JP2006325773A - Slot machine using game ball - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine using game balls and capable of preventing the complication of control, at power recovery in the slot machine using the game balls and having a game control means and a payout control means separately. <P>SOLUTION: Even in a state where one or more game balls are incorporated by the incorporating operation of an incorporating device 100, a game control means 41 requires the payout of pachinko balls by the number of incorporated balls by the operation of a settlement switch 10, if it is before starting the game, and a payout control part 61 allows a payout device 200 to pays them out, based on the requirement. At power failure, the game control part 41 alone retains the memory of the number of the incorporated balls; and when the number of incorporated game balls retained in the game control part 41 remains at power recovery, the game control part requires again the payout of the pachinko balls by the number of the incorporated balls; and the payout control part 61 pays out the number of incorporated balls at the power failure based on the requirement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a predetermined winning according to a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable. In particular, the present invention relates to a number of bets using game balls. The present invention relates to a slot machine using a game ball that can be played by setting.

  Conventionally, slot machines that can play games using medals as game media are generally used. In recent years, these medal-type slot machines have also been installed on game islands where existing pachinko machines are installed. Since there is a desire to do so, a slot machine capable of playing a game using game balls instead of medals as game media has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  A slot machine using a game ball includes a take-in device for taking in a game ball waiting on an upper plate or the like, for example. The take-in device takes a game ball into the inside, and a predetermined number of game balls are The game can be executed on the condition that it is taken in, and the game ball is paid out according to the result of the game.

  In addition, a gaming machine that pays out game balls includes a payout control means that controls payout of game balls separately from the game control means in order to reduce the load on the game control means that controls the game. Proposed. In this case, when the game control means determines winning, the game ball payout request (REQ signal on, payout number signal) of the number of prize balls corresponding to the win is transmitted to the payout control means, and the payout The control means receives the payout request, starts payout control of the number of game balls requested by the payout request, and notifies the game control means to that effect (BUSY signal on). (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-135671 A JP 2004-65678 A

  Also in the slot machine using game balls, as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, game control means and payout control means are separately provided, and the game control means pays out pachinko balls according to the result of the game. And a payout control means for paying out a pachinko ball based on this request has been proposed. On the other hand, in a slot machine using game balls, in response to a return operation by the player, the game balls that have been taken in by the take-in device but are not yet used in the game are paid out to the player. However, if the game control means and the payout control means are separately provided as described above, the game control means has already taken in the game according to the return operation by the player. The payout of the ball is requested, and the payout control means pays out the pachinko ball based on this request.

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, after the game control means makes a payout request to the payout control means as described above, it detects a reply that the payout based on the payout request has started from the payout control means. At the time, the number of prize balls according to the winning is subtracted, and there is a discrepancy in recognition of the number of unpaid prize balls between the game control means and the payout control means. When restoring the payout, it is necessary to match both control means, which causes a problem that the control at the time of power failure restoration becomes complicated, and the technique described in Patent Document 2 has already been incorporated. The same problem occurs when applied to the return control of the game balls.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and in a slot machine using a game ball that is separately provided with a game control means and a payout control means, the control at the time of power failure recovery becomes complicated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine using a game ball that can prevent such a situation.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a slot machine using a game ball according to claim 1 of the present invention,
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game ball, and a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable A slot machine that uses a game ball that has been completed and one game is completed and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
A game ball standby unit in which a player-owned game ball waits;
A take-in device for taking in a game ball guided from the game ball standby unit;
An acquisition request operation unit operated when requesting the acquisition of game balls;
A payout device that pays out game balls based on the occurrence of a payout with game ball payout;
A return request operation unit operated when returning the game ball captured by the capture operation of the capture device to the player;
Main control means for controlling the game and controlling the capture device;
Sub-control means connected to the main control means for controlling the payout device;
With
The main control means includes
When the capture request operation unit is operated, capture control means for performing capture control for capturing a game ball by the capture operation of the capture device;
Bet number setting means for setting a bet number in accordance with the number of already-taken balls, which is the number of game balls taken in by the take-in operation of the take-in device;
A return requesting the return of the game balls with the number of taken-in balls when the number of taken-in balls is one or more and the operation of the return request operation unit is performed in a state before the game starts A return request signal output means for outputting a request signal to the sub-control means;
After the return request signal is output to the sub-control means, each time the game ball is paid out by the payout device, the taken-in ball number subtracting means that subtracts the taken-in ball number;
Including
When the sub-control means detects the return request signal, the sub-control means starts a return control in which the payout device pays out the number of game balls required by the return request signal, and the game paid out by the payout device Return control means for ending the return control when the number of balls reaches the number of game balls requested by the return request signal,
The main control means can hold the number of captured balls even when power supply to the slot machine using the game balls is stopped,
The return request signal output means includes
Return completion determination means for determining whether or not the return of the number of game balls requested by the return request signal is completed when power supply to the slot machine using the game balls is started,
When the return completion determining means determines that the requested number of game balls have not been returned, the captured completion held before the power supply to the slot machine using the game balls stops A return request signal for requesting the return of the number of game balls is output to the sub-control means;
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, even when one or more game balls are taken in by the take-in operation of the take-in device, if the return request operation unit is operated before the game is started, A number of game balls are paid out from the payout device and returned to the player. In addition, at the time of a power failure, the number of captured balls is held only on the main control means side, and when the game ball requested before the power failure is not completed at the time of power failure recovery, The sub-control means is requested again to return the game balls having the number of taken-in balls, and the sub-control means pays out the number of taken-in balls at the time of a power failure based on the request. For this reason, at the time of power failure recovery, the sub control means only needs to perform normal payout control based on the return request signal retransmitted from the main control means. There is no need to achieve consistency, and control during power failure recovery is not complicated.
Note that the predetermined number of bets is at least one bet number, and a game can be started by setting a bet number of two or more or setting a maximum bet number. good.
Further, the sub-control means may be directly connected to the main control means, or may be connected via a relay board or the like.
Further, the output form of the return request signal by the return request signal output means may be a pulse signal, a parallel signal or a serial signal.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 2 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to claim 1,
The sub-control means includes
A return control end signal output means for outputting a return control end signal to the main control means when the return control is completed;
The main control means includes
After the return request signal output means outputs the return request signal to the sub-control means, when the return control end signal is not detected until a predetermined period elapses, the sub-control means side Return control abnormality determination means for determining abnormality associated with return control;
A return abnormality notifying means for notifying the abnormality when the return control abnormality determining means determines an abnormality associated with the return control; and
Including
Even if the return abnormality notification means is informing the abnormality, the return control end signal output from the sub control means is continuously detected.
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the main control means determines the abnormality associated with the return control, and even during the notification to that effect, the return control end signal output from the sub control means is continuously detected. Even in such a case, the main control means can grasp the status of return control by the sub-control means.
The return abnormality notification means may notify the abnormality associated with the return control by the lighting mode of the lamp, the display mode of the display, the output of sound, etc., or call a signal indicating the abnormality associated with the return control. You may make it alert | report the said abnormality by outputting to peripheral devices, such as a lamp | ramp and a hall computer.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 3 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to claim 2,
The main control means includes abnormality notification end means for automatically ending abnormality notification by the return abnormality notification means when the return abnormality notification means detects the return control end signal during the abnormality notification. ,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when the main control means determines an abnormality associated with the return control and detects the return control end signal from the sub control means during the notification to that effect, that is, the return control by the sub control means is completed normally. In this case, since the abnormality notification by the return abnormality notification means is automatically terminated, not only can the game be prevented from being disturbed as much as possible, but also the trouble of performing the notification canceling operation can be saved.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 4 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A number of captured balls display means for displaying the number of captured balls;
The main control means, after the return request signal is output to the sub-control means, every time a game ball is paid out by the payout device, the take-in displayed on the taken-in ball number display means Including a captured ball number display updating means for subtracting the displayed number of balls,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the main control means subtracts and displays the number of captured balls displayed on the number of captured balls each time the game ball is paid out by the payout device based on the output of the return request signal. Therefore, it is possible to accurately notify the game ball return status.
Further, the fetched ball number display means is based on detecting a predetermined number of detection signals directly input to the main control means from the payout ball detecting means for detecting the game balls paid out from the payout device. The number of captured balls may be displayed in a subtracted manner, or when the sub-control means detects a detection signal from the payout ball detection means, a detection signal indicating that is output to the main control means. The acquired number of balls may be subtracted and displayed based on detecting the detection signal output from the sub-control means.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 5 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Provided corresponding to a lending device that outputs the gaming ball lending request using the valuable value stored in the storage medium,
The sub-control means includes
A connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
Lending control for paying out the number of game balls required by the lending request by the paying device on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is detected Lending control means for
A connection specifying signal transmitting means for outputting to the main control means a connection specifying signal capable of specifying whether or not the connection checking signal is input to the connection checking signal input means;
Including
The main control means includes an intake control disable means for disabling the intake control when a connection specifying signal indicating that the connection confirmation signal is not input is input to the connection confirmation signal input means. Including,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when a lending request is detected from a lending device, gaming balls are rented on the condition that the lending device and the slot machine are connected, so the lending device and the slot machine are normally connected. In addition to preventing gaming balls from being rented despite not being played, if the lending device and the slot machine are not connected, the game ball take-in control is performed to play a new game. Therefore, the connection between the lending device and the slot machine can be secured when playing the game. The main control means specifies whether or not the lending device and the slot machine are connected based on the connection specifying signal output from the sub-control means, and the main control means for controlling the game is connected to the outside of the slot machine. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input from the outside to the main control means and affecting the game control.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 6 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Provided corresponding to a lending device that outputs the gaming ball lending request using the valuable value stored in the storage medium,
The sub-control means includes
First connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
When the lending request is detected, the number of game balls requested by the lending request is paid out by the paying device on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the first connection confirmation signal input means. A lending control means for performing lending control;
Including
The main control means includes
Second connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
An intake control disabling means for disabling the intake control when the connection confirmation signal is not input to the second connection confirmation signal input means;
including,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when a lending request is detected from a lending device, gaming balls are rented on the condition that the lending device and the slot machine are connected, so the lending device and the slot machine are normally connected. In addition to preventing gaming balls from being rented despite not being played, if the lending device and the slot machine are not connected, the game ball take-in control is performed to play a new game. Therefore, the connection between the lending device and the slot machine can be secured when playing the game. The main control means and the sub control means are each input with a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device, and specify whether or not the lending device and the slot machine are connected. Both of the control means can reliably determine whether or not the lending device is connected.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 7 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The bet number setting means sets the bet number each time a game ball of a unit number of balls necessary for setting a bet number of one unit by the taking-in operation of the take-in device is taken,
The uptake control means includes
Capture that causes the capture device to perform a capture operation of a specified amount of operation regardless of whether or not a game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit by operating the capture request operation unit An operation control means;
A number-of-ingestion-ball determining means for determining whether or not a number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the acquisition request operation unit have been acquired after the completion of the acquisition operation;
When it is determined by the taking-in ball number judging means that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of take-in requests has not been taken in, the taking-in device performs the taking-in operation of the specified operation amount again. Re-control means for taking-in operation;
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the acquisition request operation unit is acquired by the acquisition ball number determination means, or the acquisition operation re-control means of the acquisition operation Capture control termination means for terminating capture control when the number of retries reaches a predetermined number of times;
including,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when the take-in request operation unit is operated, the take-in operation of the specified operation amount is performed regardless of whether or not the game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit. As compared with the gaming machine, it becomes possible to take in the game ball quickly, and the game can proceed smoothly. In addition, after the completion of the capture operation, if the number of game balls corresponding to the number of capture requests is not captured, the capture operation of the specified operation amount is performed again, and the retry count of the capture operation is If the number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests is not acquired even if the predetermined number of times is reached, a series of acquisition control is completed, so that the inconvenience that the acquisition operation is performed endlessly can be prevented. .
Note that the operation amount of the capture operation corresponds to, for example, the number of steps of the motor when the capture operation of the capture device is executed in the stepping motor. Further, when the take-in operation of the take-in device is executed by driving the solenoid, the number of times of drive corresponds. Further, when the take-in operation of the take-in device is executed in a motor other than the stepping motor, the drive time of the motor corresponds.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 8 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The bet number setting means sets the bet number each time a game ball of a unit number of balls necessary for setting a bet number of one unit by the taking-in operation of the take-in device is taken,
The uptake control means includes
Regardless of whether or not a game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit due to the operation of the capture request operation unit, an operation amount corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the capture request operation unit Capture operation control means for causing the capture device to perform the capture operation of
A take-in ball number judging means for judging whether or not a number of game balls corresponding to the amount of motion have been taken in after the take-in operation is completed;
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the amount of movement is not captured by the number of captured balls, the number of game balls captured by the capture operation is subtracted from the number of capture requests. Capture operation re-control means for causing the capture device to perform the capture operation of the operation amount corresponding to the shortage, and
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the movement amount has been taken in by the taking-in ball number judging means, or when the number of retries of taking-in operation by the taking-in movement re-control means reaches a predetermined number Capture control ending means for ending the capture control;
including,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when the acquisition request operation unit is operated, the number of acquisition requests according to the operation of the acquisition request operation unit is determined regardless of whether or not the game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit. Since the operation amount taking-in operation is performed, it becomes possible to take in the game ball quickly as compared with the conventional gaming machine, and the game can proceed smoothly. In addition, when the number of game balls corresponding to the operation amount is not acquired after the acquisition operation is completed, the operation amount acquisition operation corresponding to the shortage is performed again and the acquisition operation is retried. Even if the number of times reaches a predetermined number, if a number of game balls corresponding to the amount of movement are not taken in, a series of taking-in control is completed, so that it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the taking-in operation is performed endlessly. .
Note that the operation amount of the capture operation corresponds to, for example, the number of steps of the motor when the capture operation of the capture device is executed in the stepping motor. Further, when the take-in operation of the take-in device is executed by driving the solenoid, the number of times of drive corresponds. Further, when the take-in operation of the take-in device is executed in a motor other than the stepping motor, the drive time of the motor corresponds.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 9 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to claim 7 or 8,
The take-in control means is configured to respond to an operation of the take-in request operation unit when the take-in request operation unit is operated in a state where a game ball has already been taken in by a take-in operation of the take-in device. Including an acquisition request number setting means for setting, as the acquisition request number, a number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls already acquired from a predetermined acquisition specified number;
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when a take-in request operation unit is operated in a state where a game ball has already been taken in by a take-in operation of the take-in device, a game that has already been taken in from the designated number of take-ins according to the operation Since the number obtained by subtracting the number of balls is set as the number of take-in requests, and the game ball is taken in based on the set number of take-in requests, the game balls can be taken in more quickly. .

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 10 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The sub-control unit includes a return control end signal output unit that outputs a return control end signal to the main control unit when the return control ends.
The main control means, after outputting the return request signal, based on the output of the return request signal when detecting the return control end signal regardless of whether or not the number of captured balls remains. Including a return completion determination means for determining that the return of the game balls with the requested number of balls has been completed,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the main control means sends a return control end signal even if the number of taken balls remains regardless of whether or not the number of game balls requested in the return request signal has been paid out for some reason. By detecting that it is determined that the return of the game balls of the number of taken-in balls has been completed and it is possible to shift to the next control, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  An embodiment of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. A slot machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a base frame 1a (see FIG. 3) fixed to a game island, and a side of the base frame 1a. A main body frame 1b (see FIG. 3) pivotally supported at the end, and a front door 1c pivotally supported at a side end of the main body frame 1b.

  Inside the main body frame 1b of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are horizontally arranged As shown in FIG. 1, the three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are arranged so that they can be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door. .

  On the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a plurality of types of mutually distinguishable symbols such as “7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell” are arranged in a predetermined order. , 21 are drawn each. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided in correspondence with each other and rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 8), so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuously formed in the see-through window 3. In addition to being displayed while changing, by stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko ball used for the game and an upper plate 26 for storing (waiting for) the pachinko ball paid out from the payout device 200 are located below the fluoroscopic window 3 in the front door 1c. The provided operation console 4 is formed so as to bulge forward, and below that is a lower plate 25 for storing pachinko balls overflowing from the upper plate 26 and pachinko balls returned from the upper plate 26. Is provided. An outlet 25a for taking out pachinko balls stored in the lower dish 25 is formed on the bottom surface of the lower dish 25, and the outlet is removed by a sliding operation of a lever 25b provided at the front portion of the lower dish 25. By opening the shutter 25c that closes the 25a, the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 25 flow out to a ball box (not shown) disposed below the lower plate 25, and the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 25 are removed. It can be easily taken out.

  Further, on the upper surface of the operation table 4, a specified number determined according to the game state from the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the upper plate 26 operated when instructing to take in one pachinko ball from the upper plate 26. It is operated when instructing the take-in of the number of pachinko balls necessary to set the number of bets (3 in the normal game state and small role game described later in this embodiment, and 1 in the regular bonus described later). MAXBET switch 6, when the collected balls are settled and returned to the upper plate 26, or pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 26 and pachinko balls in the capture device 100 described later are returned to the lower plate 25. The settlement switch 10 that is operated when the game starts, the start switch 7 that is operated when the game is started, and the remaining value of the valuable value read from the prepaid card being received is displayed on the card unit 400 arranged in parallel. Return the prepaid card being accepted to the card lending switch 29 and the card unit 400 arranged in parallel, which are operated when receiving the lending of the pachinko ball within the range of the remaining value of the value displayed on the indicator 28 and the remaining amount indicator 28 A return switch 30 that is operated when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped is disposed on the front surface of the operation table 4, and stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is provided.

  Further, the MAXBET switch 6 has a built-in BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 8) for notifying that the pachinko ball taking-in operation by the operation of the one-ball taking-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is effective. The checkout switch 10 has a built-in remaining ball notification LED 114 (see FIG. 8) for notifying that a pachinko ball remains in a take-in preparation ball passage 110 (see FIG. 4) to be described later. The stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R have left, middle, and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R that notify that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is effective by lighting (FIG. 8). Each is built-in.

  In addition, between the see-through window 3 and the operation table 4 in the front door 1c, the number of used balls used for setting the number of bets taken in by operating the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 was taken in. However, since it is less than the required unit number of balls (5 balls in this embodiment) when setting the minimum unit bet number, it is the sum of the number of unused balls that have not yet been used for setting the bet number. The number of balls already paid out and the number of balls already paid out of the number of winning balls associated with the occurrence of winnings are displayed. And a game auxiliary indicator 12 that displays an error code indicating the contents when an error occurs, 1 BET LED 14 that lights up that 1 bet is set, and lights up that 2 bets are set 2BETLED15, 3 bets set 3BETLED 16 that informs that it is being lit, capture request LED 17 that informs that a pachinko ball can be taken in is lit, and that the start operation of the game by operating the start switch 7 is valid A start valid LED 18, a wait LED 19 that lights up to indicate that a wait is in progress (a state in which a reel rotation has not started since a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the previous game), and a replay game to be described later A replaying LED 20 is provided to notify the effect by lighting.

  In addition, the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 26 are returned to the lower plate 25 through the ball removal passage 120 without passing through the take-in device 100 described later at the upper position of the operation table 4 in the front door 1c. A ball removal lever 31 is provided which is operated when the operation is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper plate 26 is recessed on the upper surface of the operation table 4, and the upper surface is open, and includes a concave storage portion 26 a for storing (holding) pachinko balls, and a storage portion 26 a. The belt-shaped rectification unit 26b rectifies the pachinko ball flowing down toward the capture device 100. The storage part 26a is formed to be wide so that the player can insert a pachinko ball in the front-rear direction of the slot machine 1 (the vertical direction in FIG. 2), and the bottom surface of the storage part 26a The inclined surface is inclined downward toward the device 100. In addition, the storage portion 26a is formed on the upper surface of the operation console 4 at the left end when the front surface of the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, that is, the center position in the left-right direction of the front surface of the slot machine 1 (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 2). It is formed in a region on the left side of the center line P shown).

  On the other hand, the rectifying unit 26b is extended so as to extend in the left-right direction from the right end of the storage unit 26a toward the upper position of the right-side capturing device 100, and the front-rear width thereof is shorter than the front-rear width of the storage unit 26a. It is formed in a narrow strip shape, and the bottom surface is an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the right-side capturing device 100. In the rectifying unit 26b, two rectifying plates facing in the left-right direction are erected in the front-rear width direction, and three rectifying passages are formed by these rectifying plates, respectively, and stored in the storage unit 26a. The pachinko balls are divided into three strips, flow into the take-in preparation ball passage 110, and are supplied to the take-in device 100.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 26 are divided into three strips by the rectifying unit 26b and supplied to the capture device 100, so that the pachinko balls from the upper plate 26 to the capture device 100 are supplied. It is possible to improve the feeding speed of the pachinko ball by the taking-in device 100. In this embodiment, it is constituted by three straightening passages, but it may be two or four or more passages.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, a take-in preparation ball passage 110 for guiding the pachinko ball flowing in from the downstream portion of the rectifying portion 26 b, that is, the pachinko ball flowing from the upper plate 26 to the take-in device 100 and supplying it. Is formed with an outlet 121 for allowing the pachinko balls flowing down the rectifying portion 26b to flow into the ball extraction passage 120. The outlet 121 is opened and closed by an open / close shutter 122 provided to open and close in conjunction with the sliding operation of the ball removal lever 31, and by opening the open / close shutter 122, The pachinko balls flow down from the outlet 121 in the ball removal passage 120, join a return ball guide passage 109 described later, are discharged from the discharge outlet 9, and are returned to the lower plate 25. That is, by opening and closing the opening / closing shutter 122 by operating the ball removal lever 31, the ball connected to the take-up preparation ball passage 110 side that communicates the pachinko ball flow path of the upper plate 26 to the take-in device 100 or the lower plate 25. The pachinko ball of the upper plate 26 is returned to the lower plate 25 without passing through the take-in device 100 by switching to either the extraction passage 120 or the return ball guiding passage 109 side and opening the opening / closing shutter 122. The In the vicinity of the outflow port 121, an open / close shutter detection switch 123 (see FIG. 8) for detecting the open / close shutter 122 located at the open position for opening the outflow port 121 is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the checkout switch 10 are respectively disposed in a region on the right side of the center line P on the upper surface of the operation table 4. Yes. That is, with respect to the center line P, it is disposed on the opposite side of the position of the storage portion 26a on the upper surface of the operation table 4, and the storage portion 26a and the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7 The settlement switch 10 is disposed on both sides in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the operation console 4 so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

  Therefore, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2, the player uses, for example, the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the checkout switch 10 with the right hand R that operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. With the left hand L on the opposite side, for example, pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 25 or the like can be charged (supplemented) into the storage unit 26a in the upper plate 26. Thereby, since the game operation by the player and the operation of taking the pachinko ball into the storage unit 26a can be efficiently performed with the left and right hands, the operability for proceeding with the game is effectively improved.

  The upper plate 26 is formed in a dish shape with an open upper surface, so that the stored pachinko balls can be taken out from above by hand, and the downstream side rectification unit 26 b is flowed down. The pachinko balls flow down in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 arranged inside the operation table 4, and are guided to a later-described taking-in device 100 arranged in the operation table 4. That is, the pachinko sphere that has flowed into the take-in preparation sphere passage 110 has a structure in which it cannot be visually recognized from the outside and cannot be taken out by hand except for a residual sphere transparent window 130 described later.

