening) 7 is disposed below the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6. In addition, a normal symbol display 40 is provided above the variable display device 4.

  The variable display device 4 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module that variably displays symbols as identification information by a plurality of variable display units. For example, a game ball wins a normal variable winning ball device 6. In the variable display game (special game) where is the execution condition, start the variable display of three display symbols (special symbols) composed of numbers, letters, symbols, etc., and after a certain period of time, left, right, Confirm the displayed symbols in the order of middle. The pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a specific gaming state (a jackpot gaming state) when a combination of confirmed display symbols (a determined symbol) has a predetermined specific display result (a jackpot). The variable display device 4 may be provided with four start memory display areas for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the normal variable winning ball device 6, that is, the start memory number.

  In addition to this, the variable display device 4 displays various information based on the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as necessary. For example, when the surplus ball receiving tray 32 is full, or the game ball to be paid out cannot be paid out due to a full ball state in which there are not enough game balls to be paid out. In addition, the variable display device 4 displays a screen for notifying that effect.

  The passing gate 5 guides the passed hit ball to the normally variable display device 6 through the ball exit. A gate switch 21 (FIG. 5) that detects a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 5 is provided in a passage between the passage gate 5 and the ball outlet.

  The normal symbol display 40 includes a light emitting diode (LED) and the like, and in a normal diagram game in which a game ball passes through one of the passing gates 5 as a starting condition, the lighting, blinking, emission color, etc. Be controlled. When a display with a predetermined hit pattern is performed in this normal figure game, the display result in the normal figure game is “win”, and the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is passed for a predetermined time. Tilt control.

  The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is a tulip-type accessory (ordinary electric motor) having a pair of movable wing pieces that are movable and controlled between a vertical (normally open) position and a tilt (enlarged open) position by a solenoid 81 (FIG. 5). It is configured as an accessory). The winning ball that has entered the normal variable winning ball device 6 is guided to the back of the game board 2 and detected by the start port switch 22 (FIG. 5).

  The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes an opening / closing plate that opens and closes a winning area by a solenoid 82 (FIG. 5). This opening / closing plate is normally closed, and when the special display game is performed by the variable display device 4 based on the winning of the game ball to the normal variable winning ball device 6, the specific game state is obtained. The solenoid 82 is set so that the winning area is opened (opening cycle) until a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. The game ball that falls on the surface of the game board 2 is received. This opening cycle can be repeated up to 16 times.

  Of the winning balls guided to the back of the game board 2 from the opening / closing plate, the winning ball entering one (V zone) is detected by the V winning switch 23 (FIG. 5). The winning ball from the opening / closing plate is detected by the count switch 24 (FIG. 5). In response to the detection of a winning ball, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by a main board 11 and a payout control board 15 (FIGS. 2 and 5) described later.

  In the game area of the game board 2, a plurality of winning holes 20 a to 20 d are provided. Winnings of the game balls to the winning ports 20a to 20d are detected by the corresponding winning port switches 25a to 25d (FIG. 5). In addition to the above-described configuration, the game area of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill having a decorative lamp, an outlet, and the like.

  Two speakers 8L and 8R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area. A game effect lamp 9 that is lit or blinks is provided on the outer periphery of the game area.

  A hit ball supply tray (upper plate) 31 is provided on the lower surface of the game area. Below the hitting ball supply tray 31, a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 that is operated by the player to fire the playing ball, and an extra ball receiving tray 32 that stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 31. , Is provided.

  A frame button 19 is provided at the lower left portion of the surplus ball tray 32. The frame button 19 is used to enhance a game effect by arbitrarily changing a part of the game effect by being pressed under a predetermined condition during the game. For example, when the frame button 19 is pressed under a predetermined condition, the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 4 can be changed to a symbol different from the normal one. The pressing of the frame button 19 is detected by the frame button switch 28 (FIG. 5).

  Further, FIG. 1 also shows a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a card unit) 70 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables lending of a ball by inserting a prepaid card. The card unit 70 includes a usable indicator lamp that indicates whether or not the card unit 70 is in a usable state, a connection table direction indicator that indicates which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the card unit 70, When checking the card insertion indicator lamp indicating that a card is inserted in the card, the card insertion slot into which the card as a recording medium is inserted, and the card reader / writer mechanism provided on the back of the card insertion slot A card unit lock or the like for opening the card unit 70 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Above the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there are provided a storage tank 41 for storing game balls as supply balls, and a guide rail 43 for guiding the game balls stored in the storage tank 41 to the payout case 42. . The downstream side of the guide rail 43 communicates with the two rows of ball passages 44a and 44b via a curve rod. A ball switch 27 is installed upstream of the ball passages 44a and 44b. A payout case 42 covering the payout device 50 (FIG. 3) is fixed to the lower part of the ball passages 44a and 44b.

  The ball switch 27 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball passages 44a and 44b. When the ball switch 27 no longer detects a game ball, the rotation of the payout motor 51 (FIG. 4) in the payout device 50 is performed. And the payout of the game ball is made immobile. Further, the ball switch 27 is locked by a locking piece at a position where it can be detected that 27 to 28 game balls are present in the ball passages 44a and 44b. In other words, the ball-off switch 27 is installed at a position where it can be confirmed that a maximum payout amount (100 yen: 25 in this embodiment) or more is secured.

  A full tank switch 26 is provided on the side wall of the surplus ball passage that communicates between the hit ball supply tray 31 and the surplus ball receiving tray 32 below the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The full tank switch 26 detects a full tank of the surplus ball receiving tray 32.

  When a lot of game balls based on award balls or ball lending requests are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 31 is full and the game balls reach the contact port, when the game balls are further paid out, the game balls are surplus balls. It is guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 32 through the passage. When the game ball is further paid out, the sensing lever presses the full switch 26 to turn it on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor 51 in the payout device 50 is stopped, the payout operation of the payout device 50 is stopped, and the driving of the firing device 60 is also stopped.

  FIG. 3 is a front view (FIG. 3A) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 3B) showing the dispensing device 50 covered with the dispensing case 42. FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the dispensing device 50. In this example, a payout device 50 is formed inside three cases 45a, 45b and 45c as the payout case 42. Holes 46a and 46b communicating with the ball passages 44a and 44b are respectively provided in the upper portions of the cases 45a and 45b, and the game balls flow into the payout device 50 through the holes 46a and 46b.

  The payout device 50 pays out a winning ball or a game ball based on a ball lending request, and includes a payout stepping motor (payout motor) 51 serving as a drive source. The rotation operation of the payout motor 51 is controlled by a drive signal sent from the payout control board 15.

  Further, the payout device 50 includes a gear 52 fitted to the rotation shaft of the payout motor 51, a gear 53 meshing with the gear 52, and a cam 54 fitted to the central axis of the gear 53 and having a ball mounting portion. And a ball passage 55 below the cam 54 is provided. The game balls that have flowed in through the holes 46a and 46b fall alternately through the ball passage 55 one by one every time the ball mounting portion of the cam 54 rotates 1/3.

  The payout device 50 is provided with a payout motor position sensor 71 composed of a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element. The payout motor position sensor 71 is a sensor for detecting the rotational position of the payout motor 51, and is turned on every time the payout motor 51 rotates by 1/3, and transmits a predetermined detection signal to the payout control board 15. As a result, the amount of rotation operation of the payout motor 51 can be counted on the payout control board 15 side.

  Below the payout device 50, for example, a payout count switch 72 using a proximity switch is provided. The payout count switch 72 is turned on every time one game ball falls from the payout device 50 and transmits a predetermined detection signal to the payout control board 15. Thereby, on the payout control board 15 side, the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 50 can be counted.

  A launching device 60 shown in FIG. 2 includes a launching stepping motor (launching motor) 61 (FIG. 5) serving as a drive source, and elastically deforms the launching spring by the rotation of the launching motor 61 to apply the urging force of the launching spring to a hammer. The game ball is fired toward the game area by transmitting to and hitting the game ball. The elastic force of the firing spring is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 30 (FIG. 5). That is, the game ball is launched at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 30. Further, the rotation operation of the launch motor 61 is controlled by a launch drive signal sent from the launch control board 17.

  Further, on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there are a power supply board 10, a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a payout control board 15, an information terminal board 16, a launch control board 17, and a relay. Main substrates such as the substrate 18 are arranged in place.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on the main board 11, the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15. 5 also shows the power supply board 10, the information terminal board 16, the launch control board 17, and the relay board 18.

The power supply board 10 supplies a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.
The relay board 18 is connected between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12 and relays communication between both boards. Specifically, the relay board 18 relays transmission of a signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, and conversely prevents transmission of a signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 to the main board 11. It is.

  The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 110, a switch circuit 115, a solenoid circuit 116, and the like. Further, the main board 11 is connected with wiring to the production control board 12 and the payout control board 15, and wiring from the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, the V winning switch 23, the count switch 24, and the winning port switches 25a to 25d. Has been. Further, the main board 11 is also connected to wirings for solenoids 81 and 82 for performing movable control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 and opening / closing control in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. .

  The game control microcomputer 110 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is controlled according to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 111 for storing a game control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work memory, and the program. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 113 and an I / O (Input / Output) port 114 are included. The game control microcomputer 110 has a function of generating random numbers used in the special game, a function of outputting and transmitting control commands as examples of command information to the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15, respectively. It is what you have.

  The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the payout control board 15 is a payout control command, and the control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 18 is an effect control command. In this embodiment, the payout control command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the payout control board 15 through the eight signal lines of the payout control signals CD0 to CD7, and the effect control command is the eight effect control signals CD0 to CD7. Is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal line. In order to transmit a strobe signal, a signal line for payout control INT signal is wired between the main board 11 and the payout control board 15, and the relay board 18 is connected between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. The signal line of the effect control INT signal is wired through the.

  Furthermore, a signal line for receiving a payout error signal indicating that the game ball output from the payout control board 15 cannot be paid out is wired on the main board 11. In the present embodiment, the payout control board 15 assumes that the game ball cannot be paid out in the full tank state or the ball cut state, and outputs a full tank state signal or a ball cut state signal as a payout error signal. 11 is output.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of payout control commands and effect control commands sent from the main board 11 to the payout control board 15 and the effect control board 12 used in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6A, each control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit of MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit of EXT data is “0”.

  In the example of the payout control command shown in FIG. 6B, the command F0XX (h) is a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls. Note that XX (h) of this EXT data is an unspecified hexadecimal number and indicates the number of payouts.

  In the example of the effect control command shown in FIG. 6C, the command 80XX (h) is a variable display start command for instructing to start variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4. It should be noted that XX (h) of the EXT data is an unspecified hexadecimal number and is a value arbitrarily set according to the instruction content by the effect control command. On the side of the effect control board 12, in accordance with the EXT data included in the variable display start command, the determination result of whether or not the total variable display time of the special symbol and the display result of the variable display become the specific display result of the jackpot combination It is possible to specify the determination result of whether or not to reach.

  Commands 90XX (h), 91XX (h), and 92XX (h) are special symbol designation commands for designating the left, middle, and right fixed symbols of the special symbols. In each special symbol designation command, the symbol number of the special symbol is set in XX (h). Command A000 (h) is a special symbol confirmation command for instructing the end of variable symbol variable display. Command B000 (h) is a jackpot end command for instructing the end of the jackpot gaming state.

The command C000 (h) is a full tank notification command for instructing that the game ball cannot be paid out because the surplus ball receiving tray 32 is full, and the command C0001 (h) is a full tank notification command. Is a full tank notification cancel command for instructing the cancellation of the full tank notification being executed based on the above.
The command C002 (h) is a ball-cutting notification command for instructing that a game ball cannot be paid out because a ball has run out. The command C003 (h) is executed based on the ball-cutting notification command. This is a ball-cutting notification release command for instructing cancellation of the ball-cutting notification being made.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details of a configuration example of the game control microcomputer 110. As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming control microcomputer 110 includes a switch timer memory 211, a switch-on determination value table memory 212, a flag memory 213, and a command transmission table memory 214.

  The switch timer memory 211 stores a plurality of switch timers that are added or cleared depending on whether a detection signal input from various switches is in an on state or an off state. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, switch timers are provided at addresses corresponding to various switches.

  The switch-on determination value table memory 212 shown in FIG. 7 stores a plurality of switch-on determination values for determining whether or not various switches are turned on. Specifically, the number of times that the detection signals input from the various switches are continuously determined to be in the on state is stored as the switch-on determination value.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, “2” is set as the switch-on determination value of the winning opening switches 25a to 25d, the gate switch 21, the start opening switch 22, the count switch 24, and the V winning switch 23. ing. Accordingly, when the value of the switch timer for various switches becomes “2”, it is determined that the various switches are on.

  The flag memory 213 shown in FIG. 7 is for setting a plurality of types of flags used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the flag memory 213 is provided with a special symbol process flag, a normal symbol process flag, a switch-on flag, a full state flag, a ball-out state flag, a timer interrupt flag, and the like.

  The special symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in the special symbol process (step S15 in FIG. 24). The normal symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in the normal symbol process (step S16 in FIG. 24) in order to control the display state of the normal symbol display 40 in a predetermined order.

The switch-on flag is a flag composed of a plurality of bits that are set or cleared in accordance with a timer value or the like stored in the switch timer memory 211.
The full tank state flag is a flag that is turned on when a full tank state signal is input from the payout control board 15 and is turned off when there is no input. The ball-out state flag is a flag that is turned on when a ball-out state signal is input from the payout control board 15, and is turned off when there is no input.
The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time elapses and a timer interrupt is generated.

