JP2009072485A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of excellently putting out game media. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine is provided with a main control board 301 and a putout control board 322. The main control board 301 is provided with a ring buffer 313a for winning storage and winning information is stored in the ring buffer 313a for the winning storage. Also, a prize ball command specified on the basis of the winning information is outputted from the main control board 301 to the putout control board 322. The putout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 333a, and the number of prize balls specified on the basis of the prize ball command is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. Then, the drive of a putout device 224 is controlled so as to put out game balls for the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. In the configuration, full reporting is performed when a lower tray becomes a full state, and abnormality reporting is performed corresponding to the conditions of the number of prize balls thereafter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In a pachinko gaming machine that is a type of gaming machine, the payout device is driven and controlled based on the game ball entering a ball entering portion provided in the game area, and the game ball is paid out from the payout device to the ball tray. . The drive control of the payout device is performed by the control device. Specifically, the control device is provided with a storage area for storing the number of game balls to be paid out, so that the number of game balls stored in the storage area is paid out. Is driven and controlled.

Also, for pachinko machines, it is determined whether or not the ball tray is full, and if it is full, payout restriction processing is executed so that further payout of game balls is restricted Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By executing the payout restriction process in this way, failure of the payout device or the like is prevented.
JP 2007-167431 A

  However, if the state where the payout of game balls is restricted continues for a long period of time, there is a concern that the following problems may occur. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, electrical noise may be generated, and the information in the storage area may be rewritten due to the influence of this noise. In this case, there is a possibility that a game ball that was supposed to be paid out may not be paid out for the player, which is not preferable.

  Note that the above problems are not limited to pachinko gaming machines, and occur similarly in other gaming machines in which gaming media are paid out according to the gaming results.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of favorably paying out gaming media.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A payout means (payout device 224) for paying out game media;
A storage means for specifying (a prize storage ring buffer 313a or a prize ball storage ring buffer 333b) for storing specification information used for specifying the number of game media to be paid out;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the payout means to pay out the number of game media specified based on the specifying information (function of performing step S1204 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 or CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 In step S2910).
An outer storage part (lower plate 34) for storing game media paid out from the payout means;
A full specifying means (function for performing a payout side full specifying process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for specifying whether or not the outer storage section is full;
A payout restricting means for restricting the payout of game media by the payout means (the process of step S1201 or step S2908 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) when the outer storage portion is specified as full by the full specifying means. Etc.)
Full notification processing execution means (voice lamp control board 324) that executes a full notification process so that a predetermined full notification is executed when the outer storage unit is specified to be full by the full specification means. The function of performing the process of step S1803 in the CPU 341 of FIG.
An increase in a mode different from the full notification based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification or the information for identification increases from a predetermined number in a situation where the payout of game media by the payout means is restricted Increase notification processing execution means for executing an increase notification process so that notification is executed (a function for performing the process of step S1703 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or a function for performing the process of step S3003 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) )When,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the means 1, when the outer storage part becomes full, the payout means is restricted from paying out game media, thereby preventing the payout means from failing. However, if the state where the payout of game media is restricted continues for a long period of time, there are concerns about the occurrence of various problems. For example, there is an increased possibility that information stored in the specifying storage means is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like. In this case, there is a possibility that the game medium that should have been paid out for the player may not be paid out, which is not preferable. On the other hand, when full notification is executed, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to cancel the full state.

  Further, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information may increase without being treated as a payout target. On the other hand, in a situation in which payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted, the aspect different from the full notification is based on the fact that the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification has increased from a predetermined number Increase notification is executed. As a result, it becomes possible to notify the player or the like that the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information is not handled as the payout target and is increasing, and the full state is resolved at the stage when the full notification is executed. It is possible to prompt the player who has not performed the game again to cancel the full state.

  The “full notification process” and the “increase notification process” include a process for outputting a notification sound from a sound output means installed in a gaming machine, a process for lighting a light emitting means installed in a gaming machine, or a gaming machine. Any one or any combination of the processes for performing the notification display on the display screen of the display device installed in can be considered. In addition to or instead of these, processing for outputting an abnormal signal to a game hall management device (for example, a hall computer) is also conceivable. The same applies to the following notification processes.

Mean 2. In means 1, an upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information has reached a predetermined upper limit reference number (in step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) A function of performing a process or a function of performing the process of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322),
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The game machine is characterized in that the increase notification process is executed in the event of a failure.

  According to the means 2, in the situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification has been executed, the specification information or the number of game media corresponding to the specification information becomes the upper limit reference number. The increase notification is executed by reaching.

  In addition, as a configuration for “specifying whether or not the upper limit reference number has been reached”, it may be a configuration for determining whether or not the upper limit reference number is exceeded in an actual calculation process, and is equal to or greater than the upper limit reference number. It is good also as a structure which determines whether it exists. Further, the determination method may be either an addition type or a subtraction type.

Means 3. In means 1, an upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information has reached a predetermined upper limit reference number (in step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) A function of performing a process or a function of performing the process of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322),
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The increase notification process is executed when
Furthermore, the increase notification is performed continuously or intermittently,
In a situation where the increase notification is continuously or intermittently performed, an increase notification release process for canceling the increase notification is executed even if the outer storage unit is specified not to be full by the full specifying means. In addition, when the upper limit specifying means specifies that the upper limit reference number has not been reached, the increase notification release processing execution means for executing the increase notification release processing (function of performing step S1705 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) Or a function for performing the processing of step S3005 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322).

  According to the means 3, in the situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification has been executed, the specification information or the number of game media corresponding to the specification information becomes the upper limit reference number. The increase notification is executed by reaching. And the opportunity which makes a player etc. recognize increase notification is raised by performing the said increase notification continuously or intermittently.

  Further, the increase notification is not canceled even when the full state of the outer storage unit is released, and the state where the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information reaches the upper limit reference number is released. Is done. The fact that the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information has reached the upper limit reference number means that a relatively large amount of game media to be paid out has been accumulated, so that the state continues. It is not preferable to end up. In this case, even if the full state of the outer storage unit is once released, there is a concern that the full state will immediately be reached thereafter. As a result, a state where a relatively large amount of game media to be paid out is accumulated is continued. On the other hand, since the cancellation condition of the increase notification is set as described above, even if the full state of the outer storage part is once released, it is suppressed from being immediately full after that, Along with this, it is suppressed that a state where a relatively large amount of game media to be paid out is accumulated is continued.

  In addition, as a configuration for “specifying whether or not the upper limit reference number has been reached”, it may be a configuration for determining whether or not the upper limit reference number is exceeded in an actual calculation process, and is equal to or greater than the upper limit reference number. It is good also as a structure which determines whether it exists. Further, the determination method may be either an addition type or a subtraction type.

  Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, the increase notification indicates that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and that the outer storage section is full. A game machine characterized by being set to show.

  According to the means 4, when the increase notification is executed, not only the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increased, but also the outer storage part is full. It is possible to notify a player or the like. Thereby, when the increase notification is executed, it is possible to cause the player or the like to accurately eliminate the cause of the increase in the number of identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information. Thus, the effect of executing the increase notification is enhanced.

Means 5. In any one of the means 1 to 4, the payout of the game medium by the payout means may be restricted due to an inhibition state different from the situation in which the outer storage portion becomes full,
Inhibition status specifying means for specifying whether or not the inhibition status is (a function of performing a payout side ball non-specific processing in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
Inhibition status notification processing execution means (audio lamp control board 324) that executes the inhibition status notification process so that a predetermined inhibition status notification is executed when the inhibition status specification means specifies the inhibition status. The function of performing step S1808 in the CPU 341),
Based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information has increased in a situation where the payout means has been restricted from being paid out after the inhibition status notification is executed, Second increase notification processing execution means (function of performing step S1904 in the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324) to execute the second increase notification processing so that the second increase notification in a mode different from the inhibition status notification is executed. )When,
With
The increase notification is set to indicate that the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information is increasing, and that the outer storage portion is full,
The second increase notification is set so as to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing and that the inhibition state is present. To play.

  In the gaming machine of the means 5, in addition to the outer storage portion becoming full, the payout means is restricted from being paid out due to an obstruction. On the other hand, it is possible to prompt the player or the like to eliminate the inhibition status by performing the inhibition status notification. Moreover, even if the inhibition status notification is executed, it is assumed that the inhibition status is not resolved. In this case, the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information may increase without being treated as a payout target. On the other hand, based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information has increased in a situation where the payout means has been restricted from being paid out after the inhibition status notification has been executed. Thus, the second increase notification different from the inhibition state notification is executed. This makes it possible to notify the player, etc. that the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information is not handled as a payout target and is increasing. It becomes possible to prompt the player who has not canceled the cancellation of the inhibition state again.

  In addition, when an increase notification is executed, not only the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification is increased, but also that the outer storage part is full is indicated to the player or the like. It is possible to inform the user. On the other hand, when the second increase notification is executed, not only is the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification increased, but it is different from the situation where the outer storage unit is full. It is possible to notify the player or the like that the situation is obstructed. As a result, when the increase notification or the second increase notification is executed, it is possible to accurately resolve the cause of the increase in the number of identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information. This can be performed, and the effect of executing the increase notification and the second increase notification is enhanced.

Means 6. Any one of means 1 to 5 further comprises an inner storage part (tank 221) for storing game media inside the gaming machine, wherein the payout means pays out game media stored in the inner storage part And
Furthermore, storage specifying means for specifying whether or not the game medium is stored in the inner storage unit (function to perform the payout side ball non-specific processing in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322),
Non-storage notification processing execution means for executing a non-storage notification process so that a predetermined non-storage notification is executed when it is specified by the storage specifying means that the game medium is not stored in the inner storage section. (The function of performing the process of step S1808 in the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324);
Based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information increases after the non-storage notification is executed and in the situation where the payout of game media by the payout means is restricted, Second increase notification processing execution means (function of performing step S1904 in the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324) for executing the second increase notification processing so that the second increase notification in a mode different from the non-storage notification is executed. )When,
With
The increase notification is set to indicate that the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information is increasing, and that the outer storage portion is full,
The second increase notification is set to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and that no game media is stored in the inner storage section. A gaming machine characterized by being made.

  In the gaming machine of the means 6, when the game medium is not stored in the inner storage part, the game medium is not paid out by the payout means. On the other hand, by executing the non-storage notification, it is possible to urge the game hall manager or the like to cancel the non-storage state. Moreover, even if non-storage notification is executed, it is assumed that the non-storage state is not resolved. In this case, the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information may increase without being treated as a payout target. On the other hand, based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information increases after the non-storage notification is executed and in the situation where payout of game media by the payout means is restricted Thus, the second increase notification different from the non-storage notification is executed. This makes it possible to notify the player or the like that the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information is not handled as a payout target and is increasing, and in the stage where the non-reservation notification is executed, the non-reserved state It is possible to prompt the game hall manager or the like who has not solved the problem to cancel the non-reserved state again.

  In addition, when an increase notification is executed, not only the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification is increased, but also that the outer storage part is full is indicated to the player or the like. It is possible to inform the user. On the other hand, when the second increase notification is executed, not only the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increased, but the game medium is not stored in the inner storage unit. It is also possible to notify the game hall manager and the like. As a result, when the increase notification or the second increase notification is executed, it is possible to accurately resolve the cause of the increase in the number of identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information. This can be performed, and the effect of executing the increase notification and the second increase notification is enhanced.

Mean 7 In any one of the means 1 to 6, the game medium is paid out based on the fact that the game content becomes the payout game content.
The specifying storage means has a plurality of storage areas (first storage area RA1 to 256 storage area RA256 and the like), and information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout game content or the corresponding information as the specification information Individual storage means (winning storage ring buffer 313a or winning ball storage ring buffer 333b) for storing information in different storage areas for each payout game content within the number of storage areas,
Payout storage means (prize ball number storage area 333a) for storing information on the number of game media to be paid out;
Storage execution means (in step S907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for causing the payout storage means to store information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in some of the storage areas. A function of performing the process or a function of performing the process of step S2907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322),
With
The drive control means drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means,
Further, among the storage areas of the individual storage means, the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means is greater than the total number of storage areas. Upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not the predetermined upper limit reference number is reached as a small number (the function of performing the process of step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the process of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322). Function to perform)
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The gaming machine is characterized in that the increase notification process is executed so that the increase notification is executed when the increase notification is executed.

  According to the means 7, the information on the number of game media according to the payout game content or the information corresponding thereto is stored individually in each storage area of the individual storage means. Then, information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in some of the storage areas is stored in the payout storage means, and corresponds to the information stored in the payout storage means. The number of game media is paid out through the payout means.

  With the above configuration, the information for specifying the payout target for the payout game content is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, and the information for specifying the number of game media at the time of payout is payout It will be stored in the storage means. Therefore, even if the information stored in the payout storage means is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the rewritten information is part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out. Therefore, the influence due to the rewriting can be reduced. That is, assuming a configuration in which all information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means as in a conventional gaming machine, the payout storage means is stored under the influence of electrical noise or the like. If the information is rewritten, the number of game media to be paid out will be affected. However, according to this configuration, only a part of the number of game media is affected.

  In addition, since information for specifying payout targets for payout game contents is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, the information stored in one storage area is affected by electrical noise or the like. Even if it is rewritten, it is possible to limit the influence to information on one payout game content.

  As described above, the influence of noise or the like is reduced, and the game medium can be favorably given.

  Further, the above-described means 1 is provided, and when the outer storage portion becomes full, the payout of game media by the payout means is restricted. On the other hand, when full notification is executed, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to cancel the full state.

  Moreover, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, information stored in the individual storage means may be accumulated without being handled as information on the number of game media to be paid out. On the other hand, when the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means has reached the upper limit reference number, an increase notification is executed. As a result, it is possible to notify the player that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and for the player who has not canceled the full state when the full notification is executed, the full state is canceled. Can be prompted again.

  In addition, in the game machine having a game area in which a game ball flows down and a game ball where a game ball can be inserted is installed, the “payout game content” It is good also as entering a ball. Further, in a gaming machine having a pattern display means for executing variable display of a pattern, and a game medium is paid out according to the stop picture of the pattern display means, the stop picture of the pattern display means corresponds to the payout of the game medium. It may be a stop picture.

  Further, the “information on the number of game media or information corresponding thereto” includes not only information on the number of game media itself but also information that can be referred to when specifying the number of game media. For example, information on the number of game media and reference standard information corresponding to the information are set, and correspondence information storing the corresponding relationship is stored. Information on the number of game media can be obtained by referring to the reference standard information. In the specified configuration, the reference standard information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit. The reference reference information includes first reference standard information and second reference standard information. The second reference standard information is identified based on the first reference standard information, and the game is based on the second reference standard information. In the configuration in which the information on the number of media is specified, the first reference standard information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit.

  In addition, “to store the information on the number of specified game media in the payout storage means” is not limited to the configuration in which the information on the number of specified game media is directly stored in the payout storage means, but is already stored in the payout storage means. A configuration is also included in which the information on the number of game media specified above is added to the information on the number of game media being played. This “addition” is not limited to addition as a process, and even if a subtraction process is executed as a process, the number of game media stored in the payout storage means is substantially added. If it is.

Means 8. In the means 7, reading means for reading information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means (the function of performing the processing of step S805 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the processing of step S2903 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is performed. Function)
Reference storage means (winning table storage area 312a or prize ball table storage area 332a) for storing in advance information on the number of game media that can be stored in the storage area or information corresponding thereto as reference information;
Reading correction means for correcting the information read by the reading means into predetermined correction information when the information read by the reading means does not match the reference information (the process of step S807 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) Or a function of performing the process of step S2906 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322),
With
The storage execution means stores information on the number of game media specified based on information read by the reading means or correction information corrected by the correction means in the payout storage means. A gaming machine.

  According to the means 8, when the information read from the storage area of the individual storage means does not match the reference information, the mismatched information is corrected to correction information. The payout storage means stores information on the number of game media specified based on the information read from the storage area or the correction information. As a result, even if the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the information is corrected to correction information, and the information on the number of game media corresponding to the information is paid out storage means Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the individual storage means.

Means 9. In means 8, a plurality of types of payout game contents are set, and a plurality of game media numbers corresponding to the payout game contents are set.
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the correction information is information corresponding to a maximum number of game media among the number of game media corresponding to the payout game content.

  According to the means 9, since the correction information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media among the number of game media according to the payout game content, the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means is noise or the like. Even if it is rewritten due to the influence of the game, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

  Means 10. In any one of the means 7 to 9, when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means exceeds a predetermined upper limit game medium number, the number is less than the upper limit game medium number. As described above, the gaming machine further comprises payout correcting means (function of performing step S1202 or step S2909 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for correcting the information stored in the payout storage means.

  According to the means 10, even if the number of game media stored in the payout storage means is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like and exceeds the upper limit number of game media, the information is corrected to be less than or equal to the upper limit number of game media. The As a result, even if the number of game media stored in the payout storage means exceeds the upper limit number of game media due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the game hall from being disadvantaged.

  Means 11. In any one of the means 7 to 10, the storage executing means, when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is all paid out by the payout means, A gaming machine that is specified based on information stored in a part of the storage area and stores information on the number of game media to be paid out next in the payout storage means.

  According to the means 11, the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is all paid out by the payout means and is stored in a part of the storage areas of the individual storage means. Information on the number of game media that is specified based on the information and is to be paid out next is stored in the payout storage means. Thereby, in the configuration in which a part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means, the game media can be paid out smoothly.

Means 12. In any one of the means 7 to 10, when a payout means is paid out by the payout means, the payout amount is reflected in the information stored in the payout storage means. Update means for updating the information stored in the storage means (function of performing the processing of step S1205 or step S2911 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
The storage execution means is configured to select one of the storage areas when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is updated by the update means to a predetermined additional reference number. The number of game media that are specified based on the information stored in the storage area of the unit and that are to be paid out next are added to the number of game media that are already stored in the payout storage means. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the means 12, the information stored in the payout storage means is updated so as to reflect the number of game media paid out by the payout means. And when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means becomes the additional reference number, based on the information stored in a part of the storage areas of the individual storage means The number of game media to be specified next and to be paid out is added to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means. Thereby, in the configuration in which a part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means, the game media can be paid out smoothly.

  In particular, by adding the number of game media to be executed next in the stage before paying out all the number of game media stored in the payout storage means, information on the number of game media is provided in the payout storage means. Even if a certain amount of processing time is required to execute the additional processing, the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is continued during the processing time. That is, during the processing time, the game medium payout does not stop, and the game medium payout can be made continuous.

  The “additional reference number” may be a natural number.

  Means 13. In the means 12, the additional reference number is equal to the number of game media in a part of each storage area than the payout time required for paying out the additional reference number of game media by the drive control means. The game machine is characterized in that the processing time required for adding the value to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means is set shorter.

  According to the means 13, by adding the number of game media to be paid out next in a stage before paying out all the number of game media stored in the payout storage means, the game media is added to the payout storage means. Even if a certain amount of processing time is required to execute the process of adding the number of information, the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is continued during the processing time. It becomes. That is, during the processing time, the game medium payout does not stop, and the game medium payout can be made continuous.

Means 14. In any one of means 7 to 11, a main control device (main control device 162) having the individual storage means;
A payout control device (payout control device 242) having the payout storage means, the storage execution means, and the drive control means,
The main control device outputs command information output means (steps in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) corresponding to information stored in a part of the storage areas to the payout control device. A function of performing the processing of S501),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the payout storage means stores information on the number of game media specified on the basis of the payout command information.

