JP2007151604A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Game machine

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

  A game ball-use spinning machine can be enjoyed by a spinning machine such as a slot machine using a game ball such as a pachinko ball. When the player inserts a predetermined number of game balls and operates the start lever, the game is started. That is, the rotating drum (annular reel) on which a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) is displayed at predetermined intervals starts to rotate, and the variation display of the symbol sequence starts. Usually, three spinning cylinders are provided, and when the player presses a stop switch while these spinning cylinders are rotating, the spinning cylinders corresponding to the pressing stop one by one. After all the spinning cylinders have stopped rotating, the combination of the spinning cylinder stop symbols determines whether or not the game is successful, and if it is a game, the dispensing device is configured to dispense the number of game balls according to that game. A payout instruction signal is output. When the payout device receives the payout instruction signal, the payout device pays out the number of game balls instructed by the payout instruction and gives a predetermined game value to the player. (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, when a lending device that controls gaming ball lending is connected to a game ball revolving gaming machine, when the player operates a lending request switch, a lending request signal is output from the lending device to the lending device. The payout device that has received the lending request signal pays out the game ball and gives a predetermined game value requested by the player. Generally, in a game machine using a game ball, while the game ball is being paid out, the next game is not started, so the game ball is thrown out or the start lever is operated. Done after. Therefore, it is preferable that the game ball is paid out in a short time.

Here, a payout device for a gaming machine using a game ball is, for example, a rotating body in which a recess for receiving a game ball is formed on a substantially circular outer periphery, and the outer periphery of the rotating body and the recess. It is composed of a case that forms a space that is slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball, and a drive device that rotationally drives the rotating body. When the game ball starts to be paid out, the driving device starts the rotation of the rotating body. When the concave portion of the rotating body reaches the insertion port, the gaming ball is inserted into the concave portion. When a game ball is transported through the case, the operation of the game ball is suppressed by the inner wall of the case, and a smooth payout is performed. When the game ball thrown into the recess of the rotating body reaches the outlet, the game ball falls from the recess of the rotating body and is paid out.
JP 2003-305167 A JP 2003-305168 A

  In the above-described game ball use revolving game machine in which a game ball is paid out by a payout device composed of a rotating body and a case, when the game ball is paid out in a short time, the rotational speed of the rotating body may be increased. If the rotational speed of the rotator is too high, the game ball may be exposed when the game ball is thrown into the recess of the rotator, and the game ball may not be thrown into the recess of the rotator, In some cases, a game ball may be bitten. The game ball revolving game machine cannot start the next game while the game ball is being paid out. Therefore, if the game ball is not thrown into the concave portion of the rotating body or the ball of the game ball is bitten, the game ball cannot be paid out in a short time, and there is a problem that the smooth game cannot proceed. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of quickly playing out game media and smoothly playing a game.

  In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes payout control means for paying out game media based on a payout instruction transmitted from the external control means, and stores a plurality of game media. Means, and a plurality of passages that communicate with the storage means and into which the game medium flows, and gate means that are respectively provided in the plurality of passages and permit or prohibit the passage of the game media through the passages, When the payout control means receives a payout instruction transmitted from the external control means, the payout control means sets a payout number of game media based on the received payout instruction, and the game set by the setting means Distributing means that distributes the number of paid-out media to the plurality of passages approximately the same number, and the gate hand to allow passage of the number of game media distributed by the distributing means. And a gate control means for controlling the.

  The external control means may be a main control means that performs the main control of the game, or a lending control means that controls the lending of game balls. Further, the external control means may include a plurality of main control means and lending control means. The payout instruction transmitted from the main control means is exemplified by a payout instruction instructing payout of the number of game media accompanying the winning. The payout instruction transmitted from the loan control means is accompanied by a loan request. A payout instruction for instructing payout of a number of game media is exemplified.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the distribution means is based on a result of dividing the number of game media payouts set by the setting means by the number of the plurality of passages. The distribution means for distributing the number of game media payouts set by the setting means to each passage approximately the same number, and the expected number of game media distributed to each passage by the distribution means for each passage A passage number storage means for storing each of the passages, and the gate control means controls the gate means for a passage whose content of the passage number storage means is 1 or more to allow passage of game media in the passage. On the other hand, when the number of game media stored in the passage number storage means passes through the passage, the gate means is controlled to prohibit passage of game media through the passage.

  The gaming machine according to claim 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distribution means passes the allocated number of game media even if the gate control means allows the game media to pass. When there is a passage that cannot be confirmed, the number of game media that could not be confirmed to be passed to passages other than the passage where the passage of the game medium cannot be confirmed is redistributed to each passage, and the gate control means The gate means is controlled to allow passage of the number of game media redistributed by the distribution means.

  According to the gaming machine of claim 1, when paying out a plurality of game media stored in the storage means to the outside of the game machine, so that the game media pass through the plurality of passages communicating with the storage means approximately the same number. The payout number of game media set by the setting means is distributed by the distribution means for each passage. The gate means provided for each passage is controlled by the gate control means, the passage of game media in each passage is permitted or prohibited, and the assigned number of game media passes through the assigned passage, A payout is made.

  Thus, according to the gaming machine of claim 1, when paying out a plurality of gaming media to the outside of the gaming machine, the plurality of gaming media are distributed so as to pass through each passage approximately the same number, The game medium is paid out through each passage. Therefore, the game media can be paid out simultaneously in each passage, so that the game media can be quickly paid out, and as a result, the waiting time until the next game is started can be shortened. The effect is that you can proceed smoothly.

  Also, when paying out game media, the gate means is controlled by the gate control means so as to allow the passage of game media, so compared with the case where game media is paid out by a payout device comprising a rotating body and a case. Thus, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the ball biting and to reduce the occurrence of the failure of the dispensing device accompanying the ball biting. Further, since the game medium continuously passes through the passage only by operating the gate means so as to allow the passage of the game medium, the game medium can be operated with less operation than the payout device composed of the rotating body and the case. There is an effect that the payout can be performed.

According to the gaming machine according to claim 2, in addition to the effect achieved by the gaming machine according to claim 1, the setting is based on the result of dividing the number of game media payout set by the setting means by the number of the plurality of passages. The number of game media payouts set by the means is distributed to each passage by the distributing means by approximately the same number , and this is stored in the scheduled passage number storage means. And according to the number memorize | stored in the number-of-passage storage means, a gate control means controls a gate means for every path | pass, and accepts or prohibits passage of a game medium. Therefore, according to such control, there is an effect that a plurality of game media can be distributed and passed through a plurality of passages almost evenly.

  According to the gaming machine of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the gaming machine of the first or second aspect, even if a failure or the like in which the game medium cannot pass through a part of the passage occurs due to the failure or the like The number of game media that could not be confirmed is redistributed to a passage other than the passage through which the game media could not pass, and the game media is tried again. Therefore, even if a failure or the like occurs in a part of the passages, there is an effect that the game medium can be paid out using the passage without the failure or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  On the left side of the sub-panel 10, a ball rental operation unit 13 is provided. The ball lending operation unit 13 is a ball lending operation or a card returning operation in the state where a bill or a card is inserted into a vertically long card unit (ball lending unit) 20 disposed on the left side of the gaming machine 1, for example. The ball lending button 14, the return button 15, and the frequency indicator 16 are arranged in parallel. The ball lending button 14 is a button operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like, and the remaining amount is left on the card or the like inserted into the card unit 20 by the operation of the ball lending button 14. As long as it exists, the rented balls are paid out (in this embodiment, the number of lent balls that are lent by one operation of the ball lending button 14 is 25 balls). The return button 15 is a button operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit 20. The frequency display 16 is a display for displaying remaining amount information such as a card inserted in the card unit 20, and is composed of 7 segment LEDs. The frequency display 16 may be replaced with a liquid crystal display.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the back side structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a payout device unit 90, a back cover 91, and board boxes 92 and 93 are mainly provided on the back of the gaming machine 1. Further, inside the rear cover 91, the surface changing block 80 (see FIG. 3) including the liquid crystal display unit 81 and the reel unit 82, and the main controller 110 and the display controller 310 (see FIG. 16), respectively. A stored board box (not shown) is provided.

  The payout device unit 90 and the back cover 91 are integrated as a single unit, and are attached to the gaming machine main body 3 by using one end side (the starboard side in FIG. 4) in the lateral direction as viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1 as a support shaft. It can be opened and closed. The opening / closing directions of the payout device unit 90 and the back cover 91 are opened / closed to the right when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1. Also, the payout device unit 90 and the back cover 91 integrated as one unit can be fixed by three lock mechanisms 91a provided in the up and down direction (up and down direction in FIG. 4) of the gaming machine 1, and the lock mechanism When the lock of 91a is released, the dispensing device unit 90, the back cover 91, and the surface changing block 80 are integrally opened and closed. Further, of the three lock mechanisms 91a, two lock mechanisms 91b are provided between the lock mechanism 91a provided at the lower stage and the lock mechanism 91a provided at the middle stage. When the locks of the two lock mechanisms 91b are released, the dispensing device unit 90 and the back cover 91 are further opened and closed with respect to the surface changing block 80. Therefore, if only the lock mechanism 91b is unlocked while the lock mechanism 91a is locked, only the dispensing device unit 90 and the back cover 91 can be opened and closed.

  The payout device unit 90 is a device that pays out a predetermined number of game balls accompanying a prize ball or a rental ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41. The dispensing device unit 90 is disposed across the upper part of the back cover 91 (upper side in FIG. 4) and the right side of the back cover 91 (starboard side in FIG. 4) so as to bypass the back cover 91. The payout device unit 90 has a tank 910 serving as a storage means whose upper surface is opened at the top of the back cover 91, and a plurality of game balls provided below the tank 910, and is gently inclined toward the downstream side. The tank rail 920 includes a case rail 930 that is connected to the tank rail 920 and arranged vertically on the downstream side, and a dispensing device 940 provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 930. . A detailed description of the dispensing device unit 90 will be described later.

  The board box 92 is a box in which a payout control device 210 (see FIG. 16), which will be described later, is housed, and the board box 93 is a box in which a power supply device 120, which will be described later, is housed. The board boxes 92 and 93 are each formed from a transparent resin material. The board boxes 92 and 93 are integrated as one unit (a payout control unit 55 to be described later, see FIG. 5), and support one end side (the starboard side in FIG. 4) in the lateral direction when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1. The shaft can be opened and closed with respect to the gaming machine body 3 as a shaft. The board boxes 92 and 93 are fixed by a lock mechanism 92a. By unlocking the lock mechanism 92a, the board box 92 is opened and closed to the right when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the saucer block 50 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the front frame 3 a provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 3 and the tray block 50 separately, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tray block 50. In FIG. 5, the card unit 20 is omitted. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper plate 36 on which the charging unit 52 is mounted. The saucer block 50 temporarily stores game balls that are lent out based on instructions from the card unit 20 and game balls that are awarded and paid out as a result of the game, and stores game balls for starting games in the gaming machine. It is for taking in (input).

  As shown in FIG. 5, an upper plate 36 for temporarily storing rented or paid out game balls is provided in front of the tray block 50. First, the details of the upper plate 36 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper plate 36 is formed in a horizontally long bowl shape, and is surrounded by a bottom plate portion 361 and a peripheral wall portion 362 to form a game ball storage area. A discharge port 363 for discharging the game ball into the upper plate 36 is formed in the wall portion on the far left side of the peripheral wall portion 362. An opening 364 is formed on the right side of the bottom plate portion 361. The game balls stored in the upper plate 36 are taken into the game machine 1 from the opening 364 via the input unit 52 described later, or discharged to the lower plate 41.

  The bottom plate portion 361 is generally configured to be lowered from the discharge port 363 toward the opening 364 (from the left side to the right side in FIG. 7). Specifically, the bottom plate portion 361 is formed in two stages in the front-rear direction, and further, the back region thereof is formed in two stages on the left and right. In this case, in the bottom plate portion 361, the front region R1 is the highest, the back left region R2 is next high, and the back right region R3 is the lowest. Accordingly, the game balls discharged from the discharge port 363 to the upper plate 36 flow to the opening 364 on the downstream side in the order of the regions R2, R1, and R3 or in the order of the regions R2 and R3.

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a cover member 375 is provided above the opening 364 of the upper plate 36 and the guide passages 371 to 373 so as to cover them. The cover member 375 is a member for restricting the size in the height direction of each guide passage 371 to 373 to approximately one game ball. By attaching the cover member 375 to the upper plate 36, each guide passage 371 is provided. The game balls are taken in (inserted) one by one from ˜373 into the insertion unit 52. The cover member 375 is made of a transparent material so that it can be visually confirmed whether or not there is a game ball below it.

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

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

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

  A substantially square opening 53f for accommodating a later-described throwing unit 52 is formed at the lower right of the spherical passage forming body 53. In addition, a payout control unit 55 is attached to the back surface of the ball passage forming body 53. The payout control unit 55 is configured by arranging a substrate box 92 and a substrate box 93 side by side and connecting the substrate boxes 92 and 93 with a connector 56.

  Next, the making unit 52 will be described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine 1 starts a game on the condition that 15 or 5 gaming balls are thrown into the gaming machine 1, and the throwing unit 52 is used for throwing the gaming balls into the gaming machine 1. Is. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the charging unit 52, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the charging unit 52. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the charging unit 52. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the charging operation and the discharging operation of the charging device 521a.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the charging unit 52 is formed in a substantially cubic shape as a whole by arranging three charging devices 521 a to 521 c in parallel. Side surfaces (left side surfaces when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front) of each of the input devices 521a to 521c are coupled by a coupling plate 523. In the upper surfaces of the charging devices 521a to 521c, inlet passages 522a to 522c that are opened upward and exposed to the outside are formed. The entrance passages 522a to 522c serve as entrances for game balls to the insertion unit 52, and the game balls supplied from the guide passages 371 to 373 of the upper plate 36 are first guided to the entrance passages 522a to 522c ( After that, it is taken into (inserted) into the input unit 52.

  Next, with reference to FIG.9 and FIG.10, the structure of each injection | throwing-in apparatus 521a-521c is demonstrated. Since each of the input devices 521a to 521c has a substantially similar configuration, the description will be given by taking one input device 521a as an example.

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

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

  An arcuate recess 525a1 is formed in the front-side passage wall 524a1, and a triangular mountain-shaped protrusion 525a2 is formed in the rear-side passage wall 524a2 at a position facing the recess 525a1. The recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2 constitute a rectifying unit for keeping the flow of the game ball constant. When the game ball flowing downstream (rightward in FIG. 10) through the inlet passage 522a reaches the rectifying portion composed of the recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2, it first collides with the protrusion 525a2, and then hits the inner wall of the recess 525a1. It collides and flows down while changing the flow direction (path). In this way, the course of the game ball is changed by the rectifying portion (the recess 525a1 and the protrusion 525a2) of the inlet passage 522a, so that the momentum of the flow of the game ball is reduced and the subsequent flow speed is reduced. Although the detection of the game ball is performed after passing through the rectifying unit, the false detection can be reduced by reducing the flow velocity. In addition, when a large number of game balls are connected in a daisy chain and inserted into the input device 521a, a passing interval between adjacent game balls can be increased due to a speed difference generated through the rectifying unit. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem of erroneously detecting a plurality of game balls as one game ball. In this manner, the detection of the game ball can be ensured by the rectifying unit (the recess 525a1 and the projection 525a2).

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

  The housing members 521a1 and 521a2 have different dimensions in the thickness direction, and most of the inlet passage 522a, the input passage 526a, and the discharge passage 527a are on the housing member 521a1 side (the front side in FIG. 9). Is formed. Thereby, the path | route with which a game ball actually contacts becomes the site | part remove | deviated from the boundary part (joining part) of both the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. Dust and dust are likely to accumulate at the boundary between the housing members 521a1 and 521a2. However, by adopting a configuration in which such a boundary portion is removed from the path where the game ball actually contacts, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the flow of the game ball is hindered by dust or dust accumulated in the boundary portion. .

  In FIG. 10, on the left side of the input passage 526a, an input gate member 530a is disposed along the vertical portion of the input passage 526a. The input gate member 530a is supported so as to be swingable about the support shaft 531a, and the claw portion 532a formed at the distal end portion of the input gate member 530a is moved by the swing with the support shaft 531a as a fulcrum. It appears at 526a. A passage cutout portion 533a is formed in the passage wall of the introduction passage 526a, and the claw portion 532a of the introduction gate member 530a protrudes and appears in the introduction passage 526a from the passage cutout portion 533a. At normal times, the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a protrudes into the insertion passage 526a, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is blocked. On the other hand, when the game ball is thrown in (taken in), the claw portion 532a of the throw gate member 530a is retracted from the throw passage 526a, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the throw passage 526a.

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

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

  In such a configuration, when the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, as shown in FIG. 10, the output shaft 535a of the closing solenoid 534a is held in an extended state by the urging force of the coil spring 536a, and the closing gate member 530a The nail | claw part 532a is the state protruded in the injection | throwing channel | path 526a. Thereby, the insertion passage 526a is closed, and the passage of the game ball through the insertion passage 526a is prevented.

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

  Thereafter, when the energization to the closing solenoid 534a is stopped, the output shaft 535a is extended by the biasing force of the coil spring 536a, and the swing piece 539a swings and rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10 about the shaft portion 538a. Then, the claw portion 532a of the charging gate member 530a returns to the state where it projects into the charging passage 526a. In this way, by applying power to the charging solenoid 534a, the charging passage 526a is opened, and by stopping the power supply, the charging passage 526a is closed.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 9, the discharge gate member 540 has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and substantially square-shaped openings 542a to 542c are formed at three locations. Wall-shaped wall plate portions 543a to 543c are formed between the openings 542a to 542c, respectively. The openings 542a to 542c and the wall plate portions 543a to 543c are formed corresponding to the discharge passages 527a to 527c of the input devices 521a to 521c, respectively, and slide the discharge gate member 540 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the discharge passages 527a to 527c are simultaneously opened or closed.

  A spring receiving portion 544 is formed at one end of the discharge gate member 540 (the right front end in FIG. 9), and a rod 545 is formed at the other end. Further, a cover member 528 is provided on one side surface of the charging device 521c. A coil spring (not shown) is incorporated between the cover member 528 and the spring receiving portion 544, and the discharge gate member 540 is constantly urged toward the left front side in FIG. 9 by the coil spring. In such a state, the discharge passages 527a to 527c are closed by the wall plate portions 543a to 543c, thereby preventing the game balls from being discharged.

  The rod 545 of the discharge gate member 540 is configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of the return lever 38 described above. When the return lever 38 is operated, the rod 545 of the discharge gate member 540 is changed to FIG. As a result, the discharge gate member 540 slides in this direction. As a result, the openings 542a to 542c reach the positions of the discharge passages 527a to 527c, the inlet passages 522a to 522c and the discharge passages 527a to 527c communicate with each other, and the game balls in the input unit 52 are discharged. It is discharged to the lower tray 41 through the passages 527a to 527c. On the other hand, when the operation of the return lever 38 is finished, the discharge gate member 540 is pushed back leftward in FIG. 9 by the biasing force of the coil spring, and as a result, the discharge gate member 540 slides in this direction. Thereby, each wall-plate part 543a-543c returns to the position of each discharge channel | path 527a-527c, and each discharge channel | path 527a-527c is closed.