  The command transmission table memory 214 is provided with a plurality of command transmission tables for each control command to be output from the main board 11 to each sub-side control board (the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15). FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the command transmission table memory 214. One command transmission table is composed of 3 bytes, and INT data is set in the first byte. Further, MODE data is set in the command data 1 of the second byte, and EXT data is set in the command data 2 of the third byte.

  Although the EXT data itself may be set in the area of the command data 2, the command data 2 may be set with data for designating the address of the table storing the EXT data. . For example, if bit 7 (work area reference bit) of command data 2 is 0, it indicates that EXT data itself is set in command data 2. Such EXT data is data in which bit 7 is 0. In this embodiment, if the work area reference bit is 1, it indicates that the contents of the transmission buffer are used as EXT data. If the work area reference bit is 1, the other 7 bits may be configured to indicate an offset for designating an address of a table storing EXT data.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of INT data. Bit 0 of the INT data indicates whether or not a payout control command should be sent to the payout control board 15. If bit 0 is “1”, it indicates that a payout control command should be sent. Accordingly, the CPU 113 sets “01 (h)” in the INT data, for example, in the prize ball processing (step S20 in FIG. 24). Further, bit 1 of the INT data indicates whether or not an effect control command should be sent to the effect control board 12. If bit 1 is “1”, it indicates that an effect control command should be sent. Accordingly, the CPU 113 sets “02 (h)” in the INT data, for example, in error processing (step S12 in FIG. 24) or command control processing (step S17 in FIG. 24).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10C, the command transmission table memory 214 is provided with a ring buffer and a transmission buffer for the payout control command. In the prize ball processing, when the prize ball payout condition is established, the number of prize balls according to the established condition is sequentially set in the ring buffer. Further, when a payout control command relating to the number of winning balls is sent, one piece of data is transferred from the ring buffer to the transmission buffer.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10C, the ring buffer is composed of 12 buffers, and can store data corresponding to 12 payout control commands. Since the number of buffers corresponding to the number of winning openings is provided in the ring buffer, it is possible to store payout control command data based on each winning even when winning simultaneously occurs.

  11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams showing bit allocation of the I / O port 114. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, detection signals from the winning port switches 25a to 25d, the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, the count switch 24, and the V winning switch 23 are input to bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0, respectively. The In addition, a full state signal and a ball-out state signal output from the payout control board 15 are input to bits 0 and 1 of the input port 1, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 12, from the output port 0, the payout control command and the INT signal of the effect control command are output to the payout control board 15 and the effect control board 12, respectively. From the output port 1, 8-bit data of the payout control command is output to the payout control board 15, and from the output port 2, 8-bit data of the effect control command is output to the effect control board 12.

  Further, from the output port 3, drive signals to the solenoid 81 for performing the movable control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 and the solenoid 82 for performing the opening / closing control in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 are provided. Each is output.

The switch circuit 115 shown in FIG. 5 takes in detection signals from the gate switch 21, start port switch 22, V winning switch 23, count switch 24, and winning port switches 25a to 25d and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 110. Is.
The solenoid circuit 116 drives the solenoids 81 and 82 in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 110. The solenoid 81 is connected to the movable wing piece of the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6 through a link mechanism. The solenoid 82 is connected to the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 through a link mechanism.

  The payout control board 15 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to the main board 11, the information terminal board 16 and the launch control board 17 by wiring. The payout control board 15 receives detection signals from the payout motor position sensor 71, the payout count switch 72, the full tank switch 26, and the ball cut switch 27. Further, wiring to the payout motor 51 and the card unit 70 is connected to the payout control board 15.

  The payout control board 15 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer 150, a switch circuit 155, and the like, and the payout control microcomputer 150 performs payout control of game balls and the like based on award balls and ball lending requests. The payout control microcomputer 150 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM 151 that stores a payout control program and the like, a RAM 152 that is used as a work memory, a CPU 153 that performs a payout control operation according to the program, and an I / O port 154. Contains.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing details of a configuration example of the payout control microcomputer 150. As shown in FIG. 13, the payout control microcomputer 150 includes a reception command buffer memory 251, a switch timer memory 252, a switch-on determination value table memory 253, a payout operation amount counter 254, and a winning ball total counter 255. , A lending total counter 256, a payout received number counter 257, and a flag memory 258.

  The reception command buffer memory 251 is provided with a plurality of reception command buffers for storing payout control commands received from the main board 11. In the example shown in FIG. 14, twelve received command buffers are provided, and a received command buffer for storing received commands is designated by a command reception number counter. The command reception number counter takes a value in the range of 0-11. Each reception command buffer is composed of, for example, 1 byte. By using a plurality of reception command buffers as ring buffers, six payout control commands having a 2-byte structure can be stored.

  The switch timer memory 252 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to whether the detection signals input from the payout motor position sensor 71, the payout count switch 72, the full tank switch 26, and the ball cut switch 27 are in the on state or in the off state. Thus, a plurality of switch timers to be added or cleared are stored. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, switch timers are provided at addresses corresponding to the sensors and various switches, respectively.

  The switch-on determination value table memory 253 shown in FIG. 13 stores a plurality of switch-on determination values for determining whether or not the sensor and various switches are turned on. Specifically, the number of times that the detection signal input from the sensor and various switches is continuously determined to be in the on state is stored as a switch-on determination value.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, “2” is set as the switch-on determination value of the payout motor position sensor 71 and the payout count switch 72, and “50” is set as the switch-on determination value of the full tank switch 26. “250” is set as the switch-on determination value of the ball-off switch 27. In the switch-on determination value table memory 253, “30” is set as a switch-off determination value for determining whether or not the ball-off switch 27 is turned off.

  The payout operation amount counter 254 shown in FIG. 13 indicates the number of game balls set in the ball lending control process (step S54 in FIG. 34) and the prize ball control process (step S55 in FIG. 34) by the payout motor 51. It is a down counter that decrements by 1 every 6 revolutions. When a ball lending request signal is received from the card unit 70, the payout operation amount counter 254 is set with the number of lending balls in one unit (for example, 25) in the ball lending control processing. In the prize ball control process, the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball total counter 255 is set in the payout operation amount counter 254.

  The value of the payout operation amount counter 254 is used every time the payout motor position sensor 71 detects that the payout motor 51 has rotated 1/3, that is, the payout motor 51 pays out one game ball. Every time the rotation operation (payout operation) is executed, 1 is subtracted. In this manner, the payout operation amount counter 254 can count the payout operation amount of the payout motor 51.

  The prize ball total counter 255 is for storing the total number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device 50. Each time a payout control command is received from the main board 11, the number of prize balls designated by the received payout control command is added to the value of the prize ball total counter 255. The value of the prize ball total counter 255 is decremented by 1 each time the payout count switch 72 detects a prize ball paid out from the payout device 50. In this way, the prize ball total counter 255 can count the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 50.

  The total rental counter 256 is for storing the total number of rental balls paid out from the payout device 50. Each time a ball lending request signal is received from the card unit 70, the number of lending balls in one unit is added to the value of the total lending counter 256. Then, the value of the total number counter 256 is decremented by one each time the payout count switch 72 detects a payout paid out from the payout device 50. In this way, the total number of rented balls counter 256 can count the number of rented balls actually paid out from the payout device 50.

  The during-payout received number counter 257 is for storing the number of game balls designated by the payout control command received during the payout of prize balls. Each time a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls is received from the main board 11, the number of prize balls designated by the received payout control command is added to the value of the received number counter 257 during payout. Thereafter, in the prize ball control process (step S55 in FIG. 34), the payout operation amount counter 254 has a value within the payout received number counter 257 that does not exceed the maximum payout number (25 in this embodiment). The value added to the payout operation amount counter 254 is subtracted from the payout received number counter 257.

  The flag memory 258 is for setting a plurality of types of flags used for controlling the payout operation of the payout device 50. For example, the flag memory 258 is provided with a switch-on flag, a full flag, a ball-out flag, a paying-out reception flag, a winning ball paying-out flag, a ball-paying-out flag, a timer interruption flag, and the like.

The switch-on flag is a flag composed of a plurality of bits that are set or cleared according to a timer value or the like stored in the switch timer memory 252.
The full tank flag is a flag that is set or cleared in accordance with ON / OFF of the bit of the switch on flag assigned to the full tank switch 26. The ball-off flag is a flag that is set or cleared according to ON / OFF of a bit of a switch-on flag assigned to the ball-off switch 27.
The payout receiving flag is set to ON when a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls is received during the payout of winning balls, and the number of prize balls stored in the payout received number counter 257 is “0”. "Is a flag that is turned off in response to becoming". "

  The winning ball paying-out flag is a flag that is set to ON when the paying-out operation of the winning ball by the paying device 50 is being executed, and is turned off when the winning ball paying-out operation is completed. The renting-out paying flag is a flag that is set to an on state when the lending payout operation by the payout device 50 is being executed, and is turned off when the lending operation is completed. The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time elapses and a timer interrupt is generated.

  17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams showing bit allocation of the I / O port 154. FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the INT signal of the payout control command from the main board 11 is input to bit 0 of the input port 0. The input port 1 receives 8-bit data of a payout control command from the main board 11. Bits 0 to 3 of the input port 2 are input with detection signals of the payout motor position sensor 71, the payout count switch 72, the full tank switch 26, and the ball cut switch 27, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a signal for driving the payout motor 51 is output from bits 0 to 3 of the output port 0. The payout motors φ1 to φ4, which are output signals, are signals representing the excitation pattern of the payout motor 51 that is a stepping motor. From the bit 4 of the output port 0, a launch control signal for the launch control board 17 is output. This firing control signal is output, for example, when the firing motor 61 is not driven such that the card unit 70 is not connected to the payout control board 15, and the drive of the firing motor 61 is stopped.

  From bits 0 and 1 of the output port 1, a full signal and a ball-off signal are output to the main board 11, respectively. The full tank signal is a signal that is output when the full flag is set in the flag memory 258, and the ball-out signal is a signal that is output when the ball-out flag is set.

  For example, various information output signals are output from the other output ports to the information terminal board 16. Communication between the payout control board 15 and the card unit 70 is also performed via the input port and the output port.

  The switch circuit 155 shown in FIG. 5 takes in detection signals from the payout motor position sensor 71, the payout count switch 72, the full tank switch 26, and the ball cut switch 27, and transmits them to the payout control microcomputer 150.

  The information terminal board 16 is for outputting various game-related information output from the payout control board 15 to the outside. For example, the information terminal board 16 includes at least a ball cutting terminal for introducing and outputting the output of the ball cutting switch 27 and a prize ball terminal for outputting prize ball information (prize ball number signal) to the outside. And a ball lending terminal for externally outputting ball lending information (ball lending number signal).

  The launch control board 17 is for controlling the launch operation by the launch device 60 in accordance with the launch control signal from the payout control board 15 and the operation amount of the operation knob 30. The launch control board 17 is connected to wiring from the payout control board 15 and the operation knob 30 and to the launch motor 61. The firing control board 17 fires a hit ball at a speed corresponding to the operation amount by adjusting the driving force of the firing motor 61 according to the operation amount of the operation knob 30.

  The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to the main board 11, the sound control board 13, the lamp control board 14, the variable display device 4, and the normal symbol display 40. Also, the detection signal of the frame button switch 28 is input to the effect control board 12.

The effect control board 12 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 120, a switch circuit 125, and the like. The effect control microcomputer 120 produces an effect based on an effect control command received from the main board 11 via the relay board 18. Take control. The effect control microcomputer 120 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, a RAM 122 that is used as a work memory, a CPU 123 that performs a payout control operation according to the program, and an I / O port 124. Contains.
The effect control microcomputer 120 displays an image used in the variable display game on the variable display device 4 on the basis of the effect control command output from the main board 11, and turns on / off the normal symbol display 40. I do. The production control microcomputer 120 controls the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R and the lighting / extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing details of a configuration example of the effect control microcomputer 120. As shown in FIG. 19, the effect control microcomputer 120 includes a reception command buffer memory 221, an effect control pattern determination table memory 222, a flag memory 223, and various timers 224.

  The reception command buffer memory 221 is provided with a plurality of reception command buffers for storing effect control commands received from the main board 11. The configuration example of the reception command buffer memory 221 is the same as the configuration example of the reception command buffer memory 251 in the payout control microcomputer 150 shown in FIG.

  The effect control pattern determination table memory 222 stores a plurality of effect control pattern determination tables selected based on the effect display control command received from the main board 11. Specifically, the effect control pattern determination table memory 222 includes a symbol display control pattern determination table 225 as shown in FIG.

  The symbol display control pattern determination table 225 shown in FIG. 20 stores a plurality of types of symbol display control patterns. The variable display start command sent from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 designates the symbol display control pattern stored in the symbol display control pattern determination table 225 using the EXT data. Therefore, when receiving the variable display start command from the main board 11, the effect control microcomputer 120 controls the display of the symbols on the variable display device 4 based on the designated symbol display control pattern.

  Of the symbol display control patterns stored in the symbol display control pattern determination table 225, the normal A lose symbol display control pattern and the normal B lose symbol display control pattern are reached in a special symbol game by the variable display device 4. This is a variable display pattern for deriving and displaying a definite symbol of loss. The normal A lose symbol display control pattern and the normal B lose symbol display control pattern have different variable display modes. For example, the variable display speed and the rotation direction of the special symbol are different.