  According to the means 14, the individual storage means is provided in the main control device, the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, and in the payout control device, storage processing to the payout storage means and drive control processing of the payout means are performed. Executed. As a result, the function for paying out game media is divided into a plurality of control devices, and the load on each control device is reduced as compared with a configuration in which one control device has all the functions.

  In addition, in the configuration in which one control device has all the functions described above, if electrical noise or the like is generated in the control device, both the individual storage means and the payout storage means may be affected. Is done. On the other hand, since the individual storage means is provided in the main control device and the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, the risk for the noise and the like is dispersed. Furthermore, by providing the main control device and the payout control device apart from each other, the risk distribution effect can be further enhanced.

  Further, in the above configuration, payout command information corresponding to information stored in a part of the storage areas of the individual storage means is output from the main control device to the payout control device. Based on the input payout command information, information on the number of game media is specified, and the specified information on the number of game media is stored in the payout storage means. Thus, in the configuration in which the main storage device is provided with the individual storage means and the payout control device is provided with the payout storage means as described above, the game medium is smoothly paid out.

Means 15. In any one of the means 7 to 11, a main control device (main control device 162) having main control side storage means including the individual storage means;
A payout control device (payout control device 242) having payout control side storage means including the payout storage means, and having the storage execution means and the drive control means;
Power supply means (power-on power supply unit 321a) for supplying operating power to the main control device and the payout control device based on power supplied from an external power source;
With
The main control device outputs command information output means (steps in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) corresponding to information stored in a part of the storage areas to the payout control device. A function of performing the processing of S501),
The storage execution means stores information on the number of game media specified based on the payout command information in the payout storage means,
Furthermore, both the main control side storage means and the payout control side storage means are capable of storing and holding information while power is supplied to them.
A power supply unit for power interruption (power supply unit for power interruption) that supplies power to the main control side storage unit and does not supply power to the payout control side storage unit when power is not supplied from the external power source 321c).

  According to the means 15, the individual storage means is provided in the main control device, the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, and the payout control device performs storage processing to the payout storage means and drive control processing of the payout means. Executed. As a result, the function for paying out game media is divided into a plurality of control devices, and the load on each control device is reduced as compared with a configuration in which one control device has all the functions.

  In addition, in the configuration in which one control device has all the functions described above, if electrical noise or the like is generated in the control device, both the individual storage means and the payout storage means may be affected. Is done. On the other hand, since the individual storage means is provided in the main control device and the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, the risk for the noise and the like is dispersed. Note that by providing the main control device and the payout control device apart from each other, the risk distribution effect is further enhanced.

  In the above configuration, payout command information corresponding to information stored in some of the storage areas of the individual storage means is output from the main control device to the payout control device, and the payout control device receives the payout command information. Based on the payout command information, information on the number of game media is specified, and the specified information on the number of game media is stored in the payout storage means. Thus, in the configuration in which the main storage device is provided with the individual storage means and the payout control device is provided with the payout storage means as described above, the game medium is smoothly paid out.

  Furthermore, the main control side storage means including the individual storage means and the payout control side storage means including the payout storage means can both store and hold information while power is supplied to itself. On the other hand, while power is supplied from the external power source, power is supplied to both the storage means, and information is stored and held. On the other hand, in a situation where power is not supplied from the external power source to the gaming machine, power is supplied from the power supply means for power interruption to the main control side storage means, but power is supplied to the payout control side storage means. Is not supplied and information is stored and held in the main control side storage means, but information is not stored and held in the payout control side storage means. As a result, the power supply means for power interruption can be reduced compared to a configuration in which power is also supplied from the power supply means for interruption to the payout control side storage means, and accordingly, the cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. It is done.

  Even in this configuration, since the power is supplied from the power supply means for power interruption to the main control side storage means, a large amount of information among the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored. The information is stored and held in the individual storage means capable of storing the information.

Means 16. In the means 14 or 15, the payout control device
When the game medium is paid out by the payout means, the information stored in the payout storage means is updated so that the number of payouts is reflected in the information stored in the payout storage means. Updating means (function to perform the process of step S1205 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
Request information output for outputting request information to the main control device when the information on the number of game media stored in the payout storage means is updated by the updating means to become information on a predetermined additional reference number Means (function of performing step S1207 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
Further comprising
The command information output means outputs the payout command information in response to the input of the request information,
The storage execution means adds the number of game media specified based on the payout command information to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means.

  According to the means 16, the information stored in the payout storage means is updated so as to reflect the number of game media paid out by the payout means. Then, when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means becomes the additional reference number, the request information is output from the payout control device to the main control device. In the main control device, in response to the input of the request information from the payout control device, it is specified based on information stored in a part of the storage areas of the individual storage means, and the next payout The payout command information corresponding to the information on the number of game media for executing is output to the payout control device. In the payout control device, the number of game media specified based on the payout command information is added to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means. Thus, in the configuration in which individual storage means is provided in the main control device and payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, and a part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means. The medium is dispensed smoothly.

  In particular, between the main control device and the payout control device, by adding the number of game media to be executed next in the stage before paying out all the number of game media stored in the payout storage means. Even if it takes a certain amount of time to execute input / output of request information and payout command information and processing to add information on the number of game media to the payout storage means, it is still stored in the payout storage means for that time. The payout of the number of game media corresponding to the information being continued is continued. In other words, during the time period, the game medium payout does not stop, and the game medium payout can be made continuous.

Means 17. In any one of the means 14 to 16, the payout control device comprises:
A payout command reference storage means (prize ball table storage area 332a) for preliminarily storing the payout command information that can be output from the command information output means or information corresponding thereto as payout command reference information;
If the payout command information input from the command information output means does not match the payout command reference information, the payout command correction means (payout control board) corrects the input payout command information to predetermined payout command correction information. The function of performing the process of step S906 in the CPU 331 of 322),
With
The storage execution means stores information on the number of game media specified based on the payout command information input from the command information output means or the payout command correction information corrected by the payout command correction means in the payout storage means. A gaming machine characterized by being memorized.

  According to the means 17, in the payout control device, when the payout command information input from the main control device does not match the payout command reference information, the mismatched information is corrected to the payout command correction information. The payout storage means stores information on the number of game media specified based on payout command information or payout command correction information input from the main controller. As a result, even if the payout command information is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like on the route from the main controller to the payout control device, the information is corrected to payout command correction information. Information on the number of corresponding game media is stored in the payout storage means. Therefore, in the configuration in which the individual storage means is provided in the main control device and the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, even if the payout command information is rewritten due to noise or the like on the route, the information is Information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout command correction information is stored in the payout storage means, and the influence of noise and the like can be reduced.

Means 18. In the means 17, a plurality of types of payout game contents are set, and a plurality of types of game media and the payout command information corresponding to the payout game contents are set.
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout command correction information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media among the number of game media corresponding to the payout game content.

  According to the means 18, since the payout command correction information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media in accordance with the payout game content, the payout command information has been rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. Even so, the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

Means 19. In any one of means 7 to 13, a main control device (main control device 162) having determination means for determining whether or not the game content has become the payout game content;
A payout control device (payout control device 242) having the individual storage means, the payout storage means, the storage execution means, and the drive control means;
With
The main control device outputs command information output means (main control board 301) which outputs payout command information including information on the number of game media specified based on the determination result of the determination means or information corresponding thereto to the payout control device. The CPU 311 has a function of performing the process of step S501),
The storage area of the individual storage means stores the payout command information or information corresponding thereto as information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout game content or information corresponding thereto. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 19, since the individual storage means and the payout storage means are provided in the payout control device, the storage capacity required for the main control device regarding the payout of game media can be reduced. Further, the storage processing to the payout storage means and the drive control processing of the payout means are executed by the payout control device, thereby reducing the control processing load of the main control device with respect to paying out game media.

  In the above configuration, the payout control device outputs payout command information including information on the number of game media specified based on the determination result of the determination means or information corresponding thereto, from the main control device to the payout control device. The input payout command information or information corresponding thereto is stored individually in each storage area of the individual storage means. Information on the number of game media specified based on the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means is stored in the payout storage means, and the game media is paid out based on the stored information. Thereby, in the structure provided with the main control device and the payout control device as described above, the payout of game media is performed smoothly.

Means 20. In means 19, the main controller further comprises a main-side individual storage having a plurality of storage areas (winning storage ring buffer 313a in the second embodiment),
A gaming machine characterized in that information corresponding to the determination result of the determination means is stored in different storage areas of the main individual storage means within a range of the number of storage areas.

  According to the means 20, management of the determination result in the determination means can be performed well.

  Means 21. In any one of the means 7 to 20, the storage execution means stores information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in one storage area among the storage areas in the payout storage means. A gaming machine characterized by being memorized.

  According to the means 21, the information on the number of game media newly stored in the payout storage means corresponds to one payout game content. As a result, even if the information stored in the payout storage means is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the influence can be suppressed to a certain amount of payout game content.

Means 22. In any one of the means 7 to 21, an order in which information storage processing is executed is preset in each storage area of the individual storage means,
Individual storage execution means for storing information in the respective storage areas in accordance with the set order (a function for performing a winning specifying process in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or a prize ball command storing process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) Function to perform)
The individual storage execution means sets the information in the storage area so that new information is stored in place of the already stored information when the information is already stored in the storage area to be stored. A gaming machine characterized by being updated.

  According to the means 22, information storage processing is sequentially executed in each storage area of the individual storage means, and when information is already stored in the storage area to be stored, it is already stored. New information is stored in place of the information. Thereby, it can suppress that the storage capacity of an individual memory | storage means becomes extremely large.

  In addition, in this configuration, when information stored in the individual storage means is not handled as information on the number of game media to be paid out and accumulated, it is eventually rewritten as the next information without being treated as a payout target. It will be. Then, the profit that should have been obtained for the player is lost, which is not preferable. On the other hand, by providing the configuration of the means 1 and executing the increase notification, it is possible to prompt the user to deal with a state that is not handled as information on the number of game media to be paid out, and the loss of the profit can be prevented. It becomes possible to stop.

  Means 23. Any one of means 7 to 22, wherein each storage area of the individual storage means stores only information on the number of game media or information corresponding thereto.

  According to the means 23, since the individual storage means stores only information on the number of game media or information corresponding thereto, information on the number of game media in the payout storage means can be favorably stored.

  In particular, in the configuration provided with the means 22 described above, when information storage processing is sequentially performed in each storage area of the individual storage means, and information is already stored in the storage area to be stored. New information is stored in place of the already stored information. In this case, assuming that the individual storage means stores information on the number of game media or information other than the information corresponding thereto, the information on the number of game media or the There is a possibility that information other than the corresponding information is erased without being read out. On the other hand, according to the present configuration, such inconvenience can be prevented.

Means 24. In any one of means 1 to 6, a game board (game board 81) in which a game area where game balls flow down is formed;
A pitching portion (general winning port 82, variable winning device 83, operating port 84) provided on the game board and allowing the flowing game balls to enter;
With
The game ball is paid out based on the game ball entering the ball entry part,
The specifying storage means has a plurality of storage areas (first storage area RA1 to 256 storage area RA256, etc.), and information on the number of game balls according to the entry to the entrance part as the specification information Or individual storage means (winning storage ring buffer 313a or winning ball storage ring buffer 333b) for storing information corresponding to the storage area different for each payout game content within the number of storage areas.
Payout storage means (prize ball number storage area 333a) for storing information on the number of game media to be paid out;
Storage execution means (in step S907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for causing the payout storage means to store information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in some of the storage areas. A function of performing the process or a function of performing the process of step S2907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322),
With
The drive control means drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means,
Further, among the storage areas of the individual storage means, the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means is greater than the total number of storage areas. Upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not the predetermined upper limit reference number is reached as a small number (the function of performing the process of step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the process of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322). Function to perform)
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The gaming machine is characterized in that the increase notification process is executed so that the increase notification is executed when the increase notification is executed.

  According to the means 24, the information on the number of game balls according to the entrance to the entrance part or the information corresponding thereto is stored individually in each storage area of the individual storage means. Then, information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in some of the storage areas is stored in the payout storage means, and corresponds to the information stored in the payout storage means. The number of game media is paid out through the payout means.

  With the above configuration, the information for specifying the payout target for the entrance to the entrance part is stored individually in each storage area of the individual storage means, in order to specify the number of game media at the time of payout This information is stored in the payout storage means. Therefore, even if the information stored in the payout storage means is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the rewritten information is part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out. Therefore, the influence due to the rewriting can be reduced. That is, assuming a configuration in which all information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means as in a conventional gaming machine, the payout storage means is stored under the influence of electrical noise or the like. If the information is rewritten, the number of game media to be paid out will be affected. However, according to this configuration, only a part of the number of game media is affected.

  In addition, since information for specifying payout targets for payout game contents is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, the information stored in one storage area is affected by electrical noise or the like. Even if it is rewritten, it is possible to limit the influence to information on one payout game content.

  As described above, the influence of noise or the like is reduced, and the game medium can be favorably given.

  Further, the above-described means 1 is provided, and when the outer storage portion becomes full, the payout of game media by the payout means is restricted. On the other hand, when full notification is executed, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to cancel the full state.

  Moreover, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, information stored in the individual storage means may be accumulated without being handled as information on the number of game media to be paid out. On the other hand, when the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means has reached the upper limit reference number, an increase notification is executed. As a result, it is possible to notify the player that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and for the player who has not canceled the full state when the full notification is executed, the full state is canceled. Can be prompted again.

  Note that “information on the number of game balls or information corresponding thereto” includes not only information on the number of game balls itself but also information that can be referred to when specifying the number of game balls. For example, information on the number of game balls and reference standard information corresponding to the information are set, and correspondence information storing the corresponding relation is stored. Information on the number of game balls can be obtained by referring to the reference standard information. In the specified configuration, the reference standard information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit. The reference reference information includes first reference standard information and second reference standard information. The second reference standard information is identified based on the first reference standard information, and the game is based on the second reference standard information. In the configuration in which the information on the number of media is specified, the first reference standard information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit.

  In addition, “to store the information on the specified number of game balls in the payout storage means” is not limited to the configuration in which the information on the specified number of game balls is stored in the payout storage means as it is, but is already stored in the payout storage means. A configuration is also included in which the information on the number of gaming balls specified above is added to the information on the number of gaming balls that have been specified. This “addition” is not limited to addition as a process, and even if a subtraction process is executed as a process, the number of game balls stored in the payout storage means is substantially added. If it is.

  Further, the configuration limited in any one of the above means 8 to 23 may be applied to the means 24.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball path (inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game component arranged in the game area, and a predetermined ball entry portion (various types) among these game components A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball enters the sensors 152 to 155).

  Revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine: equipped with a picture display device for variably displaying a plurality of pictures, variably starting display of the plurality of pictures due to the operation of the start operation means, and due to the operation of the stop operation means In addition, the game machine is configured such that the variable display of the plurality of patterns is stopped when a predetermined time elapses and a privilege is given to the player according to the pattern after the stop.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11. The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting wooden plates to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility.

  The gaming machine main part 12 includes a main body frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the main body frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the main body frame 13. . The main body frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the main body frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation front end side in front view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the main body frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view. It is said that. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the backpack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the main body frame 13, and when viewed from the front, the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side. It is possible to move.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 3 are referred to, and FIG. 5 is referred to for the configuration of the back surface of the front door frame 14. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front door frame 14.

  The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the main body frame 13. A window portion 21 is formed on the front door frame 14 so that almost the entire gaming area described later can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 has a substantially oval shape and is fitted with a transparent glass 22. Around the window portion 21, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination part 23 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. In the annular illumination part 23, lighting or blinking is performed in accordance with a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 24 that is turned on at the time of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the annular illumination unit 23 and at the uppermost part of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize that is turned on while the prize ball is being paid out on the left and right sides. A ball lamp portion 25 is provided. In addition, a speaker unit 26 is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 25 to output a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state.

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 that bulge to the near side are provided side by side. An upper pan 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower pan 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 33.

  A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of a synthetic resin, and includes a front door side upper dish passage 51 that communicates with the upper dish 33 and a front door side lower dish passage 52 that communicates with the lower dish 34. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at an upper corner portion thereof, and the receiving portion 53 is divided into left and right portions by a partition wall 54, whereby the front door side upper plate is formed. A passage 51 and an entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage 52 are formed. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish passage 51 and the front door side lower dish path 52 are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path 51 are guided to the upper plate 33, The game balls that have entered the door-side lower dish passage 52 are guided to the lower dish 34.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the passage formation unit 50 is provided with a full detection sensor 59 so as to detect a game ball passing through the front door side lower dish passage 52. The full detection sensor 59 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes through the detection range is detected and output as an electric signal. The fullness detection sensor 59 is not limited to a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and may be any as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used.

  The full detection sensor 59 outputs an electrical signal to a payout control device 242 described later. Specifically, a LOW signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI signal is output when a game ball is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a HI signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW signal is output when a game ball is detected. The electric signal may be output only in the state of being in operation.

  The payout control device 242 specifies whether or not the lower plate 214 is full based on the detection result of the full detection sensor 59. Specifically, when the detection state of the game ball in the full detection sensor 59 is continued until a predetermined full determination continuation period elapses, it is specified that the lower plate 214 is full. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the lower plate 214 is full, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 is stopped. As a result, when the lower plate 214 becomes full and game balls continue to the position of the full detection sensor 59 in the front door side lower plate passage 52, the payout of further game balls is stopped. The stop of the payout is canceled when the full state of the lower plate 214 is canceled and the game ball is no longer detected by the full detection sensor 59. Further, when the dispensing control device 242 specifies that the lower plate 214 is full, a notification process corresponding to that is executed. This will be described later.

  Protrusion shafts 61 and 62 are provided on the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 5) on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These projecting shafts 61 and 62 constitute an assembly mechanism for the main body frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hook metal fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged in the vertical direction on the rotating front end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hooks 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the main body frame 13.

  Next, the main body frame 13 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a front view of the main body frame 13.

  The main body frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 71 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Support metal fittings 72 and 73 are attached to an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71. Although illustration is omitted, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 72 and 73, and the projecting shafts 61 and 62 of the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shaft holes, so that the front door with respect to the main body frame 13. The frame 14 is rotatably supported.

  Insertion holes 74 for inserting the metal fittings 63 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the rotation front end side (right side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71. The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that a locking device for locking the main body frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the main body frame 13. Accordingly, the front door frame 14 is locked to the main body frame 13 so as not to be opened by the hook metal 63 being locked to the locking device via the insertion hole 74.

  A cylinder lock 75 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 71. The cylinder lock 75 is integrated with the locking device. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked with respect to the main body frame 13. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned counterclockwise, the lock of the main body frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 76 is formed at the center of the resin base 71. A game board 81 is detachably attached to the resin base 71. The game board 81 is made of plywood, and the game area formed on the front surface of the game board 81 is exposed to the front surface side of the main body frame 13 through the window hole 76 of the resin base 71.

  Here, the structure of the game board 81 is demonstrated based on FIG. The game board 81 has a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning port 82, a variable winning device 83, an operating port 84, a through gate 85, a variable display unit 86, and the like. A total of four general winning ports 82 are provided on the left and right. When a game ball enters the general winning port 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operation port 84, it is detected by a detection sensor described later, and a predetermined number of award balls are paid out based on the detection result. In addition, an out port 87 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 81, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 87. The game board 81 is provided with a large number of nails 88 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (instruments) such as a windmill.

