JP2007054285A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where a gate actuator is prevented from being damaged by prohibiting excessive operation of the gate actuator for preventing heat generation more than necessary even when supplying or putting out of game balls is repeated due to abnormal operation performed by a player or occurrence of some trouble. <P>SOLUTION: When a supply solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is on (S151:Yes), a risk of heat generation more than necessary is generated as a result of continuous operation of supply solenoids 534a to 534c more than necessary. Thus, in the case, a liquid crystal display unit 81 displays "a supply unit is cooled down presently" (S152) to inform the player of it, and turns off a bed LED 35a to inform the player that game balls cannot be supplied presently. Thereafter, in order to secure an operation stoppage time of the supply solenoids 534a to 534c, that is a time for cooling down, waiting processing is carried out for 15 seconds (S154). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a revolving game machine using a game ball that can enjoy a game of a revolving game machine such as a slot machine using a game ball such as a pachinko ball.

  As shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, a game ball-use spinning machine can enjoy a game of a spinning machine such as a slot machine using a game ball such as a pachinko ball. When the player inserts a predetermined number of game balls and operates the start lever, the game is started. That is, the rotating drum (annular reel) on which a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) is displayed at predetermined intervals starts to rotate, and the variation display of the symbol sequence starts. Usually, three spinning cylinders are provided, and when the player presses a stop switch while these spinning cylinders are rotating, the spinning cylinders corresponding to the pressing stop one by one. After all the spinning cylinders have stopped rotating, the combination of the spinning cylinder stop symbols is used to determine whether or not the game is successful, and if it is a game, the number of game balls corresponding to that game is paid out and the player is given a predetermined number. The game value is given (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Generally, medals used for slot machine games are lent out at 20 yen per piece, and pachinko balls (game balls) used for pachinko machines are lent out at 4 yen per piece. For this reason, in a slot machine, if a game performed by inserting three medals using a game ball is used, it is necessary to insert 15 game balls. Further, if it is intended to pay out 15 medals using game balls, 75 game balls must be paid out.
JP 2003-305167 A JP 2003-305168 A

  For this reason, in the game ball revolving game machine disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it takes a long time to insert and pay out the game ball, so that the motor and solenoid that perform the input and discharge tend to generate heat. Therefore, if an abnormal operation is performed by the player or some trouble occurs and the game ball is repeatedly thrown in and out, there is a problem that the motor and the solenoid generate heat more than necessary and are damaged.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even when an abnormal operation is performed by a player or a trouble occurs and a game ball is repeatedly inserted or paid out, An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prohibits excessive operation of an actuator, prevents excessive heat generation, and prevents damage thereof.

  In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of game media, a passage that is communicated with the storage unit and into which the game medium flows, and that appears on the passage. A gate member that allows or prohibits the game medium from passing through the passage, a gate actuator that projects or immerses the gate member on the passage, and a medium number storage that stores the number of game media that pass through the passage. Means, gate control means for controlling the gate actuator so that the number of game media stored in the medium number storage means pass through the passage, and the operation status of the gate actuator by the gate control means is stored. The operation status storage means and the operation of the gate actuator by the gate control means are prohibited according to the storage status of the operation status storage means And a that operation prohibition means.

  The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a periodic control unit that is periodically executed, wherein the operation status storage unit stores an operation status of the gate actuator as a count value. When the gate actuator is operating when the periodic control means is executed, a first predetermined value is added to the operation status timer, and conversely, when the gate actuator is stopped, the operation status timer Adding / subtracting means for subtracting a second predetermined value from the operation prohibiting means, the gate control when the value of the operating status timer becomes equal to or greater than a third predetermined value as a result of addition / subtraction by the adding / subtracting means The operation of the gate actuator by means is prohibited.

The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising periodic control means that is periodically executed, wherein the operation status storage means stores an operation status of the gate actuator by a count value. If the gate actuator is operating when the periodic control means is executed, a first predetermined value is subtracted from the operating status timer, and conversely, if the gate actuator is stopped, the operating status timer Adding / subtracting means for adding a second predetermined value to the operation control means, wherein the operation prohibiting means controls the gate control when the value of the operation status timer becomes equal to or less than a fourth predetermined value as a result of addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means. The operation of the gate actuator by means is prohibited.

  A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect is the gaming machine according to the second or third aspect, wherein the first predetermined value is equal to or more than twice the second predetermined value.

  A gaming machine according to a fifth aspect is the gaming machine according to the second or fourth aspect, wherein the third predetermined value is 100 times or more the first predetermined value.

  The gaming machine according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the operation of the gate actuator is prohibited by the operation prohibiting means, the operation prohibited state is continued for a predetermined time or more. The operation prohibition continuation means is provided.

  The gaming machine according to claim 7 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 6, wherein the passage is constituted by a plurality of passages that communicate with the storage means and into which the game medium flows. The gate member and the gate actuator are respectively provided in the plurality of passages, and the operation status storage unit is configured to add a first to the operation status timer by the addition / subtraction unit when any of the gate actuators is operating. A predetermined value is added, and when all the gate actuators are stopped, the addition / subtraction means subtracts a second predetermined value from the operation status timer, and the operation prohibiting means adds / subtracts by the addition / subtraction means As a result, when the value of the operation status timer becomes equal to or greater than the third predetermined value, all the gate actuators are operated. It is intended to stop.

  The gaming machine according to claim 8 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 3, 4 and 6, wherein the passage is constituted by a plurality of passages that communicate with the storage means and into which the game medium flows. The gate member and the gate actuator are respectively provided in the plurality of passages, and the operation status storage unit is configured to perform a first operation from the operation status timer by the addition / subtraction unit when any of the gate actuators is operating. A predetermined value is subtracted, and when all the gate actuators are stopped, the addition / subtraction means adds a second predetermined value to the operation status timer, and the operation prohibiting means adds / subtracts by the addition / subtraction means As a result, when the value of the operation status timer becomes the fourth predetermined value or less, all the gate actuators are operated. It is intended to stop.

  The gaming machine according to claim 9 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the operation of the gate actuator is prohibited by the operation prohibiting means, an informing means for informing the fact is provided. I have.

  According to the gaming machine of claim 1, when the gate actuator is controlled by the gate control means, the gate member protrudes or immerses into the passage according to the control, and the plurality of game media are stored in the storage means. Is allowed or prohibited from passing through the passage. The game medium is inserted or paid out by controlling the gate actuator by the gate control means so that the number of game media stored in the medium number storage means passes through the passage.

  The operation status storage means stores the operation status of the gate actuator by the gate control means, and the operation of the gate actuator by the gate control means is prohibited by the operation prohibiting means according to the storage status of the operation status storage means. . Therefore, even if an abnormal operation is made by the player or some trouble occurs, and the insertion or withdrawal of the game ball is repeated, excessive operation of the gate actuator is prohibited to prevent excessive heat generation, There is an effect that the damage can be prevented.

  According to the gaming machine of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine of the first aspect, the following effect can be obtained. The operating status storage means includes an operating status timer for storing the operating status of the gate actuator as a count value, and the value of the operating status timer is determined by the gate actuator during execution of the periodic control means periodically executed by the addition / subtraction means. The first predetermined value is added when operating, and conversely, the second predetermined value is subtracted when stopped. The operation prohibiting unit prohibits the operation of the gate actuator by the gate control unit when the value of the operation status timer becomes equal to or greater than the third predetermined value as a result of the addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction unit. In this way, the operating status of the gate actuator is monitored by the value of the operating status timer, and the gate actuator can be operated in an appropriate state by prohibiting or permitting the operation of the gate actuator according to the value. effective.

  According to the gaming machine of the third aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the following effect is achieved. The operating status storage means includes an operating status timer for storing the operating status of the gate actuator as a count value, and the value of the operating status timer is determined by the gate actuator during execution of the periodic control means periodically executed by the addition / subtraction means. The first predetermined value is subtracted when operating, and conversely, the second predetermined value is added when stopped. The operation prohibiting unit prohibits the operation of the gate actuator by the gate control unit when the value of the operation status timer becomes equal to or less than the fourth predetermined value as a result of the addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction unit. In this way, the operating status of the gate actuator is monitored by the value of the operating status timer, and the gate actuator can be operated in an appropriate state by prohibiting or permitting the operation of the gate actuator according to the value. effective. Note that 0 can be exemplified as the fourth predetermined value.

  According to the gaming machine of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine of the second or third aspect, the first predetermined value is a value more than twice the second predetermined value. There is an effect that a sufficient stop time of the gate actuator can be secured to prevent the gate actuator from generating more heat than necessary.

  According to the gaming machine of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine according to the second or fourth aspect, the following effect is produced. That is, the third predetermined value is a value that is 100 times or more the first predetermined value. Therefore, the activation condition of the operation prohibition means, that is, the start condition for prohibiting the operation of the gate actuator by the operation prohibition means can be limited to specific cases, so that the operation prohibition means is activated as much as possible during the game. There is an effect that the game can be progressed smoothly with less.

  According to the gaming machine of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the following effect is achieved. When the operation of the gate actuator is prohibited by the operation prohibition means, the operation prohibition state is continued by the operation prohibition continuation means for a predetermined time or more. Therefore, when a player performs an abnormal operation or some trouble occurs and the game ball is repeatedly thrown in or out, and as a result, the gate actuator generates heat, the operation prohibition continuation means operates the gate actuator. Is continuously prohibited for a predetermined time or more, so that the gate actuator can be restarted after the gate actuator is sufficiently cooled down.

  According to the gaming machine of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine according to any one of the second or fourth to sixth aspects, the following effect is produced. A plurality of passages into which the game medium flows are communicated with the storage means, and a gate member and a gate actuator are respectively provided in the plurality of passages. The operation status storage means adds a first predetermined value to the operation status timer by the addition / subtraction means when any one of the gate actuators provided in the plurality of paths is operating, When all the gate actuators provided respectively are stopped, the second predetermined value is subtracted from the operation status timer by the addition / subtraction means. The operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of all the gate actuators respectively provided in the plurality of passages when the value of the operation status timer becomes equal to or greater than the third predetermined value as a result of the addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means.

  Thus, by collectively controlling the gate actuators provided respectively in the plurality of passages, it is possible to control the prohibition and allowance of the operation of each gate actuator in a unified manner. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to clearly distinguish the possible state and the prohibited state where the game medium can be inserted or paid out.

  According to the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the gaming machine according to any one of the third, fourth, and sixth aspects, the following effect is achieved. A plurality of passages into which the game medium flows are communicated with the storage means, and a gate member and a gate actuator are respectively provided in the plurality of passages. The operating status storage means subtracts the first predetermined value from the operating status timer by the addition / subtraction means when any of the gate actuators provided respectively in the plurality of passages is operating, When all the gate actuators provided respectively are stopped, the second predetermined value is added to the operation status timer by the addition / subtraction means. The operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of all the gate actuators respectively provided in the plurality of passages when the value of the operation status timer becomes a fourth predetermined value or less as a result of the addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means.

  Thus, by collectively controlling the gate actuators provided respectively in the plurality of passages, it is possible to control the prohibition and allowance of the operation of each gate actuator in a unified manner. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to clearly distinguish the possible state and the prohibited state where the game medium can be inserted or paid out.

  According to the gaming machine of the ninth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the gaming machine according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the following effect is achieved. That is, when the operation of the gate actuator is prohibited by the operation prohibiting means, the notification means notifies that fact, so that even if the gate actuator is disabled, the player or hall clerk can There is no mistake when the machine breaks down. Therefore, when the operation prohibition state of the gate actuator is finished, there is an effect that the game can be resumed normally.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game ball-use spinning machine 1 that uses a game ball as a game medium to play a game will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 20. With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the external appearance structure of the game machine 1 is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is used by being connected to the card unit 20, and within the range of the remaining amount (valuable value) of a card, bill, etc. (rental medium) inserted into the card unit 20, A game ball as a medium is rented, and the player plays a game using the rented game ball.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment requires the insertion of a predetermined number of game balls (for example, pachinko balls) when playing a game, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a plurality of or a large number of game balls depending on circumstances, It is configured to be paid out as a game value. The game machine 1 is supplied with game balls from a game ball supply system common to the pachinko machines in a game hall, etc., and the existing island facility (pachinko island) where the pachinko machines are installed, This gaming machine 1 can be installed.

  The gaming machine 1 has an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a gaming machine main body portion 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable forward. The outer frame 2 is configured by connecting wooden plates to four sides, and has a rectangular shape as a whole. When installing the gaming machine 1 in the gaming hall, the outer frame 2 is attached and fixed to the island facility. The outer frame 2 can be made of a metal such as synthetic resin or aluminum.

  A visual recognition window 4 having a substantially trapezoidal shape as a symbol visual recognition portion is formed in the upper half of the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3. A transparent panel 5 made of a flat transparent plate is fitted into the visual recognition window 4, and the inside of the main body 3 can be visually recognized through the transparent panel 5. The transparent panel 5 has two panel parts (an upper panel part 5a and a lower panel part 5b) which are divided vertically and slightly bent. The upper panel portion 5a is disposed in a substantially vertical direction, and the lower panel portion 5b is disposed so as to be inclined slightly upward. The upper panel portion 5a covers the front surface of a liquid crystal display unit 81 to be described later, and a display image of the liquid crystal display unit 81 is visually recognized through the upper panel portion 5a (see FIG. 3). The lower panel portion 5b covers the front surface of a reel unit 82, which will be described later, and the design of the reel unit 82 is visually recognized through the lower panel portion 5b (see FIG. 3).

  According to such a relatively large viewing window 4 (transparent panel 5), it is possible to give a great impact to the player by the display effect of the image using the large liquid crystal display unit 81. In addition, the visibility of the symbol of the reel unit 82 which is the main display device of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  A central lamp 6 projecting forward from the transparent panel 5 is provided above the viewing window 4. Similarly, a pair of side lamps 7 projecting forward from the transparent panel 5 are provided on both sides of the viewing window 4. Is provided. A speaker 8 is provided above each of the pair of side lamps 7. In the game, the lamps 6 and 7 and the speaker 8 perform lamp effects and sound effects according to the game situation each time. That is, the player is notified of the establishment of a role in the game by appropriately changing the light emission color and light emission pattern by the lamps 6 and 7 or by appropriately changing the sound pattern by the speaker 8. In addition, error notification is performed using the lamps 6 and 7 and the speaker 8.

  Below the viewing window 4, there is provided a long plate-like sub-panel 10 that extends to the left and right. On the right side of the sub-panel 10, an acquired ball number display 11 that displays the number of balls acquired when the small role is established, and a game number display that displays the number of remaining games in a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. 12 are provided. These are constituted by 7 segment LEDs, but may be replaced by a liquid crystal display or the like.

