JP2007135928A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote players to take a step for the quicker elimination of abnormality while blocking a drop in the operation rate in case of abnormality caused pertaining the putting out of game media. <P>SOLUTION: The operation of a put-out device in which abnormality occurs caused during the putting out operation of game balls is stopped while the putting out of the game balls is continued by the operation of another put-out device. At this point, in the continuation of putting out the game balls by the operation of another put-out device, the operation of another put-out device is controlled so as to delay the time covering the putting out of one game ball as compared with that when no abnormality occurs yet (steps H123 and H124). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a plurality of payout devices for paying out game media.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine using a game ball as a gaming medium, a pachinko gaming machine, an arrange ball gaming machine, and a slot gaming machine (game characteristics are the same as a revolving gaming machine (so-called “pachislot”), A medium using a game ball instead of a medal as a medium is widely known. In these gaming machines, a payout device for paying out game balls is mounted inside the machine, and when a predetermined prize mode is established during the game, the game balls are paid out by the operation of the payout device. . Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a plurality of payout devices has been proposed in order to shorten the time required for paying out game balls (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

By the way, in a pachinko gaming machine or the like, normally, when an abnormality related to the payout occurs during the payout of a game ball (for example, a clogged ball or a payout device failure), the operation of the payout device is stopped and the payout is interrupted. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game is interrupted and the operation rate is lowered. Therefore, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a plurality of payout devices, so that when an abnormality relating to payout occurs, only an error notification is given and the game device is operated by the payout device operating normally. The ball is dispensed continuously. With this configuration, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a reduction in the operation rate due to the interruption of the game is suppressed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-21659

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurs, an error notification is given to prompt the elimination of the abnormal state. However, since the game ball is paid out in the same manner as in the normal state, There will be no motivation to actively call the employees of the game hall to eliminate the abnormal state. As a result, the player is more likely to continue the game with the error notification. Therefore, when a game is played with an abnormality relating to payout, there is a possibility that excessive game balls (game balls that should not be paid out) may be paid out, which may be disadvantageous for the game hall. there were.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to suppress a decrease in the operating rate when an abnormality occurs relating to the payout of game media, while in an abnormal state. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of prompting a player to take measures for prompt cancellation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is provided with a plurality of payout devices for paying out game media, and when an award mode for satisfying the game media payout conditions is established during the game, In a gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media according to a prize mode by the operation of the payout device, the plurality of payout devices are operated so that the predetermined number of game media are paid out when the prize mode is established. A payout control means for monitoring, an operating state of the plurality of payout devices, an abnormality determining means for performing an abnormality determination as to whether or not an abnormality relating to the payout of the game medium has occurred during the payout of the game medium, Reference is made to the storage means for storing the determination result of the abnormality determination means and the storage contents of the storage means with the establishment of the prize mode, and whether or not an abnormality relating to the payout of the game medium has occurred when the previous prize mode is established The If the determination result of the previous abnormality determination means and the previous abnormality determination means is positive before the abnormality determination by the abnormality determination means and the determination result of the previous abnormality determination means is affirmative, an abnormality relating to the payout of the game medium occurs Inspection execution means for inspecting whether or not to perform, the payout control means, if the determination result of the abnormality determination means is affirmative or if the inspection result of the inspection execution means is affirmative When the operation of the payout device generated is stopped, the game medium is paid out by the operation of another payout device, and the game medium is paid out by the operation of the other payout device. The gist is to control the operation of the other payout device so as to delay the time related to payout of one game medium as compared with the time of occurrence.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the gaming machine has the predetermined number of payout devices when the prize mode is established during a game of a predetermined game unit. The gist is that it is possible to finish one game by paying out the game medium and to start the next game.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the payout control unit is configured to store the predetermined number of game media when the determination result of the abnormality determination unit is affirmative. The gist is that after the payout is completed, the storage means stores information indicating that an abnormality relating to the payout of the game medium has occurred.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the content of processing performed by the abnormality determination unit for the abnormality determination and the inspection execution unit are inspected. The content of the processing performed for the purpose is the same processing content.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the payout device is configured to store one game medium based on a control signal output from the payout control means. Medium payout means controlled to be in either a payout allowance state permitting payout or a payout restriction state restricting the payout, and paid out from the payout device when the medium payout means enters the payout allowance state. Medium detecting means for detecting a game medium to be output and outputting a detection signal to the payout control means. The payout control means operates the medium payout means in the payout allowance state, and then from the medium detecting means. The detection signal from the medium detection means is detected after the medium payout means is operated to the payout allowance state while recognizing that the payout of one game medium is completed. If not input, it is recognized that the payout of one game medium is not completed, and the medium payout means is operated again in the payout allowable state, and the abnormality determination means and the inspection Even if the execution control unit does not input the detection signal, the execution control unit outputs the detection signal from the medium detection unit even if the medium discharge unit is operated to the payout allowable state a plurality of times. The gist of the present invention is to determine the occurrence of an abnormality related to payout of the game medium when no input is made.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, the payout control means always outputs a detection signal from the medium detecting means regardless of whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the payout device. The gist is to accept.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fifth or sixth aspect, when the payout control means causes the game medium to be paid out by the operation of the other payout device, The gist of the invention is that the time for controlling the medium dispensing means of the dispensing device to be in the dispensing restricted state is longer than the time for controlling the medium dispensing means in the dispensing restricted state when the abnormality has not occurred.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prompt the player to take measures for prompt resolution of an abnormal state while suppressing a decrease in the operation rate when an abnormality occurs related to payout of game media.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko slot machine using a single type of pachinko ball (game ball) as a game medium will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, a pachinko slot machine using a pachinko ball as a game medium is simply referred to as a “slot machine”. The slot machine has a game characteristic similar to that of a game machine called “pachislot machine (rotating game machine)”, and uses a pachinko ball instead of a medal as a game medium. The pachislot machine, after the player has set the number of bets, starts the symbol variation game by operating the start lever and stops the symbol by operating the stop button. It has a game characteristic that gives a player a medal as a game medium when an award mode that satisfies the conditions is formed. Further, in the pachislot machine and the slot machine of the present embodiment, the symbol variation game is performed with one game unit from the start of the symbol variation game to the completion of payout of the game medium given as a prize. In the following description, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front (front)”, and “rear (back)” are slots installed in the playground unless otherwise specified. When the machine is viewed from the player side (state of FIG. 1), it indicates “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front (front)”, “rear (back)” .

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the front side of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. The front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outer body of the machine body is a vertical rectangle in which various game components are set. A frame (inner frame) 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is assembled so as to be openable and closable. The outer frame 11 is a frame having the same size as the outer frame of the pachinko gaming machine. A front frame (front door) 13 is assembled to the front side of the middle frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. On the right side of the front frame 13 is provided an upper door key 14 for locking the middle frame 12 and the front frame 13 so that they cannot be opened and closed by a locking device (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front frame 13. The middle frame 12 can be opened by rotating the key inserted into the upper door key 14 in the counterclockwise direction, and the front frame 13 is arranged to rotate the key inserted into the upper door key 14 in the clockwise direction. It can be opened by turning. In addition, a lower door key 15 is provided on the right side of the front frame 13 and below the upper door key 14, and various abnormalities are caused by rotating the key inserted into the lower door key 15 in the clockwise direction. (Error) can be canceled. Further, on the left side of the slot machine 10, the card unit 16 is arranged in parallel when the slot machine 10 is installed in the island facility of the game hall. The card unit 16 is a device used for renting game balls, and is provided with a card insertion slot 16a for inserting a prepaid card.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the front frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
An upper panel 17 is provided on the front upper portion of the front frame 13, and the upper panel 17 includes a combination of symbols forming a prize mode and the number of prize balls to be paid out when winning the combination of the symbols. It is written. In addition, below the upper panel 17, there is provided an effect indicator 18 that displays various effects according to the gaming state. The effect display 18 is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the effect indicator 18, speaker ports 20 are provided for emitting various effect sound sounds output from a speaker 19 (shown in FIG. 2) mounted on the back side of the front frame 13. It has been. Further, on the left and right of the upper panel 17 and on the left and right of the speaker opening 20, there are provided an upper right lamp R1, a left upper lamp R2, a frame right lamp R3, and a frame left lamp R4 that emit various effect effect lights. .

  A lower panel 21 is provided at the front center of the front frame 13, and a see-through window 23 through which the symbol display device 22 attached to the middle frame 12 can be seen is provided in the lower panel 21. The see-through window 23 is made of a glass plate. The symbol display device 22 is composed of a left reel 22L, a middle reel 22C, and a right reel 22R each having a light-emitting belt-like reel sheet on which various symbols are printed. 1 and FIG. 3). Each reel 22L, 22C, 22R is configured to rotate and stop in the vertical direction independently by a corresponding stepping motor (not shown), and each reel 22L, 22C, 22R rotates. As a result, various symbols are displayed on the see-through window 23 while continuously changing. And when rotation of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R stops, in the see-through window 23, three consecutive symbols among a plurality of symbols printed on the reel sheet of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R are the upper stage, It is displayed at the middle and lower positions. For this reason, the see-through window 23 is formed in a size capable of displaying three symbols on each reel 22L, 22C, 22R. In the slot machine 10, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) winning lines L 1, L 2, L 3, L 4, and L 5 are formed in the display area of the symbol that can be seen through the see-through window 23.

  The lower panel 21 is provided with a plurality of display LEDs for displaying (notifying) various game information. Specifically, on the left side of the fluoroscopic window 23, a digital display LED 24, a throwing ball number display LED 25, a throwable display LED 26, a re-game display LED 27, a game start display LED 28, A weight display LED 29 is provided. Further, an acquired ball number display LED 30 is provided on the right side of the see-through window 23.

  The digital display LED 24 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of payout balls in a bonus game (big bonus or regular bonus). The throwing-in-ball-number display LED 25 is composed of three LEDs, and every 1 BET (5 balls in this embodiment) according to the number of gaming balls thrown into the plane in order to set the betting number of the symbol variation game. One LED lights up. The displayable display LED 26 is turned on when the betting number of the symbol variation game can be set, and is turned off when the maximum betting number (MAXBET) is set or when the symbol variation game is started. The re-game display LED 27 is turned on when a replay combination (a combination that gives a state in which the next symbol variation game can be started without setting the number of bets) wins in the symbol variation game. The game start display LED 28 is turned on when the symbol variation game can be started, and is turned off when the symbol variation game is started.

  The weight display LED 29 is turned on when a start operation is detected during the wait, and is turned off after the wait time has elapsed. The wait time is the shortest game time set to restrict the game from progressing too fast. If a start operation is detected during this wait time, each reel 22L , 22C, 22R are set to start. Therefore, when the symbol variation game is progressed with a sufficient time interval, the progress of the symbol variation game is not restricted during the start operation, but when the symbol variation game is to be progressed in a short time, the weight is not increased. The progress of the symbol variation game is temporarily restricted by the time, and the reels are kept waiting until the wait time elapses. In the slot machine 10, for example, a minimum game time of 4.1 seconds is set on the basis of the time when the reel rotation is started in the previous symbol variation game, and the reel rotation is started in the previous symbol variation game. If the current start operation is detected before 4.1 seconds elapses from the time, the reel starts rotating after the shortest game time has elapsed.

  The acquired number-of-balls display LED 30 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of prize balls given to the player based on the winning when a winning occurs during the symbol variation game.