  The variable display unit 86 is provided with a symbol display device 91 for variably displaying symbols with a winning at the operation port 84 as a trigger. The variable display unit 86 is provided with a center frame 92 so as to surround the symbol display device 91. A first specific lamp portion 93 and a second specific lamp portion 94 are provided on the center frame 92. Reserving lamp portions 95 and 96 are provided at the upper and lower portions of the center frame 92, respectively. The lower holding lamp unit 95 corresponds to the symbol display device 91 and the first specific lamp unit 93. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the operation port 84 is held up to four times, and the holding lamp unit 95 is turned on. The number of reserved items is displayed. The upper holding lamp unit 96 corresponds to the second specific lamp unit 94, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85 is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is displayed by lighting the holding lamp unit 96. It has become so.

  The symbol display device 91 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. On the symbol display device 91, for example, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled up and down. When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot) occurs.

  In the first specific lamp unit 93, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order using a winning at the operation port 84 as a trigger, and when the display is stopped in a predetermined color, a big hit occurs. In the second specific lamp unit 94, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 85, and when the stop color is displayed in a predetermined color, the operation port 84 is displayed. The accompanying electric accessory is opened for a predetermined time.

  The variable winning device 83 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is switched to a predetermined open state in which a game ball is easy to win in the case of a big win. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 83, the variable winning device 83 repeats a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. What is opened is common.

  An inner rail portion 101 and an outer rail portion 102 are attached to the game board 81, and a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail portion 101 and the outer rail portion 102. A game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area.

  The game ball launching mechanism 110 is attached below the window hole 76 in the resin base 71 as shown in FIG. The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes an electromagnetic solenoid 111, a launch rail 112, and a ball feed mechanism 113, and the output shaft of the solenoid 111 moves in the expansion / contraction direction by the input of an electrical signal to the solenoid 111. Then, the game ball placed on the firing rail 112 is launched toward the game area by the ball feeding mechanism 113.

  There is a gap of a predetermined interval between the inner rail rails 101 and 102 attached to the launch rail 112 and the game board 81, and below this gap is formed in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. A foul ball passage 55 is provided. Therefore, if the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the upper part of the game area and returns to the guide rail constituted by the inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102, the foul ball is Enter the foul ball passage 55. The foul ball path 55 communicates with the front door side lower dish path 52, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball path 55 are discharged to the lower dish 34.

  In the resin base 71, a passage forming portion 121 is provided on the left side of the firing rail 112 through the resin base 71 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 3, a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123 are formed in the passage forming portion 121. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. A receiving portion 53 of a passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming portion 121, and a front door side upper tray passage 51 is below the main body side upper tray passage 122. The front door side upper dish passage 51 is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123.

  In the resin base 71, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is attached below the passage forming portion 121. The opening / closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft 125 provided at the lower end thereof so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and further urged to a front position where the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 are closed. An urging member is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the main body frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and closes the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state in which the game balls are stored in the main body side upper dish passage 122 or the main body side lower dish passage 123, it is possible to prevent the stored balls from spilling down. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish path 122 and the front door side upper dish path 51 communicate with each other, and the main body side lower dish path 123 and the front door side lower dish path 52 communicate with each other.

  Next, the back configuration of the main body frame 13 will be described. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the main body frame 13.

  A locking device 131 is provided on the rotation tip side (the left side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the locking device 131 is interlocked with the key operation on the cylinder lock 75, and the main body frame 13 and the front door. The frame 14 is unlocked.

  A bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, a fastening hole 134 for fastening the back pack unit 15 to the main body frame 13 is provided on the back surface of the resin base 71.

  A plurality of locking fittings 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the game board 81 is attached to the resin base 71 by the locking fittings 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 81 will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game board 81 as seen from the rear, and FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the main controller unit 160 is removed from the game board 81.

  The variable display unit 86 disposed in the center of the game board 81 is provided with a frame cover 141 made of synthetic resin that covers the center frame 92 from the back, and is provided rearward with respect to the frame cover 141 from the rear side. The above-described symbol display device 91 is attached, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device is attached (not shown). The symbol display device 91 and the display control device are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device is in front and the display control device is in rear), and the sound lamp control device unit 142 is mounted on the rear side. The sound lamp control device unit 142 includes a sound lamp control device 143 and a mounting table 144, and the sound lamp control device 143 is mounted on the mounting table 144.

  The sound lamp control device 143 includes a sound lamp control board that controls sound, lamp display, and display control device in accordance with instructions from a main control device to be described later, and the sound lamp control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 145.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a collective board unit 150 is provided below the variable display unit 86 on the back surface of the game board 81. The collective board unit 150 is provided with a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning ports, a winning detection mechanism for detecting winning of game balls in various winning ports, and the like. .

  The game ball collecting mechanism will be described. The collecting plate unit 150 has a collecting passage 151 that collects in one place on the downstream side corresponding to the game board opening of the general winning port 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating port 84. Is formed. Therefore, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 82 and the like gather below the game board 81 via the collection passage 151. Below the game board 81 is a discharge passage which will be described later, and the game balls gathered below the game board 81 by the collection passage 151 are led out into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 87 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 87.

  The winning combination detection mechanism will be described. The collective board unit 150 is provided with winning opening sensors 152a to 152d at positions corresponding to the general winning openings 82 on the front side of the game board 81. Further, a count sensor 153 is provided at a position corresponding to the variable winning device 83, and an operation port sensor 154 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation port 84. These sensors 152 to 154 detect a winning of a game ball. Further, a gate sensor 155 that detects a game ball passing through the through gate 85 is provided on the right side of the variable display unit 86 outside the collective board unit 150. These sensors 152 to 155 output electric signals to a main controller 162 described later. Specifically, a LOW signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI signal is output when a game ball is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a HI signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW signal is output when a game ball is detected. The electric signal may be output only in the state of being in operation.

  A main controller unit 160 is mounted on the back of the game board 81 so as to cover the collective board unit 150 from the rear side. The configuration of main controller unit 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main controller unit 160.

  The main control unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161, and the main control unit 162 is mounted on the mounting base 161. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened by a sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. Five sealing portions 164 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, the box base and the box cover can be inserted by inserting a locking claw into the long hole constituting the sealing portion 164. And can be unopened. The sealing process by the sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after it has been performed. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one of the five sealing portions 164. When opening the board box 163 such as when a failure occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connecting part between the sealing part into which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing part is provided. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing portions. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  A plurality of coupling pieces 165 are provided on one short side of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude laterally. These coupling pieces 165 have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of coupled pieces 166 formed on the mounting table 161, and the coupling pieces 165 and the coupled pieces 166 provide a space between the board box 163 and the mounting table 161. Sealing is performed.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view of the back pack unit 15, and FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the back pack unit 15.

  The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device collective unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 86.

  The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal plate 213 at the upper right portion thereof. The external terminal board 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the latch pins 214 are inserted through the bearing portions 133 provided on the main body frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 13. In addition, the base 211 is provided with a fastener 215 for fastening to a fastening hole 134 provided in the main body frame 13, and the main body can be obtained by fitting the fastening 215 into the fastening hole 134. A back pack unit 15 is fixed to the frame 13.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. That is, a tank 221 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 201, and the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A dispensing device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the case rail 223 is provided with a ball non-detection sensor 223a so as to detect a game ball connected from the tank 221 to the payout device 224 through a passage formed in the case rail 223. . The ball non-detection sensor 223a is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes through the detection range is detected and output as an electric signal. Note that the ball non-detection sensor 223a is not limited to a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and may be any as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. .

  The ball non-detection sensor 223a outputs an electrical signal to a payout control device 242 described later. Specifically, a LOW signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI signal is output when a game ball is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a HI signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW signal is output when a game ball is detected. The electric signal may be output only in the state of being in operation.

  The payout control device 242 specifies whether or not the tank 221 is in a no-sphere state based on the detection result of the no-ball detection sensor 223a. Specifically, when the non-detected state of the game ball in the ball non-detection sensor 223a is continued until a predetermined non-ball determination period, the tank 221 is identified as having no ball. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the tank 221 is in the absence of a ball, the payout operation of the game ball by the payout device 224 is stopped. This prevents the dispensing device 224 from continuing to operate even when the tank 221 is in the absence of a ball. The stop of the payout operation is released when the ball 221 in the tank 221 is released and the game ball is detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a. Further, when the dispensing control device 242 specifies that the tank 221 is in a ball-free state, a notification process corresponding to the tank 221 is executed. This will be described later. Note that even when a ball clogging occurs in the tank 221 and a game ball does not flow to the payout device 224 side, it is specified that there is no ball.

  The payout device 224 includes a payout motor 224a that rotates a rotating body built in the payout device 224, and is driven by the payout motor 224a to rotate the rotary body, so that the rotary body and the tank 221 are rotated. The game balls that are waiting for are paid out downstream. In addition, the payout device 224 includes a payout ball detection sensor 224b that detects a game ball paid out to the downstream side. The payout motor 224a and the payout ball detection sensor 224b are both electrically connected to a payout control device 242 to be described later, and the payout motor 224a is driven and controlled by the payout control device 242 and the detection result of the payout ball detection sensor 224b. Based on this, the number of game balls paid out to the downstream side in the payout control device 242 is specified.

  The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224. The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening 226 has been described above. The center side opening 227 communicates with the lower plate 34 via the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 through the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage 51. The outer opening 228 is formed to communicate with the discharge passage.

  A backpack substrate 229 is installed in the dispensing mechanism unit 202. The back pack substrate 229 is supplied with, for example, a main power of AC 24 volts, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 229a.

  A discharge passage board 203 and a control device collective unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. The discharge passage board 203 is formed with a discharge passage 231 opened rearward on the surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage 231 is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage 231 is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led out to the discharge passage 231 from the above-described collection passage 151 or the like passes through the discharge passage 231 so as to be pachinko. It is discharged outside the machine 10.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power source and launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  The payout control device 242 accommodates a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 in the board box 244. The payout command signal from the payout control device 242 to the payout device 224 is relayed by the back pack substrate 229 described above. The payout control device 242 is provided with a state return switch 245. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power source and launch control device 243 includes a power source and launch control board housed in the board box 246, and the board generates and outputs predetermined power required by various control devices and the like, and further a game ball by the player Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the firing handle 41 is performed. Further, the power and launch control device 243 is provided with a RAM erase switch 247. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and store various data so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of the power failure, and when it recovers from the power failure, it can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure. It has become. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is turned off in the normal procedure, as in the case of the game hall being closed, the state before the interruption is stored and held, but when the power is turned on while the RAM erase switch 247 is held down, the RAM data is initialized. It is like that.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 14, a power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  A main control board 301 provided in the main controller 162 incorporates a main control circuit 302 and a power failure monitoring circuit 303 (power failure monitoring circuit). The main control circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 311.

  The CPU 311 temporarily stores various control programs executed by the CPU 311 and a ROM 312 (non-volatile storage means) that stores fixed value data, and various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 312. A RAM 313 (volatile storage means) which is a memory for storing, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated. Note that some or all of the CPU 311, the ROM 312, and the RAM 313 may be provided as separate chips.

  The RAM 313 is configured to store and hold information even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, by storing and holding power from the power and launch control board 321 provided in the power and launch control device 243.

  The CPU 311 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the CPU 311, a power failure monitoring circuit 303 provided on the main control board 301, a payout control board 322 provided on the payout control device 242, and other sensor groups (not shown) are connected. In this case, a power supply and launch control board 321 is connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 303, and power is supplied to the CPU 311 (main control circuit 302) via the power failure monitoring circuit 303.

  On the other hand, a power failure monitoring circuit 303, a payout control board 322 and a relay terminal board 323 are connected to the output side of the CPU 311. Various commands such as a prize ball command are output to the payout control board 322. Various commands and the like are output from the main control circuit 302 to the sound lamp control board 324 provided in the sound lamp control device 143 via the relay terminal plate 323.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 303 relays between the main control circuit 302 and the power source and launch control board 321, and monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts that is the maximum voltage output from the power source and launch control board 321. When this voltage is less than 22 volts, it is determined that the power supply has been cut off, and a power failure signal is transmitted to the main control circuit 302.

  The payout control board 322 controls payout of prize balls and the like by the payout device 224. The CPU 331 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 332 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 331, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory or the like. Note that some or all of the CPU 331, the ROM 332, and the RAM 333 may be provided as separate chips.

  The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is provided with an input / output port. A main control circuit 302, a power and launch control board 321, and a back pack board 229 are connected to the input side of the CPU 331. Further, the main control circuit 302 and the back pack substrate 229 are connected to the output side of the CPU 331.

  The power supply and launch control board 321 includes a power-on power supply unit 321a and a launch control unit 321b. The power-on power supply unit 321a is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, etc., and the generated operating power is indicated by a double line arrow. This is supplied to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, etc. through the route. As its outline, the power-on power supply unit 321a takes in the AC 24 volt power supplied via the backpack connection board 229, and + 12V power for driving various sensors and motors, and + 5V power for logic. And the + 12V power and + 5V power are supplied to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like.

  The launch control unit 321b is responsible for launch control of the game ball launching mechanism 110 in accordance with the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met. The

  The power source and launch control board 321 is equipped with a power source unit 321c for power interruption. The power supply unit 321c for power interruption includes a capacitor, and is charged when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON (when power is supplied from an external power supply). Further, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is in an OFF state or in a power cut-off state such as when a power failure occurs in a commercial power supply (when power supply from an external power supply is cut off), the main power unit 321c is discharged from the power cut-off. Memory holding power is supplied to the RAM 313 of the control board 301. Therefore, even in such a situation, the information stored in the RAM 313 is stored and held without being erased while the power for storing and holding is supplied from the power supply unit 321c for power interruption.

  Incidentally, the capacity of the power supply unit 321c for power interruption is relatively large, and information stored in the RAM 313 before the power is shut off is retained within a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days). The power supply unit for power interruption is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery or a non-rechargeable battery. In the case of a non-rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to store power in the power supply means for power interruption when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON, but it is necessary to replace it periodically.

  Further, the power supply and launch control board 321 is provided with a power failure processing power supply unit different from the power interruption power supply unit 321c. In the power supply and launch control board 321, even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volts, the power supply unit for power failure processing discharges for a time sufficient for execution of power failure processing described later. The output of 5 volts, which is the drive power source for the control system, is configured to maintain a normal value. Thereby, the main control circuit 302 and the like can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The sound lamp control board 324 controls the various lamp units 23 to 25, the speaker unit 26, and the display control device 325. The CPU 341 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 342 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 341, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 343 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324 is provided with an input / output port. The main control circuit 302 is connected to the input side of the CPU 341 by relaying to the relay terminal plate 323. Based on various commands output from the main control circuit 302, various lamp units 23 to 25, the speaker unit 26, and The display control device 325 is controlled. The display control device 325 controls the symbol display device 91 based on a display command input from the sound lamp control board 324.

  Next, display contents of the symbol display device 91 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol display device 91, three symbol columns of left, middle, and right are set. Each symbol row is composed of, for example, a main symbol with numbers “0” to “9” and a sub-symbol made of, for example, a diamond-shaped picture. Each main symbol and sub-design constitute a first symbol. In each symbol row, main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub symbols are arranged between the main symbols. That is, each symbol row is provided with a total of 20 first symbols of 10 main symbols and 10 sub symbols. In the symbol display device 91, 20 first symbols are variably displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom with periodicity for each symbol row. The symbol display device 91 is configured to display the first symbol of the upper, middle, and lower levels for each symbol row. Therefore, the symbol display device 91 displays a total of nine first symbols of 3 rows × 3 columns. In addition, five effective lines, that is, an upper line L1, a middle line L2, a lower line L3, a right rising line L4, and a left rising line L5 are set in the symbol display device 91. Then, the variable display stops in the order of left symbol sequence → right symbol sequence → middle symbol sequence, and at the time of the stop, it is a combination of jackpot symbols on any active line (in this embodiment, the same main symbol combination) If you arrange it, a big hit video will be displayed as a big hit.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 311 in the main control device 162 uses various counter information in the game to make a big hit lottery, set the emission color of the first specific lamp unit 93, set the symbol display of the symbol display device 91, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery and the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type such as the probability variation jackpot or the normal jackpot A reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery when the symbol display device 91 fluctuates and fluctuates, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting an initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a variation pattern selection of the symbol display device 91 The period for switching the color displayed on the first variation type counter CS1 to be used and the first specific lamp unit 93 is determined. A second change type counter CS2 that has been decided to use the left column, the middle column and the right column the off each off symbol counters in the left-and right to use the setting symbol CL of, CM, and CR.

  Among these, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters that each add 1 to the previous value and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that the register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the CPU 311 and, as a result, the numerical values change randomly. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. The RAM 313 is provided with a holding ball storage buffer including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the operation port 84 is provided. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in time series according to the winning history.

  For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 676, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 49, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 49) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether the probability change state or the normal state is set after the jackpot is finished. The big hit type counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 causes the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach to stop by shifting the last stop symbol by one before and after the reach symbol, and the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach also reaches the reach symbol. “Reach other than front / rear out” and stop “complete out” that does not occur reach. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment) and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The first variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. The second variation type counter CS2 includes, for example, Within the range of 0 to 240, 1 is added in order, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240), it returns to 0. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the display mode of the symbol display device 91 such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., the first symbol reach type and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2 The switching display time is determined as a period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93. The switching display time corresponds to the symbol variation time of the symbol display device 91. Therefore, by the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the final stop symbol (in the present embodiment) stops after the occurrence of reach in the symbol display device 91, etc. A detailed design variation mode is also determined. That is, regarding the symbol display device 91, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. Both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are acquired when switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 and when determining the variation pattern at the time of starting the variation of the first symbol by the symbol display device 91.

  The left, middle and right off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR determine the stop symbol of the left row 1st symbol, the middle row 1st symbol, and the right row 1st symbol when the big hit lottery is missed. In each column, any one of the 20 first symbols in total including the main symbol and the sub symbol is displayed, so 20 counter values (0 to 19) are prepared for each. The left, upper, middle, and lower symbols are determined by the out symbol counter CL, the upper, middle, and lower symbols are determined by the out symbol counter CM, and the right symbol column is determined by the out symbol counter CR. The upper, middle and lower symbols are determined.

  In the present embodiment, the value of each counter CL, CM, CR is updated at random by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 311. That is, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, 20 is subtracted to determine the current value. The Each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated in the normal process so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the reach of the RAM 313 front / rear out symbol buffer, reach other than front / rear out It is stored in either the symbol buffer or the completely off symbol buffer. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the time of starting the variation of the first symbol, the buffer value of any one of the front and rear outreach symbol buffer, the reach symbol buffer other than front and rear outlier, and the completely out symbol symbol buffer is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3. The

  Although illustration is omitted, a second specific lamp random number counter is used for lottery of the second specific lamp unit 94. The second symbol random number counter is configured as a loop counter that increments one by one within a range of 0 to 250, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The second specific ramp random number counter is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and is acquired when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 311 is roughly divided into main processing that is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows an NMI interrupt process, which is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power monitoring circuit 303 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 311 and the CPU 311 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing. . In the NMI interrupt processing, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 313 in step S101, and this processing is terminated. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the power failure flag is stored in the normal processing described later, the power failure processing is executed.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, signal reading processing from various sensors, the payout control board 322, and the like is executed. Note that details of processing relating to game ball payout etc. in the signal reading processing will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S202, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In subsequent step S203, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values reach the maximum values (in the present embodiment, 676, 49, and 238, respectively). Each time it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. Thereafter, a start winning process is executed in step S204.

