JP2009095440A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the obstruction of smooth game progress due to acquisition of game media without neglecting a preventive measure against fraudulent putout in a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is configured such that passing of game media is regulated by the change of the practical width of a putout path for the putout of the game media, medium detection signals of a prescribed first detection potential within a prescribed first range including a grounding potential and a second detection potential within a prescribed second range are outputted respectively in the detection state and non-detection state of the game media, the game progress is stopped according to each of the detection of the prescribed number of times of passing abnormality within a putout period and the detection of passing abnormality off the putout period based on the potential of the medium detection signals, the game progress is not stopped when the game media are acquired, and the game progress is restarted only when the potential of the medium detection signals is the potential within the second range when game progress restart information is inputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a swivel type gaming machine or a ball game machine.

  A conventional typical gaming machine includes a game progress control device, a pay-out restricting device electrically connected to the game progress control device, and a medium detection device electrically connected to the game progress control device. The progress control device starts payout by the payout restricting device in response to a winning or a lending request accompanying the game progress from the game progress control device, and detects the final game medium according to the number to be paid out by the medium detecting device. Based on this, the payout by the payout restricting device is terminated. Power is supplied directly or indirectly from the power supply device to the payout restriction device and the medium detection device. The payout device restricts the payout of game media based on the power, and the medium detection device Based on this, a medium detection signal is output. The game progress control device pays out in accordance with a payout instruction in response to a payout instruction from a main control device that controls the main game progress and a main control device in accordance with a winning or a lending request from a ball rental unit (CR unit). There may be a composite configuration including a payout control device that controls the regulating device, or a single configuration that does not control them separately.

  Further, in the conventional typical gaming machine, the medium detection device has the same off-potential as the ground potential when no game medium is detected, and the on-potential different from the ground potential when the game medium is detected. A medium detection signal is output, and occurrence of a payout abnormality related to payout of game media is monitored based on the output potential of the medium detection signal. Specifically, within the payout period, the time from the start of payout by the payout restricting device to the detection of the transition from the off potential to the on potential of the medium detection signal for the first game medium, and in advance A predetermined time is required from the detection of the transition of the medium detection signal from the off-potential to the on-potential for the paid-out gaming medium to the detection of the transition of the medium detection signal from the off-potential to the on-potential for the gaming medium following the gaming medium. If it is not performed within a predetermined time, the payout by the game medium detection device is interrupted as a payout abnormality and the game progress is stopped (for example, the following patents) Reference 1). As a result, when the game medium for payout is not supplied (hereinafter also referred to as “medium supply out”) or when the game medium for payout is clogged in the payout passage or the like (hereinafter also referred to as “medium jam”). The payout abnormality is detected. Further, outside the payout period, the game progress is stopped as a payout abnormality in response to detection of the ON state of the medium detection signal. Thus, an illegal act of forcibly operating the medium detection device to illegally pay out the game medium is detected. Note that the progress of the game is maintained in a stopped state until the gaming machine is reset.

  The medium detection power line for transmitting the medium detection power for supplying power to the medium detection device and the medium detection signal line for transmitting the medium detection signal are illegally disconnected or not connected due to the monitoring of the payout abnormality within the payout period. Thus, it is possible to detect a payout abnormality as in the case of disconnection. This is because when the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line is disconnected, the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal always maintains the off-potential regardless of whether or not the game medium passes through the medium detection device. Because. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game media from being paid out without being counted as the number of payouts. However, it has not been possible to identify whether there is a minor payout abnormality or whether the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line is a severe payout abnormality due to disconnection. Further, depending on the monitoring of the payout abnormality outside the payout period, the disconnection of the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line cannot be detected because the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal line maintains the off potential.

  Further, in a typical conventional gaming machine, the payout restricting device sends out one by one by rotation of a rotating body or the like, flows into the payout passage, or pays out by its own weight based on a change in the substantial width of the payout passage. It is flowing into the passage. With the latter configuration, the game medium can be paid out in a shorter time than the former configuration, and smooth game progress can be realized. However, with the latter configuration, the game medium may be captured at the entrance of the payout passage during the transition from the inflow permission state in which the inflow of game media is permitted to the inflow prohibition state in which inflow is prohibited. In the latter configuration, the regulation of the inflow of game media into the payout passage becomes more difficult than in the former configuration, and the medium detection device must be arranged in the vicinity of the payout control device. If capture of a game medium occurs in the payout restricting device for the final number of game media to be paid out (hereinafter also referred to as “final payout media”), the medium detection device detects the game media during the capture. The state is maintained, and it is determined that the payout is abnormal during the payout period or outside the payout period.

JP 2005-21659 A

  In a typical conventional gaming machine, when the disconnection of the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line cannot be detected outside the payout period, the game medium is intentionally disconnected and the pass permission state in which the game medium can pass through the payout restriction device There is a risk that the game medium may be illegally paid out. Therefore, there was room for improvement in measures to prevent fraud outside the payout period.

  In addition, in the case where the game medium flows into the payout passage due to its own weight, when the game medium is captured, the actual payout number in the payout operation in which the capture of the game medium occurs is reduced by the captured number. Since the game medium captured by the payout operation is paid out without being counted as the payout number, the payout number is not substantially reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the progress of the game can be continued without determining that the payout abnormality has occurred because the capture of the game medium has occurred. However, if the game progress is to be continued even if the capture of the game medium occurs, an abnormality should not be detected when the output potential of the medium detection signal is in the on state within the payout period or outside the payout period. Accordingly, it is not possible to detect a payout abnormality within the payout period or outside the payout period as described above. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the payout operation and the countermeasures against fraud when the game medium is captured. In addition, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the discriminating ability between minor payout abnormalities and severe payout abnormalities.

  In addition, the disconnection of the medium detection power line and the medium detection signal line may occur due to deterioration of the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line. Even if the game is disconnected or not connected due to maintenance work or the like, it is likely to occur in a state in which the player is not in a state where the player can play but the game machine is not turned on. Therefore, there is room for improvement in that it is possible to promptly detect fraudulent acts involving the disconnection of the medium detection power line and the medium detection signal line and inadequate maintenance work without waiting for the payout operation.

  Accordingly, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the smooth progress of the game due to the capture of the game medium is prevented, and the payout abnormality detection performance associated with the disconnection of the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line is improved.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention has the following configuration.
Means 1.
The gaming machine according to the present invention is
A pay-out restricting device (for example, pay-out flicker and pay-out solenoid) for restricting the flow of game media into the pay-out passage by changing the substantial width of the pay-out passage;
A medium detecting device (for example, a payout count switch) for detecting a game medium flowing down the payout passage;
Bonus payout information generating means for generating bonus payout information (for example, winning confirmation process and prize ball command setting process of the main control device), total pass permission number for determining the total pass permission number of game media based on the bonus payout information Number of passages for measuring the number of passing game media flowing down the payout passage based on determination means (for example, award ball payout number setting processing and ball lending control processing of the payout control board) and detection of game media by the medium detection device Based on measurement means (for example, total payout remaining amount subtraction processing of payout control board), generation of the bonus payout information by the bonus payout information generation means, and detection of game media by the medium detection device, by the payout restriction means A game that controls the progress of the game, including a payout control means for controlling the inflow control (for example, a payout solenoid control process and a payout solenoid setting process on the payout control board) Row control device (for example, the main control board and the payout control board),
A power supply device (for example, a power supply unit of a power supply control board) that supplies power to the game progress control device, the payout restriction device, and the medium detection device;
A gaming machine including
It further includes a game progress resumption input device (for example, a reset operation part of the power control board) for inputting game progress resumption information,
The medium detecting device detects the game medium captured by the payout restricting device in the payout passage;
When the medium detection device detects a game medium based on the power supplied from the power supply device, a predetermined value within a predetermined first range (for example, 0 V to 0.5 V) including a ground potential is detected. A predetermined second detection potential within a predetermined second range (for example, 3.5 V to 5 V) that is a first detection potential (for example, 0 V) and does not overlap with the first range when no game medium is detected. Output a medium detection signal (for example, 5V),
The game progress control device is
At the time of starting the supply of power from the power supply device, a rise abnormality detection means (for example, a rise abnormality detection means for detecting a discharge abnormality at the start when the input end potential of the input end receiving the medium detection signal is the potential in the first range) , Passage error determination processing in the main processing of the payout control board),
The payout path when the number of passages does not reach the total passage permission number within a payout period including at least a period during which the payout restricting device permits the inflow of game media according to the generation of the bonus payout information A payout abnormality payout abnormality detecting means (for example, payout control) that detects a payout abnormality within a payout period in which a passage interval time of a game medium flowing down a predetermined passage permission time elapses based on the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal. Board first control timer setting process, first control timer update process),
Out-of-payout period payout abnormality detecting means (for example, an out-of-payout period payout abnormality detecting means for detecting an out-of-payout period payout abnormality in which the input terminal potential changes from a potential in the second range to a potential in the first range outside the payout period different from the payout period , Main control board payout error processing, payout control board payout count signal setting processing and payout signal setting processing),
Game progress stop means (for example, a payout error process and a payout control board of the main control board) for stopping the progress of the game in response to each of the detection of the predetermined number of payout abnormalities within the payout period and the detection of the payout abnormality outside the payout period Withdrawal error processing in the main process), and
In accordance with the input of the game progress resumption information, a payout abnormality cancellation determining means for determining whether the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within the second range (for example, a timer interrupt of a payout control board) Pass error cancellation determination process), and
In response to detection that the input end potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within the second range by the payout abnormality cancellation determination means, a game progress resumption means (for example, a payout control board) Passing error cancellation processing),
Including
The payout restriction control means re-controls the inflow restriction by the payout restriction device in response to the resumption of the game progress by the game progress resuming means.