  Reach A losing symbol display control pattern from reach A losing symbol display control pattern is a variable display pattern for deriving and displaying a fixed symbol of losing without reaching after reaching a special figure game by the variable display device 4, Each variable display mode is different. The reach A jackpot symbol display control pattern to the reach D jackpot symbol display control pattern is a variable display pattern in which the display result in the variable symbol special display by the variable display device 4 is a jackpot, and each variable display mode is variable. Different.

  In addition, the symbol display control pattern determination table 225 has a full tank notification symbol display control pattern used to notify the variable display device 4 that the state is full, and the variable display device 4 that is in a ball-out state. The ball-cutting notification symbol display control pattern used for notification in is stored. The full tank notification symbol display control pattern is executed when a full tank notification command is received from the main board 11. The full ball notification symbol display control pattern receives a full ball notification command from the main board 11. It is a symbol display control pattern executed when

As shown in FIG. 21, each symbol display control pattern includes data for controlling the display state of a special symbol, such as a symbol display control process timer set value, symbol display control data, and the like. The display speed, the size of the pattern to be displayed, the display period in the display state, the character switching timing, and the like are set.
Further, the symbol display control data in the full tank notification symbol display control pattern includes a dedicated symbol for notifying the full tank state, and the symbol display control data in the ball cut notification symbol display control pattern reports the ball cut state. Includes a special design for.

  A flag memory 223 shown in FIG. 19 is for setting a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the display state of the variable display device 4 and the reception of a command from the main board 11. For example, the flag memory 223 is provided with a display control process flag, a variable display start flag, a valid flag, a timer interrupt flag, and the like.

  The display control process flag indicates which process should be selected / executed in a special symbol display control process (described later) (FIG. 50). The variable display start flag is set to the on state when the variable display start command 80XX (h) is received from the main board 11. The valid flag is set to the on state when the left / middle / right symbol designation commands 90XX (h), 91XX (h), and 92XX (h) are received from the main board 11. The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time elapses and a timer interrupt is generated.

  Various timers 224 shown in FIG. 19 include a plurality of types of timers used for display control of the variable display device 4. For example, the various timers 224 include a symbol display control process timer, a variable display time timer, and a monitoring timer. The symbol display control process timer counts down the symbol display control process timer set value set in the symbol display control pattern shown in FIG. 21 so that the variable display device 4 displays the symbol in accordance with the symbol display control pattern. Measure the variable display period for variable display.

  The variable display time timer included in the various timers 224 is a down counter for measuring the variable display time that is the execution time of the special figure game by the variable display device 4. The monitoring timer is for measuring an elapsed time after the variable display time timer times out. The monitoring timer times out when an effect control command is not received from the main board 11 for a predetermined time or more.

The switch circuit 125 shown in FIG. 5 takes in the detection signal from the frame button switch 28 and transmits it to the effect control microcomputer 120.
The audio control board 13 shown in FIG. 5 is equipped with a drive circuit for driving the speakers 8L and 8R. The effect control microcomputer 120 controls the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R via the sound control board 13.
A drive circuit for driving the game effect lamp 9 is mounted on the lamp control board 14. The effect control microcomputer 120 controls the lighting / extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9 via the lamp control board 14.

As shown in FIG. 22, the relay board 18 shown in FIG. 5 regulates the connector 181 for connecting to the main board 11, the connector 182 for connecting to the effect control board 12, and the direction in which the signal is transmitted. A signal direction restricting portion 183 for the purpose.
The signal direction restricting unit 183 includes a diode and a resistor, and relays the transmission of the signal in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 due to the property of the diode that allows current to flow only in one direction, and the effect control. Transmission of a signal in the direction from the substrate 12 to the main substrate 11 is blocked.

  The main board 11 performs a process of determining a prize ball payout based on winning. For this reason, there is a case where an illegal signal is input to the main board 11 to illegally generate a big hit to obtain a prize ball. In this case, an illegal signal is not input directly to the main board 11 via the effect control board 12 whose security regulations are looser than that of the main board 11 instead of directly inputting the illegal signal to the main board 11 designed based on strict security regulations. There is a possibility that.

  For example, a signal can be input from the frame button switch 28 to the effect control board 12. Therefore, there is a possibility that an unauthorized board is connected between the frame button switch 28 and the effect control board 12 and an unauthorized signal is input to the main board 11 via the effect control board 12.

However, even in such a case, the function of the relay board 18 can prevent such an illegal signal from being input to the main board 11 via the effect control board 12.
Even if it is suspected that an illegal board is connected to the production control board 12, by confirming that the relay board 18 is connected between the main board 11 and the production control board 12. It is possible to confirm that no illegal signal is input from the effect control board 12 to the main board 11 without searching for the illegal board.
For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the relay board 18 is disposed on the cover of the main board 11 at a position where it can be seen at a glance. In addition, the arrangement | positioning position of a relay board | substrate should just be a position which understands that it has installed, and is not limited to the position shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the game control microcomputer 110 mounted on the main board 11. In the main board 11, when the power supply voltage from the power supply board 10 is supplied, the game control microcomputer 110 is activated, and the CPU 113 first executes the game control main process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the game control main process is started, the CPU 113 sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1) and then performs necessary initial settings (step S2). In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 112 is cleared. Further, by setting a register of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 110, a timer interrupt is generated periodically (for example, every 2 milliseconds). When the initial setting is completed, interrupt processing is permitted (step S3), and then loop processing is started.

  By executing the game control main process, the timer interrupt is set to repeatedly occur every 2 milliseconds. When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 113 executes the game control interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. .

  In the game control interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 24, the CPU 113 firstly has the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, the V winning switch 23, the count switch 24, and the winning port switches 25a to 25d via the switch circuit 115. The detection signal is input and a switch process for determining the state is performed (step S11).

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 performs abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 by executing predetermined error processing, and can generate a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S12). Thereafter, the CPU 113 updates a determination random number update process (step S13) for updating each determination random number such as a jackpot determination random number used for game control, and a display random number update process for updating the display random number (step S14). ) And are executed sequentially.

  Next, the CPU 113 executes special symbol process processing (step S15). In the special symbol process, in order to control the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag. Following the special symbol process, the CPU 113 executes a normal symbol process (step S16). In the normal symbol process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag in order to control the normal symbol display 40 in a predetermined order.

  Further, the CPU 113 executes a predetermined command control process to send a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 and perform operations such as an effect operation according to the gaming state. Control is instructed (step S17). Further, the CPU 113 performs an information output process for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S18). Subsequently, the CPU 113 executes predetermined solenoid output processing to control the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6 and open / close the open / close plate in the special variable winning ball device 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Driving is performed (step S19).

  After that, the CPU 113 executes predetermined prize ball processing to set the number of prize balls based on the detection signals input from the prize opening switches 25a to 25d, the count switch 24, and the start opening switch 22, and the like. A payout control command can be output to the control board 15 (step S20). Specifically, a payout control command F0XX (h) indicating the number of winning balls is given to the payout control board 15 in response to detection of winning based on the winning opening switches 25a to 25d, the count switch 24 and the start opening switch 22 being turned on. Output. The CPU 153 of the payout control board 15 drives the payout device 50 according to the payout control command F0XX (h).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the switch process executed in step S11. In the switch processing, as shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 113 first receives data input to the input port 0 (step S101). Next, the CPU 113 sets “8” as the number of processes (step S102), and sets the address “0” of the switch timer of the winning opening switch 25a as a pointer (step S103). Thereafter, the CPU 113 calls a switch check processing subroutine to execute switch check processing (step S104).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the switch check process. In this switch check process, as shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 113 first sets data input from the input port 0 as a comparison value (step S201). As shown in FIG. 11, detection signals from the winning port switches 25 a to 25 d, the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, the count switch 24 and the V winning switch 23 are input to the input port 0. Next, the CPU 113 sets clear data (00) (step S202). Then, the CPU 113 loads the value of the switch timer indicated by the pointer from the switch timer memory 211 (step S203). Here, since the switch timer address “0” of the winning opening switch 25a is set in step S103 of FIG. 25, the value of the switch timer for the left winning opening switch 25a shown in FIG. 8 is loaded. Next, the CPU 113 shifts the comparison value to the right (in the direction from the upper bit to the lower bit) (step S204). Thereby, the input data is pushed out by the carry flag. In the first right shift, the value of bit 0 of the input port 0 to which the detection signal of the left winning opening switch 25a is input is pushed out by the carry flag.

  Then, the CPU 113 checks the carry flag to determine whether the value is “0” or “1” (step S205). For example, when the detection signal of the winning opening switch 25a is input to the input port 0, the value of the carry flag is “1”, and when the detection signal is not input, the value of the carry flag is “0”. When the value of the carry flag is “0” (step S205; Yes), the CPU 113 determines that the detection signal is off, sets clear data to the switch timer, and returns the value to 0 (step S206). .

  On the other hand, when the value of the carry flag is “1” (step S205; No), the CPU 113 determines that the detection signal is in the on state, and adds 1 to the value of the switch timer (step S207). The CPU 113 determines whether or not the value after addition is “0” (step S208). When the CPU 113 determines that the value after addition is not “0” (step S208; No), the added value is switched. Return to the timer (step S209). By the processing of steps S207 to S209, for example, when the detection signal of the winning port switch 25a is input to the input port 0, the value of the switch timer for the left winning port switch 25a is incremented by one.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value after addition is 0 (step S208; Yes), the addition value is not returned to the switch timer. That is, when the value of the switch timer has reached the maximum value (255), no further value is added.

After that, the CPU 113 adds 1 to the pointer (switch timer address) (step S210). By this processing, the pointer becomes “1”, and points to the address of the switch timer for the right prize opening switch 25b shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 113 subtracts 1 from the number of processes (step S211), and determines whether or not the number of processes has become “0” (step S212). When it is determined that the number of processes is not “0” (step S212; No), the CPU 113 returns to the process of step S202 and executes the processes of steps S202 to S212 again.
In the second step S203, since the pointer is “1”, the value of the switch timer for the right prize opening switch 25b is loaded. In step S204, the value of bit 1 of the input port 0 to which the detection signal of the right prize opening switch 25b is input is pushed out by the carry flag. For this reason, when the detection signal of the right winning mouth switch 25b is input to the input port 0, the value of the switch timer for the right winning mouth switch 25b is incremented by 1 by the processing of steps S207 to S209.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of processes has become “0” (step S212; Yes), the CPU 113 ends the switch check process.

  In the switch check process of step S104, the CPU 113 repeats the processes of steps S202 to S212 until the number of processes reaches “0”, whereby the CPU 113 receives the winning port switches 25a to 25d, the gate switch 21, the start port switch 22, For the count switch 24 and the V winning switch 23, it is possible to sequentially determine whether or not the detection signal is in the on state.

Further, since each switch timer is stored in the switch timer memory 211 in the same order as each bit of the input port, in the process of step S203, the CPU 113 loads the value of the switch timer corresponding to each switch. be able to.
Therefore, in the switch determined that the detection signal is in the ON state, the corresponding switch timer value is incremented by one.

  In this embodiment, since the game control interrupt process is started every 2 milliseconds, the switch process is also executed once every 2 milliseconds. Therefore, the value of the switch timer is incremented by 1 every 2 milliseconds.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 receives data input to the input port 1 (step S105 in FIG. 25). Next, the CPU 113 sets “2” as the number of processes (step S106). Then, the CPU 113 calls a payout error signal check process subroutine to execute a payout error signal check process (step S107), and ends this switch process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the payout error signal check process. In this payout error signal check process, the CPU 113 checks the input of the full tank state signal and the ball-out state signal as the payout error signal transmitted from the payout control board 15.
First, as shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 113 sets data input from the input port 1 as a comparison value (step S221). Then, the CPU 113 shifts the comparison value to the right (in the direction from the upper bit to the lower bit) (step S222). Thereby, the input data is pushed out by the carry flag.

Then, the CPU 113 checks the carry flag to determine whether the value is “0” or “1” (step S223). When the value of the carry flag is “0” (step S223; Yes), there is no input of a full state signal from the payout control board 15, so the CPU 113 turns off the full state flag provided in the flag memory 213. To. (Step S224).
On the other hand, when the value of the carry flag is “1” (step S223; No), the CPU 113 sets the full tank state flag to the on state (step S225) because there is a full tank state signal input from the payout control board 15.

  Next, the CPU 113 further shifts the comparison value to the right (step S226) and checks the carry flag to determine whether the value is “0” or “1” (step S227). When the value of the carry flag is “0” (step S227; Yes), since the ball cutting state signal is not input from the payout control board 15, the CPU 113 turns off the ball cutting state flag provided in the flag memory 213. To. (Step S228).

  On the other hand, when the value of the carry flag is “1” (step S227; No), since the ball cut state signal is input from the payout control board 15, the CPU 113 turns the ball cut state flag on (step S229). Then, the CPU 113 ends the payout error signal check process after the process of step S228 or step S229.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the error processing executed in step S12 of FIG. In this error processing, the CPU 113 performs processing for informing the payout error on the side of the effect control board 12 by checking a flag set based on the payout error signal from the payout control board 15.

  First, as shown in FIG. 28, the CPU 113 determines whether or not the full state flag provided in the flag memory 213 is set from the off state to the on state (step S111). When the full tank state flag is set to the on state (step S111; Yes), the command transmission table regarding the full tank notification command is set (step S112). Then, the CPU 113 calls a command set processing subroutine to execute command set processing (step S113).

  On the other hand, when the full state flag is not set to the on state (step S111; No), the CPU 113 skips the processes of steps S112 and S113.