  On the left side of the sub-panel 10, a ball rental operation unit 13 is provided. The ball lending operation unit 13 is a ball lending operation or a card returning operation in the state where a bill or a card is inserted into a vertically long card unit (ball lending unit) 20 disposed on the left side of the gaming machine 1, for example. The ball lending button 14, the return button 15, and the frequency indicator 16 are arranged in parallel. The ball lending button 14 is a button operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like, and the remaining amount is left on the card or the like inserted into the card unit 20 by the operation of the ball lending button 14. Lending balls are paid out as long as they exist. The return button 15 is a button operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit 20. The frequency display 16 is a display for displaying remaining amount information such as a card inserted in the card unit 20, and is composed of 7 segment LEDs. The frequency display 16 may be replaced with a liquid crystal display.

  Below the sub-panel 10, there is provided an operation unit 30 provided with various operation members and the like operated by the player. The operation unit 30 is provided with a start lever 31 and stop switches 32, 33, and 34 including triple buttons, and a button-like bet switch 35 is provided at the upper end of the operation unit 30. .

  The bet switch 35 allows the player to set a bet (the number of bets), and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the upper plate 36 are taken in (inserted) by the pushing operation. In this gaming machine 1, a so-called MAX bet switch is provided as the bet switch 35, and 15 game balls equivalent to 3 bets are inserted by an effective one-time pressing operation. If a bet switch 35 is operated during the execution of a JAC game, which will be described later, five game balls equivalent to one bet are inserted.

  Inside the bet switch 35, a bet LED 35a formed of a light emitting diode is provided. The bet LED 35a is turned on when a game ball can be inserted, and is turned off when a game ball is prohibited. That is, when the bet LED 35a is lit and the bet switch 35 is lit, the pressing operation of the bet switch 35 functions effectively.

  The case where the insertion of game balls is in a prohibited state is the first case where the required number of game balls are inserted for one game by pushing the bet switch 35. In other words, 15 game balls are thrown in the normal game and 5 game balls are thrown in the JAC game. In such a case, the bet LED 35a continues to be turned off until the game of that time is finished. The second case is a case in which the charging solenoids 534a to 534c need to be cooled down as a result of repeated insertion and return of the game ball due to an abnormal operation by the player. When the player repeatedly operates the bet switch 35 and the return lever 38 alternately, the charging solenoids 534a to 534c generate heat more than necessary and are damaged. Therefore, in such a case, the operation of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is stopped for a certain time (15 seconds in this embodiment), and the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are cooled down (cooled) and then restarted. .

  In addition to the bet switch 35 as the MAX bet switch, a 1-bet switch or a 2-bet switch may be provided. The 1-bet switch is a switch for inserting 5 game balls corresponding to 1 bet by one push operation, and the 2-bet switch is for inserting 10 game balls corresponding to 2 bets by 1 press operation. Switch. During the execution of the JAC game, even if the 2-bet switch is operated, 5 game balls equivalent to 1 bet are inserted.

  The start lever 31 is an operation member for starting rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R (rotating body) of the reel unit 82 shown in FIG. By operating the start lever 31, the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R start to rotate, and the symbol variable display is started. Note that the start lever 31 may be configured as a button-like switch, like the bet switch 35 and the stop switches 32 to 34.

  The stop switches 32 to 34 are respectively provided corresponding to the three rows 82L, 82M, and 82R of the left, middle, and right, and are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. Is done. When the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotated at a constant speed, they can be stopped by pressing the corresponding stop switches 32-34. During the stoppable state, the lamps provided in the stop switches 32 to 34 are respectively lit and displayed to notify the player that the stop operation is possible. When the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is stopped, the lamps corresponding to the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are turned off.

  A notch 37 is formed at the lower right of the operation unit 30. The cutout portion 37 is provided with a return lever 38 for returning the game ball on the upper plate 36 or the already inserted game ball to the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate 41. An opening 42 is formed in the bottom of the lower plate 41, and the opening 42 is closed by an opening / closing plate 43. A ball removal lever 44 formed to be slidable in the left-right direction is provided at the lower right of the lower plate 41. By operating the ball removal lever 44 leftward, the opening 42 is opened, and the lower plate The game ball in 41 falls downward and is discharged. By arranging a ball storage box (so-called dollar box) in advance below the lower plate 41, the game balls discharged from the lower plate 41 can be stored in the ball storage box. By releasing the operation of the ball removal lever 44, the lever 44 slides in the right direction, and at the same time, the opening 42 is closed by the opening / closing plate 43. Further, a speaker 45 is disposed in the back of the lower plate 41, and sound output such as sound effects is also performed from this portion.

  Next, the surface changing block 80 will be described with reference to FIG. The face change block 80 is provided with main parts for displaying game contents, and includes a liquid crystal display unit 81 and a reel unit 82, and is disposed in the back of the transparent panel 5 of the viewing window 4. For example, the model replacement can be performed by replacing the surface replacement block 80 with a new model from the current model.

  A liquid crystal display unit 81 is disposed above the surface changing block 80. The liquid crystal display unit 81 is a display device for performing an auxiliary effect of the effect performed by the reel unit 82, and not only during the rotational driving of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R of the reel unit 82, but also before or after the rotational driving. When stopping after driving, etc., an auxiliary effect is performed according to the gaming state at that time.

  A reel unit 82 is disposed below the surface changing block 80. The reel unit 82 includes a left reel 82L, a middle reel 82M, and a right reel 82R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R only needs to be configured as at least an endless belt, and is not limited to a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Moreover, you may comprise as a rotating drum, such as a belt and a drum.

  Each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is rotatably supported so that the center axis thereof becomes the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and a part of the surface of each reel 82L, 82M, and 82R is visible through the lower panel portion 5b of the transparent panel 5. It is in a state. When the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are projected through the lower panel portion 5b as if moving from top to bottom.

  Each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is connected to the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R, and each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is individually, that is, independent, by driving the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R. And is driven to rotate. The stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R are set to rotate once by giving, for example, a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter). The stepping motors 91L, 91M are driven by the excitation pulse. , 91R, that is, the rotational positions of the corresponding reels 82L, 82M, 82R are controlled.

  On each belt of each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, a plurality, specifically 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Based on the number of pulses from when the detection signal is output from the reel index sensor that detects the origin positions of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, it is recognized which symbols are visible from the lower panel portion 5b. Or control to make an arbitrary symbol visible from the lower panel portion 5b.

  Next, the saucer block 50 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the front frame 3 a provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3 and the tray block 50 separately, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tray block 50. In FIG. 4, the card unit 20 is omitted. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the upper plate 36 on which the charging unit 52 is mounted. The saucer block 50 temporarily stores game balls that are lent out based on instructions from the card unit 20 and game balls that are awarded and paid out as a result of the game, and stores game balls for starting games in the gaming machine. It is for taking in (input).

  As shown in FIG. 4, an upper plate 36 for temporarily storing rented or paid out game balls is provided in front of the tray block 50. First, the details of the upper plate 36 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the upper plate 36 is formed in a horizontally long bowl shape, and is surrounded by a bottom plate portion 361 and a peripheral wall portion 362 to form a game ball storage area. A discharge port 363 for discharging the game ball into the upper plate 36 is formed in the wall portion on the far left side of the peripheral wall portion 362. An opening 364 is formed on the right side of the bottom plate portion 361. The game balls stored in the upper plate 36 are taken into the game machine 1 from the opening 364 via the input unit 52 described later, or discharged to the lower plate 41.

  The bottom plate portion 361 is generally configured to be lowered from the discharge port 363 toward the opening 364 (from the left side to the right side in FIG. 6). Specifically, the bottom plate portion 361 is formed in two stages in the front-rear direction, and further, the back region thereof is formed in two stages on the left and right. In this case, in the bottom plate portion 361, the front region R1 is the highest, the back left region R2 is next high, and the back right region R3 is the lowest. Accordingly, the game balls discharged from the discharge port 363 to the upper plate 36 flow to the opening 364 on the downstream side in the order of the regions R2, R1, and R3 or in the order of the regions R2 and R3.

  In the front region R1 of the bottom plate portion 361, a protruding guide portion 365 protruding from the bottom plate portion 361 is formed. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the front region R1 is guided to the back right region R3 by coming into contact with the protruding guide portion 365.

  Two partition portions 366 and 367 protrude from the rear right region R3 which is the lowest position of the upper plate 36. The right end of the far right region R3 is partitioned by the two partition portions 366, 367 and is divided into three rows of guide passages 371, 372, 373. Each of the guide passages 371 to 373 communicates with the opening 364, and its width corresponds to one game ball. Therefore, the game balls discharged into the upper plate 36 are lined up on the respective guide paths 371 to 373 in the back right region R3 and are thrown into the throwing unit 52 disposed in the opening 364. Note that the rear right region R3 is formed so as to be inclined with the region R1 side being high and the gaming machine 1 side being low. Therefore, the game ball in the upper plate 36 is configured to be easily guided to the guide passages 371 to 373 along the side surface of the back right region R3 on the gaming machine 1 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cover member 375 is provided above the opening 364 of the upper plate 36 and the guide passages 371 to 373 so as to cover them. The cover member 375 is a member for restricting the size in the height direction of each guide passage 371 to 373 to approximately one game ball. By attaching the cover member 375 to the upper plate 36, each guide passage 371 is provided. The game balls are taken in (inserted) one by one from ˜373 into the insertion unit 52. The cover member 375 is made of a transparent material so that it can be visually confirmed whether or not there is a game ball below it.

  In the lower right front of the upper plate 36, a payout operation transmission device 51 is disposed. The payout operation transmission device 51 slides the return lever 38 to the left to discharge the game balls stored in the upper plate 36 to the lower plate 41 and is inserted into the gaming machine 1 by the input unit 52 described later. The game balls (taken) are discharged to the lower tray 41.

  A ball passage forming body 53 is provided on the back side of the upper plate 36. The ball passage forming body 53, together with the passage cover 53a, discharges the game ball to the outside of the gaming machine 1 (island facility of the game hall), and lower plate discharge for discharging the game ball to the lower plate 41. A passage is formed. The game balls that have passed through the lower tray discharge passage are discharged to the lower tray 41 from the discharge port 53d. Further, a discharge passage 53 e communicating with the discharge port 363 of the upper plate 36 is formed in the upper left part of the ball passage forming body 53 (near the most upstream portion). The game ball that has passed through the discharge passage 53e flows into the upper plate 36 from the discharge port 363 of the upper plate 36.

  A game ball distribution member 53b for distributing and discharging game balls to the external discharge passage, the lower tray discharge passage, and the discharge passage 53e is attached in the vicinity of the discharge passage 53e and on the upper left side of the ball passage forming body 53. It has been. The game ball distribution member 53b is formed with three passages 53b1 to 53b3. When the game ball distribution member 53b is attached to the ball passage formation body 53, the passage 53b1 communicates with the external discharge passage, and the passage 53b2 The game balls passing through the respective passages 53b1 to 53b3 are distributed to the respective passages in communication with the lower dish discharge passage, and the passage 53b3 is in communication with the discharge passage 53e. Further, a horizontally long thin plate-like sheet plate 53 c is attached to the upper part of the ball passage forming body 53. The sheet plate 53 c is attached in a state where the upper plate 36 is mounted on the ball passage forming body 53, and functions as an upper lid on the back side of the upper plate 36.

  A substantially square opening 53f for accommodating a later-described throwing unit 52 is formed at the lower right of the spherical passage forming body 53. In addition, a payout control unit 55 is attached to the back surface of the ball passage forming body 53. The payout control unit 55 is configured by arranging a payout control device 57 and a power supply device 58 side by side, and connecting these devices 57 and 58 with a connector 56.

  Next, the making unit 52 will be described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine 1 starts a game on the condition that 15 or 5 gaming balls are thrown into the gaming machine 1, and the throwing unit 52 is used for throwing the gaming balls into the gaming machine 1. Is. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the charging unit 52, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the charging unit 52. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the charging unit 52. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the charging operation and the discharging operation of the charging device 521a.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the charging unit 52 is formed in a substantially cubic shape as a whole by arranging three charging devices 521 a to 521 c in parallel. Side surfaces (left side surfaces when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front) of each of the input devices 521a to 521c are coupled by a coupling plate 523. In the upper surfaces of the charging devices 521a to 521c, inlet passages 522a to 522c that are opened upward and exposed to the outside are formed. The entrance passages 522a to 522c serve as entrances for game balls to the insertion unit 52, and the game balls supplied from the guide passages 371 to 373 of the upper plate 36 are first guided to the entrance passages 522a to 522c ( After that, it is taken into (inserted) into the input unit 52.

  Next, with reference to FIG.8 and FIG.9, the structure of each injection | throwing-in apparatus 521a-521c is demonstrated. Since each of the input devices 521a to 521c has a substantially similar configuration, the description will be given by taking one input device 521a as an example.

  The feeding device 521a includes front and back integrated housing members 521a1 and 521a2 made of a synthetic resin molded product, and both housing members 521a1 and 521a2 are coupled by screws or the like to form a substantially square box-shaped housing. In the internal space of the housing, a passage for a game ball, which will be described later, is formed, and an opening / closing gate mechanism for opening and closing the passage is accommodated.

  Passage walls 524a1 and 524a2 are formed on the upper surfaces of the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. By connecting the two housing members 521a1 and 521a2, the above-described inlet passage 522a is provided between the opposing passage walls 524a1 and 524a2. Is formed. The bottom surface of the inlet passage 522a is slightly inclined downward to the right in FIG.

  An arcuate recess 525a1 is formed in the front-side passage wall 524a1, and a triangular mountain-shaped protrusion 525a2 is formed in the rear-side passage wall 524a2 at a position facing the recess 525a1. The recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2 constitute a rectifying unit for keeping the flow of the game ball constant. When the game ball flowing downstream (rightward in FIG. 9) through the inlet passage 522a reaches the rectifying unit composed of the recess 525a1 and the projection 525a2, it first collides with the projection 525a2, and then hits the inner wall of the recess 525a1. It collides and flows down while changing the flow direction (path). In this way, the course of the game ball is changed by the rectifying portion (the recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2) of the inlet passage 522a, so that the momentum of the flow of the game ball is reduced and the subsequent flow speed is reduced. Although the detection of the game ball is performed after passing through the rectifying unit, the false detection can be reduced by reducing the flow velocity. In addition, when a large number of game balls are connected in a daisy chain and inserted into the input device 521a, a passing interval between adjacent game balls can be increased due to a speed difference generated through the rectifying unit. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem of erroneously detecting a plurality of game balls as one game ball. In this manner, the detection of the game ball can be ensured by the rectifying unit (the recess 525a1 and the projection 525a2).

  The charging device 521a is provided with a charging channel 526a formed by being surrounded by both housing members 521a1 and 521a2 and a discharge channel 527a on the downstream side of the inlet channel 522a. Similar to the inlet passage 522a, the input passage 526a and the discharge passage 527a have passage widths sufficient to allow the game balls to pass through in a row. The input passage 526a is provided continuously to the inlet passage 522a, and is formed so as to be bent in the vertical direction. When the bet switch 35 is pressed by the player, a total of 15 through the insertion passages 526a through 526c of the respective insertion devices 521a through 521c, and 5 during the normal game (except during the JAC game) A game ball is thrown into (taken in) the gaming machine 1. On the other hand, the discharge passage 527a is formed to branch from the bent portion of the input passage 526a from the input passage 526a. At the time of payment accompanying the end of the game, the game balls remaining in the present insertion devices 521a to 521c and the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c and returned to the player.