  On the lower right side of the lower panel 21, a frequency display LED 31, a ball lending button 32, a return button 33, and a ball lending available display LED 34 are provided. The frequency display LED 31 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the frequency read from the prepaid card inserted in the card insertion slot 16a of the card unit 16. The ball lending button 32 is used when lending a game ball using the frequency displayed on the frequency display LED 31, that is, the frequency as the game value read from the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 16. It is a button to press. The return button 33 is a button to be pressed when returning the prepaid card being inserted into the card unit 16. The ball lending display LED 34 is turned on when a ball lending is possible.

  An upper plate 35 for storing game balls is provided in front of the front frame 13 and immediately below the lower panel 21 so as to protrude toward the front of the machine. A game ball is stored below the upper plate 35. A lower plate 36 that protrudes toward the front of the machine. On the left side of the upper plate 35, an upper payout outlet 37 for paying out the game ball to the upper plate 35 is provided, and at the center of the lower plate 36, the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 36. A subsidue outlet 38 is provided.

  A 1BET button 39 is provided on the right side of the upper surface 35a of the upper plate 35, and a MAXBET button 40 is provided on the left side of the upper surface 35a. The 1 BET button 39 is a button that is pressed when a bet of 1 BET (5 balls), which is the minimum unit bet number, from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35 is set as the bet number of the symbol variation game. The MAXBET button 40 is used to bet the maximum number of bets allowed in a single symbol variation game (in this embodiment, 3 BETs) from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35 as the bet number of the symbol variation game. It is a button to press. A 1 BET button LED 41 is built in the 1 BET button 39, and a MAX BET button LED 42 is built in the MAX BET button 40. The 1BET button LED 41 and the MAXBET button LED 42 are turned on when the button operation can be accepted, and are turned off when the operation cannot be accepted.

  On the left side of the front surface 35b of the upper plate 35, a start lever 43 that is operated when starting the symbol variation game is provided. In the slot machine 10, the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R is started by operating the start lever 43 after the setting of the betting amount (after the game start display LED 28 is turned on). Yes.

  Stop buttons (stop buttons) 44L, 44C, and 44R are provided in the center of the front surface 35b of the upper plate 35. The stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R are buttons for stopping the rotating reel, and there are three stop buttons corresponding to the reels 22L, 22C, 22R. A stop button LED 45L is built in the stop button 44L, a stop button LED 45C is built in the stop button 44C, and a stop button LED 45R is built in the stop button 44R. The stop button LEDs 45L, 45C, and 45R are lit in blue when the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R can be accepted, and are lit in red when the operation cannot be accepted.

  On the right side of the front surface 35b of the upper plate 35, an upper plate ball for discharging game balls stored in the upper plate 35 (including game balls that have entered the take-in device 53 shown in FIG. 2) to the lower plate 36 is removed. A button 46 is provided. Further, a lower plate ball removal lever 47 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 36 to the outside is provided on the front surface 36 a of the lower plate 36. A settlement switch 48 is provided at the lower left side of the front frame 13. The settlement switch 48 is a switch used when paying out the game balls when the game balls thrown into the aircraft are 5 or 10 balls.

Next, the configuration of the rear side of the front frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
A sub control board 50 and an effect display control board 51 are mounted on the upper rear surface of the front frame 13. The sub control board 50 controls the output mode of the speaker 19 and the light emission mode of the lamps R1 to R4. The effect display control board 51 is connected to the sub control board 50 and controls the display content of the effect display 18. A ball lending operation board 52 is mounted on the rear surface of the front frame 13 and below the see-through window 23 (lower left in FIG. 2). The ball lending operation board 52 is provided with a frequency display LED 31, a ball lending button 32, a return button 33, and a ball lending available display LED 34. Further, below the ball lending operation board 52, a take-in device 53 for taking a game ball into the machine is mounted.

  A game ball payout outlet passage upper 54 communicating with an upper payout outlet 37 (shown in FIG. 1) formed in the upper plate 35 is formed on the right side in FIG. A lower game ball payout passage passage 55 is formed below the upper game ball payout passage passage 54 through which the game balls overflowed when the upper plate 35 is full flow down to the lower plate 36. . In addition, on the rear surface of the front frame 13, a payout passage 56 is formed to communicate the game ball payout outlet passage lower 55 and the lower payout outlet 38 of the lower plate 36. The game balls that have passed through the game ball payout exit passage 55 (the game balls overflowing when the upper plate 35 is full) flow down the payout passage 56 and are then paid out to the lower plate 36 through the lower payout exit 38. In addition, on the rear surface of the front frame 13 on the left side (below the capture device 53) in FIG. 2, the game balls thrown into the machine by the operation of the capture device 53 are discharged into an out ball tank installed in the island facility. A game ball internal discharge passage 57 is formed for this purpose. A return passage 58 is formed below the take-in device 53 to communicate the take-in / discharge port (not shown) of the take-in device 53 with the payout passage 56. When the upper dish ball removal button 46 (shown in FIG. 1) of the upper dish 35 is operated, the game balls of the upper dish 35 are discharged to the return passage 58 through the intake / discharge port of the intake device 53. At the same time, it flows down the return passage 58 and is discharged to the lower plate 36 through the discharge passage 56.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the middle frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
A payout control board 59 for controlling the payout of lending balls and prize balls is mounted on the upper front surface of the middle frame 12. In addition, a symbol display device 22 including a left reel 22L, a middle reel 22C, and a right reel 22R is mounted at the center of the middle frame 12. Further, on the left side of the middle frame 12, there is a game ball inner payout port 60 that communicates with the game ball payout outlet passage 54 of the front frame 13, and a game ball interior that communicates with the game ball payout passage passage 55 under the front frame 13. A lower outlet 61 is provided. Further, a game ball discharge port 62 communicating with the game ball internal discharge passage 57 of the front frame 13 is formed in the lower part of the middle frame 12 so as to penetrate the inside of the middle frame 12.

Next, the configuration of the rear side of the middle frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
A game ball replenishment tank 63 for storing game balls replenished from an island facility where the slot machine 10 is installed is provided on the upper rear surface of the middle frame 12. In FIG. 4, a hook member 64 is extended vertically below the right side of the game ball supply tank 63, and the first game ball supply is provided so as to be connected to the game ball supply tank 63. A passage 65 and a second game ball supply passage 66 are formed. The first game ball supply passage 65 and the second game ball supply passage 66 are formed in two lines in the front-rear direction, have a curved shape from the game ball supply tank 63, and extend downward from the slot machine 10. It is installed. Further, the saddle member 64 is provided with a first payout device 67 as a payout device so as to be connected to the downstream end (downstream side port) of the first game ball supply passage 65, and the second game ball supply. A second payout device 68 as a payout device is provided so as to be connected to the downstream end (downstream port) of the passage 66. The first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are devices for paying out the game balls stored in the game ball supply tank 63 to the outside (the upper plate 35 or the lower plate 36). In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, two (a plurality of) payout devices (a first payout device 67 and a second payout device 68) having the same configuration are provided. The first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are rear surfaces of the middle frame 12, and two payout devices are juxtaposed in the front-rear direction in the middle portion on the right side in FIG. 4.

  In addition, a ball removal lever 69 is provided in the first game ball supply passage 65 and the second game ball supply passage 66. Further, the ball member 64 discharges the game ball replenishment tank 63 and the game balls stored in a part of each of the game ball replenishment passages 65 and 66 to the out ball tank installed in the island facility by operating the ball removal lever 69. A ball passage 70 is formed. On the downstream side of the ball removal passage 70, a spear discharge port 70a for discharging the game ball flowing down the ball removal passage 70 is formed. In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, each game ball supply passage 65, 66 can be removed with one ball removal lever 69. Further, on the upstream side of the first game ball supply passage 65, a first ball break sensor 71 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the first game ball supply passage 65 is provided, and a second game ball supply passage is provided. A second ball break sensor 72 that detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the second game ball supply passage 66 is provided upstream of 66.

  Further, the gutter member 64 is provided with a ball discharge passage 73 (shown in FIG. 6) so as to be connected to the lower side of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. A ball receiving portion 74 (shown in FIG. 6) having a game ball internal payout outlet 60 and a game ball internal payout lower 61 is provided so as to be continuously provided downward. The ball receiver 74 is provided with a full sensor 75. The full sensor 75 detects whether or not the lower plate 36 (including the payout passage 56) is filled with game balls.

Here, the configuration of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 will be described with reference to FIG.
The first payout device 67 includes a first ball passage 67a that discharges the game balls supplied from the first game ball supply passage 65 one by one to the downstream ball discharge passage 73 in an aligned state. In the middle of the first ball passage 67a, a first upper sensor 67b for confirming the presence of the game ball in the first ball passage 67a and a medium detection means as a medium detecting means for detecting the game ball discharged from the first payout device 67. The first lower sensor 67c is disposed at a predetermined interval, and the first ball receiving portion 67d is arranged on the outer peripheral portion so as to face the first ball passage 67a between the first upper sensor 67b and the first lower sensor 67c. A first wheel-feed sprocket 67e of a toothed wheel type in which is recessed is rotatably supported.

  The first ball receiving portion 67d of the first ball feed sprocket 67e is engaged with the tip of a first stopper 67g that is urged to rotate clockwise in FIG. 5 by the first spring 67f. A first payout solenoid 67h that operates in response to a control signal from the payout control board 59 and performs excitation (ON) / demagnetization (OFF) is disposed in the vicinity of the one stopper 67g. The first stopper 67g swings by the excitation or demagnetization of the first payout solenoid 67h, and performs rotation or rotation restriction of the first ball feed sprocket 67e.

  FIG. 5A shows the first payout device 67 when the payout operation is stopped. In the state of FIG. 5 (a), the first stopper 67g is engaged with the first ball-feeding sprocket 67e, so that the rotation of the first ball-feeding sprocket 67e is restricted, so that the game ball is not paid out. . Further, in the state of FIG. 5A, the first upper sensor 67b detects a game ball. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the first payout device 67 at the start of the payout operation. In the state of FIG. 5 (b), since the restriction state of the first ball feed sprocket 67e is released by turning on the first payout solenoid 67h, the weight of the game ball detected by the first upper sensor 67b. As a result, the first ball feed sprocket 67e rotates and the game ball is paid out. FIG. 5C shows the first payout device 67 during the payout operation. In the state of FIG. 5 (c), the first payout solenoid 67h is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed, and together with the OFF, the first stopper 67g engages with the first ball feed sprocket 67e, and the first ball feed sprocket 67e rotates. Stops. FIG. 5D is a diagram showing the first payout device 67 at the end of the payout operation, and the first payout device 67 at the end of the payout operation is in the same state as when the payout operation is stopped as shown in FIG. . When the state shown in FIG. 5A is changed to the state shown in FIG. 5D, the payout of one game ball is completed.