  In the start winning process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the operating port flag is stored in the operating port flag storage buffer of the RAM 313. It is determined whether or not a prize has been won (start prize). If it is determined that the game ball has won the operation port 84, in the subsequent step S302, is the number N of operation reserved balls of the first specific lamp portion 93 and the symbol display device 91 less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment)? Determine whether or not. The process proceeds to step S303 on the condition that there is a winning at the operation port 84 and the number N of activated balls is less than 4, and 1 is added to the number N of activated balls. In the subsequent step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S203 are stored in the first area among the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313. Then, after the start winning process, the CPU 311 once ends the timer interrupt process.

  Next, the main process started by reset at the time of power-on is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S401, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to wait for the slave control board (such as the payout control board 322) to become operable, a wait process is executed for about 1 second, for example. In the subsequent step S402, access to the RAM 313 is permitted.

  Thereafter, in step S403, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 247 provided in the power supply and launch control device 243 is turned on. In subsequent step S404, whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 313 is determined. Determine. In step S405, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S406, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 313, for example. It is also possible to determine the validity of the stored data based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 are correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, at the start of business in the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 247 is pressed, the process proceeds to steps S407 to S408. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to steps S407 to S408.

  In step S407, the used area of the RAM 313 is cleared to 0, and in step S408, initialization processing of the RAM 313 is executed. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S409, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S410 on the condition that the power failure flag is stored and that the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the buffer. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S409, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later. Thereby, it returns to the state before power-off.

  Next, normal processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing of steps S501 to S508 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S510 and S511 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, in step S501, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is output to each control board on the slave side. In subsequent step S502, updating of both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is executed. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of both variation type counters CS 1 and CS 2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In the subsequent step S503, updating of each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row is executed.

  In the update process of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of any of the left, middle, and right symbol sequences, and the out symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the symbol sequence that has reached the update time is determined. Update. Each out symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated one by one in one normal process without duplication, and every time the normal processing is executed three times, one set of out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is obtained. It has been updated. And, when the combination of the updated out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is a combination of outreach symbols that are front / rear out of reach, a combination of reach symbols other than front / rear out of reach, a combination of completely out symbols that do not become reach In some cases, the combination is stored in a corresponding buffer. If the combination of the updated off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of jackpot symbols, the update process is terminated as it is.

  After the update process of the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, a first specific lamp unit control process for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is executed in step S504. In the first specific lamp unit control process, jackpot determination, on / off control of a light source switch of an LED lamp disposed in the first specific lamp unit 93, and the like are performed. In the first specific lamp unit control process, the symbol display device 91 also sets the first symbol variation display.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and further determines the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 (determines whether or not it is a so-called probabilistic jackpot). . At this time, the type of jackpot symbol in the first symbol and the stop line for the combination of jackpot symbols are also determined and set as a stop symbol command. If it is determined that no jackpot will occur, the combination of outlier symbols in the first symbol is determined based on the value of the reach random number counter C3. In such a case, the combination of symbols updated in the outlier symbol counter updating process and stored in the buffer is set as a stop symbol command. Further, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the color switching display time displayed on the first specific lamp section 93 and the variation display time of the first symbol are determined. Further, the reach type in the first symbol and its rough symbol variation mode are determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1, and set as a variation mode command. Each time the on / off control of the first specific lamp unit 93 is started in the first specific lamp unit control process, the number of the operation reserved balls N is decremented by 1 and when the number of operation reserved balls N is 0, the on / off control is performed. Does not start.

  After the first specific lamp unit control process, a special winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S505. In the big prize opening / closing process, the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 83 is opened or closed in the case of the big hit state. That is, it is determined whether the big winning opening is opened for each round of the big hit state, and whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening has passed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening. The determination as to whether or not the prescribed number has been won is made by confirming the above-described counter for the big prize opening. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed.

  Thereafter, in step S506, a second specific lamp unit control process for switching the color displayed on the second specific lamp unit 94 is executed. In the second specific lamp unit control process, the switching of the display color in the second specific lamp unit 94 is started on condition that the number of gate holding balls is 1 or more. At this time, the display color switching time is also set. In addition, a color for stop display is set based on the value of the second specific lamp random number counter already acquired. When a predetermined color is set as the stop-displayed color, the electric accessory attached to the operation port 84 is opened for a predetermined time after the stop display of the color.

  After step S506, a game ball launch control process is executed in step S507. In the game ball launch control process, the game ball launch mechanism 110 is once per predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the launch control unit 321b of the power source and launch control board 321. The solenoid 111 is excited. Thereby, the game ball on the launch rail 112 is launched toward the game area. Incidentally, the launch permission signal is input to an input port other than the input port 311 in the CPU 311 and it is confirmed whether or not there is a launch permission signal at the input port in the game ball launch control process.

  After step S507, it is determined in step S508 whether a power failure flag is stored in a power failure flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. When the power failure flag is not stored, the last process of the plurality of processes that are repeatedly executed is completed, so whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process is reached in step S509, that is, the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing. That is, in step S510, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In step S511, both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of both variation type counters CS 1 and CS 2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that the power failure flag is stored, the power interruption has occurred, so the power failure processing from step S512 is executed. That is, in step S512, the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then, in step S513, a power failure command indicating that the power supply has been shut off is output to another control board such as the payout control board 322. Then, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S514, and after prohibiting access to the RAM 313 in step S515, the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and the process cannot be executed.

(Electrical configuration related to game ball payout and notification accompanying the payout)
Next, the electrical configuration and processing configuration relating to the payout of game balls and the notification associated with the payout will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 22, a power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  As described above, the main control board 301 and the payout control board 322 are electrically connected, and a command as command information is output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322, and the payout control board 322 A command as command information is also output to the main control board 301.

  The power from the power-on power supply unit 321 a of the power supply and launch control board 321 is supplied to the VCC terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and the VCC terminal of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. In a situation where power is supplied from the external power supply by the power supplied to the VCC terminal, various control processes are executed by the CPUs 311 and 331, and information is stored and held by the RAMs 313 and 333. Is called.

  In addition, power from the power supply and power supply unit 321 c for power interruption of the launch control board 321 is supplied to the VBB terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. In other words, the power from the power supply unit 321 c for power interruption is supplied to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 but is not supplied to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. Information is stored and held in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 in a situation where the power supplied from the external power supply is cut off by the power supplied to the VBB terminal. As already described, the power supplied to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 from the power-on power supply unit 321a and the power-off power supply unit 321c is relayed by the power failure monitoring circuit 303.

  In addition to the payout control board 322, a prize opening sensor 152, a count sensor 153, and an operation opening sensor 154 are connected to the input side of the main control board 301, and electrical signals input from these various sensors 152, 153, 154 Based on the above, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 specifies whether or not there is a ball entering the general winning port 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating port 84.

  Specifically, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a prize storage ring buffer 313a as individual storage means. The winning storage ring buffer 313a is dedicated to storing winning information, and includes 256 storage areas, a first storage area RA1 to a 256 storage area RA256, as shown in FIG. Each storage area is composed of 1 byte (a plurality of bits), but is not limited to this, and may be composed of 2 bytes or 3 bytes or more. In addition, the number of storage areas is the situation where the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is not stopped (the situation where the payout of game balls is not restricted), and a large number of winnings such as a big win state occur continuously. In such a situation, it is arbitrary as long as payout target winning information is not stored in all storage areas, and may be 150, 300, or the like.

  A write pointer (write specifying means) and a read pointer (read specifying means) are set for the prize storage ring buffer 313a. If the winning information is stored (stored) with regularity from the first storage area RA1 to the 256th storage area RA256 based on the write pointer, and the winning information is stored in all the storage areas, Returning to the storage area RA1, the winning information is updated. Each winning area stores one piece of winning information.

  Here, as already described, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a general winning port 82, a variable winning device 83, and an operating port 84 as a winning hole (a winning part or a winning part). The number of award balls (the number of game balls to be paid out) varies depending on the mouth. Specifically, the number of prize balls when a game ball enters the general prize opening 82 is 3, and the number of prize balls when a game ball enters the variable prize winning device 83 is 15. The number of prize balls when a game ball enters the mouth 84 is four. Correspondingly, in the winning information stored in the winning buffer ring 313a, three winning information, fifteen winning information, and four winning information are set. Corresponding winning information is stored in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a. The number of prize balls is merely an example, and the number is arbitrary. Further, the pitching part is not limited to the above three types, and may be one type, two types, or four or more types.

  In addition, the prize storage ring buffer 313a reads the prize information stored in the storage areas with regularity from the first storage area RA1 to the 256th storage area RA256 based on the read pointer. . The write pointer and the read pointer are set in the first storage area RA1 in an initial state (a state in which no winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a). Then, the pointer is updated to the 256th storage area RA256, the writing pointer is performed first in accordance with the input of the winning information, and the reading pointer is performed in response to the reading of the winning information. Since it is the said structure, when the write pointer and the read pointer are set to the same storage area, it means that there is no winning information to be read.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a prize information counter area 313b in addition to the prize storage ring buffer 313a. The winning information counter area 313b is used when the CPU 311 specifies the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a.

  The ROM 312 of the main control board 301 is provided with a winning table storage area 312a. In the winning table storage area 312a, as shown in FIG. 23B, winning information stored in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a and a prize output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 are displayed. Correspondence with a sphere command is stored. When a prize ball command is output from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 based on the prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a, the information stored in the prize table storage area 312a is displayed. Based on the prize ball command type, the designated prize ball command is output to the payout control board 322.

  The payout control board 322 specifies the number of prize balls based on the prize ball command input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and executes the payout control so that game balls with the specified number of prize balls are paid out. Specifically, the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball table storage area 332a. In the prize ball table storage area 332a, as shown in FIG. 24A, a correspondence relationship between the prize ball command input from the main control board 301 and the number of prize balls is stored.

  The RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 333a as payout storage means. The prize ball number storage area 333a is composed of 1 byte (a plurality of bits) as shown in FIG. 24B, and the prize ball number specified based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a is a prize. It is added to the ball number storage area 333a. For example, in the situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is zero, and the number of prize balls specified is 15, the prize ball number storage area 333a is “00001111”. Become. The prize ball number storage area 333a is not limited to 1 byte, and may be composed of 2 bytes or 3 bytes or more.

  A payout motor 224a of the payout device 224 is connected to the output side of the payout control board 322, and the payout motor 224a is driven so that game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a are paid out. The Also, a payout ball detection sensor 224b of the payout device 224 is connected to the input side of the payout control board 322, and whether or not the game ball is actually paid out according to the driving of the payout motor 224a is determined as a payout ball detection sensor. The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is specified based on the detection result of 224b.

  In addition to the above, a full detection sensor 59 and a ball non-detection sensor 223a are connected to the input side of the payout control board 322. Based on the detection results of these sensors 59, 223 a, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 specifies the full state of the lower plate 34 and the non-ball state of the tank 221, and the specified results are output to the main control board 301. The CPU 311 of the main control board 301 outputs a command to the sound lamp control device 143 according to the command input from the payout control board 322, and executes various notifications.

(Processing configuration related to game ball payout)
Next, the processing configuration in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 relating to the payout of game balls will be described.

  First, the signal reading process executed in step S201 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 18) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the signal reading process, the winning specifying process is executed in step S601, the winning ball specifying process is executed in step S602, the main side full specifying process is executed in step S603, and the main ball not specified in step S604. The process is executed, and a winning information number specifying process is executed in step S605. Among these, the winning specifying process in step S601 and the winning ball specifying process in step S602 are processes relating to the paying out of game balls, and the others are processes relating to notifications associated with paying out game balls. In the signal reading process, in addition to the processes in steps S601 to S605, a process for storing an operation port flag based on the detection result of the operation port sensor 154 is performed.

  Next, the winning identification process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the winning specifying process, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not there is a winning signal. That is, it is determined whether or not a winning signal is input from any of the winning mouth sensor 152, the count sensor 153, or the operating mouth sensor 154. If no winning signal is input from any of the sensors 152 to 154, the main winning specifying process is terminated as it is.

  If a winning signal is input from any of the winning mouth sensor 152, the count sensor 153, or the operating port sensor 154, in step S702, among the storage areas of the winning memory ring buffer 313a, the winning input that has been input this time. In order to specify in which storage area the signal winning information is stored, the write pointer is referred to. In subsequent step S703, a process of storing the winning information corresponding to the winning signal input this time in the storage area specified in step S702 is executed.

  After that, the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is incremented by 1 in step S704, and the write pointer updating process of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is executed in step S705, and then the present winning specifying process is terminated. To do.

  Next, the winning ball specifying process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the prize ball specifying process, first, in step S801, whether a request command is input from the payout control board 322, or is a request flag stored in the request flag storage area provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301? Determine whether or not. Here, the request command is a command output from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a of the payout control board 322 is small. This is a command that is output when a new prize ball command is requested. The request flag is a flag for specifying that the request command has already been input from the payout control board 322 and that no prize ball command is output, and is stored. The request flag is deleted when the request command is output.

  If neither the request command nor the request flag exists, it means that the payout control board 322 does not request the output of the prize ball command, so a negative determination is made in step S801 and the present prize ball is left as it is. End the specific process. On the other hand, if either the request command or the request flag exists, it means that the payout control board 322 requests the output of the prize ball command, so an affirmative determination is made in step S801, The processing after S802 is executed.

  In step S802, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is 1 or more. If it is not 1 or more, it means that there is no winning information to be read in the winning storage ring buffer 313a, so a negative determination is made, and the flow proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the request flag is stored in the request flag storage area. If the request flag is already stored, the stored state is maintained. Thereafter, the award ball specifying process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value stored in the prize information counter area 313b is 1 or more, it means that there is prize information to be read out in the prize storage ring buffer 313a. A determination is made and the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the read pointer is referred to in order to specify which of the storage areas of the prize storage ring buffer 313a is to output the winning information stored in the storage area as a winning ball command. In a succeeding step S805, a prize ball command specifying process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the winning table storage area 312a of the ROM 312, which winning ball command corresponds to the winning information read this time is specified.

  In the subsequent step S806, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command has been identified in step S805. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the information stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a may be rewritten due to the occurrence of electrical noise. For example, when “00001111” is set as 1-byte information as 15 pieces of winning information, the information may be “00011111” or “00000111” due to noise. Then, the winning ball command corresponding to the winning information does not exist in the winning table storage area 312a of the ROM 312, and the winning ball command cannot be specified.

  If the winning ball command cannot be specified, command correction processing is executed in step S807. In the command correction process, 15 winning ball commands are selected regardless of the information format of the winning information. Thus, by selecting the 15 prize ball commands, the player's profit can be secured. In other words, when the 15 winning information is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, if the winning information is ignored and no prize ball command is output, 15 games originally obtained for the player are obtained. You will not be able to receive the ball. The same applies to a configuration in which three prize ball commands or four prize ball commands are selected when the 15 prize winning information is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. On the other hand, in the command correction process, the 15 disadvantageous ball commands corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls are selected from among the preset number of prize balls, so that the above disadvantages can be avoided. The person is prevented from suffering. Further, when the winning information that was “000011111” is rewritten as “11111111”, if the winning ball command is selected so that the number of winning balls in the rewritten winning information is the same, it is very large for the game hall. Will suffer from disadvantages. On the other hand, by executing the command correction process as described above and selecting 15 award ball commands, the game hall is prevented from suffering the above disadvantages.

  After executing the command correction process in step S807, the process proceeds to step S808. Also, if a prize ball command can be specified in step S806, the process proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the prize ball command specified in step S805 or the prize ball command selected in step S807 is set. The prize ball command set here is output to the payout control board 322 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21) described above.

  Thereafter, in step S809, 1 is subtracted from the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b. In the subsequent step S810, if the request flag is stored in the request flag storage area of the RAM 313, the request flag is deleted. After that, in step S811, update processing of the read pointer of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is executed, and then the winning ball specifying processing is ended.

  Next, a processing configuration in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described. The processing of the CPU 331 can be broadly divided into input interrupt processing activated by input of a command from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, main processing activated upon power-on, and periodically (in the present embodiment). There is a timer interrupt process activated at a cycle of 2 msec). For convenience of explanation, the interrupt process at the time of input will be described first, and then the main process and the timer interrupt process will be described in this order.

  In the interrupt process at the time of input, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, it is first determined whether or not the command input in step S901 is a power failure command. If the command is a power failure command, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S902, and then the interrupt processing at the time of this input is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the input command is not a power failure command, a negative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, it is determined whether or not the input command is a prize ball command. If it is not a prize ball command, the interrupt process at the time of this input is terminated as it is.

  If it is a prize ball command, command analysis processing is executed in step S904. Specifically, based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, it is specified which number of prize balls corresponds to the prize ball command input this time.

  In the subsequent step S905, it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command has been specified in step S904. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, there is a possibility that the winning ball command is rewritten in the process of reaching the payout control board 322 from the main control board 301 due to the generation of electrical noise. For example, when “000011111” is set as 1-byte information as 15 award ball commands, the information may be “00011111” or “00000111” due to noise. Then, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command does not exist in the prize ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, and the number of prize balls cannot be specified.

  If the number of winning balls cannot be specified, a winning ball number correcting process is executed in step S906. In the winning ball number correcting process, 15 winning ball numbers are selected regardless of the information format of the winning ball command. Thus, by selecting 15 prize balls, the player's profit can be secured. In other words, if 15 prize ball commands are rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the prize ball command is ignored and no prize balls are added. It will not be possible to receive the payout of the game ball. The same applies to a configuration in which three prize balls or four prize balls are selected when the 15 prize balls are rewritten due to noise or the like. On the other hand, in the award ball number correcting process, by selecting 15 award ball numbers, which is the maximum award ball number, from among the preset award ball numbers, The player is prevented from taking profits. Also, if the prize ball command that was “000011111” is rewritten as “11111111” and the number of prize balls corresponding to the rewritten prize ball command is selected, it is a great disadvantage for the game hall. Will suffer. On the other hand, the prize ball number correcting process is executed as described above, and the number of 15 prize balls is selected to prevent the game hall from suffering the above disadvantages. Yes.

  After the winning ball number correcting process is executed in step S906, the process proceeds to step S907. If the number of prize balls can be specified in step S905, the process proceeds to step S907. In step S907, the number of prize balls specified in step S904 or the number of prize balls selected in step S906 is added to the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a.

  In a succeeding step S908, a mask process at the time of input is executed. In the mask process at the time of input, when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds 18 that is the upper limit prize ball number (the upper limit number of game media), the prize ball is set to 18 or less. This is a process of correcting the number. Specifically, 1-byte mask information is stored in advance in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322. As the mask information, information “00001111”, “00010000”, “00010001”, and “00010010” is stored. In the mask process at the time of input, information in the 1-byte prize ball number storage area 333a is called to the register of the CPU 331, and each mask information is individually ANDed with respect to the called information. Of the AND-processed items, the maximum number of winning balls is stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a. Thereby, even if the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball number due to the influence of noise, it can be reduced to the upper limit prize ball number or less. Therefore, it can suppress that a game hall suffers a disadvantage. In addition, when the upper limit number of balls is exceeded, it is not invalidated (that is, “0”), but is a number obtained by AND processing with the mask information, and the player suffers a disadvantage. Is suppressed as much as possible. After executing the mask process at input, the interrupt process at this input is terminated.