  In the present specification, “substantial change in the payout passage” means the maximum in the cross section of the payout passage whose normal is the flow-down direction due to the withdrawal of a part of the members constituting the payout restricting device. It means a small change. For example, when changing the substantial width of the payout passage, the minimum width is between a state (inflow permitting state) larger than the diameter of the game ball or game medal and a state (inflow prohibition state) smaller than that. There is a case of migrating. The “bonus payout information” is information for instructing the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the type of winning in accordance with the winning accompanying the progress of the game. “Supplying power to the game progress control device, the payout restricting device, and the medium detecting device” means that power from the power supply device is connected to each of the game progress control device, the payout restricting device, and the medium detecting device. It implies the case where it is supplied directly without going through, or the case where it is supplied indirectly through another device, and when it is supplied indirectly, the power from the power supply device is controlled in the game progress. When the device, the pay-out restricting device, and the medium detecting device are supplied without being transformed by other devices, or the power from the power supply device is supplied to the game progress control device, the pay-out restricting device, and the medium detecting device. It implies the case where it is supplied after being transformed by. In addition, the “passing interval time” is the same payout period as the time from the start of the transition from the flow prohibition state to the flow permission state (payout start) of the payout restricting device to the detection of the passage start of the game medium by the medium detecting device Means the time from the detection of the passage start of the preceding game medium to the detection of the passage start of the subsequent game medium. In addition, “stopping the progress of the game” means that the operation of the gaming machine is completely stopped to prevent the progress of the game, or that the progress of the game cannot be completely stopped without stopping the operation of the gaming machine. In this case, for example, it is implied that the game progress is stopped but the game cannot be progressed.

  According to the above configuration, since the occurrence of a payout abnormality at the time of startup is confirmed when the game progress control device starts up, the medium detection signal is output when the power of the game progress control device is shut off at night or the like. If the wiring to transmit (hereinafter also referred to as “medium detection signal line”) or the wiring for supplying drive power to the medium detection device (hereinafter also referred to as “medium detection power line”) is disconnected, for example, it is illegally disconnected. If the connection is not normally made after being cut once by maintenance work of the medium detection device, etc., if the connection is broken by maintenance work of other devices, etc. The input terminal potential of the detection signal becomes the first detection potential that is the ground potential, and the occurrence of a discharge abnormality at the start-up is detected. Thus, since these defects can be found at the time of start-up, these can be repaired before the game starts by the player.

  In addition, if the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line is disconnected during the payout period because the occurrence of a payout abnormality within the payout period is confirmed within the payout period after the start-up is completed, the total number of payouts allowed In the current payout control operation, the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is maintained at the first detection potential if the game medium (hereinafter also referred to as “final payout medium”) that has been paid out at the end is passed before the start of passage. In order for the passage interval time to reach the predetermined passage permission time, a payout abnormality within the payout period is detected and the game progress is stopped.On the other hand, if the final payout medium has started passing, the game progress will not be stopped. In the payout control operation, since the passage interval time reaches the predetermined pass permission time while the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is maintained at the first potential, a payout abnormality within the payout period is detected and the game progress is stopped. That. Further, in the case where the medium supply is cut off or the medium is jammed, since the passage interval time reaches a predetermined passage permission time while the input end potential of the medium detection signal is maintained in the second detection potential state, a payout abnormality within the payout period is caused. Detected and game progress is stopped. In addition, in the case of the disconnection of the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line, the game progress is not resumed in response to the input of the game progress resumption information (hereinafter also referred to as “reset operation”). In the case of clogging, the game progress is resumed in response to the reset operation. Note that, in response to the reset operation when the supply of game media has not been eliminated, the game progress is once again resumed after the game progress is once resumed. As a result, it is possible to distinguish between the case caused by the disconnection of the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line and the case caused by the medium supply interruption or the medium jam.

  Also, if the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line is disconnected because the occurrence of a payout abnormality outside the payout period has been confirmed outside the payout period after the start-up is completed, In the case of an unexpected disconnection due to an operation performed by exposing the medium, the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal shifts from the second detection potential to the first detection potential that is the ground potential, and thus an out of payout abnormality occurs. Detected and game progress is stopped. In addition, even when the payout restricting device is forcibly activated to illegally pay out the game medium, the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal shifts from the second detection potential to the first detection potential that is the ground potential. Therefore, the occurrence of a payout abnormality outside the payout period is detected and the game progress is stopped. On the other hand, when the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line is disconnected, the input end potential of the medium detection signal is maintained at the first detection potential, so that the game progress is not resumed in response to the reset operation. If the game medium is illegally forcibly paid out, the game progress is resumed in response to the reset operation in order to return to the second detection potential after the game medium passes through the medium detection device. As a result, it is possible to distinguish between a case caused by disconnection of the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line and a case caused by an unauthorized payout.

  Furthermore, when the final payout medium is captured by the payout restricting device, the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is maintained at the first detection potential that is the ground potential beyond the predetermined passage permission time, but the passage interval time Therefore, it is not determined that the payout is abnormal within the payout period. Further, when the final payout medium is captured, the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal shifts from the second detection potential to the first detection potential within the payout period, and also remains at the first detection potential outside the subsequent payout period. However, in the detection of an abnormal discharge outside the payout period, it is a condition that the medium detection signal shifts from a potential in the predetermined second range to a potential in the predetermined first range. Even if the capture occurs, it is not determined that the payout abnormality is outside the payout period. The captured game medium is paid out without being counted as the number of payouts in the next payout control operation.

  Therefore, with the above configuration, the game progress is not stopped due to the occurrence of the capture of the game medium, and the medium is detected in substantially all game periods except when the game progress control device is started up. The progress of the game is stopped in response to the disconnection of the signal line or the medium detection power line, and also due to the occurrence of the disconnection of the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line in the detection of the payout abnormality within the payout period and the payout abnormality outside the payout period. It is possible to distinguish a payout abnormality from a payout abnormality caused by other factors. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the smooth progress of the game due to the capture of the game medium, and to improve the detection performance of the payout abnormality accompanying the disconnection of the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line.