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are provided at positions slightly offset from the center (positions slightly shifted to the left in FIG. 10) in the input passage 526a (not shown). The same applies to the sensor detection hole 554a). The positions where the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are formed are the game ball detection positions by the insertion sensor unit 550a. In this case, since the sensor detection holes 553a and 554a are provided immediately below the claw portion 532a formed at the tip of the insertion gate member 530a, the insertion is performed unless the claw portion 532a of the insertion gate member 530a moves to the immersive side. A game ball is not detected by the sensor unit 550a.

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the throwing-in operation (take-in operation) and the discharging operation of the game ball by the throwing device 521a will be described. FIG. 11A illustrates a standby state in which neither the insertion operation nor the discharge operation is performed, and FIG. 11B illustrates the execution state of the game ball insertion operation (take-in operation). FIG. 11C shows the execution state of the game ball discharge operation.

  The standby state in FIG. 11A is a case where the closing solenoid 534a is not energized and the discharge gate member 540 is not operated (the return lever 38 is not operated). That is, since the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a protrudes into the closing passage 526a. Further, since the discharge gate member 540 is not operated, the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 is positioned at the discharge passage 527a, and the inlet of the discharge passage 527a is closed. That is, the insertion gate member 530a and the discharge gate member 540 close the input passage 526a and the discharge passage 527a, thereby preventing the game ball from passing. In this case, of the game balls that have entered the insertion device 521a, the leading game ball is held in a state where it hits both the input gate member 530a and the discharge gate member 540.

  When the energizing solenoid 534a is energized from the standby state of FIG. 11 (a), the game ball is placed (taken) in an operation state shown in FIG. 11 (b). That is, when energization to the making solenoid 534a is performed, the claw portion 532a of the making gate member 530a is in a state of being retracted (retracted) from the making passage 526a. In such a state, the game balls are allowed to pass through the insertion passage 526a, and the game balls are sequentially inserted (taken in). When the game ball is thrown in, the game ball that has entered the entrance passage 526a from the entrance passage 522a collides with the wall plate portion 543a of the discharge gate member 540 in the passage closed state, and the momentum of the flow is reduced by the collision. In addition, after a momentary stop state, the air flows to the downstream side of the charging passage 526a. For this reason, in the insertion passage 526a, the front and rear game balls flow down in a state of being separated from each other, so that the insertion sensor unit 550a can reliably detect the passage of the game balls.

  When the player performs a discharge operation (operation of the return lever 34 by the player) from the standby state of FIG. 11A, the game ball discharge operation state shown in FIG. In such a state, the discharge gate member 540 operates (slides), the opening 542a of the discharge gate member 540 reaches the position of the discharge passage 527a, and the discharge passage 527a is opened. At this time, since the closing solenoid 534a is not energized, the claw portion 532a of the closing gate member 530a protrudes into the closing passage 526a, and the closing passage 526a is in a closed state. Therefore, the game ball that has entered from the entrance passage 522a is blocked from passing to the input passage 526a and allowed to pass to the discharge passage 527a. As a result, the game ball passes through the discharge passage 527a and is discharged to the lower plate 41. Is done. Thereby, the game balls are discharged (ball removal).

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

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

  Next, the dispensing device unit 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the payout device unit 90 is a device that pays out a predetermined number of game balls accompanying a prize ball or a rental ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41, and mainly includes a tank 910, a tank rail 920, and a case rail. 930 and a payout device 940. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the entire payout operation unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the payout device unit 90 is provided with a tank 910 having an opening at the top when viewed from the back of the gaming machine 1. The tank 910 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from a game ball supply mechanism (not shown) provided in the island facility of the game hall. Below the tank 910, a tank rail 920 that has a plurality of game ball passages and is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, a case rail 930 is connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 920. ing. A payout device 940 composed of two ball payout units 941 is connected to the most downstream portion of the case rail 930, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately by the payout device 940. The game ball paid out by the payout device 940 is guided to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 46 as a ball receiving tray. The payout unit 90 is provided with a payout relay board 948 (see FIG. 14) for relaying a payout instruction signal from the payout control device 210 (see FIG. 16) to the payout device 940. A power switch board (not shown) for taking in is installed.

  The dispensing device unit 90 is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polycarbonate resin) from the tank 910 to the dispensing device 940, and at least one place is grounded. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the noise by charging of a game ball can be suppressed.

  Here, the tank 910, the tank rail 920, and the case rail 930 will be described in detail.

  The tank 910 is formed to be longer in the left-right direction (the direction from the port side to the starboard side in FIG. 12) than in the front-rear direction (the direction from the left front side to the starboard side in FIG. 12), and has a substantially box shape with the top opened. The game ball is stored in the inside of the box. The tank 910 is formed with a substantially rectangular outlet 911 for leading the game ball to the tank rail 920 on one end side in the left-right direction at the bottom (left side of FIG. 12). The lead-out port 911 is formed to be approximately equal to the width in the front-rear direction of the tank 910, and the game ball can be smoothly inserted into the tank rail 920 from the lead-out port 911. Further, the bottom portion of the tank 910 is formed to be inclined downward toward the outlet port 911 in order to guide the game ball to the outlet port 911.

  In FIG. 12, although not shown, an emptying prevention switch 221 (see FIG. 16) for detecting the storage amount of the game ball is provided on the upstream side of the tank 910. The empty-out prevention switch 221 is configured to be able to detect whether or not game balls are stored up to the upstream side of the tank 910 (whether or not the tank 910 is almost full of game balls). In other words, when a game ball is not detected by the empty cut prevention switch 221, a game ball is supplied from the island facility to the tank 910, and when a game machine is detected by the empty cut prevention switch 221, a game from the island facility is performed. The supply of the sphere is configured to be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to reliably pay out game balls while maintaining a state where game balls are always stored in the tank 910.

  The tank rail 920 is provided with three partition walls 921 extending in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction, the direction from the port side to the right front side in FIG. 12). The three partition walls 921 form four rows. A spherical passage 922 is formed. The four rows of ball passages 922 are each formed to be slightly wider than the diameter of the game balls, reducing clogging of the game balls in the ball passages 922 and reducing play of the game balls in the ball passages 922. It is configured as follows. In addition, it is good also as what provides the protrusion etc. in order to improve the inductivity of a game ball and to suppress clogging of a ball in the bottom face of each ball path 922.

  In addition, a rectifying plate 923 is disposed on the tank rail 920 so as to cover the ceiling portion of the downstream end portion (the right front end portion in FIG. 12 and the end portion on the case rail 930 side). On the tank rail 920 side (the port side in FIG. 12) of the rectifying plate 923, a convex portion (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction is formed. The convex portions of the current plate 923 prevent the game balls flowing down in the tank rail 920 from being stacked up and down, and can smoothly guide them to the downstream side without clogging the game balls. The rectifying plate 923 is configured to be detachable with respect to the tank rail 920. By detaching the rectifying plate 923 from the tank rail 920, maintenance inside the tank rail 920 can be easily performed. Further, the current plate 923 is formed of a transparent polycarbonate resin, so that the state of the game ball in the tank rail 920 can be confirmed during maintenance, and the current plate 923 does not have to be removed every maintenance.

  The case rail 930 includes four rows of ball passages 931 a to 931 d corresponding to the four rows of ball passages 922 of the tank rail 920. The ball passages 931a to 931b of the case rail 930 are configured such that two rows and one set of ball passages are arranged adjacent to each other so as to correspond to the two ball payout units 941 of the payout device 940. Specifically, a ball passage set including ball passages 931a and 931b provided on the starboard side corresponding to the starboard side ball payout unit 941 in FIG. 12, and a left hand corresponding to the ball payout unit 941 on the left front side in FIG. And a ball passage set including ball passages 931c and 931d provided on the front side. The ball passages 931a to 931d can wait for game balls flowing down from the tank rail 920 and individually guide them to the payout device 940.

  Further, on the upstream side of the case rail 930, a storage amount detection switch 935 for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d is disposed. The storage amount detection switch 935 includes four storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d corresponding to the ball passages 931a to 931d. The storage amount detection switch 935 is located upstream of the case rail 930 so that at least 20 gaming balls can be stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d on the upstream side of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 of the payout device 940. On the side. This is because since the maximum number of payouts per game machine 1 is 75, if 20 or more game balls are stored in each of the ball passages 931a to 931d, the game balls can be paid out. It is. In addition, the storage amount detection switch 935 may detect whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d by one switch, or the ball passages 931a and 931b. It is good also as what carries out by two switches dividing into ball path 931c and 931d. Furthermore, the presence or absence of a game ball in the ball passages 931a to 931d may be directly detected, or a movable piece that moves according to the presence or absence of a game ball is provided, and the presence or absence of a game ball is determined based on the operation of the movable piece. It may be detected.

  Next, the payout device 940 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13 is a perspective view of the payout device 940, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the payout device 940.

  As described above, the payout device 940 includes two ball payout units 941. Each of the ball dispensing units 941 is covered with a case body 942 made of a transparent resin material, for example, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  The case body 942 includes a first base portion 942a on the starboard side in FIG. 13, a second base portion 942b on the left front side in FIG. 13 of the first base portion 942a, and a left front side in FIG. 13 in the second base portion 942b. And a cover portion 942c that covers the side surface of the head. The case body 942 has a three-layer structure in which the first base portion 942a, the second base portion 942b, and the cover portion 942c are integrally assembled by fastening means such as screws. The first base portion 942a, the second base portion 942b, and the cover portion 942c are integrally assembled, and a ball path for flowing down the game ball and a payout mechanism for paying out the game ball are disposed in the ball payout unit 941. A space is formed. The space in which the ball passage and the payout mechanism are disposed is formed by connecting ribs and the like protruding from the first base portion 942a, the second base portion 942b, and the cover portion 942c.

  Specifically, a first ball passage 943a communicating with both upper and lower sides (upper and lower surfaces in FIG. 13) in the case body 942 is formed between the first base portion 942a and the second base portion 942b. A first stopping mechanism 944a (see FIG. 14) is disposed on the side of the internal first ball passage 943a. Similarly, a second ball passage 943b is formed between the second base portion 942b and the cover portion 942c, and a second stopping mechanism 944b is disposed on the side of the second ball passage 943a inside the case body 942. (See FIG. 14).

  The first ball passage 943a, the second ball passage 943b, the first stopping mechanism 944a, and the second stopping mechanism 944b are configured in the same shape. Accordingly, the ball payout unit 941 includes two ball passages 943a and 943b configured in the same shape and two stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b configured in the same shape. In the present embodiment, the first ball passage 943a and the second ball passage 943b are formed in a cylindrical passage having a substantially square cross section, and the diameter of a general game ball is about 11 mm. The length of one side of the ball passages 943a and 943b is set to approximately 12 mm so that a necessary gap is formed between the game ball and the ball passages 943a and 943b.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the first ball passage 943a has an opening 943a1 on the upper surface of the case body 942 (upper surface of FIG. 14), and the left and right directions from the opening 943a1 (the direction from the right front side to the port side in FIG. 14). A stationary passage portion 943a2 inclined relatively gently downward, a dispensing passage portion 943a3 communicating with the downstream side of the stationary passage portion 943a2 and extending along a substantially vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 14), and the dispensing passage portion 943a3 It is composed of a ball passage portion 943a4 that is branched from the middle and inclined downward. An opening 943a5 of the payout passage portion 943a3 and an opening portion 943a6 of the ball removal passage portion 943a4 are formed on the lower surface of the case body 942. Similarly to the first ball passage 943a, the second ball passage 943b includes an opening 943b1, a stop passage portion 943b2, a payout passage portion 943b3, a ball discharge passage portion 943b4, and an opening portion 943b5 of the payout passage portion 943b3. It is comprised from the opening part 943b6 of the ball extraction channel | path part 943b4. Therefore, the game balls thrown from the openings 943a1 and 943b1 pass through the stop passages 943a2 and 943b2, the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, the openings 943a5 and 943b5 of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, or the stop passages. It passes through the openings 943a6 and 943b6 of the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4, the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4, and the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4.

  Here, the stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b will be described in detail. The stop mechanisms 944a and 944b are disposed below the stop passage portions 943a2 and 943b2, beside the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and above the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4. The stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b are configured to be independently driven.

  The stopping mechanisms 944a and 944b are flickers 944a1 and 944b1 as stop means, payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 as drive means, and drive transmission means for interlocking the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 and payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2, respectively. The drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are configured.

  The payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are attached to plungers 944a4 and 944b4 as sliding means projecting downward (downward in FIG. 14), and lower tips of the plungers 944a4 and 944b4, and are integrated with the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. In particular, slide members 944a5 and 944b5 are provided which slide in the vertical direction (upward direction in FIG. 14). Note that a coil spring as an elastic member (not shown) is attached to the plungers 944a4 and 944b4, and the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 are pushed downward when the dispensing solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are not energized (normal time) ( FIG. 15 (a) state). When the dispensing solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are energized (during driving), the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 are pulled upward (state shown in FIG. 15B). In the present embodiment, a position where the plungers 944a4, 944b4 are pushed down is a first sliding position, and a position where the plungers 944a4, 944b4 are pulled up is a second sliding position.

  The flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are pivotally supported in the vicinity of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 by a support shaft 945 inserted through the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, respectively. The support shaft 945 passes through the second base portion 943b, is inserted through both the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and is attached between the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c.

  The flickers 944a1 and 944b1 have a substantially arc shape, and a tip portion located above the support shaft 945 is tapered. Openings 943a7 and 943b7 are formed in the side walls in the vicinity of the upper ends of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3. When the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 rotate around the support shaft 945, the flickers are provided via the openings 943a7 and 943b7. The leading ends of 944a1 and 944b1 project into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3. With the tip ends of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 protruding into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, the game balls cannot pass through the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the game balls stop in the stop passage portions 943a2 and 943b2. . The state in which the tip portions of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 protrude into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 is a state in which the game balls are prohibited from passing through the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the tip portions of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 Is not protruding into the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, which means that the game ball is allowed to pass through the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3.

  The drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are disposed below the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 (downward in FIG. 14), and are formed in a substantially square shape. The drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are pivotally supported by a support shaft 946 inserted therethrough. Like the support shaft 945, the support shaft 946 passes through the second base portion 942b, is inserted into both the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3, and is attached between the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c. Yes.

  Engaging recesses 944a6 and 944b6 are formed at the lower ends (lower ends in FIG. 14) of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the distal end portions of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 are engaged with the engaging recesses 944a6 and 944b6. It is joined (free fitting). Further, a long hole (not shown) is formed on the flange side of the engagement recesses 944a6 and 944b6 (the starboard side in FIG. 14), and an engagement pin protruding from the tip of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 to the long hole is provided. It is inserted. With this configuration, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 rotate in conjunction with the operation of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3.

  Engaging recesses 944a7 and 944b7 are formed in the lower end portions (lower ends in FIG. 14) of the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3. The engaging recesses 944a7 and 944b7 are attached to the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. The front ends of the slide members 944a5 and 944b5 are inserted. Therefore, when the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 move in the vertical direction, the drive transmission members 944a3 and 944b3 operate in conjunction with each other, and as a result, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 operate in conjunction with each other.

  A payout count switch 222 is attached to the side surface of the case body 942 (the side surface on the port side in FIG. 14) at a position near the tip of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. The payout count switch 222 is positioned slightly downstream from the position of the most downstream game ball stopped by the tip of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the flicker 944a1 and 944b1 rotates to start the flow of the game ball The game ball immediately after being played can be detected.

  The payout count switch 222 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body portion 222a that encloses a substrate and the like and a longitudinal direction of the main body portion 222a (a direction from the left front side to the starboard side in FIG. 14). A transmissive photosensor that includes a light-emitting unit 222b and a first light-receiving unit 222c and a second light-receiving unit 222d that project from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit 222a so as to face the light-emitting unit 222b. is there. Since the payout count switch 222 includes two light receiving portions 222c and 222d for one light emitting portion 222b, the payout count switch 222 can be downsized.

  On the side surface of the case body 942, there are an attachment recess 942d into which the payout count switch 222 is fitted, and locking claws 942e1 and 942e2 (see FIG. 15) provided in a pair of upper and lower positions for locking the payout count switch 222. Is provided. The mounting recess 942d includes a recess into which the main body portion 222a of the payout count switch 222 is fitted over the entire left and right direction of the case body 942 (the direction from the left front side to the starboard side in FIG. 14), and the second base portion 942b. Are formed in the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c, and the light receiving portions 222c and 222d are fitted in the recesses. Thus, even when the payout count switch 222 is attached, the ball payout unit 941 can be maintained in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape because it is housed in the attachment recess 942d. In addition, since the case body 942 can be clamped with the payout count switch 222 attached, the case body 942 can be assembled without using a fastening member such as a screw, and the screw etc. can be loosened. Even if it is, the case body 942 can be prevented from being easily detached.

  Further, a payout relay board 948 is provided on the side surface of the case body 942 below the payout count switch 222. The payout relay board 948 is electrically connected to the payout count switch 222 via the connector 948a (see FIG. 15), and electrically connected to the two payout solenoids 944a4 and 944b4 via the connector 948b (see FIG. 15). The connector 948c (see FIG. 15) is electrically connected to the payout control device 210 (see FIG. 16). For convenience, electrical wiring is omitted in each drawing. Via this payout relay board 948, the ball payout unit 941 is driven and controlled based on the output signal from the payout control device 210, and the output signal from the payout count switch 222 is input to the payout control device 210 to play the game ball. The number of payouts is counted.

  Switching members 949a and 949b serving as path switching means are disposed at the branch points between the payout path portions 943a3 and 943b3 and the ball passage paths 943a4 and 943b4 of the first and second ball paths 943a and 943b. The switching members 949a and 949b are formed integrally with the switching valve portions 949a1 and 949b1 that function as the flow path side walls of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 and the ball discharge passage portions 943a4 and 943b4, and the lower ends of the switching valve portions 949a1 and 949b1. The support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 and operation portions 949a3 and 949b3 provided in parallel to the support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 on the distal end side of the switching valve portions 949a1 and 949b1.

  The support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 are pivotally supported between the first base portion 942a and the second base portion 942b, and between the second base portion 942b and the cover portion 942c, respectively. 949a and 949b are configured to be rotationally displaced about the support portions 949a2 and 949b2 as axes. Then, depending on the stop position of the switching members 949a and 949b, one of the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 or the ball removal passage portions 943a4 and 943b4 is brought into a communication state. That is, the switching members 949a and 949b are provided with a payout passage opening position (the state shown in FIG. 15A or the state shown in FIG. 15B) and the payout passage portion 943a3. , 943b3 is prohibited from flowing down the game ball, and is rotated and displaced to the ball removal passage opening position (state of FIG. 15C) where the game ball flows down along the ball removal passage portions 943a4 and 943b4.