  The configuration of the second payout device 68 is the same as the configuration of the first payout device 67 described above. For this reason, the configuration of the second payout device 68 is that “first ball passage 67a” in the above description is “second ball passage 68a” and “first upper sensor 67b” is “first upper sensor 68b”. The “first lower sensor 67c” is replaced with the “second lower sensor 68c”, and the “first ball receiving portion 67d” is replaced with the “second ball receiving portion 68d”. Further, the configuration of the second payout device 68 is that the “first ball feed sprocket 67e” in the above description is changed to the “second ball feed sprocket 68e”, the “first spring 67f” is changed to the “second spring 68f”, This is explained by replacing “first stopper 67g” with “second stopper 68g” and “first payout solenoid 67h” with “second payout solenoid 68h”. In this embodiment, the first ball feed sprocket 67e (second ball feed sprocket 68e), the first spring 67f (second spring 68f), the first stopper 67g (second stopper 68g), and the first payout The solenoid 67h (second payout solenoid 68h) constitutes a medium payout means capable of paying out game balls one by one. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the state in which the first payout solenoid 67h is turned on is a payout permitting state in which the payout of one game ball is allowed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5D, the state in which the first payout solenoid 67h is turned off is a payout restriction state for restricting the payout of one game ball.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the game balls stored in the game ball supply tank 63 are equally divided into two in the first game ball supply passage 65 and the second game ball supply passage 66, and After rolling so as to draw a curve in the left-right direction, it is supplied to the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. Then, from the first payout device 67, after the game ball sent out by the rotation of the first ball feed sprocket 67e is detected by the first lower sensor 67c, the game ball in the ball receiving portion 74 is passed through the ball discharge passage 73. It is discharged toward the upper inner discharge outlet 60. Further, from the second payout device 68, the game ball sent out by the rotation of the second ball feed sprocket 68e is detected by the second lower sensor 68c, and then discharged to the ball receiving portion 74 through the ball discharge passage 73. The Then, the game ball paid out to the ball receiving portion 74 passes through the game ball payout passage passage 54 (shown in FIG. 2) from the game ball internal payout exit 60 and passes through the upper payout exit 37 (shown in FIG. 1). Then, it is paid out to the upper plate 35. The game balls as rental balls and the game balls as prize balls follow the same route and are paid out to the upper plate 35.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the upper plate 35 is filled with game balls, the game balls discharged to the ball receiving portion 74 become overflow balls, and enter the game ball internal payout outlet 61 below. Discharged. Then, the overflow ball passes from the game ball internal payout outlet 61 under the game ball payout outlet passage 55 (shown in FIG. 2), passes through the payout passage 56 and passes through the payout outlet 38 (shown in FIG. 1) to the lower plate. 36 is paid out. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the ball removal lever 69 is operated, the game ball flows down the ball removal passage 70 and is discharged from the basket discharge port 70a to the out ball tank installed in the island facility. Is done.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a main control board 76 for controlling the entire slot machine 10 is mounted on the upper rear surface of the middle frame 12 and below the game ball supply tank 63. Further, in the center of the rear surface of the middle frame 12 and to the right of the symbol display device 22 in FIG. Has been. A card unit connection terminal board 78 to which a card unit is connected is mounted on the right side of the power supply board 77. A game ball discharge passage 79 having a game ball discharge port 62 (shown in FIG. 3) is formed below the symbol display device 22.

Next, an operation for a player to play a game (game) and operating states of various devices accompanying this operation will be described.
When starting a game, a prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 16a of the corresponding card unit 16. The frequency read from the prepaid card inserted based on this is displayed on the frequency display LED 31. When the ball lending button 32 is operated in this state, a predetermined lending unit portion (2 times in this embodiment) is subtracted from the frequency read from the prepaid card and displayed on the frequency display LED 31, and the subtraction is performed. The number of game balls (50 balls) corresponding to the frequency is paid out to the upper plate 35 by the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68.

  In a state where the bet number can be set, the 1BET button LED 41 and the MAXBET button LED 42 are lit. In this state, the operation of the 1BET button 39 and the MAXBET button 40 can be accepted. In order to set the bet amount, the 1BET button 39 or the MAXBET button 40 is pressed. When the 1BET button 39 is pressed, from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35, the number of 1BET game balls (5 balls in this embodiment) is taken into the machine by the operation of the take-in device 53. The number of bets for 1 BET is set. On the other hand, when the MAXBET button 40 is pressed, 3 BETs corresponding to the maximum number of bets allowed in one symbol variation 1 game in this embodiment from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35. The number of game balls (15 balls in this embodiment) is taken into the plane by the operation of the take-in device 53, and the bet number for 3 BETs is set.

  In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, five pay lines L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are defined as shown in FIG. When the player presses the 1BET button 39, the number of bets is set to 1BET and the winning line L1 in the horizontal row in the middle row is activated, indicating that the winning line L1 has been activated. One ball number display LED 25 is lit from the left. A winning line is valid when a combination of symbols displayed on the winning line is valid, and a combination of symbols displayed on the effective winning line forms a predetermined award pattern. The ball is paid out. Further, when the player continuously presses the 1BET button 39, the bet amount is set to 2BET, and the upper, middle and lower three horizontal rows of winning lines L1, L2 and L3 are activated, and these winnings are made. Up to two LEDs 25 for indicating the number of thrown balls indicating that the lines L1 to L3 have become valid are lit. Further, when the player continuously presses the 1BET button 39 or presses the MAXBET button 40, the number of bets is set to 3BET and the top three, the middle and the bottom three rows of winning lines L1 to L3 are set. In addition, the two winning lines L4 and L5 on the diagonal line are validated, and all the thrown-in ball number display LEDs 25 indicating that these winning lines L1 to L5 are valid are lit. When the maximum bet number is set to 3BET, the bet number exceeding the maximum bet cannot be set, so that the insertion possible display LED 26, the 1BET button LED 41, and the MAXBET button LED 42 are turned off.

  As described above, when the bet number of 1 BET, which is the minimum number, is set, the operation of the start lever 43 can be accepted, that is, the symbol variation game can be started. In addition, the game start display LED 28 indicating that the operation of the start lever 43 is acceptable is turned on. When the start lever 43 is operated in a state in which the game start display LED 28 is lit, that is, the bet number is set to 1 BET or more and the symbol variation game can be started, each reel 22L of the symbol display device 22 is operated. , 22C and 22R rotate, and a plurality of types of symbols are displayed on the see-through window 23 so as to continuously change. Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R is started, the operations of the stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R can be accepted, and the operations of the stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R are performed. Each stop button LED 45L, 45C, 45R indicating that it can be accepted lights up in blue. If the player presses one of the stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R while the stop button LEDs 45L, 45C, 45R are lit in blue, the corresponding stop button LEDs 45L, 45C, 45R are lit in red. At the same time, the rotation of the corresponding reels 22L, 22C, and 22R is stopped, and symbols are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the corresponding row from the perspective windows 23. If the player does not press the stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R, the reels 22L, 22C, 22R automatically and sequentially stop when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses.

  When all the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped, a combination of symbols forming a predetermined award pattern is displayed on any of the pay lines L1 to L5 activated according to the number of bets. If the player wins, the game is won, and a number of game balls corresponding to the winning mode are awarded to the player. The prize ball is paid out from the cabin by the operation of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. The awarded number of prize balls is displayed on the acquired number-of-balls display LED 30. In particular, when a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed and a big win is won, etc., unlike the normal gaming state, there is a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, that is, a large amount of winning balls can be obtained. A big bonus game or a regular bonus game is given to the player as a game value.

  Here, the big bonus refers to a special game that is performed when the symbol that activates the big bonus is displayed on any of the winning lines L1 to L5 in which the symbol is valid. When the symbol that activates the big bonus is displayed on any of the pay lines L1 to L5 in which the big bonus is activated, the regular bonus is activated after performing the big bonus start effect. Here, the operation of the regular bonus is terminated when the regular bonus termination condition is satisfied. The regular bonus end condition is any of twelve games, six wins, or a big bonus end condition. The big bonus end condition is when the number of game balls paid out from the start of the operation of the big bonus exceeds 1575. If the operation of the regular bonus is terminated and the big bonus termination condition is not satisfied, the regular bonus is activated again after a predetermined time. When the big bonus end condition is satisfied during the regular bonus operation, after the big bonus end effect is performed, the operation of the big bonus is ended. The regular bonus refers to a special game that is performed when a symbol that activates the regular bonus is displayed on the active line. If the symbol that will activate the regular bonus is displayed on any of the valid pay lines L1 to L5, if the regular bonus start effect is performed, then 12 games are played, or 6 times The operation ends when there is a prize. During the regular bonus, the symbol lottery can be displayed only for the combination of specific symbols, and the winning probability of a certain symbol combination among the specific symbol combinations is high.

  When the checkout switch 48 is operated in a state where game balls are inserted, the same number of game balls as the inserted game balls are discharged from the upper payout outlet 37 to the upper plate 35 by the operation of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. Is done. When the upper plate 35 is full, the game ball is paid out from the lower payout outlet 38 to the lower plate 36. Further, the return from the upper plate 35 to the lower plate 36 is performed by operating the upper plate ball removal button 46.

Next, the control configuration (electrical configuration) of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Of the various boards mounted on the slot machine 10, the main control board 76 executes game state control and game ball take-in control, and the sub control board 50 executes effect control according to the game state. Further, the payout control board 59 executes payout control of game balls by lending and winning balls. Power is supplied to the power supply board 77 from the outside of the slot machine 10. The power supply board 77 is connected to the sub control board 50, the payout control board 59, the main control board 76, and the card unit connection terminal board 78, and these boards 50, 59, 76, 78 are connected to the power supply board 77. The power is supplied through the. The main control board 76 is connected to the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R, the sub control board 50, and the payout control board 59 that constitute the symbol display device 22. Further, various display LEDs 24 to 30 provided on the lower panel 21 are connected to the main control board 76. The 1BET button 39, the MAXBET button 40, the start lever 43, the stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R, and the settlement switch 48 are connected to the main control board 76. Further, the main control board 76 is connected to the take-in device 53.

  An effect indicator 18 is connected to the sub control board 50 via an effect display control board 51. The sub-control board 50 is connected to a speaker 19 and various lamps R1 to R4.

  The payout control board 59 includes a first payout device 67 (first upper sensor 67a, first lower sensor 67b, first payout solenoid 67h) and second payout device 68 (second upper sensor 68a, second lower sensor 68b). , The second dispensing solenoid 68h), the first ball break sensor 71, the second ball break sensor 72, and the full sensor 75 are connected. In addition, a card unit connection terminal board 78 is connected to the payout control board 59, and the card unit connection terminal board 78 is connected to the ball rental operation board 52 (the LED 31 for frequency display, the ball rental button 32, the return button). 33, ball lending display LED 34) is connected. Further, the card unit connection terminal plate 78 is connected to the card unit 16 arranged in parallel in the slot machine 10 so that various signals can be transmitted and received via a signal cable.

  The main control board 76 has a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 76a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 76b for storing a control program for the main CPU 76a, and necessary data. A main RAM (Random Access Memory) 76c capable of writing and reading data, and an I / O port (not shown) for ensuring signal consistency between the main CPU 76a and an external circuit are provided.

  The main control board 76 is provided with an initial reset circuit, a clock generation circuit, a pulse frequency division circuit (interrupt pulse generation circuit), and a random number generation circuit. None of these circuits are shown. The initial reset circuit gives a reset pulse to the main CPU 76a when the power is turned on. The clock generation circuit provides a clock signal to the main CPU 76a. The pulse divider circuit divides the clock signal from the clock generator circuit and periodically provides an interrupt pulse to the main CPU 76a. The random number generation circuit continuously generates a certain range of random numbers at a high speed. Further, the main control board 76 is provided with an input circuit, a motor circuit, etc., not shown.

  The main RAM 76c stores information necessary for the game such as information to be displayed on each of the display LEDs 24-30, the number of bets, and an internal winning flag, and is read out as necessary.