  Next, main processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset at power-on.

  First, in step S1001, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, the interrupt mode is set. In step S1002, RAM access is permitted, and in step S1003, an external interrupt vector is set. Thereafter, the entire area of the RAM 333 is cleared to 0 in step S1004, and the CPU peripheral device is initialized in step S1005. In the subsequent step S1006, the interruption is permitted, and in step S1007, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. If the power failure flag is not stored, the process waits until the power failure flag is stored. To do.

  On the other hand, when the power failure flag is stored, it means that a power failure has occurred, and therefore, the processing after step S1008 is executed as the power failure processing. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S1008. Thereafter, in step S1009, access to the RAM 333 is prohibited, and the infinite loop continues until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, for example, every 2 msec will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1101, the state return switch 245 is chucked, and when it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed. Thereafter, the payout side full specifying process is executed in step S1102, the payout side ball non-specifying process is executed in step S1103, and the award ball control process is executed in step S1104, and then the timer interrupt process is ended. Of the processes in steps S1102 to S1104, the prize ball control process in step S1104 is a process related to paying out game balls, and the other is a process related to notification accompanying the payout of game balls. In the timer interruption process, in addition to the processes in steps S1101 to S1104, a process related to renting a ball is executed.

  Next, the prize ball control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the prize ball control process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the payout is disabled. The situation corresponding to the payout disabled state includes a full state of the lower plate 34 or a non-ball state of the tank 221. The RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a full state flag storage area and a ball no state flag storage area. When the lower plate 34 is full, the full state flag storage area is full as will be described later. When the state flag is stored and the tank 221 is in a no-ball state, the no-ball state flag is stored in the no-ball state flag storage area as described later. Accordingly, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the payout is disabled by determining whether or not at least one of the full state flag and the ball no state flag is stored.

  If the payout is disabled, an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, and the award ball control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the payout is not possible, a negative determination is made in step S1201 and the process proceeds to step S1202. In step S1202, a payout mask process is executed. In the payout-time mask process, similarly to the input-time mask process, when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds 18 that is the upper limit prize ball number, the number is 18 or less. This is a process for correcting the number of prize balls. Since the specific contents are the same as the mask process at the time of input, the description is omitted.

  In a succeeding step S1203, it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is “0”. If the number of prize balls is “0”, it means that there is no prize ball to be paid out, and the process directly proceeds to step S1207. On the other hand, if the number of prize balls is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S1204 and pays out one game ball. In the following step S1205, the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is decremented by 1 on condition that the passing of the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b.

  It is assumed that the game ball is not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b in step S1205 immediately after the game ball is paid out in step S1204. To deal with this, in a situation where the game ball is not paid out by the payout ball detection sensor 224b after the game ball is paid out in step S1204, the main prize is not executed without executing the processing in step S1205 and the subsequent steps. The ball control process is terminated, and in each subsequent prize ball control process, all the processes in steps S1201 to S1207 are not executed until the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b, and the payout ball detection sensor 224b. When a game ball is detected at, the processing after step S1205 is executed.

  After executing the process of step S1205, it is determined in step S1206 whether or not the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is equal to or less than “3” as the required reference number. If the number of prize balls is not “3” or less, the prize ball control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the number of prize balls is “3” or less, a request command is output to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 in step S1207. As described above, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 receives a request command in a situation where the prize information is stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a, thereby issuing a prize ball command to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. Output. Even when an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, a request command is output to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 in step S1207. After outputting the request command in step S1207, the winning ball control process is terminated.

  Next, the state of winning and corresponding prize balls will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  In a situation where a request command has already been output from the payout control board 322 (CPU 331), winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 when a winning occurs at the timing t1. . Then, a prize ball command corresponding to the prize information is output from the main control board 301 (CPU 311) to the payout control board 322, so that the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is awarded in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. It is added to the ball number storage area 333a. Thereby, the payout of the game ball from the payout device 224 is started. In this case, since the command correction processing is performed for the command that cannot be specified when the prize ball command is specified on the main control board 301, the player is prevented from being disadvantaged due to the influence of noise or the like. In addition, when analyzing the prize ball command on the payout control board 322, the prize ball number correction process is performed for the number of prize balls that could not be analyzed, so that the player is prevented from being disadvantaged due to noise or the like. The Furthermore, by performing the mask process at the time of input and the mask process at the time of payout so as not to exceed the upper limit prize ball number for the prize ball number storage area 333a to which the number of prize balls has been added, Is prevented from suffering great disadvantages. The effects related to the correction process and the mask process are achieved for each prize ball command.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t2, when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the required reference number (three), a request command is output from the payout control board 322 to the main control board 301. .

  In the main control board 301, a plurality of winning information that has not been read yet is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a due to a plurality of winnings occurring from the timing t1 to the timing t2. Has been. In response to the request command, a winning ball command corresponding to the oldest winning information among the unread winning information is output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 at the timing of t3. As a result, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is added to the prize ball number storage area 333a of the payout control board 322. As described above, a prize ball command is output from the main control board 301 when the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the required reference number which is not “0” (which is “1” or more). By doing so, the payout of game balls will not be stopped in spite of the presence of winning information in a situation where payout is not possible, and the payout of game balls will be continuous and the payout of game balls will be It is done smoothly.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t4, the timing of t5, and the timing of t6, the request command and the award ball command are exchanged, and the game ball is smoothly paid out.

  Here, the award ball number storage area 333a of the payout control board 322 may be rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. For example, as shown at the timing t7 in FIG. 32, the number of 15 winning balls may be rewritten to 5 due to the influence of noise or the like. In addition, as indicated by the timing of t8, the number of winning balls that was five may be rewritten to 18 by the influence of noise or the like.

  On the other hand, the present pachinko machine 10 is provided with a winning storage ring buffer 313a and a winning ball number storage area 333a, and the winning information is individually stored in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a. The upper limit number of winning balls stored in the number-of-balls storage area 333a is the maximum number of winning balls for a single winning (specifically, 15) and the required reference number for enabling continuous game balls to be paid out. (Specifically, 3). Therefore, even if rewriting as shown at the timing of t7 occurs, the disadvantage suffered by the player can be reduced, and even if the rewriting as shown at the timing of t8 occurs, the disadvantage suffered by the game hole is reduced. Can be reduced. That is, in a configuration in which unpaid prize balls are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the total number of prize balls as in a conventional pachinko machine, the number is relatively large. For example, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 500 and a rewrite as shown at the timing of t7 occurs and becomes five, the disadvantage suffered by the player is It will be tremendous. Further, for example, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is five and the rewrite as shown at the timing of t8 occurs and the number becomes 500, the game hole will not suffer. Profits are tremendous. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, as described above, it is possible to reduce the disadvantage suffered by the player and the disadvantage suffered by the game hall.

(Processing configuration related to notification accompanying game payout)
Next, a processing configuration relating to notification accompanying the payout of game balls will be described. Here, for convenience of explanation, the processing configuration in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 regarding notification will be described first, and then the processing configuration in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and the processing configuration in the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324 will be described.

  The payout side full specification process in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 30) of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout side full specification process, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the payout side full state flag is stored in the payout side full state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. This full state flag is a flag indicating that the lower plate 34 is full. When an electric signal indicating that a game ball is detected from the full detection sensor 59 is received over the full determination continuation period. Is a flag that is erased when the input of the electric signal is interrupted.

  If the payout side full state flag is not stored, the payout side fullness monitoring process in steps S1302 to S1303 is executed. If the payout side full state flag is stored, the payout in steps S1304 to S1305 is executed. Execute side full release monitoring processing.

  In the payout-side full monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1302 whether or not an electric signal indicating that a game ball is detected is input from the full detection sensor 59. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the electrical signal has been input over the full determination duration. If not entered, the payout-side full specification process is terminated. If it has been input, a full command is output to the main control board 301 in step S1303, and after the payout side full state flag is stored, the payout side full specifying process is terminated.

  In the payout side full release monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1304 whether or not an electric signal indicating that a game ball has not been detected is input from the full detection sensor 59. If not entered, the payout-side full specification process is terminated. If it is input, in step S1305, a full release command is output to the main control board 301, and after the payout side full state flag is deleted, the payout side full specifying process is terminated.

  Next, the payout side ball non-specific process in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 30) of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout side ball non-specific processing, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the payout side ball no state flag is stored in the payout side ball no state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. This no-ball state flag is a flag indicating that the tank 221 is in the no-ball state, and an electric signal indicating that no game ball is detected from the no-ball detection sensor 223a is transmitted over the no-ball determination period. This flag is stored when received, and is erased when the input of the electric signal is interrupted.

  If no ball state flag is stored, the payout side ball non-monitoring process in steps S1402 to S1403 is executed. If the ball stateless flag is stored, the payout side in steps S1404 to S1405 is executed. Execute the ball-free release monitoring process.

  In the payout-side ball no-monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1402 whether or not an electric signal indicating that no game ball is detected is input from the no-ball detection sensor 223a. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the electric signal has been input over the sphere non-determination duration. If it is not input, the payout-side ball non-specific processing is terminated as it is. If it is input, in step S1403, a ball-less command is output to the main control board 301, and a ball-free state flag is stored.

  In the payout-side full release monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1404 whether or not an electric signal indicating that a game ball is detected is input from the ball non-detection sensor 223a. If it is not input, the payout-side ball non-specific processing is terminated as it is. If it has been input, in step S1405, a ball no release command is output to the main control board 301, and after the ball no state flag is erased, the payout side ball no-specifying process is terminated.

  Next, the main side full specification process in the signal reading process (FIG. 25) of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the main side full specification process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the main side full state flag is stored in the main side full state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. This full state flag is a flag for the main control board 301 to grasp that the lower plate 34 is full and that full notification is being performed. A full command is input from the payout control board 322. This flag is stored and is erased by inputting a full release command from the payout control board 322.

  When the main side full state flag is not stored, the main side full monitoring process of steps S1502 to S1503 is executed. When the main side full state flag is stored, the main side full state flag of step S1504 to step S1505 is executed. Execute side full release monitoring processing.

  In the main-side full monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1502 whether or not a full command is input from the payout control board 322. If no input has been made, the main-side full specification process is terminated. If it is input, in step S1503, the full notification command is set and the full state flag is stored, and then the main side full specification process is terminated. The full notification command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 starts full notification by receiving a full notification command. This will be described later.

  In the main-side full release monitoring process, first, in step S1504, it is determined whether or not a full release command is input from the payout control board 322. If no input has been made, the main-side full specification process is terminated. If it is input, in step S1505, the full notification release command is set and the full state flag is erased, and then the main side full specification process is terminated. The full notification release command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21). In the sound lamp control board 324, the full notification is terminated by receiving the full notification release command. This will be described later.

  Next, the main-side sphere non-specific processing in the signal reading processing (FIG. 25) of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the main-side sphere non-specific processing, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not the main-side sphere no-status flag is stored in the main-side sphere no-status flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. The no-sphere flag is a flag for the main control board 301 to recognize that the tank 221 is in the no-ball state and the no-ball notification is performed. Is a flag that is stored by inputting, and erased by inputting a no ball release command from the payout control board 322.

  If the main side sphere no state flag is not stored, the main side sphere no state monitoring process of steps S1602 to S1603 is executed. If the main side sphere no state flag is stored, steps S1604 to S160 are executed. The main-side ball no-release monitoring process of S1605 is executed.

  In the main-side ball no-monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1602 whether or not a ball-no-command is input from the payout control board 322. If it is not input, the main sphere unspecified process is terminated as it is. If it is input, in step S1603, a ball no notification command is set and a ball no state flag is stored, and then the main side ball no-specifying process is terminated. The non-ball notification command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 starts the no ball notification by receiving the no ball notification command. This will be described later.

  In the main-side ball no-release monitoring process, first, in step S1604, it is determined whether or not a ball no-release command is input from the payout control board 322. If it is not input, the main sphere unspecified process is terminated as it is. If it is input, in step S1605, a ball no notification release command is stored and the ball no state flag is erased, and then the main side ball no specification process is terminated. The no-ball notification release command stored here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21). The voice lamp control board 324 terminates the no-ball notification by receiving the no-ball notification release command. This will be described later.

  Next, the winning information number specifying process in the signal reading process (FIG. 25) of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the winning information number specifying process, first, in step S1701, it is determined whether or not an abnormality flag is stored in an abnormality flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. This abnormality flag is a flag for grasping in the main control board 301 that an abnormality notification described later is performed, and the value of the winning information counter area 313b of the RAM 313 is equal to or greater than “100” as the upper limit reference number. A flag that is stored when an abnormality notification command is output to the lamp control board 324, and is erased when the value of the winning information counter area 313b is less than “100” and an abnormality notification release command is output to the audio lamp control board 324. It is. The upper limit reference number is not limited to “100”, and may be any number as long as it is smaller than the number of storage areas of the winning storage ring buffer 313a. For example, “150” or “200” Also good.

  If the abnormality flag is not stored, the abnormality monitoring process in steps S1702 to S1703 is executed, and if the abnormality flag is stored, the abnormality release monitoring process in steps S1704 to S1705 is executed.

  In the abnormality monitoring process, first, in step S1702, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning information counter area 313b is “100” or more. If it is not “100” or more, the final winning information number specifying process is terminated. If it is “100” or more, in step S1703, an abnormality notification command is set, and a hall computer provided with an abnormality signal in the gaming hall (a management device that manages a large number of gaming machines installed in the gaming hall). Output to. Furthermore, an abnormality flag is stored. Then, the process for specifying the number of winning information is completed. The abnormality notification command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 starts the abnormality notification by receiving the abnormality notification command. This will be described later. Further, by outputting an abnormal signal to the hall computer, it is possible to grasp that the number of winning information of the pachinko machine 10 has reached the upper limit reference number in the hall computer, and the game hall manager or the like copes with it. Can be encouraged.

  In the abnormality cancellation monitoring process, first, in step S1704, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning information counter area 313b is less than “100”. If it is not less than “100”, the final winning information number specifying process is finished as it is. If it is less than “100”, in step S1705, an abnormality notification cancellation command is set and an abnormality cancellation signal is output to the hall computer. Further, the abnormality flag is deleted. Then, the process for specifying the number of winning information is completed. The abnormality notification cancellation command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 ends the abnormality notification by receiving the abnormality notification release command. This will be described later. Further, by outputting the abnormality cancel signal to the hall computer, it is possible to grasp that the state where the number of winning information of the pachinko machine 10 has reached the upper limit reference number in the hall computer has been released.

  Next, notification control processing executed by the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Of the notification control processing executed by the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324, only the processing related to notification associated with payout of the game ball will be described. The notification control process is started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

  In the notification control process, first, a full notification process is executed in steps S1801 to S1805. In the full notification process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the full notification flag is stored in the full notification flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 343. This full notification flag is a flag for the voice lamp control board 324 to know that the full notification is being executed, and is stored by inputting a full notification command from the main control board 301. This flag is erased by inputting a full notification release command.

  If the full notification flag is not stored, the full notification start monitoring process in steps S1802 to S1803 is executed. If the full notification flag is stored, the full notification end monitoring process in steps S1804 to S1805 is executed. Execute.

  In the full notification start monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1802 whether or not a full notification command is input from the main control board 301. If not, the process proceeds to step S1806. If it is input, in step S1803, a full notification start process is executed and a full notification flag is stored, and then the flow proceeds to step S1806. When the full notification start process is executed, a full notification sound such as “please pull out the game ball in the lower plate” is periodically output from the speaker unit 26 as a full notification. Note that the full notification mode is arbitrary, for example, notification by the light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24 at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, or a notification character or character on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 You may make it alert | report by the display screen which displays a figure. Furthermore, it is not essential to be regular, and it may be irregular or single.

  In the full notification end monitoring process, first, in step S1804, it is determined whether or not a full notification release command is input from the main control board 301. If not, the process proceeds to step S1806. If it is input, in step S1805, a full notification end process is executed and the full notification flag is deleted, and then the flow proceeds to step S1806. By executing the full notification end process, the regular full notification sound is stopped.

  After executing the full notification process, the non-ball notification process in steps S1806 to S1810 is executed. In the ball no notification process, first, in step S1806, it is determined whether or not the ball no notification flag is stored in the no ball notification flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 343. The no-ball notification flag is a flag for the voice lamp control board 324 to recognize that the no-ball notification is being executed, and is stored by inputting a no-ball notification command from the main control board 301. This flag is erased by inputting a no ball notification cancel command from the substrate 301.

  If the no-ball notification flag is not stored, the no-ball notification start monitoring process in steps S1807 to S1808 is executed. If the no-ball notification flag is stored, the no-ball notification in steps S1809 to S1810 is performed. A notification end monitoring process is executed.

  In the ball no notification start monitoring process, first, in step S1807, it is determined whether or not a ball no notification command is input from the main control board 301. If not, the process proceeds to step S1811. If it is input, in step S1808, a ball no notification start process is executed and a ball no notification flag is stored. Then, the process proceeds to step S1811. By executing the ball no notification start processing, “no game balls are available. Please call a staff member” as a ball no notification that is different from a full notification (a mode that can be distinguished from a full notification). Such a no-ball sound is periodically output from the speaker unit 26. It is to be noted that the non-ball notification mode is arbitrary as long as it is different from the full notification mode. For example, notification by the light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24 or symbol display is performed simultaneously with or instead of the sound output. You may make it perform notification by a display screen, such as displaying the character or figure for a notification on the display screen of the apparatus 91. FIG. Furthermore, it is not essential to be regular, and it may be irregular or single.

  In the non-ball notification end monitoring process, first, in step S1809, it is determined whether or not a non-ball notification release command is input from the main control board 301. If not, the process proceeds to step S1811. If it is input, in step S1810, a ball no notification end process is executed and the ball no notification flag is deleted, and then the flow proceeds to step S1811. By executing the ball no notification end process, the regular output of the ball no notification sound is stopped.

  After executing the ball non-informing process, the abnormality notifying process in steps S1811 to S1815 is executed. In the abnormality notification process, first, in step S1811, it is determined whether or not an abnormality notification flag is stored in an abnormality notification flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 343. This abnormality notification flag is a flag for grasping in the sound lamp control board 324 that abnormality notification is being executed, and is stored by inputting an abnormality notification command from the main control board 301. It is a flag that is erased by inputting an abnormality notification release command.

  When the abnormality notification flag is not stored, the abnormality notification start monitoring process of step S1812 to step S1813 is executed. When the abnormality notification flag is stored, the abnormality notification end monitoring process of step S1814 to step S1815 is executed. Execute.

  In the abnormality notification start monitoring process, first, in step S1812, it is determined whether or not an abnormality notification command is input from the main control board 301. If not input, the notification control process is terminated. If it is input, other notification prohibition setting is performed in step S1813. When full notification is already started by performing other notification prohibition settings, the full notification is terminated. Also, the start of full notification thereafter is prohibited. In addition, when the ball non-notification has already been started, the ball non-notification is terminated. In addition, the start of subsequent non-ball notification is prohibited.

  In step S1813, not only the other notification prohibition setting is performed, but an abnormality notification start process is executed. Here, regarding the abnormality notification start process in detail, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 39, it is first determined in step S1901 whether or not the full notification flag is stored in the RAM 343. If the full notification flag is stored, it means that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the lower plate 34 becoming full, so in step S1902 After the full system abnormality notification is set, the abnormality notification start process is terminated.