  Further, the support shaft portions 949a2 and 949b2 are configured to be connected via a shaft hole 942b1 provided in the second base portion 942b. As for operation part 949a3, 949b3, protrusion part 949a4, 949b4 is formed in the starboard side edge part of FIG. 14, and recessed part 949a5, 949b5 is formed in the left front side edge part. The protrusion 949b4 of the operation portion 949b3 and the recess 949a5 of the operation portion 949a3 are engaged through a long hole 942b2 formed in the second base portion 942b. As a result, the switching members 949a and 949b are integrally formed. It is comprised so that rotation displacement is possible.

  Further, the protrusion 949a4 of the operation portion 949a3 protrudes to the outside of the ball dispensing unit 941 through a long hole 942a2 provided in the first base portion 942a. The concave portion 949b5 of the operation portion 949b3 protrudes outside the ball dispensing unit 941 through a long hole 942c2 provided in the cover portion 942c. Therefore, when connecting the two ball paying units 941, the protruding portion 949 a 4 protruding from one ball paying unit 941 is engaged with the recess 949 b 5 protruding from the other paying unit 941, and the two ball paying units 941 are engaged. The switching members 949a and 949b are configured to be integrally rotated and displaced.

  As shown in FIG. 13, on the back side (the left front side in FIG. 13) of the gaming machine 1 of the cover portion 942c, the switching members 949a and 949b are switched and the game balls are released from the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. A ball removal operation lever 950 is provided so as to be manually operable. The ball removal operation lever 950 is fixed between a shaft rod 951 (see FIG. 14) attached so as to penetrate the case body 942, and thus rotates between a first operation position and a second operation position, which will be described later. It is free to move. The ball removal operation lever 950 is formed in a substantially fan shape having a substantially arc shape on the tip side with respect to a portion fixed to the shaft 951.

  Further, a long hole 950a into which the concave portion 949b5 of the operation portion 949b3 of the switching member 949b is inserted is formed at one end portion in the rotation direction (left side of FIG. 13) of the ball removal operation lever 950. Next to the elongated hole 950a, a substantially flat operation portion 950b extending in the radial direction from the axial center of the ball removal operation lever 950 is projected. By operating the operation portion 950b in the direction along the circumference of the ball removal operation lever 950 (the port side of FIG. 13 and the right front side of FIG. 13), the operation portion 949b3 of the switching member 949b inserted through the elongated hole 950a is interlocked. The switching members 949a and 949b operate in conjunction with each other. When the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the first operation position (right front side in FIG. 13), the switching members 949a and 949b are located in the payout passage opening position, and the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the second operation position (see FIG. 13 port side), the switching members 949a and 949b operate so as to be positioned at the ball passage passage opening position.

  Further, on the cover portion 942c side of the ball removing operation lever 950, a locking convex portion 950c formed in a substantially hemispherical shape is provided so as to lock the state where the ball removing operation lever 950 is rotated. Yes. Corresponding to this locking projection 950c, on the surface of the cover portion 942c, a first engagement recess 942c3 (see FIG. 14) and a second engagement recess 942c4 (see FIG. 14) with which the locking projection 950c can be engaged. For example). When the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the first operation position, the engagement protrusion 950c is engaged with the first engagement recess 942c3, and when the ball removal operation lever 950 is in the second operation position, the engagement protrusion 950c is engaged. The mating convex portion 950c engages with the second engaging concave portion 942c4. Therefore, when the ball removal operation lever 950 is rotated to the first operation position or the second operation position, the engagement convex portion 950c and the engagement concave portions 942c3 and 942c4 engage with each other at the respective positions. The extraction operation lever 950 can be locked. That is, the engaging protrusions 950c and the engaging recesses 942c3 and 942c4 are engaged with each other, thereby restricting the loose movement of the switching members 949a and 949b and the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and stopping and positioning at each position with certainty. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the back side of the first base portion 942a of the shaft rod 951 supported by the ball removal operation lever 950 (the first base portion 942a on the left front side of FIG. 14 and the cover portion 942c on the starboard side). A connecting bar 952 extending from the axial center of the shaft rod 951 along the radial direction is attached so as to be substantially parallel to the operation portion 950b of the ball removal operation lever 950. A connecting hole 952a into which the operation portion 950b of the ball removing operation lever 950 of another ball paying unit 941 is fitted when the ball paying unit 941 is connected is formed at the front end (radially leading end) of the connecting bar 952. Has been. In addition, a pair of regulating ribs 950d and 950e are provided in the vicinity of the axis of the ball removal operation lever 950. When the ball dispensing unit 941 is coupled, the position of the coupling bar 952 is regulated by the pair of regulating ribs 950d and 950e. That is, when the positions of the ball removal operation levers 950 of one ball dispensing unit 941 and the other ball dispensing unit 941 are different, the restriction ribs 950d and 950e and the connection bar 952 come into contact with each other so that the ball dispensing unit 941 cannot be connected. Has been. Therefore, when the ball paying units 941 are connected, the rotation positions of the ball removal operation levers 950 of the adjacent ball paying units 941 are the same, so the positions of the switching members 949a and 949b and the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are Each ball payout unit 941 can be reliably linked.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the case body 942, there is a space between the first base portion 942a and the second base portion 942b below the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 (below the plungers 944a4 and 944b4). And the action transmission member 953 is arrange | positioned so that the space between the 2nd base part 942b and the cover part 942c may be straddled. The action transmission member 953 is a member for operating the plungers 944a4 and 944b4 in conjunction with the operation of the ball removal operation lever 950. The action transmitting member 953 includes a main body portion 953a that is pivotally supported between the first base portion 942a and the cover portion 942c, and an operating element that protrudes from the main body portion 953a corresponding to the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. 953b and 953c, and a projecting portion 953d projecting so as to be substantially orthogonal to the operating element 953c in the vicinity of the end of the main body portion 953a on the cover portion 942c side. Further, an operation portion 953e protruding toward the cover portion 942c is provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the protruding portion 953d. A long hole 942c5 is formed in the cover portion 942c corresponding to the movement range of the operation portion 953e, and the operation portion 953e of the action transmitting member 953 protrudes outside the ball dispensing unit 941 through the long hole 942c5. ing. Further, the ball removal operation lever 950 is formed with a long hole 950f through which the operation portion 953e is inserted in the vicinity of the opposite end portion of the long hole 950a. Therefore, when the ball removal operation lever 950 is operated, the operation unit 950e operates in conjunction with the ball removal operation lever 950, the action transmitting member 953 rotates, and the operation elements 953c and 953d move the plungers 944a4 and 944b4. Push up. As a result, similarly to the case where the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are energized, the tip ends of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 escape from the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3, and the game ball can flow down, and the ball discharge passage portion. A game ball is extracted through 943a4 and 943b4.

  Now, at the four corners of the cover portion 942c, boss portions 942c6 projecting outward from the ball dispensing unit 941 are provided, and at the tip of the boss portion 942c6, a projection portion 942c7 is provided. On the other hand, holes (not shown) into which the protrusions 942c7 of the boss 942c6 can be fitted are provided at the four corners of the first base 942a. The connection position of the ball paying unit 941 is determined by the projection 942c7 of the boss 942c6 and the hole of the first base 942a (not shown). The dispensing device 940 is attached by inserting a metal rod (not shown) into a through-hole 954 penetrating the substantially central position of the ball dispensing unit 941 and screwing the metal rod to the tip of the metal rod with a screw member. , Fixed and mounted.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the game ball payout operation and ball removal operation of the payout device 940 will be described. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating states of the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 and the switching members 949a1 and 949b1 of the dispensing device 940. FIG. 15 (a) shows a state where the game ball is stopped, FIG. 15 (b) shows a state where the game ball passes through the payout passage portion 943a3, and FIG. 15 (c) shows a game ball. Shows a state of passing through the ball passage portion 943a4. FIG. 15 illustrates the spherical passage 943a out of the spherical passages 943a and 943b. Since the spherical passage 943b operates in the same manner as the spherical passage 943a, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The state of FIG. 15A is a state in which the payout solenoid 944a2 is not energized, the ball removal operation lever 950 is locked at the first operation position (normal time), and the first stopping mechanism 944a is a game. It is in a state that regulates the flow of the sphere. That is, in the first stopping mechanism 944a, the dispensing solenoid 944a2 is de-energized, the plunger 944a4 is pushed downward by the coil spring (not shown), and the flicker 944a1 protrudes into the dispensing passage portion 943a3. Further, the ball removal operation lever 950 is locked at the first operation position, and as a result, the switching member 949a is positioned at the discharge passage opening position. That is, the switching member 949a is in a state where the game ball can flow down the payout passage portion 943a3, but the flicker 944a1 is in a state where the game ball cannot flow down.

  Then, when a prize ball is instructed from the main control device 110 or when the player operates the ball lending button 14, the payout solenoid 944a2 is energized and the plunger 944a4 is pulled up under the control of the payout control device 210. In conjunction with this, the drive transmission member 944a3 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise in FIG. 15) as viewed from the back side of the gaming machine 1, and the flicker 944a1 rotates clockwise (clockwise in FIG. 15). . When the flicker 944a1 rotates in the clockwise direction, the tip of the flicker 944a1 is in a state of sunk out of the payout passage portion 943a3, and the game ball suppressed by the flicker 944a1 flows down the payout passage portion 943a3, and the upper plate 36 or It is paid out to the lower plate 41 (state shown in FIG. 15B). Further, when the payout count switch 222 detects a predetermined number of game balls to be paid out, the payout solenoid 944a2 is deenergized by the control of the payout control device 210, and the state returns to the state of FIG. finish.

  FIG. 15C shows a state in which the game ball stopped in the ball payout unit 941 (stopped upstream from the flicker 944a1) is removed. The ball removal operation is an operation performed after the inspection at the time of shipment of the gaming machine 1 or when an error occurs (at the time of failure). Note that this embodiment can be executed even when the ball dispensing unit 941 is in a non-energized state.

  In order to remove the game ball, first, the ball removal operation lever 950 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the back side of the gaming machine 1. Due to the operation of the ball removal operation lever 950, the locking projection 950c is disengaged from the first locking recess 942c3, and the ball removal operation lever 950 rotates counterclockwise from the first operation position.

  In conjunction with the turning operation of the ball removal operation lever 950, the switching member 949a is movably displaced counterclockwise to the ball removal passage opening position, and the plunger 944a4 is pushed up by the operation element 953b of the action transmission member 953. When the plunger 944a4 is pushed up, similarly to the state of FIG. 15B, the tip of the flicker 944a1 is submerged from the inside of the payout passage portion 943a3, and the game ball can flow down. Therefore, the game ball flowing down in the payout passage portion 943a3 is guided into the ball removal passage portion 943a4 by the switching member 949a, and is guided to a predetermined discharge portion of the island facility. When the ball removal operation lever 950 reaches the second operation position, the engagement convex portion 950c is engaged with the second engagement concave portion 942c4, and the ball removal operation lever 950 is locked at the second operation position.

  When the operation of the ball removal operation lever 950 is started, the flicker 944a1 and the switching member 949a are simultaneously rotated. However, before the flicker 944a1 is rotated so as to be able to pass the game ball, the switching member 949a is moved to the ball removal passage. It rotates to the state which can introduce a game ball into part 943b4. Therefore, the ball biting by the switching member 949a can be prevented.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the game ball using spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. The main control device 110 is for performing main control of the gaming machine 1. The main controller 110 is equipped with an MPU 111 of a microcomputer, which is an arithmetic processing means. The MPU 111 includes a ROM 112 which is a non-rewritable memory storing control programs and fixed value data, a RAM 113 which is a rewritable memory used as a work memory, a timer circuit, various peripheral control devices, etc. It has a built-in transmission / reception circuit and the like. The processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 18 to 30 are stored in the ROM 112 as a part of the control program. Details of the work memory of the RAM 113 will be described later with reference to FIG. A clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 114, and the like are connected to the MPU 111 via an internal bus or the like. The main control device 110 functions as a main board that performs main control of the gaming machine 1.

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

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

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

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

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

  On the output side of the input / output port 114 of the main control device 110, there are a display control device 310, an acquired ball number display 11 for displaying the number of acquired balls when a small combination is established, and a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. The number-of-games indicator 12 for displaying the number of remaining games, etc., the input solenoids 534a-534c provided in the input devices 521a-521c of the input unit 52 described above, and the reels 82L, 82M, 82R, respectively. Stepping motors 91L, 91M, and 91R that are individually rotated, an external terminal board 134 that transmits information to a hall management device (not shown), and an output signal line and a command signal line to a payout control device 210 described later are connected to each other. Has been.

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

  The payout control device 210 is for paying out a prize ball based on an instruction from the main control device 110 and for paying out a rental ball based on an instruction from the card unit 20. The payout control device 210 is equipped with an MPU 211 of a microcomputer that is an arithmetic processing means. The MPU 211 includes a ROM 212 which is a non-rewritable memory storing control programs and fixed value data, a RAM 213 which is a rewritable memory used as a work memory, a timer circuit, various peripheral control devices, and the like. It has a built-in transmission / reception circuit and the like. A clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 214, and the like are connected to the MPU 211 via an internal bus or the like. The processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 31 to 36 is stored in the ROM 212 as part of the control program. Details of the work memory of the RAM 213 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The I / O port 214 of the payout control device 210 is connected with an idle prevention switch 221, a payout count switch 222, an overflow detection switch 223, payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2, and a card unit connection board 21, respectively. Yes.

  The empty-out prevention switch 221 is a switch for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in a tank 910 (see FIG. 4) for storing a game ball used for payout. This is because the game ball cannot be paid out when there is no game ball in the storage tank. When the dispense control device 210 detects the absence of the storage tank ball for 200 ms in the “in-use tank ball” state by the output of the empty-out prevention switch 221, the state transitions to “in-the-ball no tank” state. To do. Conversely, when the presence of a storage tank ball is continuously detected for 2000 (= 200 × 10) ms in the state of “without tank ball”, the state transitions to “with tank ball”. As described above, the state transition to “with tank ball” or “without tank ball” is performed when the output of the emptying prevention switch 221 continues for 200 ms or more or 2000 ms or more, so that the game is temporarily stored in the storage tank. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like when there is no sphere. In particular, when the transition condition to “with tank ball” is made stricter than the transition condition to “without tank ball”, the “with tank ball” state can be reliably detected. Further, since the time for detecting the “without tank ball” state is shorter than the time for detecting the “with tank ball” state, the time difference between the tank 910 and the tank rail 920 (FIG. 4). (See) can secure a game ball.

  The payout count switch 222 is a switch for counting the paid game balls. As described above, in order to shorten the payout time of game balls, four payout passages (two first ball passages 943a and two second ball passages 943b) are provided, and the four payouts are provided. Each is done via a passage. In addition, as described above, the payout count switch 222 includes the first light receiving portion 222c and the second light receiving portion 222d so as to face the one light emitting portion 222b. One is provided.

  The overflow detection switch 223 is a switch for detecting whether or not the lower tray 41 is full with the paid out game balls. This is because even if the game balls are further paid out in a state where the lower plate 41 is full, the game balls overflow into the payout passage or the like and the game balls cannot be paid out. When the discharge control device 210 continuously detects that the lower plate 41 is not full in the “bottom full” state by the output of the overflow detection switch 223, the state is “no lower plate ball”. Transition to. On the contrary, when the full tank of the lower plate 41 is continuously detected for 200 ms in “without bottom pan ball”, the state transitions to “under full bottom pan”. As described above, when the output of the overflow detection switch 223 continues for 200 ms or more, the state transition to “bottom pan full” or “bottom pan no longer” is performed. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection or erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like.

  The storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are switches for detecting whether or not a game ball is stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d (see FIG. 4) of the case rail 930. With the output of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d, the payout control device 210 continues the absence of a ball in any of the ball passages 931a to 931d for 200 ms (third predetermined time) in the state of “with game balls”. If detected, the state transitions to “no gaming ball”. On the other hand, when the presence of balls in all the ball passages 931a to 931d is continuously detected for 2000 (= 200 × 10) ms (fourth predetermined time) in the “no game ball” state, the state is changed to “ Transition to “In the presence of a game ball”. In this way, when the output of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d continues for 200 ms or more or 2000 ms or more, the state transition to “with game ball” or “without game ball” is performed, so that the ball paths 931a to 931d. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like when the game ball temporarily disappears. In particular, by making the transition condition to “with a game ball” stricter than the transition condition to “without a game ball”, it is possible to reliably detect the “with game ball” state. In addition, since the time for detecting the “with game ball” state is longer than the time for detecting the “without game ball” state, the time difference, the game balls are placed in the ball passages 931a to 931d. Can be secured.

  The payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are actuators for starting payout of game balls. When the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are energized, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 (see FIG. 14) operate to open the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 (see FIG. 14), and the game balls are paid out. A total of four payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are provided in each of the four payout passages.

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, each memory provided in the RAM 113 of the main control device 110 and the RAM 213 of the payout control device 210 will be described with reference to FIG. The RAM 113 is provided with various memories, flags, counters, and the like shown in FIG. 17A, and the RAM 213 is provided with various memories, flags, counters, and the like shown in FIG.

  First, various memories, flags, and counters provided in the RAM 113 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The success / failure random number memory 113a is a memory for storing a random number value for determining a combination corresponding to the started game. It is determined by the value stored in the success / failure random number memory 113a which winning combination is won or missed. Among the random number values output from the random number counter update circuit 131, the random number value latched in the latch circuit 132 when the start lever 31 is operated is written in the random number memory 113a (S206 in FIG. 19). In the lottery process (S207 in FIG. 20) to be described later, the MPU 111 performs lottery of the role in light of the random value stored in the acceptance random number memory 113a against a random number table selected based on various conditions. It is determined whether or not the winning combination corresponding to the random number value (whether the winning combination is to be won or missed) and, if the winning combination is a winning combination, the type of winning combination to be won.

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

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

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

  The RB winning flag 113b is a flag that is turned on when an RB game is won by lottery processing (S207), and the RB setting flag 113c is a flag that is turned on when the RB game is established. That is, the RB setting flag 113c is turned on when the RB symbols are aligned in a state where the RB winning flag 113b is turned on. When the RB setting flag 113c is turned on, the RB winning flag 113b is turned off. When the RB game ends, the RB setting flag 113c is turned off.

  Similarly, the BB winning flag 113d is a flag that is turned on when a BB game is won by lottery processing (S207), and the BB setting flag 113e is a flag that is turned on when the BB game is established. . That is, the BB setting flag 113e is turned on when the BB symbols are aligned in a state where the BB winning flag 113d is turned on. When the BB setting flag 113e is turned on, the BB winning flag 113d is turned off. When the BB game ends, the BB setting flag 113e is turned off.