Mean 2.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1,
The payout restricting device restricts inflow of game media into a plurality of payout passages by a change in substantial width for each payout passage;
The medium detection device detects a gaming medium flowing down the plurality of payout passages for each payout passage;
The game progress control device distributes the total number of allowed passages to the plurality of payout passages, and determines a number of pass permission to be paid out in each of the plurality of payout passages (for example, payout of a payout control board) Number distribution processing),
The passing number measuring means measures the passing number of game media passing through the plurality of payout passages for each payout passage based on detection of game media for each payout passage by the medium detection device,
The payout restriction control means controls the inflow restriction by the payout restriction means for each payout path based on detection of game media for each of the payout paths by the medium detection device;
The medium detection device outputs the medium detection signal for each of the payout passages, detects the game medium captured by the payout restriction device for each of the payout passages,
The medium detection signal at the start of power supply from the power supply device to at least one of the plurality of payout passages is determined by the start-up payout abnormality detection means as to whether the start-up payout abnormality is present. And detecting whether the input terminal potential is a potential in the first range,
The payout period includes a time period during which the payout restricting device permits inflow of game media in at least one of the plurality of payout passages,
Whether or not the payout abnormality within the payout period is a payout abnormality within the payout period is determined based on whether the number of passages within the payout period is the total number of allowed passages with respect to at least one of the plurality of payout paths. Detecting whether or not the passage interval time has passed the passage permission time when not reached,
Whether or not the out-of-payout period payout abnormality detection means is an out-of-payout period out-of-payout abnormality is determined with respect to at least one of the plurality of payout paths within the payout period. Detecting whether or not the passage interval time passes a predetermined passage permission time when not,
The payout abnormality cancellation determining means determines whether the input end potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within the predetermined second range for all of the plurality of payout paths;
The game progress resumption means responds to detection that all of the input end potentials of the medium detection signal corresponding to the plurality of payout paths in the passage abnormality release determination means are potentials within the predetermined second range. To resume the game progress,
The payout restriction control means is configured to recontrol the inflow restriction by the payout restriction device for each payout passage according to the resumption of the game progress by the game progress resuming means.

  With the above configuration, for the same reason as in the configuration of the means 1, the progress of the game is not stopped due to the occurrence of the capture of the game medium in any of the plurality of payout passages. The game progress is stopped in response to the occurrence of any one of the medium detection signal line and the medium detection power line corresponding to each of the plurality of payout paths in substantially the entire game period including the start of the game progress control device. At the same time, it is possible to distinguish between the payout abnormality caused by the payout abnormality caused by the payout abnormality and the payout abnormality caused by other factors in the payout abnormality within the payout period and the payout abnormality outside the payout period. Further, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to pay out at a high speed in order to pay out a total number of allowed game media in cooperation with a plurality of payout paths.

Means 3.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1 or 2,
The game progress control device is
A main control device (main control board) including a bonus payout information generation means;
Electrically connected to the main control unit, the total passage permission number determining means, the distribution control means, the passage number measuring means, the payout regulation control means, the start-up payout abnormality detecting means, within the payout period A payout control device (payout control board) including a payout abnormality detection means and a payout abnormality release determination means;
With
The withdrawal abnormality detection means outside the withdrawal period
A pulse signal synthesis means for synthesizing a pulse signal sequence having a predetermined waveform in the payout control device based on the medium detection signal from the medium detection device (for example, a payout control signal payout count signal setting process);
Out-of-period out-of-period out-of-payout determining means (for example, out-of-payout unit payout error processing) in the main controller in response to receiving the pulse signal outside the out-of-payout period;
Including
The game progress stop means
A payout control staying means for staying control of the payout control device in response to detection of the predetermined number of payout abnormalities within the payout period by the payout abnormality detecting means within the payout period;
A payout abnormality signal generating means for generating a payout abnormality signal in response to the detection of the predetermined number of times of the payout abnormality within the payout period and the detection of the start-up payout abnormality by the start-up payout or more detection means;
Main control staying means for staying control of the main control device in response to detection of a payout abnormality outside the payout period in the main control device;
Including
The game progress resumption means
A payout for resuming control of the payout control device in response to detection by the payout abnormality cancellation determining means that all of the input end potentials of the medium detection signal for each payout passage are within the second range. Control restarting means;
In response to the input of the game progress resumption information, the payout abnormality signal is confirmed, and in response to detection that all of the input end potentials of the medium detection signal based on the payout abnormality signal are potentials within the second range. Main control restarting means for restarting control of the main control device;
Is included.

  With the above configuration, the main game related to the acquisition of game media, etc., for detection of a payout abnormality inspection outside the payout period when fraudulent acts are or are likely to have been performed after the start-up of the main control device and the payout control device It can be executed by the main controller that controls the progress. As a result, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on the control relating to the acquisition of game media and the like. Further, by separating the control of the game progress into the main control device and the payout control device, the main game progress control and the control of paying out the actual game medium can be executed independently.

Means 4.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1 to 3,
The game progress stop means is further configured to stop the game progress in response to detection of the start-up payout abnormality by the start-up payout abnormality detection means.

  Resumption of game progress in response to input of game progress resumption information after the game progress is stopped (hereinafter also referred to as “reset operation”) is such that the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within a predetermined second range. Therefore, when the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line is disconnected, the game progress is not resumed by the reset operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player from playing a gaming machine in a state where payout cannot be normally performed or preparations for illegal payout are made, such as the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line being disconnected. .

Means 5.
In the gaming machines of the above means 1 to 4,
It further includes a notification device (for example, a liquid crystal display device 1042) that notifies the abnormality,
The game progress stopping means further causes the notifying device to start notifying the payout abnormality at the start-up in response to detection of the payout abnormality at the start-up by the start-up payout abnormality detecting means, and canceling the payout abnormality In response to the detection that the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is within the second range by the determination means, the notification of the payout abnormality at startup is stopped.

  If it is said structure, generation | occurrence | production of the payout abnormality at the time of start-up can be recognized well by alerting | reporting. In addition, since the stop of the notification in response to the reset operation after the start of notification of the payout abnormality at start-up is based on the condition that the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within a predetermined second range, the medium detection signal When the line is disconnected, the notification of the payout abnormality at startup is not stopped by the reset operation. This makes medium detection

Means 6.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-5,
The inflow restriction by the payout restricting device is forcibly changed, and a capture medium removing device (for example, an operating lever and a protrusion of the payout device) for removing the game medium captured by the payout restricting device is further included. .

  With the above configuration, when the progress of the game is stopped based on a payout abnormality within the payout period, an operation for eliminating the medium clogging or the medium supply interruption and an operation for removing the trapping medium by operating the trapping medium removing device are performed. Nevertheless, if the game progress is not resumed in response to the input of the game progress resumption information, even if a game medium other than the final payout medium may be captured, the payout period payout abnormality due to the occurrence And the payout abnormality within the payout period due to the disconnection of the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line. Note that the capture of game media other than the final payout media occurs very rarely to the extent that it can be said that they do not occur substantially.

Mean 7
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-6,
It further includes a notification device (for example, a liquid crystal display device 1042) that notifies the abnormality,
The game progress control device detects the start-up payout abnormality by the start-up payout abnormality detection means, detects the predetermined number of payout abnormalities within the payout period by the payout abnormality detection means within the payout period, and the payout period. In response to each of the detections of abnormalities outside the payout period by the external payout abnormality detection means, the notification device starts notifying each of the payout abnormality at start-up, the payout abnormality within the payout period, and the payout abnormality outside the payout period The payout abnormality notification control means (for example, the passing error information update process of the payout control board, the payout error process of the main control board, the sub control board Error command processing).

  With the configuration described above, the occurrence of the passage abnormality is notified to the player, the employee of the game hall, etc., so that the player, the employee of the game hall, etc. can recognize the occurrence of the abnormality more quickly. Note that the same type of notification may be performed in all cases where a payout abnormality at startup is detected, a payout abnormality within the payout period is detected, or a payout abnormality outside the payout period is detected. In any one of the cases, a different type of notification may be given in the other cases, or a different type of notification may be performed in all of these cases. Further, the notification device may be a dedicated device that notifies the notification device of each of the start-up payout abnormality, the payout abnormality within the payout period, and the payout abnormality outside the payout period. The apparatus which also performs notification of abnormality may be sufficient.

