JP2008113940A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which a player can put out the desired number of prize balls at an optional timing while evading the troublesomeness of work accompanying a prize ball putout operation by the player and satisfying the continuity of a game operation. <P>SOLUTION: After a game is started in the game machine, when a ball runout switch 25 detects ball runout, a putout control board 31 makes the prize balls for the maximum number N of the prize balls that can be put out stored in a prize ball memory or less be put out instead of the putout operation of the prize balls corresponding to the number of winnings by a prize ball output device 26 under a prescribed condition as long as the number of the prize balls to be put out exists in the prize ball memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls according to a prize when a game ball launched on a game board from a launching device wins one of the prize holes on the game board.

  Pachinko gaming machines are provided with winning areas such as a start opening, a normal winning opening, and a big winning opening on the game board. When a game ball that is driven from the launching device through the rail toward the game board wins a winning hole in any winning area, a predetermined number of award balls are paid out by the prize ball payout device.

  On the back side of the game board, there is a main control board equipped with a CPU for controlling the operation of the entire gaming machine, a ROM for storing a game control program, a RAM for temporarily storing input signals and a CPU work area, There are provided a payout control board for causing the ball payout apparatus to pay out a prize ball, a firing control board for controlling the operation of the launching apparatus, and the like. In the ball path of the prize ball payout device, a prize ball passing sensor for detecting whether or not the prize ball is normally paid out is provided. A receiving tray is provided on the downstream side of the winning ball payout device, and the paid-out winning ball is temporarily stored as a game ball in the receiving plate and guided to the launching device.

For example, in the case of a model in which a saucer is provided at the top and bottom, a prize ball paid out from the prize ball payout device is temporarily stored in the upper tray and guided to the launching device. When a prize ball exceeding the storage amount is paid out to the upper tray, the overflow ball is guided to the lower tray that communicates with the upper tray. A full tank switch is provided in the ball passage communicating from the upper tray to the lower tray, and detects that the amount of game balls stored is full. When the full tank switch is turned on, or when the prize ball passing sensor detects a game ball for a set time or more, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the prize ball payout device stops paying out. (Patent Document 1).
Or, in order to give priority to the game continuity by the player, a game machine is also proposed in which a full detection switch is provided in each of the upper tray and the lower tray, and the payout of the prize ball is stopped only when both full switches are detected. (Patent Document 2).
JP 2006-130335 A JP 2003-126470 A

  In the case of a gaming machine having upper and lower saucers, the prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout device are stored in the upper saucer and supplied to the launching device as game balls. Although only about 100 to 200 game balls can be normally stored in the upper tray, when a big hit occurs, about 2000 game balls are continuously paid out from the prize ball payout device as prize balls. In general, the payout speed of the winning ball is faster than the launching speed of the game ball, so that the upper tray is immediately filled and the overflow ball is guided to the lower tray through the ball passage, but all the winning balls cannot be stored. In this case, since the full tank switch (full switch) is turned ON or the winning ball passing sensor detects a gaming ball for a set time or longer, the payout of the winning ball payout device is temporarily stopped. The number of winnings while the payout is stopped is accumulated in the prize ball memory of the payout control board so that game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory are later paid out from the prize ball payout device. It has become.

If the player continues to turn the launch handle without interrupting the game, the prize ball payout device remains stopped, so that the game operation can be continued only until there are no more game balls stored in the upper tray. In order for the player to continue playing, the player can either continue the game by transferring the game balls already stored in the lower tray or the dollar box to the upper tray or by dropping the game balls in the lower tray into the dollar box. The payout operation of the prize ball payout device must be enabled by turning off the tan switch and passing the game ball through the prize ball passing sensor.
Forcing the player to perform such work frequently during the game is cumbersome and cannot concentrate on the game. Also, it is noisy to continue the game while dropping the game ball from the lower tray to the dollar box, returning the payout of the prize ball payout device, and dropping the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory to the dollar box I will be. Also, if the player grabs the game ball and replenishes it from the lower tray or dollar box to the upper tray, dust will easily adhere to the game ball due to sweat or sebum, and malfunctions such as the launcher or prize ball payout device It becomes a factor of.