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

  The power failure flag 113h is a flag for notifying that a power failure has occurred or that the gaming machine 1 is powered off. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 124a is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 to the MPU 111 of the main controller 110. When the MPU 111 receives the power failure signal 124a, the MPU 111 executes an NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 30), and as a result, the power failure flag 113h is turned on. When the power failure flag 113h is turned on, a power failure process (S920) is executed in the timer interruption process (see FIG. 28). Once the power failure flag 113h is turned on, it is turned off in the power recovery process (S110 to S117) of the power-on process (see FIG. 18).

  The remaining payout number counter 113i is a counter that stores the payout number of game balls instructed from the main control device 110 to the payout control device 210 by a payout command. When the payout control device 210 pays out a game ball, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Main controller 110 decrements the value of remaining payout number counter 113i by 1 each time a rising pulse of the payout count signal is detected. In the power-on process (see FIG. 18), if the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is not 0, a payout command corresponding to that value is sent to the payout control device 210, and payout is incomplete before the power is shut off. The game balls are paid out when the power is turned on.

  The thrown-in number counter 113j is a counter that stores the number of game balls thrown into the gaming machine 1 by the game ball throwing process (S201). When the value of the inserted number counter 113j becomes 15 in the normal game and 5 in the JAC game, a new game can be started. When the game is started by operating the start lever 31, the value of the inserted number counter 113j is cleared to 0 (S206).

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

  The scheduled loading number counter 113m is a counter that stores the scheduled loading number in each of the loading devices 521a to 521c. The first to third counters 113m1 to 113m3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. The first item corresponds to the charging device 521a, the second item corresponds to the charging device 521b, and the third item corresponds to the charging device 521c. The value of the estimated number-of-inserts counter 113m is set by the input number distribution process (S813), and the value is subtracted by the input execution process (S816). When the value of the planned number-of-inputs counter 113m becomes 0, the input process for that item is completed.

  The input item pointer 113n is a pointer for designating the first item to the third item input item (input devices 521a to 521c). It is updated in the range of 1, 2, 3 in conjunction with Article 1 to Article 3. The input number distribution process (S813) and the input execution process (S816) are performed for each input device 521a to 521c by designating the value of the input item pointer 113n.

  The insertion retry flag 113o is a flag for storing whether or not the insertion devices 521a to 521c can perform a game ball insertion operation. The first to third flags 113o1 to 113o3 are provided corresponding to the three charging devices 521a to 521c, respectively. If the input retry flag 113o is turned on, the input operation is possible, and if it is off, the input operation is impossible. All the insertion retry flags 113o are once turned on at the start of the game ball insertion process (S201). Then, with the progress of the loading execution process (S816), the flags 113o1 to 113o3 of the loading devices 521a to 521c, which are unable to perform the loading operation, are sequentially turned off. When the throw-in retry flag 113o for all items is turned off, the game ball throw-in process (S201) for that time ends.

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

  The throwing game ball counter 113q is started to be thrown by the throwing sensor units 550a to 550c for the time elapsed after the throwing gate members 530a to 503c are operated and the throwing passages 526a to 526c are opened (first time (putting side)). Elapsed time after detection (second time (input side)) or time elapsed after the first time or second time reaches the maximum waiting time (timeout time) (third time (input side)) A counter in which the corresponding value is stored. The maximum waiting time (timeout time, first predetermined time (first time)) from when the input gate members 530a to 530c are operated to open the input passages 526a to 526c until the first game ball is detected by the input sensor units 550a to 550c. The charging side)) is 360 ms, and the maximum waiting time (time-out time, first time) until the charging start is detected by the charging sensor units 550a to 550c and the charging start of the next game ball is detected by the charging sensor units 550a to 550c. 2 predetermined time (input side)) is 300 ms, and the maximum waiting time (third predetermined time (input side) until the input execution process (S201) ends after the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time have elapsed) ) Is 100 ms. In the present embodiment, the count value corresponding to 360 ms of the first predetermined time is set in the process of S835, the count value corresponding to 300 ms of the second predetermined time is set in the process of S860, and the third predetermined time (input) The count value corresponding to 100 ms is set in the process of S876. The value of the input game ball counter 113q is updated (subtracted) every time the counter subtraction process (S871) in the input execution process shown in FIG. 27 is executed. Further, first to third throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are provided corresponding to the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, respectively.

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

  The insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is a flag indicating that the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 28 has been executed. If the throw execution process (S816) is continuously performed on the same item, the throwing of one game ball may be erroneously detected as two or more throws. Therefore, the insertion timer interruption execution flag 113s is provided so that one entry execution process (S816) is executed once per execution of the timer interruption process. Specifically, the input timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on each time the timer interrupt process is executed. Then, only when the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on, the insertion execution process (S816) can be started, and at the time of starting, the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off.

  Next, various memories, flags, and counters provided in the RAM 213 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The command reception flag 213a is turned on when the payout control device 210 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 110, the card unit 20, or the like (S1502), and confirms the command reception by the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 35). In this case, the flag is turned off (S1303).

  The payout state counter 213b determines whether the state in which the payout control device 210 pays out the game ball is a state in which a payout ball command is sent from the main control device 110, or a lending payout request signal (command) sent from the card unit 20 ) Is a counter for storing whether the state is paid out. In this embodiment, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is “1”, it is a state of paying out a prize ball, and if the value of the payout state counter 213b is “2”, the state of paying out a rental ball It is.

  The prize ball number counter 213c is a counter that stores the number of game balls to be paid out according to the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 110. In the present embodiment, the number of payouts according to the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 110 is in the range of 5 to 75, and varies depending on the winning combination of the game. The number of payouts according to the prize ball command is set to 1 to 4 depending on the number of game balls that have not been paid out when the game ball has been paid out due to a power failure or the like. There is also a case.

  The total payout number counter 213d is a counter that stores the total number of game balls to be paid out by the game ball payout process of that time. When paying out by a winning ball command, the value of the winning ball number counter 213c is stored (S1203), and when paying out by a lending payout request, “25” is stored (S1204). In the present embodiment, the value stored in the total payout number counter when paying out according to the lending payout request is “25”. This is because the number of game balls to be paid out when the ball lending button 14 (see FIG. 1) is operated once is 25. Therefore, when the number of game balls paid out when the ball lending button 14 is operated once, a value corresponding to the different number of game balls may be stored. Further, a value of 25 × n may be stored according to the number n of operations of the ball lending button 14.

  The planned payout number counter 213e is a counter that stores the planned payout numbers in a total of four ball paths including the first ball path 943a and the second ball path 943b of the two ball payout units 941. Corresponding to each of the four ball paths, first to fourth counters 213e1 to 213e4 are provided. Article 1 corresponds to the first ball passage 943a on the front side of the gaming machine 1 (the starboard side in FIG. 13), Article 2 corresponds to the second ball passage 943b on the front side of the gaming machine 1, and Article 3 corresponds to the game. Corresponding to the first ball passage 943a on the back side of the machine 1 (left front side in FIG. 13), the fourth article corresponds to the second ball passage 943b on the back side of the gaming machine 1. The value of the scheduled payout number counter 213e is set by the payout number distribution process (S1215), and the value is subtracted by the payout execution process (S1218). When the value of the scheduled payout number counter 213e becomes 0, the payout process for that item is completed.

  The payout item pointer 213f is a pointer for designating the first to fourth ball paths 943a and 943b. It is updated in the range of 1, 2, 3, 4 in conjunction with Article 1 to Article 4. The payout number distribution process (S1215) and the input execution process (S1218) are performed for each of the first to fourth ball paths 943a and 943b by designating the value of the payout item pointer 213f.

  The payout retry flag 213g is a flag for storing whether or not the game ball can be paid out in the first to fourth ball paths 943a and 943b. Corresponding to the four ball passages 943a and 943b, first to fourth flags 213g1 to 213g4 are provided, respectively. If the payout retry flag 213g is on, the payout operation is possible, and if it is off, the payout operation is impossible. All the payout retry flags 213g are once turned on at the start of the game ball payout process (S1108). Then, as the payout execution process (S1218) proceeds, the flags 213g1 to 213g4 corresponding to the ball paths 943a and 943b in which the payout operation is impossible are sequentially turned off. When the all-item payout retry flag 213g is turned off, the game ball payout process (S1108) for that time ends.

  The payout solenoid operation flag 213h is a flag for instructing to turn on or off the payout solenoids 944a and 944b. First to fourth flags 213h1 to 213h4 are provided corresponding to the payout solenoids 944a and 944b provided in the four ball passages 943a and 943b, respectively. If the payout solenoid operation flag 213h is on, the corresponding payout solenoids 944a and 944b are turned on by the processing of S1221, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated, and the payout passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 are opened. Is allowed to be paid out. On the other hand, if the dispensing solenoid operation flag 213h is off, the corresponding dispensing solenoids 944a and 944b are turned off by the processing of S1221, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated, and the dispensing passage portions 943a3 and 943b3 are closed. Dispensing of game balls is prohibited.

  The payout game ball counter 213i is the time elapsed after the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated and the ball passages 943a and 943b are opened (first time (payout side)), after the payout count switch 222 detects the start of payout. Corresponds to the elapsed time (second time (payout side)) or the time elapsed after the first or second time reaches the maximum waiting time (timeout time) (third time (payout side)) A counter in which the value is stored. The maximum waiting time from when the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 are operated to open the ball paths 943a and 943b until the first game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 (timeout time, first predetermined time (payout side)) Is 360 ms, and the maximum waiting time from the start of payout being detected by the payout count switch 222 until the start of payout of the next game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 (timeout time, second predetermined time (payout side)) Is 300 ms, and the maximum waiting time (third predetermined time (payout side)) until the payout execution process (S1221) ends after the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time have elapsed is 100 ms. In the present embodiment, a count value corresponding to 360 ms of the first predetermined time is set in the processing of S1238, a count value corresponding to 300 ms of the second predetermined time is set in the processing of S1256, and 100 ms of the third predetermined time is set. A count value corresponding to is set in the processing of S1264. The value of the payout game ball counter 213i is updated (subtracted) every time the counter subtraction process (S1259) in the payout execution process shown in FIG. 36 is executed. Further, corresponding to the four ball passages 943a and 943b, first to fourth payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i3 are provided.

  The payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is a flag indicating that the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 35 has been executed. If the payout execution process (S1218) is continuously performed on the same item, payout of one game ball may be erroneously detected as two or more payouts. Therefore, the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is provided so that the four items of execution execution processing (S1218) are executed once for each execution of the timer interrupt processing. Specifically, the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on every time the timer interrupt process is executed (S1315). Only when the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on, the making execution process (S1218) can be started, and the timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned off at the start.

  The ball presence flag 213k is a state in which a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d of the case rail 930 or a state in which a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d. This is a flag for storing the above. The ball presence flag 213k is turned on when 2000 ms (fourth predetermined time) has elapsed after all the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on (S1403), and any one of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d is turned on. This is a flag that is turned off (S1405) when 200 ms (third predetermined time) or more has passed. When the ball presence flag 213k is on, execution of the game ball payout process (S1108) is started. In the present embodiment, as described above, the predetermined number of game balls is 80, because the maximum number of payouts per time is 75.

  Next, each process executed by main controller 110 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the power-on process that is executed after power is turned on in main controller 110. The power-on process is executed when power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on a power switch.

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

  After execution of the weight process (S102), it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole and operated (S103). When the setting key is operated (S103: Yes), a setting change process is performed (S104). In the setting change process (S104), first, all data stored in the RAM 113 is cleared, and then, among the six preset setting states (“Setting 1” to “Setting 6”), the setting key is operated. After determining which setting state has been selected, internal processing corresponding to the selected setting state is executed. After executing the setting change process (S104), the normal process (S105) in FIG. 19 is executed.

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

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

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

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

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

  When the paid-out game ball is detected by the payout control device 210, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Each time the main controller 110 detects the rising pulse of the payout count signal, it confirms the payout of one game ball and subtracts the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i by one. The payout count signal is detected by the sensor monitoring process (S907) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 28), and the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is subtracted by the timer subtraction process (S908).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19, the normal process (S105) which performs main control regarding a game is demonstrated. The normal process constitutes a main process executed by the MPU 111 of the main control device 110.

  In the normal process, first, a game ball throwing process for throwing a game ball as a game start condition is executed (S201). The game can be started on the condition that 15 game balls are inserted in the normal game, and on the condition that 5 game balls are inserted in the JAC game. The game ball throwing process is a process for throwing 15 or 5 game balls stored in the upper plate 36 into the gaming machine 1 according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. This game ball insertion process will be described later.

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

  On the other hand, when the JAC game is not being executed (S202: No), the value of the inserted number counter 113j is 15 (S203: Yes), or during the JAC game (S202: Yes), the value of the inserted number counter 113j. If it is 5 (S204: Yes), since the game start condition is satisfied, the operation of the start lever 31 is monitored next (S205).

  When the start lever 31 is operated, the operation is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a. If the start lever 31 has not been operated (S205: No), the process proceeds to S201, and the operation of the start lever 31 is awaited again. On the other hand, when the operation of the start lever 31 is detected by the start lever detection switch 31a (S205: Yes), the random number value latched in the latch circuit 132 is written to the random number memory 113a and input at the timing of the operation. The value of the completed number counter 113j is cleared to 0 (S206).

  Next, a lottery process for lottery of the winning combination and the winning combination is executed for the game executed with the operation of the start lever 31 (S207). After the lottery process is executed, a fractional ball payout process is executed (S208). The fractional ball payout process is a process for paying out a fractional number of game balls when more than the required number of game balls are thrown into the gaming machine 1 by the game ball insertion process (S201). After execution of the fractional ball payout process, a reel control process for controlling the rotation and stop of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R is executed (S209). In this reel control process, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped due to the operation of the stop switches 32 to 34, and the combination and symbol determined in the lottery process (S207) by the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R. Based on the sliding table determined in the lottery process (S207), the stop of each reel 82L, 82M, 82R is controlled so as to appear. When each of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R is stopped, the reel control process is ended.

  After the end of the reel control process (S209), a game ball payout process for paying out a game ball in accordance with the combination of symbols of the stopped reels 82L, 82M, 82R is executed (S210). After the game ball payout process (S210) is completed, a special game state process for executing a bonus game, which is a special game that is more advantageous than usual when a bonus combination is won, is executed (S211). After execution of the special game state process, the process proceeds to S201, and each process described above is repeatedly executed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the lottery process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The lottery process (S207) is a process for lottery of the winning and the winning combination for the game to be executed. First, a random number table for determination of success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the gaming machine 1 and the level of the small role probability (S301). Here, the setting state of the gaming machine 1 is any one of “setting 1” to “setting 6” set using a setting key (not shown), and the random number having the lowest winning probability of the combination when “setting 1” is set. A table is selected, and when “setting 6” is selected, the random number table having the highest winning probability of the combination is selected. In addition, there are two types of small role probabilities: a random number table with a high small role winning probability is selected when the current payout rate is below a predetermined expected value, and small when it exceeds a predetermined expected value. A random number table with a low winning probability is selected.

  In S302, the random number table selected in this manner is compared with the value stored in the random number memory 113a, that is, the random number counter update circuit 131 latched in the latch circuit 132 when the start lever 31 is operated. The lottery is performed (S302). Then, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (S303), and if any winning combination has not been won (deviated) (S303: No), this processing is terminated as it is. When one of the winning combinations is won (S303: Yes), the winning flags 113b, 113d and the like corresponding to the winning combination are turned on (S304), and the effective line to which the symbols should be aligned is determined. After the process of S304, a slide table for reel stop control is determined, and this is stored in the slide table storage area of the RAM 113 (S305), and the lottery process (S207) is terminated.

  Here, the slip table is a symbol to be stopped when the symbol on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop switches 32 to 34 are pressed differs from the symbol to be stopped on the effective line. Is a table that defines how much the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R are slid so as to stop on the predetermined effective line. In the reel control process (S209), by controlling the stop positions of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R using such a slide table, the mode of the stopped reels 82L, 82M, and 82R can be matched with the lottery result.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the reel control process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The reel control process (S209) starts rotation of the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, and performs stop control of the rotating reels 82L, 82M, and 82R in conjunction with the pressing operation of the stop switches 32-34. Process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the game ball payout process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The game ball payout process (S210) is a process for instructing the payout control device 210 to pay out a game ball generated as a result of the game and confirming the payout of the instructed game ball.

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

  If the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i set by the payout determination process (S413) is not 0 (S501: No), a prize ball command setting process is executed (S502). In the prize ball command setting process, a prize ball (payout) command for instructing to pay out the game ball having the value set in the remaining payout number counter 113i is set. The set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 210 by a port output process (S913) of a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 28) described later.

  When a prize ball command is received by the payout control device 210, the number of game balls designated by the prize ball command is paid out. When the paid-out game ball is detected by the payout control device 210, a payout count signal is output from the payout control device 210 to the main control device 110. Each time the main controller 110 detects the rising pulse of the payout count signal, it confirms the payout of one game ball and subtracts the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i by one. The payout count signal is detected by the sensor monitoring process (S907) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 28), and the value of the remaining payout number counter 113i is subtracted by the timer subtraction process (S908).

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

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the special game state process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The special game state process (S211) is a process for controlling the RB game and the BB game. In the special game state process, it is first determined whether or not the game state is in the bonus game (S601), and if it is not in the bonus game (S601: No), the bonus symbol determination process shown in FIG. 24 is executed (S602). ).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the bonus symbol determination process. The bonus symbol determination process (S602) is a process for establishing RB or BB according to the stop symbol. First, it is determined whether or not the RB winning flag 113b is turned on (S701). If it is turned on (S701: Yes), whether or not RB symbols (for example, “BAR” symbols) are aligned on the current effective line. Is determined (S702). If the RB symbols are not prepared (S702: No), this bonus symbol determination process is terminated.

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

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

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

  Returning to FIG. 23, the special game state process (S211) will be described. In the process of S601, if the gaming state is a bonus game (S601: Yes), it is determined whether or not the bonus game is a JAC game (S603). If it is not a JAC game (S603: No), it is determined that whether or not the JAC in symbols are aligned on the active line because it is in the small role game of the BB game (S613). If the JAC in symbols are aligned on the active line (S613: Yes), the JAC game initial setting process in the BB game is executed in order to start the JAC game because it is JAC in (S614). In the JAC game initial setting process, values such as counters and flags are set so that the JAC game can be started. In particular, the remaining JAC establishment number counter 113f is set to 8, and the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is set to 12.

  After the process of S614 or when the JAC in symbols are not aligned on the active line in the process of S613 (S613: No), the total payout number of game balls in the current BB game is one BB game. It is determined whether or not the total number of payouts allowed is exceeded (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S612). The game state process is terminated. In the special game state end process (S612), the BB setting flag 113e and the RB setting flag 113c are turned off, and each ending process of the BB game is executed during the BB game, and the RB game is executed during the RB game. Is done.