  On the inner side of the front door 1c, a reset switch 23 (see FIG. 8) for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state excluding a RAM abnormality error described later and a stop state described later by a predetermined key operation, a setting described later A set value display 24 (see FIG. 8) for displaying the set value at that time during the change of the value or confirmation of the set value is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, a take-in device 100 is provided for taking the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 26 into the inside.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the take-in device 100, three sprockets 106 for ball cutting are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction corresponding to the respective strips of the take-in preparation ball passage 110. Two notches are formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket 106, and when the sprocket 106 is rotated by driving the take-in motor 101, pachinko balls that have entered the notch are discharged downward one by one. It has become. Further, the notches of the sprockets 106 corresponding to the respective strips are arranged so that the arrangement positions in the circumferential direction are different from each other (six notches of the three sprockets 106 are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees), As the three sprockets 106 rotate synchronously, pachinko balls are discharged for each sprocket 106.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, pachinko balls supplied to the sprocket 106 from the two take-in preparation ball passages 110 out of the three take-in preparation ball passages 110 are discharged by the two sprockets 106 respectively. Then, they merge at the downstream side and flow down to a take-in ball guide passage 108 or a return ball guide passage 109 described later.

  In the present embodiment, the case preparation members constituting the external shape of the preparation preparation sphere passage 110 and the acquisition device 100 are all formed of a transparent synthetic resin material. The pachinko sphere flowing down in the device 100 is configured to be visible from the outside through a residual sphere transparent window 130 described later.

  Below the sprocket 106, it swings when the sorting solenoid 102 is excited or released, and the flow path of the pachinko sphere discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is either the take-in ball guide passage 108 or the return ball guide passage 109. A flow path switching valve 107 for switching to one side is provided.

  The flow path switching valve 107 is composed of two flow path switching valves 107 and 107 arranged in two passages on the upstream side of the intake ball guiding path 108 and the return ball guiding path 109, respectively. The lower ends of the two flow path switching valves 107 and 107 are connected at one end to the lower end of the link member 124 whose center is pivotally supported at the tip of the telescopic shaft 102a of the sorting solenoid 102, and horizontally in the two passages. It is fixed to the extending swing shaft 107a. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the expansion shaft 102a expands and contracts by the excitation or release of the sorting solenoid 102, so that the link member 124 rotates about the shaft portion and the swing shaft 107a is centered. In order to rotate around, the flow path switching valves 107 and 107 swing around the swing shaft 107a. Further, since the telescopic shaft 102a of the sorting solenoid 102 is always urged in the extending direction by a coil spring (not shown) that is mounted around the telescopic shaft 102a in an unexcited state, the distal end of the telescopic shaft 102a. The flow path switching valve 107 connected to each other via the link member 124 is configured to remove the flow path of the pachinko balls taken in by the sprocket 106 when the sorting solenoid 102 is not excited (off state). It is always urged toward the position (see FIG. 4) on the side of the ball guide passage 108.

  Further, the upper end of the link member 124 is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the flow path of the pachinko sphere is switched to the return ball guide path 109, that is, the flow path switching valves 107 and 107 are in the standing posture (standing position). When this happens, it is detected by a flow path detection switch 115 provided in the vicinity of the main body of the sorting solenoid 102. In this way, depending on the detection status of the link member 124 by the flow path detection switch 115, the flow path switching valve 107 determines whether the flow path of the pachinko sphere is on the intake ball guide path 108 side or the return ball guide path 109 side. That is, the actual flow path direction of the pachinko ball by the flow path switching valve 107 can be detected.

  Further, the pachinko sphere discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106, that is, the captured pachinko sphere is detected by the first intake sphere detection switch 104 on the upstream side arranged at substantially the same height position as the sprocket 106. It has become.

  Specifically, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 is a switch that detects the passage of the pachinko sphere through a contact member 125 that is pivotally supported so as to rotate by contacting the falling pachinko sphere. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the abutting member 125 has a horizontal shaft 125 a extending in the horizontal direction over three passages, a base end fixed to the horizontal shaft 125 a, and a distal end that can be freely moved into and out of the passage. It is composed of two provided withdrawal and withdrawal pieces 125b and a detection piece 125c whose base end is fixed to one end of the horizontal shaft 125a, so that the distal end of the withdrawal and withdrawal piece 125b always protrudes into the passage. It is urged by a coil spring (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the contact member 125 configured in this way is pushed by the contact with the pachinko ball and retracted from the passage, so that the tip of the detection piece 125 c is first removed. Since it is detected by the incoming ball detection switch 104, the passage state of the pachinko ball can be detected based on the detection state by the first incoming ball detection switch 104.

  Further, a second intake ball detection switch 105 is disposed below the flow path switching valve 107 and connected to the intake ball guiding passage 108, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106. Thus, the pachinko balls distributed to the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side are detected. On the other hand, a return ball detection switch 103 is arranged at a connection portion with the return ball guide passage 109, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 and is assigned to the return ball guide passage 109 side by the flow path switching valve 107. A sphere is detected.

  As a result, the pachinko sphere taken into the take-in ball guide passage 108 is detected by two detection switches, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side and the second take-in ball detection switch 105 on the downstream side. Then, the pachinko ball taken into the return ball guide passage 109 side is detected by two detection switches, that is, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side and the return ball detection switch 103 on the downstream side. ing.

  In particular, the passage state of the pachinko sphere taken into the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side is determined based on the first take-in ball detection switch 104 arranged on the upstream side and the second take-in ball detection switch 105 arranged on the downstream side. For example, a pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is detected by the first intake ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side, and then the second intake ball detection on the downstream side is detected. By monitoring the transit time until detection by the switch 105, it is possible to notify that there is a possibility that fraud due to radio waves or the like has been performed or that a ball clogging has occurred. By monitoring the detection order, it is possible to avoid unauthorized detection by causing the pachinko ball to flow backward.

  Further, as described above, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 is a switch that detects the passage of the pachinko sphere through the abutting member 125 that is pivotally supported so as to rotate by coming into contact with the falling pachinko sphere. On the other hand, the second take-in ball detection switch 105 is a switch that directly detects the passage of the pachinko ball, and it can be difficult to simultaneously perform an illegal act corresponding to each of the two detection switches. .

  Further, among the pachinko spheres remaining in the downstream end of the capture preparation sphere passage 110, that is, when the rotation of the sprocket 106 is stopped, the most downstream pachinko sphere is stopped. At the downstream position, a remaining sphere detection switch 113 for detecting a pachinko sphere that stops at the most downstream position is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the remaining ball detection switch 113 is configured by a photosensor including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides of the three passages. The pachinko sphere that stops at the most downstream position in any of the passages can be detected.

  Therefore, whether or not the pachinko ball is stopped at the most downstream position of any of the three passages by the remaining ball detection switch 113, that is, in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 as a guide route (take-in It is possible to detect whether or not the pachinko ball remains in the preparation preparation ball passage 110 formed in the loading device 100). In the present embodiment, as will be described later, after the ball removal lever 31 is operated, that is, after the ball removal operation of the pachinko ball on the upper plate 26 is performed, the remaining ball detection switch 113 detects the pachinko ball. The remaining ball notification LED 114 (see FIG. 2) is turned on to notify that the pachinko ball remains in the preparation preparation ball passage 110 (in the capture device 100). Yes. Further, since the remaining ball detection switch 113 is disposed at a position where the pachinko ball at the most downstream position can be detected as described above, at least one in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 (in the take-in device 100). If the number of pachinko balls remains, the fact that the pachinko balls remain in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 (in the take-in device 100) will be notified.

  Next, when the take-in device 100 takes the pachinko ball guided from the upper plate 26 in order to set the bet number and discharges it to the game island without returning it to the player, the distribution solenoid 102 is excited. The state is stopped. In this state, since the flow path switching valve 107 is in the state (position) shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is detected by the first intake ball detection switch 104 and then taken in. After being guided to the ball guide passage 108 side and further detected by the second take-in ball detection switch 105, it flows down the take-in ball guide passage 108 to the rear side of the slot machine 1, and the inside of the game island (not shown) It is designed to be collected in the out ball tank.

  When the pachinko ball on the upper plate 26 is discharged (returned) to the lower plate 25, the sorting solenoid 102 is in an excited state. In this state, the flow path switching valve 107 swings against the urging force of the coil spring and enters the state shown in FIG. 5, so that the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is the first intake ball detection switch 104. Is detected by the return ball guide passage 109 side, and further detected by the return ball detection switch 103, then flows down the return ball guide passage 109 and is discharged from the payout opening 9 to the lower tray 25. , It is to be returned to the player. The sorting solenoid 102 is in a state where excitation is stopped except when the pachinko ball of the upper plate 26 is discharged (returned) to the lower plate 25. That is, the flow path switching valve 107 is in the state shown in FIG. 4 except when the pachinko balls on the upper plate 26 are discharged (returned) to the lower plate 25, and the flow path direction of the pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is The intake ball guide passage 108 is located on the side.

  Further, a return ball clogging detection switch 111 (see FIGS. 1 and 8) for detecting clogging of the ball in the passage is provided at a position in the vicinity of the lower plate 25 in the return ball guiding passage 109. For example, the lower plate 25 Since the tank is full, it can be detected that the return ball guiding passage 109 is clogged with a ball.

  The lower part of the above-described take-in device 100, take-in preparation ball passage 110, ball removal passage 120, take-in ball guide passage 108, return ball guide passage 109, and payout ball guide passage 208 is the operation table 4 and the operation table. 4 is covered with a cover panel 4a (see FIG. 1) that forms a lower front surface, and in particular, a pachinko ball that has flowed into the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the take-in device 100 cannot be taken out. In the vicinity of the upper position of the capture device 100 on the upper surface of the operation table 4, as shown in FIG. 2, pachinko balls remaining in the capture preparation ball passage 110 (in the capture device 100), more specifically, Even after the extraction lever 31 is operated and the pachinko balls on the upper plate 26 are extracted through the ball extraction passage 120, they remain in the preparation preparation ball passage 110 and enter the inside of the cover panel 4a to be invisible. A residual sphere see-through window 130 is formed as a light-transmitting portion made of a transparent panel for visually recognizing the pachinko sphere.

  As described above, since the take-up preparation ball passage 110 and the case cover of the take-in device 100 are formed of a transparent resin material, the player passes through the remaining ball see-through window 130 in the take-up preparation ball passage 110 ( Whether or not the pachinko balls remain in the capture device 100) can be visually confirmed from the outside of the slot machine 1. Therefore, the player can surely recognize when the pachinko ball remains in the capture preparation ball passage 110, so that the pachinko ball remains in the capture preparation ball passage 110. Regardless, it is possible to avoid the player from being disadvantaged by ending the game.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the main body frame 1b, a pachinko ball supplied from a game island or the like on which the slot machine 1 is installed is disposed above the upper plate 26 to the upper plate 26. Is provided. The pachinko balls paid out from the payout device 200 flow down the payout ball guide passage 208 extending downward from the payout device 200, and a communication port formed on the storage portion 26 a side in the upper plate 26. 13 is paid out to the upper plate 26. Further, the payout ball guide passage 208 is extended from the communication port 13 toward the lower plate 25 below, and surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate 26 because the upper plate 26 is full are discharged ball guide passages 208. Is discharged from the discharge outlet 9 to the lower plate 25.

  The main body frame 1b faces the see-through window 3 of the front door 1c so that the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C and 32R (see FIG. 8), and the reels 2L, 2C and 2R described above are provided. A reel unit (not shown) including a reel sensor 33 (see FIG. 8) capable of detecting the reference position is provided, and a power supply unit (not shown) faces the front door 1c side below the reel unit 33 (not shown). Is provided. On the front face of this power supply unit is a stop for selecting whether to enable / disable the stop function for controlling the stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed) at the end of a big bonus to be described later As a switch 36 (see FIG. 8), a setting key switch 37 (see FIG. 8) for switching to the setting change mode at startup, and a reset switch for canceling an error state and a stop state except for a RAM abnormal error in normal times In the setting change mode, a reset / setting switch 38 (see FIG. 8) that functions as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (outtake rate) of internal lottery described later, and turns the power ON / OFF A power switch 39 (see FIG. 8), which is operated at the time, is provided. By opening the front door 1c, the stop switch 36, the setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 disposed on the front side of the power supply unit can be operated from the front of the slot machine 1. It has become.

  The main body frame 1b includes a game control board 40 for controlling the game, a payout control board 60 for controlling the payout of pachinko balls, an effect control board 90 for controlling the effects, and driving of the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1. A power supply board 75 that generates power and supplies the power to each unit is provided.

  Among these boards, the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 are housed in one housing case 150 formed of a transparent synthetic resin material, as shown in FIG. It is arranged on the back side. The effect control board 90 is arranged on the front door 1c side of the main body frame 1b, and the power supply board 75 is arranged in a state of being housed in the power supply unit described above.

  The housing case 150 in which the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 are housed is composed of a case body that can house the board and a case cover that can open and close the opening of the case body, although not particularly shown. A plurality of sealing pieces into which one-way screws (screws that can be rotated only in one direction by a screwdriver) are screwed are provided on the left and right sides of the case body and the case cover.

  The storage case 150 configured in this manner is configured such that, for example, one of the left and right sealing pieces of the case main body and the case cover is screwed into only one sealing piece on each of the left and right sides, and the tip of the one way screw is Further, by screwing into a mounting hole (not shown) formed on the back surface of the slot machine 1, the case cover is opened and the housing case 150 is opened unless the mounting-related portion related to the mounting of the sealing piece or the like is destroyed. So that the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 are improperly modified or replaced with an illegal board. .

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the pachinko balls supplied to the slot machine 1 are stored in a supply tank 204 provided at the upper back of the main body frame 1b, and passed through a ball supply passage 210 extending from the supply tank. It flows down and is supplied to the dispensing device 200. The ball supply passage 210 includes three passages (not shown), and the pachinko balls flowing out from the replenishing tank 204 are supplied to the dispensing device 200 in a state of being divided into the three passages. . A supply ball detection switch 205 (see FIG. 8) is provided at a predetermined height position above the payout device 200 in the ball supply passage 210, and the payout device 200 is provided by the supply ball detection switch 205. It is detected whether the pachinko ball supplied to is waiting. In the present embodiment, the supply ball detection switch 205 is a position where it is possible to detect that 75 balls, which is the maximum number of winning balls to be paid out by the payout device 200 when a winning is accompanied by paying out a prize ball, is supplied. The pachinko ball required for paying out the maximum number of winning balls is detected. Further, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of balls taken in by the take-in device 100 is 15, and a maximum of 15 pachinko balls are paid out by the pay-out device 200 based on the operation of the checkout switch 10. The supply ball detection switch 205 detects whether or not a pachinko ball necessary for paying out the number of balls to be paid out is waiting based on the checkout switch 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, lending of 25 balls is requested by a single lending request from the card unit 400. Even in this case, the supply ball detection switch 205 pays out the number of balls to be paid out based on the lending request. It is detected whether or not the pachinko balls necessary for the waiting are waiting.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the payout device 200 is provided with a sprocket 206 that rotates by driving of the payout motor 201 in correspondence with each item of the ball supply passage 210. Also, below the sprocket 206, a payout ball detection switch 202 for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball discharged by the sprocket 206 based on payout of a prize ball or the like is provided, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 206. After the pachinko ball is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202, it is discharged into a payout ball guide passage 208 extending from the lower portion of the payout device 200.

  The payout ball guide passage 208 extends to the lower plate 25, and the pachinko balls discharged from the payout device 200 flow down the payout ball guide passage 208 and are discharged from the communication port 13 to the upper plate 26. The surplus sphere overflowing from 26 is paid out to the lower plate 25 from the payout opening 9. In addition, a payout ball clogging detection switch 112 (see FIGS. 1 and 8) for detecting ball clogging in the passage is provided at a position in the vicinity of the lower plate 25 in the payout ball guiding passage 208. For example, the lower plate 25 Because of the full tank, it is possible to detect whether or not the payout ball guide passage 208 is clogged with a ball.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in parallel with a card unit 400 that accepts a prepaid card in which a valuable value is recorded. From the card unit 400 based on the operation of the above-described ball rental switch 29, In response to this request, it is possible to lend a pachinko ball using the valuable value recorded on the prepaid card being accepted.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, a bet number is set using the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 26. The betting number can be set within a range of a predetermined number of betting numbers determined according to the gaming state. In this embodiment, the gaming state includes a regular bonus, a small bonus game in a big bonus, There is a gaming state, of which 1 is defined as the prescribed number of bets corresponding to the regular bonus, and 3 is defined as the prescribed number of bets corresponding to the small role game and the normal gaming state. When the state is the regular bonus, only one bet number can be set, and when the game state is the small role game and the normal game state, the bet number can be set within a range of 1 to 3.

  In order to set the bet number, the one-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. In this embodiment, when one ball take-in switch 5 is operated, one pachinko ball is taken in from the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 26, and when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, it is stored in the upper plate 26. The number of pachinko balls necessary to set a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state at that time is taken in from the pachinko balls.

  In addition, the pachinko ball taken in by the take-in device 100 in order to set the bet number in accordance with the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 in this way passes through the take-in ball guide passage 108 as described above. It flows down, is taken into the inside of the slot machine 1, that is, the back side as seen from the side facing the player in the slot machine 1, and is discharged to the out ball tank provided inside the game island (not shown) as described above. The

  When the bet number of 1 or more is set, the pay lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 1) are valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. In this embodiment, the game can be started when one or more bets are set. For example, the game can be started when a prescribed number of bets according to the gaming state is set. You may make it become a state.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. At this time, since the number of unit balls (5 balls in the present embodiment) required for setting the minimum unit bet number of the ones taken in by operating the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is not yet bet. When the number of unused spheres that are not used for setting the number remains, pachinko balls (return spheres) for the number of unused spheres are paid out from the payout device 200, and the upper plate is directly provided via the payout ball guide passage 208. 26 is returned to the player.

  When the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate at a constant speed after the game starts, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R becomes valid, and in this state, any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated. Then, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination on each of the activated pay lines L1-L5 is a reel 2L, 2C, 2R. When the display result is stopped, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls (principal balls) are paid out from the payout device 200 according to the win, and directly through the payout ball guide passage 208, the upper plate 26 Is paid to the player and given to the player.

  In the present embodiment, different numbers of prize balls are given according to the combination of symbols. In particular, the number of unit balls (5 balls) is required to set one bet, whereas the number of prize balls awarded in response to the occurrence of a prize is the number of unit balls (5 balls). It is possible to give pachinko balls of any number according to the winnings up to 75 balls as the upper limit, and the number of winning balls given when these winnings occur Can be set more finely according to each prize.

  In addition, when a combination of symbols accompanying the transition of the gaming state is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on any of the activated pay lines L1 to L5, a game corresponding to the combination of symbols Transition to the state.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, a payout control board 60, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 75. The game control board 40 mainly controls the game. The payout control board 60 controls the payout of the pachinko balls, the effect control board 90 controls the effect according to the progress of the game, and the power supply board 75 generates the drive power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1. And supplied to each part.

  The power supply board 75 is supplied with AC100V power from the outside, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply. The game control board 40 and the game control board 40 It is supplied to the payout control board 60 and the effect control board 90 connected via. Further, a stop switch 36, a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a power switch 39 are connected to the power board 75.

  On the game control board 40, the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the reel sensor 33, and the first take-in ball detection Switch 104, second take-in ball detection switch 105, return ball detection switch 103, return ball clogging detection switch 111, payout ball clogging detection switch 112, flow path detection switch 115, remaining ball detection switch 113, open / close shutter detection switch 123, Various types of switches such as a payout ball detection switch 202 are connected, and various types of switches such as the stop switch 36, the setting key switch 37, and the reset / setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 75. The detection signals of these connected switches are input. It has become.

  Further, the game control board 40 includes the above-described captured / paid-off ball display 11, game auxiliary display 12, 1-3BET LEDs 14-16, capture request LED 17, start valid LED 18, wait LED 19, and replaying. LED 20, BET switch valid LED 21, left, middle, right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, set value display 24, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, remaining ball notification LED 114, take-in motor 101, sorting solenoid 102, etc. Electrical components are connected, and these electrical components are driven based on the control of a game control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40.

  The game control board 40 comprises a microcomputer having a CPU 41a, ROM 41b, RAM 41c, and I / O port 41d. The game control unit 41 controls the game, and random numbers in a predetermined range (0 to 16383 in this embodiment). A random number generation circuit 42 for generating, a sampling circuit 43 for acquiring a random number from the random number generation circuit, and a switch detection circuit 44 for detecting a detection signal input from switches connected to the game control board 40 directly or via the power supply board 75 A reel motor drive circuit 45 that controls the drive of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, a take-in motor drive circuit 50 that controls the drive of the take-in motor 101, a solenoid drive circuit 46 that controls the drive of the sorting solenoid 102, a game The LED drive circuit that performs drive control of various displays and LEDs connected to the control board 40 47. When the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 is monitored and a voltage drop is detected, a power drop detection circuit 48 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the game control unit 41, A reset circuit 49 for providing a reset signal to the CPU 41a when an initialization command from the CPU 41a is not input for a certain period, and various other devices and circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 41a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, and executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 41b to perform processing related to the progress of the game. Each part of the control circuit mounted on the control board 40 is controlled directly or indirectly. The ROM 41b stores fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU 41a and various tables. The RAM 41c is used as a work area when the CPU 41a executes a program. The I / O port 41d inputs / outputs a control signal to / from each circuit connected via a signal input / output terminal included in the game control unit 41.

  The game control unit 41 includes a signal input terminal DATA, and detection states of various switches connected to the game control board 40 are input to the input port via these signal input terminals DATA. The input states of these signal input terminals DATA are monitored by the CPU 41a, and the CPU 41a executes a basic process that shifts in stages according to the input states of the signal input terminals DATA, that is, the detection states of various switches.

  In addition, the CPU 41a has an interrupt function as described above, and can execute an interrupt process by interrupting the basic process when an interrupt occurs. In this embodiment, four types of interrupts of interrupts 1 to 4 can be executed. For each interrupt, a counter mode (signal input from a trigger terminal CLK / TRG provided separately from the signal input terminal DATA) is provided. Can be selected and set in either an interrupt mode for generating an external interrupt in accordance with the timer mode or an interrupt mode for generating an internal interrupt in accordance with the number of clock inputs to the CPU 41a.

  In this embodiment, among interrupts 1 to 4, interrupt 2 is set to the counter mode, interrupts 3 and 4 are set to the timer mode, and interrupt 1 is unused. The trigger terminal CLK / TRG is connected to the above-described power failure detection circuit 48, and the CPU 41a generates an interrupt 2 in response to the input of the voltage drop signal output from the power failure detection circuit 48, and the power failure described later. Execute interrupt processing. In addition, the CPU 41a, every time the number of clock inputs assigned to the interrupt 3 reaches the first specified number, that is, the interval at which the number of clock inputs assigned to the interrupt 3 reaches the first specified number (this embodiment In the example, interrupt 3 is generated every approximately 0.56 ms) to execute the timer interrupt process (A), and every time the number of clock inputs assigned to interrupt 4 reaches the second specified number, In other words, interrupt 4 is generated at intervals (in this embodiment, about 0.4 ms) at which the number of clock inputs assigned to interrupt 4 reaches the second specified number, and timer interrupt processing (B) is executed. To do. Moreover, although the interruption 1 is set to unused, the interruption 1 may generate | occur | produce with noise etc. For this reason, when the interrupt 1 occurs, the CPU 41a executes an unused interrupt process that immediately returns to the original process.