  The housing members 521a1 and 521a2 have different dimensions in the thickness direction, and most of the inlet passage 522a, the input passage 526a, and the discharge passage 527a are on one side (the front side in FIG. 8) on the housing member 521a1 side. Is formed. Thereby, the path | route with which a game ball actually contacts becomes the site | part remove | deviated from the boundary part (joining part) of both the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. Dust and dust are likely to accumulate at the boundary between the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. However, by adopting a configuration in which such a boundary portion is removed from the path where the game ball actually contacts, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the flow of the game ball is hindered by dust or dust accumulated in the boundary portion. .

  In FIG. 9, an input gate member 530a is disposed on the left side of the input passage 526a so as to be along the vertical portion of the input passage 526a. The input gate member 530a is supported so as to be swingable about the support shaft 531a, and the claw portion 532a formed at the distal end portion of the input gate member 530a is moved by the swing with the support shaft 531a as a fulcrum. It appears at 526a. A passage cutout portion 533a is formed in the passage wall of the introduction passage 526a, and the claw portion 532a of the introduction gate member 530a protrudes and appears in the introduction passage 526a from the passage cutout portion 533a. At normal times, the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes into the insertion passage 526a, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is blocked. On the other hand, when the game ball is thrown in (taken in), the claw portion 532a of the throw gate member 530a is retracted from the throw passage 526a, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the throw passage 526a.

  It should be noted that the protrusion / disengagement position of the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a is provided immediately downstream of the corner portion where the input passage 526a bends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed to the corner portion of the insertion passage 526a in a state where the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes into the insertion passage 526a does not flow into the vertical portion of the insertion passage 526a. Accordingly, when a later-described discharge gate member 540 is operated to discharge game balls in the input unit 52, the game balls are not clogged in the input passage 526a and do not remain in the input unit 52. That is, with this configuration, the game ball in the insertion unit 52 can be completely discharged via the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  Next, the closing solenoid 534a for moving the closing gate member 530a in and out will be described. In the housing members 521a1 and 521a2, a closing solenoid 534a as a drive source of the closing gate member 530a is disposed. The closing solenoid 534a includes a rod-shaped output shaft 535a, and this output shaft 535a is held in an extended state by a coil spring 536a as shown in FIG. When the closing solenoid 534a is energized in this state, the output shaft 535a is drawn into the closing solenoid 534a against the urging force of the coil spring 536a. A guide 537a is attached to the tip of the output shaft 535a. A part of the guide 537a is engaged with a swing piece 539a that swings about the shaft portion 538a, and the closing gate member 530a swings by the swing of the swing piece 539a. ing.

  In this configuration, when the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the output shaft 535a of the closing solenoid 534a is held in an extended state by the urging force of the coil spring 536a as shown in FIG. 9, and the closing gate member 530a The claw portion 532a is in a state of protruding into the charging passage 526a. Thereby, the insertion passage 526a is closed, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is prevented.

  On the other hand, when the closing solenoid 534a is energized, the output shaft 535a moves in the contracting direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 536a. That is, the output shaft 535a is drawn into the closing solenoid 534a. Then, by the guide 537a attached to the tip of the output shaft 535a, the swing piece 539a swings and rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9 about the shaft portion 538a, and the claw portion 532a of the input gate member 530a It is in a state of being immersed from the charging passage 526a. As a result, the insertion passage 526a is opened, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is allowed.

  Thereafter, when the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped, the output shaft 535a is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 536a, and the swing piece 539a swings and rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 9 about the shaft portion 538a. Then, the claw portion 532a of the charging gate member 530a returns to the state where it projects into the charging passage 526a. In this way, by applying power to the charging solenoid 534a, the charging passage 526a is opened, and by stopping the power supply, the charging passage 526a is closed.

  Next, the discharge gate member 540 will be described. The discharge gate member 540 is a member that is operated when the game ball in the input unit 52 is discharged. When the discharge gate member 540 is actuated, the inlet passage 522a and the discharge passage 527a communicate with each other, and the game balls in the insertion unit 52 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  Through holes 541a1 and 541a2 are formed at the entrance position of the discharge passage 527a of the housing members 521a1 and 521a2, and the discharge gate member 540 is slidable through the through holes 541a1 and 541a2 in the front-rear direction in FIG. It is installed. The discharge gate member 540 is not individually provided in each of the input devices 521a to 521c, but one discharge gate member 540 is provided in common to all the input devices 521a to 521c. Depending on the operating state of the discharge gate member 540, the discharge (ball removal) of the game balls is allowed or prevented simultaneously in each of the input devices 521a to 521c.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the discharge gate member 540 has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and substantially square-shaped openings 542a to 542c are formed at three locations. Wall-shaped wall plate portions 543a to 543c are formed between the openings 542a to 542c, respectively. The openings 542a to 542c and the wall plate portions 543a to 543c are formed corresponding to the discharge passages 527a to 527c of the input devices 521a to 521c, respectively, and slide the discharge gate member 540 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the discharge passages 527a to 527c are simultaneously opened or closed.

  A spring receiving portion 544 is formed at one end portion (the right front end portion in FIG. 8) of the discharge gate member 540, and a rod 545 is formed at the other end portion. Further, a cover member 528 is provided on one side surface of the charging device 521c. A coil spring (not shown) is incorporated between the cover member 528 and the spring receiving portion 544, and the discharge gate member 540 is constantly urged toward the left front side in FIG. 8 by the coil spring. In such a state, the discharge passages 527a to 527c are closed by the wall plate portions 543a to 543c, thereby preventing the game balls from being discharged.

  The rod 545 of the discharge gate member 540 is configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of the return lever 38 described above. When the return lever 38 is operated, the rod 545 of the discharge gate member 540 is changed to FIG. As a result, the discharge gate member 540 slides in this direction. As a result, the openings 542a to 542c reach the positions of the discharge passages 527a to 527c, the inlet passages 522a to 522c and the discharge passages 527a to 527c communicate with each other, and the game balls in the input unit 52 are discharged. It is discharged to the lower tray 41 through the passages 527a to 527c. On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is completed, the discharge gate member 540 is pushed back leftward in FIG. 8 by the biasing force of the coil spring, and as a result, the discharge gate member 540 slides in this direction. Thereby, each wall-plate part 543a-543c returns to the position of each discharge channel | path 527a-527c, and each discharge channel | path 527a-527c is closed.

  Next, detection means (insertion sensor units (W sensors) 550a to 550c and insertion downstream detection sensors 555a to 555c) for detecting the insertion of game balls in the insertion devices 521a to 521c will be described.

  The throwing device 521a is provided with a throwing sensor unit 550a for detecting a game ball passing through the throwing passage 526a. The input sensor unit 550a constitutes a game ball counting means for counting the number of game balls passing through the input passage 526a, and includes a known optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The closing sensor unit 550a has a pair of arm portions 551a and 552a, is formed in a substantially U shape, and is assembled so as to straddle the pair of housing members 521a1 and 521a2.

  A light emitting element is accommodated in one of the arm portions 551a, and a light receiving element is accommodated in the other of the arm portions 552a. A pair of upper and lower sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are formed at the inner end portions of the arm portions 551a and 552a, respectively, at the inner portions. Two light emitting elements and two light receiving elements are accommodated in the pair of arm portions 551a and 552a, and these elements emit and receive light through the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are provided at positions that are somewhat offset from the center (positions that are slightly shifted to the left in FIG. 9) in the input passage 526a (not shown). The same applies to the sensor detection hole 554a). The positions where the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are formed are the game ball detection positions by the insertion sensor unit 550a. In this case, since the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are provided immediately below the claw portion 532a formed at the tip of the insertion gate member 530a, the insertion is performed unless the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a moves to the immersive side. A game ball is not detected by the sensor unit 550a.

  When the throwing gate member 530a is opened and a game ball is thrown (when the game ball is taken into the throwing device 521a), the upper and lower sensor elements of the throw sensor unit 550a are first played by the upstream sensor element. Is detected, and then the game ball is detected by the sensor element on the downstream side. Detection signals from these sensor elements are sequentially output to a main controller 110 (to be described later) that manages the insertion (intake) of game balls. In this case, main controller 110 determines whether or not the game ball has been normally inserted based on the detection signal of the game ball by each sensor element. Specifically, it is determined that the game ball has been inserted normally only when the game ball is detected in the order of the upstream sensor element and then the downstream sensor element within a predetermined specified time. To do.

  If the required time from the detection of the game ball by the upstream sensor element to the detection of the game ball by the downstream sensor element is longer than the specified time, or contrary to normal, the downstream sensor element, Next, when the game balls are detected in the order of the sensor elements on the upstream side, it is recognized as abnormal, a notification to that effect is made, and the subsequent games are stopped. Therefore, for example, by attaching a string or the like to a game ball or other dummy object to be moved up and down, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as disguised as if a plurality of game balls were inserted.

  At the most downstream portion of the insertion passage 526a, an insertion downstream side detection sensor 555a for detecting the game ball that has passed through the insertion gate member 530a by the insertion sensor unit 550a and detecting the game ball again is provided. This insertion downstream side detection sensor 555a is constituted by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects the passage of the game ball by the change of the magnetic field accompanying the passage of the game ball.

  Similar to the detection signal of the closing sensor unit 550a, the detection signal from the closing downstream detection sensor 555a is output to the main controller 110 described later. In this case, in main controller 110, the detection result of this game ball (determination result by insertion sensor unit 550a) is normal based on the detection signal of input sensor unit 550a and the detection signal of input downstream detection sensor 555a. It is determined whether it is a thing, that is, whether it is not illegal. Specifically, the number of game balls counted by the insertion sensor unit 550a (for example, the number of game balls counted by the detection result of one sensor element) is compared with the number of game balls counted by the insertion downstream detection sensor 555a. When these count numbers match, it is determined that the current detection result of the game ball (determination result by the insertion sensor unit 550a) is normal. On the other hand, when the count numbers do not match, it is determined that the current game ball detection result (determination result by the insertion sensor unit 550a) is not a regular one but is due to an illegal act.

  As described above, since the two sensor devices (the input sensor unit 550a and the input downstream side detection sensor 555a) having different detection methods are arranged in the input passage 526a, a game ball is provided in any one of the sensor devices. It is difficult to perform fraudulent acts that cause false detection. Therefore, it is possible to make a countermeasure against fraud in the input device 521a desirable.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the throwing-in operation (take-in operation) and the discharging operation of the game ball by the throwing device 521a will be described. FIG. 10A illustrates a standby state in which neither the insertion operation nor the discharge operation is performed, and FIG. 10B illustrates the execution state of the game ball insertion operation (take-in operation). FIG. 10C shows the execution state of the game ball discharging operation.

  The standby state in FIG. 10A is a case where the closing solenoid 534a is not energized and the discharge gate member 540 is not operated (the return lever 38 is not operated). That is, since the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a protrudes into the closing passage 526a. Further, since the discharge gate member 540 is not operated, the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 is positioned at the discharge passage 527a, and the inlet of the discharge passage 527a is closed. That is, the insertion gate member 530a and the discharge gate member 540 close the input passage 526a and the discharge passage 527a, thereby preventing the game ball from passing. In this case, of the game balls that have entered the insertion device 521a, the leading game ball is held in a state where it hits both the input gate member 530a and the discharge gate member 540.

  When the energizing solenoid 534a is energized from the standby state of FIG. 10 (a), the game ball is placed (taken) in an operation state shown in FIG. 10 (b). That is, when energization to the making solenoid 534a is performed, the claw portion 532a of the making gate member 530a is in a state of being retracted (retracted) from the making passage 526a. In such a state, the game balls are allowed to pass through the insertion passage 526a, and the game balls are sequentially inserted (taken in). When the game ball is thrown in, the game ball that has entered the entrance passage 526a from the entrance passage 522a collides with the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 in the passage closed state, and the momentum of the flow is reduced by the collision. In addition, after a momentary stop state, the air flows to the downstream side of the charging passage 526a. For this reason, in the insertion passage 526a, the front and rear game balls flow down in a state of being separated from each other, so that the insertion sensor unit 550a can reliably detect the passage of the game balls.

  When the player performs a discharge operation (operation of the return lever 34 by the player) from the standby state of FIG. 10A, the game ball discharge operation state shown in FIG. In such a state, the discharge gate member 540 operates (slides), the opening 542a of the discharge gate member 540 reaches the position of the discharge passage 527a, and the discharge passage 527a is opened. At this time, since the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a protrudes into the closing passage 526a, and the closing passage 526a is in a closed state. Therefore, the game ball that has entered from the entrance passage 522a is blocked from passing to the input passage 526a and allowed to pass to the discharge passage 527a. As a result, the game ball passes through the discharge passage 527a and is discharged to the lower plate 41. Is done. Thereby, the game balls are discharged (ball removal).

  The throwing unit 52 is provided with three throwing devices 521a to 521c configured as described above, and game balls are supplied from the guide passages 371 to 373 of the upper plate 36 to the throwing devices 521a to 521c, respectively. When the bet switch 35 is operated by the player, the game balls are inserted (taken in) by the input devices 521a to 521c. Specifically, when, for example, 15 (maximum bet) gaming balls are thrown in, the throwing gate members 530a to 530c are simultaneously operated to the immersive positions in all the throwing devices 521a to 521c, so that the gaming balls are thrown in at the same time. To begin. At this time, each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c takes in five game balls.

  However, of any of the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, if any of the throwing devices is not filled with a game ball, or if any of the throwing solenoids 534a to 534c is faulty, When it does not operate, the game balls are thrown in by the remaining throwing devices that can perform a normal throwing operation. In the case where any of the throwing devices is not filled with the game ball, the game ball is in the upper plate 36, but stops at any of the guide passages 371 to 373, and as a result, communicates with the guide passages 371 to 373. In some cases, the throwing devices 521a to 521c are not filled with game balls. For example, when the throwing device 521a is not filled with a game ball, or when the throwing solenoid 534a of the throwing device 521a is out of order, the other throwing devices 521b and 521c other than the throwing device 521a A game ball is thrown in (taken in). On the other hand, when the game balls remaining on the input devices 521a to 521c and the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41, the discharge gate member 540 slides with the operation of the return lever 38 by the player, The game balls are discharged all at once from the devices 521a to 521c.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the game ball using spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. The main control device 110 is for performing main control of the gaming machine 1. The main controller 110 is equipped with an MPU 111 of a microcomputer, which is an arithmetic processing means. The MPU 111 includes a ROM 112 which is a non-rewritable memory storing control programs and fixed value data, a RAM 113 which is a rewritable memory used as a work memory, a timer circuit, various peripheral control devices, etc. It has a built-in transmission / reception circuit and the like. The processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 26 are stored in the ROM 112 as a part of the control program. Details of the work memory of the RAM 113 will be described later with reference to FIG. A clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 114, and the like are connected to the MPU 111 via an internal bus or the like. The main control device 110 functions as a main board that performs main control of the gaming machine 1.