  In the main ROM 76b, in addition to the control program of the main CPU 76a, a combination of winning symbols for each gaming state (normal gaming state, bonus game state), the number of winning game balls, the corresponding internal winning flag, etc. are determined. An internal winning probability table in which an internal winning probability for each gaming state (normal gaming state, bonus game state) and each winning combination is determined as an assigned range of random numbers for internal lottery read in the internal lottery process; The operation end conditions of the big bonus game and the regular bonus game are stored.

  Further, in the main ROM 76b, for each symbol number of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R, the number of symbols of the symbol that moves from when the reel 22L, 22C, 22R is stopped until the corresponding reel stops, A stop position table selected based on the game state, the winning number, the stop operation cylinder, and the stop order is stored.

  Various commands that can specify the gaming state controlled by the main CPU 76a are output from the main control board 76 to the sub control board 50 via the output buffer. The output buffer functions to allow a signal to be output from the inside of the main control board 76 to the outside, but to prevent a signal from being input from the outside to the inside of the main control board 76. Therefore, one-way communication from the main control board 76 to the sub control board 50 is ensured between the main control board 76 and the sub control board 50, and an illegal signal is sent to the main control board 76 via the command transmission path. It is possible to prevent fraudulent acts that cause an illegal control operation by inputting.

  From the main CPU 76a of the main control board 76, to the payout control board 59, a payout control command indicating the payout of pachinko balls and the number of payout balls at that time is output via the output buffer. On the other hand, a payout state command indicating the state of the payout control board 59 is input from the payout control board 59 to the main CPU 76a of the main control board 76 via the input buffer.

  A detection signal from the start lever 43 is input to the main CPU 76 a via an input circuit mounted on the main control board 76. The main CPU 76a receives the detection signal of the start lever 43 and outputs a rotating motor signal via the motor circuit. The spinning motor signal is input to each stepping motor (not shown) provided for each reel 22L, 22C, 22R. Thereby, each reel 22L, 22C, 22R begins to rotate.

  The main CPU 76a reads one random number from the random number generation circuit at the timing when the detection signal of the start lever 43 is input. Then, the main CPU 76a refers to the read random number and the internal winning probability table stored in the main ROM 76b, and executes an internal lottery process for determining whether or not a winning is permitted. Is determined for each winning combination, and the determination result is stored in the main RAM 76c. Thus, the internal lottery process is performed at a timing substantially equal to the timing at which the start operation is performed, and whether or not the winning combination is won is determined. Thereafter, the main CPU 76a controls the reels 22L, 22C, 22R according to the winning results for each winning combination.

  The stop button signals output from the stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R are input to the main CPU 76a via the input circuit mounted on the main control board 76. The main CPU 76a receiving the stop button signal outputs a rotating motor signal for stopping the stepping motor corresponding to the stop button signal via the motor circuit.

  Further, the BET signals output from the 1BET button 39 and the MAXBET button 40 are input to the main CPU 76 a via an input circuit mounted on the main control board 76. The main CPU 76a inputs a BET signal in a state where game balls can be taken in, thereby controlling the take-in device 53 to take in game balls and set the number of bets. The main CPU 76a controls lighting of the display LEDs 24 to 30 in accordance with the gaming state and the payout state.

  The sub control board 50 includes a sub CPU, a sub ROM and a sub RAM (not shown), a speaker driving circuit for outputting sound from each speaker 19, and light emission driving for lighting or blinking the lamps R1 to R4. Circuit is mounted. The sub-RAM stores information necessary for effects accompanying the game, such as a game state based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 76. The sub ROM stores a command table in which data that can specify the contents of various commands transmitted from the main control board 76 is stored, and each of the units corresponding to the commands transmitted from the main control board 76 is stored. A control pattern table that defines control patterns is stored. When the sub CPU receives a command from the main control board 76, the sub CPU extracts a control pattern corresponding to the gaming state specified by the received command and the effect pattern set at that time. Accordingly, the effect display 18, the speaker 19, and the lamps R1 to R4 are controlled.

  The payout control board 59 is provided with a payout CPU 59a, a payout ROM 59b for storing a control program, and a payout RAM 59c capable of writing and writing necessary data.

  The payout control board 59 includes a signal input circuit for inputting signals from various sensors connected to the payout control board 59, the first payout solenoid 67 h of the first payout device 67, and the second of the second payout device 68. A payout device drive circuit for driving the payout solenoid 68h is provided. The payout control board 59 has a command input circuit for inputting control commands (payout control command, initialization request command, return request command) from the main control board 76, and a control command (payout) for the main control board 76. A command output circuit for outputting a status command. The payout control board 59 is provided with an input / output circuit for inputting / outputting signals to / from the card unit 16.

  The payout control command is a command for designating the number of game balls to be paid out. Upon receiving the payout control command, the payout CPU 59a receives game ball payout processing corresponding to the number of payout balls corresponding to the received payout control command. I do. The initialization request command is a command for instructing initialization of the payout RAM 59c, and is output from the main control board 76 when the power is turned on. The return request command is a command for instructing the return to the state when the power is turned off, and is output from the main control board 76 when the power is returned. The payout state command is a command for notifying the main control board 76 of the payout state.

  Further, the payout control board 59 is provided with a payout state display LED 80 for displaying the payout state, and a ball lending display LED 81 for displaying the ball lending state. These display LEDs 80 and 81 are both shown in FIG. The payout RAM 59c stores the number of unpaid balls and information necessary for payout control, and is read out as necessary. The payout ROM 59b stores a command table in which the number of payout balls designated by a payout control command transmitted from the main control board 76 is registered.

FIG. 8 shows signals (including commands) input to and output from the payout control board 59.
As shown in FIG. 8, the power-off signal instructing the start of the power supply process is input from the power supply board 77 to the payout control board 59. In addition, the payout control board 59 inputs various commands (payout control command, initialization request command, return request command) and outputs a payout state command with the main control board 76.

  In the present embodiment, nine types of states are indicated by the payout state control command. Specifically, a reset state by initial setting at power-on, a normal state in which no error has occurred, a normal response state in which a command from the main control board 76 has been normally received, and a command from the main control board 76 Shows an abnormal response state in which the lower tray 36 is not normally received, and a full error state in which the lower plate 36 is full. Also, a ball-out error state in which either the first ball-out sensor 71 in the first game ball supply passage 65 or the second ball-out sensor 72 in the second game ball supply passage 66 detects a ball-out, and payout or lending processing Shows a game ball payout state in which the payout device is operating, a card unit connected state in which the card unit 16 is connected, and a card unit unconnected state in which the card unit 16 is not connected.

  In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, the maximum payout ball number is set to “75 (ball)”. For this reason, in the present embodiment, 75 types of payout control commands are prepared as payout control commands so that it is possible to specify payout of one game ball at a time within a range from 1 ball to 75 balls. Specifically, a payout number 1 ball designation command for designating to pay out one game ball, a payout number 2 ball command for designating to pay out 2 game balls, 75 types of payout control commands are prepared, such as a payout number 74 ball command for designating 74 game balls to be paid out and a payout number 75 ball command for designating 75 game balls to be paid out.

  The payout control board 59 inputs a first ball break sensor signal when the first ball break sensor 71 detects a ball break, and the second ball break sensor 72 detects a second ball when the second ball break sensor 72 detects a ball break. Input the cut sensor signal. The payout control board 59 also inputs a full sensor signal when the full sensor 75 detects a full state. Also, the payout control board 59 outputs a 7-segment data signal for instructing the payout state display to the payout state display LED 80 composed of 7 segment LEDs. In addition, the payout control board 59 outputs a ball lending LED signal that instructs the ball lending display LED 81 to display the ball lending state at the time of lending the ball.

  Further, when the payout control board 59 outputs a first solenoid signal instructing driving of the first payout solenoid 67h with the first payout device 67, the first upper sensor 67b detects a game ball. The first upper sensor signal is input to the first lower sensor 67c when the first lower sensor 67c detects a game ball. Further, when the payout control board 59 outputs a second solenoid signal instructing driving of the second payout solenoid 68h with the second payout device 68, the second upper sensor 68b detects a game ball. The second upper sensor signal is input to the second lower sensor signal when the second lower sensor 68c detects a game ball. It should be noted that the first lower sensor 67c of the first payout device 67 and the second lower sensor 68c of the second payout device 68 are not limited to the time of paying out the game ball, but detect the game ball, the first lower sensor signal and the second lower sensor signal. The payout control board 59 always accepts the first lower sensor signal and the second lower sensor signal, not only when the game ball is paid out.

  Further, the payout control board 59 is connected to the card unit 16 via the card unit connection terminal board 78, and a unit READY signal (PRDY) indicating that payout is possible, and one unit (25 times a fraction). A terminal terminal lending completion signal (EXS) indicating that the lending of the ball lending corresponding to “ball” has been completed is output. On the other hand, the payout control board 59 includes a card unit connection confirmation signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 16 is connected and a card unit READY signal (BRDY) indicating that the ball lending process is being performed. A terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) indicating a corresponding ball lending dispensing request is input from the card unit 16.

  The ball lending operation board 52 outputs an operation signal for the ball lending button 32 and the return button 33 to and from the card unit 16 via the card unit connection terminal board 78 and is inserted into the card unit 16. A frequency display signal for instructing the frequency display of the prepaid card is input from the card unit 16. Based on the frequency display signal, the frequency display LED 31 displays the frequency of the prepaid card inserted into the card unit 16.

  FIG. 9 shows a timing chart showing the communication status of signals between the payout CPU 59a of the payout control board 59 and the card unit 16 accompanying ball lending. In a state in which the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are capable of paying out and not paying out, as shown in FIG. 9, the PRDY signal output to the card unit 16 is ON. On the other hand, the EXS signal is OFF, and the BRDY signal and BRQ signal input from the card unit 16 are OFF (A).

  When the ball lending button 32 is operated in this state and the card unit 16 detects that the ball lending button 32 is turned on (operation), the BRDY signal indicating the ball lending processing request is turned ON (B), and then the ball lending request is indicated. The BRQ signal is turned ON (C). Next, when the card unit 16 outputs ON of the EXS signal indicating the start of the ball lending operation (D), the BRQ signal is turned OFF (E). Next, when the card unit 16 turns off the EXS signal indicating completion of the ball lending operation (F), the BRQ signal is turned on again (G). Then, ON / OFF control of the BRQ signal is repeatedly performed for the number of ball lending (for this example, 2 times), and when the ON / OFF control of the last BRQ signal is completed, the EXS signal is turned OFF (J) In order to indicate the end of the ball lending process request, the BRDY signal is turned off (K), and the process associated with the operation of the ball lending button 32 is terminated. Further, in the state in which the payout CPU 59a detects the ON state of the BRDY signal, when the ON state of the BRQ signal indicating the ball lending request is detected (C), the EXS signal is turned ON (D), and the first payout solenoid 67h and the first payout solenoid 67h (2) The 2 payout solenoid 68h is driven to pay out 25 game balls based on a single ball lending request, and thereafter the EX signal is turned off (F) control. That is, in a state where the BRDY signal is turned on from the card unit 16, every time a BRQ signal is turned on, 25 balls are paid out. In the present embodiment, a process of paying out 25 game balls corresponding to one unit (one frequency) of ball lending based on one ball lending operation is repeatedly performed twice, and 50 games are played. A ball is paid out.