  By setting the full system abnormality notification, the full system abnormality notification indicating that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the lower plate 34 being full is started. This full system abnormality notification is executed in a different mode (identifiable mode) from the already described full notification and non-ball notification. Specifically, as a full system abnormality notification, “the number of game balls to be paid out has increased because the lower plate is full. The game balls to be paid out may be lost.” A full system abnormality notification sound is periodically output from the speaker unit 26. The mode of full system abnormality notification is arbitrary, for example, notification by the light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, or notification on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 at the same time or instead of the output of the sound. You may make it alert | report by the display screen which displays a character or a figure. Furthermore, it is not essential to be regular, and it may be irregular or single.

  If the full notification flag is not stored in step S1901, the process proceeds to step S1903. In step S1903, it is determined whether or not the no-ball notification flag is stored in the RAM 343. If the ball no-notification flag is stored, it means that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the tank 221 being in a no-ball state. Then, after setting the ball-free abnormality notification, the abnormality notification start process is terminated.

  By setting the ball-free abnormality notification, the ball-free abnormality notification indicating that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the tank 221 being in a ball-free state is started. . In this ball-less abnormality notification, the full notification, the ball-less notification, and the full abnormality notification described above are executed in a different mode (identifiable mode). Specifically, as a ball-free abnormality notification, “The number of game balls to be paid out is increasing due to a lack of game balls. There is a possibility that the game balls to be paid out will disappear. A ball-less abnormality notification sound such as “Please call an attendant” is periodically output from the speaker unit 26. Note that the sphere-less abnormality notification mode is arbitrary, for example, notification by the light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, or notification on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 at the same time or instead of the output of the sound. You may make it alert | report by the display screen, such as displaying the character or figure. Furthermore, it is not essential to be regular, and it may be irregular or single.

  If the full notification flag is not stored in step S1901 and further the no ball notification flag is not stored in step S1903, the reason why the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number is In order to mean that the lower plate 34 is full or the tank 221 is not in a ball-free state, in step S1905, after other system abnormality notification is set, this abnormality notification start processing is terminated. To do.

  By setting the other system abnormality notification, the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number in a situation where neither the lower plate 34 is full nor the tank 221 is in a ball-free state. The other system abnormality notification indicating this is started. The other system abnormality notification is executed in a different mode (identifiable mode) from the already described full notification, ball non-notification, full system abnormality notification, and ball non-system abnormality notification. Specifically, other system abnormality notifications such as “The number of game balls to be paid out has increased. There is a possibility that game balls to be paid out may disappear. Please call an attendant.” Anomaly notification sound is periodically output from the speaker unit 26. The other system abnormality notification mode is arbitrary. For example, at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, notification by the light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, or notification on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 is performed. You may make it alert | report by the display screen which displays a character or a figure. Furthermore, it is not essential to be regular, and it may be irregular or single.

  Returning to the description of the notification control process (FIG. 38), in step S1813, not only other notification prohibition setting and abnormality notification start processing, but also an abnormality notification flag is stored. Thereafter, the notification control process is terminated.

  In the abnormality notification end monitoring process, first, in step S1814, it is determined whether or not an abnormality notification release command is input from the main control board 301. If not input, the notification control process is terminated. If it is input, in step S1815, other notification permission settings are executed, and abnormality notification end processing is executed. When the other notification permission setting is executed, subsequent full notification and ball-free notification are allowed. In addition, when the abnormality notification end process is executed, the output of the periodic abnormality notification sound is stopped. In step S1815, the abnormality notification flag is deleted. Thereafter, the notification control process is terminated.

  Next, the state of notification accompanying the payout of game balls will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  First, a case will be described where the number of winning information (that is, the value of the winning information counter area 313b) does not reach the upper limit reference number although the lower plate 34 is full.

  When the game ball detection continuation period in the full detection sensor 59 reaches the full determination continuation period at the timing of t1, full notification is started. In addition, when the lower tray 34 is full, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 is stopped. Therefore, for example, a big win state (special game state) in which a large number of wins to the variable winning device 83 occur in a short period of time. Then, the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 increases.

  Thereafter, at the timing t2, which is the timing at which the number of winning information does not reach the upper limit reference number, the detection of the game ball in the full detection sensor 59 ends, and the full notification is ended. Further, since the payout of game balls from the payout device 224 is started, the number of winning information decreases after the timing t2.

  Next, a case where the tank 221 is in a ball-free state but the number of winning information does not reach the upper limit reference number will be described.

  When the non-detection duration of the game ball in the ball non-detection sensor 223a reaches the ball non-determination continuation period at the timing of t3, the ball non-notification is started. In addition, when the tank 221 is in a no-ball state, the payout device 224 does not pay out the game ball. For example, in the big hit state, it is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301. The number of winning information increases.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t4, which is the timing at which the number of winning information does not reach the upper limit reference number, the detection of the game ball by the ball non-detection sensor 223a is ended, whereby the ball non-notification is ended. Further, since the payout of game balls from the payout device 224 is started, the number of winning information decreases after the timing t4.

  Next, a case where the lower plate 34 is full and the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number will be described.

  When the game ball detection continuation period in the full detection sensor 59 reaches the full determination continuation period at the timing of t5, full notification is started. In addition, when the lower plate 34 is full, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 is stopped. For example, in the jackpot state, the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a increases. .

  Then, when the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number at the timing of t6, full notification is ended and abnormality notification is started. Since the abnormality notification started here is an abnormality notification started in a situation where the lower plate 34 is full, it is a full abnormality notification. As a result, a message that is more severe than the full notification is sent to the player who did not attempt to remove the ball from the lower plate 34 in the full notification state (the high notification is made), so that the lower plate 34 It is possible to encourage the removal of the ball. At this time, since an abnormal signal is also output to the hall computer, the game hall manager or the like is urged to warn the player that the lower plate 34 should be removed. it can.

  Thereafter, the ball of the lower plate 34 is removed at the timing of t7, and an electric signal indicating that the game ball is not detected by the full detection sensor 59 is input, whereby the game ball from the payout device 224 is Payment is started. Thereby, after the timing of t7, the number of winning information decreases. However, immediately after the timing of t7, since the state where the number of winning information has reached the upper limit reference number is still maintained, the abnormality notification is continued. Thereafter, when the number of winning information falls below the upper reference number at the timing of t8, the abnormality notification is terminated.

  Next, the case where the tank 221 is in a ballless state and the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number will be described.

  When the non-detection continuation period of the game ball in the non-ball detection sensor 223a reaches the non-determination continuation period at the timing of t9, the non-ball notification is started. Further, when the tank 221 is in the absence of a ball, the payout device 224 does not pay out the game ball. For example, in the jackpot state, the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a increases. .

  Thereafter, when the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number at the timing of t10, the ball non-notification is ended and the abnormality notification is started. Since the abnormality notification started here is an abnormality notification started in a situation where the tank 221 is in a ball-free state, the abnormality notification is a ball-free abnormality notification. As a result, by sending a message more severe than the case of no ball notification to a player who did not call the manager of the game hall or the like in the situation of no ball notification, It is possible to prompt an administrator to be called. At this time, since an abnormal signal is also output to the hall computer, it is possible to urge the game hall manager or the like to cancel the absence of the ball in the tank 221.

  Thereafter, the game ball is replenished to the tank 221 at the timing of t11, and an electric signal indicating that no game ball is detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a is input. The payout of game balls is started. Thereby, after the timing of t11, the number of winning information decreases. However, immediately after the timing of t11, since the state where the number of winning information has reached the upper limit reference number is still maintained, the abnormality notification is continued. Thereafter, when the number of winning information falls below the upper reference number at the timing of t12, the abnormality notification is terminated.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  Since the full notification is executed when the lower plate 34 becomes full, it is possible to urge the player or the like to cancel the full state. Moreover, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a may be accumulated without being output as a winning ball command. On the other hand, when the number of storage areas storing winning information that has not yet been output as a winning ball command in the winning storage ring buffer 313a has reached the upper limit reference number, abnormality notification is executed. Is done. As a result, it is possible to notify the player that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and for the player who has not canceled the full state when the full notification is executed, the full state is canceled. Can be prompted again.

  By notifying the ball when the tank 221 is in a ball-free state, it is possible to urge the player or the like to cancel the ball-free state. Moreover, even if the above-described notification of the absence of a ball is executed, it is assumed that the absence of a ball is not resolved. In this case, the winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a may be accumulated without being output as a winning ball command. On the other hand, when the number of storage areas in which the winning information that has not yet been output as the winning ball command has been stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a has reached the upper limit reference number, an abnormality notification is issued. Executed. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to the player or the like who has not canceled the ball-free state at the stage when the ball-free notification is executed, It becomes possible to prompt the cancellation of the state again.

  In particular, the storage process of winning information is sequentially executed in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a, and when the winning information is already stored in the storage area to be stored, it is already stored. New winning information is stored instead of the existing winning information. In this case, if the winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a is not output as a winning ball command and is accumulated, it is eventually rewritten to the next winning information without being treated as a payout target. . Then, the profit that should have been obtained for the player is lost, which is not preferable. On the other hand, by executing the abnormality notification as described above, it is possible to prompt the user to deal with a situation in which the winning information is not handled as a prize ball command, and the loss of the profit can be prevented. Become.

  Further, in the abnormality notification, the full system abnormality notification and the ball non-system abnormality notification are executed according to the reason that the payout of the game ball is stopped. And in each abnormality alert | report, the reason for paying out the game ball was suggested. As a result, when the abnormality notification is executed, it becomes possible to cause the player or the like to eliminate the cause of the game ball payout being stopped accurately, and the effect of executing the abnormality notification is achieved. Enhanced.

  By the way, the hall computer of the game hall manages the winning balls of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, it is not preferable that the winning ball timing is largely deviated from the winning timing. On the other hand, when the notification is performed as described above, it is possible to prevent the prize ball timing from significantly deviating from the prize winning timing.

  When the lower plate 34 is full and an abnormality notification is subsequently executed, even if the lower plate 34 is released from the full state, the abnormality notification is continued, and the winning ball command 313a still receives a prize ball command. As a result, the abnormality notification is canceled when the number of storage areas in which winning information that has not been output is stored is less than the upper limit reference number. The fact that the number of storage areas has reached the upper limit reference number means that a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out are accumulated, and it is not preferable that the state continues. In this case, even if the lower state of the lower plate 34 is once released, there is a concern that it will immediately become full. As a result, a state in which a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out is accumulated is continued. On the other hand, by setting the condition for canceling the abnormality notification as described above, even if the full state of the lower plate 34 is once canceled, it is suppressed that the full state is immediately filled. Thus, it is possible to prevent the state where a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out are accumulated.

  The RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a prize storage ring buffer 313a, and the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 333a. The winning information is individually stored in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a, and is specified based on the information stored in one of the storage areas in the winning ball number storage area 333a. The number of prize balls is stored, and game balls having the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a are paid out by the payout device 224. Thereby, even if the information stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the influence can be reduced.

  That is, in a configuration in which unpaid prize balls are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the total number of prize balls as in a conventional pachinko machine, the number is relatively large. In this case, for example, in the situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 500, if the rewrite occurs due to the influence of noise or the like and becomes five, there is a problem that the player suffers. Profits are tremendous. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, even if the information stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a is rewritten as described above and the number of winning balls is reduced, it is about the number of winning balls for one win. Since it is only affected, the disadvantage suffered by the player can be reduced.

  Further, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the mask process at input (step S908 in the interrupt process at input in FIG. 28) and the mask process at payout (step S1202 in the prize ball control process in FIG. 31). As a result, the upper limit number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a is the sum of the maximum number of winning balls for one winning and the required reference number for enabling continuous game ball payout. Assuming a configuration in which the mask processing is not executed as described above, for example, in a situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is five, rewriting occurs due to the influence of noise or the like and becomes 500. It can be considered. In this case, the disadvantage that the game hall suffers is great. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, since the upper limit number of winning balls in the winning ball number storage area 333a is defined as described above, the disadvantage suffered by the game hall can be reduced.

  The winning storage ring buffer 313a is configured to store one winning information in one storage area. Therefore, even if the information in one storage area is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the influence is limited to the one winning information. Therefore, the influence of noise or the like can be reduced also in the prize storage ring buffer 313a.

  Further, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 executes a command correction process (step S807 in the prize ball specifying process in FIG. 27). As a result, even if the winning information stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the winning information is not ignored, but a correction winning ball command. Is output to the payout control board 322. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the prize storage ring buffer 313a.

  In particular, the prize ball commands for correction are 15 prize ball commands corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls. As a result, even if the storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

  As described above, the prize storage ring buffer 313a is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 (main control apparatus 162), and the prize ball number storage area 333a is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 (payout control apparatus 242). . Thereby, the function for paying out the game ball is divided into a plurality of control devices, and the load on each control device is reduced as compared with a configuration in which one control device has all the above functions. Further, in a configuration in which a single control device has the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball number storage area 333a, when electrical noise or the like is generated in the control device, the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball There is a concern that both of the number storage areas 333a may be affected. On the other hand, by providing the winning storage ring buffer 313a and the winning ball number storage area 333a in different control devices, the risk for the noise and the like is dispersed. In particular, in this pachinko machine 10, since the main control device 162 and the payout control device 242 are provided apart from each other, the effect of the risk dispersion is further enhanced.

  The power from the power interruption and power supply unit 321c of the launch control board 321 is supplied to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, but not supplied to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. As a result, the capacity of the power supply unit 321c for power interruption can be reduced compared with the configuration in which power is also supplied to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 from the power supply unit for power interruption 321c. Cost reduction is achieved. In addition, even in this configuration, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is supplied with power from the power interruption unit 321c, and stores a lot of information among the information on the number of prize balls to be paid out. The information is stored and held in the winning storage ring buffer 313a. Therefore, even if the power supply from the external power supply is cut off, a lot of information among the information on the number of winning balls to be paid out is stored and held without being erased.

  The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the award ball number correcting process (step S906 in the interruption process at the time of input in FIG. 28). Thereby, even if the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like on the signal path from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322, the prize ball command is ignored. Instead, the number of prize balls for correction is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. As a result, the influence of noise and the like on the signal path can be reduced.

  In particular, the number of prize balls for correction is 15 which is the maximum number of prize balls. Thereby, even if the winning ball command is rewritten on the signal path due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  When the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the required reference number other than “0”, a request command is output from the payout control board 322 to the main control board 301, and the main control board 301 is responded accordingly. A prize ball command is output to the payout control board 322. As a result, in the situation where the payout is not possible, the payout of the game ball will not be stopped in spite of the presence of the winning information, and the payout of the game ball will be continuous and the game ball will be paid out smoothly. .

  When each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a is configured so that the storage process of the winning information is sequentially executed in a predetermined order, and further, the winning information is already stored in the storage area to be stored. In this case, new winning information is stored in place of the already stored winning information. As a result, the storage capacity of the prize storage ring buffer 313a can be prevented from becoming extremely large.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the electrical configuration and processing configuration relating to the payout of game balls and the notification accompanying the payout are different from those in the first embodiment. Therefore, a configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described below.

  First, the electrical configuration of the present embodiment will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 41, a power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  In the present embodiment, the power from the power interruption and power supply unit 321c of the launch control board 321 is supplied not only to the VBB terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 but also to the VBB terminal of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. The In a situation where the power supplied from the external power source is cut off by the power supplied to each VBB terminal, the RAM 313 and 333 store and hold data.

  In this embodiment, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a winning storage ring buffer 313a, and the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a winning ball storage ring buffer 333b. Unlike the first embodiment, the prize storage ring buffer 313a includes 128 storage areas. Each of these storage areas is composed of 1 byte. The prize ball storage ring buffer 333b includes 256 storage areas. Each of these storage areas is composed of 2 bytes. The configuration of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is the same as that of the prize storage ring buffer 313a except for the number of storage areas and the number of bytes constituting each storage area. That is, a write pointer and a read pointer for the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b are set, information is sequentially stored in each storage area, and information stored in each storage area is sequentially read out. Go. The number of storage areas of the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is not limited to the above, and the situation where the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is not stopped (game) In a situation where the payout of the ball is not restricted) and a large number of winnings such as a big win state can occur continuously, the payout target winning information and the winning ball command are stored in all the storage areas. If not, it is optional.

  As in the first embodiment, winning information is individually stored in each storage area of the winning buffer ring buffer 313a. In each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, a prize ball command output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 is individually stored. In this case, the prize ball command is composed of 2 bytes. Information indicating that the prize ball command is a prize ball command is stored in one byte, and information on the number of prize balls is contained in the other byte. Stored. As described above, each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is composed of 2 bytes having the same number of bytes as the prize ball command, so that each storage area can store the prize ball command as it is. it can. Each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b may be 1 byte or 3 bytes or more as long as a prize ball command can be stored.

  In the present embodiment, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a command counter area 333c. The command counter area 333c is used when the CPU 331 specifies the number of prize ball commands stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  Next, main processing in the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S2001, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to wait for the slave control board (such as the payout control board 322) to become operable, a wait process is executed for about 1 second, for example. In the subsequent step S2002, access to the RAM 313 is permitted.

  Thereafter, in step S2003, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 247 provided in the power supply and launch control device 243 is turned on. In subsequent step S2004, whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 313 is determined. Determine. In step S2005, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S2006, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 313, for example. It is also possible to determine the validity of the stored data based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 are correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, at the start of business in the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 247 is pressed, the process proceeds to steps S2009 to S2011. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to steps S2009 to S2011.

  In step S2009, a payout initialization command or the like is output in order to initialize the payout control board 322 or the like serving as the slave control board. In subsequent step S2010, the used area of the RAM 313 is cleared to 0, and in step S2011, initialization processing of the RAM 313 is executed. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S2012, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S2007 on the condition that the power failure flag is stored and that the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the buffer. After that, in step S2008, a power recovery command for returning the slave control board to the gaming state before power-off is output. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S2012, and the routine proceeds to normal processing (FIG. 21). Thereby, it returns to the state before power-off.

  Next, signal reading processing in the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in the signal reading process according to the present embodiment, the winning specifying process is executed in step S2101, the winning ball specifying process is executed in step S2102, and the main side full specifying process is executed in step S2103. In step S2104, a main-side ball non-specific process is executed, and in step S2105, a main-side prize ball command number specifying process is executed. That is, in place of the winning information number specifying process in step S605 in the first embodiment, the main prize ball command number specifying process in step S2105 is executed.

  Next, the prize ball specifying process in the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the winning ball specifying process, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is 1 or more. If it is not 1 or more, it means that there is no winning information to be read out in the winning storage ring buffer 313a, so a negative determination is made, and the present winning ball specifying process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the value stored in the prize information counter area 313b is 1 or more, it means that there is prize information to be read out in the prize storage ring buffer 313a. A determination is made and the process proceeds to step S2202.

  In step S2202, the read pointer is referred to in order to specify which of the storage areas of the prize storage ring buffer 313a is to output the winning information stored in the storage area as a winning ball command. In the subsequent step S2203, the prize ball command specified in step S2202 is set. The prize ball command set here is output to the payout control board 322 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21).

