JP2008073296A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which enables easier elimination of jamming of balls regardless of the position where the put-out device is arranged. <P>SOLUTION: The pinball game machine includes a first means (S30) for detecting that the game balls are put out as intended though the put-out device is driven in the normal direction to execute the operation of putting out the game balls, a second means (S72) for detecting the jamming of balls still blocking the putting out of the game balls despite the execution of a new put-out operation based on the result of the detection by the first means, and a third means (S80-S85) which drives the put-out device in the reversed direction automatically or in response to a switching operation in response to the detection of the jamming of balls. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bullet ball game machine that can eliminate an abnormal situation only by a switch operation even when the payout operation of the payout device is stopped due to a ball jamming of a game ball or the like.

  The ball ball game machine is a game machine in which about 5 to 15 game balls are paid out when a game ball wins a predetermined winning opening, and the more game balls are paid out, the higher the value can be exchanged. It has become.

  For paying out the game balls, for example, a payout rotating body capable of holding a plurality of game balls in the left and right holding grooves is used. Such a payout rotator is housed in a payout cassette and connected to the rotary shaft of the payout motor and rotated by an arbitrary angle. As a result, the game balls are discharged in order from the left and right holding grooves. ing. Each game ball discharged from the left and right holding grooves is grasped by the left and right detection units corresponding to the holding grooves, and it can be confirmed whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the rotation angle of the payout rotating body has actually been paid out. It is like that.

By the way, not only the above-described configuration, but all the payout rotators are configured to mechanically move the game balls in the payout cassette, so that sometimes the game balls are in a clogged state inside the payout cassette. There was a thing. Therefore, conventionally, an operation piece for rotating the payout rotating body in the reverse direction or the forward direction by manual operation is provided to eliminate the clogged state (FIG. 7 of Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-7-303743 JP 2003-290521 A

  However, since these operation pieces need to be directly connected to the rotating shaft of the payout motor MO, for example, as shown in FIG. 24B and FIG. 27, the operation pieces BAR must be arranged in a narrow space. Therefore, the manual operation was very complicated. In particular, when the payout motor MO is disposed at the back side of the hinge side H of the front frame 24, the operation piece BAR cannot be operated unless the front frame 24 is largely opened, which is very inconvenient ( (Refer FIG.24 (b)).

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine capable of easily eliminating a clogged ball state regardless of the arrangement position of the payout device. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the ball game machine according to the present invention does not pay out the intended game ball even though the payout device is driven in the forward direction to execute the game ball payout operation. First means (S30) for detecting this, and second means (S72) for detecting a clogged state in which game balls are not yet paid out even though a new payout operation has been executed based on the detection result of the first means (S72). And a third means for driving the dispensing device in the reverse direction automatically or in response to a switch operation in response to the detection of the clogged state.

  In the present invention, preferably, in the newly executed payout operation, the payout device is driven more slowly than the previous payout operation. In this case, it is particularly preferable that the payout device is driven slowly until the payout of the first game ball is detected, and thereafter, the payout device is driven at a normal speed with the payout position as a reference position. By slowly driving the payout device until the payout of the first game ball is detected, the reference position of the payout device can be automatically detected.

  The operation of the third means is preferably executed only for the duration of the switch ON operation. In such a case, since the time for driving the dispensing device in the reverse direction can be set arbitrarily, the certainty that ball clogging can be eliminated increases. If the same payout operation as that of the second means is automatically started after the operation of the third means, it becomes possible to eliminate the clogging and automatically detect the reference position.

  The switch operation may be permitted on the condition that the second means detects ball clogging, or may be permitted regardless of whether the second means detects ball clogging. However, the latter case has an advantage that the dispensing device can be driven in the reverse direction at any time when necessary.

  In any case, for ease of switch operation, the switch is preferably provided on the back side of the door and close to the door side of the door. On the other hand, it is preferable for crime prevention that the operation piece capable of rotating the dispensing device in the reverse direction or the forward direction by manual operation is provided on the back side of the door and close to the hinge of the door.

  According to the above-described bullet ball game machine according to the present invention, the clogged ball state can be easily eliminated regardless of the arrangement position of the payout device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

  The illustrated pachinko machine includes a main control board 1 that mainly controls game operations, a symbol control board 2 that controls the operation of the display device 8, a voice control board 3 that realizes a voice game effect, and lamps. Lamp control board 4 for flashing operation, payout control board 5 for paying out game balls, launch control board 6 for launching game balls under the control of the payout control board 5, and receiving AC24V, direct voltage is applied to each part of the device The power supply board 7 to be supplied is mainly configured.

  As shown in the figure, backup power is supplied from the power supply board 7 to the main control board 1 and the payout control board 5 in order to maintain the stored contents of the RAM area even after the power is shut off. The main control board 1 and the payout control board 5 are supplied with a RAM clear signal RAMCLR that clears the RAM of each control board to zero in response to an operator's switch operation.

  The main control board 1, the symbol control board 2, the voice control board 3, the lamp control board 4, and the payout control board 5 are each composed of a computer circuit having a one-chip microcomputer, and the sub control boards 2 to 5 are the main control boards. Individual control operations are realized based on control commands from the control board 1. Therefore, the functions realized by circuit elements and programs mounted on the circuit board are collectively referred to as a main control unit 1, a symbol control unit 2, a voice control unit 3, a lamp control unit 4, and a payout control unit 5 hereinafter. Sometimes. In the case of this embodiment, the control command is composed of MODE data indicating the type of command and EVENT data for specifying specific contents, each having an 8-bit length.

  The control command transmitted from the main control board 1 to the payout control board 5 includes an award ball number designation command (MODE data = 8 AH) for instructing the number of game balls to be paid out, and an operation for instructing stop / restart of the payout operation. The designated command (MODE data = 9AH) is roughly classified, and the prize ball number designation command (= 8AxxH) designates the number of prize balls by EVENT data (= xxH). On the other hand, a payout stop command (= 9A11H) and a payout restart command (= 9A12H) are prepared as the operation designation commands.

  The payout stop command is transmitted from the main control board 1 to the payout control board 5 when the lower plate is full at the start of the operation or during the game operation or when the supply of the game ball is interrupted. The payout control board 5 that has received the payout stop command immediately stops the payout operation of the game ball even if the payout operation is in progress, and then waits in that state until receiving a payout restart command. ing.

  As will be described later, in the case of the present embodiment, the game ball passage leading to the payout rotating body RO (FIG. 3) is divided into two on the left and right. Therefore, in this embodiment, the main control board 1 grasps the supply state of the game balls separately on the left and right sides, and outputs a payout stop command to the payout control board 5 if either one is out of supply. I am doing so. However, it is not particularly limited to this configuration, and a payout stop command may be output only when both the left and right passages are out of supply. Alternatively, the supply state of the game ball may be grasped overall on the source side of the supply path of the game ball, and the payout stop command may be output only when the supply is completely stopped.