  In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, the award for paying out the number of game balls designated by the payout control command received from the main CPU 76a is paid out by the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. There are ball payout control and lending ball payout control for paying out a game ball in response to a BRQ signal from the card unit 16 via the card unit connection terminal board 78. If the remaining number of balls is not 0, the payout of prize balls and rental balls is performed until it reaches 0.

Hereinafter, specific processing contents of the payout control executed by the payout CPU 59a in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 10 shows the payout main process, and FIG. 11 shows the payout interrupt process. The payout CPU 59a repeatedly executes the payout main process, interrupts the process of the payout main process being executed as long as a predetermined time elapses during execution of the payout main process, and performs the payout interrupt process. Execute. Then, the payout CPU 59a resumes the payout main process from the process interrupted after the payout interrupt process is completed. FIG. 12 shows a process related to a payout ball and lending ball detection executed as a subroutine of the payout interrupt process. 13 to 15 show the payout and lending process executed as a subroutine of the payout main process. FIG. 16 shows a payout path error process executed in the payout and loan process, FIGS. 17 to 20 show a lower sensor error process executed in the payout and loan process, and FIG. 21 shows a lower sensor error. A game ball one-ball payout process executed in the process is shown.

First, the payout main process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the payout main process (HM01), the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not it is communicating with the card unit 16 (step HM02). If this determination result is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step HM04. On the other hand, if the determination result in step HM02 is negative, the payout CPU 59a checks the operation state flag set in the payout RAM 59c, and determines whether or not there is a payout (step HM03). . If the determination result in step HM03 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H001, and if the determination result in step HM03 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step HM04.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step HM04 determines whether or not it is connected to the card unit 16 (whether or not the card unit 16 is connected). If this determination result is negative, the process of step HM02 is performed. Return. On the other hand, when the determination result of step HM04 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs card unit processing (step HM05). In the card unit process, the payout CPU 59a monitors the BRDY signal and the BRQ signal and accepts a ball rental request. In addition, when the ball lending button 32 is operated, the payout CPU 59a sets the number of game balls (25 balls) based on the ball lending request in the card unit processing as a lending ball number and sets a lending flag.

  Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether there is a loan (step HM06). If this determination result is negative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step HM02. On the other hand, if the determination result of step HM06 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H001 and executes payout and lending processing (shown in FIGS. 13 to 21), which is processing for lending game balls. Then, when the payout CPU 59a finishes the payout and lending process in step H001, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process in step HM02 and repeatedly executes the payout main process.

Next, the payout interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the payout interrupt process is performed at a cycle of 0.4 (ms).
In the payout interrupt process (step HI01), the payout CPU 59a saves a register used in the payout interrupt process (step HI02). Next, the payout CPU 59a receives a payout control command from the main CPU 76a, signals from various sensors (such as the first upper sensor 67b and the first lower sensor 67c) connected to the payout control board 59, and the card unit 16. A process of reading an input port to which a signal is input is performed (step HI03). Next, the payout CPU 59a checks the first ball break sensor 71 and the second ball break sensor 72 (step HI04) and also checks the full sensor 75 (step HI05). Next, the payout CPU 59a performs command processing (step HI06), analyzes the payout control command input at step HI03 in the command processing, and performs processing according to the analysis result. In this process, the number of balls to be paid out and the flag with payout are set. Next, the payout CPU 59a performs card unit communication control (step HI07), and performs transmission processing to the card unit 16.

  Subsequently, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the operation state flag is being lent or paid out (step HI08). When the determination result is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a payout ball and lending ball detection process shown in FIG. 12 (step HI09), and after the payout ball and lending ball detection process ends, the process proceeds to step HI10. On the other hand, if the determination result of step HI08 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step HI10. The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step HI10 performs a process of outputting output data corresponding to each output port from the output port (I / O port output). Next, the payout CPU 59a restores the register saved at step HI11, ends the interrupt processing at step HI12, and returns to the processing performed before interruption (processing related to the payout main processing).

  Next, the payout ball and lending ball detection process executed in step HI09 of the payout interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process of detecting a game ball that has been paid out or lent out using the first lower sensor 67c of the first payout device 67 and the second lower sensor 68c of the second payout device 68.

  In the payout ball and lending ball detection process (HI09), the payout CPU 59a determines whether the game ball has passed through the first lower sensor 67c of the first payout device 67 (whether the first lower sensor 67c has detected a game ball). (Step HI201). In step HI201, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input state of the first upper sensor signal from the first lower sensor 67c. If the determination result of step HI201 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step HI205. On the other hand, if the determination result in step HI201 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets a first lower sensor passage flag in the payout RAM 59c (step HI202). Subsequently, the payout CPU 59a subtracts 1 (-1) from the remaining ball number counter set in the payout RAM 59c (step HI203), and determines whether the remaining ball number counter is 0 or not to determine whether or not the payout is completed. (Step HI204). The payout CPU 59a proceeds to step HI209 when the determination result at step HI204 is affirmative, and proceeds to step HI205 when the determination result at step HI204 is negative.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step HI205 determines whether or not the game ball has passed the second lower sensor 68c of the second payout device 68 (whether or not the second lower sensor 68c has detected the game ball). In step HI205, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input state of the second upper sensor signal from the second lower sensor 68c. If the determination result of step HI205 is negative, the payout CPU 59a ends the payout ball and lending ball detection process, and returns to step HI10 of the payout interrupt process. On the other hand, when the determination result in step HI205 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets a second lower sensor passage flag in the payout RAM 59c (step HI206). Subsequently, the payout CPU 59a subtracts 1 (-1) from the remaining ball number counter set in the payout RAM 59c (step HI207), and determines whether or not the payout is completed by determining whether the remaining ball number counter is 0 or not. Is determined (step HI208). The payout CPU 59a proceeds to step HI209 when the determination result at step HI208 is affirmative, and ends the payout ball and lending ball detection process when the determination result at step HI208 is negative. Return to step HI10.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step HI209 determines whether or not the operation state flag is being lent. If the determination result in step HI209 is negative, the payout CPU 59a clears the payout flag set in the payout RAM 59c in step HI210 and clears the payout flag set in the payout RAM 59c in step HI211. Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a ends the payout ball and lending ball detection process, and returns to step HI10 of the payout interrupt process. On the other hand, if the determination result in step HI209 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a clears the lending flag set in the payout RAM 59c in step HI212 and clears the lending flag set in the payout RAM 59c in step HI213. . Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a ends the payout ball and lending ball detection process, and returns to step HI10 of the payout interrupt process.

Next, the payout and lending process executed in step H001 of the payout main process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the payout and lending process (H001), the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not there is a loan (step H002). If this determination result is negative, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the lower plate 36 is full (step H003). In step H003, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input state of the full sensor signal from the full sensor 75. If the determination result of step H003 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H005. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H003 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a lower pan full error process (step H004). In step H004, the payout CPU 59a performs processing for displaying an error state on the payout state display LED 80 (output of a 7-segment data signal) and processing for outputting a payout state control command indicating a full error state to the main CPU 76a. Do. Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H005.

  Next, the payout CPU 59a that has shifted to Step H005 determines whether or not the ball is out of play. In step H005, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input states of the first ball break sensor signal from the first ball break sensor 71 and the second ball break sensor signal from the second ball break sensor 72. If the determination result of step H005 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H007. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H005 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a ball break error process (step H006). In step H006, the payout CPU 59a performs a process for displaying an error state on the payout state display LED 80 (output of a 7-segment data signal) and a process for outputting a payout state control command indicating a ball-out error state to the main CPU 76a. I do. Then, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H007.

  Next, the payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H007 sets a request for displaying the payout state on the payout state display LED 80 in the payout RAM 59c. Subsequently, in step H008, the payout CPU 59a sets a payout flag as an operating state flag in the payout RAM 59c, and reads out the payout ball number indicating the number of game balls to be paid out as a winning ball from the payout RAM 59c in step H009. To step H013.

  If the determination result in step H002 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets a ball lending in-progress flag to the payout RAM 59c as an operation state flag in step H010, and outputs a ball lending LED signal in step H011 to indicate a ball lending display LED 81. Lights up. Next, the payout CPU 59a reads out from the payout RAM 59c the number of loaned balls indicating the number of game balls to be paid out as loaned balls in step H012, and proceeds to step H013.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H013 sets the number of lent balls read out in step H012 or the number of payout balls read out in step H009 in the remaining ball number counter set in the payout RAM 59c. Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c to use the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 when paying out the lending balls or prize balls (step H014). Next, the payout CPU 59a stores “30 (ms)” in the payout RAM 59c as the pause time set in the pause time timer set in the payout RAM 59c (step H015). Then, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H016 in FIG.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H016 sets the value of the monitoring timer set in the payout RAM 59c. In this embodiment, “4 (sec)” is set in step H016. Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not there has been a lower sensor (first lower sensor 67c, second lower sensor 68c) error during the previous payout control (whether or not an error has occurred) (step H017). In step H017, the payout CPU 59a refers to the setting state of the lower sensor flag set in the payout RAM 59c in step H126 (FIG. 18) of the lower sensor error process shown in FIGS. If the determination result of step H017 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H019. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H017 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a executes the lower sensor error process shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, and proceeds to step H019 after the process ends. In the present embodiment, in step H017, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not there was an abnormality at the time of the previous payout, and the payout CPU 59a that executes step H017 functions as the previous abnormality determination means.

  The payout CPU 59a that has proceeded to Step H019 checks the value of the remaining ball number counter and determines whether or not the value is “7” or less. If the determination result of step H019 is negative, the payout CPU 59a clears the lower sensor passage flag set in the payout RAM 59c (step H020). The lower sensor passage flag is a flag that is set at step HI202 and step HI206 of the payout ball and lending ball detection processing of FIG. Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the value of the monitoring timer is “0” (step H021). If the determination result of step H201 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H025. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H201 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a payout path error process shown in FIG. 16 at step H022.

Here, the payout path error processing will be described with reference to FIG.
In the payout path error process (H022), the payout CPU 59a turns off the first payout solenoid 67h of the first payout device 67 and the second payout solenoid 68h of the second payout device 68 (step H050). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c a request for displaying a state where the payout path error has occurred in the payout state display LED 80 (step H051). Next, the payout CPU 59a outputs a 7-segment data signal instructing display corresponding to the error set in step H051 to the payout state display LED 80 to display an error (step H052). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets a request for notifying the main CPU 76a of an error state in the payout RAM 59c (step H053). Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the ball is out of play (step H054). In step H054, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input states of the first ball break sensor signal from the first ball break sensor 71 and the second ball break sensor signal from the second ball break sensor 72. If the determination result of step H054 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a repeatedly executes the process of step H053.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step H054 is negative, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not payout is possible (step H055). In step H055, the payout CPU 59a inputs the full sensor signal from the full sensor 75, the input state of the first upper sensor signal from the first upper sensor 67b of the first payout device 67, and the second state of the second payout device 68. The determination is performed according to the input state of the second upper sensor signal from the second upper sensor 68b. If the determination result of step H055 is negative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step H052 and executes the process from step H053. On the other hand, if the determination result in step H055 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a ends the payout path error process because the payout path error has been resolved, and returns to step H016 of the payout and lending process. The payout CPU 59a repeats the payout path error process until the payout becomes possible, that is, until the payout path error is resolved. This payout path error is an error that may occur when a game ball is not supplied to the payout devices (the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68). The state where the game balls are not supplied to the payout devices (the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68) is, for example, when a ball clog occurs in the first game ball supply passage 65 or the second game ball supply passage 66. This may be the case when the first upper sensor 67b of the first payout device 67 or the second upper sensor 68b of the second payout device 68 does not detect a game ball.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout and lending process shown in FIG. 14, the payout CPU 59a having made a negative determination in step H021 and shifted to step H025 determines whether or not there is a game ball in the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. judge. In step H025, the payout CPU 59a inputs the first upper sensor signal from the first upper sensor 67b of the first payout device 67 and the input of the second upper sensor signal from the second upper sensor 68b of the second payout device 68. The determination is performed according to the state. If the determination result of step H025 is negative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step H020. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H025 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a process for turning on the solenoid of the payout device (step H026). In step H026, the payout CPU 59a turns on the solenoid of the payout device set in the payout RAM 59c as a payout device used when paying out the lending balls or prize balls. For example, when the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are set as the payout devices used when paying out the lending balls or prize balls in the process of step H014, the payout CPU 59a performs the first payout in step H026. The solenoid 67h and the second dispensing solenoid 68h are turned on. Subsequently, the payout CPU 59a sets time T1 (in this embodiment, “10 (ms)”) to the ON time timer of the solenoid that is turned ON in step H026 (step H027). As a result, the solenoid is turned on for a time T1 (10 ms). Then, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the solenoid ON time has expired (step H028).