Subsequently, the CPU 113 determines whether or not the full state flag is reset from the on state to the off state (step S114). When the full tank state flag is reset to the off state (step S114; Yes), the command transmission table regarding the full tank notification release command is set (step S115). Then, the CPU 113 calls a command set processing subroutine to execute command set processing (step S116).
On the other hand, when the full state flag is not reset to the off state (step S114; No), the CPU 113 skips the processes of steps S115 and S116.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 determines whether or not the ball-off state flag provided in the flag memory 213 has been set from the off state to the on state (step S117). When the ball cut state flag is set to the on state (step S117; Yes), a command transmission table related to the ball cut notification command is set (step S118). Then, the CPU 113 calls a command set processing subroutine to execute command set processing (step S119).

  On the other hand, when the ball-out state flag is not set to the on state (step S117; No), the CPU 113 skips the processing of step S118 and step S119.

Subsequently, the CPU 113 determines whether or not the ball-off state flag has been reset from the on state to the off state (step S120). When the ball cut state flag is reset to the off state (step S120; Yes), a command transmission table regarding the ball cut notification release command is set (step S121). Then, the CPU 113 calls a command set processing subroutine to execute command set processing (step S122), and ends this error processing.
On the other hand, when the full state flag is not reset to the off state (step S120; No), the CPU 113 skips steps S121 and S122 and ends the error processing as it is.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of the command set process executed in steps S113, S116, S119, and S122. In the command set process, as shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 113 first saves the address of the command transmission table in a stack or the like, and then loads INT data of the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer into the argument 1 (step S231). The argument 1 is input information for a command transmission process to be described later.

  Next, the CPU 113 adds 1 to the address indicating the command transmission table (step S232). As a result, the address indicated by the command transmission table matches the address of command data 1 (MODE data). Subsequently, the CPU 113 reads out the command data 1 (MODE data) and sets it as the argument 2 (step S233). This argument 2 is also input information for a command transmission process to be described later.

  Then, the CPU 113 calls a command transmission processing subroutine to execute command transmission processing (step S234).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing details of the command transmission process. In the command transmission process, the CPU 113 first sets the INT data set in the argument 1 to the work area determined as the comparison value (step S301), and the number of transmissions “2” is determined as the number of processes. The work area is set (step S302). Next, the CPU 113 sets the address of the output port 1 to the I / O address (step S303).

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 executes a shift process for shifting the comparison value to the right by 1 bit (step S304). Then, the CPU 113 checks the carry flag to determine whether the value is “0” or “1” (step S305). In this case, the value of the carry flag being “1” means that the rightmost bit in the INT data is “1”. In this embodiment, when the sending of the payout control command is instructed, the value of the carry flag becomes “1” in the first shift process.

  If it is determined that the value of the carry flag is “1” (step S305; No), the data set in the argument 2 is output to the address set as the I / O address (step S306). .

  In the first shift process, since the output port 1 address is set to the I / O address, MODE data of the payout control command is output to the output port 1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the carry flag value is “0” (step S305; Yes), the process of step S306 is skipped.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 adds 1 to the I / O address (step S307) and subtracts 1 from the number of processes (step S308). Thereby, the address of the output port 2 is set as the I / O address. Then, the CPU 113 determines whether or not the number of processes is “0” (step S309). If it is determined that the number of processes is not “0” (step S309; No), the process returns to the process of step S304. The shift process is executed again.

The CPU 113 pushes out the value of bit 1 in the INT data in the second shift process, and further determines whether the value of the carry flag is “0” or “1” in the process of step S305. Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction to send the production control command is instructed.
In the command transmission process in the command set process executed in steps S113, S116, S119, and S122 of the error process (FIG. 28), a full tank notification command, a full tank notification release command, and a ball cut notification command that are production control commands. Since the sending of the ball-cutting notification release command is instructed, it is determined that the value of the carry flag is “1” in the process of step S305 after the second shift process, and the process proceeds to step S306. In the process of step S306, the MODE data of the effect control command set in the argument 2 is output to the output port 2 set as the I / O address at this time.

  Thereafter, when it is determined in step S309 that the number of processes is “0” (step S309; Yes), the contents of argument 1 in which INT data before the start of the shift process is stored are read (step S310). The read data is output to the output port 0 (step S311). As a result, the INT signal output to the output port 0 becomes high level.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 sets a predetermined value in the weight counter (step S312), and subtracts the value by 1 until the value of the weight counter becomes 0 (step S313, step S314; No). When the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (step S314; Yes), clear data (00) is set (step S315), and the set clear data is output to the output port 0 (step S316). As a result, the INT signal output to the output port 0 becomes low level.

  Thereafter, the CPU 113 sets a predetermined value again in the wait counter (step S317), and subtracts the value by 1 until the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (step S318, step S319; No). When the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (step S319; Yes), the CPU 113 ends the command transmission process.

  Through the command transmission process of step S234, MODE data of the effect control command is sent from the output port 2 to the effect control board 12.

  Thereafter, the CPU 113 adds 1 to the address indicated by the command transmission table (step S235 in FIG. 29). As a result, the address indicated by the command transmission table matches the address of command data 2 (EXT data). Subsequently, the CPU 113 reads out the command data 2 (EXT data) and sets it as the argument 2 (step S236).

  Then, the CPU 113 determines whether the value of bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is “0” or “1” (step S237). If it is determined that the value of bit 7 is “1” (step S237; No), the contents of the transmission buffer are loaded into the argument 2 (step S238).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of bit 7 is “0” (step S237; Yes), the process of step S238 is skipped. As a result, EXT data is set in the argument 2.

  Then, the CPU 113 calls a command transmission processing subroutine to execute command transmission processing (step S239). As a result of the command transmission process in step S239, the output port 2 sends the EXT data of the effect control command to the effect control board 12.

  31 and 32 are flowcharts showing details of the prize ball processing executed in step S20 of FIG. In this prize ball processing, as shown in FIG. 31, the CPU 113 first sets “0” as an offset of the switch-on determination value table shown in FIG. 9 (step S131), and the address of the switch timer shown in FIG. “0” is set as the offset (step S132). The offset “0” in the switch-on determination value table means that the winning opening switch-on determination value “2” is used. Further, the offset “0” of the address of the switch timer means that the switch timer corresponding to the winning opening switch 25a is designated. Further, “4” is set as the number of repetitions (step S133).

  Then, the CPU 113 calls a switch-on check process subroutine to execute a switch-on check process (step S134). In the switch-on check process in step S134, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the winning opening switch 25a matches the switch-on determination value “2”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 213 is set to on. Is done.

  The CPU 113 checks this switch-on flag to determine whether or not the winning opening switch 25a is turned on (step S135). When it is determined that the winning opening switch 25a is on (step S135; Yes), the CPU 113 sets “10” as the number of prize balls to be paid out in the ring buffer shown in FIG. 10C (step S136). . The CPU 113 increments the write pointer every time data is written to the ring buffer. When data is written up to the last area of the ring buffer, the CPU 113 updates the write pointer to point to the first area of the ring buffer.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning opening switch 25a is not turned on (step S135; No), the CPU 113 skips the process of step S136.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 subtracts 1 from the number of repetitions (step S137), and determines whether or not the number of repetitions has become “0” (step S138). When it is determined that the number of repetitions is not “0” (step S138; No), the CPU 113 adds 1 to the offset of the address of the switch timer (step S139), and returns to the process of step S134.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of repetitions has become “0” (step S138; Yes), the CPU 113 proceeds to the process of step S140.

  As described above, the CPU 113 can sequentially determine whether or not the winning opening switches 25a to 25d are turned on by repeatedly executing the processes of steps S134 to S139 until the number of processes becomes “0”. . When it is determined that the winning opening switches 25a to 25d are turned on, “10” is set in the ring buffer as the number of winning balls to be paid out.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 sets “2” as the offset of the switch-on determination value table (step S140), and sets “5” as the offset of the switch timer address (step S141). The offset “2” in the switch-on determination value table means that the start-port switch-on determination value “2” is used. Further, the offset “5” of the address of the switch timer means that the switch timer corresponding to the start port switch 22 is designated.

  Then, the CPU 113 calls a switch-on check process subroutine to execute a switch-on check process (step S142). In the switch-on check process in step S142, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the start port switch 22 matches the switch-on determination value “2”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 213 is set to on. Is done.

  The CPU 113 checks this switch on flag to determine whether or not the start port switch 22 is on (step S143). If it is determined that the start port switch 22 is on (step S143; Yes), the CPU 113 sets “6” as the number of prize balls to be paid out in the ring buffer (step S144).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the start port switch 22 is not turned on (step S143; No), the CPU 113 skips the process of step S144.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 sets “3” as the offset of the switch-on determination value table (step S145), and sets “6” as the offset of the switch timer address (step S146). The offset “3” in the switch-on determination value table means that the count switch-on determination value “2” is used. The switch timer address offset “6” means that a switch timer corresponding to the count switch 24 is designated.

  Then, the CPU 113 calls a switch-on check process subroutine to execute a switch-on check process (step S147). In the switch-on check process in step S147, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the count switch 24 matches the switch-on determination value “2”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 213 is set to on. The

  The CPU 113 checks this switch on flag to determine whether or not the count switch 24 is on (step S148). If it is determined that the count switch 24 is on (step S148; Yes), the CPU 113 sets “15” as the number of prize balls to be paid out in the ring buffer (step S149).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the count switch 24 is not turned on (step S148; No), the CPU 113 skips the process of step S149.

  Then, the CPU 113 determines whether data exists in the ring buffer (step S150 in FIG. 32). If data exists in the ring buffer (step S150; Yes), the contents of the ring buffer pointed to by the read pointer are set in the transmission buffer (step S151), and the value of the read pointer points to the next area of the ring buffer. The command transmission table relating to the number of winning balls is set (step S153).

  Then, the CPU 113 calls a command set processing subroutine to execute the command set processing shown in FIG. 29 (step S154). In the command set process of step S154, the head address of the command transmission table storing the payout control command relating to the number of winning balls is set as the address of the command transmission table. As a result, a payout control command relating to the number of prize balls is sent from the main board 11 to the payout control board 15. For example, when it is determined that the count switch 24 is turned on in the process of step S148 and “15” is set in the ring buffer in the process of step S149, in this command set process, 15 prize balls A payout control command F00F (h) for designating the number is sent to the payout control board 15.

  In step S150, when there is no data in the ring buffer (step S150; No), the CPU 113 skips the processes of steps S151 to S154 and ends the winning ball process.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the switch-on check process executed in steps S134, S142, and S147. In the switch-on check process, as shown in FIG. 33, the CPU 113 first sets the head address of the switch-on determination value table (step S241). Then, the CPU 113 adds an offset to this address (step S242), and loads a switch-on determination value from the address after the addition (step S243). For example, in the case of the switch-on check process in step S142 in FIG. 31, in step S242, the offset “2” set in step S140 in FIG. 31 is added to the address of the switch-on determination value table. As a result, in step S243, the start port switch-on determination value “2” shown in FIG. 9 is loaded.

  Subsequently, the CPU 113 sets the start address of the switch timer (step S244), adds an offset to the address (step S245), and loads the value of the switch timer from the address after the addition (step S246). For example, in the case of the switch-on check process in step S142 in FIG. 31, in step S245, the offset “5” set in step S141 in FIG. 31 is added to the address of the switch timer. As a result, in step S246, the value of the switch timer for the start port switch shown in FIG. 8 is loaded.

Then, the CPU 113 compares the value of the loaded switch timer with the switch-on determination value (step S247), and when the switch timer value matches the switch-on determination value (step S247; Yes), the flag memory 213 Is set to ON (step S248). On the other hand, when the value of the switch timer does not coincide with the switch-on determination value (step S247; No), the process of step S248 is skipped and the switch-on check process is terminated as it is.
For example, in the case of the switch-on check process in step S142 of FIG. 31, it is determined in step S247 whether the value of the switch timer for the start port switch is the start port switch-on determination value “2”. . If it is “2”, the switch-on flag corresponding to the start port switch 22 is set to ON in step S248.

  Next, the operation in the payout control board 15 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a payout control main process executed by the payout control CPU 153 mounted on the payout control board 15. When the payout control main process is started, as shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 153 first executes a predetermined initialization process to clear the RAM 152, set various initial values, and determine the payout control start interval. The initial setting of the 2-millisecond timer is performed (step S31).

  Thereafter, the CPU 153 monitors a timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 258 (step S32), and executes a loop process until the timer interrupt flag is set (step S32; No). In this embodiment, a timer interrupt occurs every 2 milliseconds in the CPU 153, and when this timer interrupt occurs, a predetermined timer interrupt process is executed, thereby a timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 258. Is set.

  The CPU 153 generates an interrupt for receiving a payout control command from the main board 11 separately from the timer interrupt that occurs every 2 milliseconds. This interrupt is an interrupt generated when the payout control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interruption occurs due to the payout control INT signal being turned on, the CPU 153 executes a command reception interrupt process shown in FIG.

  In this command reception interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 35, the CPU 153 first saves the value of each register to the stack and then assigns it to the input of the payout control signals CD0 to CD7 in the I / O port 154. The data corresponding to the payout control command is read from the input port that is present (step S41). Then, it is determined whether or not it is the first byte of the 2-byte payout control command (step S42).

  Here, the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) of the payout control command are configured to be immediately distinguishable on the receiving side. In other words, the reception side can immediately detect whether the data as MODE or the data as EXT has been received by the first bit. When the first bit of the received command is “1”, it is determined that the valid first byte (MODE data) of the payout control command having a 2-byte configuration has been received.