  FIG. 2A illustrates a peripheral circuit of the payout control board 5. As shown in the figure, the payout control board 5 not only has a power supply voltage (including a backup power supply) from the power supply board 7, but also a command signal RAMCLR for clearing the RAM of the payout control board 5 (one-chip microcomputer), An NMI (non-maskable interrupt) signal accompanying a drop, a power reset signal SYSRST, and the like are received. The payout control board 5 is also connected to the prepaid card unit 22 and transmits and receives various control signals (BRDY, BRQ, EXS, PRDY) related to the ball lending operation. The ball lending information signal is output to the outside. The payout control board 5 receives the DC voltage 18v from the prepaid card unit 22, and permits the operation of the launch control board 6 on condition that the voltage value can be normally received.

  The payout control board 5 needs to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as a winning ball accompanying a winning game ball or as a rental ball that is liquidated with a prepaid card. Therefore, the four-phase drive pulse data Φ1 to Φ4 are output to the payout motor MO, which is a stepping motor, and the game balls to be paid out as the payout motor MO is rotated are assigned to the left and right prize ball counting switches RSW1, LSW1 or left and right. The ball rental counting switches RSW2 and LSW2 are used for detection. 2A, the signals of the left and right prize ball counting switches RSW1 and LSW1 are also transmitted to the main control board 1.

  FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the payout cassette with respect to the payout motor MO and its peripheral members. As shown in the drawing, the payout rotating body RO connected to the rotary shaft of the payout motor MO is formed with holding grooves that can hold six game balls respectively on the left and right. Along with the rotation of the payout rotating body RO, the game balls held in the holding groove are alternately released downward from the left and right one by one. In this embodiment, however, the driving data Φ1 that changes every 18 mS is normal. .About..PHI.4 is output in four steps (the payout rotating body RO is rotated by 30.degree.) To pay out one game ball (see FIG. 2 (b) and FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 3, award ball counting switches RSW1, LSW1 and ball lending counting switches RSW2, LSW2 are provided below the payout rotating body RO. Also, a payout operation switching lever LE is arranged, and by being guided by the payout switching lever LE, the game ball passes through either a prize ball counting switch or a ball lending counting switch. The payout switching lever LE switches the posture in accordance with the ON / OFF operation of the payout switching solenoid shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 shows that the left and right prize ball counting switches RSW1, LSW1 pass the game ball. The prize ball operation state to be detected is illustrated. Note that the signals of the left and right prize ball counting switches RSW1, LSW1 (and the ball rental counting switches RSW2, LSW2) are transmitted to the payout control board 5, and the necessary number of ball rental operations and prize ball operations are managed.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the internal configuration of the payout control board 5. As shown in the figure, the payout control board 5 includes an input buffer 10 that receives a control command from the main control board, a comparator group 11 that receives a switch signal from a prize ball and a ball lending counter, a first input port 13, and a first input port 13. A two-input port 12, a one-chip microcomputer 14 incorporating a Z80 CPU equivalent, a decoder 15 for generating a chip select signal of an input / output port, a first output port 16, a second output port 17, and a first output port A transistor group (open collector) 18 that supplies the drive signal received from 16 to the payout motor MO is mainly configured.

  In this embodiment, the input buffer 10 and the first and second input ports 12 and 13 are constituted by 74541 equivalent bus buffers, and the decoder is constituted by 74138 equivalents. The output ports 16 and 17 are 74273 equivalent D-type flip-flops.

  As shown in the figure, the signals from the left and right prize ball counting switches SW1 (R, L) are supplied to bit0, bit1 of the first input port 13, and the left and right ball lending counting switches SW2 (R) are supplied to bit2, bit3. , L). Further, a signal from a manually operated motor reverse rotation switch SW is supplied to bit 4, and a RAM clear signal RAMCLR from the power supply board 7 is supplied to bit 5. Control signals BRDY and BRQ from the prepaid card unit 22 are supplied to the bits 6 to 7 of the first input port 13.

  As described above, the control command from the main control board 1 is transmitted to the second input port 12, but the strobe signal STB is supplied from the main control board 1 in accordance with the transmission of the control command. Since this strobe signal STB is supplied to an interrupt terminal (maskable interrupt) of the CPU core, a reception interrupt routine is started in the payout control board 5 and a control command is acquired.

From the bit 3 to bit 0 of the first output port 16, drive pulse data of (Φ4, Φ3, Φ2, Φ1) = 0101 → 0110 → 1010 → 1001 → 0101 →. (See FIG. 5). Further, the bit4 of the first output port outputs the LED driving signal to the error notification lamp ER _L, from bit7, clear signal of the watchdog timer circuit (not shown) are outputted at predetermined time intervals .

  On the other hand, from bit0 of the second output port 17, a switching signal is output to the switching solenoid when the posture of the switching lever LE is switched. Further, a ball rental information signal for external output is output from bit 3 of the second output port 17, and control signals PRDY and EXS are output to the prepaid card unit 22 from bits 6 and 7.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a program executed by the payout control board 5 shown in FIG. The operation of the payout control board 5 can be outlined as follows: a main routine (FIG. 7 (a)) that is started after power is turned on and repeated in an infinite loop, and an interrupt processing routine that is activated by a strobe signal STB from the main control board 1. (FIG. 7 (b)), a timer interrupt routine (FIG. 7 (c)) that starts every fixed time (2mS), and the masking that cannot be started by receiving an NMI signal from the main control board 1 when the power supply voltage drops NMI routine (FIG. 7D).

  As shown in FIG. 7B, in the reception interrupt routine, a control command is acquired from the first input port 12, and this is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM, and the process ends (ST100). Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, in the timer interrupt routine, the interrupt confirmation flag is rewritten to 5AH, and the process ends (ST200). The value of this interrupt confirmation flag is checked in step ST10 of the main routine, and the processing of the main routine proceeds on condition that this value is 5AH. That is, in the interrupt waiting process (ST10) of the main routine, the process waits until the interrupt confirmation flag becomes 5AH, and when it becomes 5AH, the interrupt confirmation flag is rewritten to 00H, and then the process proceeds to step ST11. Therefore, the processes after ST11 are repeatedly executed every 2 ms.

  As shown in FIG. 7D, in the NMI routine, after the register value is saved (ST301), the value of the stack pointer SP is saved in the RAM storage area (ST302). Next, a control command is input from the second input port 12, and if it is a new control command, it is stored in the command buffer area of the RAM (ST303). After that, 5AH is stored in the backup flag BAKFLG to indicate that the minimum processing is completed (ST304), and then the checksum value (8-bit length) of the RAM area is calculated and stored in the corresponding area (ST305). Finally, the one-chip microcomputer is set to a RAM access prohibited state (ST305), and the infinite loop process is executed to wait for the power supply voltage to be cut off (ST306).

  Based on the above operation, the operation content of the main routine (FIG. 7A) will be described. When the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board 7 and the system reset signal SYSRST is supplied, the CPU is set to the interrupt disabled state (ST1), and then the initial setting of each part of the one-chip microcomputer 14 is performed (ST2). Next, based on the data from the first input port 13, it is checked whether or not the RAM clear signal is supplied from the power supply board 7 (ST3). In this embodiment, when the pachinko hall is in operation, especially when the staff operates the RAM clear switch of the power supply board 7 to turn on, the RAM clear signal RAMCLR is supplied. Normally, the RAM clear signal is not supplied.