In the case of a gaming machine with an integrated dish, if the big hit occurs in the gaming machine, the saucer will fill up immediately, and the full tank switch that can be received on the downstream side of the prize ball payout device (upstream side of the saucer) is also ON. The payout of the prize ball payout device stops. When the player continues the game, most of the game balls to be paid out as prize balls thereafter are stored in the prize ball memory of the payout control board. In addition, when the full tank switch is turned off due to a decrease in game balls in the tray, the prize ball is paid out again. However, since the payout speed of the prize ball is faster than the game ball firing speed, the full tank switch is turned on again and the prize ball is turned on. Dispensing of the dispensing device stops. In this way, as long as the player continues the game, the winning ball payout operation is performed intermittently. Therefore, the operation time of the payout motor becomes long, the power consumption increases, the motor is easily heated, and the burden on the gaming machine increases.
In addition, when a prize ball is paid out after the game is stopped, game balls corresponding to all the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory are paid out at a stroke. Therefore, preparation of a dollar box for receiving a game ball to be dropped from the tray Will be chased.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and avoids the burden of work associated with the player's prize ball payout operation to satisfy the continuity of the game operation, while the player desires at an arbitrary timing. It is to provide a gaming machine capable of paying out award balls as many as the number.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the following arrangement.
A gaming machine in which a game ball launched from a launcher on a game board wins a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning by winning in any one of the winning holes on the game board. To the launcher and temporarily store the game balls paid out as prize balls, and a ball break detection means provided downstream of the tray in the game ball supply direction to detect the break of the bowls, A prize ball paying means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to the tray, and a full tank detecting means for detecting that the tray is filled with game balls, provided in a ball passage communicating the prize ball paying means and the tray. The number of prize balls to be paid out by winning a game ball is calculated and stored in a prize ball memory, and a payout control means for controlling the payout of the prize ball by the prize ball payout means according to the calculation result is provided. When the break detection means detects a ball break As long as there are the number of prize balls to be paid out in the prize ball memory, the payout control means can perform the payout stored in the prize ball memory in place of the prize ball payout operation according to the number of winning prizes in the prize ball payout means under a predetermined condition. The payout of the number of prize balls equal to or less than the maximum number of prize balls N is performed.

  Further, after the full tank detection means detects full tank and the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout means is regulated and controlled, the payout control means has the number of prize balls to be paid out in the prize ball memory, The winning ball paying means pays out the number of prize balls equal to or less than the maximum number of winning balls N only when the ball breakage is detected and the full tank detecting means does not detect the full tank.

  Further, the payout control means cancels the prize ball payout restriction control when the ball breakage detection means detects a ball breakage and the prize ball memory becomes zero, and the prize ball payout means determines the normal prize according to the number of winnings. It is characterized in that a ball dispensing operation is performed.

  The payout control means issues a payout instruction to the prize ball payout means if the total number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory is less than the maximum prize ball number N, and the number of prize balls is equal to or greater than the maximum prize ball number N. If there is, a payout command for the maximum number N of winning balls is issued to the prize ball payout means.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that a payout number setting switch is provided which allows the player to input and set the maximum number of prize balls N that can be paid out as long as the number of prize balls exists in the prize ball memory.

  Further, a ball removal portion for closing a ball removal hole provided at the bottom of the tray, an actuator for opening and closing the ball removal portion, and a ball removal switch for operating the actuator are provided, and the ball removal switch is pressed. During this time, the payout control means operates the actuator to open the ball hole, and the payout control means ignores the detection signal of the ball break switch and prioritizes the maximum prize ball number N stored in the prize ball memory. The award ball payout means executes a payout of a winning ball according to the number of winning prizes.