  On the input side of the input / output port 114 of the main control device 110, an output signal line 122a of a reset switch 122 provided in a power supply device 120, which will be described later, a start lever detection switch 31a, a latch circuit 132, left, middle, Stop switches 32 to 34 that individually stop the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R that are rotating in the right three rows, a bet switch 35 that allows a player to set a bet (the number of bets), and a return lever detection switch 38a , Two sensors provided in each of the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the input devices 521a to 521c, input downstream detection sensors 555a to 555c provided to the input devices 521a to 521c, and a reel index, respectively. Sensors 83L, 83M, 83R, setting key detection switch 133, An output signal line from the dispensing controller 210 which predicates are connected respectively.

  The start lever detection switch 31a is a switch for detecting the operation of the start lever 31, and when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected, the operation is sent to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110 and a latch circuit 132 described later. A detection signal is output.

  The random number counter update circuit 131 includes a clock having a predetermined frequency and a 16-bit random number counter, and counts up the value of the random number counter by one count every time the clock pulse output from the clock falls, for example. . The random number value of the random number counter is constantly updated in the range of “0 to 65535” by a clock pulse at a high speed that cannot be followed by software control. The updated random number value is always output to the latch circuit 132. In addition to the input / output port 114 described above, the latch circuit 132 is connected to the random number counter update circuit 131 and the start lever detection switch 31a. The latch circuit 132 is configured by a 16-bit storage circuit, and latches a signal (random number value) output from the random number counter update circuit 131 at the operation timing of the start lever 31. That is, the random number value of the random number counter is latched by the latch circuit 132 at the operation timing of the start lever 31. The random value latched by the latch circuit 132 is output to the MPU 111.

  The random number counter update circuit 131 and the latch circuit 132 are mounted on the main controller 110. As the clock of the random number counter update circuit 131, a clock that is asynchronous with the operation clock of the MPU 111 and cannot obtain an interval of 1.49 msec is used. By updating the random number counter at an interval asynchronous with the operation period of 1.49 msec, which is the operation cycle of the main control device 110, an unauthorized substrate called a “hanging substrate” is transferred to the main control device 110 (MPU 111). Even if it is attached to the gaming machine 1 so as to operate in synchronization, the value of the random number counter (random number value) cannot be grasped by the “hanging board”.

  The return lever detection switch 38 a is a switch for detecting an operation of the return lever 38, and outputs an operation detection signal to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110 when the operation of the return lever 38 is detected. The reel index sensors 83L, 83M, and 83R are for individually detecting the rotation origin positions of the corresponding reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. When the rotation origin positions are detected, the detection signals are detected. Output to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110. The setting key detection switch 133 is a switch for detecting that a setting key has been inserted into a setting key insertion hole (not shown) and that the setting key has been rotated. The operation detection signal is output to the input / output port 114 of the control device 110.

  On the output side of the input / output port 114 of the main control device 110, there are a display control device 310, an acquired ball number display 11 for displaying the number of acquired balls when a small combination is established, and a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. Each of the game number display 12 for displaying the number of remaining games, the bet LED 35a which is provided inside the bet switch 35 and lights up when the bet switch 35 can be pushed, Information is transmitted to the closing solenoids 534a to 534c provided in the charging devices 521a to 521c, the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R that individually rotate the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, the hall management device (not shown), and the like. External terminal board 134 and output signal lines and frames to payout control device 210 described later And a de signal line are connected.

  The display control device 310 is a control device for driving and controlling the central lamp 6, the side lamp 7, the speakers 8 and 45, and the liquid crystal display unit 81, and is equipped with an MPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving and controlling these. A control board. Then, after receiving a signal (for example, a command) from the main control device 110, the display control device 310 independently controls the driving of the central lamp 6, the side lamp 7, the speakers 8, 45 and the liquid crystal display unit 81. . Therefore, the display control device 310 is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 110 that is a main board that manages and manages games. As described above, the sub-board is provided for the voice, lamp, and display related to indirect games, and the control load is reduced by controlling the sub-board.

  The payout control device 210 is for paying out a prize ball based on an instruction from the main control device 110 and for paying out a rental ball based on an instruction from the card unit 20. The payout control device 210 is equipped with an MPU 211 of a microcomputer that is an arithmetic processing means. The MPU 211 includes a ROM 212 which is a non-rewritable memory storing control programs and fixed value data, a RAM 213 which is a rewritable memory used as a work memory, a timer circuit, various peripheral control devices, and the like. It has a built-in transmission / reception circuit and the like. A clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 214, and the like are connected to the MPU 211 via an internal bus or the like.

  The input / output port 214 of the payout control device 210 is connected to an empty-out prevention switch 221, a payout count switch 222, a payout solenoid 223, an overflow detection switch 224, and a card unit connection board 21.

  The empty-out prevention switch 221 is a switch for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in a storage tank (not shown) for storing game balls used for payout. This is because the game ball cannot be paid out when there is no game ball in the storage tank. When the dispense control device 210 detects the absence of the storage tank ball for 200 ms in the “in-use tank ball” state by the output of the empty-out prevention switch 221, the state transitions to “in-the-ball no tank” state. To do. Conversely, when the presence of a storage tank ball is continuously detected for 2000 (= 200 × 10) ms in the state of “without tank ball”, the state transitions to “with tank ball”. As described above, the state transition to “with tank ball” or “without tank ball” is performed when the output of the emptying prevention switch 221 continues for 200 ms or more or 2000 ms or more, so that the game is temporarily stored in the storage tank. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like when there is no sphere. In particular, when the transition condition to “with tank ball” is made stricter than the transition condition to “without tank ball”, the “with tank ball” state can be reliably detected.

  The payout count switch 222 is a switch for counting the paid game balls. In order to shorten the payout time of game balls, four payout passages (not shown) are provided, and the game balls are discharged through the four payout passages, respectively. Therefore, a total of four payout count switches 222 are provided in each of the four payout passages. The payout solenoid 223 is an actuator for starting payout of the game ball. When the payout solenoid 223 is energized, a payout gate member (not shown) is operated to open the payout passage, and the game ball is paid out. As with the payout count switch 222, a total of four payout solenoids 223 are provided in each of the four payout passages.

  The overflow detection switch 224 is a switch for detecting whether or not the lower tray 41 is full with the paid out game balls. This is because even if the game balls are further paid out in a state where the lower plate 41 is full, the game balls overflow into the payout passage or the like and the game balls cannot be paid out. When the discharge control device 210 continuously detects that the lower plate 41 is not full in the “bottom full” state by the output of the overflow detection switch 224 for 200 ms, the state is “no lower plate ball is present”. Transition to. On the contrary, when the full tank of the lower plate 41 is continuously detected for 200 ms in “without bottom pan ball”, the state transitions to “under full bottom pan”. As described above, when the output of the overflow detection switch 224 continues for 200 ms or more, the state transition to “bottom pan full” or “bottom pan no longer” is performed. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection or erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like.

  The card unit connection board 21 is a relay board for connecting the payout control device 210 and the card unit 20 to each other. The card unit 20 exchanges data and the like with the payout control device 210 via the card unit connection board 21. In addition to the card unit 20, the card unit connection board 21 includes a ball lending button 14 that prompts the player to pay out a lending ball, a return button 15 that prompts the return of the card inserted into the card unit 20, and the card unit 20. A frequency indicator 16 for displaying remaining amount information such as a card inserted in the card is connected.

  The power supply device 120 includes a power supply unit 121 that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the gaming machine 1 including the main control device 110, a reset switch 122, a backup power supply unit 123, and a power failure monitoring circuit 124. . The reset switch 122 is a switch for canceling an error that has occurred in the gaming machine 1. When the reset switch is operated, a reset signal 122a is output to each control device including the main control device 110 and the payout control device 210, and initialization is performed in each control device. This initialization cancels the error that has occurred.

  The backup power supply unit 123 is for supplying a backup voltage to the main controller 110 even after the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Therefore, main controller 110 can retain the data in RAM 113 by receiving the backup voltage from backup power supply unit 123 even when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the power switch being turned off.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 124 monitors the power shut-off state and outputs a power failure signal 124a when a power failure occurs or when the power is shut off due to the power switch being turned off. The power failure monitoring circuit 124 monitors a stabilized drive voltage of, for example, DC 12 volts output from the power supply unit 121, and determines that the power is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. It is configured to output 124a. The power failure signal 124a is output to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 111, and the MPU 111 executes a power failure process described later by inputting this power failure signal. The power supply unit 121 is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 110 even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 10 volts. As the time during which the stabilization voltage is output, sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main controller 110.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 124 may be provided in the main controller 110 instead of the power supply device 120. Further, the power failure signal 124 a output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 may be configured not only to be output to the NMI terminal of the MPU 111 but also to the input / output port 114 of the main controller 110. In this case, the MPU 111 turns on the power failure flag 113h by the power failure signal 124a input to the NMI terminal. Then, during the power failure process executed by turning on the power failure flag 113h, the state of the power failure signal 124a input via the input / output port 114 is monitored, and the power failure signal 124a is still output. The power failure process may be continued. On the other hand, if the power failure signal 124a has already been turned off, the power failure flag 113h may be turned off to stop the power failure process. According to such a configuration, even when the output of the power failure signal 124a is unstable due to some state, the gaming machine 1 can be stably controlled without frequently performing the power failure process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, each memory provided in the RAM 113 of the main controller 110 will be described. The RAM 113 is provided with various memories, flags, counters, and the like shown in FIG.

  The success / failure random number memory 113a is a memory for storing a random number value for determining a combination corresponding to the started game. It is determined by the value stored in the success / failure random number memory 113a which winning combination is won or missed. Of the random number values output from the random number counter update circuit 131, the random number value latched in the latch circuit 132 when the start lever 31 is operated is written into the random number memory 113a (S207 in FIG. 14). In the lottery process (S208 in FIG. 15), which will be described later, the MPU 111 performs a lottery of the role in light of the random number value stored in the acceptance random number memory 113a against a random number table selected based on various conditions. It is determined whether or not the winning combination corresponding to the random number value (whether the winning combination is to be won or missed) and, if the winning combination is a winning combination, the type of the winning combination.

  Next, the bonus game will be described prior to the description of the RB winning flag 113b, the RB setting flag 113c, the BB winning flag 113d, the BB setting flag 113e, the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f, and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g. There are two types of bonus games, a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) game and a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) game.

  The RB game is composed of 12 JAC games. A JAC game is a game (game) that is started only when five game balls are inserted, and a game with a very high probability that a JAC symbol (for example, a “replay” symbol) is aligned on an active line, that is, a JAC symbol is established. It is. When a JAC symbol is established in a JAC game, the maximum number (75 in this case) of game balls is paid out. When the JAC symbol is established 8 times, the RB game is ended even before the JAC game reaches 12 times.

  On the other hand, the BB game is composed of a plurality of small role games and a plurality of JAC ins. The small role game is a game in which a small role is won with high probability (for example, “bell” symbols and the like are arranged on the active line). “JAC in” means that 12 JAC games are entered, and JAC in symbols (for example, “replay” symbols. In this embodiment, the same as the JAC symbols) are aligned on the active line during the small role game. JAC Inn is established. The JAC game is the same as that of the RB game. Further, when the total number of game balls to be paid out in the BB game becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined total amount to be paid out, the BB game ends regardless of whether or not the JAC game is in JAC in.

  The RB winning flag 113b is a flag that is turned on when an RB game is won by lottery processing (S208), and the RB setting flag 113c is a flag that is turned on when the RB game is established. That is, the RB setting flag 113c is turned on when the RB symbols are aligned in a state where the RB winning flag 113b is turned on. When the RB setting flag 113c is turned on, the RB winning flag 113b is turned off. When the RB game ends, the RB setting flag 113c is turned off.

  Similarly, the BB winning flag 113d is a flag that is turned on when a BB game is won by lottery processing (S208), and the BB setting flag 113e is a flag that is turned on when the BB game is established. . That is, the BB setting flag 113e is turned on when the BB symbols are aligned in a state where the BB winning flag 113d is turned on. When the BB setting flag 113e is turned on, the BB winning flag 113d is turned off. When the BB game ends, the BB setting flag 113e is turned off.

  The remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is a counter that stores the remaining number of JAC symbols that can be established in the RB game or in the JAC in BB game. In the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f, 8 is set as an initial value, and the value is subtracted by 1 every time the JAC symbol is established. When the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f becomes 0, the JAC game in the RB game or the BB game is ended. The remaining JAC game number counter 113g is a counter that stores the number of remaining JAC games in the RB game or the JAC game in the BB game. The remaining JAC game number counter 113g is set to 12 as an initial value, and the value is decremented by 1 every time the JAC game is executed. When the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g becomes 0, the JAC game in the RB game or the BB game ends.

  The power failure flag 113h is a flag for notifying that a power failure has occurred or that the gaming machine 1 is powered off. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 124a is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 to the MPU 111 of the main controller 110. When the MPU 111 receives the power failure signal 124a, the MPU 111 executes an NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 26), and as a result, the power failure flag 113h is turned on. When the power failure flag 113h is turned on, a power failure process (S920) is executed in the timer interruption process (see FIG. 23). Once the power failure flag 113h is turned on, the power failure flag 113h is turned off in the power recovery process (S110 to S117) of the power-on process (see FIG. 13).

  The remaining payout number counter 113i is a counter that stores the payout number of game balls instructed from the main control device 110 to the payout control device 210 by a payout command. When the payout control device 210 pays out a game ball, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Main controller 110 decrements the value of remaining payout number counter 113i by 1 each time a rising pulse of the payout count signal is detected. In the power-on process (see FIG. 13), if the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0, a payout command corresponding to that value is sent to the payout control device 210, and payout is incomplete before the power is shut off. The game balls are paid out when the power is turned on.

  The thrown-in number counter 113j is a counter that stores the number of game balls thrown into the gaming machine 1 by the game ball throwing process (S201). When the value of the inserted number counter 113j becomes 15 in the normal game and 5 in the JAC game, a new game can be started. When the game is started by operating the start lever 31, the value of the inserted number counter 113j is cleared to 0 (S207).

  The total thrown number counter 113k is a counter that stores the total number of game balls thrown by the game ball throwing process of that time. In the normal game, the value of the 15-inserted number counter 113j is set in the total inserted number counter 113k, and in the JAC game, the value of the 5-inserted number counter 113j is set. The value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is decremented by 1 every time it is confirmed that a game ball has been thrown in. When this value becomes zero, the game ball throwing process ends.