  If the RAM clear signal is not supplied, the value of the backup flag BAKFLG stored in the processing of step ST304 of the NMI routine is checked (ST4). If BAKFLG = 5AH, next, step ST305 of the NMI routine is performed. The checksum value stored in the above process is confirmed (ST5). If the sum value calculated in the main routine matches the sum value stored in the NMI routine, the backup restoration process is executed and the process returns to the process before the backup process (ST19).

  Specifically, the backup recovery processing is as shown in FIG. First, the value of the stack pointer SP backed up in the process of step ST302 is restored (ST400), and 5AH is set to the start flag STFLG (ST401). Here, since the start flag STFLG is set to 5AH, in the first payout operation after returning to the backup, after one game ball is paid out at a normal speed, the last one is slowly paid out by retry processing. Will be. As a result of the retry process, the payout motor is positioned at a predetermined home position, which will be described later.

  Next, the backup confirmation flag is cleared to 00H to indicate that the return processing has been completed, and the storage area of the stack pointer SP is cleared to zero (ST401). Thereafter, the register value is restored (ST402), and the state before execution of the NMI processing is restored.

  The case where the RAM clear switch is not turned on when the power is turned on has been described above. Returning to FIG. 7, the description of the main routine will be continued. The RAM area of the one-chip microcomputer 14 when the clerk turns on the RAM clear switch at the time of business disclosure (including the exceptional case where the power supply voltage has dropped before the NMI routine ends normally) Is cleared to zero (ST7). It should be noted that the drop in the power supply voltage until the NMI routine ends normally is detected by BAKFLG ≠ 5AH or a checksum error. In such a case, normal backup recovery is considered impossible. Therefore, the RAM area is cleared to zero.

  Thereafter, 5AH is set in the start flag STFLG (ST8), and the CPU is returned to the interrupt enabled state (ST9). In addition, by setting the start flag STFLG to 5AH in step ST8, after one game ball is paid out at a normal speed during the first payout operation, the last one is slowly paid out by a retry process. It will be. As a result of this processing, the home position of the payout motor can be correctly positioned as in the case of the above-described backup return.

  Subsequently, the processes in steps ST10 to ST18 are repeated in an infinite loop, and the infinite loop processes in ST11 to ST18 are executed at regular intervals (2 mS) by the interrupt wait process (ST10) described above. In the infinite loop process, first, a switch input signal is acquired through the first input port 13 (ST11). This is a process for confirming whether or not the game ball has been paid out by the rotation of the payout motor MO. Subsequently, a subtraction process (-1) of an 8-bit or 16-bit timer is performed (ST12). Note that one unit time of the subtraction timer means 2 mS by executing the infinite loop process every 2 mS.

  When the timer subtraction process is completed, the control command obtained by the reception interrupt process is analyzed (ST13). As shown in FIG. 8A, the command analysis process is divided into a received command check process (ST89) for confirming the validity of a newly received control command, and an event check process (ST90). This process is executed every 2 ms.

  The event check process (ST90) means checking the EVENT data, which is the lower 8 bits of the control command, and the specific contents are as shown in FIG. 8B. In the event check process, it is first determined whether or not the newly received control command is a payout restart command (ST91). When the payout restart command is detected, the value of the payout stop flag that defines whether or not the payout operation should be stopped is determined (ST92). When the payout operation is possible, the payout stop flag is determined. = 00H, payout retry flag = 5AH, and motor stop timer = 250 are set (ST93).

  Since the payout retry flag is set to 5AH, the retry operation status mode (FIG. 15 (b)) in which the payout motor is rotated slowly until one game ball is paid out is set. In addition, since the motor stop timer is set to 250, the motor is maintained in a stopped state by 500 mS (= 250 × 2) prior to paying out the game ball by the retry operation.

  If the determination in step ST91 is no, it is determined whether the newly received control command is a payout stop command (ST94). If the payout stop command has been received, the value of the payout stop flag is determined (ST95). If it is 00H, the payout stop flag is set to 5AH to stop the payout operation (ST96).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step ST94, if the newly received control command is a prize ball number designation command that defines the number of game balls to be paid out, the newly designated prize ball is displayed in the total prize ball number counter. A number is added (ST97). As described above, the total number of game balls to be paid out from the gaming machine is sequentially updated based on the received control command by the command analysis process (ST13) (ST97).

  Hereinafter, returning to FIG. 7, the description of the main routine will be continued. After performing the communication process with the prepaid card unit 22 (ST14) and the ball lending process (ST15) cleared by the prepaid card, the prize ball process ( ST16), motor processing (ST17), and data output processing (ST18) are performed, and the processing returns to step ST10.

  The motor process (ST17) is a preparation process for rotating the payout motor MO. Specifically, drive data (Φ1 to Φ4) for the payout motor MO is generated and stored in the work area MOOUT. On the other hand, the data output process (ST18) is a process for outputting various data including the drive data from the first and second output ports 16 and 17. The prize ball process (ST16) is a process for managing the number of prize balls to be paid out. The number of prize balls is determined based on the value of the total prize ball counter updated by the command analysis process (ST13), and data output is performed. The payout motor MO is rotated by the process (ST18), and the operation end timing of the payout motor is determined with reference to the payout state of the game ball grasped by the data input process (ST11).

  Prior to the description of the prize ball process (ST16) and the motor process (ST17), the data output process (ST18) will be described based on FIG. In the data output process, first, motor drive data prepared in the motor process (specifically, ST68 in FIG. 11) is acquired from the MOOUT address (ST70). Note that the motor drive data is binary numbers 0101, 0110, 1010, and 1001, and when these are output as shown in FIG. 5, the payout motor MO rotates. In this embodiment, normally, the rotation time of one step (minimum rotation angle) of the payout motor MO is set to 18 mS, and the payout motor MO rotates 30 degrees by the output of data drive data for 4 steps. It is set to pay out one ball. Note that the rotation time of one step of the payout motor MO is managed by a motor drive timer, and the rotation time of 18 mS for one step corresponds to nine timer interruptions. Is set to 9.

In any case, if motor drive data is prepared in the B register by the process of step ST70, it is determined whether the LED flag is set to 5AH (ST71). The LED flag is a flag for turning on the error notification lamp ER _L (see FIG. 6) when the abnormal state of the payout operation continues for a predetermined time (22.4 seconds). Therefore, if the LED flag is 5AH, bit 4 of the B register is set to 1 (ST73).

Next, bit 7 of the B register is set to 1 (ST73), and the value of the B register is output to the first output port 16 (ST74). As a result, the payout motor MO is outputted drive data, error notification lamp ER _L is turned on or off. Further, since bit 7 of the B register is output to the watchdog timer, after time consumption processing (ST75), bit7 is returned to zero and is output again from the first output port 16 (ST7). Although the watchdog timer is cleared to zero by this operation, if the data output process (ST18) that should be executed every 2 ms is not executed due to the program runaway, the CPU is forced to operate based on the operation of the watchdog timer circuit. Will be reset.

  In any case, following the processing of step ST76, the switching solenoid flag, the ball lending signal flag, the PRDY flag, and the EXE flag are referred to, and data in which the corresponding bit is set is output to the second output port 17 (ST78). As a result of this operation, in some cases, a ball lending information signal is output to the outside, and the attitude of the switching lever LE (FIG. 3) is changed. The PRDY signal and the EXE signal are control signals output to the prepaid card unit 22.