  When it is determined in step S42 that the MODE data is the first byte (step S42; Yes), the received command is stored in the reception command buffer specified by the command reception number counter in the reception command buffer memory 251. (Step S43), and then the process proceeds to Step S50. On the other hand, if it is not the first byte of the payout control command (step S42; No), it is determined whether or not the first byte of MODE data has already been received (step S44). Whether or not the first byte of MODE data has been received can be determined by checking the command data stored in the received command buffer.

  If the first byte has already been received (step S44; Yes), it is determined whether or not it is the second byte of the 2-byte payout control command (step S45). In this step S45, it is determined whether or not the first bit of the one byte received this time is “0”. If the first bit is “0”, a valid second byte (EXT data) is received. It is determined that If it is determined in step S45 that the EXT data is the second byte (step S45; Yes), the received command is stored in the next reception command buffer specified by the command reception number counter (step S46). .

  If it is determined in step S44 that the first byte of the payout control command has not been received (step S44; No), or if it is determined in step S45 that it is not the second byte of EXT data. (Step S45; No), the process proceeds to Step S50.

  When command data of the second byte is stored in the process of step S46, the value of the command reception number counter is incremented by 2 (step S47), and it is determined whether or not the value is 12 or more (step S48). If it is 12 or more (step S48; Yes), the command reception number counter is cleared and the value is returned to 0 (step S49). On the other hand, when it is less than 12 (step S48; No), the process of step S49 is skipped. Then, after restoring the saved register, the CPU 153 sets the interrupt permission (step S50). In this way, the payout control command sent from the main board 11 is stored in the reception command buffer provided in the reception command buffer memory 251 by the command reception interrupt process.

  In this way, the payout control command transmitted from the main board 11 is stored in the reception command buffer, while the occurrence of the timer interrupt is confirmed in the process of step S32 in FIG. When the occurrence of the timer interrupt is confirmed (step S32; Yes), the CPU 153 clears the timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 258 and turns it off, and then performs the payout control interrupt process in steps S51 to S58. To start. In this payout control interrupt process, the CPU 153 first executes a predetermined switch process to thereby input various switches (payout motor position sensor 71, payout count switch 72, full tank switch 26, The detection signal from the ball cutting switch 27 and the like is taken in, and the state of the fetched detection signal is determined (step S51).

  Next, the CPU 153 executes a command analysis process, and executes a process according to the analysis result (step S52). Further, a predetermined prepaid card unit control process is executed (step S53).

  Thereafter, the CPU 153 performs a ball lending control process for paying out a ball in response to a ball lending request (step S54). Further, a prize ball control process for paying out the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball total counter is executed (step S55). And a drive signal is output with respect to the payout motor 51 of the payout apparatus 50, and the payout motor control process which rotates the payout motor 51 is performed (step S56).

  Subsequently, the CPU 153 performs a predetermined error process to perform abnormality diagnosis related to the payout of the game ball, and according to the diagnosis result, if necessary, a warning can be generated by a predetermined error display LED, etc. A payout error signal indicating that the payout cannot be performed on the main board 11 is enabled (step S57). Then, by executing a predetermined output process, a ball rental quantity signal is output outside the gaming machine (step S58).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing details of the switch processing executed in step S51. In this switch processing, the CPU 153 first receives data input to the input port 2 as shown in FIG. 36 (step S501). Next, the CPU 153 sets “4” as the number of processes (step S502), and sets the address “0” of the switch timer of the payout motor position sensor 71 to the pointer (step S503). Thereafter, the CPU 153 calls a switch check processing subroutine to execute switch check processing (step S504).

  Since this switch check process is the same as the switch check process shown in FIG. 26 executed by the game control microcomputer 110 of the main board 11, the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the switch check process in step S504, the CPU 153 sequentially determines whether or not the detection signals of the payout motor position sensor 71, the payout count switch 72, the full tank switch 26, and the ball cut switch 27 are in the ON state, and detects them. One is added to the switch timer value corresponding to the switch whose signal is on.

  Subsequently, the CPU 153 calls a count processing subroutine to execute count processing (step S505). In this counting process, the CPU 153 performs a subtraction process for the values of the payout operation amount counter 254, prize ball total counter 255, and lending total counter 256 based on the values of the switch timers of the payout motor position sensor 71 and the payout count switch 72. Do.

  Further, the CPU 153 calls a flag processing subroutine to execute flag processing (step S506), and ends this switch processing. In this flag processing, the CPU 153 sets the full tank flag and the ball cut flag provided in the flag memory 258 based on the values of the switch timers of the full tank switch 26 and the ball cut switch 27.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of the count process executed in step S505. In this counting process, as shown in FIG. 37, the CPU 153 first sets “0” as the offset of the switch-on determination value table shown in FIG. 16 (step S601), and the offset of the address of the switch timer shown in FIG. "0" is set as (step S602). The offset “0” in the switch-on determination value table means that the payout motor position sensor switch-on determination value “2” is used. Further, the offset “0” of the switch timer address means that the switch timer corresponding to the payout motor position sensor 71 is designated.

Then, the CPU 153 calls a switch-on check processing subroutine to execute switch-on check processing (step S603). Since the switch-on check process of step S603 and step S608 shown below is the same as the switch-on check process shown in FIG. 33 executed by the game control microcomputer 110 of the main board 11, the description thereof is omitted.
In the switch-on check process in step S603, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout motor position sensor 71 matches the switch-on determination value “2”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 258 is turned on. Set.

  The CPU 153 checks the switch-on flag to determine whether or not the payout motor position sensor 71 is on (step S604). When it is determined that the payout motor position sensor 71 is turned on (step S604; Yes), the CPU 153 determines that the payout operation of one game ball by the payout motor 51 is completed, and the payout operation amount counter 254 is determined. Is subtracted by 1 (step S605).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the dispensing motor position sensor 71 is not turned on (step S604; No), the CPU 153 skips the process of step S605.

  Next, the CPU 153 sets “1” as the offset of the switch-on determination value table (step S606), and sets “1” as the offset of the switch timer address (step S607). The offset “1” in the switch-on determination value table means that the payout count switch-on determination value “2” is used. Further, the offset “1” of the address of the switch timer means that a switch timer corresponding to the payout count switch 72 is designated.

  Then, the CPU 153 calls a switch on check processing subroutine to execute the switch on check processing (step S608). In the switch-on check process in step S608, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout count switch 72 matches the switch-on determination value “2”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 258 is set to ON. Is done.

  The CPU 153 checks the switch-on flag to determine whether or not the payout count switch 72 is on (step S609). If it is determined that the payout count switch 72 is on (step S609; Yes), the CPU 153 determines that one game ball has been paid out from the payout device 50, and the game ball is used as a prize ball. It is determined by checking the award ball paying flag and the paying ball paying flag provided in the flag memory 258 to determine whether the money has been paid out or has been paid out for lending to a player. (Step S610).

  When it is determined in the process of step S610 that the game ball has been paid out as a prize ball from the payout device 50 because the prize ball payout flag is on (step S610; Yes), the CPU 153 The value of the total counter 255 is decremented by 1 (step S611), and the count process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of step S610 that the game ball has been paid out for lending to the player from the payout device 50 because the lending payout flag is on (step S610; No). The CPU 153 subtracts 1 from the value of the lending total counter 256 (step S612), and ends the counting process.

  If it is determined in step S609 that the payout count switch 72 is not turned on (step S609; No), the CPU 153 skips steps S610, S611, and S612 and ends the count process. To do.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing details of the flag process executed in step S506 of FIG. In this flag processing, as shown in FIG. 38, the CPU 153 first sets “2” as the offset of the switch-on determination value table shown in FIG. 16 (step S621), and the offset of the switch timer address shown in FIG. Is set to “2” (step S622). The offset “2” in the switch-on determination value table means that the full switch-on determination value “50” is used. An offset “2” of the switch timer address means that a switch timer corresponding to the full switch 26 is designated.

Then, the CPU 153 calls a switch-on check processing subroutine to execute switch-on check processing (step S623). Since the switch-on check process of step S623 and step S628 shown below is the same as the switch-on check process shown in FIG. 33 executed by the game control microcomputer 110 of the main board 11, the description thereof is omitted.
In the switch-on check process in step S623, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the full-tan switch 26 matches the full-tan switch-on determination value “50”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 258 is turned on. Set to

  The CPU 153 checks the switch on flag to determine whether or not the full switch 26 is on (step S624). When it is determined that the full tank switch 26 is on (step S624; Yes), the CPU 113 sets the full tank flag provided in the flag memory 258 to on (step S625). The full flag is reset and turned off when the value of the switch timer corresponding to the full switch 26 becomes “0”.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the full switch 26 is not turned on (step S624; No), the CPU 153 skips the process of step S625.

  Subsequently, the CPU 153 sets “3” as the offset of the switch-on determination value table (step S626), and sets “3” as the offset of the switch timer address (step S627). The offset “3” in the switch-on determination value table means that the ball-off switch-on determination value “250” is used. Further, the offset “3” of the address of the switch timer means that a switch timer corresponding to the ball-off switch 27 is designated.

  Then, the CPU 153 calls a switch-on check processing subroutine to execute switch-on check processing (step S628). In the switch-on check process in step S628, if the value of the switch timer corresponding to the ball-off switch 27 matches the ball-off switch-on determination value “250”, the switch-on flag provided in the flag memory 258 is turned on. Set to

  The CPU 153 checks the switch on flag to determine whether or not the ball cut switch 27 is on (step S629). When it is determined that the ball-off switch 27 is on (step S629; Yes), the CPU 153 sets the ball-off flag provided in the flag memory 258 to on (step S630), and ends the flag process. The ball-off flag is reset and turned off when the value of the switch timer corresponding to the ball-off switch 27 becomes “30”.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball cut switch 27 is not turned on (step S629; No), the CPU 153 skips the process of step S630 and ends the flag process.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing in step S52 of FIG. In this command analysis process, as shown in FIG. 39, the CPU 153 first checks whether or not the payout control command received from the main board 11 is stored in the receive command buffer provided in the receive command buffer memory 251. (Step S511).

  When the received command is stored in the received command buffer (step S511; Yes), the CPU 153 reads the received command from the received command buffer, and whether or not the read received command is a payout control command for designating the number of winning balls. Is determined (step S512). When read, the read pointer value is incremented by one.

  If it is determined that the read received command is a payout control command for designating the number of winning balls (step S512; Yes), the CPU 153 uses the number of winning balls designated by the payout control command as the contents of the winning ball total counter 255. Addition is performed (step S513). Subsequently, the CPU 153 checks a prize ball paying flag provided in the flag memory 258 to determine whether or not the payout device 50 is executing a prize ball payout operation (step S514).

  When it is determined that the payout device 50 is performing the payout operation of the prize ball (step S514; Yes), the CPU 153 adds the number of prize balls designated by the payout control command to the contents of the payout received number counter 257. At the same time (step S515), the payout receiving flag provided in the flag memory 258 is set to ON (step S516).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not stored in the received command buffer in the process of step S511 (step S511; No), the payout control command in which the received command read in the process of step S512 specifies the number of prize balls If it is determined that the payout device 50 is not executing a prize ball payout operation in the process of step S514 (step S514; No), the CPU 153 directly executes the command End the analysis process.

  40 and 41 are flowcharts showing details of the ball lending control process executed in step S54 of FIG. In this ball lending control process, the maximum value of the number of balls that are continuously paid out from the payout device 50 is the same number (for example, 25) as one unit of the ball, but this value is arbitrary, Other numbers may be used.

  When the ball lending control process is started, as shown in FIG. 40, the CPU 153 first determines whether or not the full tank flag provided in the flag memory 258 is on (step S521). If it is determined that the full tank flag is not on (step S521; No), the CPU 153 determines whether or not the ball-out flag is on (step S522). When it is determined in the process of step S521 that the full flag is on (step S521; Yes) and in the process of step S522, it is determined that the ball cut flag is on (step S522; Yes). The CPU 153 determines that the game ball cannot be paid out from the payout device 50 and ends the ball lending control process as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the processes of steps S521 and S522 that neither the full flag nor the ball-out flag is on (step S521; No, step S522; No), the lending payout provided in the flag memory 258 is in progress. The flag is checked to determine whether or not a rental ball has been paid out (step S523). If it is determined that the rented ball has been paid out (step S523; Yes), the process proceeds to step S530.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the rental ball has not been paid out (step S523; No), the prize ball paying flag provided in the flag memory 258 is checked, and the prize ball is paid out. It is determined whether or not it is being performed (step S524). If it is determined that the winning ball is paid out (step S524; Yes), the ball lending control process is terminated as it is.

  If it is determined in the processes in steps S523 and S524 that neither a rental ball is paid out nor a prize ball is paid out (step S523; No, step S524; No), the CPU 153 requests a ball rental from the card unit 70. It is determined whether or not there has been (step S525). When it is determined that there is no ball lending request (step S525; No), the ball lending control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a ball lending request has been made (step S525; Yes), the CPU 153 turns on a lending payout flag provided in the flag memory 258 (step S526), and a lending total counter 256. Then, “25” is set in the payout operation amount counter 254 (step S527).

  Then, the CPU 153 turns on the EXS signal (step S528) and drives the payout motor 51 after the card unit 70 turns off the BRQ signal which is a ball lending request signal based on the turn-on of the EXS signal (step S529). ). Thereby, the ball lending control processing shifts from the processing before the ball lending operation to the processing during ball lending.