Means 8.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-7,
A loan payout information input device (for example, a ball lending device) for inputting loan payout information;
The total passage permission determining means in the previous period determines the total passage permission number according to a loan payout instruction signal from an external loan control device based on the loan payout information,
The payout restriction control means controls the inflow restriction by the payout restriction device based on the medium detection signal from the medium detection device in accordance with the determination of the total number of allowed passages;
The payout abnormality detecting means within the payout period detects the abnormality within the payout period in a lending period including at least a period during which the payout restricting device permits the game medium to flow based on generation of the bonus payout information,
The out-of-payout period payout abnormality detection means detects the out-of-payout period out-of-payout abnormality in a period outside the payout period and outside the lending period.

  In this specification, “loan payout information” is information (signal) requesting payout of game media to be lent to a player. The loan payout information is received by the external loan device, and a loan payout signal for instructing payout of the number of game media to be loaned is transmitted from the external loan control device.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to easily execute the lending of game media by including the lending / dispensing information input device, and the same configuration is used for paying out game media to be paid out and paying out game media to be lent. By sharing the game machine, the gaming machine lending function can be added without complicating the configuration of the gaming machine. In addition, in the payout of game media based on the input of loan payout information, it is possible to lend game media without stopping the progress of the game because the payout abnormality within the payout period is not determined. It is possible to prevent the smooth game progress from being hindered.

Means 9.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-8,
The inflow restriction by the payout restricting device is forcibly changed, and a capture medium removing device (for example, an operating lever and a protrusion of the payout device) for removing the game medium captured by the payout restricting device is further included. .

  With the above configuration, when the progress of the game is stopped based on a payout abnormality within the payout period, an operation for eliminating the medium clogging or the medium supply interruption and an operation for removing the trapping medium by operating the trapping medium removing device are performed. Nevertheless, if the game progress is not resumed in response to the input of the game progress resumption information, even if a game medium other than the final payout medium may be captured, the payout period payout abnormality due to the occurrence And the payout abnormality within the payout period due to the disconnection of the medium detection signal line or the medium detection power line. Note that the capture of game media other than the final payout media occurs very rarely to the extent that it can be said that they do not occur substantially.

Means 10.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-9,
The predetermined number of times in the game progress stopping means is a plurality of times,
A re-payment trial number measuring means (for example, a re-payment trial number setting process, a re-payment trial number of a payout control board) in which the game progress control device measures the number of re-pay trials in response to detection of a payout abnormality within the payout period. Update processing),
The payout restriction control means is configured to recontrol the inflow restriction by the payout restriction device in response to detection of a payout abnormality outside the payout period when the number of repaid trials does not reach the predetermined number. .

  With the above configuration, by performing a re-payout operation when the number of occurrences of payout abnormality within the payout period has not reached the predetermined number, and stopping the game progression when the number of occurrences has reached the predetermined number Further, it is possible to reduce the stop of the game progress due to the medium jam or the medium supply interruption. This is because even if a medium jam or a medium supply interruption has occurred, the storage state of the game medium supplied during the previous payout operation may change and the medium jam or medium supply interruption may be resolved. . In particular, when game media are paid out in cooperation with a plurality of payout passages, even if there is a media jam, the game media is paid out in the payout passage adjacent to the payout passage where the media is jammed. This is because the medium clogging is cleared frequently, and the payout is completed in the payout operation to be continuously executed. In addition, game media may be supplied from an external device until the predetermined number of times is reached.

Means 11.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-10,
The predetermined number of times in the game progress stopping means is two.

  With the above configuration, the re-payout operation is performed only once after the initial payout operation, and without significantly increasing the occurrence of a payout abnormality within the payout period due to a medium jam or out of medium supply. The disconnection of the medium detection signal line and the medium detection power line can be detected more quickly than when the re-payout operation is performed a plurality of times. This is the case where the predetermined number of times is three times or more and the re-payout operation is performed a plurality of times, and when the predetermined number of times is two and the re-payout operation is performed only once, the payout period due to the medium jam or the medium supply being cut off This is because the occurrence frequency of internal payout abnormality does not change significantly.

Means 12.
In the gaming machine of the above means 2,
When the total number of allowed passages is larger than the number of passages of the plurality of payout passages, the distribution control means is configured to set the total number of pass passages corresponding to each of the plurality of payout passages to be 1 or more. The number of allowed passages is distributed.

  With the above configuration, the disconnection of the medium detection signal lines and the medium detection power lines corresponding to all the payout paths can be confirmed in each payout control operation when the total number of allowed passages is larger than the number of payout paths. Therefore, the occurrence can be detected early. The payout control operation means a series of payout operations including a payout operation executed within the same payout period and a payout operation after reset return when the predetermined number of times is one. In the case of multiple times, it means a series of payout operations including an initial payout operation, an initial payout operation after reset return, at least one repayout operation, and at least one repayout operation after reset return.

Means 13.
In the gaming machine of the above means 12,
The distribution control means is configured to distribute the total number of allowed passages substantially evenly among the plurality of payout passages.

  In this specification, “allocation equally to a plurality of payout passages” means that the number of allowed passages corresponding to any two payout passages out of a plurality of payout passages does not differ beyond 1. Means.

  With the above configuration, the number of game media to be paid out in each payout passage is substantially the same, so that the game media can be paid out at a higher speed.

Means 14.
In the gaming machine of the above means 12-13,
The distribution control means, when the total number of allowed passages is not a multiple of the number of passages of the plurality of payout passages, the previous surplus distribution number is assigned in the distribution of the previous pass permission number among the plurality of payout passages. The surplus distribution number is preferentially distributed to the payout passage that did not exist.

  In this specification, the “surplus distribution number” means a remainder when the total number of allowed passages is divided by the number of passages.

  With the above configuration, even if the payout is continued when the total permitted number of passages is smaller than the number of passages, the medium detection signal lines and the media corresponding to all the payout passages can be obtained by a small number of payout control operations. The disconnection of the detected power line can be confirmed. Thereby, it is possible to detect a payout abnormality within the payout period at an early stage.

Means 15.
In the gaming machine of the above means 12-14,
The plurality of payout passages are configured by a number of payout passages equal to or less than a minimum value of the payout amount associated with the bonus payout information.

  With the configuration described above, disconnection of the medium detection signal lines and medium detection power lines corresponding to all payout paths can be confirmed in each payout control operation without depending on the type of bonus payout information. Thereby, it is possible to detect a payout abnormality within the payout period at an early stage.

Means 16.
In the gaming machine of the above means 12-15,
After the game media to be supplied are distributed substantially evenly among the pairs of storage passages for each pair, the game media are distributed substantially evenly for each storage passage in each of the plurality of pairs of storage passages; and An array storage section (for example, a tank rail) that is arranged in a row in each of the plurality of storage passages, and an alignment storage section (for example, a case rail) that stores the game media arranged in the array storage section for each storage passage Including a storage device comprising,
Each of the plurality of payout passages communicates with each of the plurality of storage passages,
According to the generation of the bonus payout information by the bonus payout information generation means, the gaming machine stores that a predetermined number or more of game media are stored in the aligned storage section. A storage detection device (for example, a ball break detection switch) for detecting each
The payout restriction control means controls the inflow restriction by the payout restriction device when the storage detection device detects a storage of the predetermined number or more in each pair of the plurality of pairs of storage passages. It is said.