  While the main routine shown in FIG. 7 has been schematically described above, the winning ball process (ST16) and the motor process (ST17) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the prize ball process, it is first determined whether or not a prize ball is detected (ST20). The payout of the prize ball can occur when the payout motor MO rotates one step due to the data output process (ST18). If there is a payout, it is acquired as switch edge data by the process of step ST11. In this embodiment, bit 0 of the switch edge data represents the detection state of the left prize ball counting switch, and bit 1 represents the detection state of the right prize ball counting switch (see FIG. 6).

  The specific contents of the winning ball detection process (ST20) are as shown in FIG. 10, and the left and right winning ball data (bit 0 and bit 1 of the switch edge data) are acquired in the variable D1, and 2 is set in the B register ( ST40). Next, the contents of bit0 of the switch edge data are moved to the carry flag CY by shifting the variable D1 to the right by 1 bit (ST41).

  If CY = 1, it means that the left prize ball counting switch is ON, but at this stage, since the rotation of the payout motor has not started, CY = 0 should have been assumed. Therefore, the value of the B register is decremented by -1 (ST49 to ST50), and the variable D1 is further shifted to the right by 1 bit (ST41). If CY = 1 at this stage, it means that the right prize ball counting switch is ON, but at this stage, since the rotation of the payout motor has not started, CY = 0 should have been assumed. Accordingly, the prize ball detection process is completed through the processes of steps ST49 to ST50.

  On the other hand, after rotation of the payout motor MO is started, CY = 1 may be obtained in the determination of step ST42. In this case, the contents of the prize ball flag are checked (ST43). The prize ball flag is one of the flags for managing the payout operation of the present embodiment, and is initially 00H. However, when the payout number for one unit (25 or less) is set in the payout remaining number counter, 5AH (ST27 to ST29 in FIG. 9). When the payout for one unit is completed and the value of the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, the value of the prize ball flag is changed to A5H (ST48 in FIG. 10), and then immediately returned to the initial state 00H (FIG. 9). ST31).

  Accordingly, since the prize ball flag is 5AH at the stage when the payout operation is started, the payout detection flag is set to 5AH in response to the prize ball counting switch being ON, and the payout remaining number counter is set to − 1 (ST45-46). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout remaining number counter is zero (ST47). If it is zero, the payout motor flag and the prize ball flag are changed to A5H (ST48). The payout motor flag is a flag for determining whether or not the payout motor MO is in a driving state, and changes almost in conjunction with the prize ball flag.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, initially, the payout motor flag is 00H, but is set to 5AH when the payout number for one unit (25 or less) is set in the payout remaining number counter. (ST27 to ST29 in FIG. 9). When the payout for one unit is completed and the value of the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, it is changed to A5H (ST48 in FIG. 10). Thereafter, if the payout operation continues, the prize ball flag is set to zero (ST31), and then returned to 5AH when the payout number for one unit is set in the payout remaining number counter (ST27 to ST29). ). On the other hand, when the payout operation is completed by paying out all the winning balls without any shortage, the value is returned to 00H (S27 and S40 in FIG. 15).

  In this embodiment, the payout motor flag defines whether the payout motor MO is in a driving state or a non-driving state. If the payout motor flag is 5AH or A5H, the motor driving state is set to 00H. If there is, it becomes a non-driving state. Here, the motor drive state means that significant drive data (any one of binary numbers 0101, 0110, 1010, and 1001) is output to the first output port 16, and the non-drive state means the first This means that the binary number 0000 is output to the output port 16. When the binary number 0000 is output to the first output port 16, all the open collector type transistor groups 18 are turned off, and the payout motor MO is in a free rotation state (see FIG. 6).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the payout motor flag and the prize ball flag are A5H, it is a state in which payout of one unit of game balls has been completed. Therefore, after the process of step ST48 shown in FIG. 10, it is impossible that CY = 1 in the determination of step ST42. In the event that a payout is detected with the prize ball flag = A5H or 00H (CY = 1), after the original payout has been completed, an extra prize ball has been accidentally paid out based on the weight of the game ball, etc. Can be considered a thing.

  Therefore, when the winning ball flag is A5H or 00H and CY = 1, the payout retry flag is set to 5AH (ST44). The payout retry flag is a flag for changing the operation state of the operation status = 0 to the operation status = 3 (S1 in FIG. 14). Thereafter, the motor is turned off until the first game ball is detected. Rotate very slowly (9/350 times in the example). As long as the game ball is accidentally paid out, it is considered that the stop position of the payout motor is deviated from the original home position position, so that the original position is corrected.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an original stop position of the payout motor MO, and shows a state immediately before the game ball is paid out (FIG. 4A) and a state where the game ball has been paid out. In this embodiment, since the payout motor is designed to rotate by 7.5 degrees in one step, the drive data advances by one to change from the state of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B. Transition to the state. Then, from the state shown in FIG. 4B in which the left and right game balls are paid out, when the operation further proceeds by 4 steps, the left and right game balls are paid out. That is, the state of FIG. 4B is considered to be a state in which the game balls on the left and right sides are least likely to be paid out accidentally due to their own weight or the like.

  In view of this point, in this embodiment, the state shown in FIG. 4B after the game ball has been paid out is set to the home position (steady stop position) of the payout motor. However, with the subsequent operation of the payout motor, the home position may shift in the clockwise direction due to a problem with the device accuracy, or may shift in the counterclockwise direction due to a problem with the device accuracy or the weight of the game ball.

  Therefore, there is insufficient payout of game balls (usually considered due to a clockwise shift of the home position) or excessive payout of game balls (usually considered to be caused by a counterclockwise shift of the home position). If it occurs, the operation status is changed to 3 (see S7 in FIG. 14), and at the next payout operation, the payout motor MO is turned on by 7.5 degrees until the first game ball is paid out. Rotate slowly to correct the home position shift (retry process).

  Hereinafter, the prize ball process of FIG. 9 will be described. After the prize ball detection process (ST20), first, the value of the prize ball flag is checked (ST21). When the driving of the payout motor is not started, the prize ball flag is 00H (FIG. 19), and the value of the total prize ball counter updated in the command analysis process (ST13) is acquired in the variable D1 ( ST22). If the variable D1 is D1 ≠ 0, the maximum value 25 of the number of payouts for one unit is stored in the variable D2, and the variable D2 is subtracted from the variable D1 (ST24).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the subtraction result is negative (ST25). If negative, the value of the total prize ball counter is stored in the variable D2, and the variable D1 is set to zero (ST26). Thereafter, the value of the variable D2 is stored in the payout remaining number counter, and the value of the variable D1 is stored in the total winning ball number counter (ST27, ST28). As a result of the above processing, if the total number N of winning balls is N> 25, the maximum payout number 25 for one unit is set in the payout remaining number counter, and the total number of winning balls is updated to N-25. Is done. On the other hand, if the total number N of winning balls is N <25 at the start of the winning ball processing, the value N is set in the payout remaining number counter, and the total number of winning balls is zero. It should be noted that the initial value of the payout remaining number counter set in the process of step ST27 is usually any of 5, 10, 15, and 25.