  If the determination result of step H028 is negative, the payout CPU 59a repeats the process of step H028 until the ON time elapses. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H028 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a turns off the first payout solenoid 67h and the second payout solenoid 68h (step H029). Then, the payout CPU 59a sets a pause time in a pause time timer set in the payout RAM 59c (step H030). The pause time set in the pause time timer in step H030 is the pause time value stored in the payout RAM 59c in step H015, step H045, or step H046. Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the value of the pause time timer has become “0” after setting the pause time in Step H030 (Step H031). If the determination result of step H031 is negative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step H031. That is, the payout CPU 59a is in a standby state after the operation relating to the payout of one ball is completed until the pause time elapses. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H031 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the first lower sensor 67c and the second lower sensor 68c (the first lower sensor 67c and the second lower sensor 68c It is determined whether or not a sphere has been detected (step H032). In step H032, the payout CPU 59a makes the above determination based on the first lower sensor passage flag and the second lower sensor passage flag set in step HI202 and step HI206 of the payout ball and lending ball detection processing shown in FIG. If the determination result of step H032 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step H019. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H032 is negative, the payout CPU 59a executes the lower sensor error process shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, and returns to the process of step H019 after the lower sensor error ends.

  If the determination result of step H019 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H041 of the payout and lending process shown in FIG. Since the value of the remaining ball counter is “7” or less, the payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H041 sets in the payout RAM 59c that only the first payout device 67 is used when paying out the rented or winning balls. Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the value of the remaining ball number counter is “0” (step H043). If the determination result of step H043 is negative, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the value of the remaining ball number counter is “1” (step H044). If the determination result of step H044 is negative, the payout CPU 59a stores “85 (ms)” in the payout RAM 59c as the pause time set in the pause time timer (step H045). Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a returns to step H020 of the payout and lending process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H044 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a stores “140 (ms)” in the payout RAM 59c as the pause time set in the pause time timer (step H046). Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a returns to step H020 of the payout and lending process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H043 is affirmative, the ball lending display LED 81 lit in step H011 is turned off (step H047). Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a returns to the payout main process and executes the process from step HM02.

  According to the above-described payout and lending process of the present embodiment, when paying out a lending ball or a prize ball, the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are selected and used, and the game balls that have been paid out are used. The remaining number of balls is subtracted every time the first lower sensor 67c or the second lower sensor 68c is passed. FIG. 22 shows an operation mode of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 at the time of paying out a lending ball and paying out a prize ball. In the payout and lending process (particularly, the process after step H013) of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, both the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are present when the remaining number of balls is 8 or more. , And the first payout solenoid 67h and the second payout solenoid 68h are turned on / off, thereby paying out one ball at a time. When the remaining number of balls becomes 7 or less, the use of the second payout device 68 is stopped and the remaining game balls are paid out using only the first payout device 67.

  Further, a pause time is set according to the number of remaining balls, and after the pause time has elapsed and when the first upper sensor 67b and the second upper sensor 68b are ON, the first payout solenoid 67h and the second payout solenoid Turn on 68h. Further, the first payout solenoid 67h and the second payout solenoid 68h are turned off when a time T1 (10 ms) has elapsed after being turned on. “T1” shown in FIG. 22 is an ON time of the first payout solenoid 67h and the second payout solenoid 68h, and “T2, T3, T4” is a pause time. T2 is a pause time saved in step H015 of the payout and lending process. T3 is a pause time stored in step H045 of the payout and loan processing. T4 is a pause time stored in step H046 of the payout and lending process. As described above, the operation interval of the payout device is gradually increased as the remaining number of balls decreases. This makes it difficult for surplus payouts to be made. In the present embodiment, the payout CPU 59a that executes the payout and lending processing of FIGS. 13 to 15 according to the control program operates the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 so that a predetermined number of game media are paid out. It functions as a payout control means.

  Next, the lower sensor error processing executed in steps H018 (FIG. 14) and H033 (FIG. 14) of the payout and lending processing will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the lower sensor error processing is performed when a lower sensor error occurs in the payout and lending processing (determination of step H032 is negative) or when a lower sensor error occurs during the previous payout (determination is positive for step H017). ) To be executed. In other words, the lower sensor error process is executed in order to perform an abnormality determination (lower sensor error process in step H033) as to whether or not the lower sensor of the payout device has failed (whether or not the payout device has failed). In some cases, an error occurs during the previous payout, and the test is continued to check whether or not the lower sensor of the payout device has failed even during the current payout (lower sensor error processing in step H018).

  In the lower sensor error process (H018, H032), the payout CPU 59a sets a predetermined number of inspections as the number of non-passing lower sensor inspections set in the payout RAM 59c (step H101). In the present embodiment, “3 (times)” is set as the number of non-passing sensor inspections as the number of inspections. Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not both the first lower sensor 67c and the second lower sensor 68c are not passed (step H102). In step H102, the payout CPU 59a makes the above determination based on the first lower sensor passage flag and the second lower sensor passage flag set in step HI202 and step HI206 of the payout ball and lending ball detection processing shown in FIG. If the determination result of step H101 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H130 of the lower sensor error process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H102 is negative, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not a game ball has passed through the second lower sensor 68c (whether or not the second lower sensor 68c has detected a game ball). (Step H103). If the determination result in step H103 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets a first lower sensor non-passing flag in the payout RAM 59c because the game ball does not pass through the first lower sensor 67c (step H104). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets a display value (“8” in this embodiment) for displaying on the payout state display LED 80 that the error is in the first lower sensor 67c in the payout RAM 59c (step H105). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c that the payout device to be inspected in step H106 is the first payout device 67, and the payout device that pays out in step H107 is the second payout device 68. This is set in the payout RAM 59c. Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H112.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step H103 is negative, the payout CPU 59a sets the second lower sensor non-passing flag in the payout RAM 59c because the game ball does not pass through the second lower sensor 68c (step H108). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets a display value (“9” in the present embodiment) for displaying on the payout state display LED 80 that the second lower sensor 68c is an error in the payout RAM 59c (step H109). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c that the payout device to be inspected in step H110 is the second payout device 68, and the payout device that pays out in step H111 is the first payout device 67. Is set in the payout RAM 59c. Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H112.

The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to Step H112 executes a game ball payout process shown in FIG. The game ball one-ball payout process is a process for paying out one game ball.
Here, a game ball one-ball payout process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the game ball one-ball payout process (H112, H123, H132, H138, H152), the payout CPU 59a stores “30 (ms)” in the payout RAM 59c as a pause time set in a pause time timer set in the payout RAM 59c. (Step H180). Next, the payout CPU 59a performs a process for turning on the solenoid of the payout device (step H181). In step H181, the payout CPU 59a turns on the solenoid of the payout device set in the payout RAM 59c as a payout device for inspection. For example, when the first payout device 67 is set as the payout device to be inspected in step H106, the payout CPU 59a turns on the first payout solenoid 67h in step H181. Subsequently, the payout CPU 59a sets time T1 (in this embodiment, “10 (ms)”) to the ON time timer of the solenoid that is turned ON in step H181 (step H182). As a result, the solenoid is turned on for a time T1 (10 ms). Then, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the solenoid ON time has expired (step H183).

  If the determination result of step H183 is negative, the payout CPU 59a repeats the process of step H183 until the ON time elapses. On the other hand, when the determination result in step H181 is positive, the payout CPU 59a performs a process for turning off the solenoid that was turned on in step H181 (step H184). Then, the payout CPU 59a sets a pause time in a pause time timer set in the payout RAM 59c (step H185). The pause time set in the pause time timer in step H185 is the value of the pause time stored in the payout RAM 59c in step H180. Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the value of the pause time timer has become “0” after setting the pause time in Step H185 (Step H186). If the determination result of step H186 is negative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step H186. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H186 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the lower sensor error process.

  Returning to the description of the lower sensor error process shown in FIG. 17, the payout CPU 59a that has executed the game ball one-ball payout process in step H112 and has finished the process moves to step H113 to the lower sensor of the payout device that performs the inspection. It is determined whether or not a game ball has passed. In step H113, when the first payout device 67 is set as the payout device to be inspected in step H106, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the first lower sensor 67c, and inspects in step H110. When the second payout device 68 is set as the payout device for performing the game, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the second lower sensor 68c. The payout CPU 59a recognizes that the payout of one game ball is completed when the lower sensor signal is input from the lower sensor, and the payout is completed when the lower sensor signal is not input from the lower sensor. Recognize that there is no.

  If the determination result in step H113 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a ends the inspection because the game ball has passed through the lower sensor, so the inspection ends, and the process proceeds to step H114 of the lower sensor error process shown in FIG. Then, the lower sensor error flag is cleared and the lower sensor error process is terminated. Then, the process returns to the dispensing and lending process. On the other hand, if the determination result in step H113 is negative, the payout CPU 59a subtracts 1 (−1) the number of non-passing sensor inspections set in the payout RAM 59c, and determines whether or not the number of inspections has ended (after subtraction) It is determined whether or not the number of inspections is “0” (step H115). If the determination result in step H115 is negative, the payout CPU 59a repeats the inspection, and therefore returns to step H112 to execute the game ball one-ball payout process again. On the other hand, if the determination result in step H115 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a ends the inspection because the error of the lower sensor has not been eliminated as a result of the inspection, and proceeds to step H116.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H116 sets a request for displaying a lower sensor error (error of the lower sensor that has been inspected) on the payout state display LED 80 in the payout RAM 59c, and instructs a display corresponding to the error. The 7-segment data signal is output to the payout state display LED 80 to display an error (step H116). Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the lower plate 36 is full (step H117). In step H117, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input state of the full sensor signal from the full sensor 75. If the determination result of step H117 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H119 (FIG. 18). On the other hand, when the determination result of step H117 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a lower pan full error process (step H118). In step H118, the payout CPU 59a performs processing for displaying an error state on the payout state display LED 80 (output of a 7-segment data signal) and processing for outputting a payout state control command indicating a full error state to the main CPU 76a. Do. Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H119 (FIG. 18).