If the above-described gaming machine is used, after the game is started (after the number of prize ball memories is zero and the ball break detection means detects a game ball), the full tank detection means detects a full tank and the prize ball paying means pays out the prize ball. When restricted, the payout control means causes the prize ball payout means to pay out the number of prize balls not more than the maximum number N of prize balls that can be paid out stored in the prize ball memory under a predetermined condition. Therefore, even if the player continues playing the game and the game balls are likely to disappear in the receiving tray while the payout of the prize balls is restricted, N or less prize balls are paid out to the prize ball payout means under predetermined conditions. Therefore, the player can always concentrate on the game without being forced to pay out the prize ball.
This predetermined condition is that there is a number of prize balls to be paid out in the prize ball memory, and when the ball break detection means detects a ball break and the full tank detection means does not detect a full tank, that is, there is no game ball in the tray. This is the case.
Also, after the game is started (after the number of prize ball memories is zero and the ball break detection means detects a game ball), the full tank detection means detects a full tank and the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout means is restricted. When the detection means detects a ball break, the payout control means cancels the prize ball payout restriction control and causes the prize ball payout means to perform a normal payout operation according to the number of winning prizes. The game machine can be reset when the game is stopped or interrupted.

  Further, the payout control means issues a total payout instruction to the prize ball payout means if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory is less than N, and to the prize ball payout means if the number of prize balls is N or more. Since N payout commands are issued, the player can continue to play the game by paying out part of the prize ball within an appropriate range.

  In addition, if a player has a payout number setting switch that allows the player to input and set the number N of prize balls that can be paid out as long as the number of prize balls exists in the prize ball memory, the player can play games within the predetermined range. You can decide how many payouts you need to continue and enjoy the game.

Also, the payout control means operates the actuator to open the ball removal hole only while the ball removal switch is pressed, ignores the detection signal of the ball break switch, and stores the maximum number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory. Prior to N, the winning ball payout means executes the winning ball payout according to the number of winnings, so that even if the game is continuing, the player does not follow the payout operation of all the winning balls, but as many as the player wants. The prize ball can be paid out and the game can be continued.
That is, to provide a gaming machine in which the player can pay out only at a desired number at any timing while satisfying the continuity of the game operation by avoiding the troublesome work associated with the player's prize ball payout operation. Can do.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 2, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment can receive a gaming board 1, a handle 2 for launching a gaming ball on the gaming board 1, a gaming ball thrown by a player, a prize ball that has been paid out, and the like. A saucer 3 and a lower saucer 4 are provided.

In addition, a rail 5 is provided at the left end of the game board 1 for guiding game balls to be hit from a launching device described later. Further, a symbol display device 6 is provided at the center of the game board 1. When the game ball wins the electric tulip 7, the symbol display device 6 starts symbol drawing by a random number generator (not shown). Further, around the symbol display device 6, a passing gate 8, a chucker (ordinary winning port) (not shown), an attacker (large winning port) 9, a windmill 10 and the like are provided together with nails. At the bottom of the game board 1, an outro 11 is provided for collecting and discharging game balls that have not won.
In addition, the front frame 12 is provided with a display device 13 for displaying the number of prize balls paid out according to winning, a key hole 14 for opening and closing the front frame 12 from an inner frame (not shown), and the like.

  When the player holds the handle 2 and rotates it in a predetermined direction, the internal launching device is driven to continuously launch game balls onto the game board 1. When a game ball launched onto the game board 1 by operating the handle 2 wins a winning opening (chucker, attacker 9 or the like) formed on the game board 1, the number set corresponding to the prize The prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 3 from a prize ball payout device described later.

Next, a specific configuration example near the upper tray that constitutes the front edge of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.
The upper tray 3 supplies the game balls to the launching device 16 and temporarily stores the game balls paid out as prize balls. The upper tray 3 communicates with the launching device 16 through the ball supply path 17. In addition, a communication path 18 that communicates with the lower tray 4 is formed in a part of the ball supply path 17 in a branched manner. The ball supply path 17 is provided with a first ball removal portion 19 that can be opened and closed. Moreover, the ball | bowl hole 20 is formed in the bottom part of the upper receiving tray 3, and the 2nd ball | bowl hole part 21 is provided in the said ball hole 20 so that opening and closing is possible. The lower tray 4 is provided with a known ball removal mechanism that can open and close a ball removal hole at the bottom by a button operation.