  If it is said structure, it can suppress that medium clogging generate | occur | produces in any storage channel | path by the game medium distributed to the different pair storage channel | path by dispersing in steps. For example, the plurality of storage passages are constituted by the first to fourth storage passages, the first storage passage and the second storage passage are used as a pair of storage passages, the third storage passage and the fourth storage passage. If the storage channel of the article is to be another pair of storage channels, the game medium distributed in the vicinity of the first and second storage channels in the article 1 or 2 and the article 3 There is a possibility that medium clogging may occur in the third or fourth article due to the game medium distributed in the vicinity of the fourth storage passage, but depending on the game medium near the second and third storage paths, The medium clogging does not occur in the storage passages of the second and third articles. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the stopping of the game progress due to the jammed game medium. Further, when a predetermined number (reserved number) of game media is stored in at least one of the storage passages of each pair, it is possible to reduce the progress of the game due to a medium jam by executing payout it can. This is because, when a predetermined number of media are stored in each storage passage, the payout is executed, and if the medium is clogged in at least one storage passage, the payout is not executed as a payout abnormality. However, even if clogging occurs, the above configuration eliminates clogging of the other storage passage with a high frequency as the storage passage of one storage passage progresses.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to prevent obstruction of smooth game progression caused by the capture of the game medium, and to improve the detection performance of the payout abnormality accompanying the disconnection of the medium detection power line or the medium detection signal line. .

  The best mode of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the gaming machine is a spinning-type gaming machine using a gaming sphere as a gaming medium (hereinafter referred to as a “ball-type spinning gaming machine”) is described. Applicable to general machines. Moreover, even if it is a rotating type game machine, it is not limited to the specific form demonstrated below, You may change the design suitably, unless it deviates from the main point of this invention.

  The configuration of the ball-type spinning machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a ball-type spinning game machine, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the ball-type spinning game machine opened in units of blocks.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the ball-type spinning machine 1010 is supported by an outer frame 1011 that forms an outer shell of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 and one side of the outer frame 1011 so that it can be opened and closed. Door block 1012. The door block 1012 is attached to the outer frame 1011 so as to be openable and closable by hinges 1013 and 1013, and an opening / closing axis thereof is set to extend vertically on the left side when viewed from the front of the ball-spinning game machine 1010. The door block 1012 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis. As shown in FIG. 2, the door block 1012 includes a front block 1020 that constitutes the front surface of the ball-cylinder gaming machine 1010, a payout block 1030 that is attached to the front block 1020 so as to be openable and closable rearward, The game block 1040 is attached to the front block 1020 so as to be openable and closable rearward and is encapsulated by the front block 1020 and the payout block 1030.

(Configuration of front block)
As shown in FIG. 2, the front block 1020 includes a front panel 1100, a front block frame 1200, a rotating display panel 1022, a display panel presser frame 1024, an upper plate unit 1300 (see FIG. 1), and a selector 1400 ( Game ball throwing device).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 1100 has a window hole 1102 for exposing a game area provided on the front surface of the game block 1040 (see FIG. 2). An LED unit 1104, upper speaker units 1106 and 1106, a right middle effect LED unit 1108, a left middle effect LED unit 1110, a central panel unit 1112, an operation panel unit 1122 and the like are arranged.

  The top effect LED portion 1104, the right middle effect LED portion 1108, and the left middle effect LED portion 1110 of the front panel 1100 scatter light with a light emitting device (not shown) such as a light emitting diode (LED) attached from the back side of the front panel 1100. It is comprised with the covering cover to be made. This light-emitting device is turned on or blinks as the game progresses, and provides a visual effect of the game. The upper speaker units 1106 and 1106 play various sound effects as the game progresses, or notify the player of the game state to perform an auditory performance of the game.

  The center panel portion 1112 of the front panel 1100 is made of colorless and transparent glass, and describes the predetermined winning conditions, the number of game balls to be paid out (the number of acquired balls) when the winning conditions are satisfied, the game method, and the like. This is a window through which an information posting panel (not shown) can be seen. In order to make it easy to see the display content of the information posting panel, a fluorescent lamp 1041k (see FIG. 14) is installed on the back side of the central panel portion 1112. A 1-bet button 1114 is disposed on the left side of the central panel portion 1112. General-purpose buttons 1116 and 1118 are disposed on the right side of the central panel portion 1112. The general-purpose buttons 1116 and 1118 are buttons whose usage can be appropriately set for each type of gaming machine, such as switching of gaming modes and switching of display modes on a liquid crystal screen. A key cylinder insertion hole 1120 that exposes the front surface (key hole) of the door key cylinder 1202 for opening and closing the front block is provided on the right side of the general-purpose button 1116 and the like of the central panel portion 1112. An operation panel portion 1122 that protrudes forward is disposed below the central panel portion 1112.

  In the operation panel section 1122 of the front panel 1100, a start lever 1124 for starting rotation of later-described rotating cylinders L, M, and R (see FIG. 15) and rotation of the left rotating cylinder L are sequentially arranged from the left side of FIG. A left-turn cylinder stop button 1126L for stopping the rotation of the right cylinder R, and a right-turn cylinder stop button 1126R for stopping the rotation of the right cylinder R Further, a small window hole 1130 for exposing a return lever 1386 for performing an operation of flowing a game ball from the upper plate 1302 to the lower plate 1128 is provided. The start lever 1124 is a lever that is pressed and operated by the player when starting the game, and automatically returns to the original position after the hand is released. When the start lever 1124 is operated while a predetermined number of game balls are betted, the cylinders L, M, and R start to rotate all at once. Above the base end portion of the start lever 1124, each cylinder L, M, R is ready for rotation, that is, a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the selector 1400 (see FIG. 2), and the start lever 1124 is operated. A start lever LED (not shown) for notifying the acceptable state is embedded. Further, around each of the spinning cylinder stop buttons 1126L, 1126M, and 1126R, the spinning cylinder stop buttons LEDL, 134M, and 134R for notifying the state in which the operation can be accepted are embedded. Each spinning cylinder stop button LED 1134L, 1134M, 1134R is turned on when the corresponding spinning cylinder L, M, R is rotating at a constant speed, and is extinguished when the rotation of the corresponding spinning cylinder L, M, R is stopped. A lower tray 1128 for storing game balls is disposed below the operation panel unit 1122.

  On the inner surface of the lower plate 1128, there is a lower speaker unit 1136 that covers the speaker 1204 (see FIG. 2) provided on the front block frame 1200, an outlet for game balls flowing from the upper plate 1302 to the lower plate 1128, and There is provided a lower tray discharge outlet 1138 in which game balls may be directly paid out from a payout device 1033 (see FIG. 7) described later. In addition, a lower tray ball removal lever 1140 for performing an operation of dropping a game ball from a lower plate 1128 to a game ball housing case (a so-called dollar box) (not shown) disposed below the lower plate 1128 is provided at the lower front portion of the lower plate 1128. Is provided. The game ball can be dropped from the lower plate 1128 by sliding the closing plate 1144 with the lower plate ball removing lever 1140 to open the opening 1142. An ashtray 1146 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 1128. A left lower effect LED portion 1148 and a lower right effect LED portion 1150 are provided on both sides of the operation panel portion 1122 and the lower plate 1128, respectively. Each of the lower left effect LED portion 1148 and the lower right effect LED portion 1150 covers a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) attached from the back side of the front panel 1100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front block frame 1200 is a rectangular frame that is slightly smaller than the front panel 1100, and is screwed to the back side of the front panel 1100. A lower speaker unit 1204 for auditory performance is attached to the lower part of the front block frame 1200. By providing the speaker unit 1106 (see FIG. 1) and the speaker unit 1204 above and below, an auditory effect full of realism can be performed. The front block frame 1200 is provided with a door opening / closing mechanism 1208. When a key (not shown) is inserted into the door key cylinder 1202 (see FIG. 1) constituting the door opening / closing mechanism 1208 and rotated to the right side, the locking claws 1210 and 1210 that are locked to the outer frame 1011 rotate downward. Then, the locking to the outer frame 1011 is released. Conversely, when a key (not shown) is inserted into the door key cylinder 1202 and rotated to the left, the locking claws 1212 and 1212 that are locked to the payout block 1030 rotate downward, and the lock to the payout block 1030 is locked. Canceled. In addition, the front block frame 1200 is provided with a guide passage 1214 that continues to the lower tray discharge outlet 1138.