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

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

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

  After the processing of S609, the RB setting flag 113c is confirmed (S610). If the RB setting flag 113c is turned on (S610: Yes), the current special game is an RB game, so the above-described special game state ends. The process is executed (S612), and this special game state process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the RB setting flag 113c is turned off (S610: No), since the current special game is a BB game, the total payout number of game balls in the current BB game is allowed for one BB game. It is determined whether or not the total number of payouts to be made is reached (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S612). The game state process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the remaining JAC game number counter 113g is not 0 in S608 processing (S608: No), the current JAC game is ongoing, so the RB setting flag 113c is confirmed (S611), and the RB setting flag is checked. If 113c is turned off (S611: No), since the current special game is a BB game, it is determined whether or not the total number of payouts allowed for one BB game has been exceeded (S615). If the total payout number of game balls is not equal to or greater than the total payout number (S615: No), the special game state process is terminated while the BB game is continued. On the other hand, if the total number of game balls to be paid out is equal to or greater than the total number of payouts (S615: Yes), the BB game cannot be continued any more, so a special game state end process is executed (S612). The game state process is terminated. If the RB setting flag 113c is turned on as a result of the confirmation in S611 (S611: Yes), the current special game is an RB game and the current JAC game continues as confirmed in the process in S608. Since it is in the middle, the special game state process is terminated without performing any particular process.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the game ball insertion process executed in the normal process (S105) of FIG. The game ball throwing process (S201) is for throwing (taking in) 15 game balls into the gaming machine 1 from the above-described upper plate 36 through the throwing unit 52 in the normal game and five game balls in the JAC game. It is processing of.

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

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

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

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

  In the process of S809, if any of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is turned on (S809: Yes), the value of the total input number counter 113k is confirmed (S810), and if the value is not 0 (S810: No), it is confirmed whether or not all the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on (S811). As described above, the all-article throw-in retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on in the process of S808. Therefore, when the game ball throw-in process is executed first, all the throw-in retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on. (S811: Yes), the process proceeds to the input number distribution process in S813 without performing the wait process in S812. On the other hand, in the process of S811, if any of the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 is turned off (S811: No), as described later, the game ball has been thrown behind in any of the items. After waiting for a predetermined time before redistributing the balls (S812), the process proceeds to the throwing number distribution process of S813. In the present embodiment, the wait time executed in the process of S812 is 80 ms. This weight process is provided to suppress flapping of game balls in the entrance passages 522a to 522c when the game ball insertion passages 526a to 526c are closed by the insertion gate members 530a to 530c.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 26, the input number distribution process executed in the process of S813 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the throwing number distribution process. As described above, the throwing unit 52 includes three throwing devices 521a to 521c, and the three throwing devices 521a to 521c are used to throw game balls, respectively. Therefore, in the throwing number distribution process (S813), in order to throw the game balls evenly in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of thrown pieces to be thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c is sorted. Process.

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

  The state of the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 indicated by the value of the input item pointer 113n is confirmed (S834), and if it is on (S834: Yes), the game ball using the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item Can be input. Therefore, in such a case, 1 is added to the value of the planned number-of-insertion counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item, and one game ball is distributed so as to be input from the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item. Further, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the item are turned on, and a value 180 corresponding to the maximum waiting time (time-out time) until the first game ball is thrown is set to the value of the throwing game ball counter 113q1 to the item. Set to 113q3, and 1 is subtracted from the value of the total input number counter 113k (S835). In this embodiment, in the state where the game ball is in the upper plate 36, the insertion gate members 530a to 530c open the game ball insertion paths 526a to 526c, and the first game ball flowing down the insertion paths 526a to 526c is the first game ball. The time until it normally reaches the input sensor units 550a to 550c is about 10 ms, and 360 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (first predetermined time (input side)) with a time sufficiently longer than 10 ms. If the first predetermined time is set to a time close to 10 ms, the game ball flutters, and the first predetermined time frequently elapses to perform re-injection (retry) control. It will decline. Therefore, taking into account the fluttering that occurs when the game ball flows down, a time with sufficient margin is set as the maximum waiting time. In addition, the count value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is decremented by 1 every time the execution execution process of S816 is executed. As described above, the input execution process is performed by the input timer interrupt execution flag in the process of S821. Since 113s is turned off, it is repeatedly executed every 2 ms. Therefore, 180 is set to the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 in the process of S835.

  Further, in the process of S835, by turning on the closing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article, the closing solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c are turned on by the process of S818 in FIG. The throwing passages 526a to 526c for game balls are opened by the members 530a to 530c, and the throwing operation is started in the throwing devices 521a to 521c.

  Next, the value of the total thrown number counter 113k is confirmed (S836), and if it is not 0 (S836: No), the game ball distribution is not completed, so the value of the throwing line pointer 113n is updated (S838, S839, S834). Specifically, if the value of the input item pointer 113n is not 1, but 3 or 2 (S838: No), the value of the input item pointer 113n is decremented by 1 (S839), and the process proceeds to S834. On the other hand, if the value of the input item pointer 113n is 1 (S838: Yes), the process proceeds to S833, and the value of the input item pointer 113n is initialized to 3 (S833).

  In the process of S836, if the value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is 0 (S836: Yes), as a result of repeating the processes of S833 to S839, the distribution of all game balls to be thrown is completed. Then, the value of the total thrown number counter 113k saved in the process of S831 is restored (S840), and the thrown number distribution process is terminated.

  In addition, in the process of S834, if the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 indicated by the value of the insertion item pointer 113n are off (S834: No), the game ball using the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item is updated. Input is impossible. Therefore, in such a case, the processing of S835 and S836 is skipped so that the game balls are not distributed to the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the article, and each information and value corresponding to the article is initialized. (S837), and the process proceeds to S838. In the process of S837, information and values used in the game ball throwing-in process such as the planned throwing-in number counters 113m1 to 113m3, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3, and the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are initially set. It becomes.

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

  The game balls to be thrown are distributed so that the number of throwing devices 521c, 521b, and 521a arranged on the main body side of the gaming machine 1 among the three throwing devices 521a to 521c increases. The rear right region R3 which is the lowest position of the upper plate 36 shown in FIG. 7 is formed so as to be inclined with the region R1 side being high and the gaming machine 1 side being low. Therefore, the game ball in the upper plate 36 is configured to be easily guided to the guide passages 371 to 373 along the side surface of the back right region R3 on the gaming machine 1 side. Accordingly, the game balls are configured to easily pass through the guide passages 371 to 373 on the main body side of the gaming machine 1, so that the throwing devices 521 a to 521 c that are arranged on the main body side of the gaming machine 1 distribute the game balls to be thrown. By increasing the number of game balls, game balls can be smoothly inserted. Such a game ball distribution method allows the game balls to be smoothly inserted even when the number of game balls in the upper plate 36 decreases. This is because a large number of game balls are distributed to the input device 521c communicating with the guide passage 373 in which the game balls easily flow.

  Returning to FIG. After the execution number distribution process (S813) is executed, the state of the input timer interrupt execution flag 113s is confirmed (S814). If the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S814: Yes), 3 is written to the input item pointer 113n to initialize it (S815), and then the input execution process shown in FIG. 22 is executed. (S816).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the input execution process. The throwing execution process (S816) is distributed to each throwing device 521a to 521c by the throwing number sorting process (S813), and then counts the number of game balls that have been thrown by each throwing device 521a to 521c. And processing for managing the end of the input. In each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the number of game balls stored in the planned number-of-throw counters 113m1 to 113m3 corresponding to its own strip is thrown.

  In the insertion execution process, first, the values of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 of the item are confirmed (S851). If the value is 0 (S851: Yes), the input devices 521a to 521c corresponding to the item already exist. Since the making operation by is finished, this making execution processing is finished. Note that the entry solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 for the item are turned off when the value of the estimated number counter 113m1 to 113m3 for the item becomes 0 (see S862). The solenoids 534a to 534c are already turned off (see S819 in FIG. 20).

  If the value of the throwing game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 of the item is not 0 (S851: No), the return lever 38 for returning the game ball stored in the upper plate 36 to the lower plate 41 is being operated. It is confirmed whether or not (S852). The operation of the return lever 38 can be confirmed by the output signal of the return lever detection switch 38a. If the return lever 38 is not being operated (S852: No), it is checked whether there is a change in the output of the input sensor units (W sensors) 550a to 550c of the article (S853). If there is no change (S853: No) ) Since there is no change in the inserted state of the game ball, the execution of each process from S854 to S861 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S871. On the other hand, if there is a change in the output of the input sensor units 550a to 550c of the article (S853: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the change phase is normal (S854).

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

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

  In the process of S854, if the change phase output from the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article is normal (S854: Yes), the game ball is inserted normally. Confirms whether or not the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the article has been completed (S856). Completion of the passage can be confirmed when the upper and lower two-stage sensors of the input sensor units 550a to 550c no longer detect the game ball. If the game ball has completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the item (S856: Yes), it is determined that one game ball has been detected, and the total insertion number counter 113k and the planned number of items to be inserted are detected. The values of the counters 113m1 to 113m3 are each decremented by 1, and the value of the inserted number counter 113j is incremented by 1 (S857). Then, the values of the planned number-of-insert counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item are confirmed (S858). If the value is 0 (S858: Yes), all the game balls scheduled to be inserted in the item are completed. Therefore, the charging solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the article are turned off (S862), and the charging execution process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the number-of-insertion counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the item is other than 0 in the process of S858 (S858: No), the process proceeds to S871.

  In the process of S856, if the game ball has not completed the passage of the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c of the item (S856: No), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball starts to pass (S859). The start of the passing of the game ball should be confirmed when the upper and lower two-stage sensors of the input sensor units 550a to 550c change from the state where none of the upper and lower sensors detect the game ball to the state where only the upper sensor detects the game ball. Can do. If the game ball does not start to pass (S859: No), the process proceeds to S871.

  If the start of the passing of the game ball is detected in the process of S859 (S859: Yes), the maximum waiting time until the start of the passing of the next game ball of the game ball that has started to pass (timeout time) ) Is set to 150 in the value of the input game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 of the item (S860). Thereafter, the values of the scheduled number-of-input counters 113m1 to 113m3 of the article are confirmed (S861). If the value is not 1 (S861: No), the input execution process is terminated. In the present embodiment, in the state where there is a game ball in the upper plate 36, the time from when the start of the passage of one game ball is confirmed until the next game ball is normally passed and the last game ball passes. The time from the start to the completion of the passage of the last game ball is about 10 ms, and 300 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (second predetermined time (injection side)) with a sufficient margin from this 10 ms. Is done. The reason why a sufficiently long time is set for the second predetermined time is because, as described above, the fluttering that occurs when the game ball flows down is taken into consideration. The reason why 150 is set in the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 of the item in the process of S860 is that the throwing execution process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms as described above. As described above, 360 ms is set for the first predetermined time (input side) (S835), and 300 ms is set for the second predetermined time (input side) (S860). This is because when the throwing gate members 530a to 530c are released from the state where the game ball is stopped and the operation (flowing down) starts, the next game ball starts to pass while the game ball is flowing down continuously. This is because the game ball can pass in a shorter time in the case of doing so, and therefore the second predetermined time is set 60 ms shorter than the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be set to the same time.

  On the other hand, in the process of S861, if the value of the scheduled number-of-insertions counter 113m1 to 113m3 of the article is 1 (S861: Yes), the game ball that has started to pass is thrown in the throwing devices 521a to 521c. It is the last game ball that should be. Therefore, in such a case, in order to prevent the game ball from being thrown thereafter, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the article are turned off (S862). Accordingly, the charging solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding input devices 521a to 521c are turned off by the processing of S819 in FIG. The making operation in 521a to 521c is completed.

  In the process of S871, a counter subtraction process is executed. This counter subtraction process is a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3. Each time this counter subtraction process is executed, the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is decremented by 1, and when the value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 becomes 0, a set time (timeout time) Is measured. In the counter subtraction process, the subtraction process is performed only when the count value of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is 1 or more, and the subtraction process is not performed when the count value is 0. Yes.

  When the counter subtraction process of S871 is completed, the values of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 of the item are confirmed (S872). If the value is not 0 (S872: No), the current execution process is ended. The input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are time-out time (first predetermined time (input side)) until the start of the first game ball is detected, and from the detection of the start of one game ball to the next game ball. A time-out period (second predetermined time (throwing side)) until the start of insertion is detected, or a time-out period (third time for confirming the passage of the game ball after the first predetermined time or the second predetermined time has elapsed) This is a counter that measures a predetermined time (input side). Therefore, if the values of the timers 113q1 to 113q3 are not 0, the timeout period has not yet been reached, and in this case, the current execution process is normally terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S872, if the value of the throwing game ball counter 113q1 to 113q3 for the item is 0 (S872: Yes), the game ball throwing interval is particularly long in the throwing devices 521a to 521c for the item. Or, the time until the first game ball is thrown out is too long and time-out occurs. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not the game ball whose start of passage has been detected has been completely inserted, it is checked whether or not the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c are in the process of passing (S873). If it is (S873: Yes), the game ball is clogged (stagnated) in the input sensor units 550a to 550c for some reason. In such a case, error processing is executed to notify the occurrence of a game ball retention error (S874). The error processing in S874 is an infinite loop, and the error can be eliminated by resetting the gaming machine 1 after eliminating the staying state of the game balls. It should be noted that such a game ball retention error may be eliminated by releasing the retention state. As described above, immediately after the time-out is confirmed in the processing of S872 (S872: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball has normally passed (S873), so the set time-out time (360 ms) Alternatively, it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball has been passed in a state where the error is small with respect to 300 ms). In addition, when the time-out is confirmed, it is the timing at which the insertion execution process ends, so that the abnormality detection can be performed after the process accompanying the insertion of the game ball is performed. Here, in the present embodiment, when the passage start of the last game ball is confirmed (S861: Yes), before the completion of the passage of the last game ball is confirmed, the throwing solenoid operation flag 113p1 of the article is set. Since -113p3 is turned off (S862), as soon as the closing solenoid operation flags 113p1-113p3 are turned off, it is determined that the expected number of throwing-in has been thrown, and the game ball throwing-in process (S201) can be ended. However, if the insertion solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off to end the game ball insertion process, it cannot be confirmed whether or not the last game ball has been completely inserted. If you do not confirm the completion of the insertion of the last game ball, the game will start even if the number of game balls to be inserted has not been inserted, so the hall will be lost or the game ball will be blocked in the passage There is a problem that the game is continued in the state. Therefore, by confirming whether or not the game ball is in the process of passing at the timing when the insertion execution process is completed, it is possible to confirm that the game ball has been reliably inserted and to detect abnormality detection at an early stage. it can.

  If no error is detected in the process of S873 (S873: Yes), the state of the closing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article is confirmed (S875), and if the flag 113p1 to 113p3 is off (S875) S875: No), since it is a case where all of the game balls have been thrown in the throwing devices 521a to 521c, the throwing execution process is terminated. On the other hand, in the process of S875, if the insertion solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 of the item are on (S875: Yes), the game ball insertion interval is too long and a time-out occurs. The time-out occurs when the game ball is clogged (stayed) in the input sensor units 550a to 550c or when the game ball does not pass through the input devices 521a to 521c. In such a case, there is no game ball to be thrown in the upper plate 36, or even if there is a game ball in the upper plate 36, the game ball is clogged (stopped) on the upper plate 36, etc. This is a case where a game ball does not flow into the input passages 526a to 526c of the devices 521a to 521c. Therefore, the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 and the throwing retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned off, and the values of the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are set to 50 (S876). The execution process is terminated.

  In the processing of S876, 50 is set in the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 even if the input gate members 530a to 503c are controlled to close the input passages 526a to 526c, the input gate members 530a to 530c Since there is an operation time for operating from the open state to the closed state, the input passages 526a to 526c are not immediately closed. Therefore, 50 is set to the values of the game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 in order to monitor the passage of the game balls even after the insertion gate members 530a to 530c are operated. In addition, when the input gate members 530a to 530c are operated, the game balls do not flow smoothly along with the operation, or the input gate members 530a to 530c are biting the game balls between the input passages 526a to 526c. There is. Therefore, 50 corresponding to 100 ms is set to monitor the passing of a game ball that does not flow smoothly. Accordingly, it is possible to monitor whether or not the game ball has been normally inserted while operating the input gate members 530a to 530c early so as to close the input passages 526a to 526c. In addition, when the process of S873 is Yes, you may alert | report outside that the game ball was jammed. For example, the notification to the outside may be indicated by the lighting state of the lamps 6 and 7 provided in the gaming machine 1, or may be indicated by outputting sound from the speaker 8. An image of “no game ball” may be displayed on the screen for suggestion. By notifying to the outside, the player can confirm that there is no game ball, so the player can immediately replenish the game ball and start the game. Further, when the processing of S809 is No, there is no game ball in the upper plate 36, so even in such a case, the “no ball state” is notified to the outside using the lamps 6, 7, the speaker 8, and the liquid crystal display unit 81. It is good to do.

  Further, in the process of S876, by turning off the closing solenoid operation flag 113p1 to 113p3 of the article, the execution of the process of S819 in FIG. 25 turns off the closing solenoids 534a to 534c of the corresponding charging devices 521a to 521c The input passages 526a to 526c of the input devices 521a to 521c are closed by the input gate members 530a to 530c. Further, by turning off the input retry flag 113o1 to 113o3 of the article, in the retry process (re-input process (S813 to S820)) started in the branch of S809 of FIG. 25, the input devices 521a to 521c Set so that it will not be thrown in. This is because even if the throwing-in device 521a to 521c having the problem is tried again (even if retry processing is performed), the throwing of the game ball cannot be completed. Since the entry retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 of the article are turned off, the determination in S811 of FIG. 25 is No, and the wait time is always ensured.

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

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

  If the value of the throwing-in prohibition timer 113r becomes 0 (S884: Yes), the game ball throwing-in process (S201) including this throwing-in execution process (S815) is temporarily terminated. The value of 113m3 is cleared to 0, all the throwing solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off, the value of the total throwing number counter 113k is cleared to 0, the value of the throwing pointer 113n is set to 1, and all throwing game balls The counters 113q1 to 113q3 are turned off (S885), and then the throwing-out process of the thrown ball is executed (S886), and the throwing execution process is terminated. The throwing-out process for the thrown-in ball is a process for paying out the thrown-in game ball to the upper plate 36 or the lower plate 41 when there is a game ball that has already been thrown in. That is, the throwing-out process of the inserted ball confirms the value of the inserted number counter 113j, and when the value of the inserted number counter 113j is larger than 0, the number of game balls corresponding to the value of the inserted number counter 113j Pay out. Further, the process of S885 is a process for setting the game ball insertion process to an initial state, and in particular, by turning off all the inserted game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3, it is immediately determined Yes in the process of S820 of FIG. Therefore, the input execution process can be completed early. In addition, since the values of all the inserted game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are 0 (S820: Yes) and the total inserted number counter 113k is 0 in the process of S810 (S810: Yes), the game ball input process (S201). Ends.