  The scheduled loading number counter 113m is a counter that stores the scheduled loading number in each of the loading devices 521a to 521c. The first to third counters 113m1 to 113m3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. The first item corresponds to the charging device 521a, the second item corresponds to the charging device 521b, and the third item corresponds to the charging device 521c. The value of the estimated number-of-insertion counter 113m is set by the number-of-inputs distribution process (S812), and the value is subtracted by the execution process (S815). When the value of the planned number-of-inputs counter 113m becomes 0, the input process for that item is completed.

  The input item pointer 113n is a pointer for designating the first item to the third item input item (input devices 521a to 521c). It is updated in the range of 1, 2, 3 in conjunction with Article 1 to Article 3. The input number distribution process (S812) and the input execution process (S815) are performed for each input device 521a to 521c by designating the value of the input item pointer 113n.

  The insertion retry flag 113o is a flag for storing whether or not the insertion devices 521a to 521c can perform a game ball insertion operation. The first to third flags 113o1 to 113o3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. If the input retry flag 113o is turned on, the input operation is possible, and if it is off, the input operation is impossible. All the insertion retry flags 113o are once turned on at the start of the game ball insertion process (S201). Then, with the progress of the loading execution process (S815), the flags 113o1 to 113o3 of the loading apparatuses 521a to 521c that have become unable to perform the loading operation are sequentially turned off. When the throw-in retry flag 113o for all items is turned off, the game ball throw-in process (S201) for that time ends.

  The closing solenoid operation flag 113p is a flag for instructing to turn on or off the closing solenoids 534a to 534c. First to third flags 113p1 to 113p3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. If the making solenoid operation flag 113p is on, the corresponding making solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on by the processing of S818, the making gate members 530a to 530c are operated, and the making passages 526a to 526c are opened. The ball can be thrown in. On the other hand, if the closing solenoid operation flag 113p is off, the corresponding closing solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off by the processing of S818, the closing gate members 530a to 530c are operated, and the closing passages 526a to 526c are closed. , Throwing of game balls is prohibited.

  The inserted game ball timer 113q is 360 ms which is the maximum waiting time (time-out time) until a game ball is inserted, and the minimum wait time when performing a game ball re-insertion process (retry process (S812 to S819)). Is a timer for storing 100 ms. The first to third timers 113q1 to 113q3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. The value of the input game ball timer 113q is updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.

  The insertion prohibition timer 113r is a timer for counting a wait time for waiting for the subsequent processing when the game ball on the upper plate 36 is discharged to the lower plate 41 by operating the return lever 38. When the operation of the return lever 38 is detected, 370 ms is set in the insertion prohibition timer 113r, and the subsequent processing is waited until the value of the timer 113r becomes zero. If a throwing-in operation or the like is performed immediately after the return operation of the game ball, the operation may not be performed normally. Therefore, it waits for the return operation to be completed completely. The value of the insertion prohibition timer 113r is updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.

  The timer interrupt execution flag 113s is a flag indicating that the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 23 has been executed. If the throw execution process (S815) is continuously performed on the same item, the throwing of one game ball may be erroneously detected as two or more throws. Therefore, the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is provided so that one item of the execution execution process (S815) is executed once for each execution of the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on every time the timer interrupt process is executed. Only when the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on, the making execution process (S815) can be started, and at the start, the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off.

  The closing solenoid operation timer 113t is a timer that stores the operating time of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c. One closing solenoid operation timer 113t is provided for the three closing solenoids 534a to 534c. The value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is incremented by 3 if any of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is turned on when the timer interruption process shown in FIG. 23 is executed. If the solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off, 1 is subtracted from the value.

  Since the timer interruption process is executed every 1.49 ms, the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is added by 4.47 ms if any of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is turned on. If all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off, 1.49 ms is subtracted. As a result of addition / subtraction, when the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t becomes 5 seconds or more (3356 counts or more), the operation of all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is omitted in order to prevent unnecessary heating of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c. The operation is stopped for 15 seconds, and the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are cooled down. Note that whether or not the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are on or off is determined based on whether the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are on or off.

  The closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is a flag that is turned on when the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is 5 seconds or more as a result of addition / subtraction in the timer interrupt process. When the charging solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is turned on, the execution of the game ball charging process (S201) is waited for approximately 15 seconds. Thereby, the operation of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is stopped for about 15 seconds, and the cool-down is performed. Further, at the time of this cool-down, such a fact is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81, and the bet LED 35a is turned off to notify the player of the situation. The closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u once turned on is turned off when the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t becomes zero.

  Next, each process executed by the main controller 110 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the power-on process that is executed after power-on in main controller 110. The power-on process is executed when power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on a power switch.

  First, a stack pointer value is set, and an interrupt mode for executing interrupt processing is set. Thereafter, initialization processing such as various settings for the register group of the MPU 111 and the I / O device is executed (S101). When these initialization processes (S101) are completed, a wait process for a predetermined time is executed (S102) in order to adjust the startup timing with the other control devices 210 and 310.

  After execution of the weight process (S102), it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole and operated (S103). When the setting key is operated (S103: Yes), a setting change process is performed (S104). In the setting change process (S104), first, all data stored in the RAM 113 is cleared, and then, among the six preset setting states (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”), the setting key is operated. After determining which setting state has been selected, internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed. After executing the setting change process (S104), the normal process (S105) in FIG. 14 is executed.

  If the setting key is not operated in the process of S103 (S103: No), it is confirmed whether or not the setting value obtained by the previously executed setting change process (S104) is maintained normally (S106). If it is normal (S106: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S107). If the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S107: Yes), it is further confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal (S108). Specifically, the checksum value in the RAM 113 is checked, and it is confirmed whether the value is normal, that is, whether the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (S108). If the checksum value including the RAM determination value is 0 (S108: Yes), it is determined that the data in the RAM 113 is normal. Therefore, in such a case, that is, when the power failure flag 113h is on and the RAM 113 determination value is normal, the power failure processing (S920) at the previous power shutdown is normally completed, so the processing is performed. The process proceeds to S110 and a power recovery process is executed (S110 to S117).

  On the other hand, in the process of S106, when the setting value set by the setting change process (S104) is abnormal (S106: No), when the power failure flag 113h is off (S107: No), the RAM judgment value is If it is abnormal (S108: No), some abnormality has occurred at the time of the previous power shutdown. Therefore, in such a case, an error display process is executed (S109), and the occurrence of the error is notified to the employees of the game hall. In this case, when the employee of the game hall temporarily turns off the power of the gaming machine 1 and then turns on the power again with the setting key inserted, the error is cleared. As described above, when the power is turned on again with the setting key operated (S103: Yes), the setting change process (S104) is executed and the contents of the RAM 113 are cleared. As a result, the error is canceled and the gaming machine 1 returns to the normal state.

  In the power recovery process from S110, the stack pointer value stored in the RAM 113 is written to the stack pointer of the MPU 111 during the power failure process (S920), and the stack state is restored to the state before the power shutdown ( S110). Next, an internal state command (recovery command) that informs the execution of the power recovery process is transmitted to the payout control device 210 and the display control device 310 (S111). After that, a stop setting saving process is performed as a gaming state (S112), and initialization of a memory for storing states of sensors provided in the start lever detection switch 31a and the input sensor units 550a to 550c, that is, initialization of various sensors is performed. (S113) and the power failure flag 113h is turned off (S114).

  The value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is confirmed (S115). If the value is 0 (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S117. On the other hand, if the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0 (S115: No), the payout control device executes the payout command setting process and pays out the game ball having the value stored in the remaining payout number counter 113i. A payout command to be sent to 210 is set (S116).

  In the process of S117, a return instruction is executed. As a result, a jump is made to the address stored in the stack memory before the power is shut off. Specifically, the process jumps to a watchdog timer clear process (S903) of a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 23) described later. Thereby, the timer interruption process is executed, and the payout command set in the payout command setting process is transmitted to the payout control apparatus 210 by the port output process (913), and the payout control apparatus that has received the payout command. At 210, a game ball is paid out.

  When the paid-out game ball is detected by the payout control device 210, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Each time the main controller 110 detects the rising pulse of the payout count signal, it confirms the payout of one game ball and subtracts the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i by one. The payout count signal is detected by the sensor monitoring process (S907) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 23), and the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is subtracted by the timer subtraction process (S908).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the normal process (S105) which performs main control regarding a game is demonstrated. The normal process constitutes a main process executed by the MPU 111 of the main control device 110.

  In the normal process, first, the state of the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is confirmed (S151). If the flag 113u is turned on (S151: Yes), the closing solenoids 534a to 534c continue to operate more than necessary, and as a result, more than necessary heat may be generated. Therefore, in such a case, the liquid crystal display unit 81 displays “Cooling-down of the input unit” (S152), informs the player to that effect, and further turns off the bet LED 35a (S153). Informing the player that the game ball cannot be inserted. Thereafter, a waiting process for 15 seconds is executed in order to secure the operation stop time of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c, that is, the cool-down time (S154).

  When the 15-second wait process (S154) is executed, the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is turned off by the closing solenoid operation timer update process (S915 in FIG. 24) executed in the timer interrupt process. . In addition, as the case where the input solenoids 534a to 534c continue to operate more than necessary, an abnormal time such as a case where insertion and return of a game ball are repeated by an abnormal operation by the player can be exemplified. After executing the wait process (S154), the process proceeds to S151.

  In the process of S151, if the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is turned off (S151: No), the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are in an operable state. Therefore, in such a case, if “the charging unit is being cooled down” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81, this is erased (S 155), the bet LED 35 a is turned on (S 156), and the gaming ball is inserted. After indicating that the game is possible, a game ball insertion process is performed to insert a game ball as a game start condition (S201).

  The game can be started on the condition that 15 game balls are inserted in the normal game, and on the condition that 5 game balls are inserted in the JAC game. The game ball throwing process is a process for throwing 15 or 5 game balls stored in the upper plate 36 into the gaming machine 1 according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. This game ball insertion process will be described later.

  After the game ball insertion process (S201) is executed, it is confirmed whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a JAC game (S202). If it is not during the JAC game (S202: No), it is checked whether or not the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 15 (S203), and if it is not 15 (S203: No), the game start condition is satisfied. Therefore, the process proceeds to S201, and the game ball insertion process (S201) is executed again. If the JAC game is in progress (S202: Yes), it is checked whether or not the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 5 (S204), and if it is not 5 (S204: No), Since the start condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S201, and the game ball insertion process (S201) is re-executed.

  On the other hand, when the JAC game is not being executed (S202: No), the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 15 (S203: Yes), or during the JAC game (S202: Yes), the value of the inserted number counter 113j. Is 5 (S204: Yes), the game start condition is satisfied. Therefore, since it is not necessary to insert more game balls (no more game balls can be inserted), the bet LED 35a is turned off (S205), and the operation of the start lever 31 is monitored (S206).

  When the start lever 31 is operated, the operation is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a. If the start lever 31 has not been operated (S206: No), the process proceeds to S201, and the operation of the start lever 31 is awaited again. On the other hand, when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a (S206: Yes), the random number value latched in the latch circuit 132 is written to the random number memory 113a at the timing of the operation and is input. The value of the completed number counter 113j is cleared to 0 (S207).

  Next, a lottery process is executed for lottery of a game executed with the operation of the start lever 31 as a trigger and a winning combination (S208). After the lottery process is executed, a fractional ball payout process is executed (S209). The fractional ball payout process is a process for paying out a fractional number of game balls when more than the required number of game balls are thrown into the gaming machine 1 by the game ball insertion process (S201). After execution of the fractional ball payout process, a reel control process for controlling the rotation and stop of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R is executed (S210). In this reel control process, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped due to the operation of the stop switches 32 to 34, and the combination and symbol determined in the lottery process (S208) by the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. Based on the slip table determined in the lottery process (S208), the stop of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R is controlled so as to appear. When each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is stopped, the reel control process is ended.

  After the end of the reel control process (S210), a game ball payout process for paying out game balls according to the combination of symbols of the stopped reels 82L, 82M, 82R is executed (S211). After the game ball payout process (S211) is completed, a special game state process for executing a bonus game, which is a special game that is more advantageous than usual when a bonus combination is won, is executed (S212). After execution of the special game state process, the process proceeds to S201, and each process described above is repeatedly executed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the lottery process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The lottery process (S208) is a process for lottery of the winning and the winning combination for the game to be executed. First, a random number table for determination of success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the gaming machine 1 and the level of the small role probability (S301). Here, the setting state of the gaming machine 1 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. A table is selected, and when “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the combination is selected. In addition, there are two types of small role probabilities: a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected when the current payout rate is below a predetermined expected value, and small when it exceeds a predetermined expected value. A random number table with a low winning probability is selected.

  In S302, the random number table selected in this manner is compared with the value stored in the random number memory 113a, that is, the random number counter update circuit 131 latched in the latch circuit 132 when the start lever 31 is operated. The lottery is performed (S302). Then, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (S303), and if any winning combination has not been won (deviated) (S303: No), this processing is terminated as it is. When one of the winning combinations is won (S303: Yes), the winning flags 113b, 113d and the like corresponding to the winning combination are turned on (S304), and the effective line to which the symbols should be aligned is determined. After the process of S304, a slide table for reel stop control is determined, and this is stored in the slide table storage area of the RAM 113 (S305), and the lottery process (S208) is terminated.

  Here, the slip table is a symbol to be stopped when the symbol on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed differs from the symbol to be stopped on the effective line. Is a table that defines how much the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are slid so as to stop on the predetermined effective line. In the reel control process (S210), by controlling the stop positions of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R using such a slide table, the mode of the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R can be matched with the lottery result.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the reel control process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The reel control process (S210) starts the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, and controls the rotation of the rotating reels 82L, 82M, and 82R in conjunction with the pressing operation of the stop switches 32-34. Process.

  In the reel control process, first, a wait process is executed (S401). This wait process is performed in the previous game (game) until a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. , 82R for waiting without starting to rotate. This process is provided in order to limit the number of games played during a certain time and to limit the number of game balls consumed during the certain time. If the wait time has elapsed, the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R immediately start rotating. On the other hand, if the wait time has not elapsed, it is assumed that the player has inserted a game ball and operated the start lever 31. In addition, the rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is on standby.

  After the wait process of S401, a reel rotation process is performed (S402), and the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotated. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the left reel 82L started to rotate (S403), and if not (S403: No), the predetermined time has elapsed. Wait until it has passed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed after the start of rotation of the left reel 82L (S403: Yes), the process proceeds to S404.

  The process of S403 is a delay timer provided for waiting until each reel 82L, 82M, 82R reaches a stable rotational speed. The reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotationally driven by stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R, and a large torque is generated at the time of starting and stopping. Therefore, if the stop process is performed at the time of starting each of the reels 82L, 82M, 82R, a large load is applied to the stepping motors 91L, 91M, 91R and the life is shortened. Therefore, by providing a delay timer for a predetermined time (reel stabilization time), it is possible to prevent the life of the stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R from decreasing.