  In the ball lending process, the CPU 153 first determines whether or not it is during the payout ball passage waiting time (step S530 in FIG. 41). The payout ball passage waiting time is the time from when the last payout ball is paid out by the payout motor 51 until it passes through the payout count switch 72. If it is determined in step S530 that the payout ball passage waiting time is not being reached (step S530; No), the CPU 153 pays out a ball (step S531).

  Then, the CPU 153 determines whether or not the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 has become “0” (step S532). When the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 becomes “0” (step S532; Yes), the CPU 153 determines that the operation necessary for paying out 25 balls has been completed and determines the payout motor 51. The payout operation is stopped (step S533), the payout ball passage waiting time is set (step S534), and the ball lending control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 is not “0” in the process of step S532 (step S532; No), the CPU 153 ends the ball lending control process as it is.

  When it is determined in the process of step S530 that the payout ball passage waiting time is being reached (step S530; Yes), the CPU 153 determines whether or not the payout ball passage waiting time has ended (step S535). When it is determined that the payout ball passage waiting time has not ended (step S535; No), the ball lending control process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout ball passage waiting time has ended (step S535; Yes), it is determined whether or not the value of the total number of rental balls counter 256 is “0” (step S536). When the value of the total number of rental counters 256 is not “0” (step S536; No), it is determined that there is an unpaid loan and the value of the total number of rental counters 256 is set in the payout operation amount counter 254. Then (step S537), the payout motor 51 is driven again (step S538). Thereafter, the CPU 153 returns to the process of step S530.

  On the other hand, when the value of the total number of rented counters 256 is “0” (step S536; Yes), it is determined that one unit of rented out has been paid out, and The EXS signal is turned off to indicate that the ball lending request can be accepted (step S539), the ball paying-out flag is turned off (step S540), and the ball lending control process ends.

  42 and 43 are flowcharts showing details of the prize ball control process executed in step S55 of FIG. When the winning ball control process starts, as shown in FIG. 42, the CPU 153 first determines whether or not the full tank flag provided in the flag memory 258 is on (step S551). If it is determined that the full tank flag is not on (step S551; No), the CPU 153 determines whether or not the ball-off flag is on (step S552).

  When it is determined in the process of step S551 that the full flag is on (step S551; Yes) and in the process of step S552, it is determined that the ball cut flag is on (step S552; Yes). The CPU 153 determines that the game ball cannot be paid out from the payout device 50, and ends the award ball control process as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the processes of steps S551 and S552 that neither the full flag nor the ball-off flag is in the on state (step S551; No, step S552; No), the lending payout provided in the flag memory 258 is in progress. The flag is checked to determine whether or not a rental ball has been paid out (step S553). If it is determined that the rented ball has been paid out (step S553; Yes), the prize ball control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the rental ball is not paid out (step S553; No), the prize ball payout flag provided in the flag memory 258 is checked, and the prize ball is paid out. It is determined whether or not it is being performed (step S554). If it is determined that a prize ball is paid out (step S554; Yes), the process proceeds to step S559.

  When it is determined in the processes of steps S553 and S554 that neither a rental ball nor a prize ball is paid out (step S553; No, step S554; No), the CPU 153 determines the value of the total number of winning balls counter 255. Is not "0" (step S555). When the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball total counter 255 is “0” (step S555; Yes), the prize ball control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is not “0” (step S555; No), the CPU 153 turns on the winning ball paying-in flag provided in the flag memory 258 (step S556), and the payout operation amount. The value of the winning ball total counter 255 is set in the counter 254 (step S557). Then, the CPU 153 drives the payout motor 51 (step S558). Thereby, the prize ball control process shifts from the process before the prize ball movement to the process during the prize ball movement.

  In the processing during the winning ball operation, the CPU 153 first determines whether or not it is during the payout ball passage waiting time (step S559 in FIG. 43). If it is determined in step S559 that the payout ball passage waiting time is not being reached (step S559; No), the CPU 153 pays out a prize ball (step S560).

  The CPU 153 checks the payout receiving flag provided in the flag memory 258, and determines whether or not a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls has been received during the payout of the prize balls (step S561). When it is determined that a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls is received during the payout of the winning ball (step S561; Yes), the CPU 153 adds the contents of the payout received number counter 257 to the value of the payout operation amount counter 254. (Step S562). Thereafter, the CPU 153 clears the payout reception number counter 257 to 0 (step S563), turns off the payout reception flag (step S564), and ends the prize ball control process.

  If it is determined in step S561 that the payout control command for designating the number of prize balls is not received during the payout of the winning ball (step S561; No), the CPU 153 sets the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 to “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S565). When the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 becomes “0” (step S565; Yes), the CPU 153 determines that the operation necessary for paying out all prize balls has been completed, and the payout motor 51 pays out. The operation is stopped (step S566), the payout ball passage waiting time is set (step S567), and the winning ball control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 is not “0” (step S565; No), the CPU 153 ends the prize ball control process as it is.

  When it is determined in the process of step S559 that the payout ball passage waiting time is being reached (step S559; Yes), the CPU 153 determines whether or not the payout ball passage waiting time has ended (step S568). When it is determined that the payout ball passage waiting time has not ended (step S568; No), the award ball control process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout ball passage waiting time has ended (step S568; Yes), it is determined whether or not the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is “0” (step S569). When the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is not “0” (step S569; No), it is determined that there is an unpaid winning ball, and the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is set in the payout operation amount counter 254. (Step S570), the payout motor 51 is driven again (Step S571). Thereafter, the CPU 153 returns to the process of step S559.

  On the other hand, if the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is “0” (step S569; Yes), it is determined that all winning balls have been paid out, and the paying ball paying off flag is turned off (step S572). ), The prize ball control process is terminated.

  In the prize ball control process described above, there is no upper limit on the number of game balls that are continuously paid out from the payout device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined upper limit value may be provided for the number of game balls that are continuously paid out from the payout device 50.

  44, 45 and 46 are flowcharts showing a modified example of the prize ball control process executed in step S55 of FIG.

  In this award ball control process, the number (for example, 25) of units of rented balls is set on the payout control board 15 as the upper limit value of game balls that are continuously paid out from the payout device 50. When the prize ball control process starts, the CPU 153 first determines whether or not the full tank flag provided in the flag memory 258 is on as shown in FIG. 44 (step S641). If it is determined that the full tank flag is not on (step S641; No), the CPU 153 determines whether or not the ball-out flag is on (step S642).

  When it is determined in the process of step S641 that the full flag is on (step S641; Yes) and in the process of step S642, it is determined that the ball cut flag is on (step S642; Yes). The CPU 153 determines that the game ball cannot be paid out from the payout device 50, and ends the award ball control process as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the processes of steps S641 and S642 that neither the full flag nor the ball-off flag is on (step S641; No, step S642; No), the renting out of the sphere provided in the flag memory 258 is in progress. The flag is checked to determine whether or not a rental ball has been paid out (step S643). If it is determined that the rented ball has been paid out (step S643; Yes), the prize ball control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the rental ball has not been paid out (step S643; No), the prize ball paying-in flag provided in the flag memory 258 is checked, and the prize ball is paid out. It is determined whether or not it is being performed (step S644). If it is determined that a prize ball is paid out (step S644; Yes), the process proceeds to step S651.

  When it is determined in the processes of steps S643 and S644 that neither the lending of the lent ball nor the payout of the winning ball is performed (step S643; No, step S644; No), the CPU 153 determines the value of the winning ball total counter 255. Is not “0” (step S645). When the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball total counter 255 is “0” (step S645; Yes), the prize ball control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the value of the prize ball total counter 255 is not “0” (step S645; No), the CPU 153 turns on the prize ball paying-in flag provided in the flag memory 258 (step S646), and the prize ball total counter It is determined whether or not the value of 255 is “25” or more (step S647).

  When it is determined that the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is equal to or greater than “25” (step S647; Yes), the CPU 153 sets “25” in the payout operation amount counter 254 (step S648). On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the prize ball total counter 255 is less than “25” (step S647; No), the CPU 153 sets the value of the prize ball total counter 255 in the payout operation amount counter 254 (step S649). . Then, the CPU 153 drives the payout motor 51 (step S650). Thereby, the prize ball control process shifts from the process before the prize ball movement to the process during the prize ball movement.

  In the processing during the winning ball operation, the CPU 153 first determines whether or not it is during the payout ball passage waiting time (step S651 in FIG. 45). If it is determined in step S651 that the payout ball passage waiting time is not being reached (step S651; No), the CPU 153 pays out a prize ball (step S652).

  Then, the CPU 153 checks the payout receiving flag provided in the flag memory 258 to determine whether or not a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls has been received during the payout of the prize balls (step S653). When it is determined that a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls is received during payout of the winning ball (step S653; Yes), an addition value between the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 and the value of the payout received number counter 257 is obtained. (Step S654).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the added value obtained in step S654 is “25” or more (step S655). When it is determined that the added value obtained in step S654 is “25” or more (step S655; Yes), the CPU 153 sets “25” as the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 (step S656), and step S654. A value (subtraction value) obtained by subtracting “25” from the addition value obtained in the above is set in the payout received number counter 257 (step S657), and the winning ball control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the added value obtained in step S654 is less than “25” (step S655; No), the CPU 153 adds the value of the payout received number counter 257 to the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 ( Then, the CPU 153 clears the payout received number counter 257 to 0 (step S659), turns off the payout receiving flag (step S660), and ends the winning ball control process.

  If it is determined in step S653 that the payout control command for designating the number of prize balls has not been received during the payout of the winning ball (step S653; No), the CPU 153 sets the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 to “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S661). When the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 becomes “0” (step S661; Yes), the CPU 153 determines that the operation necessary for paying out all the prize balls is completed, and the payout motor 51 pays out. The operation is stopped (step S662), the payout ball passage waiting time is set (step S663), and the winning ball control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 is not “0” (step S661; No), the CPU 153 ends the prize ball control process as it is.

  If it is determined in step S651 that the payout ball passage waiting time is being reached (step S651; Yes), the CPU 153 determines whether or not the payout ball passage waiting time has ended (step S664 in FIG. 46). . If it is determined that the payout ball passage waiting time has not ended (step S664; No), the award ball control process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout ball passage waiting time has ended (step S664; Yes), it is determined whether or not the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is “0” (step S665). If the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is not “0” (step S665; No), it is determined that there is an unpaid winning ball, and the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is set in the payout operation amount counter 254. Then (step S666), the payout motor 51 is driven again (step S667). Thereafter, the CPU 153 returns to the process of step S651.

  On the other hand, when the value of the winning ball total counter 255 is “0” (step S665; Yes), it is determined that all winning balls have been paid out, and the winning ball paying-in flag is turned off (step S668). ), The prize ball control process is terminated.

  In this way, the CPU 153 can pay out the winning ball with the upper limit value being “25” while maintaining the effect in the winning ball control process shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing details of the error processing executed in step S57 of FIG. In this error process, the CPU 153 outputs to the main board 11 a payout error signal indicating that the game ball cannot be paid out from the payout device 50. In the present embodiment, the CPU 153 outputs a full state signal and a ball-out state signal as a payout error signal.

  First, as shown in FIG. 47, the CPU 153 determines whether or not the full tank flag provided in the flag memory 258 is on (step S671). When the full tank flag is in the on state (step S671; Yes), the CPU 153 sets the bit of the output port corresponding to the full tank state signal to high level and outputs a full tank state signal to the main board 11. (Step S672). On the other hand, when the full flag is off (step S671; No), the CPU 153 sets the bit of the output port corresponding to the full state signal to the low level and outputs the full state signal to the main board 11. Stop (step S673).

  Subsequently, the CPU 153 determines whether or not the ball cutting flag provided in the flag memory 258 is in an on state (step S674). When the ball cut flag is in the on state (step S674; Yes), the CPU 153 sets the bit of the output port corresponding to the ball cut state signal to high level and outputs the ball cut state signal to the main board 11. (Step S675). On the other hand, when the ball cut flag is in the off state (step S674; No), the CPU 153 sets the bit of the output port corresponding to the ball cut state signal to the low level and outputs the ball cut state signal to the main board 11. Is stopped (step S676). Then, this error processing is terminated.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an effect control main process executed by the effect control CPU 123 mounted on the effect control board 12. When the production control main process is started, first, as shown in FIG. 48, the CPU 123 executes a predetermined initialization process to clear the RAM 122, set various initial values, and determine the activation control activation interval. The 33 second timer is initialized (step S71).

  Thereafter, the CPU 123 monitors a timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 223 (step S72), and executes a loop process until the timer interrupt flag is set (step S72; No). In this embodiment, the CPU 123 generates a timer interrupt every 33 milliseconds. When this timer interrupt occurs, the timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 223 is executed by executing a predetermined timer interrupt process. Is set.

  In the CPU 123, an interrupt for receiving an effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from the timer interrupt generated every 33 milliseconds. This interruption is an interruption that occurs when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interruption due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal occurs, the CPU 123 executes an effect control command reception interrupt process. The effect control command reception interrupt process is the same as the command reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 35 executed by the payout control microcomputer 150 of the payout control board 15, and the description thereof is omitted.

  By the effect control command reception interrupt process, the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 is stored in the reception command buffer provided in the reception command buffer memory 221, while the timer interrupt is generated in the process of step S72. It is confirmed. When the occurrence of the timer interrupt is confirmed (step S72; Yes), the CPU 123 clears the timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 223 and sets it to the OFF state, and then performs the effect control interrupt process of steps S73 to S76. To start. In this effect control interrupt process, the CPU 123 first analyzes the received effect control command by executing a command analysis process (step S73).