  Returning to FIG. After the completion of the execution process (S816), the value of the input line pointer 113n is confirmed (S817). If the value is not 1 (S817: No), the value of the input line pointer 113n is decremented by 1 (S818). ), The process proceeds to S816, and the input execution process is performed again. Since the insertion execution process is started with the value of the input item pointer 113n set to 3 (see S815), the input execution process is executed with the value of the input item pointer 113n set to 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Therefore, the loading execution processing is executed in the order of 521c, 521b, and 521a with respect to the three loading devices 521a to 521c.

  If the value of the input line pointer 113n is 1 (S817: Yes), the input solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on or off according to the state of all the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 (S819). As described above, when the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned on, the charging devices 521a to 521c that have been turned on start charging of the game balls, and conversely, when the charging solenoids 534a to 534c are turned off, they are turned off. The throwing-in operation of the game ball is finished in the throwing devices 521a to 521c.

  As described above, the processing of S819 changes the state of each of the input devices 521a to 521c at the same time according to the state of all the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3. Operations can be started simultaneously. In each of the throwing devices 521a to 521c, by starting the throwing operation of the game balls at the same time, the total time required for the throwing operation can be shortened compared to the case where the throwing operations are started separately. Therefore, the throwing-in operation can be completed in a short time, and the game can proceed smoothly.

  The values of all-injected game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 are confirmed (S820). If all of the values are not 0 (S820: No), the number of game balls that have been inserted has not reached the original planned number. Therefore, in such a case, the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned off (S821), and then the process proceeds to S814, and the above-described processes of S814 to S819 are repeated. In the process of S814, execution of the subsequent processes is waited until the insertion timer interrupt execution flag 113s is turned on (S814: No). This means that when the execution execution process is continuously performed for the same item (the value of the input item pointer 113n is the same), the input of one game ball is erroneously detected as two or more inputs. Because there is.

  If the value of all the thrown-in game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 is 0 (S820: Yes), the throwing of the planned number of game balls has been completed or the process is shifted to the retry process (S813 to S820). The process proceeds to S809. In the processing of S809, if all the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are off (S809: No), it is not possible to perform the game ball insertion operation by any of the insertion devices 521a to 521c. This game ball insertion process is terminated.

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

  If the value of the total thrown-in counter 113k is not 0 (S810: No), it is necessary to throw the game ball again (retry processing needs to be performed). Therefore, in this case, since the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 corresponding to at least one item are 0 (No in S811), a wait process (80 ms in the present embodiment) is performed before the retry process is executed. (S812), and then retry processing (S813-S820) is performed.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing periodically executed by the main control device 110, and a timer interrupt is generated, for example, every 1.49 msec by the MPU 111 of the main control device 110.

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

  In S903, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed (S903). In S904, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the MPU 111 itself is performed (S904). In step S905, in order to rotate the reels 82L, 82M, and 82R, a stepping motor control process for driving the stepping motors 91L to 91R, which are the respective rotary drive motors, is performed (S905). In S906, a switch reading process for monitoring the state of various switches (see FIG. 16) connected to the input / output port 114 is performed (S906). In S907, sensor monitoring processing for monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 16) connected to the input / output port 114 is performed (S907). In S908, a timer subtraction process for subtracting the value of each counter (except for the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3) and the timer is performed (S908). In S909, a counter process is performed to output the result of counting the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts to the external terminal board 134 (S909).

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

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the power failure process (S920). Since the power failure process is performed immediately after the register saving process in the timer interrupt process, other interrupt processes can be executed without interruption. Therefore, for example, during the process of transmitting various commands, during the process of reading the switch state (on / off), the process at the time of power failure is not executed by interrupting each process. There is no need to create a power failure processing program that takes this into consideration. This simplifies the processing program for power failure processing and reduces the program capacity. This also makes it possible to simplify the processing program of the power recovery process described above (S110 to S117 in FIG. 18).

  In the power failure process (S920), it is first determined whether or not the command transmission has ended (S931). If the transmission is not completed (S931: No), the power failure process (S920) is terminated, the process returns to the timer interrupt process of FIG. 28, and the command transmission is terminated. In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the power failure process. When the transmission is not completed, the transmission process is given priority. After the unit command transmission process is completed, the power failure process (S920) is performed. By adopting the configuration to execute, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program that takes into account that power failure processing is executed during command transmission. As a result, it is possible to simplify the power failure processing program and reduce the program capacity.

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

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

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal 124a is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 124 of the power supply device 120 to the main controller 110. Since the power failure signal 124a is input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 11 of the main controller 110, when the MPU 11 inputs the power failure signal 124a, this NMI interruption process is executed immediately.

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

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

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the three throwing devices 521a to 521c, and can distribute the game balls to the three throwing devices 521a to 521c almost evenly. Therefore, the game balls can be thrown in simultaneously by the three (plural) throwing devices 521a to 521c, so that the game balls can be thrown in early. Therefore, since the game can be started by operating the start lever 31 continuously with the operation of the bet switch 35, the game can be progressed smoothly.

  In addition, among the game balls distributed to the input devices 521a to 521c, when the input start of the last game ball is detected by the input sensor units 550a to 550c, the input solenoid operation flags 113p1 to 113p3 are turned off ( S862), since the insertion passages 526a to 526 of the game ball are closed by the insertion gate members 530a to 530c, it is possible to reliably prevent the game ball from passing after that.

  When the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c confirm the passage of the game ball, a time-out time having a sufficient margin for the completion of the game ball is set in the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 (S860), When the value of the throwing game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3 becomes 0 (timing when the throwing execution process ends) (S872: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the gaming ball has been thrown normally. Abnormality can be confirmed within one cycle of the execution process (S816) that is repeatedly executed. Therefore, the occurrence of abnormality can be confirmed with a small time error.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 31 to 37, each process executed by the payout control device 210 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the power-on process that is executed after the power is turned on in the payout control apparatus 110.

  When the power-on process is executed, first, initial setting is executed (S1101). In the initial setting, various settings are made for the register group of the MPU 211, the I / O device, and the like. When the initial setting is completed, access to the RAM 213 is permitted (S1102), and an external interrupt vector is set (S1103). Thereafter, all areas of the RAM 213 are cleared to 0 (S1104), initial values of the RAM 213 are set (S1105), and peripheral devices of the MPU 211 are initialized (S1106). When various settings are completed in the processing of S1101 to S1106, interrupt permission is set (S1107), and the game ball payout processing is repeatedly executed (S1108).

  Here, for convenience of explanation, first, the external interrupt process of FIG. 37, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 35, and the setting process of no tank ball of FIG. The game ball payout process will be described.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the external interrupt process. The external interrupt process is executed when the payout control device 210 receives a command from the outside. When the external interrupt process is executed, first, the received command is stored in the RAM 213 (S1501), and the command reception flag 213a is turned on (S1502) in order to store that any command has been received. Finish the process.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is executed every 2 ms, for example. When the timer interrupt process is executed, it is confirmed whether or not the command reception flag 213a is turned on (S1301). If the command reception flag 213a is off (S1301: No), the process proceeds to S1306. On the other hand, if the command reception flag 213a is ON in the process of S1301 (S1301: Yes), since some command has been received, the command stored in the RAM 213 in the process of S1501 is read (S1302), and the command reception flag 213a. Is turned off (S1303). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the command read in the process of S1302 is a prize ball command (S1304). If it is not a prize ball command (S1304: No), the process proceeds to S1306, and if it is a prize ball command. (S1304: Yes), the number of winning balls (the number of payouts) corresponding to the winning ball command is set in the winning ball number counter 213c (S1305), and the process proceeds to S1306.

  In the process of S1306, the lower pan full state is set. If the overflow detection switch 223 is continuously detected for 200 ms and is “bottom full”, the lower pan full state is set. When the setting of the lower pan full state is completed, a setting process without tank balls is executed (S1307). This tank ball absence setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a sphere presence setting process. When the ball presence setting process is executed, it is confirmed whether or not the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on, and whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in all the ball passages 931a to 931d. Is confirmed (S1401). If all of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on (S1401: Yes), whether or not the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are continuously turned on has passed 2000 ms (fourth predetermined time). Is confirmed (S1402). If the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned on in the process of S1402 for 2000 ms (S1402: Yes), there are a predetermined number (20 or more) of game balls in each of the ball passages 931a to 931d. Therefore, the sphere presence flag 213k is turned on (S1403), the sphere presence setting process is terminated, and in the process of S1402, if the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are not turned on for 2000 ms (S1402: No) ), The ball presence setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d is turned off in the processing of S1401 (S1401: No), the state where the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned off continues for 200 ms (third time It is confirmed whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S1404). In the process of S1404, if the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned off for 200 ms (S1404: Yes), a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d. The ball presence flag 213k is turned off (S1405), the ball presence setting process is terminated, and in the process of S1404, if the state in which the storage amount detection switches 935a to 935d are turned off has not passed 200 ms (S1404: No), The sphere presence setting process is finished as it is.

  Therefore, more time (1800 ms) is required when shifting from the state without gaming balls to the state with gaming balls than when shifting from the state with gaming balls to the state without gaming balls. Therefore, as described above, by tightening the condition for shifting to the state with a game ball, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection due to the influence of noise and the like, and the game ball is reliably stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d. Therefore, the game ball can be paid out reliably. In addition, since there are at least 80 game balls stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d, the game balls are not paid out even if the game ball payout process is executed. Can be prevented.

  Returning to the timer interrupt process of FIG. When the tank ball absence setting process (S1307) ends, the state set in the processes of S1306 and S1307 is notified (S1308). In the processing of S 1308, when “bottom tray ball is full”, the player is notified by voice, or the player is notified by the liquid crystal display unit 81. Further, even when the game ball is not stored in the tank 910, the player is notified of this by voice or the liquid crystal display unit 81. Note that no notification is made when there is no lower dish ball or when a game ball is stored in the tank 910.

  When the status notification is completed in the processing of S1308, it is confirmed whether or not the prize ball payout is disabled (S1309). The prize ball payout disabled state is a case where a payout of a ball is currently being executed. As a result of checking in the process of S1309, if the prize ball cannot be paid out (S1309: Yes), the process proceeds to S1312, and if the prize ball cannot be paid out (S1309: No), the value of the prize ball number counter 213c. Whether or not is 0 is checked (S1310). If the value of the winning ball number counter 213c is 0 in the processing of S1310 (S1310: Yes), there is no game ball to be paid out based on the winning ball command, so the process proceeds to S1312 and the value of the winning ball number counter 213c is reached. If it is not 0 (S1310: No), since there is a game ball to be paid out based on the prize ball command, 1 is set in the payout state counter 213b in order to pay out the prize ball in the payout control device 210 (S1311). , The process proceeds to S1312.

  In the process of S1312, it is confirmed whether or not the rental ball payout state is disabled. The rental ball payout disabled state is a case where a payout of a prize ball is currently being executed. As a result of checking in the processing of S1312, if the rental ball payout is not possible (S1312: Yes), the process proceeds to S1315. It is checked whether a request command has been received (S1313). If a rental ball payout request command is not received in S1313 (S1313: No), the process proceeds to S1315, and if a rental ball payout request command is received (S1313: Yes), payout control is performed. In order to pay out the rental balls in the apparatus 210, 2 is set in the payout state counter 213b (S1314), and the process proceeds to S1315.

  In the process of S1315, the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on, and the timer interrupt process ends.

  If either one of the winning ball payout disabled state and the rental ball payout disabled state is disabled, the other is not disabled. it can. Therefore, game balls are not paid out in response to a plurality of commands, so that game ball payout control can be simplified. Also, if the game balls are not paid out, neither the prize ball payout state nor the rental ball payout state is disabled. Therefore, the game balls are paid out based on the previously received command. .

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 32 to 34, the game ball payout process executed in the process of S1108 will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a game ball payout process executed in the power-on process of FIG. The game ball payout process (S1108) pays out the number of prize balls based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 110 during a normal game, and receives 25 game balls when a rental ball payout request is input. It is a process for paying out.

  In the game ball payout process (S1108), it is first determined whether or not the ball presence flag 213k is turned on (S1201). If the ball presence flag 213k is off (S1201: No), the ball path of the case rail 930 is determined. Since a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in 931a to 931d and the game balls cannot be paid out, the game ball payout process is terminated. On the other hand, if the ball presence flag 213k is on (S1201: Yes), the process proceeds to the processing after S1202 in order to pay out the game ball. Therefore, when a predetermined number or more of game balls are not stored in the ball passages 931a to 931d, the game ball payout process is not executed, so that it is possible to prevent the game balls from being unpaid and Therefore, it is possible to prevent the payout process from being executed continuously for a long period of time.

  In the processing of S1202 and the processing of S1203, the value of the payout state counter 213b is confirmed. Therefore, the game ball payout process is terminated. As described above, the value of the payout state counter 213b is set to 1 or 2 (S1311, S1314). When the value is other than 1 or 2 (for example, 0), the initial state when the power is turned on can be considered. Therefore, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is neither 1 nor 2, the game ball payout process is not started until the value of the payout state counter 213b becomes 1 or 2.

  If the value of the payout state counter 213b is 1 (S1202: Yes), the game ball is paid out based on the prize ball command. The number counter 213d is set (S1204). On the other hand, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is 2 (S1202: No, S1203: Yes), the value of the total payout number counter 213d is set to 25 (S1205). The reason why the value of the total payout number counter 213d is set to 25 is that, in this embodiment, every time a lending payout request signal is received, 25 game balls are paid out.

  When the value of the total payout number counter 213d is set in the process of S1204 or S1205, the first to fourth article payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on (S1206), and two ball payout units Initial setting is performed so that the payout process is performed on all four ball passages (two first ball passages 943a and two second ball passages 943b) provided in 941. In addition to the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4, the first to fourth flags and counters are provided corresponding to the four ball paths, respectively. However, the first and fourth flags and counters communicate with the ball path 931a of the case rail 930. The first ball passage 943a corresponds to the first ball passage 943a, the second ball passage 943b corresponds to the second ball passage 943b communicating with the ball passage 931b of the case rail 930, and the first ball passage 943a communicating with the ball passage 931c of the case rail 930. The third article corresponds to the second article, and the fourth article corresponds to the second ball passage 943b communicating with the ball passage 931d of the case rail 930. That is, in the dispensing device 940 shown in FIG. 13, the first ball passage 943a located on the starboard side corresponds to the first item, the second ball passage 943b located on the starboard side corresponds to the second item, and the left hand The first ball passage 943a located on the front side corresponds to the third row, and the second ball passage 943b located on the left front side corresponds to the fourth row.

  In the processing of S1207, it is confirmed whether any of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on. If all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are off (S1207: No), error processing is executed. Then, it is notified that there is an unpaid game ball (S1208). The error processing in S1208 is an infinite loop, and the error can be resolved by resetting the gaming machine 1. As will be described later, when all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are off, the game ball is not paid out. However, when the game ball is normally paid out in each of the ball paths 943a and 943b. This is because the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are not turned off. Further, in the processing of S1208, since some kind of failure (no game ball or game ball clogging) has occurred in each ball passage 943a, 943b, an error is caused by the lighting state of the lamps 6 and 7 provided in the gaming machine 1. May be suggested, an error may be indicated by outputting sound from the speaker 8, or an error may be indicated by displaying an image of “dispensing abnormality” on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 81, It is also possible to output a payout abnormality signal to the external output terminal.

  If any of the input retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on in the processing of S1207 (S1207: Yes), the value of the total payout number counter 113d is confirmed (S1209), and the value of the total payout number counter 113d is 0. If there is (S1209: Yes), the process proceeds to S1210 to end the game ball payout process. In the process of S1210, the value of the payout state counter 213b is confirmed. If the value of the payout state counter 213b is 2 (S1210: Yes), a lending end signal is output to the card unit 20 (S1211), and the process proceeds to S1212. Transition. On the other hand, if the value of the payout state counter 213b is not 2 in the process of S1210 (S1210: No), the payout payout request signal is not paid out, so the process proceeds to S1212 without performing the process in S1211. In the processing of S1212, since it is unknown whether the next game ball to be paid out is a prize ball or a rental ball, the value of the payout state counter 213b is set to 0 (S1212), and the game ball payout processing is ended. In addition, when the value of the payout state counter 213b is set to 0 by the processing of S1212, the prize ball payout is permitted and the lending payout is permitted.

  Prior to the processing of S1210, it is checked whether any of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned off. Since there is a possibility that the error has occurred, the process may proceed to S1208 to perform error processing. That is, if one of the ball paths 943a and 943b of the payout device 940 is blocked, even if 80 or more game balls are stored in the ball paths 931a to 931d of the case rail 930, There may be cases where payment cannot be made reliably. Therefore, even in such a case, it is possible to surely pay out the game ball by executing the error processing of S1208 and prompting to cancel the abnormality.

  If the value of the total payout number counter 213d is not 0 in the processing of S1209 (S1209: No), it is confirmed whether or not all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on (S1213). As described above, the all-item payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on in the process of S1206. Therefore, when the game ball payout process is executed first, the all-item payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 is turned on. (S1213: Yes), the process proceeds to the payout number distribution process in S1215 without performing the wait process in S1214. On the other hand, if any of the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 is turned off in the processing of S1213 (S1213: No), as described later, the payout of the game ball is delayed in any of the items. After waiting for a predetermined time before redistributing the balls (S1214), the process proceeds to a payout number distribution process in S1215. In the present embodiment, the wait time executed in S1214 is 80 ms. This weight process is provided to suppress fluttering of the game balls in the stopping passage portions 943a2 and 943b2 when the ball passages 943a and 943b of the game balls are closed by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 33, the payout number distribution process executed in the process of S1215 will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a payout number distribution process. As described above, the payout device 940 is composed of two payout units 941, and the payout unit 941 has a first ball passage 943a and a second ball passage 943b, respectively. A ball is thrown in. Therefore, in the payout number distribution process (S1215), in order to pay out game balls evenly in the four ball passages 943a and 943b, the number of payouts to be paid by each of the ball passages 943a and 943b is determined. This is a process for sorting.

  In the payout number distribution process, first, the value of the total payout number counter 213d is saved in the stack area (S1231). Next, the values of the 1st to 4th scheduled payout number counters 213e1 to 213e4 that store the planned payout numbers in the respective ball paths 943a and 943b are each cleared to 0 (S1232), and further to the payout item pointer 213f. Is initialized by writing (S1233). Of the four ball passages 943a and 943b, the payout item pointer 213f is used to designate the back side of the gaming machine 1 in order from the first ball passage 943a disposed on the front side of the gaming machine 1. 2, 1, 4,...