  In the process of S404, it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 32 to 34 is pressed to generate a reel stop command (S404). If no stop command has been issued (S404: No), it is determined whether or not the maximum rotation time (for example, 300 seconds) has elapsed for each reel 82L, 82M, 82R (S405). The maximum rotation time is an elapsed time measured after the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R start rotating as a result of operating the start lever 31. In the process of S402, the initial value updated to “0” after 300 seconds is written in the counter for measuring the maximum rotation time at the timing when the reel starts to rotate, and is subtracted by 1 by the subsequent timer interrupt process. Update and measure. If the stepping motors 91L, 91M, 91R continue to be driven for a long time, the stepping motors 91L, 91M, 91R will generate heat and cause a failure. Generation can be reduced. Note that the maximum rotation time may be measured using another known technique.

  If the rotation time of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R has not passed the maximum rotation time (S405: No), the process proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if the maximum rotation time has elapsed (S405: Yes), a forced stop process is executed to forcibly and sequentially stop all the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R that are rotating (S406). After executing the forced stop process, the process proceeds to S412.

  In the process of S404, when any stop switch 32 to 34 is pressed and a stop command is generated (S404: Yes), a reel stop process is executed (S407). In this reel stop process (S407), the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R corresponding to the pressed stop switches 32 to 34 are stopped, but the winning combination is won in the winning lottery, and the winning flags 113b, 113d are set ( If it is determined in step S304, the winning table is stored in the sliding table storage area of the RAM 113 and controlled so that the winning combinations are arranged on a predetermined effective line as much as possible. For example, when the “watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line and the stop switch 32 to 34 is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, the “watermelon” symbol is The reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are slid by two symbols so as to stop at the line. However, since the range that can be slid is determined in advance (for example, up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not be stopped on the lower line depending on the timing when the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed. .

  It is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed when all the three reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are rotating (S408). In the case of a 1 stop command (S408: Yes), a sliding table change process is performed (S409). In this slip table changing process (S409), for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of combinations occurs when trying to align the combinations on the selected effective line. When a combination of combinations is generated, the selected effective line is changed to another effective line, and after changing to a sliding table suitable for the changed effective line, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, “combination of combinations” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line at the left reel 82L. When you do. The slip table changing process (S409) may be performed other than when avoiding the combination of the combinations.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the current stop command is not the first stop command (S408: No), whether or not the current stop command is the second stop command, that is, the three reels 82L and 82M. , 82R, when one reel is stopped and the other two reels are rotating, whether or not the stop switches 32-34 corresponding to the other rotating reels 82L, 82M, 82R are pressed down Is determined (S410).

  When the current stop command is the second stop command (S410: Yes), the second reel is in a stopped state, so stop eye determination processing is performed in order to determine the symbol displayed at that time (S411). In the stop eye determination process (S411), when two reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the two symbols are aligned with a bonus symbol such as “7” symbol. If they have been prepared, sound effects and the like are generated from the speakers 8 and 45, and then the process proceeds to the next step. In the stop eye determination process, it may be determined whether another condition other than the two bonus symbols is satisfied, or an effect using the liquid crystal display unit 81 may be performed in addition to the sound effect.

  After executing the slip table changing process (S409) or the stop eye determination process (S411), or when it is determined in the process of S410 that the current stop command is not the second stop command (S410: No), It is determined whether or not all the rotations of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are stopped (S412). If it is determined that any of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is rotating (S412: No), the process returns to S404, and the above-described processes of S404 to S412 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotation of all the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R has stopped (S412: Yes), a payout determination process is executed (S413).

  In the payout determination process (S413), it is determined whether or not the winning combination is arranged on the effective line. When the winning combination is not aligned on the effective line, 0 is set in the remaining payout number counter 113i of the RAM 113, and the winning combination is valid. When lined up on the line, the number of payouts corresponding to the lined combination is set in the remaining payout number counter 113i. When a combination is on the active line, it is determined whether or not the combination matches the winning combination. If the combination does not match, an error is caused by blinking the center lamp 6 or the side lamp 7. While displaying, it is good also as what sets 0 to the remaining payout number counter 113i.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the game ball payout process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The game ball payout process (S211) is a process for instructing the payout control device 210 to pay out a game ball generated as a result of a game, and confirming the payout of the instructed game ball.

  In the game ball payout process, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i set by the above-described payout determination process (S413) is 0 (S501). If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is 0 (S501: Yes), there is no game ball to be paid out. In this case, this game ball payout process is terminated.

  If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i set by the payout determination process (S413) is not 0 (S501: No), a payout command setting process is executed (S502). In the payout command setting process, a payout command for instructing to pay out the game ball having the value set in the remaining payout number counter 113i is set. The set payout command is transmitted to the payout control device 210 by a port output process (S913) of a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 23) described later.

  When a payout command is received by the payout control device 210, the number of game balls designated by the payout command is paid out. When the paid-out game ball is detected by the payout control device 210, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Each time the main controller 110 detects the rising pulse of the payout count signal, it confirms the payout of one game ball and subtracts the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i by one. The payout count signal is detected by the sensor monitoring process (S907) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 23), and the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is subtracted by the timer subtraction process (S908).

  Therefore, after the payout command setting process, the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is confirmed (S503). If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0 (S503: No), each process of S503 is repeated until the value becomes 0. On the other hand, when the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i becomes 0 (S503: Yes), the payout of all the game balls is finished. In this case, the game ball payout process is finished. The game ball payout process ends when the payout of all game balls is completed.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the special game state process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The special game state process (S212) is a process for controlling the RB game and the BB game. In the special game state process, first, it is determined whether or not the game state is in the bonus game (S601), and if it is not in the bonus game (S601: No), the bonus symbol determination process shown in FIG. 19 is executed (S602). ).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the bonus symbol determination process. The bonus symbol determination process (S602) is a process for establishing RB or BB according to the stop symbol. First, it is determined whether or not the RB winning flag 113b is turned on (S701). If it is turned on (S701: Yes), whether or not RB symbols (for example, “BAR” symbols) are aligned on the current effective line. Is determined (S702). If the RB symbols are not prepared (S702: No), this bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if RB symbols are aligned on the current effective line (S702: Yes), RB game initial setting processing is executed (S703). In the RB game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set in a state where the RB game can be started. In particular, the RB winning flag 113b is turned off, the RB setting flag 113c is turned on, 8 is set in the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f, and 12 is set in the remaining JAC game number counter 113g. After the process of S703, the bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  In the processing of S701, if the RB winning flag is turned off (S701: No), it is determined whether the BB winning flag 113d is turned on (S704). If not turned on (S704: No), a bonus is determined. The symbol determination process ends. If the BB winning flag 113d is turned on in the processing of S704 (S704: Yes), it is determined whether or not BB symbols (for example, symbol “7”) are aligned on the current effective line (S705). If there are no BB symbols on the active line this time (S705: No), the bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the BB symbols are aligned on the active line this time (S705: Yes), the BB game initial setting process is executed (S706). In the BB game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set in a state where the BB game can be started. In particular, the BB winning flag 113d is turned off and the BB setting flag 113e is turned on. Furthermore, the total number of payouts that can be paid out in one BB game (see S615) is set. After the process of S706, the bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 18, the special game state process (S212) will be described. In the process of S601, if the gaming state is a bonus game (S601: Yes), it is determined whether or not the bonus game is a JAC game (S603). If it is not a JAC game (S603: No), it is determined that the JAC in symbols are aligned on the active line because the BB game is a small role game (S612). If the JAC in symbols are aligned on the active line (S612: Yes), the JAC game initial setting process in the BB game is executed in order to start the JAC game because it is JAC in (S613). In the JAC game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set so that the JAC game can be started. In particular, the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is set to 8, and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is set to 12.

  After the processing of S613, or when the JAC in symbols are not aligned on the active line in the processing of S612 (S612: No), the total number of game balls paid out in the current BB game is one BB game. It is determined whether or not the total number of payouts allowed is exceeded (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S611). The game state process is terminated. In the special game state ending process (S611), the BB setting flag 113e and the RB setting flag 113c are turned off, and each ending process of the BB game is executed during the BB game, and the RB game is executed during the RB game. Is done.

  If it is determined in the processing of S603 that the JAC game is being played (S603: Yes), it is determined whether or not the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line (S604). If the JAC symbols are aligned on the active line (S604: Yes), 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f (S605). After the processing of S605 or if the JAC symbols are not aligned on the active line in the processing of S604 (S604: No), one JAC game has been digested, so the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is decremented by 1. (S606).

  Subsequently, the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is confirmed (S607). If the value is 0 (S607: Yes), the JAC game is ended, and the process proceeds to S609. If the value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is not 0 (S607: No), the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is confirmed (S608). If the value is 0 (S608: Yes), similarly, Since the JAC game is over, the process proceeds to S609.

  In the process of S609, the JAC game elimination process is performed, and the JAC game is terminated (S609). At this time, each value of the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is cleared to 0.

  If the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is not 0 after the processing of S609 or the processing of S608 (S608: No), the RB setting flag 113c is checked (S610), and the RB setting flag 113c is turned on. (S610: Yes) Since the current special game is an RB game, the special game state termination process described above is executed (S611), and the special game state process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the RB setting flag 113c is turned off (S610: No), since the current special game is a BB game, the total payout number of game balls in the current BB game is allowed for one BB game. It is determined whether or not the total number of payouts to be made is reached (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S611). The game state process is terminated.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the game ball insertion process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The game ball throwing process (S201) is for throwing (taking in) 15 game balls into the gaming machine 1 from the above-described upper plate 36 through the throwing unit 52 in the normal game and five game balls in the JAC game. It is processing of.

  In the game ball insertion process (S201), it is first determined whether or not a JAC game is in progress (S801). If it is not during the JAC game (S801: No), it is checked whether the value of the inserted number counter 113j for storing the number of game balls thrown into the gaming machine 1 is 15 (S802). If the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 15 (S802: Yes), 15 game balls have already been inserted, and it is not necessary to insert a new game ball to start the game (game). In this case, the game ball insertion process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the inserted number counter 113j is not 15 (S802: No), the process proceeds to S804.

  In the process of S801, if the JAC game is in progress (S801: Yes), it is confirmed whether the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 5 (S803). If the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 5 (S803: Yes), 5 game balls have already been inserted, and it is not necessary to insert a new game ball to start the game (game). In this case, the game ball insertion process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the inserted number counter 113j is not 5 (S803: No), the process proceeds to S804.

  In the process of S804, it is confirmed whether or not the bet switch 35 for instructing the insertion of a game ball has been pressed (S804). If it is not pressed (S804: No), this game ball insertion process is terminated. When the bet switch 35 is pressed (S804: Yes), if the JAC game is not in progress (S805: No), the value of 15-inserted number counter 113j is set in the total inserted number counter 113k (S806), and the JAC game If it is medium (S805: Yes), the value of the 5-inserted number counter 113j is set in the total inserted number counter 113k (S807). As a result, the total number of game balls to be inserted in the current game ball insertion process is set in the total insertion number counter 113k.

  Then, the first to third insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are respectively turned on (S808), and initial setting is performed so that the insertion processing is performed for all of the three input devices 521a to 521c. The first and third articles flags and counters are provided corresponding to the three introduction devices 521a to 521c, including the introduction retry flags 113o1 to 113o3, respectively. The second article corresponds to the charging device 521b, and the third article corresponds to the charging device 521c.

  In the process of S809, if any of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is turned on (S809: Yes), the value of the total input number counter 113k is confirmed (S810), and if the value is not 0 (S810: No), waiting until all the throwing game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 become 0 (S811: No), and if all the timers 113q1 to 113q3 become 0 (811: Yes), the throwing shown in FIG. The number distribution process is executed (S812). Note that the values of the input game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 are updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the throwing number distribution process. As described above, the throwing unit 52 includes three throwing devices 521a to 521c, and the three throwing devices 521a to 521c are used to throw game balls, respectively. Therefore, in the throwing number distribution process (S812), in order to throw the game balls evenly by the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of thrown pieces to be thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c is sorted. Process.

  In the input number distribution process, first, the value of the total input number counter 113k is saved in the stack area (S831). Next, the values of the 1st to 3rd scheduled insertion number counters 113m1 to 113m3, which store the scheduled loading numbers in the loading devices 521a to 521c, are each cleared to 0 (S832). Is initialized by writing (S833). Of the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, the throwing pointer 113n is designated as 3, 2, 1, 3,... In order from the throwing devices 521c, 521b, and 521a disposed on the gaming machine 1 side. Are updated in order.

  The state of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 indicated by the value of the input item pointer 113n is confirmed (S834), and if it is on (S834: Yes), the game ball using the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item Can be input. Therefore, in such a case, 1 is added to the value of the planned number-of-insertion counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item, and one game ball is distributed so as to be input from the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item. Further, the throwing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the item is turned on, and 360 ms which is the maximum waiting time (time-out time) until one game ball is thrown is determined as the throwing game ball timer 113q1 to 113q3 of the item. And 1 is subtracted from the value of the total input number counter 113k (S835).

  By turning on the charging solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article, the charging solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c are turned on by the processing of S818 in FIG. 20, and the game balls are played by the charging gate members 530a to 530c. The charging passages 526a to 526c are opened, and a charging operation is started in the charging devices 521a to 521c.

  Next, the value of the total thrown number counter 113k is confirmed (S836), and if it is not 0 (S836: No), the game ball distribution is not completed, so the value of the throwing line pointer 113n is updated (S837, S838, S833). Specifically, if the value of the input item pointer 113n is not 1, but 3 or 2 (S837: No), the value of the input item pointer 113n is decremented by 1 (S838), and the process proceeds to S834. On the other hand, if the value of the input item pointer 113n is 1 (S837: Yes), the process proceeds to S833, and the value of the input item pointer 113n is initialized to 3 (S833).

  In the process of S836, if the value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is 0 (S836: Yes), as a result of repeating each process of S833 to S838, the distribution of all game balls to be thrown is completed. Then, the value of the total inserted number counter 113k saved in the process of S831 is restored (S839), and the input number distribution process is terminated.

  In addition, in the process of S834, if the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 indicated by the value of the insertion item pointer 113n are off (S834: No), the game ball using the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item is updated. Input is impossible. Therefore, in such a case, the processing of S835 and S836 is skipped so that the game balls are not distributed to the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the article, and the processing proceeds to S837.

  Thus, since the game balls to be thrown are distributed one by one to the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of gaming balls thrown by the three throwing devices 521a to 521c can be made substantially equal. . Therefore, when the charging is started using the three charging devices 521a to 521c simultaneously, the charging can be completed in a short time. This is because if a large number of game balls to be thrown are allocated to any of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, it takes a long time to throw in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, and the overall throwing time becomes longer.