  The rotating display panel 1022 is a colorless and transparent glass plate and has a substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the window hole 1102 of the front panel 1100. The display panel presser frame 1024 is screwed to the front block frame 1200 with a rotating display panel 1022 interposed between the display panel presser frame 1024 and the front panel 1100. The display panel presser frame 1024 has a substantially trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the rotary display panel 1022 and is formed with a predetermined depth. That is, the window hole 1102 of the front panel 1100 projects forward from the center panel portion 1112 and is formed with a depth corresponding to the projecting length.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper plate unit 1300 is a member having an upper plate 1302 for storing game balls, and the operation panel unit is configured to close the opening between the central panel unit 1112 and the operation panel unit 1122. It is attached to the back side of 1122. The upper plate unit 1300 includes an upper plate unit main body 1320, a ball lending device 1350, an upper plate ball stopper 1360 (see FIG. 5), and an upper plate ball removal operation unit 1380.

  The upper plate unit main body 1320 is a member having the upper plate 1302 as described above, and is formed with a desired depth and an inclination that descends from the left side to the right side in the drawing. A downstream portion of the upper plate 1302 (below the ball lending device 350) is provided with a plurality of (for example, three) game ball guide paths 1322 (see FIG. 5). The game ball guide path 1322 aligns the game balls and sequentially guides them to the selector 1400 (see FIG. 5).

  The ball lending device 1350 includes a frequency display unit 1352, a ball lending button 1306, a ball lending button LED (not shown), a ball lending switch (not shown), a card return button 1308, and a card return switch (not shown). . The frequency display unit 1352 displays a frequency corresponding to the remaining amount of the card by inserting the card into a CR unit (not shown) arranged adjacent to the ball-type spinning game machine 1010. A ball lending button 1306 is a button for performing a game ball lending operation. The ball lending switch 1356 is a switch that detects a lending operation by the ball lending button 1306. The ball lending button LED 1354 notifies the player by lighting that the game ball can be lent, and when the game ball is lent, the ball lending button LED 1354 blinks to lend the game ball. Notify that you are in the middle of When the ball lending button 1306 is operated while the ball lending button LED 1354 is lit, a predetermined number of game balls are lended to the upper plate 1302. Note that the operation of the ball lending button 1306 is not accepted when the ball lending button LED 1354 is blinking. The card return button 1308 is a button for performing a return operation of the card inserted in the CR unit. The card return switch is a switch that detects a return operation by the card return button 1308. When the card return button 1308 is operated, the card is returned from the CR unit.

  The upper dish ball removal operation unit 1380 includes a ball removal lever 1386 (see FIG. 6) exposed on the front side of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 and a lever operation provided on the inner side of the ball-type spinning machine 1010. A transmission mechanism. In response to the operation of the ball removal lever 1386, the lever operation transmission mechanism moves the return shutter 1420 (see FIG. 6) of the selector 1400. As a result, the game balls stored in the upper plate 1302 are paid back to the lower plate 1128.

  The upper plate ball stopper 1360 is attached to the lower side of the game ball guide path 1322 and opens and closes the entrance from the game ball guide path 1322 to the selector 1400. Specifically, the upper tray ball stopper 1360 prevents the gaming ball from falling from the upper tray 1302 even if the selector 1400 is removed when the selector 1400 needs to be replaced due to a failure or the like.

  The selector 1400 is a ball-type game ball stored on the upper plate 1302 and the selector 1400 in a predetermined number according to the operation of the 1-bet button 1114 (see FIG. 1) and the mac-bet button 1304 (see FIG. 1). It is taken into the inside of the revolving game machine 1010 or paid back to the lower plate 1128 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with the operation of the upper plate ball removing operation unit 1380. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the selector, and FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of the selector. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the selector 1400 includes a plurality of game ball insertion units 1410 a corresponding to the plurality of game ball guide paths 1322 (see FIG. 5) of the upper plate 1302 one by one. , 1410b, 1410c, a return shutter 1420 for restricting the flow of the game ball from the upper tray 1302 to the lower tray 1128, and a return switch board provided with a return switch 1441 for detecting translational movement of the return shutter 1420 from the reference position 1440, a substrate cover 1450 that includes the hollow protrusion 1408 and covers one end of the return shutter 1420 and the return switch substrate 1440, and a coil spring (not shown) that is disposed inside the hollow protrusion 1480 and returns the return shutter 1420 to the reference position. Between the main control board 1045a and the plurality of game ball throwing portions 1410a, 1410b, 1410c And a selector relay apparatus 1460 including a relay terminal plate cover 1464 which covers the selector relay terminal plate 1462 and the selector relay terminal plate 1462 relays transmission of electrical signals. The selector 1400 distributes a predetermined number of game balls according to a bet operation to a plurality of game ball insertion units 1410a, 1410b, and 1410c, and simultaneously inputs them, compared to a case where only a single game ball insertion unit is provided. This makes it possible to perform a throw-in operation (bet operation) quickly.

  Here, the upper dish ball removal operation unit 1380, the upper dish ball stopper 1360, and the selector 1400 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an example of the selector 1400 and the upper bowl stopper 1360 as seen from the rear side. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of the selector 1400 and the upper dish ball removal operation unit 1380. 5 and 6 show a case where the input flicker and the return shutter are in the passage-inhibited state. In the following, the game ball throwing units 1410b and 1410c have substantially the same configuration as the game ball throwing unit 1410a, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the upper plate ball stopper 1360 is provided at the end of the casing 1361, a shaft member 1362 that is rotatably provided in the casing 1361 within a rotation range of 90 degrees, and the end of the shaft member 1362. And an opening / closing member 1363 that is movable according to the rotation of the shaft member 1362. The shaft member 1362 includes pressing portions 1375a and 1375b that are formed at a distal end on the side opposite to the operation handle at intervals of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. Each pressing portion 1375a, 1375b is formed in a tongue-like shape, and protrudes in the radial direction of the shaft member 1362, respectively. The opening / closing member 1363 includes a plurality of closing portions 1376 for closing each of the plurality of storage passages 1402 and pressed portions 1378a and 1378b that receive stress that moves the opening / closing member.

  The state shown in FIG. 5 is a state in which the pressing portion 1375a presses the pressed portion 1378a and the opening / closing member 1363 is moved to the right side. Sphere inflow is allowed. When the shaft member 1362 is rotated clockwise as viewed from above in FIG. 5 by the operation of the operation handle from the state shown in FIG. 5, the pressing portion 1375b is directed substantially horizontally and the pressed portion of the opening / closing member 1363 Press 1378b. As a result, the opening / closing member 1363 moves to the left side, and the size of the inlet of the storage passage 1402 is narrowed by the closing portion 1376. In this state, the inflow of game balls into each of the plurality of storage passages 1402 is prohibited. In this state, even if the selector 1400 is removed in a state where the game balls are stored in the upper plate 1302 and the game ball guide path 1322, those game balls are not dropped. Conversely, when the shaft member 1362 is rotated counterclockwise by operating the operation handle from this state, the inflow of game balls into each of the plurality of storage passages 1402 is permitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the upper dish ball removing unit 1380 includes a base unit 1381 attached to the lower side of the upper dish unit main body 1320 (see FIG. 1) via the CR operation display unit 1350 (see FIG. 1). , A rotating piece 1384 and a pressing piece 1385 that rotate around support shafts 1382 and 1383 erected on the base portion 1381, and a return lever 1386 that slides along the front surface of the base portion 1381. A connecting portion 1384 b pivotally attached to the return lever 1386 is provided on the base portion 1384 a of the rotating piece 1384. In addition, the base portion 1384 a of the rotating piece 1384 is connected to the base portion 1381 via a coil spring 1387. A bifurcated grip 1384 c is provided at the tip of the rotating piece 1384. The grip portion 1384c is a portion that slidably grips the convex portion 1385b provided on the base portion 1385a of the pressing piece 1385. A pressing portion 1385 c that presses the return shutter 1420 of the selector 1400 is provided at the tip of the pressing piece 1385. The hollow protrusion 1408 of the selector 1400 stores a coil spring that presses the return shutter 1420 toward the pressing piece 1385.