  The state of the payout retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 indicated by the value of the payout item pointer 213f is confirmed (S1234), and if it is on (S1234: Yes), the game ball using the ball paths 943a and 943b corresponding to the item It is possible to pay out. Therefore, in such a case, 1 is added to the value of the payout planned number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the item, and one game ball is distributed so as to be paid out from the ball paths 943a and 943b corresponding to the item. Further, the payout solenoid operation flag 213h1 to 213h4 of the item is turned on, and a value 180 corresponding to the maximum waiting time (timeout time, detection time) until the first game ball is inserted is set to the payout game ball of the item. The counters 213i1 to 213i4 are set and 1 is subtracted from the value of the total payout number counter 213d (S1235). In the present embodiment, in the state where there is a game ball in the tank 910, the ball paths 943a and 943b of the game balls are opened by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the first game ball flowing down the ball paths 943a and 943b is normally paid out. The time required to reach the count switch 222 is about 10 ms, and 360 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (first predetermined time (dispensing side)) as a time having a sufficient margin from this 10 ms. The reason for setting a sufficient time for the first predetermined time of the payout control unit 90 is to take into account the fluttering that occurs when the game ball flows down, as described for the first predetermined time of the insertion unit 52. Because. Further, the count value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i3 is decremented by 1 every time the payout execution process of S1218 is executed, and the payout execution process is executed in the process of S1315 as described above. Since 213j is turned off, it is repeatedly executed every 2 ms. Therefore, 180 is set to the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 in the process of S1235.

  Further, in the processing of S1235, by turning on the dispensing solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article, the stopping mechanisms (the first stopping mechanism 944a and the second stopping mechanism 944a and the second stopping mechanism of the corresponding ball passages 943a and 943b are processed by the processing of S1221 of FIG. The payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 of the stopping mechanism 944b) are turned on, the ball paths 943a and 943b of the game balls are opened by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, and the payout operation is started in the ball paths 943a and 943b.

  Next, the value of the total payout number counter 213d is confirmed (S1236). If it is not 0 (S1236: No), the game ball distribution is not completed, so the value of the payout item pointer 213f is updated (S1238, S1239, S1234). Specifically, if the value of the payout item pointer 213f is not 1, 4, 3, or 2 (S1238: No), the value of the payout item pointer 213f is decremented by 1 (S1239), and the process proceeds to S1234. To do. On the other hand, if the value of the payout item pointer 213f is 1 (S1238: Yes), the process proceeds to S1233, and the value of the payout item pointer 213f is initialized to 4 (S1233).

  In the process of S1236, if the value of the total payout number counter 213d is 0 (S1236: Yes), as a result of repeating each process of S1233 to S1239, distribution of all game balls to be paid out is completed. The value of the total payout number counter 213d saved in the process of S1231 is restored (S1240), and the payout number distribution process is terminated.

  Further, in the processing of S1234, if the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 indicated by the value of the payout item pointer 213f are off (S1234: No), it is impossible to pay out the game ball using that item. Therefore, in such a case, the processing of S1235 and S1236 is skipped so that the game balls are not distributed to the item, and each information and value corresponding to the item is initialized (S1237). The process proceeds to S1238. In the process of S1237, information and values used in the game ball payout execution process such as the expected payout number counters 213e1 to 213e4, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4, and the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the article are initially set. It becomes.

  Thus, since the game balls to be paid out are distributed one by one to the four ball passages 943a and 943b, the number of game balls to be paid out through the four ball passages 943a and 943b can be made substantially equal. Therefore, when the payout is started using the four ball passages 943a and 943b simultaneously, the payout can be completed in a short time. This is because if a large number of game balls to be paid out are distributed to any of the ball passages 943a and 943b, it takes a long time to pay out the ball passages 943a and 943b, and the entire payout time becomes longer.

  Returning to FIG. After the payout number distribution process (S1215) is executed, the state of the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is confirmed (S1216). If the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on (S1216: Yes), 4 is written into the payout item pointer 213f to initialize it (S1217), and then the payout execution process shown in FIG. 34 is executed. (S1218).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the payout execution process. The payout execution process (S1218) is distributed to the ball paths 943a and 943b by the payout number distribution process (S1215), and then the number of game balls started to be paid out in the ball paths 943a and 943b is counted. And processing for managing the end of the payout. In each of the ball passages 943a and 943b, the number of game balls stored in the payout scheduled number counters 213e1 to 213e4 corresponding to the item is input.

  In the payout execution process, first, the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the relevant item are confirmed (S1251). If the value is 0 (S1251: Yes), the payout operation corresponding to the relevant item has already been completed. Therefore, the payout execution process is terminated. Note that the discharge solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the item are turned off at the timing when the value of the expected number of payout counters 213e1 to 213em4 of the item becomes 0 (see S1258). The solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are already turned off (S1221 in FIG. 32).

  If the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the item is not 0 (S1251: No), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball pass completion is detected by the payout count switch 222 of the item (S1252). If not completed (S1252: No), the process proceeds to S1255. On the other hand, if completion of the passing of the game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 of the item (S1252: Yes), it is determined that one payout of the game ball has been detected, and the total payout number counter 213d and the planned payout number of the item The values of the counters 213e1 to 213e4 are each subtracted by 1 (S1253). Then, the value of the payout scheduled number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the item is confirmed (S1254), and if the value is 0 (S1254: Yes), all the game balls scheduled to be paid out in the item have been paid out. Therefore, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article are turned off (S1258), and the payout execution process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the payout planned number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the item is other than 0 in the process of S1254 (S1254: No), the process proceeds to S1259.

  In the process of S1255, it is confirmed whether or not the game ball starts to pass. The start of the passing of the game ball can be confirmed when the payout count switch 222 detects the game ball and a signal output from the payout count switch 222 to the payout control device 210 rises. The completion of the passing of the game ball in the process of S1252 is confirmed when the game ball completely passes through the payout count switch 222 and the signal output from the payout count switch 222 to the payout control device 210 falls. Can do.

  If the process of S1255 is not the start of passing a game ball (S1255: No), the process proceeds to S1259, and if the start of the pass of a game ball is detected (S1255: Yes), In order to set the maximum waiting time (timeout time, passage time) until the passage is completed, 150 is set to the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i3 of the item (S1256). Thereafter, the value of the payout scheduled number counter 213e1 to 213e4 of the article is confirmed (S1257). If the value is not 1 (S1257: No), there is still a game ball to be paid out. Since the completion is not detected, the payout execution process is terminated. In the present embodiment, in the state where there is a game ball in the tank 910, the time from when the start of passage of one game ball is confirmed until the next game ball starts to pass normally is about 10 ms, and this 10 ms. As a time with a sufficient margin, 300 ms is set as the maximum waiting time (second predetermined time (payout side)). The time having a sufficient margin for the second predetermined time of the payout device unit 90 is set in consideration of the flutter that occurs when the game ball flows down, as described for the second predetermined time of the throw-in unit 52. Because. The reason why 150 is set in the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the item in the process of S1256 is because the payout execution process is repeatedly executed every 2 ms as described above. Further, similarly to the insertion unit 52, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time of the dispensing device unit 90 may be set to the same time.

  On the other hand, in the process of S1257, if the value of the scheduled payout counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the article is 1 (S1257: Yes), the game ball that has started to pass is the last to be paid out in the ball paths 943a and 943b. It is one game ball. Therefore, in this case, in order to prevent the game ball from being paid out thereafter, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article are turned off (S1258). Thus, the processing of S1221 in FIG. 32 turns off the corresponding discharge solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 of the corresponding ball passages 943a and 943b, and the ball passages 943a and 943b (stopping passage portions 943a2 and 943b2) of the game balls by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. The game ball is paid out in the ball passages 943a and 943b.

  In the process of S1259, a counter subtraction process is executed. This counter subtraction process is a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4. Each time this counter subtraction process is executed, the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 is decremented by 1, and when the value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 becomes 0, a set time (timeout time) Is measured. In the counter subtraction process, the subtraction process is performed only when the count value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 is 1 or more, and the subtraction process is not performed when the count value is 0. Yes.

  When the counter subtraction process of S1259 is completed, the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the item is confirmed (S1260). If the value is not 0 (S1260: No), the current payout execution process is terminated. The payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 have a time-out period (first predetermined time (payout side)) until the start of payout of the first game ball is detected, and the next game after the start of payout of one game ball is detected. Time-out time (second predetermined time (payout side)) until the start of payout of a ball is detected, or time-out time for confirming the passing of a game ball after the first predetermined time or the second predetermined time has passed ( It is a counter that measures the third predetermined time (payout side). Therefore, if the values of the timers 213i1 to 213i4 are not 0, the timeout time has not yet been reached, and in this case, the present payout execution process is normally terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S1260, if the value of the payout game ball counter 213i1 to 213i4 of the item is 0 (S1260: Yes), in particular, in the item, the time until the start of payout of the first game ball is long. This is a case where a time-out occurs because the interval from the start of passage of one game ball to the completion of passage is too long. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not the game ball whose start of passage has been detected has been completely passed, it is confirmed whether or not the payout count switch 222 is in the middle of passage (S1261). S1261: Yes), the game ball is clogged in the payout count switch 222 for some reason (stays). In such a case, error processing is executed to notify the occurrence of a game ball retention error (S1262). The error processing in S1262 is an infinite loop, and the error can be eliminated by resetting the gaming machine 1 after eliminating the staying state of the game balls. It should be noted that such a game ball retention error may be eliminated by releasing the retention state. As described above, immediately after the time-out is confirmed in the processing of S1260 (S1260: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not the game ball has passed normally (S1261), so the set time-out time (360 ms) Alternatively, it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball has been passed in a state where the error is small with respect to 300 ms). Further, when the time-out is confirmed, it is the timing at which the payout execution process ends, so that the abnormality detection can be performed after the process associated with the payout of the game ball is performed. Here, in this embodiment, when the start of the passage of the last game ball is confirmed (S1257: Yes), before the completion of the passage of the last game ball is confirmed, the payout solenoid operation flag 213h1 of the item is concerned. Since ˜213h4 is turned off (S1258), as soon as the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off, it is determined that the planned payout number has been paid out, and the game ball payout process (S1108) can also be terminated. However, if the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off and the game ball payout process is terminated, it cannot be confirmed whether or not the last game ball has been completely paid out. If the completion of payout of the last game ball cannot be confirmed, the number of game balls to be paid out has not been paid out, so that it is not possible to pay out game balls thereafter, or game balls are paid out through the few ball passages 943a and 943b. Therefore, there is a problem that the payout does not end early. Therefore, by confirming whether or not the game ball is in the process of passing at the timing when the payout execution process ends, it is possible to confirm whether or not the game ball has been paid out reliably, and to detect abnormality detection at an early stage. it can.

  If no error is detected in the processing of S1261 (S1261: Yes), the state of the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article is confirmed (S1263), and if the flags 213h1 to 213h4 are off ( S1263: No), since the payout of game balls in the ball passages 943a and 943b has been completed, the payout execution process is ended. On the other hand, in the process of S1263, if the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the item are on (S1263: Yes), the game ball payout interval is too long and a time-out occurs. A timeout occurs when the game ball is clogged (stays) in the payout count switch 222 or when the game ball does not pass through the payout count switch 222. In such a case, there is no game ball to be paid out in the tank 910, or the game ball flows from the tank 910 to the corresponding ball passages 943a and 943b due to clogging (stops) between the ball passages 943a and 943b. This is the case. Accordingly, the dispensing solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 and the dispensing retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 of the article are turned off, and the value of the dispensing game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of the article is set to 50 (S1264). The execution process is terminated.

  The reason why the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 are set to 50 in the processing of S1264 is to monitor the passage of the game balls even after the ball paths 943a and 943b of the game balls are closed by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1. is there. When the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 operate, the game ball may not flow smoothly along with the operation. In order to monitor the passing of the game ball that does not flow smoothly, 50 corresponding to 100 ms is set.

  Also, in the process of S1264, by turning off the discharge solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 of the article, the corresponding discharge solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned off by executing the process of S1221 in FIG. 32, and the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 The ball passages 943a and 943b are closed. Further, by turning off the withdrawal retry flag 213g1 to 213g4 of the article, in the retry process (repayment process (S1207 to S1222)) started in the branch of S1207: Yes in FIG. 32, the ball passages 943a and 943b Set to not pay out. This is because even if the payout is attempted again in the defective ball passages 943a and 943b (retry processing is performed), the payout of the game ball cannot be completed. Since the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 of the article are turned off, it is determined No in the processing of S1213 in FIG. 32, and the wait time is always ensured.

  Returning to FIG. After completion of the payout execution process (S1218), the value of the payout item pointer 213f is confirmed (S1219). If the value is not 1 (S1219: No), the value of the payout item pointer 213f is subtracted by 1 (S1220). ), The process proceeds to S1218, and the payout execution process is performed again. Since the payout execution process is started with the value of the payout item pointer 213f set to 4 (S1217), the payout execution process is executed with the value of the payout item pointer 213f set to 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. Therefore, the payout execution process is sequentially executed for the four ball passages 943a and 943b.

  If the value of the payout line pointer 213f is 1 (S1219: Yes), the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned on or off according to the state of all the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 (S1221). As described above, when the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned on, the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 that are turned on start passing (payout) of the game balls, and conversely, when the payout solenoids 944a2 and 944b2 are turned off, The game ball payout operation is terminated by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 turned off.

  As described above, the processing of S1221 causes the flickers 944a1 and 944b1 provided in the respective ball passages 943a and 943b to operate simultaneously according to the state of all the discharge solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4. The game ball payout operation can be started at the same time. In each of the ball passages 943a and 943b, the game ball payout operation is started at the same time, so that the total time required for the payout operation can be shortened compared to the case where the payout operations are started separately. Therefore, the payout operation can be completed in a short time, and the game can be smoothly advanced.

  The value of the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 of all items is confirmed (S1222). If all the values are not 0 (S1222: No), the number of game balls that have been paid out has not reached the original planned number. . Therefore, in such a case, the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned off (S1223), and then the process proceeds to S1216 to repeat the above-described processes of S1217 to S1221. In the process of S1216, execution of the subsequent processes is waited until the payout timer interrupt execution flag 213j is turned on (S1216: No). This is because, when the payout execution process is continuously performed for the same item (with the same value of the payout item pointer 213f), one game ball payout is erroneously detected as two or more payouts. Because there is.

  If the value of all the game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4 is 0 (S1222: Yes), the payout of the planned number of game balls has been completed, or the process proceeds to the retry process (S1207 to S1222). The process proceeds to S1207. In the process of S1207, if all the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are off (S1207: No), the game ball payout operation cannot be performed by any of the ball paths 943a and 943b. The game ball payout process is terminated.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can distribute game balls to the four ball passages 943a and 943b substantially equally, and simultaneously pays out the game balls through the four ball passages 943a and 943b. Since it can be performed, the payout of the game ball can be completed at an early stage. The gaming machine 1 cannot start the next game unless the payout of the game ball is finished, so that the game wait time can be shortened to advance the game by ending the payout of the game ball in a short time. Can be done smoothly.

  When the start of passage of the last game ball is detected by the payout count switch 222 among the respective game balls distributed to the ball paths 943a and 943b, the payout solenoid operation flags 213h1 to 213h4 are turned off (S1258). Since the ball paths 943a and 943b are closed by the flickers 944a1 and 944b1, it is possible to reliably prevent the game ball from passing after that.

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

  For example, in the above embodiment, the game balls are sorted in the process of S813, and the total number of game balls thrown is sorted in order for each of the articles for which the insertion retry flags 113o1 to 113o3 are turned on. Instead of the above processing, game balls (game media) may be allocated to each item based on the result obtained by dividing the total number of items inserted by the number of items for which the input retry flags 113o1 to 113o1 are turned on. In the case of this configuration, if the total thrown number cannot be divided by the number of items, the remaining number of game balls may be distributed to any item.

  In the above embodiment, the game balls are distributed in the processing of S1215. For the items in which the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on, the total number of game balls to be paid out is distributed one by one. Instead of the processing of S1215, a distribution means for distributing the game balls to each item based on the result of dividing the total payout number of game balls by the number of items for which the payout retry flags 213g1 to 213g4 are turned on is provided. May be. In the case of this configuration, when the total number of payouts cannot be divided by the number of ball paths 943a and 943b, the remaining number of game balls may be distributed to any of the items. Further, in the four ball passages 922 formed in the tank rail 920, one ball passage 922 (for example, the ball passage 922 on the starboard side in FIG. 12) is steeper than the other ball passages 922, and the game balls As long as the structure is easy to flow in, the remaining game balls may be distributed to the ball path 922 having a steep slope.

  In the above embodiment, the timeout time is measured by subtracting the values of the input game ball counters 113q1 to 113q3, the input game ball timers 1113q1 to 1113q3, and the payout game ball counters 213i1 to 213i4. A predetermined value may be added to the value, and the time-out time may be measured when the input game ball counter and the input game ball timer reach predetermined values.

  In the above-described embodiment, the insertion sensor units 550a to 550c are configured as W sensors to detect (determine) the insertion start and insertion completion of game balls. It may be configured to detect. In this configuration, when the input sensor detects a game medium and a signal rises, the input starts, and when the game medium passes and the signal falls, the input is completed.

  Below, the gaming machine and the modification of the present invention are shown. In a gaming machine provided with a payout control means for paying out game media based on a payout instruction transmitted from an external control means, a storage means for storing a plurality of game media, and the game medium that is communicated with the storage means flows into the game machine. A plurality of passages, and gate means provided in each of the plurality of passages and allowing or prohibiting the game medium from passing through the passages. The payout control means is transmitted from the external control means. When a payout instruction is received, a setting means for setting the number of game media payouts based on the received payout instruction, and the number of game media payouts set by the setting means are approximately equal to the plurality of passages. A distribution unit that distributes; and a gate control unit that controls the gate unit to allow passage of the number of game media distributed by the distribution unit. Gaming machine 1, characterized in that.

  According to the gaming machine 1, when a plurality of game media stored in the storage means are paid out of the gaming machine, the setting means is set so that approximately the same number of game media pass through the plurality of passages communicating with the storage means. The number of game media paid out is distributed by the distribution means for each passage. The gate means provided for each passage is controlled by the gate control means, the passage of game media in each passage is permitted or prohibited, and the assigned number of game media passes through the assigned passage, A payout is made. Therefore, when paying out a plurality of game media to the outside of the gaming machine, the plurality of game media are distributed so as to pass through almost the same number of passages, and the game media is paid out through the passages. Therefore, the game media can be paid out simultaneously in each passage, so that the game media can be quickly paid out, and as a result, the waiting time until the next game is started can be shortened. Can proceed smoothly.

  Also, when paying out game media, the gate means is controlled by the gate control means so as to allow the passage of game media, so compared with the case where game media is paid out by a payout device comprising a rotating body and a case. Thus, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the ball biting and to reduce the occurrence of the failure of the dispensing device accompanying the ball biting. Further, since the game medium continuously passes through the passage only by operating the gate means so as to allow the passage of the game medium, the game medium can be operated with less operation than the payout device composed of the rotating body and the case. A payout can be made.