  When the command analysis process ends, the CPU 123 executes a counter update process for updating the random, which is used to determine the content of the effect produced by the display on the variable display device 4 and is counted by the random counter ( Step S74), a special symbol display control process is executed (step S75).

  In the special symbol display control process, the corresponding process is selected according to the value of the display control process flag provided in the flag memory 223 in order to control the display operation in the variable display device 4 in a predetermined order according to the display state. Executed. Subsequent to the special symbol display control process, the CPU 123 executes a predetermined normal symbol display control process to control the normal symbol display 40 to be turned on / off, and follows the effect control command received from the main board 11. The normal game is advanced (step S76). When the normal symbol display control process ends, the process returns to step S72.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the command analysis processing in step S73. When the command analysis process is started, the CPU 123 first checks whether or not there is an effect control command received from the main board 11 (step S701). For example, when it is confirmed that there is a received command because the received command is stored in the received command buffer (step S701; Yes), the received command is read (step S702). It is determined whether or not the middle / right symbol designation commands 90XX (h), 91XX (h) and 92XX (h) are satisfied (step S703).

  If the received command read in the process of step S702 is a left / middle / right symbol designation command (step S703; Yes), the EXT data of the command is the left / middle / right symbol for the special symbol secured in the RAM 122. While storing in the storage area (step S704), the valid flag provided in the flag memory 223 is set to the on state (step S705), and the process returns to the process of step S701. The EXT data of the left / middle / right symbol designation command is data indicating the symbol number of the special symbol. On the other hand, when the received command read in the process of step S702 is not the left / middle / right symbol designation command (step S703; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a variable display start command 80XX (h). Is determined (step S706).

  If the received command read in step S702 is the variable display start command 80XX (h) (step S706; Yes), the EXT data of the command is stored in the variable display pattern storage area secured in the RAM 122 and saved. At the same time (step S707), the variable display start reception flag provided in the flag memory 223 is set to the on state (step S708), and the process returns to step S701.

  On the other hand, when the received command read in the process of step S702 is not a variable display start command (step S706; No), the read received command is another production control command (for example, special symbol confirmation command A000 (h)). ), And if it is another effect control command, a command reception flag corresponding to the received effect control command provided in the flag memory 223 is set (step S709), and the process of step S701 is performed. Return to When all the received commands are read out in this way (step S701; No), the command analysis process ends.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the special symbol display control process executed in step S75 of FIG. In this special symbol display control process, the CPU 123 executes a payout error notification process (step S711) and then waits for a variable display start command reception based on the value of the display control process flag provided in the flag memory 223. (Step S712), display control setting processing (Step S713), variable display processing (Step S714), special symbol stop waiting processing (Step S715), jackpot display processing (Step S716), jackpot end display processing (Step S717) Any one of the processes is selected and executed, and the special symbol display control process is terminated.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing details of the payout error notification process executed in step S711. In this payout error notification process, as shown in FIG. 51, the CPU 123 first determines whether or not a full tank notification command C000 (h) has been received from the main board 11 (step S801). When the full tank notification command is received (step S801; Yes), the CPU 123 performs effect display control for notifying that the surplus ball receiving tray 32 is in the full state, and displays a full tank notification screen on the variable display device 4. It is displayed (step S802). For example, a display such as “payout has been stopped due to a full state” is displayed on the variable display device 4. On the other hand, when the full tank notification command has not been received (step S801; No), the CPU 123 skips the process of step S802.

  Next, the CPU 123 determines whether or not a full tank notification cancel command C0001 (h) has been received from the main board 11 (step S803). When the full tank notification cancel command is received (step S803; Yes), the CPU 123 ends the effect display control for notifying that the full state is reached, thereby displaying the full tank notification screen on the variable display device 4. Is terminated (step S804). On the other hand, when the full tank notification cancel command has not been received (step S803; No), the CPU 123 skips the process of step S804.

  Next, the CPU 123 determines whether or not a ball cutting notification command C0002 (h) has been received from the main board 11 (step S805). When the ball-cut notification command is received (step S805; Yes), the CPU 123 performs effect display control for notifying that the ball is cut and causes the variable display device 4 to notify the ball-cut notification screen (step). S806). For example, a display such as “payout has been stopped due to a ball-out state” is displayed on the variable display device 4. On the other hand, when the ball-cut notification command has not been received (step S805; No), the CPU 123 skips the process of step S806.

  Next, the CPU 123 determines whether or not a ball-cut notification cancel command C0003 (h) has been received from the main board 11 (step S807). When the ball-cut notification cancel command is received (step S807; Yes), the CPU 123 ends the effect display control for notifying that the ball is cut, thereby displaying the ball-cut notification screen on the variable display device 4. Is terminated (step S808). On the other hand, when the ball-cut notification cancel command has not been received (step S807; No), the CPU 123 skips the process of step S808 and ends the payout error notification process.

  The variable display start command reception waiting process in step S712 of FIG. 50 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is the initial value “0”. In this process, the CPU 123 determines whether or not the variable display start flag provided in the flag memory 223 is on. In the command analysis process described above, when the variable display start command is read from the reception command buffer, the variable display start flag is set to the on state. If the variable display start flag is on, the variable display start flag is cleared and turned off, and the value of the display control process flag is updated to “1” corresponding to the display control setting process. On the other hand, when the variable display start flag is off, the variable display start command reception waiting process is terminated.

  The display control setting process in step S713 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “1”. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the display control setting process in step S713. In this display control setting process, the CPU 123 first determines a symbol display control pattern corresponding to the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command (step S811). Specifically, the symbol display control pattern is selected and determined from the symbol display control pattern determination table 225 shown in FIG. 20 according to the data stored in the variable display pattern storage area secured in the RAM 122.

  Subsequently, the CPU 123 sends a predetermined drawing command to a GCL (Graphic Control LSI) having a display device control function and a high-speed drawing function for displaying an image mounted on the effect control board 12, and the like. Display setting for starting variable display of special symbols is performed (step S812). At this time, according to the symbol display control pattern determined in the process of step S811, the symbol display control process timer provided in the various timers 224 is also set.

  Then, by setting the count initial value corresponding to the total variable display time in the variable display pattern designated by the variable display start command to the variable display time timer provided in the various timers 224, the countdown operation is started. Measurement of the variable display time in the special game is started (step S813). Thereafter, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the variable display process (step S814), and the display control setting process is terminated.

  The variable display process in step S714 shown in FIG. 50 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “2”. In this process, every time the symbol display control process timer included in the various timers 224 times out, the CPU 123 switches the reading position in the symbol display control pattern, and the symbol display control process timer set value read from the reading position. The display control of the variable display device 4 is changed according to the symbol display control data. When the variable display time timer provided in the various timers 224 times out, a predetermined timer initial value is set for the monitoring timer, the countdown operation of the monitoring timer is started, and the display control process flag is set. The value is updated to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the special symbol stop waiting process.

  The special symbol stop waiting process in step S715 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “3”. FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop waiting process in step S715. In this special symbol stop waiting process, the CPU 123 first determines whether or not the special symbol confirmation command A000 (h) transmitted from the main board 11 has been received as an effect control command (step S821). When the special symbol confirmation command has not been received (step S821; No), it is determined whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S822). If it has not timed out (step S822; No), the special symbol stop is awaited. The process ends.

  On the other hand, when the monitoring timer times out (step S822; Yes), the CPU 123 determines that some abnormality has occurred, and performs control to display a predetermined error screen on the variable display device 4 (step S823). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S826.

  Further, when it is determined that the special symbol confirmation command is received in the process of step S821 (step S821; Yes), the CPU 123 ends the variable display of the special symbol being executed in the variable display device 4, and each symbol. Control is performed to stop and display the confirmed symbol at (step S824), and it is determined whether or not the display result of each symbol is a big hit which is a specific display result (step S825). When it is a big hit (step S825; Yes), the process proceeds to step S827. On the other hand, when it is not a big hit (step S825; No), the process proceeds to step S826.

  Then, the CPU 123 updates the value of the display control process flag to “0” in the process of step S826, and ends the special symbol stop waiting process. In step S827, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “4”, which is a value corresponding to the jackpot display process, and the special symbol stop waiting process ends.

  The jackpot display process in step S716 of FIG. 50 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “4”. In this process, the CPU 123 controls the variable display device 4 to display an image according to the big hit gaming state. For example, the number of rounds corresponding to the big hit round number instruction command received from the main board 11 is displayed on the variable display device 4 so that the player can be notified. When the round game executed in the big hit gaming state becomes the final round (for example, the 16th round), the value of the display control process flag is updated to “5”.

  The big hit end display process in step S717 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “5”. In this process, in response to receiving the jackpot end command B000 (h) from the main board 11, the CPU 123 controls the effect display for notifying that the jackpot gaming state has ended on the variable display device 4. When the effect display ends, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “0” which is an initial value.

In the special symbol display control process of FIG. 50, the full tank notification screen and the ball-cut notification screen in the payout error notification process of step S711 are performed using a part of the variable display device 4. Then, by displaying the full tank notification screen and the ball cut notification screen in different areas of the variable display device 4, the full tank state and the ball cut state notification are simultaneously performed.
Further, when the variable display using the variable display device 4 in each process of steps S712 to S717 is performed simultaneously with the display of the full tank notification screen and the ball cut notification screen, by using a general screen composition technique. Can be displayed simultaneously.

  Note that a full tank notification screen or a ball turn notification screen may be displayed on the entire variable display device 4, and in that case, a screen to be displayed may be determined according to a predetermined priority order. Good. Further, by displaying the full tank notification screen or the ball turn notification screen on the variable display device 4 intermittently, it is possible to notify the full tank and the ball turn notification simultaneously with the variable display in the processing of steps S712 to S717.

  Further, the full tank notification and the ball cutting notification may be performed using the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9 via the sound control board 13 and the lamp control board 14 connected to the effect control board 12. . In this case, the voice control pattern and lamp control pattern for full tank notification and ball turn notification are stored in the effect control pattern determination table memory 222 shown in FIG. The CPU 123 of the effect control board 12 reads out a control pattern in response to command reception from the main board 11 and performs effect control of the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect lamp 9 based on the read control pattern.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when receiving a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls during the command analysis process, the CPU 153 receives the number of prize balls during payout. In addition, the payout receiving flag is set to ON.

  Then, in the prize ball control process, the CPU 153 determines whether or not a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls has been received during the prize ball payout by checking the receiving flag during payout. In such a case, the value of the payout received quantity counter 257 is added to the value of the payout operation amount counter 254. Thereafter, the CPU 153 clears the payout reception number counter 257 to 0 and turns off the payout reception flag.

  Thus, every time the CPU 153 receives a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls, the number of prize balls is set to the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 without stopping the payout operation of the prize balls by the payout device 50. Since it is possible to add, it is possible to realize a quick payout of prize balls.

  Further, the CPU 153 temporarily stores the number of prize balls specified by the received payout control command in the command analysis process in the payout received number counter 257, and then the value of the received number counter 257 in payout control process. Is added to the value of the payout operation amount counter 254. Therefore, the CPU 153 does not need to perform an operation for specifying the number of game balls when updating the value of the payout operation amount counter 254, and as a result, the processing load can be reduced.

  Further, the CPU 153 turns on the payout receiving flag when receiving a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls during paying out the winning ball, but does not turn on the payout receiving flag even if other payout control commands are received. For this reason, the CPU 153 designates the number of prize balls during payout of the winning ball by checking the receiving flag during paying without performing the receiving discrimination of the payout control command performed in the command analysis process again in the prize ball control processing. It is possible to determine whether or not a payout control command to be received has been received.

  Further, the CPU 153 adds the award ball number to the payout received number counter 257, and then clears the payout received number counter 257 to 0 and turns off the payout reception flag so that the added prize ball number becomes the next. In this timer interruption, it is possible to reliably prevent a malfunction such as being added again to the value of the receiving number counter 257 during payout, and to realize an accurate payout of a prize ball.

  Further, when the CPU 153 receives a payout control command for designating the number of winning balls again during paying out the winning ball, the CPU 153 cumulatively adds the winning ball number to the value of the receiving number counter 257 during paying. Since there is no need to provide a plurality of received number counters 257 during payout, the amount of data stored in the RAM 152 or the like can be reduced.

  Further, when the value of the payout operation amount counter 254 becomes “0”, the CPU 153 determines that the operation necessary for paying out all the set prize balls is completed, and performs the payout operation of the payout motor 51. Stop. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can prevent the prize balls from being excessively paid out from the payout device 50.

  Thereafter, the CPU 153 checks the prize ball total counter 255 to determine whether or not the value is “0”. If the value of the prize ball total counter 255 is not “0”, this prize ball The value of the total counter 255 is set in the payout operation amount counter 254 as indicating the number of unpaid prize balls, and the payout motor 51 is driven again. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can pay out the unpaid prize balls from the payout device 50.

  In this manner, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can realize accurate management of the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device 50, and can pay out the prize balls without excess or deficiency.

  Further, when the CPU 153 detects that the game ball has been paid out from the payout device 50 based on the detection signal transmitted from the payout count switch 72, is the game ball paid out as a prize ball? It is determined by checking the winning ball paying flag and the paying ball paying flag whether the money has been paid for lending to the player. When the CPU 153 determines that the game ball is paid out as a prize ball, the CPU 153 subtracts 1 from the prize ball total counter 255 and determines that the game ball is paid out for lending to the player. 1 is subtracted from the value of the total rental counter 256.

  In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can use the payout count switch 72 in common for the detection of the winning ball and the rental ball, and thus the hardware configuration can be simplified.