  The CPU 41a is set to prohibit other interrupts during execution of interrupt processing based on the occurrence of any one of interrupts 1 to 4, and a plurality of interrupts occurred simultaneously. In this case, the priority is set to be executed in the order of interrupts 2, 3, 4, and 1. That is, if interrupt 2 and other interrupts occur simultaneously, interrupt 2 is executed with priority. If interrupts 3 and 4 or 1 occur simultaneously, interrupt 3 takes priority. When interrupt 4 and interrupt 1 occur at the same time, interrupt 4 is executed with priority.

  Further, the CPU 41a temporarily stores the data in use stored in the register in a later-described stack area provided in the RAM 41c at the start of interrupt processing based on the occurrence of any of the interrupts 1 to 4. The data saved in the stack area at the end of the interrupt process is returned to the register.

  Further, the game control unit 41 is supplied with backup power even during a power failure, and while the backup power is supplied, the CPU 41a performs a refresh operation to hold the data stored in the RAM 41c. It is like that.

  The CPU 41a of the game control unit 41 inputs / outputs various signals to / from the payout control board 60 via the I / O port 41d. The input / output of signals between the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 will be described later.

  Connected to the payout control board 60 are the supply ball detection switch 205, the payout ball detection switch 202, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 described above, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. It has come to be. As described above, the payout ball detection switch 202, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are connected to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60. The detection signals of the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are input to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60.

  Also, the payout control board 60 is connected to electrical components such as the payout motor 201 described above, and these electrical components are driven based on control by a payout control unit 61 (described later) mounted on the payout control board 60. It has become so.

  The payout control board 60 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 61a, a ROM 61b, a RAM 61c, and an I / O port 61d, similar to the game control part 41, and a payout control part 61 that controls the payout of pachinko balls. A switch detection circuit 62 that detects a detection signal input from a switch connected to the substrate 60, a payout motor drive circuit 63 that controls the drive of the payout motor 201, a display drive circuit 64 that controls the drive of various LEDs, etc. A reset circuit 65 that gives a reset signal to the CPU 61a when the initialization command from the CPU 61a is not input for a certain period of time, other circuits, and the like are mounted, and the CPU 61a receives a signal output from the game control board 40, In response to a detection signal from a switch connected to the payout control board 60, a pachinko ball is The payout control is performed so that the pachinko ball is lent out in response to a request from the card unit 400 connected via the connection terminal board 70, and each part of the control circuit mounted on the payout control board 60 is directly controlled. To control automatically or indirectly.

  Similar to the CPU 41a of the game control unit 41, the CPU 61a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timer interrupt. The CPU 61a generates an interrupt every time the number of clock inputs reaches a certain number, that is, every certain interval (about 2 ms), and executes a timer interruption process (payout) described later. Also, when an unused interrupt occurs in the CPU 61a, an unused interrupt process for immediately returning to the original process is executed.

  Further, unlike the game control unit 41, the payout control unit 61 is not supplied with backup power at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 61c is not held at the time of a power failure.

  The CPU 41a of the game control unit 41 transmits various commands to the effect control board 90 via the I / O port 41d. A command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is sent in only one direction, and no command is sent from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. The transmission line of the command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is composed of a strobe (INT) signal line, a data transmission line, and a ground line, and is connected via the effect relay board 80. The game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 are not directly connected.

  The effect control board 90 includes a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the front door 1c, an effect effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, reel LEDs 55 that irradiate the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from behind. Electrical components are connected, and these electrical components are driven based on control by a later-described effect control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90.

  Like the game control unit 41, the effect control board 90 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I / O port 91d. The effect control board 91 and the effect control board 90 control the effect. A liquid crystal driving circuit 92 that controls the driving of the connected liquid crystal display 51, a lamp driving circuit 93 that controls the driving of the effect LED 52, an audio output circuit 94 that controls audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, A reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the CPU 91a when the initialization command from the CPU 91a is not input for a certain period, and other circuits are mounted. The CPU 91a receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, In addition to performing various controls for performing the production, the control circuit mounted on the production control board 90 And controls the respective units directly or indirectly.

  As with the CPU 41a of the game control unit 41, the CPU 91a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timer interrupt. An interruption terminal (not shown) of the effect control unit 91 is connected to a strobe (INT) signal line that is output when the game control unit 41 transmits a command, among the command transmission lines, and the CPU 91 a An interrupt is generated based on the input, and a command reception interrupt process to be described later is executed. Further, the CPU 91a generates an interrupt every time the number of clock inputs reaches a certain number, that is, every certain interval (about 1.12 ms), and executes a timer interruption process (effect) described later. Also, when an unused interrupt occurs in the CPU 91a, an unused interrupt process for immediately returning to the original process is executed.

  Next, signals input / output in the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the card unit 400 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 confirms the connection check between the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 on the payout control board 60 side with respect to the payout control board 60. To output a game control board connection confirmation signal. Then, the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 confirms the connection with the game control board 40 based on the detection of the game control board connection confirmation signal. In addition, the game control unit 41 gives the payout control board 60 a ball number signal indicating a value of 0 to 100 as the number of balls instructing payout by a settlement request or a payout request, Of the number of balls used and the number of used balls used to set the number of bets and the number of unused balls not yet used to set the number of bets) or a settlement request signal for requesting the settlement of the number of unused balls The payout request signal for requesting the payout of the prize ball is output. Then, when the payout control unit 61 detects the settlement request signal or the payout request signal, the payout control unit 61 performs payout control for paying out the number of pachinko balls indicated by the ball number signal at that time.

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 61 makes a payout control board connection confirmation signal for checking the connection confirmation between the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 on the game control board 40 side, the card unit 400 to the game control board 40. And an in-operation signal indicating the start, operation, and end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payment request or payout request. Then, the game control unit 41 confirms the connection with the payout control board 60 based on the detection of the payout control board connection confirmation signal, and connects the payout control board 60 and the card unit 400 based on the detection of the card unit connection signal. Based on the detection of the in-operation signal, the start, operation, and end of the pachinko ball payout operation by the payout control unit 61 are confirmed.

  The card unit 400 includes a control unit on which a microcomputer is mounted. As shown in FIG. 9, the remaining amount indicator 28 provided in the slot machine 1 is connected to the card unit 400 via a connection terminal board 70, and the remaining amount is controlled by the microcomputer mounted on the control unit. The display 28 is driven. As shown in FIG. 9, the card unit 400 is connected to the above-described ball rental switch 29 and return switch 30 provided in the slot machine 1 via a connection terminal plate 70, and detection signals from these switches are detected. Is input to the control unit.

  The card unit 400 also includes a card reader / writer that reads and writes the recorded information of the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot, and the card reader / writer stores the recorded information read from the prepaid card as a control unit. And the record information of the prepaid card inserted is updated based on a command from the control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the card unit 400 has a card unit connection signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 400 is normally connected to the payout control board 60 (the payout control unit 61) of the slot machine 1. The card unit READY signal (BRDY) indicating the start and end of the lending process by the card unit 400 and the lending request signal (BRQ) requesting the lending of the pachinko ball are output. The card unit connection signal is also a power source for communication between the control unit and the payout control board 60.

  On the other hand, the payout control board 60 (the payout control unit 61) has a slot machine READY signal (SRDY) indicating a state in which the pachinko ball can be lent to the card unit 400, and a pachinko ball based on BRQ. A lending completion signal (EXS) indicating the start and completion of lending operation is output.

  Further, as described above, the remaining amount indicator 28, the ball rental switch 29 and the return switch 30 mounted in the slot machine 1 are connected to the card unit 400, and the remaining amount indicator 28 is output based on the control of the control unit. The detection signal (lending operation detection signal) of the ball lending switch 29 and the detection signal (return operation detection signal) of the return switch 30 are input to the card unit 400. Then, the control unit mounted on the card unit 400 outputs the BRDY described above on condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains as a result of the ball-lending switch 29 being detected. The above-mentioned BRQ is output, and the processing for requesting the lending unit for lending unit (25 balls in this embodiment) to the slot machine 1 is performed within the range of the remaining valuable value (in this embodiment, 10 times), and when the return switch 30 is detected, the prepaid card being accepted is returned.

  FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram for explaining the configuration of the power supply board 75, and FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram for explaining the configuration around the game control unit 41 in the game control board 40.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a rectifier circuit 302, a transformer 304, and voltage generation circuits 303, 305 to 308 are mounted on the power supply board 75. The rectifier circuit 302 converts an AC 100V AC voltage supplied from the outside into a DC voltage, and the transformer 304 transmits the DC voltage converted by the rectifier circuit 302 to an internal circuit. Then, the voltage generation circuit 303 generates + 25V DC voltage from the DC voltage transmitted through the transformer 304 and outputs it to the connector 301 and the voltage generation circuits 305, 306, 307, and 308, respectively. The voltage generation circuits 305, 306, 307, and 308 generate +24 V, +12 V (VCC), +12 V, and +5 V DC voltages from the +25 V DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 303 and output them to the connector 301. . The connector 301 is connected to the game control board 40 and the like, and the DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuits 305, 306, 307, 308 is a device mounted on the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the effect control board 90, It is supplied as a power source for driving various electrical components connected to the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the effect control board 90. In other words, the + 25V DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 303 is the various devices mounted on the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the effect control board 90, the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the effect control board 90. It serves as a power source for driving various electrical components connected to the.

  Of the DC voltage supplied from the power supply board 75, + 24V DC voltage is supplied to the game control board 40, and the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, the take-in motor 101, and the sorting solenoid connected to the game control board 40. 102 is used as a driving power source for electric parts such as 102, and is also supplied to the payout control board 60 via the game control board 40 and used as a driving power source for electric parts such as the payout motor 201 connected to the payout control board 60. Is done.

  Further, a + 12V (VCC) DC voltage is supplied to the effect control board 90 via the game control board 40, which will be described later, which is a drive power source for devices mounted on the effect control board 90 such as the effect control unit 91. It is used as a power source for +5 V (VCC), or as a driving power source for electrical components such as the liquid crystal display 51, LEDs, and speakers connected to the effect control board 90.

  Further, a + 12V DC voltage is supplied to the game control board 40 and is connected to the game control board 40 via the power supply board 75 and other electrical components such as LEDs, indicators, sensors, and switches. (Including electrical components such as switches), and is also supplied to the payout control board 60 via the game control board 40 and connected to the payout control board 60 for electrical parts such as LEDs and switches. Used as drive power supply.

  In addition, a + 5V DC voltage is supplied to the game control board 40 and used as a drive power source for devices mounted on the game control board 40 such as the game control unit 41 and the payout control board via the game control board 40. 60, and is used as a drive power source for devices mounted on the payout control board 60.

  Further, the + 5V DC voltage supply line on the game control board 40 branches on the game control board 40 to form a + 5V (VBB) DC voltage supply line, as shown in FIG. The + 5V (VBB) DC voltage supply line is connected to the backup power supply input terminal VBB via a backflow prevention diode 312 and connected to the ground level on the power supply board 75 side as shown in FIG. A large-capacitance capacitor 310 is provided between them. As a result, a DC voltage of + 5V (VBB) can be stored in the capacitor 310, and even during a power failure, the voltage stored in the capacitor 310 can be supplied as a backup power source over the period until the voltage is completely discharged. It has become.

  In addition, among the DC voltages output from the power supply board 75, + 25V DC voltage, that is, a DC voltage serving as a source for generating + 24V, + 12V (VCC), + 12V, and + 5V DC voltage is shown in FIG. As shown, the pressure is reduced by the resistor 311 (about 6.6% in this embodiment) and is input to the monitoring voltage input terminal VSB provided in the power interruption detection circuit 48. The power interruption detection circuit 48 outputs a voltage drop signal from the voltage drop signal output terminal RESET when the voltage input to the monitoring voltage input terminal VSB becomes a predetermined level (+1.2 V in this embodiment) or less. It is configured to output. This voltage drop signal output terminal RESET is connected to the trigger terminal CLK / TRG of the game control unit 41 as described above, and when the voltage input to the monitoring voltage input terminal VSB becomes a predetermined level or less. The voltage drop signal is input to the trigger terminal CLK / TRG of the game control unit 41. That is, the CPU 41a of the game control unit 41 can detect the occurrence of power interruption based on the input of the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 and can execute a power interruption interrupt process to be described later. In this embodiment, when the + 25V DC voltage becomes about + 18V or less, the voltage reduced by the resistor 311 becomes + 1.2V or less and a voltage drop signal is output. Therefore, the CPU 41a is based on the input of the voltage drop signal. Thus, the occurrence of power interruption can be detected when the + 25V DC voltage becomes + 18V or less.

  Further, the voltage drop signal output terminal RESET branches in the middle and is also connected to the signal input terminal DATA of the game control unit 41, so that the voltage input to the monitoring voltage input terminal VSB becomes a predetermined level or less. Sometimes, the voltage drop signal is input to the signal input terminal DATA in addition to the trigger terminal CLK / TRG of the game control unit 41. In addition, the power interruption detection circuit 48 becomes inoperable or the voltage is not supplied after the voltage input to the monitoring voltage input terminal VSB becomes a predetermined level (+1.2 V) or less. The voltage drop signal is continuously output until it exceeds a predetermined magnitude (+1.2 V). Therefore, the CPU 41a can monitor the input state of the voltage drop signal even during the power interruption interrupt process based on the input of the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game control unit 41 and the power interruption detection circuit 48 are driven by the +5 V DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 308, and the power interruption detection circuit 48 is connected to the voltage generation circuit 303. When the + 25V DC voltage generated by the above becomes + 18V or less, which is higher than + 5V for driving these devices, the occurrence of power interruption is detected and a voltage drop signal is output. Since the DC voltage of + 5V is supplied to the game control unit 41 for a while after the CPU 41a detects the occurrence of the power interruption, it is necessary for the CPU 41a to perform the power interruption interrupt process based on the input of the voltage drop signal. Enough time can be secured.

  In the present embodiment, the power interruption detection circuit 48 monitors the drop of + 25V DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 303, and also includes the power supply board 75, the game control board 40, the payout control board 60, and the effect control. Voltage generation circuits 305, 306, which are provided separately from the voltage generation circuit 303 for generating a + 25V DC voltage monitored by the power interruption detection circuit 48 as a power supply voltage for driving the electrical components connected to the substrate 90, Since a stable voltage is monitored by the power interruption detection circuit 48 as compared with the power supply voltage that tends to decrease depending on the driving status of these electrical components, the power interruption detection circuit 48 causes a temporary voltage drop. Thus, it is possible to prevent malfunction such as detection of occurrence of power interruption and interruption of power interruption.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a capacitor 309 is provided on the + 25V DC voltage line input to the voltage generation circuit 306 in the power supply board 75, and is supplied to the voltage generation circuit 306 from the +25 V DC voltage. Even when the voltage can be stored and the supply of voltage from the voltage generation circuit 303 is interrupted, +12 V (VCC) is generated for the voltage generation circuit 306 over the period until the voltage stored in the capacitor 309 is discharged. The voltage required to do this is supplied. Therefore, the voltage generation circuit 306 is a source of power for devices such as the effect control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 for a certain time even when the supply of voltage from the voltage generation circuit 303 is interrupted during a power failure. The + 12V (VCC) DC voltage supply can be maintained, and the device mounted on the effect control board 90, particularly the effect control unit 91, is more than the device mounted on the game control board 40 during a power failure. It can be driven for a long time.

  The effect control board 90 is provided with a voltage generation circuit that generates +5 V (VCC) from a DC voltage of +12 V (VCC) supplied from the power supply board 75 via the game control board 40, although not particularly shown. The + 5V (VCC) DC voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit is supplied to various devices mounted on the effect control board 90, such as the effect control unit 91, and is used as a drive power source for these devices.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout rate of the pachinko balls changes according to the set value, and the winning probability of the internal lottery described later is determined according to the set value. Hereinafter, the setting value changing operation will be described.

  In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after the setting key switch 37 is turned on. When the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 in the ON state, 1 is displayed as the initial value of the setting value on the setting value display 24, and the setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38 is set. Transition. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change mode, the setting value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from the setting 6, the setting value is returned to the setting 1). . When the start switch 7 is operated, the set value is confirmed, and the confirmed set value is stored in the RAM 41c of the game control unit 41. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

  In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the CPU 41a of the game control unit 41 detects a voltage drop signal, the power interruption interrupt process is executed. In the power interruption processing, the register is saved in a stack of a RAM 41c, which will be described later, and the data for destructive diagnosis (5A (H) in this embodiment) in which any bit becomes 1 in the RAM 41c of the game control unit 41, that is, In addition to storing specific data other than 0, the RAM parity adjustment data is calculated so that the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c becomes 0, and stored in the RAM 41c. ing. The RAM parity is a value calculated as an exclusive OR of values stored in each bit of the corresponding area (all areas in this embodiment) of the RAM 41c. Therefore, if the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c is 0, the RAM parity adjustment data is 0, and the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c is 1. In this case, the RAM parity adjustment data is 1.

  The CPU 41a calculates the RAM parity based on the data stored in all areas of the RAM 41c at the time of activation, confirms the value of the destructive diagnosis data, the RAM parity is 0, and the destructive diagnosis On the condition that the value of the data is also correct, the processing state of the CPU 41a is restored to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 41c, and the process that was executed last before the power interruption is restored. If the RAM parity is not 0 (in the case of 1) or if the value of the destructive diagnosis data is not correct, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal and the RAM is controlled to an abnormal error state to disable the progress of the game. Yes. Unlike the other error states, the RAM abnormal error state is not canceled even if the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38 is operated, and a new set value is set in the setting change mode described above. It will not be released until

  Further, the CPU 41a determines whether or not the set value stored in the set value work of the RAM 41c is an appropriate value (1 to 6) in an internal lottery to be described later, and when the set value is not an appropriate value. As in the case where it is determined that the data in the RAM 41c is not normal at the time of activation, the control is set to the RAM abnormal error state, and the progress of the game is disabled. Even in this case, it is not canceled until a new set value is set in the setting change mode described above.

  In addition, when a power interruption occurs during communication with the payout control board 60, the CPU 41a does not return from the state in communication with the payout control board 60 at the time of subsequent activation, and is mounted on the game control board 40. The input / output device and the I / O port 41d of the game control unit 41 are initialized, and the communication with the payout control board 60 that was being executed at the time of power interruption is executed from the beginning based on the data backed up in the RAM 41c. It is supposed to start over.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the prescribed number of bets according to the gaming state is determined as described above, and the number of bets can be set within the prescribed number range. The game can be started on the condition that is set. In the present embodiment, as described above, the gaming state includes a regular bonus, a small role game in a big bonus, and a normal gaming state, and among these, 1 is defined as the prescribed number of bets corresponding to the regular bonus, 3 is defined as the specified number of bets corresponding to the small role game and the normal gaming state. Therefore, when the gaming state is a regular bonus, the game can be started when 1 is set as the betting number. When the gaming state is the small role game or the normal gaming state, the betting number is 1 to 3. When is set, the game can be started. In this embodiment, when the bet number of 1 or more is set, all the pay lines L1 to L5 are activated, and 1 is set as the bet number regardless of the gaming state. At this time, all winning lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, if a combination of symbols called “combinations” is arranged on the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line), Become. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the gaming status, but can be broadly divided into small roles with payout of pachinko balls (prize balls) and the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There are a re-playing role that can be started and a special role that accompanies the transition of the gaming state. In order for each winning combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win an internal lottery and set a winning flag for the winning combination.

  In the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not the winning of each winning combination is allowed before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). Is. In the internal lottery, first, a random number for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 16383) is acquired as described later. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, compare the acquired random number for internal lottery with the number of bets set by the player and the range of the determination value of the combination determined according to the set value, If the random number for internal lottery is included in the range of the determination value for any of the combinations, it is determined that the winning combination is made, and the winning flag for the corresponding combination is set. On the other hand, if the random number for internal lottery is not included in the range of the determination value for any combination, it is a loss and no winning flag is set.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the CPU 41a effectively detects the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 in a state where the betting number can be set, the take-in operation for taking one pachinko ball is taken in. Take-in control (take-in control process described later) to be performed by the apparatus 100 is executed. Further, when the CPU 41a effectively detects the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 in a state where the bet number can be set, the bet number is set from the number of balls necessary to set the specified number of bets according to the gaming state. The number of used balls and the number of used balls subtracted from the number of used but not yet used to set the bet number, that is, the ball necessary to set the specified number of bets at that time The capture control (capture control process described later) for causing the capture device 100 to perform a capture operation for capturing the number is executed.

  In addition, when the CPU 41a effectively detects the operation of the settlement switch 10 in a state where the bet number can be set, when one or more bet numbers have already been set, or when an unused ball remains, that is, a captured ball If the game remains, the payment control unit 61 makes a payment request for the number of pachinko balls that have been acquired, and based on this, the payment request control that causes the player to return the number of pachinko balls that have been acquired. When the number of bets is not set and an unused ball does not remain, that is, when a captured ball does not remain, return control is performed to return the pachinko ball in the capture device 100.

  Further, when the CPU 41a effectively detects the operation of the start switch 7 in a state where the game can be started, if no unused ball remains, control is performed to start the game at that time, and the unused ball remains. In this case, the payout control unit 61 is requested to pay for the pachinko balls for the unused balls, and based on this, the payment request control for returning the pachinko balls for the unused balls to the player is performed. Control to start.

  Next, display control of the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 by the CPU 41a will be described.

  The CPU 41a displays 0 as the number of taken-in balls on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 when the game is over and the bet number can be set. In this state, when the take-in control is performed in accordance with the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 is displayed every time the pachinko ball is taken in by the take-in device 100. The number of captured balls displayed in is added and updated one by one.

  In addition, when the settlement request control is performed in accordance with the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10 in the state where the captured balls remain, the captured balls / paid-off balls display each time the pachinko balls are paid out by the payout device 200. 11 is made to subtract and update the number of captured balls displayed by one.

  In addition, in the state where one or more bets are set and the game can be started, if an unused ball does not remain when an operation of the start switch is detected, a captured / paid-off ball display is displayed. The taken-in ball number displayed on the vessel 11 is cleared and updated to 0. On the other hand, when the unused balls remain, the number of captured balls displayed on the captured balls / dispensed ball display 11 is updated to the number of unused balls, and the payout device is controlled by the subsequent settlement request control. Each time a pachinko ball is paid out by 200, the number of taken-in balls displayed on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 is subtracted and updated by one.

  Further, the CPU 41a displays 0 as the number of paid-out balls on the taken-in / paid-out ball display 11 when a winning accompanied with a payout of a prize ball occurs. Then, a payout request for the number of pachinko balls for the number of prize balls is made, and each time the pachinko ball is paid out by the payout device 200, the number of paid-in balls displayed on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 is incremented by one. Add and update.

  Next, the operation state of the slot machine 1 based on the control of the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61 described above will be described based on the timing charts of FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows that when a winning with payout of a winning ball occurs, when an operation of the checkout switch 10 is detected in a state where a captured ball remains, a bet number of 1 or more is set, and an unused ball is It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition when operation of the start switch 7 is detected in the state which remains.

  When a winning with payout of a winning ball occurs, when an operation of the checkout switch 10 is detected in a state where a captured ball remains, a bet number of 1 or more is set and an unused ball remains When the operation of the start switch 7 is detected, the game control unit 41 uses the value of the ball number signal to request the payout by the payout request (number of payout requests) or the number of balls to request the payout by the checkout request (settlement) The request number is updated to a value (tb1), and the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is turned on (tb2). Specifically, when a winning accompanied with a payout of a winning ball occurs, the value of the ball number signal is updated to a value indicating the number of winning balls given when the winning is generated, and the payout request signal is set to on. If the operation of the checkout switch 10 is detected in a state where the captured ball remains, that is, a state where a bet number of 1 or more is set or an unused ball remains, the value of the ball signal Is updated to a value indicating the acquired number of balls, which is the sum of the number of used balls and the number of unused balls used to set the number of bets, and the settlement request signal is turned on. Further, when an operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where one or more bets are set and an unused ball remains, the value of the ball number signal is updated to a value indicating the number of unused balls, The settlement request signal is turned on.