  Thereafter, the award ball flag and the payout motor flag are set to 5AH and the award ball processing ends (ST29), but the award ball flag set to 5AH is changed to A5H in the processing of step ST48 of FIG. Since the value is maintained, in the next prize ball process, the process proceeds from step ST21 to step ST30, and the prize ball process is completed only by performing the prize ball detection process. Thereafter, when the prize ball flag is changed to A5H, the prize ball flag is returned to 00H by the process of step ST31. In the next prize ball process (ST16), the processes of steps ST22 to ST29 in FIG. Will be executed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating specific contents of the motor processing (ST17). As shown in FIG. 11, in the motor process, a payout error process (ST61) is first executed. The payout error processing (ST61), and turns on the error indicator lamp ER _L, a preparatory process to wait for ON operation of the motor reversing switch SW valet, specific contents in as shown in FIG. 13 (a) is there.

  Explaining based on FIG. 13A, in the payout error process (ST61), first, the retry error flag RTY is checked (S70), and if it is already set to 5AH, the process ends without doing anything. The retry error flag RTY is a flag indicating a clogged state in which a game ball has not been paid out even if the retry process is repeated 32 times, and is set to 5AH in the process of step S73 of FIG. Therefore, since the retry error flag RTY = 5AH and already in the clogged state, the abnormality is resolved by the motor reverse rotation process (FIG. 16) described later, and the retry error flag RTY is cleared to zero (S87). Steps S71 to S74 are skipped.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S70 that the retry / error flag RTY = 00H, then the value of the payout detection flag is checked (S71). The payout detection flag is set to 5AH when a game ball payout is properly detected in the prize ball detection process (FIG. 10) (ST45). Therefore, if the payout detection flag is 5 AH, there is no possibility of ball clogging, and the process is finished as it is.

On the other hand, if the payout detection flag is 00H, it means that the payout of the game ball is not detected in the current process, and then the value of the retry counter is determined (S72). The retry counter is a counter that is incremented (+1) in the process of step S33 in FIG. 15B when a game ball is not paid out even in the retry process. Therefore, if the retry counter is less than 32, the processing is terminated without doing anything. If the retry counter reaches a value of 32 or more, both the retry error flag RTY and the LED flag are set to 5AH (S73). ). As a result, in the subsequent data output process (ST18 in FIG. 7), the error notification lamp ER _L is turned on. Or even by repeating the retry process game ball is a sphere clogging state of not being paid out, it is determine the processing clerk by lighting the error notification lamp ER _L.

  Next, the operation status is set to 4, and in order to immediately start the motor reverse rotation operation (S83), the motor drive timer is set to 0 (S74). Since the motor drive timer is always set to 350 during the retry process shown in FIG. 15B (S34), in order to reversely rotate the payout motor MO without passing the standby time, the motor drive is performed in step S74. The timer is reset to 0.

  Returning to FIG. 11, when the payout error process (ST61) described above is completed, the content of the MOOUT address storing the motor output data is cleared (ST62), and the payout stop flag is zero. Is determined (ST63). If the payout stop flag is not zero, the motor processing is finished as it is, so the motor output data remains binary 0000 (see ST62) and the payout motor MO is not driven.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST63 that the payout stop flag is zero, the value of the payout motor flag is checked, and unless it is zero, the value of the motor stop timer is checked (ST64, ST65). ). The value of the motor stop timer is decremented by 1 every 2 mS by the timer subtraction process (ST12). Until this value becomes zero, the payout motor continues to be driven in a stopped state (ST68).

  Conversely, when the value of the motor stop timer is zero, the motor drive start process (ST67a), the motor drive process (ST67b), the motor stop process (ST67c), the motor according to the value of the operation status at that time After either the retry process (ST67d) or the motor reverse rotation process (ST67e) is executed, motor drive data is selected and stored in the MOOUT address according to the position of the payout motor MO determined by these processes. In this embodiment, the position of the payout motor MO is managed from 0 to 3 (see FIG. 5). For example, motor drive data (0101, 0110, 1010, 1001) is output according to the motor position (0, 1, 2, 3), respectively.

  14 to 16 show specific contents of the motor drive start process (ST67a), the motor drive process (ST67b), the motor stop process (ST67c), the motor retry process (ST67d), and the motor reverse rotation process (ST67e). Is illustrated. Since the operation status is 0 in the initial state, the motor drive start process shown in FIG. 14A is executed.

<Motor drive start processing (operation status 0)>
In the motor drive start process, the value of the payout retry flag is checked (S1). If the payout retry flag is not equal to 5AH, then the value of the start flag STFLG is checked (S2). The start flag STFLG is set to STFLG = 5AH when the power is turned on or when the backup is restored. Therefore, if it is at the time of the first payout operation after the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S3, the value of the payout remaining number counter is decremented by 1, and a value four times that is set in the step counter. Further, the value of the start flag STFLG is returned to 00H.

  The number of game balls to be paid out is set in the payout remaining number counter (ST27 in FIG. 9). Further, the step counter indicates the total number of times that the drive data is supplied to the payout motor D. In this embodiment, the drive data is designed to advance by 4 (4 steps) to pay one game ball. ing. Therefore, as a result of the initial setting in step S3, the payout motor MO rotates only by N-1 in spite of N game balls to be paid out originally. This payout shortage state is detected by making a transition from operation status = 1 to operation status = 2 without executing the processing of step ST48 of FIG. 10 (S15 of FIG. 14, S20 of FIG. 15), and thereafter FIG. The retry process shown in (b) is started.

  The process of step S3 that shifts to such a retry process is performed only once, and thereafter, the start flag STFLG becomes zero. Therefore, normally, the value of the remaining number counter is multiplied by 4 and stored in the step counter (S4). The initial value of the payout remaining number counter is the payout amount N (= 25 or less) for one unit set in the process of step ST27. In this embodiment, four-step drive data is supplied to the payout motor MO, rotated by 30 degrees, and one game ball is paid out. Therefore, the total number of series of drive data to be supplied to the payout motor MO. As a result, a value of 4 × N is set in the step counter.

  Next, in the state where the initial value of the step counter is set by the process of step S3 or S4, the operation status is changed to 1, and the motor drive timer is initialized to 9 to complete the process (S5 to S6). The motor drive timer designates a time interval for supplying drive data to the payout motor MO, and the initially set motor drive timer is decremented by 1 in the timer subtraction process in step S12. The motor position changes at the time interval (= 18 mS) shown in FIG. Each time the motor drive timer becomes zero, the step counter is decremented by one.

  When the operation status is 0, when the payout retry flag is 5 AH, the operation status is changed to 3 (S7). Further, the motor drive timer is set to 350, and the payout retry flag and the payout detection flag are cleared to zero. When the operation status is changed to 3, the retry process is started thereafter. However, since the motor drive timer is initially set to 350, thereafter, the time interval of one step is 700 mS (= 2 × 350). The dispensing motor MO is driven very slowly. Note that the processes of steps S5 to S7 are executed when the motor drive start process is started by excessive payout of the game balls (see ST44 in FIG. 10). Therefore, 5AH is set in the process of step ST45. The payout detection flag is cleared to zero.