  The first ball removal portion 19 is mechanically linked to a ball removal lever 22 provided at the front edge of the upper tray 3, and the game toward the launching device 16 is operated by operating the ball removal lever 22. The supply of the sphere is cut off so as to communicate with the lower tray 4 via the communication path 18. The second ball removal portion 21 is connected to an opening / closing solenoid 23. The opening / closing solenoid 23 is operated only while the ball removal switch 24 provided at the front edge of the upper tray 3 is being pressed to open the ball removal hole 20 and guide the game ball to the lower tray 4. Yes. In the case of an integrated dish, the ball punching hole 20 is opened and the game balls are collected in a dollar box (not shown).

  A ball break switch 25 (ball break detection means) is provided downstream of the upper tray 3 in the game ball supply direction. For example, a non-contact photoelectric sensor is used as the ball break switch 25 and detects the ball break of the game ball temporarily stored in the upper tray 3. When the ball break switch 25 detects a ball break and the prize ball memory becomes zero, the payout control means resets the prize ball payout operation, as will be described later. The game starts when the ball break switch 25 detects a game ball while the prize ball memory is zero.

  A prize ball dispensing device 26 (prize ball dispensing means) is provided on the upstream side of the upper receiving tray 3 in the prize ball dispensing direction. The prize ball payout device 26 is provided with a payout motor 27, and a predetermined number of prize balls according to a prize are paid out toward the upper tray 3 by a rotating body (not shown) rotated by the payout motor 27. put out. A full passage switch 29 (full full detection means) is provided in the ball passage 28 that communicates the prize ball payout device 26 and the upper tray 3. The full tank switch 29 detects that game balls are stored in the upper tray 3 and overflow to the prize ball payout device 26 side, that is, that the upper tray 3 is filled with game balls. When the full tank switch 29 detects that the upper tray 3 is full, the payout operation of the prize ball by the prize ball payout device 26 is stopped.

Although it is optional, a payout number setting switch 30 may be provided at the front edge of the upper tray 3. The number-of-payout setting switch 30 allows the player to determine the maximum number of prize balls N that can be paid out when the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout device 26 is restricted. Input is set in a range that is greater than the number that can be reached and that is less than the number that the full tank switch 29 detects full; for example, 25 ≦ N ≦ 125; N is a multiple of 25.
Although not shown, the front frame 13 is provided with a lending button for instructing to lend out a game ball when playing with a prepaid card or cash, a return button for urging cash and a prepaid card to be returned, and the like.

Next, the control system of the gaming machine will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The payout control board 31 (payout control means) calculates the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning a game ball and stores it in the prize ball memory. When the full tank switch 29 detects a full tank, the prize by the prize ball payout device 26 is obtained. Control to restrict ball payout. The payout control board 31 stores in a prize ball memory a preset maximum number N of prize balls that can be paid out. When the full tank switch 29 is turned ON and the payout of prize balls by the prize ball payout device 26 is restricted, N or less prize balls are paid out under a predetermined condition described later.

  The payout control board 31 receives a detection signal and an input signal from the ball break switch 25 (SW1), the full tank switch 29 (SW2), the ball removal switch 24 (SW3), and the payout number setting switch 30. From the payout control board 31, a payout motor 27, a display device 13 (display means) for displaying the number of prize balls, and a notifying device 32 (notification means) for notifying that the upper tray 3 is out of ball or full is blinking. An output signal is output. After the game is started, when the full switch 29 detects that the full ball switch 29 detects a full ball after the full tank switch 29 detects that the full ball is full and the prize ball payout device 26 restricts the prize ball payout, the payout control board 31 The payout restriction control is canceled, and the prize ball payout device 26 is caused to perform a normal prize ball payout operation according to the number of winnings. Thereby, for example, even if the player stops or interrupts the game, the gaming machine can be reset.

  Further, the launch control board 33 receives a control signal from the main control board 34 via the payout control board 31. An operation signal is output from the firing control board 33 to the launching device 16 and the opening / closing solenoid 23. The launch control board 33 controls the launching speed of the game balls by the launching device 16 to be about 100 balls per minute, for example.