  The prize ball specifying process is executed as a part of the timer interrupt process activated at a cycle of 2 msec, whereas the normal process is a series of processes repeatedly executed at a cycle of 4 msec. The output process is also executed at a period of about 4 msec. Therefore, every time one normal process is executed, two prize ball commands may be output. However, the number of prize ball commands is not limited to two, but may be one, or 3 if a series of normal processing is completed within a range of 4 msec. It may be more than one.

  Thereafter, in step S2204, 1 is subtracted from the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b. Thereafter, in step S2205, the update processing of the read pointer of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is executed, and then the winning ball specifying process is ended.

  Next, the main prize ball command number specifying process executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the main-side prize ball command number specifying process, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not the main-side abnormality flag is stored in the main-side abnormality flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. This main-side abnormality flag indicates that the number of prize ball commands stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 has reached the upper limit reference number and that an abnormality has been notified. This is a flag for grasping in the main control board 301, which is stored when an abnormal command is input from the payout control board 322, and is erased when an abnormal cancel command is input from the payout control board 322.

  If the main-side abnormality flag is not stored, the main-side abnormality monitoring process in steps S2302 to S2303 is executed, and if the main-side abnormality flag is stored, the main-side abnormality in steps S2304 to S2305 is executed. Execute release monitoring processing.

  In the main-side abnormality monitoring process, first, in step S2302, it is determined whether an abnormality command is input from the payout control board 322 or not. If no abnormal command is input, the main prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If an abnormal command has been input, after executing the process of step S2303, the main-side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. Note that the processing in step S2303 is the same as the processing in step S1703 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

  In the main-side abnormality release monitoring process, it is first determined in step S2304 whether or not an abnormality release command has been input from the payout control board 322. If the abnormality cancel command has not been input, the main prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If an abnormality canceling command has been input, after executing the process of step S2305, the main-side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. Note that the processing in step S2305 is the same as the processing in step S1705 in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, main processing in the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S2401, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, the interrupt mode is set. In step S2402, RAM access is permitted, and an external interrupt vector is set in step S2403.

  Thereafter, in step S2404, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. In step S2405, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S2406, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 333. It is also possible to determine the validity of the stored data based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 333 are correctly stored.

  When the power failure flag is not stored or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 333 (steps S2411 to S2413). That is, in step S2411, the entire area of the RAM 333 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S2412, initialization processing of the RAM 333 is executed. In step S2413, the CPU peripheral device is initialized.

  On the other hand, when the power failure flag is stored and the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) is normal, processing at power recovery (processing at power recovery after power failure due to power failure) is executed. That is, in step S2407, the power failure flag is cleared, and in step S2408, the payout permission flag for permitting the payout of prize balls is cleared. In step S2409, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 333.

  After the process of step S2409 or step S2413, the interruption is permitted in step S2410, and it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S2414, and the power failure flag is stored. If not, it waits until the power failure flag is stored.

  On the other hand, when the power failure flag is stored, it means that a power failure has occurred, and therefore, the processing after step S2415 is executed as the power failure processing. In the power failure process, first, in step S2415, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited. Thereafter, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S2416, and access to the RAM 333 is prohibited in step S2417, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and the process cannot be executed. Even after the power supply is completely shut down, the power for holding data storage in the RAM 333 is supplied from the power supply and launch control board 321. Therefore, the information stored in the RAM 333 before the power supply shuts off within a predetermined period (for example, 1 or 2 days).

  Next, the interruption process at the time of input in the present embodiment executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the interrupt process at the time of input, first, in step S2501, it is determined whether or not the command input this time is a prize ball command. If it is a prize ball command, after executing a prize ball command storage process in step S2502, the interruption process at the time of this input is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not a prize ball command, other command storage processing is executed in step S2503, and after the command input flag is stored in the command input flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333 in step S2504, End interrupt processing. Here, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with other storage ring buffers in addition to the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. For commands other than the prize ball commands, other command storage processing in step S2503 is performed. By being executed, it is stored in the other ring buffer for storage.

  Next, a prize ball command storage process executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the prize ball command storage process, first, in step S2601, a write pointer is set to specify in which storage area the prize ball command input this time is to be stored among the storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. refer. In subsequent step S2602, a process of storing the prize ball command input this time in the storage area specified in step S2601 is executed.

  Thereafter, in step S2603, 1 is added to the value stored in the command counter area 333c of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. In step S2604, the write pointer update processing of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is executed. After the payout permission flag is stored in the payout permission flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333 in S2605, the award ball command storage process is terminated. The situation where the payout permission flag is stored means that the main control board 301 is allowed to pay out game balls to the payout control board 322.

  Next, timer interrupt processing in the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command determination process is executed in step S2701. Here, the command determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the command determination process, first, in step S2801, it is determined whether or not a command input flag is stored in the command input flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. If no command input flag is stored, a new command has not been output from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, so this process is terminated. On the other hand, if a command input flag is stored, command read processing is executed in step S2802. In the command reading process, the input command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 333, and the command input flag is cleared.

  Thereafter, the type of the read command is determined in each process of step S2803, step S2805, and step S2810, and a process corresponding to each command is executed. That is, in step S2803, it is determined whether or not the command is a power failure command. If the command is the command, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S2804, and this processing ends.

  In step S2805, it is determined whether or not the command is a payout initialization command. If the command is the command, initialization of the RAM 333 is instructed from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 when the power is turned on. After executing the processing of S2806 to Step S2809, this processing is terminated. In step S2806, it is determined whether or not a payout permission flag is stored in the payout permission flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. If the flag is not stored, the work area of the RAM 333 is set to 0 in step S2807. In step S2808, the initial value of the RAM 333 is set. Thereafter, by storing a payout permission flag in step S2809, payout of prize balls is permitted.

  If the payout permission flag is stored in step S2806, the process ends without performing the processes in steps S2807 and S2808. With this configuration, even if the input of the payout initialization command is recognized due to noise or the like even though the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the remaining prize balls are paid out to the player. Can be prevented without being erased.

  In step S2810, it is determined whether or not the command is a power recovery command. If the command is the command, the payout control board 322 returns to the state before the power cut-off due to a power failure, so the payout permission flag is set in step S2809. After storing, this process is terminated. With such a configuration, when a prize ball remains before the power is turned off, the prize ball can be paid out immediately.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 49), after executing the command determination process, it is determined in step S2702 whether or not a payout permission flag is stored. If the payout permission flag is not stored, the timer interrupt process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a payout permission flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S2703.

  In step S2703, the state return switch 245 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed. Thereafter, a payout side full specifying process is executed in step S2704, a payout side ball non-specifying process is executed in step S2705, a prize ball control process is executed in step S2706, and a payout side prize ball command is executed in step S2707. After executing the number specifying process, the timer interrupt process is terminated. Of the processes in steps S2704 to S2707, the payout-side full specifying process in step S2704 and the payout-side ball non-specifying process in step S2705 are the same as described in the first embodiment, and will be described here. Will be described below with reference to the prize ball control process in step S2706 and the payout-side prize ball command number identification process in step S2707.

  First, the prize ball control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the prize ball control process, first, in step S2901, it is determined whether or not the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is “0”. When the number of winning balls is “0”, the winning ball number updating process of steps S2902 to S2907 is executed, and when the number of winning balls is 1 or more, the payout process of steps S2908 to S2911 is performed. Execute.

  In the award ball number updating process, first, in step S2902, it is determined whether or not the value of the command counter area 333c is 1 or more. When the value of the command counter area 333c is “0”, it means that the prize ball command to be paid out is not stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and thus the prize ball control process is terminated. To do. On the other hand, when the value of the command counter area 333c is 1 or more, it means that the prize ball command to be paid out is stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and the process proceeds to step S2903.

  In step S2903, among the storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, in order to specify which storage area the prize ball command stored in the current analysis object is to be analyzed, the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The read pointer corresponding to is referred to. In a succeeding step S2904, a command analysis process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, it is specified which number of prize balls corresponds to the prize ball command input this time.

  In the subsequent step S2905, it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command has been specified in step S2904. If the number of winning balls cannot be specified, a winning ball number correcting process is executed in step S2906. In the winning ball number correcting process, 15 winning ball numbers are selected regardless of the information format of the winning ball command. Since the specific contents are as described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted here.

  After the winning ball number correcting process is executed in step S2906, the process proceeds to step S2907. If the number of prize balls can be specified in step S2905, the process proceeds to step S2907. In step S2907, the number of prize balls specified in step S2904 or the number of prize balls selected in step S2906 is added to the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. After executing the process of step S2907, the payout process of steps S2908 to S2911 is executed.

  In the payout process, first, in step S2908, it is determined whether or not the payout is disabled. In the present embodiment, the payout disabled state means at least one state in which the lower plate 34 is full, the tank 221 has no ball, or no payout permission flag is stored.

  If the payout is impossible, an affirmative determination is made in step S2908, and the award ball control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the payout is not possible, a negative determination is made in step S2908, and the flow advances to step S2909. In step S2909, a payout mask process is executed. In the payout mask process, the number of prize balls is set to 15 or less when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball number of 15 in the present embodiment. Is a process of correcting Specifically, 1-byte mask information is stored in advance in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322. As mask information, single information “00001111” is stored. In the payout mask process, the information of the one-byte award ball number storage area 333a is called to the register of the CPU 331, and the mask information is ANDed with respect to the called information. Then, the result of AND processing is updated in the prize ball number storage area 333a. Thereby, even if the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball number due to the influence of noise, it can be reduced to the upper limit prize ball number or less. Therefore, it can suppress that a game hall suffers a disadvantage. In addition, when the upper limit number of balls is exceeded, it is not invalidated (that is, “0”), but is a number obtained by AND processing with the mask information, and the player suffers a disadvantage. Is suppressed as much as possible.

  After executing the payout-time mask process, the process proceeds to step S2910 to pay out one game ball. In the subsequent step S2911, the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is decremented by 1 on condition that the passing of the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b.

  Note that it is assumed that the game ball is not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b in step S2911 immediately after the game ball is paid out in step S2910. In response to this, in the situation where the game ball is paid out in step S2910 and the game ball is not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b, the present prize ball control is performed without executing the process in step S2911. At the end of the process, in each subsequent prize ball control process, all the processes from step S2901 to step S2911 are not executed until the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b, and the payout ball detection sensor 224b. When a game ball is detected, the process of step S2911 is executed. After executing the process of step S2911, the winning ball control process is terminated.

  Next, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process, first, in step S3001, it is determined whether or not a payout-side abnormality flag is stored in a payout-side abnormality flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. This payout side abnormality flag is a flag for grasping in the payout control board 322 that abnormality notification is being performed, and the value of the command counter area 333c of the RAM 333 becomes “100” or more as the upper limit reference number, and the main control is performed. This flag is stored when an abnormal command is output to the board 301, and is erased when the value of the command counter area 333c is less than “100” and an abnormal reset command is output to the main control board 301. The upper limit reference number is not limited to “100”, and may be any number as long as it is smaller than the number of storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, for example, “150” or “200”. It is good.

  When the payout side abnormality flag is not stored, the payout side abnormality monitoring process of steps S3002 to S3003 is executed, and when the payout side abnormality flag is stored, the payout side abnormality of steps S3004 to S3005 is executed. Execute release monitoring processing.

  In the payout side abnormality monitoring process, first, in step S3002, it is determined whether or not the value of the command counter area 333c is “100” or more. If it is not “100” or more, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If it is “100” or more, in step S3003, an abnormality command is output to the main control board 301 and a payout side abnormality flag is stored. Thereafter, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated.

  In the payout side abnormality cancellation monitoring process, first, in step S3004, it is determined whether or not the value of the command counter area 333c is less than “100”. If it is not less than “100”, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If it is less than “100”, in step S3005, an abnormality cancel command is output to the main control board 301 and the payout side abnormality flag is erased. Thereafter, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  Since the full notification is executed when the lower plate 34 becomes full, it is possible to urge the player or the like to cancel the full state. Moreover, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the prize ball command stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b may be accumulated without being stored as the number of prize balls. On the other hand, when the number of storage areas in which the prize ball command that has not yet been stored as the number of prize balls has reached the upper limit reference number in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, an abnormality notification is issued. Executed. This makes it possible to notify the player that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and cancels the full state to the player who has not canceled the full state when the full notification is executed. It is possible to prompt again.

  By notifying the ball when the tank 221 is in a ball-free state, it is possible to urge the player or the like to cancel the ball-free state. Moreover, even if the above-described notification of the absence of a ball is executed, it is assumed that the absence of a ball is not resolved. In this case, the prize ball command stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b may be accumulated without being stored as the number of prize balls. On the other hand, when the number of storage areas in which the prize ball command that has not yet been stored as the number of prize balls has reached the upper limit reference number in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, an abnormality notification is issued. Executed. This makes it possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to the player or the like who has not canceled the ball-free state at the stage when the ball-free notification is executed. It is possible to prompt the user to cancel again.

  In particular, the storage process of the prize ball command is sequentially executed in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. If the prize ball command is already stored in the storage area to be stored, the storage area of the prize ball command is already stored. A new prize ball command is stored instead of the stored prize ball command. In this case, when the prize ball command stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is not stored as the number of prize balls but accumulated, it is finally rewritten to the next prize ball command without being treated as a payout target. It will be. Then, the profit that should have been obtained for the player is lost, which is not preferable. On the other hand, by executing the abnormality notification as described above, it is possible to prompt the user to deal with a situation where the prize ball command is not handled as the number of prize balls, and the loss of the profit can be prevented. It becomes.

  Further, in the abnormality notification, the full system abnormality notification and the ball non-system abnormality notification are executed according to the reason that the payout of the game ball is stopped. And in each abnormality alert | report, the reason for paying out the game ball was suggested. As a result, when the abnormality notification is executed, it becomes possible to cause the player or the like to eliminate the cause of the game ball payout being stopped accurately, and the effect of executing the abnormality notification is achieved. Enhanced.

  By the way, the hall computer of the game hall manages the winning balls of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, it is not preferable that the winning ball timing is largely deviated from the winning timing. On the other hand, when the notification is performed as described above, it is possible to prevent the prize ball timing from significantly deviating from the prize winning timing.

  When the lower plate 34 is full and an abnormality notification is subsequently executed, the abnormality notification is continued even if the full state of the lower plate 34 is released, and the prize ball is still stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The abnormality notification is canceled when the number of storage areas storing prize ball commands not stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a as number information is less than the upper limit reference number. The fact that the number of storage areas has reached the upper limit reference number means that a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out are accumulated, and it is not preferable that the state continues. In this case, even if the lower state of the lower plate 34 is once released, there is a concern that it will immediately become full. As a result, a state in which a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out is accumulated is continued. On the other hand, by setting the condition for canceling the abnormality notification as described above, even if the full state of the lower plate 34 is once canceled, it is suppressed that the full state is immediately filled. Thus, it is possible to prevent the state where a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out are accumulated.

  The RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 333a and a prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The prize ball command is individually stored in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and based on the information stored in one of the storage areas in the prize ball number storage area 333a. The specified number of prize balls is stored, and game balls having the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a are paid out by the payout device 224. Thereby, even if the information stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the influence can be reduced.

  That is, in a configuration in which unpaid prize balls are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the total number of prize balls as in a conventional pachinko machine, the number is relatively large. In this case, for example, in the situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 500, if the rewrite occurs due to the influence of noise or the like and becomes five, there is a problem that the player suffers. Profits are tremendous. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, even if the information stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a is rewritten as described above and the number of winning balls is reduced, it is about the number of winning balls for one win. Since it is only affected, the disadvantage suffered by the player can be reduced.

  Further, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the payout mask process (step S2909 in the prize ball control process of FIG. 51). Thereby, the upper limit number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a becomes the maximum number of winning balls for one winning. Assuming a configuration in which the mask processing is not executed as described above, for example, in a situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is five, rewriting occurs due to the influence of noise or the like and becomes 500. It can be considered. In this case, the disadvantage that the game hall suffers is great. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, since the upper limit number of winning balls in the winning ball number storage area 333a is defined as described above, the disadvantage suffered by the game hall can be reduced.

  The prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is configured to store one prize ball command in one memory area. Therefore, even if the prize ball command in one storage area is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the influence is limited to the one prize ball command. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the prize ball storage ring buffer a.

  In addition, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the prize ball number correction process (step S2906 in the prize ball control process in FIG. 51). As a result, even if the prize ball command stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the prize ball command is not ignored but is used for correction. The number of winning balls is stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  In particular, the number of prize balls for correction is 15 which is the maximum number of prize balls. Thus, even if the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  The RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a prize storage ring buffer 313a, individually stores prize information in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a, specifies a prize ball command for each of the prize information, and specifies that The awarded ball command is output to the payout control board 322. As a result, the winning information on the main control board 301 can be managed well.

  When the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes “0”, the prize ball command stored in the ring buffer 333b for prize ball storage is analyzed, and a new number of prize balls is awarded. The number is stored in the number storage area 333a. As a result, the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes one prize ball command (one prize information), and even if the information in the prize ball number storage area 333a is rewritten, such as noise. The influence can be limited to one prize ball command. Furthermore, as described above, the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is configured to store one prize ball command in one memory area. In other words, both the waiting on the payout control board 322 in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b and the one to be paid out in the prize ball number storage area 333a are equivalent to one prize ball command, and information is rewritten by noise or the like. Even if it is done, it is possible to minimize the influence.

  In each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, prize ball command storage processing is sequentially executed in a predetermined order, and the prize ball command is already stored in the storage area to be stored. In the case of a new ball, the new ball command is stored in place of the ball command already stored. As a result, the storage capacity of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b can be prevented from becoming extremely large.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (1) Instead of a configuration in which only a part of the number of winning balls for winning is stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, the total number of winning balls is stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a. Also good. Even in this configuration, when the lower plate 34 becomes full, a full notification is executed, and further, the total prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a after the full notification is executed. When the number reaches the upper limit reference number, an abnormality notification is executed, so that a player who has not canceled the full state at the stage when the full notification is executed is notified of the full state. It becomes possible to prompt the cancellation again. This also applies to the tank 221 having no ball.

  Incidentally, in the case of this configuration, the winning memory ring buffer 313a and the like may be omitted in the first embodiment, and the winning memory ring buffer 313a and the winning ball memory ring in the second embodiment. The buffer 333b may be omitted.

  (2) In the configuration of (1) above, if the total number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a increases even after full notification (or no ball notification) is executed, abnormality notification is started. It is good also as composition to do. In this case, although the frequency at which the abnormality notification is performed may increase more than necessary, the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the above embodiments.

  (3) In the first embodiment described above, when the winning information is newly stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a after the full notification (or no ball notification) is executed, an abnormality notification is issued. It may be configured to start. In this case, although the frequency at which the abnormality notification is performed may be increased more than necessary, the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the first embodiment.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when a new prize ball command is stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b after full notification (or no ball notification) is executed, an abnormality notification is issued. It is good also as a structure which starts. In this case, although the frequency of abnormality notification may be increased more than necessary, the timing at which abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the second embodiment.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, when the abnormality notification is executed, the full notification and the ball non-notification that have been executed so far are terminated. However, the configuration may be such that the notification is not terminated. For example, after the start of the abnormality notification, the full notification or the no ball notification and the abnormality notification that have been executed so far may be alternately executed. In this case, even if the cause of the game ball payout is not suggested in the abnormality notification, the reason that the game ball payout is restricted due to the full notification or no ball notification executed alternately with the abnormality notification. Therefore, the abnormality notification mode may be the same regardless of the cause.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, when the payout is disabled, the payout device 224 stops paying out the game ball. Instead, the game ball payout speed by the payout device 224 is set to normal. A configuration may be adopted in which the payout speed is made extremely late so that the game balls are not substantially paid out.