<Processing during motor driving (operation status 1)>
After the operation status is set to 1 by the process of step S3 in FIG. 14A, the motor driving process shown in FIG. 14B is executed. Here, first, the value of the motor drive timer is checked (S10), and if it is not zero, the process is terminated without doing anything. Therefore, for example, when the motor drive timer is initially set to 9, the same drive data is output in nine motor processes (ST17) (ST67b to ST68). Thereafter, when the motor drive timer becomes zero, the value of the step counter initially set to 4 × N is decremented by 1, and the motor position is incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 3 (S11 to S12).

  Thereafter, the value of the step counter is determined (S13). If it is not zero, the motor drive timer is initialized to 9 again and the process is terminated (S14). On the other hand, when the value of the step counter becomes zero, the payout of the game ball for one unit (N ≦ 25) has been completed formally, so the operation status is changed to 2 and the motor The value of the drive timer is initialized to 350 (S15 to S16). In addition, since the value of the step counter has become zero, in terms of form (in terms of time), one unit (N ≦ 25) of game balls has been paid out. There may be cases where the amount is excessive or insufficient.

  If the payout amount is insufficient, the payout remaining number counter is not zero, so the payout motor flag is not changed to A5H and remains 5AH. On the other hand, if the payout motor flag is A5H, the payout remaining number counter is This means that it has become zero (see ST48). However, there may be a further payout after the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, and there may be a case where the payout retry flag is 5AH even if the payout motor flag is A5H (ST44).

<Processing during motor stop (operation status 2)>
As shown in FIG. 15A, in the state of the operation status 2, the motor stop process is executed. Here, first, the value of the payout motor flag is checked, and if it is A5H, it can be determined that at least payout is not insufficient, so the operation status is changed from 2 to 0 and the motor drive timer is set to zero (S25 to S26). . Further, the payout motor flag and the payout detection flag are cleared to zero (S27).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the payout motor flag is not equal to A5H, if the payout motor flag is 5AH, it means that the payout amount is insufficient, so the motor drive timer first becomes zero. (S21). Note that when the operation status is changed from 1 to 2, the motor drive timer is initialized to 350 (S16), and here, 700 mS is consumed. Thereafter, when the motor drive timer becomes zero, the operation status is changed from 2 to 3, the motor drive timer is initialized to 350, and the payout detection flag is cleared (S22 to S24).

<Retry processing (operation status 3)>
As shown in FIG. 15B, when the operation status is 3, first, it waits for the motor drive timer to become zero (S30). Since the motor drive timer is initially set to 350 when the operation status is changed to 3 (S6, S23), 700 mS is consumed here. Thereafter, the value of the payout detection flag is checked (S31). The payout detection flag is set to 5AH when the payout of the game ball is confirmed (ST45 in FIG. 10), and is set to zero when the operation status is changed to 3 (S24 in FIG. 15, S7 in FIG. 14). ).

  Therefore, in the motor retry process, the payout detection flag is initially zero so that the motor position is advanced by 1 in the range of 0 to 3 (S32). Further, the retry counter is incremented by 1, and 350 is set in the motor drive timer (S33 to S34). Therefore, a retry process for updating the drive data every 1 step = 700 ms is executed thereafter.

  FIG. 20 illustrates this retry process, and shows that the dispensing motor MO rotates slowly at a speed 9/700 times the normal speed. As is apparent from steps S30 to S34, every time the dispensing motor MO rotates by one step (7.5 degrees), that is, every time the motor drive timer becomes zero (set in the process of step ST45 in FIG. 10). Based on the value of the payout detection flag, the game ball is checked for payout, and the same operation is repeated until the payout is detected (S31).

  If such processing is repeated, the payout detection flag eventually becomes 5 AH. In this case, the value of the payout motor flag is checked next (S35). The payout motor flag is set to A5H when the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, that is, when a game ball is paid out without a shortage (ST48 in FIG. 10). Therefore, since the payout motor flag ≠ 5AH means that there is a game ball that has not been paid out, a value obtained by quadrupling the value of the payout remaining number counter is stored in the step counter (S36). Further, the operation status is changed from 3 to 1, the retry counter is cleared, and 9 is set in the motor drive timer (S37, S38).

  As a result of this setting process, normal motor rotation for updating drive data every 1 step = 18 mS is started thereafter (see FIG. 5). When the above operation is confirmed based on FIG. 12 and FIGS. 14 to 15, when the payout operation is formally completed (step counter = 0) and the operation status is changed from 1 to 2 (S15). If there is insufficient payout, the operation status is changed from 2 to 3 (S22). When the payout motor MO rotates at a low speed in the state of the operation status 3 and pays out one game ball, if there is a further shortage, the operation status is changed from 3 to 1 (S37), and then The normal operation in the operation status 1 is executed until the shortage is resolved.

  Now, continuing the description of the motor retry process in FIG. 15B, when the payout motor flag = A5H in the determination of step S35, first, the operation status 3 is changed to 0 (S39). When the payout is detected (payout detection flag = 5AH) and the payout motor flag is A5H, one game ball is paid out with the operation status = 3, and the payout remaining number counter becomes zero. (See ST48). In other words, it means that the shortage of payout has been completed, so that the operation status is changed from 3 to 0, and then it is made to wait until the time when the payout operation is required again. Therefore, the values of the retry counter, the payout motor flag, and the payout detection flag are all set to zero (S40).

<Motor reverse rotation processing (operation status 4)>
Next, the motor reverse rotation processing (operation status 4) of the payout motor MO will be specifically described with reference to FIG. This motor reverse rotation process is a payout error process (see ST61, FIG. 13 (a)) that the game ball is not paid out (ball clogged state) even if the retry process (FIG. 15 (b)) is repeated 32 times, for example. It is executed by detecting it.

  In the motor reverse rotation process, the value of bit4 of the data (switch edge data) acquired in the data input process (ST11) is first extracted (S80). Bit 4 of the switch edge data indicates the ON / OFF state of the motor reverse rotation switch SW as shown in FIG.

It is spherical jam state, based on the value of the LED flag set in 5AH (S73), it is widely broadcast by lit error notification lamp ER _L at the data output process (ST17) (FIGS. 7 and 17 reference). Therefore, it seems that the clerk promptly rushes to the gaming machine and turns on the motor reverse rotation switch SW.

  Therefore, if it is determined in step S81 that the motor reverse rotation switch SW is in the ON state, it is next determined whether or not the value of the motor drive timer is 0 (S82). As described with reference to step S74 in FIG. 13A, the motor drive timer is initially set to 0 at the stage where the ball clogging is detected. Therefore, at the timing when the process proceeds to step S82 for the first time, the process proceeds from step S82 to step S83, and the motor position (0, 1, 2, 3) is set to a position that is reversed by one to reverse the motor. (S83). Specifically, the drive pulse data Φ1 to Φ4 originally in the order of 0101 → 0110 → 1010 → 1001 are changed to 0101 ← 0110 ← 1010 ← 1001 in the reverse direction (S83).

  Next, the motor drive timer is initialized to 9 (S84), the button push flag BT is set to 5AH, and the process ends (S84). Since the motor drive timer is set to 9, thereafter, the payout motor MO is reversed at a normal rotation speed by the drive data Φ1 to Φ4 that change every 18 mS.