  The game balls to be thrown are distributed so that the number of throwing devices 521c, 521b, and 521a arranged on the main body side of the gaming machine 1 among the three throwing devices 521a to 521c increases. The rear right region R3, which is the lowest position of the upper plate 36 shown in FIG. 6, is formed so that the region R1 side is high and the gaming machine 1 side is low. Therefore, the game ball in the upper plate 36 is configured to be easily guided to the guide passages 371 to 373 along the side surface of the back right region R3 on the gaming machine 1 side. Accordingly, the game balls are configured to easily pass through the guide passages 371 to 373 on the main body side of the gaming machine 1, so that the throwing devices 521 a to 521 c that are arranged on the main body side of the gaming machine 1 distribute the game balls to be thrown. By increasing the number of game balls, game balls can be smoothly inserted. Such a game ball distribution method allows the game balls to be smoothly inserted even when the number of game balls in the upper plate 36 decreases. This is because a large number of game balls are distributed to the input device 521c communicating with the guide passage 373 in which the game balls easily flow.

  Returning to FIG. After the execution number distribution process (S812) is executed, the state of the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is confirmed (S813). If the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S813: Yes), 3 is written into the input item pointer 113n to initialize it (S814), and then the input execution process shown in FIG. 22 is executed ( S815).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the input execution process. The throwing execution process (S815) is distributed to each throwing device 521a to 521c by the throwing number distribution process (S812), and then counts the number of game balls started to be thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c. And processing for managing the end of the input. In each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of game balls stored in the planned number-of-throw counters 113m1 to 113m3 corresponding to its own strip is thrown.

  In the loading execution process, first, the value of the scheduled number-of-loading counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item is confirmed (S851), and if the value is 0 (S851: Yes), the loading devices 521a to 521c already corresponding to the item. Since the input by is completed, this input execution process is terminated. The entry solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 for the item are turned off when the value of the estimated number counter 113m1 to 113m3 for the item becomes 0 (see S861). The solenoids 534a to 534c are already turned off (see S818 in FIG. 20).

  If the value of the scheduled number-of-insert counters 113m1 to 113m3 is not 0 (S851: No), the return lever 38 for returning the game balls stored in the upper plate 36 to the lower plate 41 is being operated. It is confirmed whether or not (S852). The operation of the return lever 38 can be confirmed by the output signal of the return lever detection switch 38a. If the return lever 38 is not being operated (S852: No), it is checked whether there is a change in the output of the input sensor units (W sensors) 550a to 550c of the article (S853). If there is no change (S853: No) ) Since there is no change in the inserted state of the game ball, the execution of each process from S854 to S861 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S871. On the other hand, if there is a change in the output of the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the article (S853: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the change phase is normal (S854).

  As described above, the input sensor units 550a to 550c are provided with two pairs of upper and lower two pairs of sensors each including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In the process of S854, whether or not the game ball is normally inserted is monitored by the phase change of the output signals of the two sets of sensors. If the change phase output from the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the article is abnormal (S854: No), error processing is executed to notify the occurrence of an error in phase abnormality (S855). The error processing in S855 is an infinite loop, and the error can be solved only by resetting the gaming machine 1. Therefore, the occurrence of the error can be surely reported to a game shop clerk or the like.

  As described above, when a phase abnormality occurs in the output signals of the input sensor units 550a to 550c, a phase abnormality error is generated, the error process is infinitely looped, and the progress of the game is stopped. Therefore, if a phase abnormality error occurs due to some fraudulent act, the player cannot continue the subsequent game, so the fraudulent act cannot be continued, and therefore execution of the fraudulent act can be prevented in advance.

  In the process of S854, if the change phase output from the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article is normal (S854: Yes), the game ball is inserted normally. Confirms whether or not the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article has been completed (S856). Completion of the passage can be confirmed when the upper and lower two-stage sensors of the input sensor units 550a to 550c no longer detect the game ball. If the game ball has completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the item (S856: Yes), it is determined that one game ball has been detected, and the total insertion number counter 113k and the planned number of items to be inserted are detected. The values of the counters 113m1 to 113m3 are each decremented by 1, and the value of the inserted number counter 113j is incremented by 1 (S857). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S871.

  On the other hand, in the process of S856, if the game ball has not completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the item (S856: No), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball starts to pass (S858). The start of the passing of the game ball should be confirmed when the upper and lower two-stage sensors of the input sensor units 550a to 550c change from the state where none of the upper and lower sensors detect the game ball to the state where only the upper sensor detects the game ball. Can do. If the game ball does not start to pass (S858: No), the process proceeds to S871.

  In the process of S858, if the start of the passing of the game ball is detected (S858: Yes), the values of the estimated number-of-insert counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item are confirmed (S859). If the value is not 1 (S859: No), that is, if the game ball that has started to pass is not the last one to be inserted, the maximum waiting time until the next game ball is inserted ( 360 ms that is a timeout time) is set in the input game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 of the item (S860), and the process proceeds to S871.

  On the other hand, in the process of S858, the start of the passing of the game ball is detected (S858: Yes), and if the value of the scheduled number of counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the article at that time is 1 (S859: Yes), the passing is detected. The started game ball is the last game ball to be thrown in the throwing devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, in such a case, in order to rapidly advance the subsequent game processing, the following processing is performed (S861) in order to quickly end the game ball insertion processing (S201) including the insertion execution processing (S815).

  First, the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the article are turned off. Accordingly, the charging solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding input devices 521a to 521c are turned off by the processing of S818 in FIG. 20, and the input paths 526a to 526c for the game balls are closed by the input gate members 530a to 530c. The making operation in 521a to 521c is completed.

  Next, 0 is set in the throwing game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 of the relevant item, and the values of the total throwing number counter 113k and the planned number of throwing counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the relevant item are subtracted by 1, respectively. 1 is added to the value of the completed number counter 113j. As a result, the values of the number-of-insertion counters 113m1 to 113m3 for the item are set to 0. In addition, since 0 is set in the throwing game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 of the item, in the process of S871 described later, the process immediately branches to S871: Yes, and the throwing execution process of the item can be completed.

  In the process of S871, the values of the input game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 of the relevant item are confirmed (S871). If the value is not 0 (S871: No), the current execution process is terminated. The input game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 measure the time-out time from the detection of the start of the insertion of one game ball to the detection of the start of the next game ball, or 100 ms set in the process of S876 described later. It is a timer. Therefore, if the values of the timers 113q1 to 113q3 are not 0, the time-out time or 100 ms set in the process of S876 has not yet been reached, and in this case, the current execution process is normally terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S871, if the value of the throwing game ball timer 113q1 to 113q3 of the item is 0 (S871: Yes), the throwing interval of the game balls is too long in the throwing device 521a to 521c of the item. Or when 100 ms has been set in the process of S876, or when all of the game balls have been thrown in the throwing devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, in such a case, the state of the entry solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article is confirmed (S872), and if the flag 113p1 to 113p3 is off (S872: No), the game in the entry devices 521a to 521c. Since all the throwing-in of the ball has been completed, the value of the throw-in number counter 113m1 to 113m3 of the item is cleared to 0, and 80 ms is set in the throwing game ball timer 113q1 to 113q3 of the item (S873). The execution process is terminated.

  The reason why 80 ms is set in the throwing game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 of the article is to secure a wait time of at least 80 ms before the retry process (reloading process (S812 to S819)) is executed. When the other throwing devices 521a to 521c cannot throw the game balls corresponding to the value of the planned throwing number counters 113m1 to 113m3, a retry process (S812 to S819) is performed. In this case, the process of S811 is performed. Since all the inserted game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 are set to wait until the value becomes 0, a wait time of at least 80 ms can be secured before the retry process.

  In the process of S872, if the insertion solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article is ON (S872: Yes), it is a case where a game ball insertion interval is too long and a time-out occurs. The time-out occurs when the game ball is clogged (stayed) in the input sensor units 550a to 550c or when the game ball does not pass through the input devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, it is confirmed whether or not the game ball is in the process of passing through the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S874). If the game ball is in the process of passing (S874: Yes), the game sensor is inserted into the sensor units 550a to 550c for some reason. Clogged (residual). In such a case, error processing is executed to notify the occurrence of a game ball retention error (S875). The error processing in S875 is an infinite loop, and the error can be eliminated by resetting the gaming machine 1 after eliminating the staying state of the game balls. It should be noted that such a game ball retention error may be eliminated by releasing the retention state.

  In the process of S874, if the game ball is not in the middle of passing through the corresponding insertion sensor units 550a to 550c (S874: No), the game ball is timed out because it does not pass through the insertion devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, even if there is no game ball on the upper plate 36 or there is a game ball on the upper plate 36, the game ball is clogged (stopped) on the upper plate 36, and so on. This is a case where a game ball does not flow into the insertion passages 526a to 526c of 521c. In such a case, the throwing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 and the throwing retry flag 113o1 to 113o3 for the item are turned off, and 100 ms is set in the throwing game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 for the item (S876). ) And finish this input execution process.

  In the process of S876, by turning off the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the article, the execution of the process of S818 in FIG. 20 turns off the closing solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c, The charging passages 526a to 526c of the charging devices 521a to 521c are closed by the members 530a to 530c. Further, in the retry process (re-input process (S812-S819)) started in the branch of S810: No in FIG. 20 by turning off the input retry flags 113o1-113o3 of the article, the input devices 521a-521c Set so that it will not be thrown in. This is because even if the throwing-in device 521a to 521c having the problem is tried again (even if retry processing is performed), the throwing of the game ball cannot be completed.

  Furthermore, by setting 100 ms in the input game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 of the article, if there is a game ball that has passed through the input passages 526a to 526c of the input devices 521a to 521c immediately before closing, it is set for 100 ms. Monitor. After 100 ms, the process of S873 is executed via the branches of S871: Yes and S872: Yes, and the value of the scheduled number-of-input counters 113m1 to 113m3 is set to 0. 80 ms is set in the game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3. Therefore, the process proceeds to the retry process (S812 to S819) on condition that all the values of the scheduled number counters 113m1 to 113m3 of other articles are 0 (S819: Yes). Thereby, in the retry process, a wait time of at least 80 ms is secured.

  If the return lever 38 is being operated in the process of S852 (S852: Yes), all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are immediately turned off (S881), and the closing passages 526a to 526c of all the closing devices 521a to 521c are turned on. Close. By operating the return lever 38, the discharge gate member 540 slides, the openings 542a to 542c communicate with the inlet passages 522a to 522c, and all the discharge passages 527a to 527c are opened. Therefore, the game balls on the upper plate 36 are discharged to the lower plate 41 through the discharge passages 527a to 527c.

  In order to secure at least 370 ms after the next operation, 370 ms is set in the input prohibition timer 113r (S882). Again, it is confirmed whether there is an operation of the return lever 38 (S883). If there is an operation of the return lever 38 (S883: Yes), the process proceeds to S882 and 370 ms is reset to the insertion prohibition timer 113r. On the other hand, if the return lever 38 is not operated (S883: No), the value of the insertion prohibition timer 113r is confirmed (S884). If the value of the insertion prohibition timer 113r is not 0 (S884: No), the next operation cannot be executed. Therefore, the process proceeds to S883 to check whether the return lever 38 is operated.

  If the value of the throwing-in prohibition timer 113r becomes 0 (S884: Yes), the game ball throwing-in process (S201) including this throwing-in execution process (S815) is temporarily terminated. The value of 113m3 is cleared to 0, all the charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off, the value of the total charging counter 113k is cleared to 0, and the value of the loading line pointer 113n is set to 1 (S885). The process ends. Thereby, the game ball insertion process (S201) is completed (S810 of FIG. 20: Yes).

  Returning to FIG. After the completion of the execution process (S815), the value of the input line pointer 113n is confirmed (S816). If the value is not 1 (S816: No), the value of the input line pointer 113n is decremented by 1 (S817). ), The process proceeds to S815, and the execution process is performed again. Since the insertion execution process is started with the value of the input item pointer 113n set to 3 (see S814), the input execution process is executed with the value of the input item pointer 113n set to 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Therefore, the loading execution processing is executed in the order of 521c, 521b, and 521a with respect to the three loading devices 521a to 521c.

  If the value of the input line pointer 113n is 1 (S816: Yes), the input solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on or off according to the state of all the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 (S818). As described above, when the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on, the charging devices 521a to 521c that have been turned on start charging of the game balls, and conversely, when the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off, they are turned off. The throwing-in operation of the game ball is finished in the throwing devices 521a to 521c.

  As described above, the state of each of the input devices 521a to 521c changes simultaneously according to the state of all the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 by the processing of S818, so that the input of the game ball in each of the input devices 521a to 521c. Operations can be started simultaneously. In each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, by starting the throwing operation of the game balls at the same time, the total time required for the throwing operation can be shortened compared to the case where the throwing operations are started separately. Therefore, the throwing-in operation can be completed in a short time, and the game can proceed smoothly.

  The values of all the planned number of thrown-in counters 113m1 to 113m3 are confirmed (S819). If all the values are not 0 (S819: No), the number of game balls thrown does not reach the original planned number. Therefore, in such a case, the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off (S820), and then the process proceeds to S813 to repeat the processes of S813 to S818 described above. In the process of S813, execution of the subsequent processes is waited until the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S813: No). This means that when the execution execution process is continuously performed for the same item (the value of the input item pointer 113n is the same), the input of one game ball is erroneously detected as two or more inputs. Because there is.

  If the values of the total number of thrown-in scheduled counters 113m1 to 113m3 are 0 (S819: Yes), the planned number of game balls has been thrown in or the process is shifted to the retry process (S812 to S819). The process proceeds to S809. In the processing of S809, if all the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are off (S809: No), it is not possible to perform the game ball insertion operation by any of the insertion devices 521a to 521c. This game ball insertion process is terminated.

  If any of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is on (S809: Yes), the value of the total input number counter 113k is confirmed (S810). If the value is 0 (S810: Yes), it should be input. Since all the number of game balls have been inserted, in this case, the game ball insertion process is terminated.

  If the value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is not 0 (S810: No), it is necessary to throw the game ball again (retry processing needs to be performed). Therefore, in such a case, the execution of the retry process (S812 to S819) is awaited until the values of all the throwing-in game ball timers 113q1 to 113q3 become 0 (S811: No). As a result, the retry process can be executed after securing a wait time of at least 80 ms (see S873 in FIG. 22).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing that is periodically executed by the main controller 110. The MPU 111 of the main controller 110 generates a timer interrupt, for example, every 1.49 msec.

  First, in the register saving process shown in S901, the values of all the registers in the MPU 111 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 113 (S901). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S902). If the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S902: Yes), a power failure process is executed (S920). The power failure process will be described later with reference to FIG. After execution of the power failure process, the process proceeds to S903. In the process of S902, if the power failure flag 113h is turned off (S902: No), the process proceeds to S903.