  Next, the payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H119 determines whether or not the ball is out of ball. In step H119, the payout CPU 59a performs the determination according to the input states of the first ball break sensor signal from the first ball break sensor 71 and the second ball break sensor signal from the second ball break sensor 72. If the determination result of step H119 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H121. On the other hand, when the determination result of step H119 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a performs a ball break error process (step H120). In step H120, the payout CPU 59a performs processing for displaying an error state on the payout state display LED 80 (output of a 7-segment data signal) and processing for outputting a payout state control command indicating a ball-out error state to the main CPU 76a. I do. Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H121.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H121 checks the operation state flag set in the payout RAM 59c, and determines whether or not payout has been made (step H121). If the determination result of step H121 is negative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H123. On the other hand, if the determination result in step H121 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets a request for displaying the payout state on the payout state display LED 80 in the payout RAM 59c (H122). Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H123.

  In step H123, the payout CPU 59a performs a game ball payout process shown in FIG. The game ball one-ball payout process executed in step H123 is performed using a payout device set as a payout device that pays out in either step H107 or step H111 of the lower sensor error process shown in FIG. That is, when the second payout device 68 is set in step H107, the payout CPU 59a performs the game ball one-ball payout process in step H123 for the second payout device 68, while the first payout device in step H111. When the payout device 67 is set, a game ball payout process in step H123 is performed for the first payout device 67. For this reason, in the game ball one-ball payout process in step H123, the operation of the payout device in which the lower sensor error has occurred is stopped, while the payout device in which the lower sensor error has not occurred is operated. As a result, one game ball is paid out. That is, the payout of the game ball is continued using the payout device in which no lower sensor error has occurred. Note that the game ball / ball payout process in step H123 is different from the game ball / ball payout process executed in step H112 by the payout device to be operated, and the processing content itself is the same. Description is omitted.

  Then, the payout CPU 59a that has finished the game ball payout process in step H123 sets the time until the next ball payout in a timer set in the payout RAM 59c (step H124). In this embodiment, “30 (sec)” is set as the timer value in step H124. This set time is extremely longer than the rest time (T2, T3, T4) set at the normal time when no lower sensor error has occurred. For example, the time is 1000 times the pause time T2 (30 ms). For this reason, when a lower sensor error occurs, the time for paying out one game ball is delayed compared to when no lower sensor error occurs. In other words, it takes a long time to control the dispensing solenoid of the dispensing device to the OFF state.

  Next, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the value of the remaining ball number counter is “0” (step H125). If the determination result in step H125 is negative, the payout CPU 59a determines whether or not the time until the next ball payout, that is, the time set in the timer in step H124 has elapsed (step H127). If the determination result of step H127 is negative, the payout CPU 59a returns to the process of step H127. That is, the payout CPU 59a is in a standby state until the time set in step H125 elapses after the operation related to payout of one ball is completed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H127 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H116 of the lower sensor error process in FIG. 17 and pays out the next game ball.

  If the determination result in step H125 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets a lower sensor error flag in the payout CPU 59a because a lower sensor error has occurred in the current payout after the payout of all game balls is completed (step H126). . Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a ends the lower sensor error process and returns to the payout and lending process. If the determination result in step H113 (FIG. 17) is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a clears the lower sensor error flag and then ends the lower sensor error process and returns to the payout and lending process. . In this case, the payout CPU 59a can determine that the lower sensor error has been resolved as a result of the game ball one-ball payout process in step H112, and thus clears the lower sensor flag in step H114.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step H102 (FIG. 17) is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H130 of the lower sensor error process shown in FIG. 19, and in step H130, the first lower sensor non-passing flag and the second The lower sensor non-passing flag is set in the payout RAM 59c. Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c that the payout device to be inspected is the first payout device 67 (step H131). Next, the payout CPU 59a performs a game ball payout process shown in FIG. 21 (step H132). The game ball one-ball payout process in step H132 is performed for the payout device that performs the inspection in the same manner as in step H112 (FIG. 17). In Step H132, the first payout device 67 is inspected. And after completion | finish of the game ball one-ball payout process of step H132, payout CPU59a determines whether the game ball passed the 1st lower sensor 67c of the 1st payout apparatus 67 (step H133). If the determination result of step H133 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a has eliminated the error related to the first lower sensor 67c because the game ball has passed through the first lower sensor 67c. End inspection. Then, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H150 in order to execute the inspection of the second payout device 68.

  If the determination result in step H133 is negative, the payout CPU 59a subtracts 1 (-1) the number of non-passing sensor inspections set in the payout RAM 59c and determines whether or not the number of inspections has ended (the number of inspections after subtraction). Is “0”) (step H135). If the determination result of step H135 is negative, the payout CPU 59a repeats the inspection, and therefore returns to step H132 to execute the game ball one-ball payout process again. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H135 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a ends the inspection of the first payout device 67 because the error of the first lower sensor 67c has not been eliminated as a result of the inspection. Then, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H136 in order to execute the inspection of the second payout device 68.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to Step H136 sets a predetermined number of inspections (in this embodiment, “3 (times)”) as the number of non-passing sensor inspections as in Step H101 (FIG. 17) (Step H136). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c that the payout device to be inspected is the second payout device 68 (step H137). Next, the payout CPU 59a performs a game ball payout process shown in FIG. 21 (step H138). The game ball one-ball payout process in step H138 is performed for the payout device that performs the inspection in the same manner as in step H112 (FIG. 17). In step H137, the second dispensing device 68 is inspected. And after completion | finish of the game ball one-ball payout process of step H138, payout CPU59a determines whether the game ball passed the 2nd lower sensor 68c of the 2nd payout apparatus 68 (step H139). If the determination result in step H139 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a has eliminated the error related to the second lower sensor 68c because the game ball has passed the second lower sensor 68c. End inspection. Then, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to Step H160 (FIG. 20) in order to perform error processing. If the determination result in step H139 is affirmative, the test result indicates that a failure has occurred in the first payout device 67 (first lower sensor 67c), but the second payout device 68 (second lower device 68). The result is that sensor 68c) is normal.

  The payout CPU 59a that has shifted to step H160 in FIG. 20 sets the first lower sensor non-passing flag in the payout RAM 59c because the game ball does not pass through the first lower sensor 67c. Next, the payout CPU 59a sets a display value (“8” in this embodiment) for displaying on the payout state display LED 80 that the error is in the first lower sensor 67c in the payout RAM 59c (step H161). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets the payout RAM 59c that the payout device for paying out is the second payout device 68 (step H162). Thereafter, the payout RAM 59c proceeds to Step H116 (FIG. 17), and executes the processing from Step H116. As a result, the game ball is paid out using the second payout device 68. Further, in this case, the time required for paying out one game ball for the game ball is delayed as compared with the normal time by the processing of steps H124, H125, and H127 (FIG. 18).

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step H139 is negative, the payout CPU 59a subtracts 1 (-1) from the number of non-passing sensor inspections set in the payout RAM 59c, and determines whether or not the number of inspections has ended (after the subtraction) Whether or not the number of inspections is “0”) is determined (step H140). If the determination result in step H140 is negative, the payout CPU 59a repeats the inspection, and therefore returns to step H138 to execute the game ball one-ball payout process again. On the other hand, if the determination result in step H140 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets the payout RAM 59c that the payout device for paying out is the first payout device 67 (step H141). If the determination result in step H140 is affirmative, the result of the inspection indicates that both the first payout device 67 (first lower sensor 67c) and the second payout device 68 (second lower sensor 68c) have failed. As a result. However, since it is not possible to stop paying out the game ball, in this embodiment, when the determination result of step H140 is affirmative, the process of step H141 is executed. Next, the payout CPU 59a pays out a display value ("A" in the present embodiment) for displaying on the payout state display LED 80 that both the first lower sensor 67c and the second lower sensor 68c are in error. (Step H142). Thereafter, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H116 (FIG. 17), and executes the processing from step H116.

  If the determination result in step H133 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a proceeds to step H150, and in the same manner as in step H101 (FIG. 17), the non-passing sensor inspection number is set to a predetermined number of inspections (in this embodiment, “3 ( Times) ”). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets in the payout RAM 59c that the payout device to be inspected is the second payout device 68 (step H151). Next, the payout CPU 59a performs a game ball payout process shown in FIG. 21 (step H152). The game ball one-ball payout process in step H152 is performed for the payout device that performs the inspection in the same manner as in step H112 (FIG. 17). In Step H152, the second payout device 68 is inspected. And after completion | finish of the game ball one-ball payout process of step H152, payout CPU59a determines whether the game ball passed the 2nd lower sensor 68c of the 2nd payout apparatus 68 (step H153). If the determination result in step H153 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a has eliminated the error related to the second lower sensor 68c because the game ball has passed through the second lower sensor 68c. End inspection. Then, the payout CPU 59a executes the process of step H114 (FIG. 18) and clears the lower sensor error flag. That is, if the determination result in step H153 is affirmative, the result of the inspection is that neither the first dispensing device 67 (first lower sensor 67c) nor the second dispensing device 68 (second lower sensor 68c) has failed. As a result. Accordingly, the payout CPU 59a ends the lower sensor error process after the end of step H114, and returns to the payout and lending process.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step H153 is negative, the payout CPU 59a subtracts 1 (-1) from the number of non-passing sensor inspections set in the payout RAM 59c, and determines whether the number of inspections has ended (after subtraction) Whether or not the number of inspections is “0”) is determined (step H154). If the determination result in step H154 is negative, the payout CPU 59a repeats the inspection, and thus returns to step H152 to execute the game ball one-ball payout process again. On the other hand, if the determination result of step H154 is affirmative, the payout CPU 59a sets the second lower sensor non-passing flag in the payout RAM 59c because the game ball does not pass through the second lower sensor 68c (step H155). If the determination result in step H154 is affirmative, the result of the inspection is that the first dispensing device 67 (first lower sensor 67c) is normal, but the second dispensing device 68 (second lower sensor 68c) is normal. As a result, a failure has occurred.

  Next, the payout CPU 59a sets a display value (“9” in the present embodiment) for displaying on the payout state display LED 80 that the error is in the second lower sensor 68c in the payout RAM 59c (step H156). Next, the payout CPU 59a sets the payout RAM 59c that the payout device for paying out is the first payout device 67 (step H157). Thereafter, the payout RAM 59c proceeds to Step H116 (FIG. 17), and executes the processing from Step H116. As a result, the game ball is paid out using the first payout device 67. Further, in this case, the time required for paying out one game ball for the game ball is delayed as compared with the normal time by the processing of steps H124, H125, and H127 (FIG. 18).