  The state shown in FIG. 6 is a state where the return lever 1386 is not operated. That is, the rotating piece 1384 is pulled counterclockwise by the coil spring 1387, and the pressing piece 1385 is pulled clockwise by the rotating piece 1384, so that the pressing portion 1385c is separated from one end of the return shutter 1420. State. In this state, the return shutter 1420 is at the reference position by the urging force of the coil spring 1430 disposed inside the hollow protrusion 1408. When the return lever 1386 is picked from this state and moved downward in the figure (actually, from the right side to the left side when viewed from the front of the ball-cylinder game machine 1010), the rotating piece 1384 is rotated clockwise along with the return lever 1386. And the pressing piece 1385 is rotated counterclockwise by the rotating piece 1384, and the pressing portion 1385 c presses the return shutter 1420. As a result, the return shutter 1420 moves. When the hand is released from the return lever 1386 in this state, the return shutter 1420 is pressed forward by the biasing force of the coil spring disposed in the hollow protrusion 1408, and the state shown in FIG. 6 is restored.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the selector 1400 includes a plurality of game ball insertion units 1410 a, 1410 b, 1410 c, a return shutter 1420, a return switch board 1440, a board cover 1450, and a return A coil spring (not shown) for returning the shutter 1420 to the reference position and a selector relay device 1460 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the game ball throwing portion 1410 a of the selector 1400 includes a resin casing including a casing 1411 and a cover 1412. The outer surface of the casing 1411 is an attachment surface for the cover 1412 of the adjacent game ball insertion portion 1410b, and the outer surface of the cover 1412 of the game ball insertion portion 1410a is an attachment surface for the board cover 1450. When the casing 1411 and the cover 1412 are assembled together, a bowl-shaped portion 1417 constituting the storage passage 1402 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the game ball throwing portion 1410a includes a throwing flicker 1413a, a throwing solenoid 1414a, a passage sensor 1415a, and a count sensor 1416a. Further, a guide passage 1404 extending obliquely downward and a discharge passage 1406 extending substantially vertically downward are formed in the game ball throwing portion 1410a on the downstream side of the storage passage 1402.

  The input flicker 1413 a regulates the inflow of game balls from the storage passage 1402 to the discharge passage 1406. The insertion flicker 1413a has a proximal end portion 1413a1 and a distal end portion 1413a2 that are rotatably connected by a support shaft 1413a3. The proximal end side portion 1413a1 and the distal end side portion 1413a2 of the input flicker 1413a are rotatably supported by the support shafts 1411a1 and 1411a2 of the casing 1411a, respectively. A gripping portion 1413a4 for gripping the tongue piece 1414a1 of the closing solenoid 1414a is provided at the proximal end portion of the closing flicker 1413a. In addition, an opening / closing portion 1413a5 for opening / closing the discharge passage 1406a is provided at the tip of the charging flicker 1413a.

  The closing solenoid 1414a is energized by the operation of the bet buttons 1114 and 1304 and operates to contract the piston (plunger) 1414a2 upward. A knob portion 1414a3 is attached to the tip of the piston 1414a2. The knob portion 1414a3 has the tongue piece 1414a1 extending in the radial direction of the piston 1414a2. The piston 1414a2 is provided with a coil spring 1414a4. The coil spring 1414a4 biases the main body portion 1414a5 of the closing solenoid 1414a and the knob portion 1414a3 in the direction of separating them. That is, when the energization to the closing solenoid 1414a is cut off, the piston 1414a2 extends downward by the biasing force of the coil spring 1414a4.

  When the bet buttons 1114 and 1304 are pressed, the closing solenoid 1414a is energized, and the piston 1414a2 is contracted to rotate the proximal end portion 1413a1 of the closing flicker 1413a counterclockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the tip end side portion 1413a2 of the insertion flicker 1413a rotates clockwise in the drawing to open the discharge passage 1406a, and the game ball waiting in the storage passage 1402a is allowed to fall naturally (passage permission state). On the contrary, when the energization of the closing solenoid 1414a is turned off, the piston 141a2 is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 1414a4 and the proximal end side portion 1413a1 of the closing flicker 1413a is rotated clockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the tip end side portion 1413a2 of the insertion flicker 1413a rotates counterclockwise in the drawing, and closes the discharge passage 1406a by the opening / closing portion 1413a5, so that the game ball is not allowed to fall naturally (passage prohibited state).

  The passage sensor 1415a is disposed in the discharge passage 1406a and immediately downstream of the opening / closing part 1413a5 of the input flicker 1413a, and detects whether or not the game ball has been normally taken in. The passage sensor 1415a has a substantially U-shaped cross section so as to surround the tip end portion 1413a2 of the input flicker 1413a, and a light emitting element is provided on either the front side or the back side of the input flicker 1413a, and on the other side. The light receiving element is provided. In addition, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are provided as a pair in the upper and lower directions and at an interval shorter than the diameter of one game ball. After the game ball is detected by the upper element 1415a1, the game balls are simultaneously detected by the upper and lower elements 1415a1 and 1415a2, and then only the lower element 1415a2 is detected within a predetermined time. When it is determined that the game ball has been properly taken in. Conversely, when the lower element 1415a2 does not detect a game ball even after a predetermined time has elapsed after detecting the game ball with the upper element 1415a1, or after the game element is detected with the lower element 1415a2, the upper side and When the lower balls 1415a1 and 1415a2 detect a game ball at the same time, and then only the upper ball 1415a1 detects a game ball, it is determined that the game ball has been inserted by unauthorized means, 1010 informs that an error has occurred and prohibits the game. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as playing a game ball using a fraudulent tool. The upper element 1415a1 is in a state where the number of game balls detected by the passage sensor 1415a is one less than the number of game balls to be inserted by the game ball insertion unit 1410a (for example, 4, 9, or 14). When the final game ball is detected, the charging solenoid 1414a is de-energized, the opening / closing part 1413a5 of the charging flicker 1413a projects into the discharge passage 1406, and the game ball is configured from the storage passage 1402 to the discharge passage 1406. Yes.

  The count sensor 1416a counts the game balls thrown in by the game ball throwing unit 1410a separately from the passage sensor 1415a. The count sensor 1416a detects the passage of the game ball by an action different from that of the passage sensor 1415a. If the number of game balls counted by the count sensor 1416a is less than the number of game balls determined to have passed normally by the passage sensor 1415a, a bet error occurs. This further prevents fraud. Specifically, the passage sensor 1415a is an optical sensor, but the count sensor 1416a is a magnetic sensor. When a magnetic sensor is used as the count sensor 1416a, it can be determined whether or not the material that has passed is an iron material. Thereby, an illegal act of playing a game can be prevented more satisfactorily by inserting an inexpensive resin game ball or the like different from a normal game ball.

  The return shutter 1420 has a plurality of window holes 1422, one corresponding to each of the plurality of game ball guide paths 1322, and the storage passages 1402 and the guide passages 1404 a, 1404 b, and 1404 c are provided to the sides of the window holes 1422. Blocking walls 1424a, 1424b, and 1424c for blocking are provided. In addition, tongue pieces 1426a, 1426b, and 1426c extending toward the storage passages 1402a, 1402b, and 1402c are provided below the window holes 1422a, 1422b, and 1422c. Each tongue piece 1426a, 1426b, 1426c is a part which guides a game ball to each window hole 1422a, 1422b, 1422c from storage passages 1402a, 1402b, 1402c. When the return lever 1386 is not operated, the return shutter 1420 is at the reference position, and the flow of game balls from each of the plurality of storage passages 1402 to the plurality of guide passages 1404 is blocked by the blocking wall 1424 of the return shutter 1420. prohibited. On the other hand, when the return lever 1386 is operated to press the pressing portion 1385c of the return shutter 1420, the return shutter 1420 moves from the reference position, and the storage passage through the window holes 1422a, 1422b, 1422c of the return shutter 1420. Inflow of game balls from 1402 to the guide passage 1404 is permitted. As a result, the game ball flows from the upper plate 1302 to the lower plate 1128 through the guide passages 1404a, 1404b, and 1404c. At this time, the movement of the return shutter 1420 from the reference position is detected by the return switch 1441 (see FIG. 4) of the return switch board 1440, and the operation reception of the 1-bet button 1114 and the max-bet button 1304 is accepted based on the detection result. A state that makes it impossible occurs.