  The payout control board 31 is monitored for operation from the main control board 34. The main control board 34 includes a CPU that controls the operation of the entire gaming machine, a ROM that stores a game control program, a RAM that is used as a temporary storage of input signals and a work area for the CPU, and the like. The main control board 34 issues a command to the payout control board 31 and the launch control board 33 in accordance with the game control program to cause the prize ball payout device 26 to pay out the prize balls, thereby controlling the launching operation of the launching device 16.

Here, a normal payout control operation by the payout control board 31 when the player continues the game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, as a premise, the game is started when the number of prize ball memories is zero and the ball break switch 25 (SW1) detects a game ball (when a necessary game ball exists in the upper tray 3). When the player starts the game by rotating the handle 1, the launching device 16 is activated and the game ball is driven into the game board 1 through the rail 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  In step S1, the payout control board 31 calculates the number of prize balls to be paid out after winning a game ball on the prize ball memory (step S2), and displays the memory number of the prize ball memory on the display device 13 ( Step S3). If there is no winning in step S1, zero memory number of the winning ball memory is displayed on the display device 13 (step S3).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S4, and a prize ball payout operation is performed for the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning from the prize ball payout device 26. Next, the payout control board 31 calculates the remaining number of winning balls to be paid out from the total number of winning balls on the winning ball memory (step S5), and displays the memory number of the winning ball memory on the display device 13 (step S6). ).

  The full tank switch 29 (SW2) constantly monitors whether or not the game balls temporarily stored in the upper tray 3 have overflowed. In step S7, when the full tank switch 29 detects a full tank, the routine proceeds to a regulation control routine for regulating and controlling the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout device 26 (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, when the full tank switch 29 does not detect the full tank, the process returns to step S1 and the normal payout operation is continued.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the payout restriction control routine when the full tank switch 29 (SW2) detects full tank will be described. In step S11, the payout control board 31 wins the game ball, calculates the number of prize balls to be paid out on the prize ball memory (step S12), and displays the memory number of the prize ball memory on the display device 13. (Step S13). If there is no winning in step S11, the memory number zero of the winning ball memory is displayed on the display device 13 (step S13).

  Next, in step S14, it is determined whether or not the ball break switch 25 (SW1) has detected a game ball (including a prize ball) on the upper tray 3. If the ball break switch 25 (SW1) detects a game ball, the game can be continued by returning to step S11 because there is a game ball necessary for the game in the upper tray 3. If the ball break switch 25 (SW1) has not detected a game ball, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the payout control board 31 reads out the prize ball memory, and when there is no prize ball, the prize ball cannot be paid out. Therefore, the gaming machine is reset and the payout control by the normal control routine of FIG. 4 is performed. It is. If there is a prize ball number to be paid out in the prize ball memory, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the payout control board 31 determines whether or not the total number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory is equal to or more than the maximum number N of prize balls stored in advance. If the total number of prize balls is N or more, the process proceeds to step S17 to activate the prize ball payout device 26 to pay out N prize balls and continue the game. When the winning ball is paid out, the process proceeds to step S18, where N is subtracted from the number of winning ball memories (step S18), and the memory number stored in the winning ball memory is displayed on the display device 13 (step S19). ). And it returns to step S11 again and continues a control control routine. The maximum number N of winning balls may be a number set in advance in the payout control board 31. However, the player operates the payout switch 30 to be within a predetermined range (N is a number by which the ball-out switch 25 can detect the presence of a winning ball. The input may be set within a range that is larger and less than the number that the full tank switch 29 detects full. In this case, the player can enjoy the game by changing the maximum prize ball number N necessary for the game to continue within a predetermined range according to the game situation.

  In step S16, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory is less than the maximum prize ball number N, the process proceeds to step S20 to activate the prize ball payout device 26 and select the prize ball that has been won. Pay all the money and continue the game. When the winning ball is paid out, the process proceeds to step S18 to calculate the number of winning balls paid out from the winning ball memory (step S18), and the memory number stored in the winning ball memory is displayed on the display device 13. (Step S19). And it returns to step S11 again and continues a control control routine.