  In the present embodiment, the payout CPU 59a that executes the lower sensor error process according to the control program functions as an abnormality determination unit (Steps H101 to H113, H115, H130 to H133, H135 to H142, H150 to H157, and H160 to H162). processing). Further, in this embodiment, when affirmative determination is made in step H017 of the payout and lending process, the lower sensor error process is executed in step H018. This is done without executing the payout operation. Then, the payout CPU 59a executes the lower sensor error process in step H018 as an inspection of the payout device when an abnormality has occurred during the previous payout, and functions as an inspection execution means (steps H101 to H113, H115, H130 to H133). H135 to H142, H150 to H157 and H160 to H162). The payout CPU 59a executes the lower sensor error process with different triggers (positive determination of step H017 or negative determination of step H032) between the case of performing the abnormality determination and the inspection, but the lower sensor error processing is the same. The process is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, the payout CPU 59a functions as a payout control unit that controls the payout device when an abnormality occurs (the processing from step H123 to step H127 (excluding step H126)). In the present embodiment, when the occurrence of abnormality is confirmed in the lower sensor error process, the payout CPU 59a sets the lower sensor error flag in the payout RAM 59c in step H126, and the payout RAM 59c is the result of the abnormality determination. And functions as storage means for storing the results of the inspection.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When an abnormality relating to paying out a game ball (in this embodiment, a lower sensor error) occurs, the operation of the payout device in which the abnormality has occurred is stopped, while the game medium is continuously stored by another payout device. Since it is paid out, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate when an abnormality occurs. That is, the game can be continued without interruption. For example, in the embodiment, when a lower sensor error has occurred in the first lower sensor 67c of the first payout device 67, the game balls are paid out using the second payout device 68 as another payout device. On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs, the time for paying out one game ball is delayed (the processes of steps H123 to H125 and H127 of the lower sensor error process) to quickly resolve the abnormal state. The player can be encouraged to take action. In other words, after an abnormality has occurred, it is possible to continue the game without eliminating the abnormal state, but since the game interval becomes longer, it is a disadvantageous state for the player (the chance to acquire the award mode is reduced). Will play a game. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to take measures for prompt resolution of the abnormal state.

  (2) The slot machine 10 is configured so that one game is completed upon completion of payout and the next game can be started. When configured in this manner, the time required to pay out one game medium after an abnormality has occurred is delayed, resulting in a longer time until the next game can be started. It becomes. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to take measures for prompt resolution of the abnormal state.

  (3) Even if the dispensing solenoid of the dispensing device is operated a plurality of times (three times in this embodiment), the lower sensor of the dispensing device does not input a detection signal (first lower sensor signal or second lower sensor signal). In some cases, it was judged as abnormal. For this reason, the determination accuracy of the abnormality determination can be improved. In addition, since the conditions for determining an abnormality are managed by the number of times, the payout control board 59 (the payout CPU 59a) only needs to operate the payout solenoid in the same way as during a normal payout operation, thereby increasing the control burden. Nor.

  (4) Since the detection signals (the first lower sensor signal and the second lower sensor signal) from the first lower sensor 67c and the second lower sensor 68c are always received, the payout device (the first payout device 67) is always provided. And the payout state of the game ball from the second payout device 68) can be monitored. That is, even if the operation of the payout device stops due to the occurrence of a lower sensor error, the first lower sensor 67c and the second lower sensor 68c output a detection signal when a game ball is detected, and the payout CPU 59a outputs the detection signal. Accept. Therefore, it can also contribute to early detection of fraud.

  (5) After the occurrence of an abnormal state (lower sensor error), the time for controlling the dispensing solenoid to be OFF (dispensing restricted state), that is, the interval for controlling from ON (dispensing permitted state) to the next ON (dispensing permitted state). By making it longer, the time for paying out one game medium can be surely and easily delayed.

  (6) It is determined whether or not an abnormality related to the game ball payout (lower sensor error in the present embodiment) has occurred when the previous prize mode is established (at the time of the previous payout) (Step H017 of payout and lending processing (FIG. 14)). This determination is performed before the abnormality determination (payment and lending processing step H032 (FIG. 14)). For this reason, at the time of establishment of the current award mode (at the time of current payout), it is not necessary to perform normal payout using the payout device in which an abnormality has occurred at the time of establishment of the previous award mode. The payout can be suppressed so that it does not lead to a disadvantage of the game hall.

  (7) If an abnormality relating to the payout of the game ball has occurred at the time of establishment of the previous award mode (Yes in step H107), it is checked whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the payout device. did. In the embodiment, the lower sensor error process of the payout and lending process in step H018 is executed to perform the inspection. For this reason, an opportunity to eliminate the abnormality can be given, and it can contribute to the elimination of the abnormal state.

  (8) When an abnormality has occurred, the fact that the abnormality has occurred is stored after the game ball has been paid out (step H126 of the lower sensor error process), so that the abnormality determination is not performed when the next prize mode is established. It is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred when the previous prize mode is established. In addition, inspection can be performed. Therefore, the processing program path can be shortened, and the processing speed can be improved.

  (9) Processing content of abnormality determination (lower sensor error processing of step H033) and processing content of inspection executed when abnormality occurs at the time of previous payout (lower sensor error processing of step H018) are the same processing content. . For this reason, it is possible to simplify the processing program.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
○ After the lower sensor error occurs, the payout interval (step H124) when paying out the game ball using a normal payout device may be changed.

○ The number of dispensing devices may be changed. For example, three or four may be used. The specific configuration of the payout device is not limited to the embodiment, and may be changed.
○ In the lower sensor error process, “3 (times)” is set as the number of inspections, but the number of times of setting may be changed. For example, it may be twice or four times.

  In the present embodiment, the slot machine 10 is embodied, but it may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine or an arranged ball game ball. In the arrange ball game machine, a game is played with a predetermined number (for example, 16 balls) of game balls being fired as one game unit.

  ○ Although the card units 16 are arranged in parallel in the slot machine 10, ball lending devices (sand) may be arranged in parallel. When the game machine is installed in such an environment, the processing related to ball lending is unnecessary, and therefore the processing related to ball lending described in the embodiment may be omitted and the slot machine 10 may be configured.

  ○ In step H126 of lower sensor error processing, the lower sensor flag indicating that an error has occurred is set when a lower sensor error has occurred. You may set information. If the process of step H017 is affirmative, the operation of the payout device in which an abnormality has occurred may be stopped without performing an inspection, and the normal payout device may be operated in a delayed manner to pay out the game ball.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.
(A) A plurality of payout devices for paying out game media are provided, and when a prize mode for satisfying game media payout conditions is established during a game, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the prize mode are provided in the payout device. In the gaming machine that pays out by the above operation, payout control means for operating the plurality of payout devices so that the predetermined number of game media are paid out by the establishment of the prize mode, and the operation of the plurality of payout devices An abnormality determining means for monitoring the state and performing an abnormality determination as to whether or not an abnormality relating to the game medium payout has occurred during the game medium payout; a storage means for storing a determination result of the abnormality determination means; With reference to the stored contents of the storage means with the establishment of the award mode, the abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the abnormality determination unit has made a previous abnormality determination as to whether or not an abnormality relating to the game medium payout has occurred when the previous prize mode was established. A prior abnormality determination unit that performs prior to the determination, and the payout control unit generates an abnormality when the determination result of the abnormality determination unit is affirmative or when the determination result of the previous abnormality determination unit is affirmative When the operation of the payout device is stopped, the game medium is paid out by the operation of another payout device, and the game medium is paid out by the operation of the other payout device. A game machine, characterized in that the operation of the other payout device is controlled so as to delay a time related to payout of one game medium as compared with time.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of the slot machine of embodiment. Similarly, the rear view which shows the back side of a front frame. Similarly, the front view which shows the front side of a middle frame. Similarly, the rear view which shows the back side of a middle frame. (A)-(d) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure and operation | movement aspect of a payout apparatus. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that a game ball flows down the game ball supply channel | path and a ball removal channel | path. The block diagram which shows the control structure of the slot machine of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the input / output state of the signal with respect to the payout control board. The timing chart which shows the signal processing at the time of payout operation by ball lending. The flowchart which shows the payout main process. The flowchart which shows the payout interruption process. The flowchart which shows a payout ball | bowl and a rental ball | bowl detection process. The flowchart which shows payout and a lending process. The flowchart which shows payout and a lending process. The flowchart which shows payout and a lending process. 7 is a flowchart showing payout path error processing. The flowchart which shows a lower sensor error process. The flowchart which shows a lower sensor error process. The flowchart which shows a lower sensor error process. The flowchart which shows a lower sensor error process. The flowchart which shows a game ball one ball payout process. The timing chart which shows the operation | movement aspect of the payout apparatus at the time of ball lending and payout of a prize ball.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine, 59a ... Discharge CPU, 59b ... Discharge ROM, 59c ... Discharge RAM, 67 ... 1st disbursement device, 67c ... 1st lower sensor, 67e ... 1st ball feed sprocket, 67f ... 1st spring, 67g ... 1st stopper, 67h ... 1st delivery solenoid, 68 ... 2nd delivery device, 68c ... 2nd lower sensor, 68e ... 2nd ball feed sprocket, 68f ... 2nd spring, 68g ... 2nd stopper, 68h ... 2nd delivery solenoid.

Claims (7)

A plurality of payout devices for paying out game media are provided, and when a prize mode for satisfying game media payout conditions is established during a game, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the prize mode are obtained by the operation of the payout device. In the game machine to be paid out,
Payout control means for operating the plurality of payout devices so that the predetermined number of game media are paid out by establishment of the prize mode;
An abnormality determination means for monitoring an operating state of the plurality of payout devices and performing an abnormality determination as to whether an abnormality relating to the game medium payout occurs during the game medium payout;
Storage means for storing the determination result of the abnormality determination means;
With reference to the stored contents of the storage means with the establishment of the prize mode, the abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the abnormality determination unit has made a previous abnormality determination as to whether or not an abnormality relating to the game medium payout has occurred. Prior abnormality determination means to be performed prior to determination,
If the determination result of the previous abnormality determination means is affirmative, the inspection execution means for inspecting whether or not abnormality relating to payout of the game medium occurs by operating the payout device,
When the determination result of the abnormality determination unit is affirmative or the inspection result of the inspection execution unit is affirmative, the dispensing control unit stops the operation of the dispensing device in which an abnormality has occurred, When the game medium is paid out by the operation of the payout device, and when the game medium is paid out by the operation of the other payout device, the time required for paying out one game medium compared to when no abnormality has occurred A game machine that controls the operation of the other payout device so as to delay the game. When the prize mode is established during a game of a predetermined game unit, the gaming machine ends one game by paying out the predetermined number of game media and the next game. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is in a state in which the game can be started. When the determination result of the abnormality determination unit is affirmative, the payout control unit stores in the storage unit that an abnormality related to the game medium payout has occurred after the predetermined number of game media have been paid out. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine. 4. The processing content performed by the abnormality determination unit for the abnormality determination and the processing content performed by the inspection execution unit for inspection are the same processing content. The gaming machine according to any one of the above. The payout device is a medium payout means that is controlled to either a payout allowance state in which payout of one game medium is allowed or a payout restriction state in which the payout is restricted based on a control signal output by the payout control means. And medium detecting means for detecting a game medium paid out from the payout device when the medium payout means is in a payout permitting state, and outputting a detection signal to the payout control means,
The payout control means recognizes that the payout of one game medium is completed by inputting the detection signal from the medium detection means after operating the medium payout means in the payout allowance state. After operating the medium payout means to the payout allowance state, if no detection signal is input from the medium detection means, it is recognized that the payout of one game medium is not completed, and the medium The payout means is configured to operate again in the payout allowance state,
Even if the abnormality determination means and the inspection execution means operate the medium payout means a plurality of times in the payout permission state because the payout control means does not input the detection signal, the payout control means does not change the medium. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a detection signal from the detection means is not input, occurrence of an abnormality relating to the payout of the game medium is determined. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the payout control means always receives a detection signal from the medium detection means regardless of whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the payout device. In the case where the payout control means causes the game medium to be paid out by the operation of the other payout device, a time during which the medium payout means of the other payout device is controlled to the payout restricted state is not generated. The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it is sometimes longer than a time for controlling the medium payout means to the payout restricted state.

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