  When the payout control unit 61 detects that the payout request signal or the checkout request signal is on, the game control unit 41 is notified of the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the checkout request by turning on the operation signal (tb3). ). Then, a payout operation for paying out the number of pachinko balls indicated by the ball number signal is started (tb4), and when the payout operation is completed (tb5), the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request or the settlement request is made with the in-operation signal turned off. Is notified to the game control unit 41 (tb6). Next, when the game control unit 41 detects the off-operation signal, it confirms the end of the payout operation, and sets the payout request signal or the settlement request signal to off (tb7). In addition, the game control unit 41 validates the detection of the payout ball by the payout ball detection switch 202 only during the period (tb3 to tb6) from when the on-operation signal is detected to when off is detected. Every time a payout ball is detected, the value of an unpaid ball counter (a counter that stores the number of payout balls that have not been paid out of the number of payout requests based on the payout request) set in the RAM 41c or an unsettled ball counter The value of (the counter that stores the number of unsettled spheres that have not been paid out of the number of settlement requests based on the settlement request) is subtracted and updated.

  Further, a state in which the value of the unpaid ball counter or the unpaid ball counter remains, that is, after the game control unit 41 makes a payout request or a payment request, the number of pachinko balls requested by the payout request or the payment request If a power interruption occurs before the payout is completed, the normal state of the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61 and the control state of the payout control unit 61 are not backed up as described above. Since the value of the unpaid ball counter and the value of the unpaid ball counter stored in the RAM 41c of the control unit 41 are backed up, the game control unit 41 backs up these to the payout control unit 61 when power is restored. The payout request or the payment request is executed from the beginning based on the value of the unpaid ball counter or the value of the unpaid ball counter.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing an operation state when an error occurs during a payout request or a settlement request.

  The game control unit 41 starts counting the payout communication error determination time from the time (tc1) when the payout request signal or the payment request signal is turned on. Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the on-operation signal cannot be detected (tc2) even after the payout communication error determination time has elapsed since the time when the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is turned on (tc1). In other words, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request cannot be confirmed, it is determined as a payout communication error, the error control is performed, and an error code indicating the payout communication error is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Display and inform. Even if the payout communication error is controlled to an error state, the payout request signal or the payment request signal is kept on, and the monitoring of the operating signal is continued. In this state, when the on signal of the operating signal is detected and then the off signal of the operating signal is detected (tc3), that is, when the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request is confirmed. Automatically cancels the error state (tc4).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the on-operation signal is detected before the payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time (tc1) when the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is turned on. Pachinko ball payout based on payout request or settlement request, ie, when the operation signal off cannot be detected (tc5) even after the payout communication error determination time has elapsed since the request signal or settlement request signal was turned on (tc1) Even when the end of the operation cannot be confirmed, it is determined as a payout communication error, the error is controlled, and an error code indicating the payout communication error is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 for notification. Even in this case, the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is kept on, and the monitoring of the operating signal is continued. In this state, when the on signal of the operating signal is detected and then the off signal of the operating signal is detected (tc6), that is, when the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request is confirmed. Automatically cancels the error state (tc7).

  Thus, in this embodiment, after the game control unit 41 makes a payout request or a payment request, regardless of whether or not the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request is confirmed, Even if the payout communication error determination time elapses from the time when the checkout request is made, if the end of the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request or the checkout request cannot be confirmed, it is determined as a payout communication error. . That is, the payout communication error is determined based only on the payout communication error determination time counted from the time when the payout request or the settlement request is made. Even when it is determined as a payout communication error and controlled to an error state, communication with the payout control unit 61 continues and when the end of the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request or the payment request can be confirmed. The error state is automatically cleared.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, even if the payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payout request signal or the checkout request signal is turned on, the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the checkout request is performed. When the end cannot be confirmed, a payout communication error is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the operation status when an error occurs during a payout request or a settlement request.

  In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the game control unit 41 starts counting the first payout communication error determination time from the time (td1) when the payout request signal or the payment request signal is turned on. When the on-operation signal cannot be detected (td2) even after the first payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payout request signal or the checkout request signal is turned on (td1), that is, the payout request or the checkout request. If the start of the pachinko ball payout operation cannot be confirmed, it is determined as a payout communication error, and the error state is controlled. Even in this case, while the payout communication error is controlled to the error state, the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is kept on, and the monitoring of the operating signal is continued. In this state, when the on signal of the operation is detected (td3), that is, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request is confirmed, the error state is automatically canceled ( td4).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the game control unit 41 starts counting the second payout communication error determination time from the time (td5) when the on-operation signal is detected, and the on-operation signal is turned on. When the operation signal off cannot be detected even after the second payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time of detecting (td5) (td6), that is, the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request is terminated. If it cannot be confirmed, it is determined as a payout communication error and the error state is controlled. Even in this case, while the payout communication error is controlled to the error state, the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is kept on, and the monitoring of the operating signal is continued. In this state, when the off-operation signal is detected (td7), that is, when the completion of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request is confirmed, the error state is automatically canceled ( td8).

  As described above, in this modification, even if the first payout communication error determination time has elapsed after the game control unit 41 makes a payout request or a payment request, a payout operation of a pachinko ball based on the payout request or the payment request. If the second payout communication error determination time has elapsed after confirming the start of the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request or the payment request, even if the second payout communication error determination time has elapsed, When the end of the ball payout operation cannot be confirmed, a payout communication error is determined. In other words, the payout communication error occurs when the first payout communication error determination time has elapsed in the period from when the payout request or settlement request is made until the start of the payout operation is confirmed, and after the start of the payout operation is confirmed. The determination is made separately when the second payout communication error determination time elapses until the end of the payout operation is confirmed. Further, even when the payout communication error is determined and controlled to the error state, communication with the payout control unit 61 is continued, and the start or end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the payment request can be confirmed. At this point, the error state is automatically cleared.

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing an operation state when the lending process is performed by the card unit 400 in response to the operation of the ball lending switch 29 being detected.

  When the operation of the ball lending switch 29 is detected, the control unit of the card unit 400 turns on BRDY and notifies the payout control unit 61 of the start of lending processing (te1). Further, the BRQ is turned on to request the lending of pachinko balls of the number of lending units (te2). When the payout control unit 61 detects that the BRQ is on, it checks whether the VL is on, that is, whether it is normally connected to the card unit 400, and on the condition that the VL is on. Turn on EXS and notify the card unit 400 of the start of the pachinko ball lending operation based on BRQ (te3). Then, a lending operation for lending a pachinko ball of the number of lending units is started (te4), and when the lending operation is finished (te6), the end of the lending operation of the pachinko ball based on BRQ is notified to the card unit 400 with EXS off. (Te7). Even if BRQ is detected to be on, if VL is not on, EXS is not turned on and pachinko ball lending operation based on BRQ is not performed. Further, the payout control unit 61 can perform a lending operation by detecting BRQ on regardless of whether the game control unit 41 is in the BET process. On the other hand, when the control unit of the card unit 400 turns BRQ on, when it detects that EXS is on, it confirms that the lending operation has started, turns BRQ off (te5), detects EXS on, When off is detected, it is confirmed that the lending operation has been completed, and if the specified number of lending requests are not completed within the range of the remaining valuable value, BRQ is turned on again and lending of pachinko balls of the number of lending units is requested. (Te8). Also, when it is confirmed that the lending operation has been completed by detecting the EXS off, if the valuable value required for the lending request does not remain or if the specified number of lending requests have been completed, lending BRDY as off The end of the process is notified to the payout control unit 61 (te9).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit mounted on the card unit 400 is provided with the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains as a result of the operation of the ball rental switch 29 being detected. The above-mentioned BRDY is turned on and the start of the lending process is notified to the payout control unit 61, and the process of requesting the lending of the pachinko balls of the number of lending units with the above-mentioned BRQ turned on is within the range of the remaining valuable value. The specified number of times (in this example, 10 times), and when the valuable value required for the loan request does not remain or when the specified number of loan requests is completed, BRDY is turned off and the end of the loan processing is completed. 61 is notified. For this reason, the payout control unit 61 performs a series of lending controls for performing a lending operation a plurality of times based on the lending request while detecting ON of BRDY.

  In the present embodiment, the lending control is started by detecting the on of BRDY, and in the state where the on of BRDY is detected, the lending operation is performed by detecting the on of the BRQ, that is, the lending request. A series of lending control is terminated by detecting the BRDY off. That is, since lending control is performed by detecting BRDY on, the lending request in the present invention means that the control unit of the card unit 400 turns on BRDY and turns on BRQ in that state.

  FIG. 16 illustrates the case where the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected and the take-in control (take-in control process described later) is performed, or the operation of the check-out switch 10 is detected and the check-out control ( It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition at the time of the payment control process mentioned later being performed.

  When the operation of the 1-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively detected (th1), the game control unit 41 invalidates the detection of the operation of the 1-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the checkout switch 10. To do. When the capture control based on the detection of the operation of the 1-ball capture switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is completed (th2), the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is enabled and one or more bets are set. If so, the detection of the operation of the start switch 7 is also enabled. In addition, if a specified number of bets according to the game state has not yet been set, that is, if the number of pachinko balls taken is less than the number required to set the specified number, one ball will be taken in The detection of the operation of the switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is also enabled.

  When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected effectively (th1), the game control unit 41 invalidates the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the settlement switch 10. Further, if the bet number of 1 or more is set and the detection of the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, the detection of the operation of the start switch 7 is also invalidated. When the settlement control based on the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is completed (th2), the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is enabled and the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is detected. To enable.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the capture control is performed based on the detection of the operation of the one-ball capture switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or the settlement control is performed based on the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10, Until these capture control and settlement control are completed, detection of each operation of the one-ball capture switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated.

  FIGS. 17 and 18 are timing charts showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 is disconnected during the BET process.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 is cut off and VL cannot be detected (ti1), the payout control unit 61 prohibits the loan control and connects the card unit. The game control unit 41 is notified that the middle signal is off and the card unit 400 is not connected. When the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is off and confirms that it is not connected to the card unit 400, the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated. The capture control based on the detection of the operation of the capture switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is prohibited. Then, an error code indicating that the card unit 400 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is displayed on the gaming auxiliary display 12 to notify the connection error.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, when the game control unit 41 detects the off of the card unit connection signal during the capture control and the settlement control (tj1), At the time when the control and the settlement control are finished (tj2), the detection of the operation of the one-ball capture switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 that are invalidated with the execution of the capture control and the settlement control is continuously invalidated. The game auxiliary display 12 displays an error code indicating that the card unit 400 is not connected to the slot machine 1 while prohibiting the capture control based on the detection of the operation of the ball capture switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6. Announce a connection error.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17, when the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 is restored and VL is detected ON (ti2), the payout control unit 61 permits the prohibited loan control. The game control unit 41 is notified that the card unit connection signal is on and the card unit 400 is connected. When the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is on and confirms that it is connected to the card unit 400, the detection of the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is enabled and the take-in control is permitted. To do. Then, the notification of the connection error is canceled.

  In the state where one or more bets are already set, the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 is cut off, and the game control unit 41 detects the card unit connection signal off and Even if it is confirmed that the connection is not established, the detection of the operation of the start switch 7 is effective, and even when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in such a state, the game is effectively started. That is, if the number of bets of one or more has already been set and the game start condition is satisfied, the operation of the start switch 7 is always detected regardless of the connection state between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60. It is possible to effectively start the game based on the above. In addition, even if the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 is broken and the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is off and confirms that the card unit 400 is not connected, the checkout switch The detection of the operation 10 is effective, and even when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected in such a state, the settlement control is effectively performed. That is, regardless of the connection state between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60, it is possible to always perform the payment control based on the detection of the operation of the payment switch 10.

  Next, various control contents executed by the CPU 41a of the game control unit 41 in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  When the reset signal is input from the reset circuit 49, the CPU 41a performs the startup process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Since the reset signal is a signal that is output when the power is turned on and when the operation of the game control unit 41 is stagnant, the activation process is performed when the CPU 41a is activated when the power is turned on and when the CPU 41a is activated due to a malfunction. This is a process to be performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the activation processing in the CPU 91a of the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 and the CPU 91a of the effect control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 is completed, and communication with the game control unit 41 is completed. The reset signal is input for a period longer than the time until the state becomes possible. That is, at the time when the game control unit 41 finishes the activation process and shifts to a normal process, the payout control unit 61 and the effect control unit 91 are waiting in a state where communication with the game control unit 41 is possible. It becomes.

  In the startup process, first, the built-in device, peripheral IC, interrupt mode, stack pointer, I / O port 41d, etc. are initialized (Sa1), then the detection data of the voltage drop signal is acquired from the input port, and the voltage drop signal Is determined, that is, whether or not the voltage is stable (Sa2). When the voltage drop signal is input, except for determining whether or not the voltage drop signal is input Then, the process proceeds to a loop process in which neither process is performed.

  If it is determined in step Sa2 that the voltage drop signal is not input, the values of the I register and IY register are initialized (Sa3), the state of the stop switch 36 is acquired, and a specific register of the CPU 41a is acquired. The valid / invalid of the stop function is set in (Sa4). By the initialization of the I register and the IY register, the address of the interrupt table to be referred to when an interrupt occurs is set in the I register, and the reference address for referring to the storage area of the RAM 41c is set in the IY register. . These values are fixed values and are always initialized at startup.

  Next, access to the RAM 41c is permitted (Sa5), and it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in an ON state (Sa6). If the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state in step Sa6, the RAM parity of all storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c is calculated (Sa7). Is determined (Sa8). If the power interruption interrupt processing is normally performed, the RAM parity should be 0. If the RAM parity is not 0 in the step of Sa8, the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal. In the storage area, the process proceeds to the RAM error processing shown in FIG.

  If the RAM parity is 0 in step Sa8, it is further determined whether or not the destructive diagnosis data is normal (Sa9). If power interruption interrupt processing is performed normally, the data for destruction diagnosis should be set. If the data for destruction diagnosis is not normal in step Sa9 (the data for destruction diagnosis is stored at the time of power interruption. In the case other than 5A (H), the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, and the process proceeds to the RAM error processing shown in FIG.

  In the RAM error process, as shown in FIG. 20, an error code indicating a RAM abnormality is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 (Sa101). Next, after executing initialization 1 for initializing all storage areas except the in-use stack area (Sa102), the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed. As described above, in the RAM error processing, unlike the other error processing, the error state is not canceled even if the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is operated.

  Returning to FIG. 19, if it is determined in step Sa9 that the data for destructive diagnosis is normal, the data in the RAM 41c is normal, so the non-saved work, the unused area, and the unused stack area in the RAM 41c are initialized. After performing initialization 3 (Sa10), the destruction diagnosis data is cleared (Sa11), and each register is returned to the state before power interruption, that is, the state stored in the stack (Sa12).

  Next, a value stored in an unpaid ball counter provided in the RAM 41c (a counter that stores the number of unpaid balls that have not been paid out of the number of payout requests based on the payout request) is acquired, and an unpaid ball counter It is determined whether or not an unpaid ball based on the payout request remains (Sa13). If the value of the unpaid ball counter is 0, an unsettled payment provided in the RAM 41c is further determined. The value stored in the ball counter (a counter that stores the number of unsettled spheres that have not been paid out of the number of settlement requests based on the settlement request) is acquired, and whether or not the value of the unsettled sphere counter is 0, that is, It is determined whether or not unsettled spheres based on the settlement request remain (Sa14). If the value of the unsettled ball counter is 0, the interrupt is permitted (Sa15), and the process returns to the last process before power interruption.

  If the value of the unpaid ball counter is not 0 in the step of Sa13, that is, if an unpaid ball based on the payout request remains, interrupt is permitted (Sa16), and the top of the payout request process (described later) The process proceeds to step Se101 in FIG. If the value of the unsettled sphere counter is not 0 in the step of Sa14, that is, if unsettled spheres based on the settlement request remain, interrupt is permitted (Sa17), and the head of the settlement request processing described later ( The process proceeds to step Sb201 in FIG.

  Also, if the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state in step Sa6, after executing the initialization 1 described above (Sa18), the value stored in the set value work (0 at this time) is corrected to 1. (Sa19). Next, an interrupt is permitted (Sa20), and the setting change process shown in FIG. 21, that is, the setting change mode is entered (Sa21). After the setting change process is completed, the game process is entered.

  In the setting change process, as shown in FIG. 21, the set value stored in the set value work in the RAM 41c (the value of the set value work is corrected to 1 before the process proceeds to the setting change process. Is read out (Sa201).

  Thereafter, the operation enters a state of waiting for detection of the operation of the reset / setting switch 38 and the start switch 7 (Sa202, Sa203). When the operation of the reset / setting switch 38 is detected in the step of Sa202, the set value read in the step of Sa201. 1 (Sa204), it is determined whether or not the set value after addition is 7, that is, whether or not the settable range is exceeded (Sa205). If the set value after addition is not 7, After returning to the detection waiting state for the operation of the reset / setting switch 38 and the start switch 7 in steps Sa202 and Sa203 again, if the setting value after addition is 7 in the step Sa205, the setting value is corrected to 1 (Sa206) ) Again, the reset / setting switch 38 in the steps of Sa202 and Sa203 Returns to the state of the detection waiting for the operation of Tosuitchi 7.

  When the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in step Sa203, the changed set value selected at that time is stored in the set value work of the RAM 41c and the set value is confirmed (Sa207). Wait until the setting key switch 37 is turned off (Sa208). If it is determined in step Sa208 that the setting key switch 37 is OFF, the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG. 19 and the game process is started.

  As described above, in the startup process, when the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state, it is stored in the RAM 41c by determining whether or not the RAM parity is 0 and whether or not the destructive diagnosis data is normal. It is determined whether or not the stored data is normal. If the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, the process proceeds to RAM error processing. In the RAM error process, an error code indicating a RAM abnormal error is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, and after the data in the RAM 41c is initialized, the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed, so the progress of the game is disabled. Is done. If the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, the interrupt is not permitted. Therefore, once the RAM error processing is started, the setting key switch 37 is activated in the ON state until the interrupt is permitted. Even if the power is cut off, the power interruption processing is not performed. That is, the RAM adjustment data is not calculated and stored so that the RAM parity is newly set to 0 in the power interruption interrupt process, and the destruction diagnosis data is not newly set. Even if the game is started, the game cannot be resumed even if the CPU 41a is restarted except when the setting key switch 37 is turned on.

  Once the RAM error processing is entered, the game is started until the setting key switch 37 is turned on, setting change processing is performed, and a new set value is selected / set by operating the reset / setting switch 38. It becomes impossible to progress. In other words, in the state that has shifted to the RAM error processing, the state in which the game cannot be progressed is canceled and the game can be resumed on condition that a new set value is selected and set by operating the reset / setting switch 38. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the starting process, when the data stored in the RAM 41c is normal, it is determined whether or not the value of the unpaid ball counter or the unpaid ball counter is 0, and the unpaid ball counter or the unpaid ball is determined. When the value of the counter is not 0, that is, when an unpaid ball based on the payout request or an unpaid ball based on the checkout request remains, the process proceeds to the top of the payout request process or the checkout request process. Then, in the payout request process and the checkout request process, as will be described later, a pachinko ball payout request for the value of the unpaid ball counter or an unpaid request for the value of the unpaid ball counter is performed. If the power is interrupted during the payout request process or the checkout request process, and unpaid balls or unsettled balls remain at the time of the power failure, a payout request for unpaid or a checkout request for the unsettled payment will be made again at the time of restoration. This is done, and the unpaid or unpaid portion of the pachinko ball will be paid out.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the game process executed by the CPU 41a.

  In the game process, a BET process (Sa301), an internal lottery process (Sa302), a reel rotation process (Sa303), a reel stop process (Sa304), a winning determination process (Sa305), a prize ball grant process (Sa306), and a game end process (Sa307) are executed in order, and when the game end process is completed, the process returns to the BET process again.

  In the BET process in the step of Sa301, the process waits in a state where the bet number can be set, sets a predetermined number of bets according to the gaming state, and executes a process of determining the bet number when the start switch 7 is operated. To do.

  In the internal lottery process in the step of Sa302, a random number for internal lottery is extracted simultaneously with the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step of Sa301, and winning in each above-described combination is permitted based on the extracted random number value. Process to determine whether or not. In this internal lottery process, a winning flag is set in the RAM 41c based on the respective lottery results.

  In the reel rotation process in step Sa303, a process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is executed. In this reel rotation process, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is validated when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at a constant speed.

  In the reel stop process in the step of Sa304, the player's operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, and the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R corresponding to the fact that the stop condition of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is established. Execute the process to stop the rotation.

  In the winning determination process in the step of Sa305, when it is determined in the step of Sa304 that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, a winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed.

  In the prize ball granting process in the step of Sa306, when it is determined in the step of Sa305 that the winning is determined, a process for requesting payout of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of prize balls given in accordance with the winning is performed.

  In the game end process in the step of step Sa307, a process for setting a gaming state in preparation for the next game is executed.

  23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the control content of the BET process executed by the CPU 41a in step Sa301.

  In the BET process, first, the value of the BET counter in which the value of the betting number is stored in the RAM 41c is cleared (Sb1), and it is determined whether or not the game is a replay game (Sb2). When a replay game flag indicating that a replay game is in progress is set in the RAM 41c and it is determined that the game is a replay game, the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 and stored in the RAM 41c. A process (Sb3, Sb4) for determining whether or not the BET counter value matches the previous game bet number with reference to the previous game bet number (Sb3, Sb4). The process is repeated until the number matches, and if it is determined in step Sb4 that the value of the BET counter matches the number of bets in the previous game, the process waits in a state waiting for detection of the operation of the start switch 7 (Sb5). . When the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in this state, the BET process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the game is not a replay game in step Sb2, whether or not the detection signal of the open / close shutter detection switch 123 has transitioned from on to off, that is, the ball removal lever 31 is operated and the upper plate 26 is moved. It is determined whether or not the ball has been removed (Sb6). If the detection signal of the open / close shutter detection switch 123 has transitioned from on to off, the detection is based on the input state of the detection signal from the remaining ball detection switch 113. It is determined whether or not a remaining ball in the included preparation ball passage 110 is detected (Sb7). If a remaining sphere in the take-in preparation sphere passage 110 is detected, the remaining sphere notification LED 114 is turned on (Sb8), a notification is made to prompt the user to operate the checkout switch 10, and then the processing of Sb9 is performed. move on. Further, when the detection signal of the open / close shutter detection switch 123 does not transition from on to off in the step Sb6, or when the remaining sphere in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 is not detected in the step Sb7, it remains as it is. The process proceeds to Sb9.

  In step Sb9, it is determined whether or not the card unit connecting signal on is detected, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 is connected to the payout control board 60.

  If the card unit connection signal on is detected in step Sb9, it is determined whether or not the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected (Sb10). If the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected. Then, the process proceeds to the settlement control process shown in FIG. 25 (Sb11), and when the settlement control process ends, the process returns to the step Sb6. Further, when the process proceeds to the settlement control process, the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated until the process ends.