  In the gaming machine 1, the distribution means distributes the number of game media payouts set by the setting means to each passage one by one, and the game media distributed to each passage by the distribution means A planned passage number storage means for storing the planned number of passages for each passage, and the gate control means controls the gate means for a passage whose content of the planned passage number storage means is 1 or more. While allowing passage of gaming media through the passage, when the number of gaming media stored in the passage number storage means passes through the passage, the gate means is controlled to allow passage of gaming media through the passage. A gaming machine 2 that is prohibited.

  According to the gaming machine 2, the payout number of game media set by the setting means is distributed by one to each passage by the distribution means, and this is stored in the scheduled passage number storage means. And according to the number memorize | stored in the number-of-passage storage means, a gate control means controls a gate means for every path | pass, and accepts or prohibits passage of a game medium. Therefore, according to such control, it is possible to distribute a plurality of game media through a plurality of passages almost equally.

  In the gaming machine 1 or 2, the distribution means passes the game medium when there is a passage in which the passage of the game medium cannot be confirmed even though the gate control means permits the passage of the game medium. The number of game media whose passage could not be confirmed to passages other than the passage where no confirmation can be confirmed is redistributed to each passage, and the gate control means is the number of game media redistributed by the distribution means. The gaming machine 3 is characterized in that the gate means is controlled so as to allow passage of the game machine.

  According to the gaming machine 3, even if a failure or the like in which a game medium cannot pass through a part of the passage occurs, the passage through which the game medium could not pass the number of game media that could not be confirmed due to the failure or the like. Redistribute to other passages and try to pass the game media again. Therefore, even if a failure or the like occurs in a part of the passage, the game medium can be paid out using the passage without the failure or the like.

  The gaming machine 3 includes passage detection means for detecting the passage of the game medium distributed by the distribution means for each of the passages, and the payout control means is configured to store the game media distributed to the passages by the distribution means. Detection determination means for determining the start and completion of passage based on the detection result of the passage detection means, and the gate means to permit the passage of the game medium distributed to the passage by the distribution means. Measuring means capable of measuring a first time elapsed after being controlled by the means, wherein the distribution means completes the passage of the first game medium distributed to the passage by the distribution means by the detection determination means If it is determined that the first time is measured by the measuring means for a first predetermined time before the first predetermined time is measured, the first predetermined time is measured by the measuring means. Gaming machine 4, characterized in that the redistribution of the number of game media that does not pass through completion to passageways other than road.

  According to the gaming machine 4, the first time that elapses after the gate means is controlled by the gate control means so as to allow passage of the game medium is measured by the measuring means. Then, when the first predetermined time is measured by the measuring means before the detection judging means determines that the first game medium distributed by the distributing means has been passed, the first predetermined time is measured. The game media that have not been passed are redistributed to the passages other than the passages by the sorting means. Therefore, the game medium is paid out in a path other than the path through which the game medium cannot pass due to some kind of obstacle (clogging of game media, etc.), so that it is possible to reduce repeated execution of unnecessary control, and to securely play the game medium. Can be paid out.

  The first predetermined time is measured after the gate means is controlled by the gate control means to allow the passage of the game medium and before the detection judgment means determines that the first game medium has been passed. Since one hour is a time for confirming whether or not the predetermined time has been reached, for example, when the game medium is stored in the storage means, the gate means operates so as to allow the game medium to pass. To the time from when the first judging medium is judged to have started to pass by the detection judging means. In this case, a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the game medium to pass through the passage detection means in a normal state where no clogging has occurred in the passage upstream from the gate means may be set as the first predetermined time. By setting the time sufficiently longer than the time required for the game medium to normally pass through the passage detection means as the first predetermined time, it is possible to reliably distinguish the state in which the game medium has passed and the state in which the game medium has not passed.

  The gaming machine 3 or 4 includes passage detection means for detecting the passage of the game medium distributed by the distribution means for each of the passages, and the payout control means is a game distributed to the passages by the distribution means. Detection determination means for determining the start of passage and completion of passage based on the detection result of the passage detection means, and the detection determination means that one game medium distributed to the passage by the distribution means has started to pass Measuring means capable of measuring a second time that has elapsed since the determination by the distribution means, wherein the distribution means has started the passage of one game medium distributed to the passage by the distribution means by the detection determination means If the second time is measured by the measuring means for a second predetermined time before it is determined by the detection determining means that the next game medium has started to pass, Gaming machine 5, characterized in that allocating the number of game media to which the second predetermined time has not completed passage through the passage of the non-passage measured by the measuring means again.

  According to the gaming machine 5, the second time that elapses after the detection determination unit determines that one game medium has started to pass is measured by the measurement unit. Then, when it is determined that the first game medium has started to pass and the next game medium has been started to pass, if the second predetermined time is measured by the measuring means, the second predetermined time is measured. The game media that have not been passed are redistributed to the passages other than the passages by the sorting means. Therefore, the game medium is paid out in a path other than the path through which the game medium cannot pass due to some kind of obstacle (clogging of game media, etc.), so that it is possible to reduce repeated execution of unnecessary control, and to securely play the game medium. There is an effect that it can be paid out.

  Note that the second predetermined time of the gaming machine 5 is the second time measured before it is determined that the next game medium has started to pass after it has been determined that one game medium has started to pass. For example, in the state where the game medium is stored in the storage means, the time from the start of passage of one game medium to the start of passage of the next game medium. It can be. In this case, in a normal state in which no ball clogging has occurred in the passage upstream from the gate means, the time it takes for one game medium to pass the passage detection means and the next game medium to pass the passage detection means A sufficiently long time may be set as the second predetermined time. By setting the second predetermined time to be a time sufficiently longer than one game medium to normally pass through the passage detection means, a state in which the next game medium has passed after one game medium has passed, A state in which one game medium passes and a next game medium does not pass can be reliably distinguished.

  In any of the gaming machines 3 to 5, passage detection means for detecting the passage of the game medium distributed by the distribution means for each of the passages, and start of passage of the game medium distributed to the passages by the distribution means And detection determination means for determining completion of passage based on a detection result of the passage detection means, and after the passage start of the last game medium distributed to the passage by the distribution means is detected by the passage detection means. Measuring means capable of measuring the second time, and the gate control means is determined by the detection determination means that the last game medium allocated to the passage by the distribution means has started to pass, When the second time is measured by the measuring means for a second predetermined time, the gate is prohibited so that the game medium is not allowed to pass through the passage where the second predetermined time is measured. The payout control means shifts to the first process when the detection judging means judges that the last game medium judged to start passing by the detection judging means is completed. In addition, the gaming machine 6 is configured to shift to a second process different from the first process when the detection determination means does not determine that the last game medium has been completely passed.

  According to the gaming machine 6, when the last game medium assigned to the passage starts to pass, the gate means is controlled to prohibit the passage of the game medium in the passage, so the number assigned by the distribution means The payout of the above game media can be reduced. If it is determined that the last game medium has been passed, the process proceeds to the first process. If it is determined that the last game medium has not been passed, the second process is different from the first process. Migrate to Here, when it is not determined that the last game medium has been passed by the detection determination means, it is possible that the game medium is clogged in the passage or that the passage detection means is abnormal. However, since the process shifts to a different process depending on whether or not the last game medium has been passed, when the last game medium has been passed, the process can proceed to the next payout standby process and the last game medium. If the passage is not completed, the process can be shifted to a process of notifying the ball clogging or the abnormality of the passage detection means. Therefore, it is possible to reliably distinguish between a state in which a game can proceed normally and a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.

  Note that the second predetermined time of the gaming machine 6 is a time for checking whether or not the second time that has elapsed since it was determined that the last game medium has started to pass has reached the predetermined time. In a state where game media are stored in the means, a time for checking whether or not the time elapsed since the start of passage of one game medium has reached a predetermined time (second predetermined time of the gaming machine 5) It can also be.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 6, the external control means is a main control means for controlling the game and a lending control means for controlling the lending of the game medium, and the payout instruction transmitted from the main control means is The payout instruction transmitted from the lending control means is for instructing to pay out the number of game media according to the loan request. When the payout control means receives the payout instruction from the external control means, the payout instruction received based on whether the received payout instruction is a payout instruction from the main control means or a payout instruction from the lending control means. State storage means for storing whether the game medium is paid out in accordance with a payout instruction from the main control means or whether the game medium is paid out in accordance with a payout instruction from the lending control means; When the state storage means stores the first state in which the game medium is paid out according to the payout instruction from the main control means, the main control is performed with respect to the game medium payout control according to the payout instruction from the lending control means. When priority is given to the game medium payout control by means of payout from the means, and the second state of paying out game media by the payout instruction from the lending control means is stored in the state storage means, the main control 7. A gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein priority is given to game medium payout control based on a payout instruction from the lending control means over game medium payout control based on a payout instruction from the means.

  In the gaming machine 7, the state storage means stores the first state in which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the payout instruction from the main control means or the second state in which the game medium is payout out according to the payout instruction from the lending control means. When a state in which a game medium is paid out according to a payout instruction from the control means is stored, a game medium according to a payout instruction from one control means with respect to a game medium payout control based on a payout instruction from the other control means The payout control is prioritized. If the game medium is paid out based on the payout instructions from the plurality of control means at the timing when the payout instructions from the plurality of control means are received, the payout control becomes complicated accordingly. However, since the game medium is paid out with priority given to the payout instruction from one control means, it is possible to reduce the complexity of the game medium payout control.

  In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 7, the game machine includes a storage detection unit that detects whether or not the game medium is stored upstream of the gate unit in a flow-down direction in which the game medium flows down the passage, and the payout A control unit configured to determine whether or not the state detected by the storage detection unit that the game medium is not stored upstream from the gate unit exceeds a third predetermined time; Determining whether or not the state detected by the storage detection means that the game medium is stored upstream of the gate means has passed for a fourth predetermined time longer than the third predetermined time; When it is determined by the determination means and the second determination means that the fourth predetermined time has elapsed, the fact that the game medium is stored upstream from the gate means is stored, and the first determination And a storage state storage means for storing that no game medium is stored upstream from the gate means when the third predetermined time is determined by the means, and upstream from the gate means. A gaming machine (8) characterized in that when a storage of a game medium is stored in the storage state storage means, a payout control of the game medium is started.

  According to the gaming machine 8, when the storage state storage means stores that the game medium is stored upstream from the gate means, the game medium payout control is started. The payout control is not started in a state where it is not stored further upstream. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the payout control from being performed unnecessarily for a long time because there are not enough game media to be paid out. In addition, since the payout control is not started when the game medium is not stored upstream from the gate means, a mechanical failure occurs when an abnormality based on the payout of the game medium occurs after the payout control is started. The possibility of is high. Therefore, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the maintenance operator of the gaming machine.

  Here, if the storage detection means erroneously detects that the game medium is stored due to the influence of noise or the like, the payout control is started even though the game medium is not actually stored, and the game medium is paid out. May not be performed correctly. However, since the fourth predetermined time for which it is determined that the game medium is stored is set longer than the third predetermined time for which it is determined that the game medium is not stored, the game medium is stored. If the time detected by the storage detection means does not continue for a long time, it is not stored in the storage state storage means that the game medium is stored. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection due to the influence of noise or the like, and to reduce the occurrence of a harmful effect that the game medium is not paid out.

  In the gaming machine 8, a third predetermined time for determining a state in which no game medium is stored in the storage means, and a fourth predetermined time for determining a state in which a game medium is stored in the storage means. Is the maximum number of game media to be paid out by one reception of the payout instruction transmitted from the external control means and the fourth predetermined time is set longer than the third predetermined time A gaming machine 9 characterized in that the above game media is set to be stored in at least the passage.

  According to the gaming machine 9, the third and fourth game media are stored so that at least the maximum number of game media to be paid out by receiving a payout instruction transmitted from the external control means is stored in the passage. Since the predetermined time is set, it is possible to store at least game media for which the payout control is executed once. When no game medium is stored, payout control is not started, and at least one game medium is reliably secured, so payout control is started in a state where no game medium to be paid out is stored. Can be prevented.

  In any of the gaming machines 1 to 9, when the gate control means changes the state of the gate means from a state in which the passage of gaming media is prohibited to a state in which the passage is permitted, the gate control means A gaming machine 10 characterized in that correspondingly provided gate means are simultaneously operated. According to the gaming machine 10, the gate means provided corresponding to the plurality of passages are simultaneously operated to allow passage of the passage by the game medium, so that the payout of the game medium in each passage is started simultaneously. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to quickly pay out game media.

  Any one of the gaming machines 1 to 10 includes a timing unit for measuring a predetermined time, and the allocating unit allows the allocated number of game media to pass even if the gate control unit allows the game media to pass. When there is a path that cannot be confirmed, the number of game media whose passage could not be confirmed is redistributed to each path other than the path where the passage of the game medium cannot be confirmed, and the gate control means A gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the gate means is controlled to allow passage of the game media redistributed by the allocating means after the elapse of a predetermined time is confirmed by the time measuring means. According to the gaming machine 11, the redistributed game medium passing operation is performed after at least a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the previous passing operation. Therefore, the game medium before redistribution is not erroneously detected as the game medium after redistribution, and passage of the game medium can be accurately detected.

  In the gaming machine 11, the distribution unit executes distribution and redistribution of game media through a common process, and the gate control unit includes a game medium distributed by the distribution unit and a redistributed game medium. The gaming machine 12 is characterized in that the control that allows the passage of the game is executed by a common process. According to the gaming machine 12, at least a part or all of the control processes of the distribution means and the gate control means are executed in a common process for the initially distributed game media and the redistributed game media. Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced accordingly.

  In this embodiment, the setting means described in claim 1 corresponds to the processing of S1204 and S1205 in FIG. 32, and the distribution means described in claim 1 corresponds to the processing of S1215 in FIG. The gate control means according to claim 1 corresponds to the process of setting 1 to the dispensing solenoid operation flag of the article in the process of S1235 of FIG. 33, and the distribution means according to claim 2 of S1325 of FIG. The process of adding 1 to the payout scheduled number counter of the relevant section of the process corresponds to the control that allows the passage of the gate control means according to claim 2, and 1 is set to the payout solenoid operation flag of the relevant section of the process of S1235 of FIG. 34 corresponds to the process of setting the, and the process of S1258 of FIG. 34 corresponds to the control for prohibiting the passage of the gate control means according to claim 2, and the detection judging means according to claim 4. 34 corresponds to the process of determining the start of passage according to FIG. 34, and the process of S1252 of FIG. 34 corresponds to the process of determining completion of passage by the detection determining means of claim 4. The first determination means corresponds to the process of S1402 of FIG. 36, and the second determination means of claim 6 corresponds to the process of S1404 of FIG.

It is a perspective view which shows the game ball use spinning machine and card unit in this embodiment. It is a front view of a game ball use spinning machine and a card unit. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is the perspective view which showed the back surface of the gaming machine. It is the perspective view which separated and showed the front frame provided in the front surface of the game machine main-body part, and a saucer block. It is a disassembled perspective view of a saucer block. It is a top view of the top plate with which the dosing unit was mounted | worn. It is a perspective view of an input unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a dosing unit. It is sectional drawing which showed the internal structure of the dosing unit. It is explanatory drawing of throwing-in operation | movement and discharge | emission operation | movement of a throwing-in apparatus, (a) has illustrated the standby state in which neither throwing-in operation and discharge | emission operation are performed, (b) is throwing-in operation | movement of a game ball The execution state of (take-in operation) is illustrated, and (c) illustrates the execution state of the game ball discharge operation. It is the perspective view which showed the whole payout operation unit. It is a perspective view of a dispensing device. It is a disassembled perspective view of a dispensing device. It is sectional drawing which showed the operation | movement state of the flicker of a payout apparatus and a switching member, (a) has shown the state which the game ball stopped, (b) has shown the state through which a game ball passes a payout channel | path part. (C) has shown the state in which a game ball passes a ball extraction passage part. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the game ball use spinning machine. It is explanatory drawing of each memory provided in RAM of the main controller. 5 is a flowchart showing a power-up process executed after power is turned on in the main control device. It is the flowchart which showed the normal process which is the main process performed with MPU of a main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the lottery process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the reel control process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball payout process which is executed in the normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the special game state process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the bonus symbol determination process. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball throwing-in process performed in a normal process. It is the flowchart which showed the throwing number distribution process which is executed in the game ball throwing process. It is the flowchart which showed the insertion execution process which is executed in the game ball insertion process. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process periodically performed with the main controller. It is the flowchart which showed the process at the time of a power failure. It is the flowchart which showed NMI interruption processing. 5 is a flowchart showing a power-up process executed after power is turned on in the payout control device. It is the flowchart which showed the game ball paying-out process performed in a power supply starting process. It is the flowchart which showed the payout number distribution process which is executed in the game ball payout process. It is the flowchart which showed the payout execution processing which is executed in the game ball payout processing. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process periodically performed with the payout control apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the setting process with a ball | bowl performed in a timer interruption process. It is the flowchart which showed the external interruption process performed with the payout control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Revolving game machine using a game ball (game machine)
20 Card unit (external control device, lending control means)
110 Main control device (external control device, main control means)
210 Dispensing control device (dispensing control means)
213b Payout state counter (state storage means)
213e1 to 213e4 planned number counter (passed number storage means)
213k with ball flag (storage state storage means)
222 Payout count switch (passage detection means)
910 tank (storage means)
922 ball passage (part of passage)
931a-931d Ball passage (part of passage)
935a-935d Storage amount detection switch (storage detection means)
940 Dispensing device 943a First ball passage (part of passage)
943b Second ball passage (part of passage)
944a1, 944b1 Flicker (gate means)

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine having a payout control means for paying out game media based on a payout instruction transmitted from an external control means,
Storage means for storing a plurality of game media;
A plurality of passages communicated with the storage means and into which the game medium flows;
Gate means provided in each of the plurality of passages, and allowing or prohibiting the game medium from passing through the passages,
The payout control means includes
Setting means for setting a payout number of game media based on the received payout instruction when receiving a payout instruction transmitted from the external control means;
A distribution means for distributing the number of game media payouts set by the setting means to the plurality of passages by approximately the same number;
A gaming machine comprising gate control means for controlling the gate means so as to allow passage of the number of game media distributed by the distribution means. The allocating means determines the number of game media payouts set by the setting means for each passage based on a result of dividing the number of game media payouts set by the setting means by the number of the plurality of passages. Distribution means for allocating almost the same number of times, and scheduled passage number storage means for storing the estimated number of passages of the game medium distributed to each passage by the distribution means for each passage,
The gate control means controls the gate means for allowing passage of game media in the passage for the passage whose content of the planned passage number storage means is 1 or more, while passing the passage to the planned passage number storage means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the number of game media stored in the memory passes, the gate means is controlled to prohibit the passage of game media in the passage. The distribution means has a passage other than the passage where the passage of the game medium cannot be confirmed when there is a passage where the passage of the game medium cannot be confirmed even if the gate control means allows the passage of the game medium. The number of game media for which the passage could not be confirmed is redistributed to each passage,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gate control means controls the gate means to allow passage of the number of game media redistributed by the distribution means.