  In this way, even if the upper tray 3 is full and the payout operation of the prize ball payout device 26 is once restricted and controlled, the ball break switch 25 detects a ball break and the full tank switch 29 does not detect a full tank. Only in some cases, the award ball payout device 26 is made to pay out a predetermined number of award balls which is not more than the maximum number of award balls. Therefore, even if the player is likely to run out of game balls in the tray due to continued game play, N or less prize balls will be paid out as long as the number of prize balls exists in the prize ball memory. You can concentrate on the game without being forced to pay out.

  In step S14, if the ball break switch 25 detects a ball break and the full tank switch 29 detects a full tank, it is considered that a ball is clogged on the tray, and it is desired to continue the game. It is preferable to notify the player by the notification means 32. Further, when the ball break switch 25 does not detect a ball break and the full tank switch 29 detects a full tank, the game ball overflows in the tray, and the ball break switch 25 does not detect a ball break and is full. When the tan switch 29 does not detect a full tank, there is at least a game ball in the tray, and in any case, it is not necessary to pay out a prize ball.

Next, a control operation for paying out (pulling out) award balls stored in the prize ball memory while the player continues the game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the player presses the ball removal switch 24 (SW3) while rotating the handle 2 (continuing the game) (step S21), the ball removal control routine is started. That is, the opening / closing solenoid 23 is turned on to open the second ball removal portion 21 that closes the ball removal hole 20 provided at the bottom of the upper tray 3 (step S22). At this time, the game ball is guided to the lower tray 4 through the ball punching hole 20 (see FIG. 1).

  Only when the ball removal switch 24 (SW3) is being pressed, the payout control means 31 ignores the detection signal from the ball break switch 25 (SW1) (step S23). In other words, the presence or absence of the ball of the upper tray 3 is ignored. Next, the maximum number N of winning balls set in the winning ball memory of the payout control means 31 is canceled (step S24). Next, it is determined by the full switch 29 (SW2) whether or not game balls are overflowing on the downstream side of the winning ball payout device 26 (step S25). If the full tank switch 29 (SW2) has not detected a full tank, the process proceeds to step S26 and a prize ball payout operation is started.

  That is, the winning ball payout device 16 is made to pay out the number of winning balls corresponding to all the winning numbers stored in the winning ball memory. Specifically, after confirming that the ball removal switch 24 (SW3) is kept pressed (the opening / closing solenoid 23 is ON) (step S27), the prize ball memory of the payout control means 31 is confirmed. The number is calculated. In other words, award balls are paid out while performing a calculation for subtracting the number of prize balls paid out in real time by winning from the total number of winning balls stored in the prize ball memory (step S28), and the calculation result is sent to the display device 13. It is displayed as the number of winning ball memories (step S29). In addition, you may make it collect | recover the game balls stored in the lower receiving tray 4 to a dollar box from the ball | bowl hole at the bottom part by button operation.

  Next, when the player releases the pressure of the ball removal switch 24 (SW3) (the opening / closing solenoid 23 is turned OFF) (step S30), the ball removal hole 20 provided in the bottom of the upper tray 3 is removed from the second ball removal hole. Part 21 is closed. Next, in step S31, the payout control means 31 treats the detection signal of the ball break switch 25 (SW1) as valid. That is, the payout control means 31 monitors the ball breakage detection signal of the upper tray 3 together with the detection signal of the full switch 29 (SW2). Next, the maximum prize ball number N is set again in the prize ball memory of the payout control means 31 (step S32).

  Next, proceeding to step S33, the payout control board 31 proceeds to step S34 when the prize ball memory is read and there is no prize ball number. If there is a prize ball number to be paid out in the prize ball memory, the process returns to the regulation control routine shown in FIG. 5 and the game is continued. In step S34, it is determined whether or not the ball break switch 25 (SW1) has detected a game ball (including a prize ball). When a game ball is detected, there is a game ball necessary for the game in the upper tray 3, so that the game is continued by returning to the regulation control routine shown in FIG. 5. If the ball break switch 25 (SW1) cannot detect a game ball, the game is interrupted, and the gaming machine is reset to shift to the normal payout operation shown in FIG.