  If the operation of the settlement switch 10 is not detected in the step of Sb10, the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c is referred to determine whether or not the value of the BET counter is a specified number (Sb12), and the BET counter If the value of is a specified number, it is determined whether or not the operation of the start switch 7 is detected (Sb13). If the operation of the start switch 7 is not detected, the process returns to the step Sb6. If the operation of the start switch 7 is detected, an unused ball counter set in the RAM 41c (a counter for storing the number of unused balls that have already been captured but have not yet been used for setting the bet number). It is determined whether or not the value is 0 (Sb14). If the value of the unused ball counter is 0, the process is terminated. If the value of the unused ball counter is not 0 in step Sb14, the value of the unused ball counter is set in the unused payment counter (Sb15), and the value of the unused ball counter is cleared (Sb16). Then, the process proceeds to the settlement request process shown in FIG. 26 (Sb17). When the settlement request process is completed, the BET process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. Along with this, detection of operations of the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the checkout switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated.

  If the value of the BET counter is not a prescribed number in step Sb12, it is determined whether or not an operation of the one-ball intake switch 5 is detected (Sb18), and an operation of the one-ball intake switch 5 is detected. For example, the value of the fetched ball counter set in the RAM 41c (the counter that stores the fetched ball number that is not yet fetched among the number of balls to be fetched) is updated to 1 (Sb19). And it transfers to the acquisition control process shown in FIG. 27 (Sb20), and if an acquisition control process is complete | finished, it will return to the step of Sb6. Further, when the process shifts to the capture control process, the detection of the operation of the one-ball capture switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated until the process ends.

  In step Sb18, if the operation of the one-ball take-in switch is not detected, it is further determined whether or not the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected (Sb21). If the operation of the MAXBET 6 is detected, the operation is performed. The value of the ball counter is (specified number × 5−BET counter value × 5−unused ball counter (this is a counter set in the RAM 41c and has not been used yet for setting the bet number). (The counter that stores the number of balls used) is updated (Sb22). In other words, the value of the take-in ball counter is determined from the take-in request ball number instructed by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 and the used ball number that has already been used for setting the bet number and the unused ball number that has not been used for setting the bet number yet. Update the value by subtracting the number of balls. And it transfers to the acquisition control process shown in FIG. 27 (Sb20), and if an acquisition control process is complete | finished, it will return to the step of Sb6. Further, when the process shifts to the capture control process, the detection of the operation of the one-ball capture switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated until the process ends.

  If the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is not detected in step Sb21, it is determined whether the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, that is, whether the game can be started (Sb23), and the value of the BET counter is 1. If it is above, it will progress to the step of Sb13, and if operation of the start switch 7 is not detected in the step of Sb13, it will return to the step of Sb6.

  In step Sb9, if the card unit connection signal on is not detected, an error code indicating a connection error indicating that the card unit 400 is not normally connected to the slot machine 1 is set ( Sb24). When the error code is set, the error code is displayed on the gaming auxiliary display 12 and a connection error is notified outside the gaming machine. Then, it is determined whether or not an operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected (Sb25). If an operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected, the process proceeds to the settlement control process shown in FIG. 25 (Sb11), and the settlement control process is performed. When is finished, the process returns to the step Sb6. Further, when the process proceeds to the settlement control process, the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated until the process ends.

  If the operation of the settlement switch 10 is not detected in step Sb25, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, that is, whether or not the game can be started (Sb26), and the value of the BET counter is 1. If it is above, it is determined whether or not the operation of the start switch 7 is detected (Sb27), and if the operation of the start switch 7 is detected, the process proceeds to Sb14.

  If the value of the BET counter is less than 1 in step Sb26, or if the operation of the start switch 7 is not detected in step Sb27, whether or not the card unit connection signal on is detected, that is, the card It is determined whether or not the unit 400 and the payout control board 60 are in a connected state (Sb28). If on of the card unit connecting signal is not detected, the process returns to the step of Sb6 and the card unit connecting signal If on is detected, the error code indicating the connection error set in step Sb24 is cleared (Sb29), and the process returns to step Sb6. Accordingly, the display of the error code displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 is also released.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the settlement control process executed by the CPU 41a in step Sb11.

  In the settlement control process, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the unused ball counter is 0 (Sb101). If the value of the unused ball counter is 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is 0 ( Sb102).

  If neither the value of the unused ball counter or the value of the BET counter is 0 in the steps of Sb101 and Sb102, the value of the unsettled ball counter is set to (the value of the unused ball counter + the value of the BET counter × 5 ), That is, the total value of the number of unused balls and the number of used balls (Sb103), and the values of the unused ball counter and the BET counter are cleared (Sb104). Then, the process proceeds to the settlement request process shown in FIG. 26 (Sb105), and when the settlement request process is completed, the input state of the detection signal of the remaining sphere detection switch 113 is confirmed and the remaining sphere in the take-in preparation sphere passage 110 is detected. (Sb106), and if the remaining balls in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 are not detected, the settlement control process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If a remaining ball in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 is detected in step Sb106, the remaining ball notification LED 114 is turned on (Sb107), and a notification for prompting the operation of the settlement switch 10 is performed, and then the settlement control is performed. The process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the unused ball counter value and the BET counter value are both 0 in the steps of Sb101 and Sb102, it is determined whether the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected, that is, the return ball in the return ball guide passage 109. (Sb108), if the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is not detected, it is further determined whether or not the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, in the payout ball guiding passage 208. It is determined whether or not the payout ball is clogged (Sb109). Then, if the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected in the step of Sb108 or the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected in the step of Sb109, the settlement control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If neither the return ball clogging detection switch 111 nor the dispensing ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected in the steps of Sb108 and Sb109, the rotational drive amount of the take-in motor 101 is set to 100 balls (Sb110), and the sorting solenoid 102 is turned on (Sb111), and the flow direction of the captured pachinko sphere is set to the return ball guiding passage 109 side.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is the return ball guiding path 109 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is on (Sb112). If the actual flow path direction is on the return ball guiding passage 109 side, the setting of the take-in motor 101 is turned on and the take-in operation is started (Sb113). That is, based on the detection state of the flow path detection switch 115 that detects the flow path direction of the flow path switching valve 107, the drive of the take-in motor 101 is performed on the condition that the actual flow path direction faces the return ball guide path 109 side. To start.

  While the intake motor 101 is being driven, it is determined whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is on the return ball guiding path 109 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is on (Sb114). ) If the flow path direction is on the return ball guiding passage 109 side, it is determined whether or not the drive stop condition for the take-in motor 101 is satisfied (Sb115 to Sb118). Specifically, in the step of Sb115, the detection status of the first capture ball detection switch 104 and the second capture ball detection switch 105 is checked, and the capture is performed for a specified time (eg, 3 seconds) after the last capture ball is detected. It is determined whether or not an incoming ball has been detected, and it is determined whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 has been detected in step Sb116, that is, whether or not the return ball has been clogged in the return ball guide passage 109. In the step Sb117, it is determined whether or not the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, whether or not the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208. In the step Sb118, the rotation drive is performed. It is determined whether or not the rotation for 100 balls has been completed.

  If none of the conditions for stopping the driving of the take-in motor 101 is established in steps Sb115 to Sb118, the process returns to step Sb114. Further, when any one of the drive conditions of the take-in motor 101 is established in the steps Sb115 to Sb118, that is, when the take-in ball has not been detected for a specified time since the last take-in ball was detected. When the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected, when the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected or when rotation for 100 balls is completed, the setting of the take-in motor 101 is turned off ( Sb119), the flow direction of the pachinko ball taken in with the sorting solenoid 102 turned off is taken as the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side (Sb120).

  Next, an input state of a detection signal from the remaining sphere detection switch 113 is confirmed to determine whether or not a remaining sphere in the take-in preparation sphere passage 110 is detected (Sb121). If the remaining sphere is not detected, the remaining sphere notification LED 114 is turned off (Sb122), the settlement control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If a remaining ball in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 is detected in step Sb121, the remaining ball notification LED 114 is turned on (Sb123), and a notification for prompting the operation of the settlement switch 10 is performed, and then the settlement control is performed. The process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Further, when the flow path direction is not on the return ball guiding passage 109 side in the step Sb112 or Sb 114, that is, the flow switching valve is switched to the return ball guiding passage 109 side with the sorting solenoid 102 turned on. When the flow direction by 107 is not switched to the return ball guide passage 109 side, or while the take-in motor 101 is being driven, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the on state, and the flow direction is at the return ball guide passage 109 side. In spite of this, when the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 faces the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side, the setting of the take-in motor 101 is turned off (Sb124), and the sorting solenoid 102 is turned off. After setting (Sb125), after setting an error code indicating a channel direction abnormality error indicating a channel direction abnormality (Sb126). The process proceeds to error processing (Sb127). In the error process, the error state is canceled by performing a reset operation. When the error state is canceled and the error process is completed, the settlement control process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the settlement request process executed by the CPU 41a in the steps Sb17 and Sb105.

  In the settlement request processing, first, it is determined whether or not the payout control board connection confirmation signal is on, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 are connected (Sb201), and the payout control board. If ON of the connection confirmation signal is not detected, an error code indicating a payout control board connection error indicating that the payout control board 60 is not normally connected is set (Sb202), and the process proceeds to error processing (Sb203). . When the error state is canceled and the error process is completed, the process returns to the step Sb201.

  If the payout control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in step Sb201, the value of the ball count signal is updated to the value of the unsettled ball counter (Sb204), and the error determination timer counter set in the RAM 41c is updated. An initial value is set in (counter for counting payout communication error determination time) (Sb205), and a settlement request signal is turned on (Sb206).

  Next, the output status of the operating signal is monitored until the on signal of the operating signal is detected (Sb207 to Sb209). In step Sb208, it is determined whether a payout communication error determination time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, that is, whether the error determination timer counter is 0, and the payout communication error determination time has elapsed. In other words, if the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the checkout request cannot be confirmed even after the payout communication error determination time has elapsed since the checkout request is made, there is an abnormality associated with the payout on the payout control board 60 side. A payout communication error code indicating the occurrence is set (Sb209), and the process returns to step Sb207 again. Along with this, an error code indicating that an abnormality has occurred on the payout control board 60 side is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12.

  Next, in step Sb207, when the on-operation signal is detected, that is, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payment request is confirmed, the in-operation signal is detected until the off-operation signal is detected. Are monitored (Sb210 to Sb214). In step Sb210, the detection status of the payout ball detection switch 202 is checked to determine whether or not a payout ball is detected. If a payout ball is detected, the value of the unsettled ball counter is set to 1. Subtract (Sb212) and return to step Sb210 again. In step Sb213, it is determined whether the payout communication error determination time has elapsed, that is, whether the error determination timer counter is 0 (Sb213). If the payout communication error determination time has elapsed, That is, if the end of the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payment request cannot be confirmed even after the payment communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payment request is made, an error code indicating the above-mentioned payout communication error is set ( Sb214), it returns to the step of Sb210 again. Accordingly, as described above, an error code indicating that an abnormality associated with payout has occurred on the payout control board 60 side is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12.

  Next, in step Sb211, when an off-operation signal is detected, that is, when it is confirmed that the pachinko ball payout operation has been completed based on the settlement request, whether or not an error code indicating a payout communication error is set. (Sb215), and if the error code indicating the payout communication error is not set, the unsettled ball counter value is cleared regardless of whether the unsettled ball counter value remains ( Sb217), the settlement request signal is turned off (Sb218), the settlement request process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If an error code indicating a payout communication error is set in step Sb215, the error code is cleared (Sb216). In other words, even if the payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payment request is made and the error state is controlled, when the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payment request is confirmed, the error state is automatically Has been released. Accordingly, the display of the error code displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 is also released. Then, regardless of whether or not the value of the unsettled sphere counter remains, after clearing the value of the unsettled sphere counter (Sb217), the settlement request signal is turned off (Sb218), and the settlement request process is terminated. Return to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the capture control process executed by the CPU 41a in step Sb24.

  In the take-in control process, first, it is determined whether or not the remaining sphere notification LED 114 is lit, that is, whether or not notification for prompting the operation of the settlement switch 10 is performed (Sb301). If it is lit, the player is willing to play the game at this point, and the remaining ball notification LED 114 is turned off (Sb302), assuming that notification for prompting the operation of the settlement switch 10 is unnecessary.

  Then, 3 is set in the retry counter (counter for storing the retry count of the take-in operation) set in the RAM 41c (Sb303), and the rotational drive amount of the take-in motor 101 according to the value of the take-in ball counter, that is, A rotational drive amount necessary for taking in the number of balls set to the take-in ball counter is set (Sb304). In this state, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the off state, and the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is in the state facing the intake ball guiding path 108 side.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is on the intake ball guiding path 108 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is in an off state (Sb305). If the actual flow path direction is based on the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side, the take-in motor 101 is set to on and the take-in operation is started (Sb306). That is, based on the detection state of the flow path detection switch 115 that detects the flow path direction of the flow path switching valve 107, the condition of the intake motor 101 is determined on the condition that the actual flow path direction faces the intake ball guide passage 108 side. Start driving.

  While the intake motor 101 is being driven, it is determined whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is on the intake ball guiding path 108 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is in an off state ( Sb307), if the flow path direction is on the intake ball guide passage 108 side, the detection status of the first intake ball detection switch 104 and the second intake ball detection switch 105 is checked, and whether or not the intake ball is detected. Is determined (Sb308).

  If a captured ball is detected in step Sb308, the value of the captured ball counter is decremented by 1, and the value of the unused ball counter is incremented by 1 (Sb309). At this time, the number of captured balls displayed on the captured / paid-in ball display 11 is also incremented by one. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the unused ball counter is 5, that is, whether or not the number of balls necessary to set the bet number is 1 (Sb310). If the value of the unused ball counter is less than 5, Sb307 Return to the step. If the value of the unused ball counter is 5 in the step of Sb310, the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 and the value of the unused ball counter is cleared (Sb311), and the process returns to the step of Sb307.

  Further, if the take-in ball is not detected in step Sb308, it is determined whether or not the take-in motor 101 is on, that is, whether or not the take-in motor 101 is still being driven (Sb312). If 101 is on, it is determined whether or not the rotation for the rotational drive amount, that is, the value of the take-in ball counter has been completed (Sb313), and if the rotation for the rotational drive amount has not been completed, the process proceeds to Sb307. Returning to the step, if the rotation for the rotation drive amount is completed, the setting of the take-in motor 101 is turned off (Sb314), and the process returns to the step Sb307.

  Further, if the take-in motor 101 is not on in the step of Sb312, the pachinko ball taken in by the rotation of the take-in motor 101 after the take-in motor 101 is turned off is detected by the second take-in ball detection switch 105. It is determined whether or not a detection waiting time that is a time required for detection has elapsed (Sb315). If the detection waiting time has not elapsed, the process returns to the step of Sb307.

  If the detection waiting time has elapsed in step Sb315, whether or not the value of the take-in ball counter is 0, that is, the number of balls requested by the operation of the 1-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is taken in. (Sb316), and if the value of the take-in ball counter is not 0, that is, if the number of balls requested by the operation of the 1-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 has not been taken in, It is determined whether or not the retry counter value is 0, that is, whether or not the capture operation for capturing the shortage of pachinko balls has been performed for the number of retries (Sb317). If the retry counter value is not 0, The retry counter value is decremented by 1 (Sb318), and the process returns to Sb304.

  If the value of the take-in ball counter is 0 in step Sb316, the retry counter value is cleared (Sb319), the take-in control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. If the retry counter value is 0 in step Sb317, the value of the take-in ball counter is cleared (Sb320), the take-in control process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Further, in the step of Sb305 or the step of Sb307, when the flow path direction is not the intake ball guide passage 108 side, that is, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the off state, and the flow path direction is the intake ball guide passage 108 side. In spite of this, when the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 faces the return ball guide passage 109 or when the take-in motor 101 is driven, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the off state, and the flow path If the direction of the flow path by the flow path switching valve 107 faces the return ball guide path 109 side even though the direction is the intake ball guide path 108 side, the setting of the intake motor 101 is set to off ( Sb321) After clearing the values of the retry counter and the take-in ball counter (Sb322), an error code indicating a channel direction error indicating a channel direction error is set. (Sb323), the process proceeds to error processing (Sb324), the error state is canceled, the error processing is completed, and ends the capture control processing, returns to the flowchart shown in FIG. 23.

  As described above, in the BET process, when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively detected, the process proceeds to the settlement control process, and when the number of bets of 1 or more has already been set or the value of the unused ball counter is not 0. In this case, that is, when the taken-in ball remains, a settlement request is performed, and a settlement request process for returning the captured ball to the player is performed based on the settlement request, and then the settlement control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of bets is not set and the value of the unused ball counter is 0, the flow direction of the pachinko ball taken in by the take-in device 100 is set to the return ball guide passage 109 side. After the take-in motor 101 is driven in the state, control for returning the pachinko balls in the take-in device 100 is performed, and then the settlement control process is terminated.

  Also, in the settlement request process, even if the dispensing communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the settlement request is made, the operation signal off is not detected, that is, the completion of the pachinko ball dispensing operation based on the settlement request is confirmed. If it cannot, the payout communication error code is set and controlled to an error state. The error state is automatically canceled when the on-operation signal is detected to confirm the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payment request.

  Further, when the operation of the 1-ball take-in switch 5 is detected effectively, 1 is set in the take-in ball counter and the process proceeds to the take-in control process. The value of the capture ball counter obtained by subtracting the capture operation of the motion amount for capturing the ball by detecting the captured ball by the first capture ball detection switch 104 and the second capture ball detection switch 105 becomes 0. Or the retry counter that is subtracted every time the capture operation is performed is 0 until either condition is satisfied, and either condition is satisfied, the capture control Processing ends.

  When the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected effectively, the number of used balls (the value of the BET counter × the number of balls used to set a prescribed number of bets according to the gaming state (15 balls)) 5) and the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of unused balls (the value of the unused ball counter), that is, the number of balls necessary to set the specified number of bets at that time is set in the take-in ball counter and loaded. The process proceeds to the control process, and the take-in operation for taking in the pachinko balls corresponding to the value of the take-in ball counter is subtracted by detection of the take-in balls by the first take-in ball detection switch 104 and the second take-in ball detection switch 105. Either until the value of the taken-in ball counter becomes 0 or the value of the retry counter that is subtracted every time the take-in operation is performed becomes 0, until either of the conditions is met. The capture control process ends when one of the conditions is met That.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the prize-ball giving process executed by the CPU 41a in step Sa306.

  In the winning ball awarding process, first, it is determined whether or not a winning accompanied with a payout of a winning ball has occurred based on whether or not a winning flag is set (Se1), and a winning accompanied with a payout of a winning ball occurs. If not, the prize ball granting process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In addition, when a winning accompanied with a payout of a winning ball has occurred in the step of Se1, the number of winning balls given by the occurrence of the winning is determined as an unpaid ball counter (not based on a payout request) set in the RAM 41c. The counter is set to a payout ball number (Se2). Then, the process proceeds to the payout request process shown in FIG. 29. When the payout request process ends, the prize ball grant process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the control content of the payout request process executed by the CPU 41a in step Se3.

  In the payout request process, first, it is determined whether or not the payout control board connection confirmation signal “on” is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60 are connected (Se101), and the payout control board. If ON of the connection confirmation signal is not detected, an error code indicating a payout control board connection error indicating that the payout control board 60 is not normally connected is set (Se102), and the process proceeds to error processing (Se103). When the error state is canceled and the error processing is finished, the process returns to the step of Se101.

  If the payout control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in step Se101, the value of the ball signal is updated to the value of the unpaid ball counter (Se104), and the error determination timer counter described above is set to the initial value. Is set (Se105), and the payout request signal is turned on (Se106).

  Subsequently, the output state of the operating signal is monitored until the on signal of the operating signal is detected (Se107 to Se109). In step Se108, it is determined whether a payout communication error determination time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, that is, whether the error determination timer counter is 0, and the payout communication error determination time has elapsed. In other words, if the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request cannot be confirmed even after the payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payout request is made, the error code indicating the payout communication error described above is set. (Se109), the process returns to the step of Se107 again. Accordingly, as described above, an error code indicating that an abnormality associated with payout has occurred on the payout control board 60 side is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12.

  Next, in the step of Se107, when the operation signal on is detected, that is, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request is confirmed, the operation signal is output until the operation signal off is detected. Is output (Se110 to Se115). In the step of Se110, it is determined whether or not a payout ball is detected by checking the detection status of the payout ball detection switch 202. If a payout ball is detected, the value of the unpaid ball counter is set to 1. Subtracted (Se112) and the number of paid-in balls displayed on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 is (the number of winning balls−the value of the unpaid-off ball counter), that is, the number of winning balls at that time. The number of balls already paid out is updated (Se113), and the process returns to the step of Se110 again. Further, in the step of Se114, it is determined whether or not the payout communication error determination time has elapsed, that is, whether or not the error determination timer counter is 0 (Se114), and if the payout communication error determination time has elapsed, That is, if the end of the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request cannot be confirmed even after the payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payout request is made, an error code indicating the payout communication error described above is set ( Se115), the process returns to Se110 again. When the payout communication error flag is set, an error code indicating that an abnormality associated with payout has occurred on the payout control board 60 side is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 as described above.

  Next, in the step of Se111, when the off-operation signal is detected, that is, when the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request is confirmed, it is determined whether or not the payout communication error flag is set. When the error code indicating the payout communication error is set, the error code is cleared (Se117). In other words, even when the payout communication error determination time has elapsed from the time when the payout request is made and the error state is controlled, when the end of the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request is confirmed, the error state is automatically Has been released. Accordingly, the display of the error code displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 is also released.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the unpaid ball counter is 0 (Se118). If the value of the unpaid ball counter is 0, the payout request signal is turned off (Se120), and the payout request process is terminated. Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. If the value of the unpaid ball counter is not 0 in the step of Se118, the unpaid ball counter value is cleared and the number of paid balls displayed on the taken-in / paid-off ball display 11 is displayed. The value is updated to the value of the number of winning balls (Se119). Then, the payout request signal is turned off (Se120), the payout request process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the prize ball giving process, when a prize accompanied by a payout of a prize ball occurs, a payout request process for making a payout request for the number of prize balls given by the prize is performed.

  In the payout request process, the payout ball is detected after the on-operation signal is detected until the off-operation signal is detected, that is, during the payout operation based on the payout request. Every time, the value of the unpaid ball counter is subtracted.

  Also, in the payout request process, even if the payout communication error determination time elapses from the time when the payout request is made, if the operation signal off is not detected, that is, the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request is confirmed. If not, an error code indicating a payout communication error is set and controlled to an error state. The error state is automatically canceled when the on-operation signal is detected to confirm the end of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request.

  FIG. 30 shows the control contents of the power interruption processing executed when the CPU 41a interrupts and executes the start-up processing and game processing in response to the occurrence of the interruption 2, that is, when the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 is input. It is a flowchart which shows.

  In the power interruption processing, first, interruption is prohibited (Sj1). That is, other interrupt processing is prohibited from being executed at the start of the power interruption interrupt processing. Next, all registers that may be in use are saved in the stack area (Sj2). Note that the values of the I register and IY register described above are used, but are not saved here because the same fixed value is always set with the initialization at the time of startup.

  Next, the detection data of the voltage drop signal is acquired from the input port, and it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal is input (Sj3). At this time, if the voltage drop signal is not inputted, the register saved in the stack area in Sj2 is restored (Sj4), the interrupt prohibited in the step of Sj1 is permitted (Sj5), and the processing before the interrupt is performed. Return.