  In addition, the CPU 153 starts paying out the winning ball and turns on the winning ball paying-in flag, and then pays out the game ball based on the detection of the full tank state or the full ball state by the full ball switch 26 or the full ball switch 27. Even when the operation is stopped, the number of prize balls designated by the payout control command is added to the contents of the payout received number counter 257 and the payout receiving flag provided in the flag memory 258 is turned on. set. Then, when the full-balloon state and the ball-out state are released and the game ball payout operation is resumed, the CPU 153 uses the contents of the payout received number counter 257 added during the payout operation stop as the payout operation amount counter 254. Add to the value of. As a result, the CPU 153 can quickly pay out the game medium after releasing the full tank state and the ball-out state.

  Further, the CPU 153 of the payout control board 15 stops the payout operation of the game ball when the full tank switch 26 or the ball cut switch 27 is turned on, and also fills the main board 11 with a full tank state signal or a ball cut state signal. Is output. The CPU 113 of the main board 11 transmits a full tank notification command or a full ball notification command to the effect control board 12 based on the input of the full tank state signal or the full ball state signal. When the CPU 123 of the effect control board 12 receives the full tank notification command or the ball cut notification command, the CPU 123 performs an effect control to display the full tank notification screen or the ball cut notification screen on the variable display device 4. As a result, the variable display device 4 can be used to notify the player that the tank is full and the ball is out, and to notify that the game ball payout operation has stopped.

In addition, this invention is not restricted to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
In the above embodiment, as the payout error signal transmitted from the payout control board 15 to the main board 11, the full tank state signal and the ball cut state signal are cited. However, for example, when the payout device 50 fails and the payout operation cannot be performed, a signal indicating that may be transmitted to the main board 11 as a payout error signal. In that case, by transmitting a corresponding command from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, it is possible to notify that the payout operation is stopped due to a failure of the payout device 50 using the variable display device 4 or the like. it can.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine can perform the variable display start condition (for example, the previous variable display and the variable display device 4 after the variable display execution condition (for example, winning the normal variable winning ball device 6)). A variable display device (for example, the variable display device 4) that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) that can be identified based on the fact that the end of the big hit gaming state is established, This is a pachinko gaming machine that controls to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player when the result is a predetermined specific display result.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine is disadvantageous for the player due to the detection of the start detection means (for example, the start ball detector) that detects the game medium in the start area provided in the game area. It has a variable winning device (for example, a variable winning ball device) that performs a starting operation (for example, an opening operation) that becomes a first state advantageous to the player from the second state, in a specific area provided in the variable winning device. A specific gaming state (for example, jackpot) that controls the variable winning device to the first state in a specific manner that is more advantageous for the player than the starting operation by detection of a specific detection means (for example, a specific ball detector) that detects the gaming medium It may be a pachinko gaming machine that generates a gaming state.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is in a state where a right is generated on condition that a game ball is detected by special detection means (for example, a specific ball detection switch or a special region switch) provided in a special region (for example, a special device operation region). During the period in which the right is generated, the game ball is moved by the start detection means (for example, the operation ball detection switch or the start port switch) provided in the start area (for example, the start port in the start winning device or the start winning device). Based on the detection, it is possible to perform control to change the special variable winning device (for example, the big prize opening) from a disadvantageous state (for example, a closed state) to the player (for example, a closed state) for the player (for example, an open state). Possible pachinko machines may be used.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention can start a game by setting the number of bets for one game, and the display result of a variable display device (for example, a variable display device) is derived and displayed. It may be a slot machine in which a predetermined winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device after the game is over.

  1 to 4, the block configuration shown in FIGS. 5 and 22, the command configuration shown in FIG. 6, the memory configuration shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, 13 to 16, and 19 to 21, The port assignments shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 17, and 18 and the flowchart configurations shown in FIGS. 23 to 53 can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show the payout apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the payout apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the system structural example centering on a main board | substrate, a payout control board, and an effect control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of a control command. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for game control. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a switch timer memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a switch-on determination value table memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a command transmission table memory. It is a figure which shows the bit allocation example of an input port. It is a figure which shows the bit allocation example of an output port. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for payout control. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a reception command buffer memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a switch timer memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a switch-on determination value table memory. It is a figure which shows the bit allocation example of an input port. It is a figure which shows the bit allocation example of an output port. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for production control. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table memory for effect control pattern determination. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a symbol display control pattern. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a relay board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows a game control main process. It is a flowchart which shows a game control interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the switch process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the switch check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the payout error signal check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the error process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the command set process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the command transmission process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the prize ball process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the prize ball process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the switch-on check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control main process. It is a flowchart which shows a command reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the switch process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the count process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the flag process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the command analysis process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the ball lending control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the ball lending control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the prize ball control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the prize ball control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the prize ball control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the prize ball control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the prize ball control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the error process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a display control main process. 49 is a flowchart showing details of command analysis processing in FIG. 48. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol display control process process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the payout error alerting | reporting process in FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing details of display control setting processing in FIG. 50. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol stop waiting process in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine
2… Game board
3 ... Frame for gaming machines
4 ... Variable display device
5… Passing gate
6 ... Ordinary variable winning ball device
7 ... Special variable winning ball device
8L, 8R ... Speaker
9 ... Game effect lamp
10… Power supply board
11 ... Main board
12 ... Production control board
13 ... Voice control board
14 ... Lamp control board
15 ... Dispensing control board
16 ... Information terminal board
17 ... Launch control board
18… Relay board
19 ... Frame button
20a ~ 20d ... Winner
21… Gate switch
22… Start switch
23… V winning switch
24 ... Count switch
25a-25d ... Winner switch
26 ... Full tank switch
27… Ball switch
28 ... Frame button switch
30 ... Operation knob
31 ... Bump supply tray
32 ... Surplus ball tray
40 ... Normal symbol display
41 ... Storage tank
42… payout case
43 ... guide rails 44a, 44b, 55 ... ball passage
45a-45c ... Case
46a, 46b ... holes
50 ... Dispensing device
51 ... Dispensing motor
52, 53 ... Gear
54… Cam
60… Launcher
61… Fire motor
70… Card unit
71 ... Dispensing motor position sensor
72… Dispensing count switch
81, 82 ... Solenoid
110 ... Game control microcomputer 111, 121, 151 ... ROM
112, 122, 152 ... RAM
113, 123, 153 CPU
114, 124, 154... I / O ports 115, 125, 155... Switch circuit
116 ... Solenoid circuit
120 ... Production control microcomputer
150 ... Dispensing control microcomputer 181, 182 ... Reception command buffer memory
183 ... Signal direction regulating unit 211, 252 ... Switch timer memory 212, 253 ... Switch-on determination value table memory 213, 223, 258 ... Flag memory
214 ... Command transmission table memory 221 251 ... Reception command buffer memory
222 ... Production control pattern determination table memory
224 ... Various timers
225 ... Symbol display control pattern determination table
254 ... Payout operation amount counter
255 ... Prize ball total counter
256 ... Total rental counter
257 ... Received receipt counter

Claims (8)

In a gaming machine comprising: a payout means for paying out game media as a prize based on the establishment of a predetermined payout condition; and an effecting means for executing a predetermined effect based on the establishment of a predetermined effect condition,
A game control microcomputer for controlling the progress of the game;
A payout control microcomputer for controlling a payout operation of the game medium by the payout means based on a control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer;
A payout operation detecting means for detecting a payout operation of one game medium in the payout means;
A payout game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium paid out from the payout means;
A payout stop condition establishment detecting means for detecting whether or not a payout stop condition for stopping the game medium payout operation by the payout means is satisfied;
Based on a control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer, an effect control microcomputer for controlling the effect by the effect means;
With
The game control microcomputer is:
A payout control command transmitting means for sending a payout control command for designating the number of game media to be paid out as a prize from the payout means to the payout control microcomputer based on the establishment of the predetermined payout condition. Including
The payout control microcomputer includes:
A payout control command receiving means for receiving a payout control command transmitted by the payout control command transmitting means;
Total prize number data storage means for storing total prize number data indicating the total number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means;
Payout operation amount data storage means for storing payout operation amount data based on the number of game media to be paid out by the payout means;
A payout operation amount data setting means for setting the total prize number data stored in the total prize number data storage means in the payout operation amount data storage means as the payout operation amount data;
A payout operation start control means for controlling the payout means to start a payout operation of the game medium when the payout operation amount data is set by the payout operation amount data setting means;
A payout operation amount data subtracting means for subtracting a value of the payout operation amount data stored in the payout operation amount data storage means in response to detection of a payout operation by the payout operation detecting means;
A payout operation amount data determining means for determining whether or not the value of the payout operation amount data subtracted by the payout operation amount data subtracting means matches a predetermined end value;
A payout operation stop control means for controlling the payout means to stop the payout operation of the game medium when the payout action amount data determining means determines that the value of the payout action amount data matches the predetermined end value. When,
A payout stop condition satisfaction stop control means for stopping the payout operation of the game medium when the payout stop condition establishment detecting means detects the establishment of the payout stop condition;
A payout stop signal transmitting means for sending a payout stop signal to the game control microcomputer when the payout stop condition establishment detecting means detects the establishment of a payout stop condition;
In response to the payout control command receiving means receiving the payout control command between the start of the payout operation by the payout operation start control means and the stop of the payout operation by the payout operation stop control means, the payout control command is A reception flag setting means for setting a reception flag indicating that reception has been performed;
Reception determination means for determining whether or not the payout control command is received during the game medium payout operation by the payout means by determining whether or not the reception flag is set to ON by the reception flag setting means. When,
When it is determined by the reception determining means that the payout control command receiving means has received the payout control command, the payout operation amount data storage means is stored according to the number of game media specified by the payout control command. A payout operation amount data updating means for updating the value of the payout operation amount data being performed;
Including
The game control microcomputer further includes:
A payout stop signal receiving means for receiving a payout stop signal transmitted from the payout stop signal transmitting means;
Effect control for transmitting to the effect control microcomputer, as the control command, an effect control command that instructs the effect means to notify the game medium payout stop based on the payout stop signal received by the payout stop signal receiving means. Command transmission means;
Including
The production control microcomputer is:
Effect control command receiving means for receiving the effect control command transmitted by the effect control command transmitting means;
Based on the effect control command received by the effect control command receiving means, the effect means is controlled to execute the effect of notifying that the payout operation of the game medium is stopped by the payout means. Control means,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The payout control microcomputer includes:
A prize indicating the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means between the start of the payout operation by the payout operation start control means and the stop of the payout operation by the payout operation stop control means. A payout premium number data storage means for storing the number data;
The payout operation amount data update unit adds the value of the prize number data stored in the payout amount data storage unit to the value of the payout operation amount data stored in the payout operation amount data storage unit. To update the value of the payout operation amount data,
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The payout control microcomputer includes:
The payout control command received when the payout control command receiving means receives the payout control command again between the start of the payout operation by the payout operation start control means and the stop of the payout operation by the payout operation stop control means. Is added to the value of the prize number data stored in the payout prize quantity data storage means, and the added value is used as the prize quantity data, thereby obtaining the prize quantity data. Including a payout premium data updating means for updating the value;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein: The reception flag setting means confirms that the payout control command has been received in response to the payout control command receiving means receiving the payout control command even when the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means. Including a condition-satisfied reception flag setting means for setting the reception flag shown to ON
The payout premium number data storage means is a prize number indicating the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means even when the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means. Including a condition fulfillment payout premium number data storage means for storing data,
The payout premium number data updating means is configured to use the received payout control command when the payout control command receiving means receives the payout control command again even when the payout operation is stopped by the payout stop condition establishment stop control means. The value of the prize number data is obtained by adding the number of specified gaming media to the value of the prize number data stored in the payout prize quantity data storage means and using the added value as the prize number data. Including means for updating the number-of-presents-payout quantity data updating means for updating
The gaming machine according to claim 3. The payout control microcomputer includes:
When the value of the premium number data is added to the value of the payout operation amount data by the payout operation amount data update unit, the value of the premium number data added to the value of the payout operation amount data is used as the payout amount of premium. Including a prize number subtraction means for subtracting from the number data storage means;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The payout control microcomputer includes:
Receiving flag off means for turning off the reception flag when the value of the prize number data is added to the value of the payout action amount data by the payout action amount data update means;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that. The payout control microcomputer includes:
Control command determining means for determining whether or not the control command received by the payout control microcomputer is the payout control command;
The reception flag setting means sets the reception flag on when the control command determination means determines that the control command is a payout control command;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that. The payout means has a function of paying out a game medium for lending to a player in response to a predetermined lending request,
The payout control microcomputer includes:
By adding the number of game media specified by the payout control command received by the payout control command receiving means to the value of the total prize number data stored in the total prize number data storage means, the total prize number A total prize number data updating means for updating the data value;
A game for determining whether the detected game medium is paid out as a prize or paid out for lending to a player in response to detection of the game medium by the payout game medium detecting means. Medium discrimination means;
Total prize number data for subtracting the value of the total prize number data stored in the total prize number data storage means when it is determined by the game medium discrimination means that the game medium is paid out as a prize. Subtracting means;
When the payout operation stop control means stops the game medium payout operation, it is determined whether or not the value of the total prize number data subtracted by the total prize number data subtracting means matches the predetermined end value. Total prize number data discrimination means for
When the total prize number data discriminating means determines that the value of the total prize number data does not match the predetermined end value, the total prize number data is set in the payout operation amount data storage means as the payout operation amount data. Payout operation amount data resetting means,
including,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gaming machine is characterized in that:

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