Incidentally, it is detected spheres clogging state from being turned error notification lamp ER _L, Until the motor reversing switch SW is turned ON, and moves the process from step S81 to step S86, as the motor reverses the process Finish. Thereafter, when the motor reverse switch SW is turned ON by the clerk, the payout motor MO starts the reverse operation through the above-described procedures (S82 to S85). In normal cases, the motor reverse operation is performed for several seconds. It seems that the clogged state will be resolved.

  When the clerk cancels the ON state and returns the motor reverse rotation switch SW to the OFF state, the process proceeds from step S81 to the determination process of step S86. When the motor reverse rotation operation by the motor reverse rotation switch SW is completed, the value of the button push flag BT is 5AH (see S85). Therefore, the process proceeds from step S86 to step S87, the retry error flag RTY, and the LED The flag and the retry counter are all cleared to 0 (S87). The button push flag BT is also cleared to 0 (S88), the operation status is changed from 4 to 3, and the motor drive timer is set to 350 (S89).

  As a result of these processes, the retry process (FIG. 15B) is started in the subsequent operation cycle. As described above, in the retry process, the payout motor MO slowly rotates in the forward direction, pays out the first game ball, and then pays out the remaining game balls at a normal rotation speed.

FIG. 12 also includes this point. Operation status third state retry error (jam sphere) occurs, an error notification lamp ER _L is shifted to the state of the operation status 4 is turned (Fig. 13). Thereafter, when the clerk turns ON the motor reverse rotation switch SW, the payout motor MO starts reverse rotation. Thereafter, when the ON operation of the motor reverse rotation switch SW is canceled at an appropriate timing, the operation status returns from 4 to 3, and the retry process is started.

  The operation of the payout control board 5 according to the embodiment has been described in detail above, but the specific description content does not particularly limit the present invention, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, if the game ball is not paid out even by retry processing by turning ON the motor reverse rotation switch SW → OFF operation, the ON operation of the motor reverse rotation switch SW is repeated unless the retry processing is repeated 32 times, for example. Inconvenience not accepted.

  In order to eliminate this inconvenience, it is also preferable to determine the ON / OFF state of the motor reverse rotation switch SW every time between step S70 and step S71 as shown in FIG. 13B. According to the modified example of FIG. 13B, if the game ball is not paid out even if the ON → OFF operation is once performed, the motor reverse rotation switch SW may be operated again, and this ON operation is immediately accepted ( SS1, SS2). Then, the operation status changes from 3 to 4 (S74), and the payout motor MO immediately starts reverse rotation (FIG. 16).

  Further, in these embodiments, there is an inconvenience that the payout motor MO does not start reverse rotation unless the attendant turns on the motor reverse rotation switch. Therefore, in order to eliminate this point, the motor reverse rotation operation may be changed as shown in FIG. In this case, the count counter CT is initialized to 00H at the end of the payout error process (S75).

  In the motor reverse rotation operation of FIG. 16B, a clear switch is provided instead of the reverse rotation switch. If the clear switch is OFF (S81), the payout motor MO is automatically driven in the reverse direction by a predetermined number of times MAX. Specifically, every time the motor position is changed in the process of step S83, the count counter CT is incremented (SS20). As long as the count value CT does not exceed the predetermined value MAX, the processes in steps S81 to S84 are automatically repeated.

  When the count value CT reaches the predetermined value MAX, the retry error flag RTY, the retry counter, and the counter variable CT are cleared to 0 (SS22). Further, the motor drive timer is set to 350, and the operation status is changed to 3 (SS22). As a result, thereafter, the payout motor MO slowly rotates in the forward direction, paying out the first game ball, and thereafter paying out the remaining game balls at a normal rotation speed.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 16 (b), since the automatic motor reverse rotation after the lighting of the error notification lamp ER _L is initiated, at the stage of attendant arrives on the scene are eliminated sphere clogged state There are many cases. Therefore, in such a case, the attendant shifts the processing from step S81 to step SS23 by long-pressing the clear switch, and sets the retry error flag RTY, the retry counter, and the LED flag to 0. Clear (SS23).

  On the other hand, if the clogged state is not resolved even by the motor reverse rotation operation that is automatically started, the operation status is changed to 3 by the process of step SS22, and then the retry process is repeated 32 times, and then the diagram again. The process of 16 (b) is executed. In such a case, it seems that the ball clogging is not resolved no matter how many times the motor reverse rotation operation → retry processing is repeated. Therefore, the clerk should manually resolve the ball clogging by operating the operation piece BAR of the payout motor MO. Alternatively, the payout cassette itself is exchanged. These artificial processes are the same in all the embodiments. Of course, the number of times of retry processing may be further reduced.

  By the way, in each of the above embodiments, at the time of the first payout operation after the power is turned on (including after the back-up is restored), the game ball that is deficient in one is intentionally discharged, and the last one game ball is in the state of the operation status 3. It is paid out by (retry processing). However, instead of such an operation, it is also preferable to pay out the first one by retry processing.

  21 to 23 are flowcharts showing an embodiment for realizing such an operation. In this embodiment, the payout retry flag is set to 5AH instead of setting the start flag in step ST8 of FIG. 7 (a) main routine and backup return processing step ST401 in FIG. 18 (FIG. 21, FIG. FIG. 22). In relation to this, the process of FIG. 14A is also changed as shown in FIG.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the payout retry flag is set to 5AH when the power is turned on (including when the backup is restored). Therefore, when the operation status is first 0, the steps S1 to S5 are always performed. The operation status directly transitions from 0 to 3.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the dispensing motor can be positioned without receiving a special control command from another control board (typically, the main control board 1) when the power is turned on (and when the backup is restored). However, in the case of the second embodiment, it is further advantageous that the positioning can be automatically performed when the first game ball is paid out. That is, for example, when five game balls are paid out first, in the first embodiment, after the four payouts, there is an unnaturalness that the last one game ball is slowly paid out. In the example, since five game balls are paid out at a stroke, there is no sense of incongruity. In addition to the one that carries the ball in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the rotary body as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a screw-type rotary body that carries the ball in the axial direction along the vicinity of the outer circumference is also available Applicable.

  Finally, a bullet ball game machine to which the present invention is preferably applied will be described for confirmation. FIG. 24A is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine 21 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 25 is a side view of the pachinko machine 21. A plurality of pachinko machines 21 are arranged in the length direction of the island structure of the pachinko hall while being electrically connected to the card-type ball lending machine 22.

  The illustrated pachinko machine 21 includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 23 that is detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 24 that is pivotably mounted via a hinge H fixed to the outer frame 23. It consists of A game board 25 is detachably attached to the front frame 24 from the back side, and a glass door 26 and a front plate 27 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be freely opened and closed. FIG. 24B shows a state in which the front frame 24 is opened from the outer frame 23, and the motor reverse rotation switch SW is disposed at a position on the door-end side that is easy for the clerk to operate. It shows that the payout motor MO and the operation piece BAR are arranged at the back position. The motor reverse rotation switch SW also appears in FIG.