  If a voltage drop signal is input in step Sj3, destruction diagnosis data (5A (H) in this embodiment) is set (Sj6), and all output ports are initialized (Sj7). . Next, RAM parity adjustment data is calculated and set so that the exclusive OR of all storage areas (including unused areas and unused stack areas) of the RAM 41c becomes 0 (Sj8), and access to the RAM 41c is performed. It is prohibited (Sj9).

  Then, except for the determination of whether or not the voltage drop signal is input (Sj10, where Sj10 is the same process as Sj3), the process enters a loop process in which no process is performed. That is, when the voltage decreases as it is, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the CPU 41a reliably stops operation when the power is interrupted. Further, in this loop processing, when the voltage recovers and the voltage drop signal is not input, the above-described startup processing is executed, and if the RAM parity is 0 and the destructive diagnosis data is normal, the original processing is performed. It will return to.

  In this embodiment, after the access to the RAM 41c is prohibited, the output state of the voltage drop signal is monitored, and when the voltage drop signal is not input, it is determined that the voltage is restored, and the process proceeds to the startup process. However, no processing is performed in the loop processing, and the voltage is recovered while the loop processing is being performed, and the process proceeds to the start-up processing based on the input of the reset signal from the reset circuit 49. You may make it do.

  Next, various control contents executed by the CPU 61a of the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 65 to the payout control unit 61, the CPU 61a performs a startup process (payout) shown in FIG.

  In the activation process (payout), first, the above-described payout control board connection confirmation signal is set to on (Sm1). Note that the payout control board connection confirmation signal is always kept on while power is supplied. Then, after initializing all data stored in the RAM 61c, that is, the control state of the payout control unit 61 (Sm2), the interrupt is permitted (Sm3), and the process proceeds to loop processing.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the control contents of timer interrupt processing (payout) executed by the CPU 61a at intervals of about 2 ms based on the count of the internal clock.

  In the timer interruption process (payout), switch detection process (Sn1), connection confirmation process (Sn2), main board communication process (Sn3), lending control process (Sn4), payout control process (Sn5), motor control process (Sn6) ) Are executed sequentially.

  In the switch detection process in the Sn1 step, a process for acquiring detection states of various sensors, switches, and signals is executed. In the connection confirmation process in the Sn2 step, a process of confirming the connection status with the card unit 400 is executed. In the main board communication process in the Sn3 step, a process of exchanging signals with the game control board 40 is executed. In the lending control process in the Sn4 step, a process of exchanging signals with the card unit is executed. In the payout control process in the step of Sn5, a process for setting the drive state of the payout motor 201 is executed. In the motor control process of Sn6, a process of performing output control of the phase signal of the payout motor 201 based on the driving state of the payout motor 201 set in the step of Sn5 is executed.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of connection confirmation processing executed by the CPU 61a in the step Sn2.

  In the connection confirmation process, first, it is determined whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 is connected (Sn201). If VL on is detected in step Sn201, the card unit connecting signal is turned on. On the other hand, when VL on is not detected in the step of Sn201, the card unit connecting signal is turned off (Sn203).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of main board communication processing executed by the CPU 61a in the step Sn3.

  In the main board communication process, first, the main board communication process selection flag (0-2) indicating the type of the main board communication process is confirmed (Sn301). If the main board communication process selection flag is 0, the main board communication process 1 (Sn302), if the main board communication process selection flag is 1, the main board communication process 2 is executed (Sn303). If the main board communication process selection flag is 2, the main board communication process 3 is executed (Sn302). Sn304).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 1 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn302.

  In the main board communication processing 1, first, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal “on” is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal is connected to the game control board 40 (Sn311). If the signal on is not detected, the process returns to the original process. If the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in step Sn311, whether or not the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is on, that is, the payout or withdrawal of the prize ball from the game control board 40 is detected. It is determined whether or not the settlement of the included ball is requested (Sn312, Sn313), and if neither the on-off of the payout request signal nor the on-off of the settlement request signal is detected, the process returns to the original processing. Further, if the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is on in the steps of Sn312 and Sn313, it is determined whether or not payout is possible (Sn314 to Sn316). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected, that is, whether or not a payout ball is secured, and whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected, that is, the return ball guide passage 109. It is determined whether or not the return ball is clogged, and it is determined whether or not the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, whether or not the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208. If the payout is not possible, the process returns to the original process. Further, in the steps of Sn314 to Sn316, if the payout is possible, that is, if the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and neither the return ball blockage detection switch 111 nor the discharge ball blockage detection switch 112 is detected. The main board communication process selection flag is set to 1 (Sn317), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 2 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn303.

  In the main board communication process 2, first, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal “on” is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal is connected to the game control board 40 (Sn321). If the signal on is not detected, the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn322), and the process returns to the original process. Further, if the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in the step of Sn321, whether or not EXS is on, that is, whether or not the lending control based on the lending request from the card unit 400 is being executed. (Sn323), and if EXS is on, the process returns to the original process. Also, if EXS is not on in the step of Sn323, the value indicated by the ball number signal is read (Sn324), and the value of the read payout number signal is set to the payout counter (game) set in the RAM of the payout control unit 61. (Sn 325) is stored in the counter (which stores the number of balls that have not been paid out of the number of balls to be paid out based on the payout request and settlement request from the control board 40 and the lending request from the card unit 400). The signal is turned on (Sn326). Then, the main board communication process selection flag is set to 2 (Sn327), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication processing 3 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn304.

  In the main board communication process 3, first, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal “on” is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal is connected to the game control board 40 (Sn331). If the signal on is not detected, the process returns to the original process. Further, if the game control board connection confirmation signal “on” is detected in the step of Sn331, it is determined whether the value of the payout counter is 0 or whether payout for the payout counter is completed (Sn332). If the counter value is 0, the in-operation signal is turned off (Sn333), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn334), and the process returns to the original process. If the value of the payout counter is not 0 in step Sn332, the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending control process executed by the CPU 61a in the step Sn4.

  In the lending control process, first, the lending process selection flag (0 to 3) indicating the type of the lending control process is confirmed (Sn401). If the lending process selection flag is 0, the lending communication process 1 is executed (Sn402). If the lending process selection flag is 1, execute the lending communication process 2 (Sn403), if the lending process selection flag is 2, execute the lending communication process 3 (Sn404), and lend if the lending process selection flag is 3. Communication process 4 is executed (Sn405).

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 1 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn402.

  In the lending communication process 1, first, it is determined whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 400 (Sn411). Return to processing. In addition, if VL on is detected in the step of Sn411, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is connected (Sn412). ), If the game control board connection confirmation signal on is not detected, the process returns to the original process. Further, if the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in the step of Sn412, whether or not BRDY is on, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 notifies that the lending operation has been performed. (Sn413), and if BRDY on is not detected, the process returns to the original process. If BRDY on is detected in the step of Sn413, the lending process selection flag is set to 1 (Sn414), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication process 2 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn403.

  In the lending communication process 2, it is first determined whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 400 (Sn421). If VL on is not detected, lending process selection is performed. The flag is set to 0 (Sn422), and the process returns to the original process. In addition, if VL on is detected in the step of Sn421, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is connected (Sn423). ) If the game control board connection confirmation signal on is not detected, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn422), and the process returns to the original process. Further, if the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in the step of Sn423, whether or not BRDY is detected, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 notifies that the lending operation has been performed. (Sn424), if BRDY on is not detected, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn422), and the process returns to the original process. Further, if BRDY on is detected in the step of Sn424, it is determined whether or not BRQ on is detected, that is, whether pachinko ball lending is requested (Sn425). If not detected, the process returns to the original process. Further, if BRQ on is detected in the step of Sn425, it is determined whether or not payout is possible (Sn426 to Sn428). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected, that is, whether or not a payout ball is secured, and whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected, that is, the return ball guide passage 109. It is determined whether or not the return ball is clogged, and it is determined whether or not the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, whether or not the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208. If the payout is not possible, the process returns to the original process. Further, in the steps of Sn426 to Sn428, if payout is possible, that is, if the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and neither the return ball clogging detection switch 111 nor the discharge ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected. The lending process selection flag is set to 2 (Sn429), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 3 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn404.

  In the lending communication processing 3, first, it is determined whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not it is connected to the card unit 400 (Sn431). If VL on is not detected, lending processing is selected. The flag is set to 0 (Sn432), and the process returns to the original process. In addition, if VL on is detected in the step of Sn431, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is connected (Sn433). ) If the game control board connection confirmation signal on is not detected, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn432), and the process returns to the original process. Further, if the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in the step of Sn433, whether or not BRDY is on, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 notifies that the lending operation has been performed. (Sn434), if BRDY on is not detected, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn432), and the process returns to the original process. Also, if BRDY on is detected in the step of Sn434, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0, that is, whether or not payout for the payout counter has been completed (Sn435). If it is not 0, the process returns to the original process. In addition, if the value of the payout counter is 0 in the step of Sn435, EX is turned on to notify the start of the lending operation (Sn436). Then, the lending unit ball number (25 in this embodiment) which is lent by one lending request is stored in the payout counter (Sn437), the lending process selection flag is set to 3 (Sn438), Return to processing.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 4 executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn405.

  In the lending communication process 4, first, it is determined whether or not VL on is detected, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 is connected (Sn441). If VL on is not detected, lending process selection is performed. The flag is set to 0 (Sn442), and the process returns to the original process. Further, if VL on is detected in the step of Sn441, it is determined whether or not the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is connected (Sn443). ) If the game control board connection confirmation signal on is not detected, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn442), and the process returns to the original process. Further, if the game control board connection confirmation signal on is detected in the step of Sn443, whether or not BRDY is on, that is, whether or not the card unit 400 notifies that the lending operation has been performed. (Sn444), if BRDY on is not detected, the lending process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn442), and the process returns to the original process. Also, if BRDY on is detected in the step of Sn444, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0, that is, whether or not payout for the payout counter has been completed (Sn445). If it is not 0, the process returns to the original process. If the value of the payout counter is 0 in step Sn445, the completion of the lending operation is notified by setting EXS off (Sn446), the lending process selection flag is set to 2 (Sn447), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the payout control process executed by the CPU 61a in the step Sn5.

  In the payout control process, first, the detection status of the payout ball detection switch 202 is checked to determine whether or not a payout ball is detected (Sn501). If a payout ball is detected, 1 is determined from the value of the payout counter. Is subtracted (Sn502).

  Next, the payout control process selection flag (0 to 2) indicating the type of payout control process is confirmed (Sn503). If the payout control process selection flag is 0, the payout start waiting process is executed (Sn504), and the payout control process is performed. If the selection flag is 1, a payout stop waiting process is executed (Sn505). If the payout control process selection flag is 2, a payout waiting process is executed (Sn506).

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the payout start waiting process executed by the CPU 61a in the step of Sn504.

  In the payout start waiting process, it is first determined whether or not the value of the payout counter is 0, that is, whether or not an unpaid ball remains (Sn 511). Return. If the value of the payout counter is not 0 in the step of Sn511, the rotational drive amount of the payout motor 201 according to the value of the payout counter, that is, the rotation required to pay out the number of balls set in the payout counter. A drive amount is set (Sn512). Then, the setting of the dispensing motor 201 is turned on and the driving of the dispensing motor 201 is started (Sn 513). Then, the payout control process selection flag is set to 1 (Sn 514), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the payout stop waiting process executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step of Sn505.

  In the payout stop waiting process, first, it is determined whether or not the rotation corresponding to the rotational drive amount, that is, the value of the payout counter has been completed (Sn521). Return to the process. If rotation for the value of the payout counter is completed in the step of Sn521, the setting of the payout motor 201 is turned off and the drive of the payout motor 201 is stopped (Sn522). Then, a passage waiting timer counter set in the RAM of the payout control unit 61 (in order to measure the waiting time required for the pachinko ball paid out by the rotation of the payout motor 201 to be detected by the payout ball detection switch 202). (Sn 523), the payout control process selection flag is set to 2 (Sn 524), and the process returns to the original process.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the payout passing waiting process executed by the payout control unit 61 in the step of Sn506.

  In the payout passage waiting process, first, the value of the passage waiting timer counter is decremented by 1 (Sn531), and it is determined whether or not the value of the passage waiting timer counter is 0, that is, whether the passage waiting time has elapsed (Sn532). If the value of the passage waiting timer counter is not 0, the process returns to the original process. If the value of the passage waiting timer counter is 0 in the step of Sn532, the payout process selection flag is set to 0 (Sn533), and the process returns to the original process.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the acquired ball, that is, the used ball used for setting the bet number and / or the captured ball that has not yet been used for setting the bet number. When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected in a state where the used balls remain, the CPU 41a sets the number of captured balls as the number of unsettled balls and pays out the settlement of pachinko balls for the number of unsettled balls. In addition to making a request to 61, pachinko balls corresponding to the number of unsettled balls are paid out from the paying device based on the request and returned to the player. The number of balls is subtracted.

  Further, when an operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where one or more bets are set and the start of the game is permitted, and an unused ball remains when the game starts, the CPU 41a Sets the number of unused balls as the number of unsettled balls, requests the payout control unit 61 to settle the number of pachinko spheres corresponding to the number of unsettled balls, and based on the request, the number of unsettled balls After the pachinko balls are paid out and returned to the player, the game starts, and every time a payout ball is detected, the number of unsettled balls is subtracted.

  And, if a power interruption occurs before the payout of pachinko balls for the number of unsettled spheres is completed, the number of unsettled spheres is backed up only on the game control unit 41 side. When the number of unsettled balls backed up by the game control unit 41 remains, the CPU 41a makes a settlement request for the number of unsettled balls again to the payout control unit 61, and determines the number of unsettled balls at the time of power interruption. Checkout is made. For this reason, when the power interruption is restored, the CPU 61a only needs to perform a normal payment operation based on the payment request made again from the game control unit 41. Therefore, the contents backed up by the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61, respectively. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the adjustments consistent with each other, and the control at the time of power failure recovery is not complicated.

  In the present embodiment, when a winning with a winning ball occurs, the CPU 41a sets the number of winning balls as the number of unpaid balls, and pays out the pachinko balls for the number of unpaid balls to the payout control unit 61. Based on the request, the number of unpaid balls from the payout device is paid out and given to the player. Each time a payout ball is detected, the number of unpaid balls is It is designed to be subtracted.

  If a power outage occurs before the payout of pachinko balls for the number of unpaid balls is completed, the number of unpaid balls is backed up only on the game control unit 41 side. When the number of unpaid balls backed up by the game control unit 41 remains, the CPU 41a makes a payout request for the number of unpaid balls to the payout control unit 61 again, and determines the number of unpaid balls at the time of power interruption. A payout is made. For this reason, when the power failure is restored, the CPU 61a only needs to perform a normal payout operation based on the payout request made again from the game control unit 41. Therefore, the contents backed up by the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61, respectively. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the adjustments consistent with each other, and the control at the time of power failure recovery is not complicated.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 41a can detect the payout ball by directly inputting the detection signal of the payout ball detection switch 202 to the game control unit 41. The detection signal is input only to the payout control unit 61, and when the CPU 61a detects a payout ball or when a predetermined number of payout balls are detected, a payout ball signal indicating that is sent to the game control unit 41. The CPU 41a may detect the payout ball by detecting the payout ball signal output from the payout control unit 61.

  Also, the payout ball detection switch 202 is connected to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60, and the detection signal of the payout ball detection switch 202 is the game control unit 41 of the game control board 40 and the payout control part of the payout control board 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 48, the payout ball detection switch 202 is connected only to the payout control board 60, and the payout ball detection switch 202 is connected to the payout control board 60. By branching the transmission line of the detection signal, one line is connected to the payout control unit 61, and the other line is connected to the game control unit 41 of the game control board 40, whereby the detection signal of the payout ball detection switch 202 is played. You may make it input into both the control part 41 and the payout control part 61. FIG. That is, the detection signal of the payout ball detection switch 202 may be input to the game control unit 41 of the game control board 40 via the payout control board 60.

  Further, the payout ball detection switch 202 is connected only to the game control board 40, the detection signal transmission line of the payout ball detection switch 202 is branched on the game control board 40, and one line is connected to the game control unit 41. By connecting the other line to the payout control unit 61 of the payout control board 60, the detection signal of the payout ball detection switch 202 may be input to both the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61. That is, the detection signal of the payout ball detection switch 202 may be input to the payout control unit 61 of the payout control board 60 via the game control board 40.

  As described above, when a detection signal output from one payout ball detection switch 202 is input to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60, the transmission line of the detection signal is connected to the game control board 40 or the payout control board 60. By branching on one of the boards, it is not necessary to provide a branch board or the like for branching the transmission line separately from the game control board 40 or the payout control board 60, thereby reducing the number of parts. be able to.

  Further, the CPU 41a does not detect the off-operation signal until the payout communication error determination time elapses after making a checkout request or a payout request to the payout control unit 61, that is, a checkout request or a payout request. When it is not possible to confirm the end of the pachinko ball payout based on the payout control unit 61, it is determined that there is an abnormality associated with the payout operation on the payout control unit 61 side, and the payout communication error is notified by controlling to an error state. The period from when a request or payout request is made until the on-operation signal is detected, that is, the period until the start of payout of a pachinko ball based on the settlement request or payout request is detected, and the on-operation signal is detected. The period from when the operation signal is detected to off, that is, after confirming the start of the settlement operation and the payout operation, and after confirming the end of the operation, is divided into two periods. There is no need to measure and determine a payout communication error. After making a payment request or payout request, measure only the period until the end of payout of the pachinko ball based on the request is measured. Since the determination can be made, the CPU 41a can simplify the control for determining an abnormality on the payout control unit 61 side.

  Further, even when the CPU 41a determines that a payout communication error has occurred and is informing the fact, it continues to monitor the operating signal. That is, since the communication with the payout control unit 61 is continuously performed, even in such a case, the CPU 41a can grasp the state of the settlement operation and the payout operation by the payout control unit 61.

  In this embodiment, an error code indicating a payout communication error is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, that is, the payout communication error is reported in the display form of the display, but the lighting state of the lamp and the sound The payout communication error may be notified by output or the like, or the payout communication error may be notified by outputting a signal indicating the payout communication error to a peripheral device such as a call lamp or a hall computer. .

  In addition, even when the CPU 41a determines that a payout communication error has occurred, and even during the notification to that effect, it detects the off of the operating signal and confirms the completion of the checkout operation or the payout operation based on the checkout request or the payout operation. In other words, when the error state is erroneously controlled, or when the abnormality on the payout control unit 61 side is solved while the error state is being controlled and the settlement operation or the payout operation is completed normally, the error state is automatically set. Since the notification of the payout communication error is automatically terminated, it is determined that the payout communication error has occurred, and not only can the game be prevented from being disturbed as much as possible even during the notification to that effect. Further, it is possible to save the trouble of performing the notification canceling operation. When the CPU 41a determines that the payout communication error is detected and is controlled to be in an error state, that is, when the payout communication error is being notified, the CPU 41a performs the predetermined reset operation (for example, operation of the reset / setting switch 38). The error state (notification of payout communication error) may be canceled, and in this way, a game shop clerk or the like can surely recognize that a payout communication error has occurred.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 41a cannot confirm the payout of the number of pachinko balls requested by the settlement request or the payout request based on the detection of the payout ball by the payout ball detection switch 202, that is, the unset value set in the RAM 41c. Even when the value of the adjustment ball counter or the value of the unpaid ball counter remains, the operation end signal is detected to be off, that is, the payment control unit 61 side performs the payment operation or the payment operation of the pachinko ball based on the payment request or the payment request. By receiving payout control end information indicating that the process has ended, the process proceeds to the next process. That is, even when the CPU 41a misses the detection of the payout ball by the payout ball detection switch 202, if it is confirmed that the payout control unit 61 actually controlling the payout operation or the payout operation has paid out normally. Since the process proceeds to the next process, the progress of the game is not hindered.

  Further, the number of balls taken in by the take-in device 100, that is, the number of used balls obtained by adding up the number of used balls and the number of unused balls is displayed on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11, Every time a pachinko ball is taken in by the take-in device 100, the number of taken-in balls displayed on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 is also added, so the number of taken pachinko balls is confirmed in real time. When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected in a state where the number of captured balls remains, and the settlement of the captured balls is performed, each time a pachinko ball is paid out from the dispensing device 200 Since the number of captured balls displayed on the completed / paid-off ball indicator 11 is also subtracted, the return status of the captured balls can be confirmed in real time. When the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where unused balls remain, the number of unused balls is displayed on the captured / paid-off ball display 11 and the unused balls are settled. Every time a pachinko ball is paid out from the payout device 200, the number of unused balls displayed on the taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11 is also subtracted, so the return status of the unused balls can be checked in real time. can do.

  When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected, the control shifts to the settlement control, and the detection of each operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalid until the settlement control is finished. Until the settlement control is finished, these operations are controlled so as not to be detected. That is, when each of these operations is performed during the execution of the settlement control, the control based on each of these operations is not performed. Since the control is not interrupted or a plurality of controls are not performed repeatedly, the control of the CPU 41a can be simplified.

  In this embodiment, when the capture control is performed based on the detection of the operation of the one-ball capture switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or the settlement control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the settlement switch 10, these Until the capture control and the settlement control are completed, the detection of each operation of the one-ball capture switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated. When the operation of the 1-ball take-in switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is detected until the loading control and the settlement control are completed, the detection of the operation is stored. If the detection of the operation is stored when the acquisition control or the settlement control being executed is completed, the control corresponding to the detection of the stored operation may be performed at that time. Even in this case, no new control is executed during the execution of the capture control or the settlement control. Therefore, the control of the CPU 41a becomes complicated as each of these operations are performed during the execution of the capture control or the settlement control. Can be prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the operation of the one-ball intake switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, regardless of whether or not the pachinko ball is stored in the upper plate 26, the one-ball intake switch 5 or the MAXBET Since a take-in operation corresponding to the number of take-in requests by the operation of the switch 6 is performed, a gaming machine that performs a take-in operation on condition that pachinko balls for the number of unit balls are waiting as in the past Compared to the above, it is possible to quickly take in pachinko balls, and the game can proceed smoothly. If the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of motion is not captured after the capture operation is completed, the capture operation corresponding to the shortage is performed again and the capture operation is retried. If the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of motion is not captured even if the number of times reaches a predetermined number (in this embodiment, the first capture operation is also counted by the retry counter, 2 times), Since the capture control ends, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the capture operation is performed endlessly.

  In this embodiment, when the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, one take-in is performed by the take-in device 100 regardless of whether the pachinko ball is stored in the upper plate 26 or not. The number of balls according to the operation of the take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 (one ball when the one-ball take-in switch 5 is operated, and the maximum bet number at that time when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated) The number of balls required to capture) is taken at one time, but the number of times of taking in pachinko spheres (for example, one ball) is repeatedly repeated. The number of balls to be taken in is taken in accordance with the operation of the ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or is taken in a predetermined number of times (for example, taken in accordance with the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6). It may be terminated intake control on condition that enough times to capture Mbeki number spheres) has been performed.

  When the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, the number of used balls (BET) that has already been taken and used for setting the number of bets from the number of balls (15 balls) necessary to set the maximum bet number. (Counter value x 5) and the number of balls already subtracted but not yet used to set the number of bets (value of the unused ball counter) is set in the acquisition ball counter. In the capture control, an operation amount capture operation for capturing pachinko balls corresponding to the value of the capture ball counter is performed. In other words, when the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, the taking-in operation is performed only for the number of balls necessary to set the number of bets according to the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 at that time. Can be performed more quickly.