In this way, even when the player removes the ball while the game is continuing, the player can continue to play the game by paying out as many prize balls as the player desires without being chased by the payout operation of all the prize balls.
In other words, a desired number of prize balls can be paid out at an arbitrary timing while satisfying the continuity of the game operation while avoiding the troublesome work associated with the player's prize ball payout operation.

  Although this embodiment illustrated and demonstrated the gaming machine which has the upper receiving tray 3 and the lower receiving tray 4, it is not limited to this, For example, you may apply to the gaming machine provided with the upper and lower integrated receiving tray.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the apparatus front part of a game machine. It is a perspective view of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the control system of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows a normal payout control routine. 6 is a flowchart showing a payout restriction control routine. It is a flowchart which shows a ball removal control routine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 2 Handle 3 Upper saucer 4 Lower saucer 5 Rail 6 Symbol display device 7 Electric tulip 8 Chucker 9 Attacker 10 Windmill 11 Outro 12 Front frame 13 Display device 14 Keyhole 16 Launching device 17 Ball supply path 18 Communication path 19 1st passage Ball release portion 20 Ball release hole 21 2nd ball release portion 22 Ball release lever 23 Opening / closing solenoid 24 Ball release switch 25 Ball cut switch 26 Prize ball payout device 27 Payout motor 28 Ball passage 29 Full switch 30 Payout number setting switch 31 Discharge control board 32 Notification device 33 Launch control board 34 Main control board

Claims (6)

A game machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls according to a prize when a game ball launched on a game board from a launching device wins any prize opening on the game board,
A saucer for temporarily storing game balls that are supplied as award balls by supplying game balls to the launcher;
A ball breakage detecting means provided on the downstream side of the game ball supply direction of the saucer for detecting the ball breakage of the saucer;
A prize ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to a tray according to a winning prize;
A full tank detecting means provided in a ball passage communicating the prize ball paying means and the tray, and detecting that the tray is filled with a game ball;
A payout control means for calculating the number of prize balls to be paid out by winning a game ball and storing it in a prize ball memory, and controlling the payout of prize balls by the prize ball payout means according to the calculation result,
After the start of the game, when the ball break detection means detects a ball break, the payout control means determines the number of prize balls according to the number of winning balls by the prize ball payout means under a predetermined condition as long as there are the number of prize balls to be paid out. A gaming machine that pays out the number of prize balls not more than the maximum number of prize balls N that can be paid out stored in the prize ball memory instead of the payout operation.   After the full tank detecting means detects the full tank and the prize ball paying out by the prize ball paying means is regulated and controlled, the payout control means has the number of prize balls to be paid out in the prize ball memory, and the out of ball detecting means 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning ball paying means pays out the number of prize balls equal to or less than the maximum number of winning balls N only when the cut is detected and the full tank detecting means does not detect the full tank.   The payout control means cancels the prize ball payout restriction control when the ball breakage detection means detects the ball breakage and the prize ball memory becomes zero, and the prize ball payout means determines the normal prize ball according to the number of winnings. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a payout operation is performed.   The payout control means issues an all payout instruction to the prize ball payout means if the total number of prize balls stored in the prize ball memory is less than the maximum prize ball number N, and if the number of prize balls is equal to or greater than the maximum prize ball number N 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a payout instruction for a maximum number N of winning balls is issued to the winning ball payout means.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a payout amount setting switch that allows the player to input and set a maximum prize ball number N that can be paid out as long as the number of prize balls exists in the prize ball memory.   A ball removal portion for closing a ball removal hole provided at the bottom of the tray, an actuator for opening and closing the ball removal portion, and a ball removal switch for operating the actuator, while the ball removal switch is being pressed. Only the payout control means operates the actuator to open the ball hole, and the payout control means ignores the detection signal of the ball break switch and prioritizes the maximum prize ball number N stored in the prize ball memory, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the prize ball is paid out in accordance with the prize ball.

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