  The front plate 27 is provided with an upper plate 28 for storing game balls for launch. A lower plate 29 for storing game balls overflowing from or extracted from the upper plate 28 and a launch handle 30 are disposed below the front frame 24. And are provided. The launch handle 30 is linked to a launch motor, and a game ball is launched by a striking rod 31 (see FIG. 27) that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle.

  On the right side of the upper plate 28, an operation panel 32 for lending the ball to the card-type ball lending machine 22 is provided, and on this operation panel 32, a card remaining amount display unit 32a for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number. A ball lending switch 32b for instructing lending of game balls for a predetermined amount, and a return switch 32c for instructing to return the card at the end of the game. On the upper part of the glass door 26, a big hit LED lamp P1 indicating a big hit state is arranged. In addition, in the vicinity of the big hit LED lamp P1, abnormality notification LED lamps P2 and P3 are provided to indicate a replenishment state or a full state of the lower plate.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the game board 25 is provided with a guide rail 33 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and the display device 8 (specifically, at the approximate center of the game area 25a inside thereof is provided. In particular, a liquid crystal color display) is arranged. In addition, at a suitable place in the game area 25a, there are arranged a symbol start opening 35, a big winning opening 36, a plurality of normal winning openings 37 (four on the left and right sides of the big winning opening 36), and a gate portion 38 which is two passing openings. It is installed. Each of these winning openings 35 to 38 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

  The display device 8 is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. The display device 8 has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the center portion and a normal symbol display portion 39 in the upper right portion. The normal symbol display unit 39 displays a normal symbol. When a game ball that has passed through the gate unit 38 is detected, the displayed normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and when the game ball passes through the gate unit 38. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery extracted in is displayed and stopped.

  For example, the symbol start opening 35 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 35a. When the stop symbol after fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 39 displays a winning symbol, the symbol start port 35 is opened and closed. The claw 35a is opened only for a predetermined time. When a game ball wins the symbol start opening 35, the display symbols of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc change for a predetermined time, and are determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol start opening 35. Stop at the stop symbol.

  The big winning opening 36 is controlled to open and close by, for example, an opening / closing plate 36a that can be opened forward, but when the stop symbol after the symbol change of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc is a big hit symbol such as “777”, “big hit” Is started, and the open / close plate 36a is opened. There is a specific area 36b inside the big winning opening 36, and when the winning ball passes through the specific area 36b, a special game advantageous to the player is continued.

  After the opening / closing plate 36a of the big winning opening 36 is opened, the opening / closing plate 36a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. At this time, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 36b, the special game ends, but if it passes through the specific area 36b, the special game is continued up to, for example, 15 times, which is advantageous to the player. To be controlled. Furthermore, when the stop symbol after the change is a special state occurrence symbol among the special symbols, a special state is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 27, on the back side of the front frame 24, a back mechanism plate 40 for holding the game board 25 from the back side is detachably mounted. An opening 40a is formed in the back mechanism plate 40, and a prize ball tank 41 and a tank rail 42 extending therefrom are provided on the upper side thereof. A payout device 43 connected to the tank rail 42 is provided on the side of the back mechanism plate 40, and a passage unit 44 connected to the payout device 43 is provided below the back mechanism plate 40. The game balls paid out from the payout device 43 are paid out to the upper plate 28 from the upper plate discharge port 28a (FIG. 24) via the passage unit 44.

  As shown in FIG. 27 (c), the payout device 43, including the payout motor MO and the operation piece BAR, is integrated in the payout cassette, is behind the hinge H, and completely covers the front frame 24. It is arranged at a position where it cannot be operated unless it is opened to (Fig. 27 (b)). By disposing the payout device 43 in such a deep position, even if an unauthorized player opens the front frame 24 with a combined key, the payout device 43 cannot be easily altered illegally.

  The opening 40a of the back mechanism plate 40 is fitted with a back cover 45 mounted on the back side of the game board 25 and a winning ball discharge basket (not shown) for discharging the game balls won in the winning holes 35 to 37. Has been. The main control board 1 is disposed inside the case CA1 attached to the back cover 45, and the symbol control board 2 is disposed on the front side thereof (see FIG. 25). Below the main control board 1, the lamp control board 4 is provided in the case CA2 attached to the back cover 45, and the sound control board 3 is provided in the adjacent case CA3.

  Below these cases CA2 and CA3, a power supply board 7 and a payout control board 5 are provided in a case CA4 attached to the back mechanism plate 40. On the power supply board 7, a power switch 53 and a RAM clear switch 54 are arranged. The parts corresponding to both the switches 53 and 54 are notched, and both switches can be operated simultaneously with a finger. In the case CA4, an operation portion of the motor reverse rotation switch SW provided on the payout control board 5 appears.

  A launch control board 6 is provided inside the case CA5 attached to the rear side of the launch handle 30. And these circuit boards 1-7 are each comprised independently, and the computer circuit provided with the one-chip microcomputer is mounted in the control boards 1-5 except the power supply board 7 and the launch control board 6. FIG.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. The peripheral circuit (a) of the payout control board and the operation principle (b) of the stepping motor are illustrated. 1 schematically illustrates the structure of a dispensing device. It is drawing explaining the payout operation | movement by a payout apparatus. It is a time chart explaining the normal payout operation | movement by the payout apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine (a) of a payout control board, a reception interruption routine (b), a timer interruption routine (c), and an NMI routine (d). It is a flowchart explaining command analysis processing. It is a flowchart explaining a prize ball process. It is a flowchart explaining a prize ball detection process. It is a flowchart explaining a motor process. It is a state transition diagram of operation status 0-4. It is a flowchart explaining a payout error process. It is a flowchart explaining a motor drive start process (a) and a motor drive process (b). It is a flowchart explaining the motor stop process (a) and the motor retry process (b). It is a flowchart explaining a motor reverse rotation operation. It is a flowchart explaining a data output process. It is a flowchart explaining backup restoration processing. It is drawing explaining a prize ball flag and a payout hotter flag. It is a time chart explaining a motor retry process. A part of main routine of 2nd Example is shown in figure. It is a flowchart explaining the backup restoration process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart explaining the motor drive start process of 2nd Example. It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine concerning an example. It is a side view of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

S30 1st means S72 2nd means S80-S85 3rd means

Claims (7)

First means (S30) for detecting that the intended game ball is not paid out even though the payout device is driven in the forward direction and the game ball payout operation is executed.
A second means (S72) for detecting a clogged state in which a game ball is not yet paid out despite the new payout operation being executed based on the detection result of the first means;
A ball game machine comprising: third means for driving the payout device in the reverse direction automatically or in response to a switch operation in response to detection of the clogged state of the ball.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein in the newly executed payout operation, the payout device is driven more slowly than the previous payout operation.   The second means drives the payout device slowly until the payout of the first game ball is detected, and thereafter drives the payout device at a normal speed with the payout position as a reference position. Ball game machine.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation of the third means is executed only for the duration of the ON operation of the switch.   The ball game machine according to claim 4, wherein after the operation of the third means, the same payout operation as that of the second means is automatically started.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch operation is permitted on condition that a ball clogging is detected by the second means.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch operation is permitted regardless of detection of ball clogging by the second means.

Images