  In the present embodiment, one ball take-in switch 5 that is operated when requesting one pachinko ball to be taken in and the operation that is required when taking in the number of balls necessary to set the maximum bet number are requested. However, in addition to or instead of these switches, there is a 1 BET switch operated when requesting the take-in of the number of balls required to set one bet. In addition, when the operation of the 1BET switch is detected, the number of balls required to set one bet (5 balls) has already been taken in, but is still less than the number of unit balls (5 balls). The number of balls that are not used to set the number of bets (the value of the unused ball counter) is subtracted from the number of balls, and the number of pachinko balls for the value of the taken-in ball counter is set in the take-in control. Do the capture operation of the operation amount to capture Good. As a result, when the operation of the 1BET switch is detected, only the number of balls required for setting the number of bets corresponding to the operation of the 1BET switch is performed at that time. Can be performed more quickly.

  Further, in this embodiment, even when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected effectively, in the state in which the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, they are supplied to the take-in device 100. The pachinko ball is not returned, and the pachinko ball is not returned to the lower plate 25 even though the lower plate 25 is full. It is possible to prevent the pachinko balls from being clogged inside.

  Further, in this embodiment, the card based on the output status of the card unit connection confirmation signal (VL) output from the card unit 400 when a lending request is detected from the card unit 400, that is, when BRQ on is detected. It is determined whether or not the unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and pachinko balls are rented on condition that the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected. It is possible to prevent pachinko balls from being rented even though the slot machine 1 is not normally connected.

  When the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated, and take-in control is prohibited. That is, since it is impossible to set the number of bets for newly playing a game, it is possible to secure the connection between the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 when playing a game.

  Further, when the connection with the card unit 400 is disconnected during the execution of the capture control and the VL cannot be detected, after the capture control during the execution is completed, the 1-ball capture switch 5 and Since the detection of the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is (successfully) disabled and the take-in control for newly setting a bet number is prohibited, the connection with the card unit 400 is disconnected during the take-in control. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated due to the capture control being interrupted in the middle.

  Further, in this embodiment, the settlement control can be performed by detecting the operation of the settlement switch 10 regardless of whether the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected or not. It is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage because the ball or the pachinko ball remaining in the capture device 100 cannot be returned.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a bet number of 1 or more is set and the game start condition is satisfied, regardless of whether the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected or not. Since it is possible to play the game for that amount, the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are connected even though the number of pachinko balls necessary to start the game has already been captured. It is possible to prevent the game from being interrupted and being unable to start.

  Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, an error code indicating that fact is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 so that a connection error is notified. Thus, it can be easily recognized from the outside that the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are not connected.

  In the present embodiment, a connection error is reported by displaying an error code on the game auxiliary display 12. You may alert | report using audio | voice output etc.

  In this embodiment, the game control board 40 for controlling the game and the payout control board 60 for controlling the payout and lending are provided separately, and the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 provide the connection terminal board 70. The VL output from the card unit 400 is input only to the payout control board 60, and whether or not the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are connected is mounted on the payout control board 60. The CPU 61a of the payout control unit 61 determines, a card unit connecting signal indicating the determination result is output to the game control board 40, and the CPU 41a of the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 receives the payout control board. 1 ball is detected by detecting the card unit connecting signal off from 60 indicating that the card unit 400 is not connected. It switches 5 and disables the detection operation of MAXBET switch 6, so as to inhibit the intake control. For this reason, the game control board 40 that controls the game does not have to be directly connected to the card unit 400 outside the slot machine 1, so that an illegal signal is input from the outside to the game control board 40 and affects the game control. It can prevent giving.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 41a stores destructive diagnosis data in which any bit is 1 in a predetermined address of the RAM 41c in the power interruption interrupt process, and then the unused area and the unused area of the RAM 41c. The RAM parity adjustment data is calculated and stored so that the RAM parity based on all the data including the used stack area becomes zero, and is stored in all areas including the unused area and the unused stack area in the RAM 41c at the time of restoration. It is determined whether or not the RAM parity calculated based on the stored data is 0 and whether or not the diagnostic data is stored. If the RAM parity is not 0, or the RAM parity is 0 Even if the data for destruction diagnosis is not stored normally, that is, it is stored in the RAM 41c. If it is determined that the data is not normal, a RAM abnormal error state is entered, the setting key switch 37 is turned on, the power is turned on, and initialization 1 is performed to initialize all areas except the used stack area of the RAM 41c. Since the progress of the game becomes impossible until the program is executed, even if the malicious program is stored in the RAM 41c at the time of startup, the malicious program can be found and initialized.

  Further, when it is determined that the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal and a RAM abnormal error state occurs, initialization 1 is performed to initialize all areas except the used stack area of the RAM 41c. Even when it is determined that the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal, and when the setting key switch 37 is turned on after that, all the areas except the in-use stack area of the RAM 41c. Since the initialization 1 is performed, the malicious program that may be stored in the RAM 41c can be surely removed.

  In the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the data stored in the RAM 41c, the RAM is controlled to an error error state, the game is disabled, and the RAM error error state is once controlled. If the setting value is not newly selected / set based on the setting change operation, the state where the progress of the game is disabled is not released. That is, even if an abnormality occurs in the data stored in the RAM 41c, it is not the setting value automatically set by the slot machine, but the setting value selected and set based on the setting change operation (generally, the setting change Since the operation is performed by an employee of the amusement store, it is ensured that the game is performed based on the setting value selected by the amusement store side), so that the fairness of the game can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined whether or not winning is allowed in the internal lottery, the set value stored in the set value work of the RAM 41c is an appropriate value (a value in the range of 1 to 6). Otherwise, it is not determined whether or not the winning is allowed based on the probability based on the default setting value (for example, setting 1), and in this case as well, it is controlled to the RAM abnormal error state, and the game cannot proceed. If the setting value is not newly selected / set based on the setting change operation, the state where the progress of the game is disabled is not released. In other words, it is guaranteed that the game will be played based on the setting value selected and set based on the setting change operation even when it is not possible to properly determine whether or not the winning is allowed in the internal lottery process. Therefore, the fairness of the game can be achieved.

  In this embodiment, when the progress of the game is disabled by controlling the RAM abnormal error state, the progress of the game is disabled unless a new set value is selected or set based on the setting change operation. Although the state is not released, for example, a RAM clear switch for initializing the data of the RAM 41c is provided. For example, when the game progress is disabled under the control of the RAM abnormal error state, When the RAM clear switch is operated when the power is turned on, the data in the RAM 41c is initialized, and a default setting value (for example, setting 1) is newly set as a setting value. In such a case, when an abnormality occurs in the data stored in the RAM 41c, the disabled state may be canceled. The default setting value newly set based on the operation of the RAM clear switch, not the setting value automatically set by the slot machine (in general, the operation of the RAM clear switch is performed by an amusement store employee. Therefore, it is ensured that the game is played based on the setting value selected by the amusement store), so that the fairness of the game can be achieved.

  Further, the data stored in the RAM 41c is abnormal in most cases when the control cannot be continued due to a malfunction such as a power failure or the CPU 41a running out of control. For this reason, in this embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the data is normal only when the CPU 41a is activated after recovering from these states, it is determined whether or not the data stored in the RAM 41c is normal. The determination can be made only in a situation where there is a high possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the data. That is, in a situation where there is a low possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the data, it is not necessary to perform the determination, and the load on the CPU 41a can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the RAM parity adjustment data is calculated and stored so that the result of the exclusive OR operation is 0 based on all the data in the RAM 41c in the power interruption processing, that is, Since it is determined whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal by determining whether or not the RAM parity calculated based on the data stored in all the areas in the RAM 41c at the time of recovery is 0, the determination is made as follows. It can be performed accurately and conveniently.

  In the present embodiment, in the power interruption interrupt processing, destruction diagnosis data (in this embodiment, 5A (H)) in which one of the bits is 1, that is, specific data other than 0 is stored in the RAM 41c according to a predetermined data. After storing in the address, adjustment data is stored so that the RAM parity based on all the data of the RAM 41c including the destructive diagnosis data becomes 0. In addition to determining whether or not the RAM parity is 0 at the start, the destruction It is determined whether or not the diagnostic data is stored normally, and it is determined that the data in the RAM 41c is normal on the condition that the RAM parity is 0 and the destructive diagnostic data is also stored normally. The control state is restored based on the data stored in the RAM 41c. As a result, when 00 (H) is stored in all areas, that is, when the data in the RAM 41c is cleared to 0 even if the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, the determination of the RAM parity at the time of startup is performed. However, if the data in the RAM 41c has been cleared to 0, the area in which the destructive diagnosis data is to be stored is also 0, and it is determined that the data in the RAM 41c is not normal. Since it can be prevented that the data in the RAM 41c is erroneously determined to be normal, it is possible to further increase the accuracy of determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c has the correct contents at the time of activation.

  Further, when the CPU 41a determines that the RAM parity is 0 at startup and the data for destructive diagnosis is also normally stored, and determines that the data in the RAM 41c is normal, the destructive diagnosis stored in the RAM 41c. Since the data for destruction diagnosis is still stored in the RAM 41c even after the activation, the data in the RAM 41c is not normal at the next activation, but the data is destroyed. Since diagnostic data is stored, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination as normal.

  Further, in this embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the data in the RAM 41c and the progress of the game is disabled, a setting value changing operation as a condition for canceling the disabled state of the game is effective. As a result of the transition to the setting change mode (setting change processing), all the areas except the used stack area of the RAM 41c are initialized, so that the initial data of the RAM 41c due to the occurrence of an abnormality And initialization of data associated with selection / setting of set values can be performed at once, and unnecessary processing can be omitted. Further, when the CPU 41a is activated, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is ON before determining whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal. At that time, the setting key switch 37 is ON. If it is determined that there is, the determination as to whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal is not performed, and the mode shifts to the setting change mode, where a new setting value is selected and set. It can be omitted.

  In this embodiment, initialization 1 for initializing all areas except the used stack area of the RAM 41c is performed before shifting to the setting change process. However, along with the shift to the setting change process. Initialization 1 may be performed, for example, after the setting change process is completed, or may be performed when the setting value is confirmed in the setting change process. In this case, since the inconvenience arises when the determined set value is changed, in initialization 1, all areas except the used stack area and the set value work of the RAM 41c are initialized. Become.

  Further, in this embodiment, once controlled to the RAM abnormal error state, the game is disabled until the setting change process is performed. The set value may be set to an initial value (for example, set value 1), and the game may be restarted by performing a reset operation in this state.

  Further, in this embodiment, when determining whether or not winning is allowed in the internal lottery process, the set value stored in the set value work of the RAM 41c is an appropriate value (a value in the range of 1 to 6). If not, the RAM abnormal error state is also controlled in this case, but the setting value stored in the setting value work of the RAM 41c is not an appropriate value (a value in the range of 1 to 6). In this case, it may be determined whether or not winning is allowed with a probability based on an initial value of the set value (for example, set value 1).

  Further, in this embodiment, when the voltage drop signal is input to the trigger terminal CLK / TRG, the CPU 41a interrupts the process being executed and executes the power interruption process. In the process including the process for setting the data for destructive diagnosis and the process for calculating and setting the data for adjusting the RAM parity, the process for making it possible to determine whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of recovery or the initial setting of the output port Before performing the conversion, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal is input to the signal input terminal DATA. If the voltage drop signal is also input to the signal input terminal DATA, the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of recovery. If the voltage drop signal is not input to the signal input terminal DATA, the original processing is performed. It is adapted to return.

  That is, a voltage drop signal is input to the two systems of the input unit to the game control unit 41, and the CPU 41a can execute the power interruption interrupt process even if the voltage drop signal is input to one of the input units. Before the process for enabling determination of whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal, the initialization of the output port, or the like is performed, it is determined again whether or not the voltage drop signal is input to the other input unit. These processes are executed only when a voltage drop signal is also input to the input section of this, and when power failure is detected by mistake, whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of recovery is detected. Since it is possible to prevent the process for enabling the determination and the process such as the initialization of the output port from being performed, the control of the CPU 41a may be interrupted for an unnecessarily long time due to erroneous detection of power interruption. More than necessary It is possible to prevent the load it takes.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage monitored by the power interruption detection circuit 48 and the power supply voltage for driving the electrical components connected to the power supply board 75, the game control board 40, and the effect control board 90 are separately provided. Since a stable voltage is monitored by the power interruption detection circuit 48 as compared with the power supply voltage that tends to drop depending on the driving conditions of these electrical components, It is possible to prevent a malfunction such as a voltage drop signal being output along with a voltage drop and an electric interruption interrupt process being performed.

  In addition, during execution of the power interruption interrupt process, the timer interrupt process (A), and the timer interrupt process (B), other interrupts are prohibited. For example, the timer interrupt process ( Even if another interrupt occurs during execution of any interrupt processing, such as when a voltage drop signal is input during execution of A) or timer interrupt processing (B), a double interrupt occurs. In other words, it is possible to prevent the processing load of the CPU 41a from increasing and data consistency from being lost. In particular, even if a voltage drop signal is input during the transmission of a command, no interruption occurs and the transmission of the command is not hindered, and the transmission can be completed normally before the CPU 41a stops driving. .

  Also, when the interrupt timing of power interruption interrupt processing and the interrupt timing of timer interrupt processing (A) or timer interrupt processing (B) are simultaneous, that is, interrupt 2 and interrupt 3 occur simultaneously If interrupt 2 is prioritized, power interruption interrupt processing is executed, and if interrupt 2 occurs during execution of timer interrupt processing (A) or timer interrupt processing (B) The power interruption interrupt process is executed after the timer interrupt process (A) or the timer interrupt process (B) is completed, and the power interruption is performed at the earliest possible stage while preventing multiple interruptions. Since the interrupt process is performed, the power interruption process can be surely performed before the driving of the CPU 41a is stopped.

  Further, the CPU 41a can execute four types of interrupts of interrupts 1 to 4, and when an interrupt 1 that is set to unused is generated, the CPU 41a is not immediately returned to the original process. Use interruption processing is executed. For this reason, even when an unused interrupt 1 occurs, the process immediately returns to the process before the interrupt. Therefore, even if an unused interrupt occurs due to noise or the like, the CPU 41a goes out of control. You can prevent problems.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the taken-in ball taken in by the take-in device 100 is detected, it is added to the number of unused balls stored in the unused ball counter, and the number of unused balls is set as the number of bets. When the number of unit balls required for setting (5 balls) is reached, the number of unused balls in the unused ball counter is cleared, the value of the BET counter is added, and the number of bets is set. A RAM 41c of the game control unit 41 is provided with a captured ball counter that stores the number of captured balls captured by the capturing device 100, and the CPU 41a detects each time a captured ball captured by the capturing device 100 is detected. Each time the number of balls already taken in by the ball counter already taken in is added, and the number of balls already taken in by the ball counter already reached a multiple of the unit ball number (for example, 5 balls, 10 balls, 15 balls) Add the value of BET counter to and set the number of bets It may be. Further, in this case, when the CPU 41a detects the operation of the settlement switch 10, it requests the payout control unit 61 to settle the number of pachinko balls for the number of captured balls of the captured ball counter. Pachinko balls for the number of finished balls may be returned by the payout device 200. Further, when the CPU 41a detects the operation of the start switch 7, and the number of balls already taken in the taken ball counter includes an unused ball, the number of bets is calculated from the number of balls taken in the taken ball counter. The payout control unit 61 is requested to settle the number of pachinko balls for the number of unused balls excluding the number of used balls used for the setting, and the payout device 200 returns the pachinko balls for the number of unused balls. It ’s fine.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the state where the captured sphere, that is, the used sphere used for setting the bet number and / or the unused sphere that has been captured but is not yet used for setting the bet number, When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected, the CPU 41a sets the acquired number of balls as the number of unsettled balls, requests the payout control unit 61 to settle the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of unsettled balls, Based on the request, pachinko balls corresponding to the number of unsettled balls are paid out from the payout device and returned to the player. For example, the checkout switch is set in a state where one or more bets are set. When 10 operations are detected, the CPU 41a sets only the number of used balls used for setting the betting number as an unsettled ball number, and pays out the pachinko ball for the unsettled number of balls to the payout control unit 61. As well as requesting Thereby paid the unsettled sphere minutes pachinko ball from dispensing device may be returned to the player based on the determined.

  Moreover, in the said Example, when operation of the 1 ball | bowl take-in switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, taking-in operation | movement is performed irrespective of whether the pachinko ball is stored in the upper plate 26 or not. However, for example, there is provided an acquisition standby ball detection means for detecting that at least a pachinko ball of the number of unit balls (5 balls) required to set one bet is waiting, and an acquisition request When an operation is detected, the take-in operation may be performed on condition that a pachinko ball of the number of unit balls is waiting according to the detection status of the take-in wait ball detecting means. In this case, each time a pachinko ball of the number of unit balls is captured, the detection status of the standby ball detecting means is confirmed. Even if it is less than the number, it is preferable to end the capturing operation. By doing so, a pachinko ball is taken in for each unit ball number except when a trouble occurs in the take-in device 100, and an unused one that has been picked up but has not yet been used for setting a bet amount. Generation of spheres can be eliminated.

  Further, in the embodiment, when the bet number of 1 or more is set and the start of the game is permitted, when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected, the CPU 41a has an unused number of balls remaining. If it remains, the number of unused balls is set as the number of unsettled balls, and the payout control unit 61 is requested to settle the number of pachinko balls for the number of unsettled balls. However, the timing for requesting payment of pachinko balls for the number of unused balls may be any timing triggered by a game start operation. For example, the timing at which reel rotation starts or the reel stop operation is effective. It may be requested at the timing.

  In the embodiment, the CPU 61a of the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 determines whether or not the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and a card unit connecting signal indicating the determination result is a game. A card unit connection signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 400 is normally connected is output to the control board 40 as shown in FIG. The CPU 61a and the CPU 41a determine whether or not the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are connected, respectively, by branching at the payout control board 60 and inputting to both the payout control board 60 and the game control board 40. The CPU 61a responds to the lending request on the condition that it is determined that the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are connected. When the pachinko ball is lent and the CPU 41a determines that the card unit 400 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, the detection of the operation of the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated, and the take-in control is performed. In this way, the control load on the CPU 61a can be distributed and reduced, and the CPU 61a and the CPU 41a can reliably determine whether the card unit 400 is connected. be able to. In this case, two card unit connection signals indicating that the card unit 400 is normally connected are separately output from the card unit 400, one signal is input to the game control board 40, and the other May be input to the payout control board 60.

  In the embodiment, the detection signal from the supply ball detection switch 205 is input only to the payout control unit 61, and the CPU 61a executes payout when the settlement request signal or the payout request signal is input. The supply ball detection switch 205 confirms whether or not the pachinko ball necessary for the payout is waiting before performing the payout operation, and if it is not supplied, the payout operation is not executed. A detection signal from the detection switch 205 is input to both the payout control unit 61 and the game control unit 41, and when a winning with payout of a prize ball occurs or before requesting the payout control unit 61 for payout by settlement. The CPU 41a confirms whether or not the pachinko ball necessary for payout is waiting by the supply ball detection switch 205, and if it is not supplied, a settlement request signal or payout required May be configured not to output a signal, by doing so, since the CPU41a is need not output the unwanted signal, it is possible to effectively reduce the control load.

  In the embodiment, the game control unit 41 controls the game and the capture device 100, and the payout control unit 61 controls the payout device 200. However, the payout control unit 61 controls the payout device 200. In addition to the control, the capture device 100 is controlled, or a capture control unit is provided separately from the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61, and the control unit controls the capture device 100. You may make it do.

  In the above embodiment, the payout control board 60 and the card unit 400 are connected via the connection terminal board 70, but the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 pays out in addition to the game control. The game control board 40 and the card unit 400 may be connected directly or via the connection terminal board 70 or the like.

  Further, in the embodiment, the CPU 41a updates the value indicated by the ball number signal to the number of unpaid balls, and turns on the payout request signal, thereby paying out the payout controller 61 for the number of unpaid balls. Although a request is made, that is, the payout request signal in the present invention is output as a parallel signal, payout requests for the number of unpaid balls may be output by a serial signal. Further, the CPU 41a updates the value indicated by the ball count signal to the number of unsettled balls, and turns on the settlement request signal to make a settlement request for the number of unsettled balls to the payout control unit 61. However, it is also possible to output a settlement request for the number of unsettled balls by serial signals.

  In the embodiment, the CPU 61a turns on the operation signal to notify the game control unit 41 of the start of the payout operation (payout control) based on the payout request (payment request) and perform the payout operation. While the operation signal is kept on, the game control unit 41 is notified that the payout operation (payout control) is in progress, and the payout operation (payout) is performed by turning off the in-operation signal. The game control unit 41 is notified that the control has ended. That is, the payout control start signal, the payout control in-progress signal, and the payout control end signal in the present invention are output as one type of pulse signal, but the pulse signals corresponding to each signal may be output separately. However, these signals may be output as parallel signals. Further, each of these signals may be output as a serial signal. For example, when a payout operation (payout control) is started, information indicating that the payout operation (payout control) is started is output as a serial signal. Sends out information indicating that the payout operation (payout control) is in progress periodically by a serial signal during the payout operation (payout control), and when the payout operation (payout control) ends, the payout operation Information indicating that (payout control) has ended may be transmitted as a serial signal.

  In the embodiment, the RAM parity adjustment data is stored so that the RAM parity of the RAM 41c becomes 0 in the power interruption processing, and it is determined whether or not the RAM parity of the RAM 41c is 0 at the time of restoration. Although it is determined whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal, of course, the RAM parity adjustment data is stored so that the RAM parity of the RAM 41c becomes 1 in the power interruption processing, and the RAM parity of the RAM 41c becomes 1 at the time of restoration. Whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal may be determined. Further, the checksum (exclusive OR of the data stored in the corresponding area) of all areas of the RAM 41c is calculated in the power interruption processing, and is stored in a specific area, and at the time of recovery, the RAM 41c is restored. The checksum of all the areas including the specific area where the checksum is stored is calculated. If the result is 00 (H), it is determined that the data in the RAM 41c is normal, and must be 00 (H). For example, it may be determined that the data in the RAM 41c is abnormal.

  If the checksum is stored normally in the power interruption processing, the checksum of the area excluding the specific area and the data stored in the specific area (the checksum calculated at the time of power interruption) ) Should take the same value, and if the checksum of the area excluding the specific area matches the data stored in the specific area, the result of calculating the exclusive OR of both data is Since the result of calculating the checksum of all the areas including the specific area where the checksum of the RAM 41c is stored is 00 (H), it is determined that the data of the RAM 41c is normal. This is because it can.

  In this case as well, in the power interruption interrupt processing, before the checksum is calculated, the destructive diagnosis data (for example, 5A (H)) in which any bit is 1 is stored at a predetermined address, and at the time of restoration In addition to determining whether or not the checksum is 00 (H), it is also determined whether or not the data for destructive diagnosis is normally stored. The checksum is 00 (H) and the destructive diagnosis is performed. It is preferable to determine that the data in the RAM 41c is normal on the condition that the business data is also normal. Even if the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, if 00 (H) is stored in all areas, it will be determined to be normal by the checksum determination at the time of startup, After storing the destructive diagnostic data with the bit set to 1, calculate the checksum and store it in a specific area, and also check the destructive diagnostic data in addition to checking the checksum at startup, For example, even if all areas are cleared to 0 at startup, and the checksum is 00 (H) and determined to be normal, the destruction diagnosis data does not match the value stored at the time of power failure, Since the determination is made, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the abnormality of the data stored in the RAM 41c.