  In S903, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed (S903). In S904, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the MPU 111 itself is performed (S904). In step S905, in order to rotate the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 91L to 91R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed (S905). In S906, a switch reading process for monitoring the state of various switches (see FIG. 11) connected to the input / output port 114 is performed (S906). In S907, sensor monitoring processing for monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 11) connected to the input / output port 114 is performed (S907). In S908, timer subtraction processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed (S908). In S909, a counter process is performed to output the result of counting the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts to the external terminal board 134 (S909).

  In S910, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the display control device 310 is performed (S910). In S911, a segment data setting process for setting segment data displayed on the acquired ball number display 11 and the game number display 12 is performed (S911). In S912, a segment data display process is performed in which the segment data set in the segment data setting process is output to the respective indicators 11 and 12 to display the corresponding numbers and symbols (S912). In S913, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 114 is performed (S913). A command to the payout control device 210 is output by this port output processing. In S914, the timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S914). In S915, update processing of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is executed (S915, see FIG. 24). In S916, the value of each register saved in the stack area in the previous S901 is restored to the corresponding register in the MPU 111 (S916). In S917, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed (S917). With these processes, this series of timer interrupt processes is completed.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the closing solenoid operation timer update process (S915). The closing solenoid operation timer update process is a process for prohibiting or permitting the operation of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c according to the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t.

  In this process, first, it is determined whether or not any closing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 is turned on (S951). If it is turned on (S951: Yes), any closing solenoid 534a to 534c is turned on. In this case, the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is incremented by 3 (S952). As described above, since the timer interrupt process is executed every 1.49 ms, the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is incremented by +3 by 4.47 ms.

  As a result of the addition, if the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is not 5 seconds or more (S953: No), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the added solenoid operation timer 113t after addition is 5 seconds or more (S953: Yes), the input solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is turned on (S954), and this process is terminated. Thereby, before the above-described game ball throwing process (S201) is executed, the operation of the throwing solenoids 534a to 534c is stopped for approximately 15 seconds, and the throwing solenoids 534a to 534c are cooled down. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging solenoids 534a to 534c from generating heat more than necessary and prevent the damage.

  On the other hand, in the process of S951, if all the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off (S951: No), all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off. If the value of the timer 113t is not 0 (S955: No), the value is decremented by 1 (S956). The value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is subtracted 1.49 ms by -1.

  If the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is not 0 as a result of the subtraction (S957: No), this process ends. On the other hand, if the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t becomes 0 as a result of subtraction (S957: Yes), or if the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is already 0 in the process of S955 (S955: Yes). Then, the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is turned off (S958), and this process is terminated. Accordingly, the operation of the input solenoids 534a to 534c is permitted, and the above-described game ball input process (S201) can be executed.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the power failure process (S920). Since the power failure process is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, for example, during the process of transmitting various commands, during the process of reading the switch state (on / off), the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process. There is no need to create a power failure processing program that takes this into consideration. This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also makes it possible to simplify the processing program of the above-described power recovery processing (S110 to S117 in FIG. 13).

  In the power failure process (S920), it is first determined whether or not the command transmission has ended (S931). If the transmission is not completed (S931: No), the power failure process (S920) is terminated, the process returns to the timer interrupt process of FIG. 23, and the command transmission is terminated. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process. When the transmission is not completed, the transmission process is given priority. After the unit command transmission process is completed, the power failure process (S920) is performed. By adopting the configuration to execute, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, it is possible to simplify the power failure processing program and reduce the program capacity.

  In the process of S931, when the command transmission is completed (S931: Yes), the value of the stack pointer of the MPU 111 is stored in the RAM 113 (S932). Thereafter, as a stop process, the RAM determination value is cleared and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 114 is cleared, and all actuators are turned off (S933). Further, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the RAM 113 (S934). The RAM determination value is specifically a 2's complement of the checksum of the RAM 113. By saving the RAM determination value, the checksum of the RAM 113 becomes zero. After the check sum of the RAM 113 is set to 0, subsequent access to the RAM 113 is prohibited (S935). After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  In consideration of the case where the power failure flag 113h is erroneously set due to noise or the like, for example, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure signal 124a is output until the infinite loop is entered, and the power failure signal 124a is not output. If it is, it means that the power has been restored from the power failure state, so that writing to the RAM 113 is permitted and the power failure flag 113h is turned off to return to the timer interrupt processing of FIG. In this case, if the output of the power failure signal 124a continues, the infinite loop is entered.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 124a is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 of the power supply device 120 to the main controller 110. Since the power failure signal 124a is input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 11 of the main controller 110, when the MPU 11 inputs the power failure signal 124a, this NMI interruption process is executed immediately.

  In the NMI interrupt process, each register of the MPU 111 is saved to the stack area (S1001), and the power failure flag 113h is turned on (S1002). Each saved register is restored (S1003), and this NMI interrupt processing is terminated. Note that the register saving and restoring process (S1001, S1003) is performed only for the register used to turn on the power failure flag 113h, so the NMI interrupt process can be completed in a short time.

  In addition, the power supply unit 121 of the power supply device 120 has a stabilization voltage (5 volts) used as a drive voltage for the control system for a sufficient time to execute the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 26 and the process of power failure of FIG. It is configured to hold the output. In this embodiment, the drive voltage is continuously output for 30 msec.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, the game ball use spinning machine 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  The second embodiment is a modification of the execution timing of the cool-down process (S152 to S154) compared to the first embodiment described above. That is, in the first embodiment, in the cool-down process of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c (S152 to S154 in FIG. 14), the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t becomes 5 seconds or more, and the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u is turned on. When executed. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is executed when the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is greater than zero.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 27, in the normal process as the main process executed by the MPU 111 of the main controller 110, it is checked whether the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is greater than 0 (S161). If the value is larger than 0 (S161: Yes), cool-down processing (S152 to S154) of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is executed. On the other hand, in the process of S161, if the value of the input solenoid operation timer 113t is 0 (S161: No), the game ball input process (S201) is executed without executing the cool-down process (S152 to S154). The

  In the process of S206 of the second embodiment, if the start lever 31 is not operated (S206: No), the process proceeds to S155. In the second embodiment, if the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is greater than 0, the cool-down processing (S152 to S154) of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c is executed, so that the game is started by operating the start lever 31. This is because the execution of the cool-down process (S152 to S154) is put on standby when it is in a ready state. This is because when the start lever 31 is operated and a game is started, the making solenoids 534a to 534c are cooled down within the execution time of the game.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the closing solenoid operation timer update process (S915) of the second embodiment. First, it is determined whether or not any closing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 is turned on (S951). If turned on (S951: Yes), any closing solenoid 534a to 534c is turned on. Therefore, in this case, the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is incremented by 3 (S952), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S951, if all the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off (S951: No), all the closing solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off. If the value of the timer 113t is not 0 (S955: No), the value is decremented by 1 (S956), and this process is terminated. If the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is already 0 in the process of S955 (S955: Yes), the process of S956 is skipped in order to avoid further subtraction, and this process ends.

  As described above, before the game ball insertion process (S201) is executed, the value of the insertion solenoid operation timer 113t is confirmed. If the value is larger than 0, the cool-down process (S152 to S154) is executed. May be.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be easily made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  The present invention is not limited to the case where the game balls in the upper plate 36 are distributed to the three or more input devices 521a to 521c in a substantially uniform manner, but also through the award balls and the card units 20 as a result of the game. It can also be applied to paying out rental balls. In that case, the game balls stored in the storage tank are distributed so as to be almost evenly paid out from the four or plural payout passages. That is, the present invention can be applied not only to a game ball throwing-in operation but also to a payout operation.

  In the above embodiment, the closing solenoid operation timer 113t and the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u are provided one by one for the three closing solenoids 534a to 534c. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. The operation timer 113t and the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u may be provided for each closing solenoid 534a to 534c, and the cooling may be performed for each closing solenoid 534a to 534c. In such a case, addition / subtraction of the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t in the timer interruption process and turning on / off of the closing solenoid operation prohibition flag 113u are performed individually according to the state of each closing solenoid 534a to 534c.

  In the above embodiment, the cool-down process (S152 to S154) for the input solenoids 534a to 534c for inputting the game ball has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it apply this process to a motor. Further, the cool-down process (S152 to S154) may be applied even when the game ball is thrown in using a motor.

  Further, in the closing solenoid operation timer update process (S915), when the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned on, the closing solenoid operation timer 113t is incremented by +3, and when it is turned off, it is decremented by 1. However, these values are not limited to the above embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the operation stop time of the closing solenoids 534a to 534c in the cool-down process (S152 to S154) is not necessarily limited to 15 seconds, but may be changed as appropriate according to the type of the solenoid and the motor and other situations. May be. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the cool-down process (S152 to S154) is executed when the value of the closing solenoid operation timer 113t becomes 5 seconds or more. However, the value of 5 seconds is also changed as appropriate. May be.

10. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gate actuator is configured by a solenoid, and when the solenoid is energized, the gate member is immersed from the passage and allows the game medium to pass. On the contrary, the gaming machine 10 is configured such that when the energization of the solenoid is released, the gate member protrudes onto the passage and prohibits the passage of the game medium.

According to the gaming machine 10, the gate actuator is constituted by a solenoid, and when the solenoid is energized, the gate member is immersed from the passage to allow the game medium to pass, and conversely, the solenoid is de-energized. In such a case, the gate member protrudes on the passage and is prohibited from passing the game medium. Therefore, in the operation prohibited state of the gate actuator, the passage of the game medium is prohibited, so that in the operation prohibited state, the insertion or withdrawal of the game medium can be stopped. Therefore, the operation prohibition of the gate actuator can be continued for a sufficient time necessary for heat dissipation.

It is a perspective view which shows the game ball use spinning machine and card unit in this embodiment. It is a front view of a game ball use spinning machine and a card unit. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is the perspective view which separated and showed the front frame provided in the front surface of the game machine main-body part, and a saucer block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a saucer block. It is a top view of the top plate with which the dosing unit was mounted | worn. It is a perspective view of an input unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a dosing unit. It is sectional drawing which showed the internal structure of the injection | throwing-in unit. It is explanatory drawing of throwing-in operation | movement and discharge | emission operation | movement of a throwing-in apparatus, (a) has illustrated the standby state in which neither throwing-in operation and discharge | emission operation are performed, (b) is throwing-in operation | movement of a game ball The execution state of (take-in operation) is illustrated, and (c) illustrates the execution state of the game ball discharge operation. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the game ball use spinning machine. It is explanatory drawing of each memory provided in RAM of the main controller. 5 is a flowchart showing a power-up process executed after power is turned on in the main control device. It is the flowchart which showed the normal process which is the main process performed with MPU of a main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the lottery process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the reel control process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball payout process which is executed in the normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the special game state process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the bonus symbol determination process. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball throwing-in process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the throwing number distribution processing. It is the flowchart which showed insertion execution processing. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process periodically performed with the main controller. 5 is a flowchart showing a closing solenoid operation timer update process. It is the flowchart which showed the process at the time of a power failure. It is the flowchart which showed NMI interruption processing. It is the flowchart which showed the normal process which is the main process performed with MPU of the main controller in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the making solenoid operation timer update processing of 2nd execution form.

Explanation of symbols

1 Revolving game machine using a game ball (game machine)
36 Upper plate (storage means)
52 loading units 113m1 to 113m3 scheduled loading counter (medium number storage means)
113t closing solenoid operation timer (operation status timer, part of operation status storage means)
371-373 Guide passage (part of passage)
521a to 521c Input devices 522a to 522c Entrance passage (part of passage)
526a to 526c Input passage (part of passage)
527a to 527c discharge passage (part of passage)
530a to 530c input gate member (gate member)
534a to 534c closing solenoid (gate actuator)
S151, S161 Operation prohibition means S152, S153 Notification means S154 Operation prohibition continuation means S813-S819 Gate control means S915 Input solenoid operation timer update processing (periodic control means)
S951, S952, S955, S956 Part of addition / subtraction means and operating status storage means

Claims (10)

Storage means for storing a plurality of game media;
A passage communicating with the storage means and into which the game medium flows;
A gate member that appears on the passage and allows or prohibits the game medium from passing through the passage;
A gate actuator for projecting or immersing the gate member on the passage;
Medium number storage means for storing the number of game media passing through the passage;
Gate control means for controlling the gate actuator so that the number of game media stored in the medium number storage means pass through the passage;
Operating status storage means for storing the operating status of the gate actuator by the gate control means;
A gaming machine comprising: an operation prohibiting unit that prohibits the gate control unit from operating the gate actuator according to a storage state of the operation state storage unit. With periodic control means to be executed periodically,
The operating status storage means stores an operating status timer for storing the operating status of the gate actuator as a count value, and if the gate actuator is operating at the time of execution of the periodic control means, An addition / subtraction means for adding a predetermined value and, conversely, subtracting a second predetermined value from the operating status timer when stopped,
The operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of the gate actuator by the gate control means when the value of the operation status timer becomes a third predetermined value or more as a result of addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: With periodic control means to be executed periodically,
The operating status storage means stores an operating status timer for storing the operating status of the gate actuator as a count value, and when the gate actuator is operating at the time of execution of the periodic control means, An addition / subtraction means for subtracting a predetermined value, and conversely, when stopped, adding a second predetermined value to the operating status timer;
The operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of the gate actuator by the gate control means when the value of the operation status timer becomes a fourth predetermined value or less as a result of addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that:   4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the first predetermined value is a value that is twice or more the second predetermined value. 5.   The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the third predetermined value is a value that is 100 times or more the first predetermined value.   6. The operation prohibition continuation means is provided, wherein when the operation of the gate actuator is prohibited by the operation prohibition means, an operation prohibition continuation means for continuing the operation prohibition state for a predetermined time or more is provided. Game machines. The passage is constituted by a plurality of passages that communicate with the storage means and into which the game medium flows, and the gate member and the gate actuator are respectively provided in the plurality of passages,
The operating status storage means adds a first predetermined value to the operating status timer by the addition / subtraction means when any of the gate actuators is operating, and when all the gate actuators are stopped A second predetermined value is subtracted from the operating status timer by the addition / subtraction means;
The operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of all the gate actuators when the value of the operation status timer becomes a third predetermined value or more as a result of addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 6. The passage is constituted by a plurality of passages that communicate with the storage means and into which the game medium flows, and the gate member and the gate actuator are respectively provided in the plurality of passages,
The operating status storage means subtracts a first predetermined value from the operating status timer by the addition / subtraction means when any of the gate actuators is operating, and when all the gate actuators are stopped A second predetermined value is added to the operation status timer by the addition / subtraction means;
The operation prohibiting means prohibits the operation of all the gate actuators when the value of the operation status timer becomes a fourth predetermined value or less as a result of addition / subtraction by the addition / subtraction means. The gaming machine according to claim 3, 4 or 6.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an informing means for informing when the operation of the gate actuator is prohibited by the operation prohibiting means. The gate actuator is constituted by a solenoid, and when the solenoid is energized, the gate member enters from the passage to allow the game medium to pass, and conversely, when the solenoid is de-energized, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a gate member protrudes on the passage and is prohibited from passing the game medium.

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