  (6) When the payout motor 224a of the payout device 224 breaks down, the game ball cannot be paid out. Then, in the first embodiment, winning information is stored in the winning buffer ring buffer 313a, and in the second embodiment, winning ball commands are stored in the winning ball storage ring buffer 333b. Thus, there is a possibility that the winning information or the winning ball command may be lost without the game ball being paid out. On the other hand, a failure of the payout motor 224a may be detected, and when a failure of the payout motor 224a is specified, a notification indicating the failure may be executed. In addition, the failure notification of the payout motor 224a is executed, and when the winning information or the winning ball command reaches the upper limit reference number after that, the winning information or the winning ball command is set to the upper limit reference number due to the failure of the payout motor 224a. A failure system abnormality notification indicating that the value has been reached may be executed.

  (7) When the payout ball detection sensor 224b of the payout device 224 fails, it is not possible to accurately pay out the game ball. Therefore, it is preferable to stop paying out the game ball by the payout device 224. Then, in the first embodiment, winning information is stored in the winning buffer ring buffer 313a, and in the second embodiment, winning ball commands are stored in the winning ball storage ring buffer 333b. Thus, there is a possibility that the winning information or the winning ball command may be lost without the game ball being paid out. On the other hand, a failure of the payout ball detection sensor 224b may be notified, and when a failure of the payout ball detection sensor 224b is specified, a notification indicating the failure may be executed. Further, the failure notification of the payout ball detection sensor 224b is executed, and when the winning information or the winning ball command reaches the upper limit reference number thereafter, the winning information or the winning ball command is caused by the failure of the payout ball detection sensor 224b. Failure system abnormality notification indicating that the upper limit reference number has been reached may be executed.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the electrical signal of the fullness detection sensor 59 may be output to the main control board 301. In this case, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 specifies whether or not the lower plate 34 is full. If it is specified that the lower dish 34 is full, a payout restriction command is output to the payout control board 322. Further, the electric signal of the ball non-detection sensor 223a may be output to the main control board 301. In this case, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 specifies whether or not the tank 221 is in a ball-free state, and when it is specified that there is no ball, a payout restriction command is output to the payout control board 322. .

  (9) In each of the above embodiments, the prize ball command output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 includes (or reflected) information on the number of prize balls corresponding to a single winning information. ), But you may change this. For example, one prize ball command may include information on the sum of the number of prize balls corresponding to two or three pieces of winning information at maximum. Even in this configuration, the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball number storage area 333a are provided, and the prize ball number storage area 333a includes some of the storage areas of the prize storage ring buffer 313a. Since the information on the number of prize balls specified based on the information stored in the storage area is stored, the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a has been rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. Even if it is, the influence can be reduced.

  (10) In each of the above embodiments, the winning information counter area 313b is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, and the winning ball command is not yet output in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a in the area 313b. Although the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 specifies the number of storage areas in which the winning information is stored, this may be changed. For example, when the winning information counter area 313b is not provided and the write pointer and the read pointer are compared, winning information that has not yet been output as a winning ball command is stored in each storage area of the winning buffer ring 313a. The CPU 311 of the main control board 301 may specify the number of storage areas that have been set.

  (11) In the second embodiment, the command counter area 333c is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, and the prize ball number storage area 333a among the storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b in the area 333c. Although the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 specifies the number of storage areas in which prize ball commands that are not stored as the number of prize balls are stored, this may be changed. For example, by storing the command counter area 333c and comparing the write pointer and the read pointer, the number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 may specify the number of storage areas in which prize ball commands that are not targeted are stored.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, instead of the configuration in which the winning information is stored in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a, a configuration in which a prize ball command is stored may be employed. Specifically, when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 receives an electrical signal indicating that a game ball has entered from the winning port sensor 152, the count sensor 153, and the operating port sensor 154, a prize corresponding to the electric signal is received. A command specifying process for specifying a ball command may be executed first, and the prize ball command specified in the command specifying process may be stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a.

  (13) In the second embodiment, instead of a configuration in which a prize ball command is stored in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, information on the number of prize balls may be stored. Specifically, when the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 inputs a prize ball command from the main control board 301, first, a prize ball number identifying process for identifying the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is executed. The number of prize balls specified by the prize ball number specifying process may be stored in each storage area of the ring buffer 333b for prize ball storage.

  (14) In the first embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 causes the main control board when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is three. The request command is output to 301, but this may be changed. For example, the required reference number may be one, two, four or more and not more than the maximum number of winning balls of one winning information. The request command may be output when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes zero. In this case, although the winning information that has not yet been paid out is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a, a request command and a winning ball command are entered between the main control board 301 and the payout control board 322. While outputting, there is a possibility that the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 may stop, but the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is one prize ball command (one prize information) Even if the information in the prize ball number storage area 333a is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the influence can be limited to one prize ball command. In this configuration, the upper limit prize ball number in the mask process at the time of input and the mask process at the time of payout may be the maximum number of prize balls for one winning information.

  (15) In the second embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 stores the prize ball when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes zero. The number of prize balls is specified from the prize ball command stored in the storage area of the ring buffer 333b, and the specified number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a, but this may be changed. . For example, when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes an addition reference number other than 0, the prize balls stored in the storage area of the ring buffer 333b for prize ball storage The number of winning balls may be specified from the command, and the specified number of winning balls may be stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a. Specifically, in step S2901 in the prize ball control process (FIG. 51), it is determined whether or not the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a has reached the addition reference number set as 1 or more. If it has been reached, the processing after step S2902 is executed. In this case, the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds one prize ball command, but prize ball commands that are not yet paid out are stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. In spite of this, it is possible to prevent the payout of the game ball by the payout device 224 from being stopped.

  (16) When a game ball is paid out and the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a has reached a predetermined low speed switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout device 224 is set higher than before. Alternatively, the configuration may be changed to a slower low-speed cycle. For example, the normal cycle is 60 msec and the low speed cycle is 1.2 sec. In addition, the low-speed switching reference number is set to one or more such as two or three. In a situation where the information on the number of prize balls is not stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a, the driving of the payout device 224 is stopped. In this case, since driving of the payout device 224 requires a larger driving force than when the driving state is maintained, driving of the payout device 224 is started when a single winning is repeatedly generated at a predetermined interval. In addition, it is not preferable to repeatedly perform the drive stop. On the other hand, when the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a reaches the low speed switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout device 224 is switched to the low speed cycle, so that a single winning can be achieved. Even if it repeatedly occurs at a predetermined interval, the possibility that the next winning will occur while the award ball of the low speed switching reference number is executed in the low speed cycle is increased, and the driving start and the driving stop of the payout device 224 are increased. The possibility of being repeated is reduced.

  Although a configuration in which the payout speed of the payout device 224 is always low is conceivable, in this case, the payout speed of the game ball is chronically slowed down, and the player receives a prize ball in spite of the occurrence of a win. It takes a considerable amount of time to receive, which is not preferable.

  In the first embodiment, when the payout speed of the payout device 224 is changed to the low speed cycle as described above, the required reference number is set to a number larger than the low speed switching reference number, and the main control board 301 is set. When a request command is output from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 in a situation where winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313, the winning ball number storage area 333a is reached before reaching the low speed reference switching number. The configuration may be such that the process of adding the number of prize balls to is completed. In this case, when winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a while achieving the above-mentioned excellent effect of switching the payout speed of the payout device 224 to a low speed cycle, the payout of the payout device 224 is performed. The speed is not changed to the low speed period, and the normal period can be maintained. The required reference number may be a number that is larger by “1” than the low-speed switching reference number.

  In the second embodiment, when the payout speed of the payout device 224 is changed to a low speed cycle as described above, in a situation where a prize ball command is stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, a prize ball When the number of prize balls stored in the number storage area 333a reaches the addition reference number set as a number larger than the low speed switching reference number, the addition process of the number of prize balls may be executed. In this case, when the prize ball command is stored in the award ball number storage ring buffer 333b while exhibiting the above-mentioned excellent effect of switching the payout speed of the payout apparatus 224 to the low speed cycle, the payout apparatus The payout speed of 224 is not changed to the low speed cycle, and the normal cycle can be maintained. Note that the addition reference number may be a number that is larger by “1” than the low-speed switching reference number.

  (17) In the first embodiment, when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 cannot identify the winning information stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a, the command correction processing (the award in FIG. 27) is performed. By executing step S807) in the ball control process, 15 prize ball commands are set, but this may be changed. For example, for the winning information that cannot be specified, the winning ball command may not be set. In this case, although one piece of winning information is lost, the processing load on the CPU 311 can be reduced. Also, instead of setting a prize ball command corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls in the command correction process, a smaller one of a plurality of kinds of prize ball commands, such as three prize ball commands or four prize ball commands. A configuration may be adopted in which a prize ball command corresponding to the number of prize balls is set.

  (18) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 cannot identify the prize ball command, the prize ball number correction process is executed to obtain 15 prize ball numbers in the prize ball number storage area. Although it was made to memorize | store in 333a, you may change this. For example, for a prize ball command that cannot be specified, the number of prize balls may not be stored. In this case, although one prize ball command (winning information) disappears, the processing load on the CPU 311 can be reduced. Further, instead of storing the maximum number of prize balls in the prize ball number correction process, a configuration may be adopted in which the smaller number of prize balls is stored among a plurality of types of prize balls, such as three or four. .

  (19) In the first embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 may execute only one of the input mask process and the payout mask process. However, in order to manage the information stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a satisfactorily, it is preferable to perform at least a payout mask process.

  (20) In the second embodiment, when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 cannot identify the winning ball command from the winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a, It is good also as a structure which performs the command correction process in a form.

  (21) The invention relating to the payout of the game ball in each of the above embodiments may be applied to a gaming machine that does not include the payout control board 322 and executes the drive control of the payout device 224 by the main control board 301. In this case, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 has a winning storage ring buffer 313a and a winning ball number storage area 333a.

  Further, the invention relating to the payout of the game ball in each of the above embodiments may be applied to a gaming machine in which electrical signals from the winning port sensor 152, the count sensor 153, and the operation port sensor 154 are output to the payout control board 322. In this case, a prize ball command is not output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322, and the processing relating to the payout of the game ball is completed in the payout control board 322. Therefore, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is stored in the RAM 333. A winning storage ring buffer 313a and a winning ball number storage area 333a are provided.

  (22) In the first embodiment, when the full information (or no ball notification) is executed and the winning information is newly stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a, an abnormality notification is issued. It may be configured to start. In this case, although the frequency at which the abnormality notification is performed may be increased more than necessary, the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the first embodiment.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when a new prize ball command is stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b after full notification (or no ball notification) is executed, an abnormality notification is issued. It is good also as a structure which starts. In this case, although the frequency of abnormality notification may be increased more than necessary, the timing at which abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the second embodiment.

  (23) In each of the above embodiments, the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a may be configured to store not only winning information but also other information. In the second embodiment, not only the prize ball command but also other commands may be stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  (24) In each of the above-described embodiments, the sound lamp control device 143 controls the display control device 325. Alternatively, the display control device 325 may control the sound lamp control device 143. . Further, a single control device having both functions of the sound lamp control device 143 and the display control device 325 may be provided.

  (25) In each of the above embodiments, information on the number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a, and the stored value is subtracted every time a game ball is paid out. It is good also as a structure which does not limit to this and performs this by an addition type.

  (26) In each of the above embodiments, the main control board 301 may have a function of only the main control circuit 302 by providing the power failure monitoring device separately from the main control device 162.

  (27) Instead of the configuration in which the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the interrupt process at the time of input, whether or not a command is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is included in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 30 or FIG. 49). May be monitored, and command storage processing or the like may be executed.

  (28) In the first embodiment, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 may be configured not to output a power failure command. In this case, since the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 does not input a power failure command, it is not necessary to execute a power failure flag storing process (step S902) or a power failure process (steps S1007 to S1009). In this configuration, in the main processing (FIG. 29) in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, instead of the configuration for determining whether or not the power failure flag is stored in step S1007, the configuration for repeatedly executing the interrupt permission setting is performed. It is good.

  (29) In the first embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 outputs a request command to request the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to output a prize ball command. Thus, it may be configured to request the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to output a prize ball command by outputting a request signal composed of information of “0” or “1”. In this case, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 continues to output the request signal when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a has reached “3” or less as the required reference number. The configuration may be such that the output of the request signal is stopped when a prize ball command is input or when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds the required reference number.

  (30) In the first embodiment, when the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a is greater than or equal to “100”, abnormality notification is started and less than “100”. Although it was set as the structure which complete | finishes abnormality notification, you may change this. For example, when the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a reaches the notification start reference number, abnormality notification is started, and the notification end reference number that is smaller than the notification start reference number is reached. It is good also as a structure which complete | finishes abnormality alerting. In this case, the number of winning information that triggers the start of anomaly notification is different from the number of winning information that triggers the end of anomaly, and the start and end of anomaly reporting can be prevented from being repeated in a short period of time. Become. The configuration may be applied in the second embodiment.

  (31) Instead of a configuration in which only a part of the number of winning balls for winning is stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, the total number of winning balls is stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a. Also good. In this configuration, the total number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 333a is smaller than the maximum storable number (for example, 255) in the winning ball number storage area 333a (for example, 100). When the information is reached, it is possible to prompt the player or the like to take some measures before the information on the number of winning balls for winning is invalidated.

  (32) In each of the above embodiments, the ring buffer is provided as the individual storage means, but this may be changed. For example, as an individual storage means, a storage area having a plurality of storage areas and any one of the storage areas set as a read area is provided, and the storage area is stored each time information is read out. The information stored in the area may be sequentially shifted to the reading area side.

  (33) In each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 that includes the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34 as the outer reservoir, but instead, a single outer reservoir is provided. The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine. In this case, the full detection sensor 59 is provided so as to detect whether or not the single outer reservoir is full, and restricts the payout of game balls when it is specified that the outer reservoir is full. Like that.

  (34) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine in which the electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters the specific area of the special device, or a game ball in the specific area of the special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a right if a player enters, a pachinko machine equipped with other objects, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and other gaming machines.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the active line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine. In particular, it is more effective to apply the present invention to a slot machine that can start the next game round even in a situation where medals have not been paid out.

  In addition, a pachinko machine and a slot machine that have a take-in device and start rotation of a reel by operating a start lever after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which is integrated. In particular, it is more effective when the present invention is applied to a gaming machine that can start the next game round even in a situation where the payout of game balls is not completed.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a front door frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a main body frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a main body frame. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the state which removed the main controller unit from the game board. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a main controller unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display content of a symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the NMI interruption process by CPU of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure regarding payout of a game ball | bowl and the alerting | reporting accompanying the said payout. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the winning buffer ring buffer, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a winning table storage area. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a prize ball table storage area, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a prize ball number storage area. It is a flowchart which shows the signal reading process by CPU of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a prize specific process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball specific process. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process at the time of input by CPU of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a time chart for demonstrating the state of a winning and a corresponding prize ball. It is a flowchart which shows the payout side full specific process by CPU of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows a payout side ball | bowl unspecified process. It is a flowchart which shows the main side full specific process by CPU of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a main side sphere non-specific process. It is a flowchart which shows a winning information number specific process. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting control process by CPU of an audio | voice lamp control board. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormality notification start process. It is a time chart for demonstrating the mode of alerting | reporting accompanying payout of a game ball. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure regarding payout of the game ball in 2nd Embodiment, and the alerting | reporting accompanying the said payout. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by CPU of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a signal reading process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball specific process. It is a flowchart which shows the main side prize ball command number specific process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by CPU of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process at the time of an input. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball command storage process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout side prize ball command number specific process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 34 ... Lower plate, 81 ... Game board, 82 ... General winning port, 83 ... Variable winning device, 84 ... Actuating port, 162 ... Main control device, 221 ... Tank, 224 ... Dispensing device 242 ... Payout control device, 301 ... Main control board, 311 ... CPU, 312 ... ROM, 312a ... Winning table storage area, 313 ... RAM, 313a ... Wind storage ring buffer, 321a ... Power-on power supply unit, 321c Power supply unit for power interruption, 322 ... Discharge control board, 324 ... Audio lamp control board, 331 ... CPU, 332 ... ROM, 332a ... Prize ball table storage area, 333 ... RAM, 333a ... Prize ball number storage area, 333b ... Prize ball storage ring buffer, 341 ... CPU, RA1 to RA256 ... storage area.

Claims (6)

A payout means for paying out game media;
A specifying storage means for storing specifying information used for specifying the number of game media to be paid out;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the payout means to pay out the number of game media specified based on the specifying information;
An outer storage section for storing game media paid out from the payout means;
A full identifying means for identifying whether or not the outer reservoir is full,
A payout restricting means for restricting the payout of the game medium by the payout means when the outer storage portion is specified to be full by the full specifying means;
A full notification processing execution means for executing a full notification processing so that a predetermined full notification is executed when the outer storage portion is specified to be full by the full specification means;
An increase in a mode different from the full notification based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification or the information for identification increases from a predetermined number in a situation where the payout of game media by the payout means is restricted An increase notification process executing means for executing an increase notification process so that notification is executed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: Further comprising an upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification has reached a predetermined upper limit reference number;
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the increase notification process is executed in the event of a failure. Further comprising an upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification has reached a predetermined upper limit reference number;
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The increase notification process is executed when
Furthermore, the increase notification is performed continuously or intermittently,
In a situation where the increase notification is continuously or intermittently performed, an increase notification release process for canceling the increase notification is executed even if the outer storage unit is specified not to be full by the full specifying means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an increase notification release processing execution unit that executes the increase notification release processing when it is specified by the upper limit specification unit that the upper limit reference number is not reached. Gaming machine. The game medium is paid out on the basis that the game content becomes the payout game content,
The specifying storage means has a plurality of storage areas, and as the specifying information, information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout game content or information corresponding thereto is paid out within the number of storage areas. Individual storage means for storing in different storage areas for each content,
Payout storage means for storing information on the number of game media to be paid out;
Storage execution means for storing information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in a part of the storage areas of the storage areas in the payout storage means;
With
The drive control means drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means,
Further, among the storage areas of the individual storage means, the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means is greater than the total number of storage areas. An upper limit specifying means for specifying whether or not a predetermined upper limit reference number is reached as a small number;
The increase notification process executing means is specified as having reached the upper limit reference number by the upper limit specifying means in a situation where the payout means is restricted from paying out game media after the full notification is executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the increase notification process is executed so that the increase notification is executed when the increase notification is performed.   The increase notification indicates that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and is set to indicate that the outer storage unit is full. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It is a configuration in which the payout of the game medium by the payout means may be restricted due to an inhibition situation different from the situation where the outer storage part becomes full,
Inhibition status specifying means for specifying whether or not the inhibition status;
Inhibition status notification processing execution means for executing an inhibition status notification process so that a predetermined inhibition status notification is executed when the inhibition status specification means specifies the inhibition status;
Based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information has increased in a situation where the payout means has been restricted from being paid out after the inhibition status notification is executed, A second increase notification process executing means for executing a second increase notification process so that the second increase notification in a mode different from the inhibition state notification is executed;
With
The increase notification is set to indicate that the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information is increasing, and that the outer storage portion is full,
The second increase notification is set so as to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing and that the inhibition state is present. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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