  In the above, the RAM parity or checksum of the RAM 41c is calculated in the power interruption processing and stored in the RAM 41c, and whether or not the RAM parity calculated based on all areas of the RAM 41c at the time of restoration is 0. Or whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal based on whether or not the checksum calculated based on all the areas of the RAM 41c is 00 (H). RAM parity or checksum of the RAM 41c is calculated and stored in a specific area, and the RAM parity or checksum excluding the specific area of the RAM 41c at the time of recovery is calculated, and the RAM parity or checksum stored in the specific area is calculated. The data in the RAM 41c depends on whether the comparison result matches It may be determined whether normal or not. In this case as well, as described above, before the RAM parity or checksum is calculated, the destructive diagnosis data in which any bit is 1 is stored at a predetermined address. In addition to determining whether or not the sums match, it is determined whether or not the data for destructive diagnosis is stored normally, the RAM parity and checksum match, and the destructive diagnostic data is also normal. It is preferable to determine that the data in the RAM 41c is normal under the above conditions.

  In the above-described embodiment, 5A (H) is stored in the RAM 41c as the failure diagnosis data in the power interruption processing. However, if data other than 0 is stored and can be confirmed at startup, for example, Even when all areas are cleared to 0 at startup, the data for failure diagnosis does not match the value stored at the time of a power failure and is determined to be abnormal. Therefore, the data stored in the RAM 41c is abnormal. The determination accuracy can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, when the CPU 41a is started, the RAM parity of the RAM 41c is calculated, it is determined whether or not the result is 0, and the destructive diagnosis data is normal on the condition that the RAM parity is 0. However, first, it is determined whether or not the data for destructive diagnosis is stored normally, and on condition that the data for destructive diagnosis is stored normally. The RAM parity of the RAM 41c may be calculated and it may be determined whether or not the result is 0. In this way, if the destructive diagnosis data is not normally stored, the RAM parity is calculated. Without calculation, it can be determined that the data in the RAM 41c is abnormal.

  In the above embodiment, the game control unit 41 is activated based on a reset signal from a reset circuit 49 provided separately from the game control unit 41. However, the game control unit 41 is connected to the reset circuit. The microcomputer which comprises may be mounted.

  In the embodiment, the power interruption detection circuit 48 monitors the DC voltage used in the slot machine 1 and detects the power interruption when the DC voltage becomes a certain voltage or lower. You may make it detect a power interruption, when the period when the said DC voltage became below a fixed voltage continued for a fixed period. Alternatively, the AC voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 may be monitored to detect a power interruption when a disturbance in the waveform of the AC voltage is detected, or when the period continues for a certain period.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the power interruption detection circuit 48 is mounted on the game control board 40, but it may be mounted in other places. For example, the game control board 40 may be connected to the power supply board 75 or the power supply board 75. It may be mounted on a relay board or the like through which a power supply line is connected.

  Moreover, in the said Example, an error is alert | reported by displaying the error code on the game auxiliary | assistant display 12 about the content of various error states. In other words, the notification means controlled by the game control unit 41 is notified, but in addition to the notification means controlled by the game control unit 41, a command indicating an error state is transmitted to the effect control unit 91, The notification means controlled by the control section 91 may notify the error, or the notification means controlled by the game control section 41 does not perform the notification, but the notification means controlled by the effect control section 91 does not. An error notification may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1 is used in connection with the card unit 400. However, the slot machine 1 can be used alone without being connected to the lending device such as the card unit 400. It may be a thing.

  Each element in the embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 1 of the present invention,
The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game ball, and a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be distinguished from each other ( The display result of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is derived to complete one game, and a slot machine (slot machine 1) using a game ball that can be awarded according to the display result of the variable display device. ) And
A game ball standby unit (top plate 12) on which a player-owned game ball waits;
A take-in device (take-in device 100) for taking in a game ball guided from the game ball standby unit;
A take-in request operation unit (one-ball take-in switch 5, MAXBET switch 6) which is operated when requesting take-in of game balls;
A payout device (payout device 200) for paying out game balls based on the occurrence of a payout award with a payout of game balls (winning with a payout of prize balls);
A return request operation unit (settlement switch 10) operated when returning a game ball taken in by the take-in operation of the take-in device to the player;
Main control means (game control unit 41) for controlling the game and controlling the capture device;
Sub-control means (payout control unit 61) connected to the main control means for controlling the payout device;
With
The main control means includes
An intake control means (intake control processing by the CPU 41a) for performing an intake control for taking in a game ball by the take-in operation of the take-in device when the take-in request operation unit is operated;
Bet number setting means (BET process by the CPU 41a) for setting a bet number in accordance with the number of already taken balls, which is the number of game balls taken in by the take-in operation of the take-in device;
A return requesting the return of the game balls with the number of taken-in balls when the number of taken-in balls is one or more and the operation of the return request operation unit is performed in a state before the game starts Return request signal output means (settlement request processing by CPU 41a) for outputting a request signal (settlement request signal: on, ball number signal) to the sub-control means;
After the return request signal is output to the sub-control means, every time a game ball is paid out by the payout device, the taken-in ball number subtracting means (not settled by the CPU 41a) subtracts the taken-in ball number. Sphere counter value subtraction control),
Including
When the sub-control unit detects the return request signal, the sub-control unit starts a return control (settlement control) that causes the payout device to pay out the number of game balls required by the return request signal. The number of game balls issued includes return control means (main board communication processing by the CPU 61a) that terminates the return control by reaching the number of game balls requested by the return request signal,
The main control means can hold the number of captured balls even when power supply to the slot machine using the game balls is stopped,
The return request signal output means includes
Return completion determination means for determining whether or not the number of game balls requested by the return request signal has been completed when power supply to the slot machine using the game balls is started (unsettled by the CPU 41a) Determination of whether or not the ball counter is 0)
When the return completion determining means determines that the requested number of game balls have not been returned, the captured completion held before the power supply to the slot machine using the game balls stops A return request signal for requesting the return of the number of game balls is output to the sub-control means;
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 2 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to claim 1,
The sub-control means (payout control unit 61)
A return control end signal output means (main board communication processing by the CPU 61a) for outputting a return control end signal (in-operation signal: off) to the main control means when the return control is completed;
The main control means (game control unit 41)
After the return request signal output means (settlement request processing by the CPU 41a) outputs the return request signal to the sub-control means, when the return control end signal is not detected until a predetermined period has elapsed, Return control abnormality determination means (determination of payout communication error by the CPU 41a) for determining abnormality (payout communication error) associated with the return control on the sub-control means side;
When the return control abnormality determination means determines an abnormality associated with the return control, a return abnormality notification means (display of an error code by the CPU 41a) that notifies the abnormality;
Including
Even if the return abnormality notification means is informing the abnormality, the return control end signal output from the sub control means is continuously detected.
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 3 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to claim 2,
The main control means (game control unit 41) outputs the return control end signal (in-operation signal: off) while the return abnormality notification means (indication of an error code by the CPU 41a) is informing the abnormality (payout communication error). Including an abnormality notification ending means (automatic return of an error state by the CPU 41a) for automatically ending the notification of abnormality by the return abnormality notification means when detected.
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 4 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Provided with a taken-in ball number display means (taken-in / paid-out ball indicator 11) for displaying the taken-in ball number;
The main control means (game control unit 41) outputs the return request signal (settlement request processing by the CPU 41a) to the sub control means (payout control unit 61), and then the payout device (payout device 200). Each time a game ball is paid out by the above-mentioned, the acquired ball number display updating means for subtracting and displaying the acquired ball number displayed on the acquired ball number display means (subtraction display of the acquired ball number by the CPU 41a) Control), including
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 5 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Provided corresponding to a lending device (card unit 400) that outputs a lending request (lending request signal (BRQ)) of the game ball using a valuable value stored in a storage medium (a prepaid card);
The sub-control means (payout control unit 61)
A connection confirmation signal input means (switch detection by the CPU 61a) to which a connection confirmation signal (card unit connection confirmation signal (VL)) output from the lending device is input;
When the lending request is detected, on the condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means, the number of game balls requested by the lending request is obtained by the dispensing device (dispensing device 200). Lending control means (lending control processing by the CPU 61a) for performing lending control (lending operation) to be paid out;
Connection specification for outputting to the main control means (game control unit 41) a connection specification signal (card unit connection signal) capable of specifying whether or not the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means Signal transmission means (output of card unit connection signal by CPU 61a);
Including
The main control means, when a connection specifying signal indicating that the connection confirmation signal is not inputted is inputted to the connection confirmation signal input means, Including one ball take-in switch 5 and invalidation of MAXBET switch 6 by CPU 41a),
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 6 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Provided corresponding to a lending device (card unit 400) that outputs a lending request (lending request signal (BRQ)) of the game ball using a valuable value stored in a storage medium (a prepaid card);
The sub-control means (payout control unit 61)
First connection confirmation signal input means (switch detection by the CPU 61a) to which a connection confirmation signal (card unit connection confirmation signal (VL)) output from the lending device is input;
When the lending request is detected, on the condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the first connection confirmation signal input means, the number of game balls requested by the lending request is paid to the dispensing device (dispensing device). 200) lending control means (lending control processing by the CPU 61a) for performing lending control (lending operation) to be paid out,
Including
The main control means (game control unit 41)
Second connection confirmation signal input means (switch detection by the CPU 41a) to which a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device is input;
When the connection confirmation signal is not input to the second connection confirmation signal input means, the take-in control disable means (the one-ball take-in switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 by the CPU 41a) disables the take-in control. Disable)
including,
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 7 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The betting number setting means (BET process by the CPU 41a) bets each time a gaming ball of the number of unit balls (5 balls) necessary to set a betting number of one unit by taking-in operation of the taking-in device is taken. Set the number,
The uptake control means includes
Regardless of whether or not a game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit (top plate 12) due to the operation of the acquisition request operation unit, a specified operation amount (operation for acquiring a predetermined number of balls) A take-in operation of the take-in device (drive of the take-in motor 100 for the operation amount for taking in a predetermined number of balls);
The number-of-ingestion ball determination means for determining whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the acquisition request operation unit has been acquired after the acquisition operation is completed (the acquisition ball counter is 0) Whether or not)
When it is determined by the taking-in ball number judging means that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of take-in requests has not been taken in, the taking-in device performs the taking-in operation of the specified operation amount again. Take-in operation re-control means (drive of the take-in motor 100 for the amount of operation for taking in a predetermined number of balls);
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the acquisition request operation unit is acquired by the acquisition ball number determination means, or the acquisition operation re-control means of the acquisition operation Capture control ending means for terminating capture control when the number of retries reaches a predetermined number (2 times);
including,
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 8 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The betting number setting means (BET process by the CPU 41a) bets each time a gaming ball of the number of unit balls (5 balls) necessary to set a betting number of one unit by taking-in operation of the taking-in device is taken. Set the number,
The uptake control means includes
Regardless of whether or not a game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit (upper plate 12) due to the operation of the capture request operation unit, the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the capture request operation unit In response to the movement amount (the movement amount for taking in the pachinko ball corresponding to the value of the take-in ball counter). Driving the take-in motor 100 for the operation amount for taking in the ball),
Taking-in ball number determining means (determining whether the taking-in ball counter is 0) for determining whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the movement amount has been taken in after the taking-in operation is completed;
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the amount of movement is not captured by the number of captured balls, the number of game balls captured by the capture operation is subtracted from the number of capture requests. Retrieving operation re-control means (retrieving ball counter) that causes the capturing device to re-capture the operation amount corresponding to the shortage (operation amount for capturing the pachinko ball corresponding to the value of the capturing ball counter) Driving the take-in motor 100 for an operation amount for taking pachinko balls of the value of
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the movement amount has been taken in by the take-in ball number judging means, or the number of times of retry (retries) of the take-in operation by the take-in action re-control means is a predetermined number ( Take-in control ending means for ending take-in control when it reaches (twice),
including,
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 9 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to claim 7 or 8,
The take-in control means (the take-in control process by the CPU 41a) is configured such that the take-in request operation unit (MAXBET switch 6) in a state where a game ball is already taken in by a take-in operation of the take-in device (take-in device 100). ) Is operated, the number of game balls already acquired (the number of BETs × 5 + the value of the unused ball counter) from the specified number of acquisitions (15 balls) determined for the operation of the acquisition request operation unit. Including a number of acquisition request number setting means for setting the number obtained by subtracting) as the number of acquisition requests.
It is characterized by that.

A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 10 of the present invention is a slot machine using the game ball according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The sub-control unit (payout control unit 61) outputs a return control end signal (operation signal: off) to the main control unit (game control unit 41) when the return control is completed. Including an end signal output means (main board communication processing by the CPU 61a),
The main control means outputs the return request signal (main board communication processing by the CPU 41a) and then detects the return control end signal regardless of whether or not the taken-in ball count remains. Including a return completion determination means (end of the settlement request processing by the CPU 41a) for determining that the return of the game balls of the number of captured balls requested based on the output of the return request signal is completed,
It is characterized by that.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the Example to which this invention was applied. It is a top view which shows the operation console provided in the slot machine. It is a rear view of the slot machine. It is sectional drawing of the taking-in apparatus provided in the slot machine. It is sectional drawing of the taking-in apparatus provided in the slot machine. It is AA sectional drawing of the taking-in apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the payout apparatus provided in the slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the signal exchanged between a game control board, a payout control board, and a payout control board and a card unit. It is a circuit diagram for demonstrating the structure of a power supply board. It is a circuit diagram for demonstrating the structure around the game control part in a game control board. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition when the operation | movement of a payment switch is detected when the prize accompanying payout of a prize ball | bowl generate | occur | produces, or the state where a taken-in ball | bowl remains. (A) (b) is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition when an error generate | occur | produces in the payout request | requirement or the adjustment request | requirement. (A) (b) is a timing chart which shows the modification of the operation | movement condition when an error generate | occur | produces during a payout request or a payment request. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition when the lending process is performed by the card unit 400 in connection with the operation of the ball lending switch being detected. When the operation of one-ball take-in switch or MAXBET switch is detected and take-in control (take-in control process) is performed, or the operation of the check-out switch 10 is detected, and pay-out control (pay-out control process) is performed. It is a timing chart which shows the operation condition in case. It is a timing chart which shows the operation condition at the time of the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 being cut off during BET processing. It is a timing chart which shows the operation condition at the time of the connection between the card unit 400 and the payout control board 60 being cut off during BET processing. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the starting process which CPU of a game control part performs at the time of starting. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the RAM error process which CPU of a game control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the setting change process which CPU of a game control part performs in a starting process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game process which CPU of a game control part performs after a starting process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BET process which CPU of a game control part performs in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BET process which CPU of a game control part performs in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the adjustment control process which CPU of a game control part performs in a BET process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the payment request process which CPU of a game control part performs in a payment control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the taking-in control process which CPU of a game control part performs in a BET process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the prize ball provision process which CPU of a game control part performs in a game process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the payout request process which CPU of a game control part performs in a prize ball provision process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the interruption interruption process performed when CPU of a game control part inputs a voltage drop signal from an interruption detection circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the starting process (payout) which CPU of the payout control part performs at the time of starting. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (payout) which CPU of the payout control part performs regularly. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the connection confirmation process which CPU of a payout control part performs in the step of Sn2. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main board | substrate communication process which CPU of the payout control part performs in the step of Sn3. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main board | substrate communication process 1 which CPU of the payout control part performs in the step of Sn302. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main board | substrate communication process 2 which CPU of the payout control part performs in step of Sn303. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main board | substrate communication process 3 which CPU of the payout control part performs in the step of Sn304. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the lending control process which CPU of a payout control part performs in the step of Sn4. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the lending communication process 1 which CPU of a payout control part performs in step of Sn402. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the lending communication process 2 which CPU of the payout control part performs in step of Sn403. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the lending communication process 3 which CPU of the payout control part performs in the step of Sn404. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the lending communication process 4 which CPU of a payout control part performs in the step of Sn405. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed control content of the payout control process which CPU of the payout control part performs in the step of Sn5. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the payout start waiting process which CPU of the payout control part performs in step of Sn504. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the payout stop waiting process which CPU of a payout control part performs in step of Sn505. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the payout passage waiting process which CPU of a payout control part performs in step of Sn506. It is a figure which shows the modification of the signal exchanged between a game control board and a payout control board, and a payout control board and a card unit. It is a figure which shows the modification of the input form of the detection signal from a payout ball | bowl detection switch.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R Reel 5 One ball take-in switch 6 MAXBET switch 10 Settlement switch 12 Upper plate 40 Game control board 41 Game control part 41a CPU
41b ROM
41c RAM
48 power interruption detection circuit 60 payout control board 61 payout control part 61a CPU
61b ROM
61c RAM
80 Production Relay Board 90 Production Control Board 91 Production Control Unit 91a CPU
91b ROM
91c RAM
100 take-in device 200 pay-out device 400 card unit

Claims (10)

A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game ball, and a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable A slot machine that uses a game ball that has been completed and one game is completed and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
A game ball standby unit in which a player-owned game ball waits;
A take-in device for taking in a game ball guided from the game ball standby unit;
An acquisition request operation unit operated when requesting the acquisition of game balls;
A payout device that pays out game balls based on the occurrence of a payout with game ball payout;
A return request operation unit operated when returning the game ball captured by the capture operation of the capture device to the player;
Main control means for controlling the game and controlling the capture device;
Sub-control means connected to the main control means for controlling the payout device;
With
The main control means includes
When the capture request operation unit is operated, capture control means for performing capture control for capturing a game ball by the capture operation of the capture device;
Bet number setting means for setting a bet number in accordance with the number of already-taken balls, which is the number of game balls taken in by the take-in operation of the take-in device;
A return requesting the return of the game balls with the number of taken-in balls when the number of taken-in balls is one or more and the operation of the return request operation unit is performed in a state before the game starts A return request signal output means for outputting a request signal to the sub-control means;
After the return request signal is output to the sub-control means, each time the game ball is paid out by the payout device, the taken-in ball number subtracting means that subtracts the taken-in ball number;
Including
When the sub-control means detects the return request signal, the sub-control means starts a return control in which the payout device pays out the number of game balls required by the return request signal, and the game paid out by the payout device Return control means for ending the return control when the number of balls reaches the number of game balls requested by the return request signal,
The main control means can hold the number of captured balls even when power supply to the slot machine using the game balls is stopped,
The return request signal output means includes
Return completion determination means for determining whether or not the return of the number of game balls requested by the return request signal is completed when power supply to the slot machine using the game balls is started,
When the return completion determining means determines that the requested number of game balls have not been returned, the captured completion held before the power supply to the slot machine using the game balls stops A return request signal for requesting the return of the number of game balls is output to the sub-control means;
A slot machine using game balls characterized by this. The sub-control means includes
A return control end signal output means for outputting a return control end signal to the main control means when the return control is completed;
The main control means includes
After the return request signal output means outputs the return request signal to the sub-control means, when the return control end signal is not detected until a predetermined period elapses, the sub-control means side Return control abnormality determination means for determining abnormality associated with return control;
A return abnormality notifying means for notifying the abnormality when the return control abnormality determining means determines an abnormality associated with the return control; and
Including
Even if the return abnormality notification means is informing the abnormality, the return control end signal output from the sub control means is continuously detected.
A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 1. The main control means includes abnormality notification end means for automatically ending abnormality notification by the return abnormality notification means when the return abnormality notification means detects the return control end signal during the abnormality notification. ,
A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 2. A number of captured balls display means for displaying the number of captured balls;
The main control means, after the return request signal is output to the sub-control means, every time a game ball is paid out by the payout device, the take-in displayed on the taken-in ball number display means Including a captured ball number display updating means for subtracting the displayed number of balls,
The slot machine using the game ball in any one of Claims 1-3. Provided corresponding to a lending device that outputs the gaming ball lending request using the valuable value stored in the storage medium,
The sub-control means includes
A connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
Lending control for paying out the number of game balls required by the lending request by the paying device on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is detected Lending control means for
A connection specifying signal transmitting means for outputting to the main control means a connection specifying signal capable of specifying whether or not the connection checking signal is input to the connection checking signal input means;
Including
The main control means includes an intake control disable means for disabling the intake control when a connection specifying signal indicating that the connection confirmation signal is not input is input to the connection confirmation signal input means. Including,
The slot machine using the game ball in any one of Claims 1-4. Provided corresponding to a lending device that outputs the gaming ball lending request using the valuable value stored in the storage medium,
The sub-control means includes
First connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
When the lending request is detected, the number of game balls requested by the lending request is paid out by the paying device on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the first connection confirmation signal input means. A lending control means for performing lending control;
Including
The main control means includes
Second connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
An intake control disabling means for disabling the intake control when the connection confirmation signal is not input to the second connection confirmation signal input means;
including,
The slot machine using the game ball in any one of Claims 1-4. The bet number setting means sets the bet number each time a game ball of a unit number of balls necessary for setting a bet number of one unit by the taking-in operation of the take-in device is taken,
The uptake control means includes
Capture that causes the capture device to perform a capture operation of a specified amount of operation regardless of whether or not a game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit by operating the capture request operation unit An operation control means;
A number-of-ingestion-ball determining means for determining whether or not a number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the acquisition request operation unit have been acquired after the completion of the acquisition operation;
When it is determined by the taking-in ball number judging means that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of take-in requests has not been taken in, the taking-in device performs the taking-in operation of the specified operation amount again. Re-control means for taking-in operation;
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the acquisition request operation unit is acquired by the acquisition ball number determination means, or the acquisition operation re-control means of the acquisition operation Capture control termination means for terminating capture control when the number of retries reaches a predetermined number of times;
including,
The slot machine using the game ball in any one of Claims 1-6. The bet number setting means sets the bet number each time a game ball of a unit number of balls necessary for setting a bet number of one unit by the taking-in operation of the take-in device is taken,
The uptake control means includes
Regardless of whether or not a game ball is waiting in the game ball standby unit due to the operation of the capture request operation unit, an operation amount corresponding to the number of acquisition requests by the operation of the capture request operation unit Capture operation control means for causing the capture device to perform the capture operation of
A take-in ball number judging means for judging whether or not a number of game balls corresponding to the amount of motion have been taken in after the take-in operation is completed;
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the amount of movement is not captured by the number of captured balls, the number of game balls captured by the capture operation is subtracted from the number of capture requests. Capture operation re-control means for causing the capture device to perform the capture operation of the operation amount corresponding to the shortage, and
When it is determined that the number of game balls corresponding to the movement amount has been taken in by the taking-in ball number judging means, or when the number of retries of taking-in operation by the taking-in movement re-control means reaches a predetermined number Capture control ending means for ending the capture control;
including,
The slot machine using the game ball in any one of Claims 1-6. The take-in control means is configured to respond to an operation of the take-in request operation unit when the take-in request operation unit is operated in a state where a game ball has already been taken in by a take-in operation of the take-in device. Including an acquisition request number setting means for setting, as the acquisition request number, a number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls already acquired from a predetermined acquisition specified number;
A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 7 or 8. The sub-control unit includes a return control end signal output unit that outputs a return control end signal to the main control unit when the return control ends.
The main control means, after outputting the return request signal, based on the output of the return request signal when detecting the return control end signal regardless of whether or not the number of captured balls remains. Including a return completion determination means for determining that the return of the game balls with the requested number of balls has been completed,
A slot machine using the game ball according to claim 1.

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