  The selector relay terminal plate 1462 transmits the detection results of the passage sensor 1415a and the count sensor 1416a to the main controller 1045 described later.

(Composition of withdrawal block)
As shown in FIG. 2, the payout block 1030 is attached to the front block 1020 so that it can be opened and closed. The opening / closing axis of the payout block 1030 is set so as to extend up and down on the left side when viewed from the front of the ball-type rotating game machine 1010, and the payout block 1030 can be sufficiently opened rearward with this opening / closing axis as the axis. It has become. The payout block 1030 is locked to the front block 1020 by a door opening / closing mechanism 1208. Specifically, the locking claws 1212 and 1212 of the door opening / closing mechanism 1208 are locked to the engaging portions 1031a and 1031a of the payout block 1030, and are locked by inserting a door key (not shown) into the door key cylinder 1202 and rotating it to the left. The latches 1212 and 1212 are unlocked. The payout block 1030 has a one-touch type stopper 1031b, and is connected to the front block 1020 by this stopper 1031b.

  FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of the payout block 1030, and FIG. 8 is a rear view showing an example of a passing path of game balls in the payout block. As shown in FIG. 7, the payout block 1030 includes, in the payout block main body 1031, a game ball tank 1032 for storing game balls for renting and winning balls, a payout device 1033 for paying out game balls, A tank rail 1034 and a case rail 1035 for guiding the game ball from the game ball tank 1032 to the payout device 1033, a payout relay terminal plate 1036, a payout control device 1037 for controlling the payout operation of the game ball, and a power supply of the game ball A power supply control device 1038 to be controlled and a CR unit connection terminal plate 1039 for connecting the ball-type spinning gaming machine 1010 to the CR unit are attached.

  The payout block main body 1031 protrudes rearward in the center, and includes a protective cover portion 1031c that encloses the game block 1040 (see FIG. 2), and a game ball tank 1032 and a tank rail 1034 so as to surround the protective cover portion 1031c. A case rail 1035, a payout device 1033, a payout relay terminal plate 1036, a CR unit connection terminal plate 1039, a payout control device 1037, and a power supply control device 1038 are mounted. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the payout block main body 1031 has an upper plate guide passage 1031d for guiding game balls from the payout device 1033 to the upper plate 1302, and guides game balls from the payout device 1033 to the lower plate 1128. And a discharge passage 1031f for discharging a game ball from the payout device 1033 to the outside of the ball-type rotary gaming machine 1010. In the lower dish guide passage 1031e, when the upper dish guide passage 1031d overflows with game balls, the game balls are introduced from the payout device 1033. The upper plate guide passage 1031d and the lower plate guide passage 1031e communicate with an upper plate discharge outlet (not shown) and a lower plate discharge outlet 1138 (see FIG. 1), respectively.

  The payout block main body 1031 is provided with a pair of upper and lower rotating shaft portions 1031g. In each rotating shaft portion 1031g, a bracket 1031h extends from the payout block main body 1031 in a substantially horizontal direction, and protrudes downward from the bracket 1031h. The front block 1020 is provided with an annular bearing portion (not shown) into which the rotary shaft portion 1031g is dropped, so that the front block 1020 and the payout block 1030 can be easily attached and detached.

  The game ball tank 1032 is a horizontally long box-shaped container that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the game ball circulation facility in the game machine installation island are sequentially replenished. The bottom of the game ball tank 1032 is gently inclined. The downstream end of the bottom of the game ball tank 1032 is opened to send the game ball to the tank rail 1034.

  A tank rail 1034 is attached below the game ball tank 1032. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are a top view and a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a tank rail, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B), the tank rail 1034 is one of four rows (four strips) of bowl-shaped passages ([array storage section]) partitioned by partition pieces 1034d and 1034e. Part: [part of [storage passage]]. Each bowl-shaped passage is gently inclined toward the downstream side. Four pendulums 1034a and 1034b are attached to the tank rail 1034 in two rows and two columns so as to rectify the game balls so that the game balls do not stack and flow. A ball stop lever 1034c for preventing the game ball from flowing from the tank rail 1034 to the case rail 1035 is attached to the downstream side of the pendulums 1034a and 1034b.

  The case rail 1035 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 1034. The case rail 1035 has a ball path (part of [alignment storage part]: part of [storage path]) 1035a curved in the front-rear and left-right directions with wavy undulations so that game balls do not flow vigorously. The ball break detection switch 1035b is assembled on the upstream side. The ball breakage detection switch 1035b indicates that there are not enough game balls inside the case rail 1035, that is, the ball is clogged upstream of the case rail 1035 and the game balls are not sufficiently supplied to the case rail 1035. Is detected. FIGS. 10A and 10B are longitudinal sectional views showing an example of the vicinity of the ball break detection switch. FIG. 10A shows a state with a sphere, and FIG. Represents a state. Based on the detection result of the ball-out detection switch 1035b, a ball-out error is notified when there is no ball as shown in FIG. Note that a plurality of case rails 1035 (for example, four) are connected in the front-rear direction corresponding to the number of bowl-shaped passages of the tank rail 1034.

  The payout device 1033 pays out a game ball by satisfying a predetermined winning condition or pressing a ball lending button 1306 (see FIG. 1) with a card inserted in a CR unit (not shown). In the present embodiment, the maximum number of acquired balls of a general ball game machine is 15 balls, whereas the maximum number of acquired balls of the ball-type revolving game machine 1010 is 75 balls. Compared to the above, from the viewpoint that the maximum number of balls acquired by the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 is larger, more payout devices 1033 are provided than the ball game machines so that the award balls can be quickly paid out. In other words, if the ball game machine is provided with two payout devices 1033, the game can proceed rapidly, but in the case of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010, the number of acquired balls is large and all prize balls must be paid out. Since there is a restriction that the next game (unit game) cannot be started, in this embodiment, four payout devices 1033 are provided in the front-rear direction to speed up the payout of prize balls, and the game can proceed without delay. It is like that.

  The mounting bases 1036a and 1036b are divided into two parts, and have ball passages 1036a1 and 1036b1 connected to the upper plate guide passage 1031d and the lower plate guide passage 1031e, and ball passages 1036a2 and 1036b2 connected to the discharge passage 1031f on the right side. Have. The upper parts of one of the ball paths 1036a1 and 1036b1 are slightly inclined toward the upper dish guide path 1031d, respectively, so that it is easier to guide the game ball to the upper dish guide path 1031d than the lower dish guide path 1031e. Further, the lower part of one of the ball passages 1036a1 and 1036b1 has a taper shape so as to extend over the upper plate guide passage 1031d and the lower plate guide passage 1031e. The other spherical passages 1036a2 and 1036b2 are configured such that the spherical passage 1036a2 on the back side merges with the spherical passage 1036b2 on the front side and continues to the discharge passage 1031f on the front side.

  11A to 11C are longitudinal sectional views showing an example of the configuration of the dispensing device. 11A shows that the game ball is being paid out, FIG. 11B shows the game ball being paid out to the upper plate, and FIG. 11C shows the case where the game ball is being discharged outside the game machine. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the payout device 1033 has a resin casing including a casing 1033a and a cover (not shown), and a payout flicker ([passage restricting device]) is provided inside the case. (Part) 1033b, a payout solenoid (part of [passage restricting device]) 1033c, and a switching piece 1033g. Inside the casing 1033a, there are a standby passage (a part of [aligned storage section]: a part of the storage passage) 1033d, a discharge passage 1033e extending substantially vertically downward on the downstream side of the standby passage 1033d, and a middle of the discharge passage 1033e. A discharge passage 1033f is formed that branches off from the pipe and extends obliquely downward. The switching piece 1033g is disposed at a branch portion from the payout passage 1033e to the discharge passage 1033f. Usually, since the switching piece 1033g is maintained substantially vertically upward, the game ball does not flow into the discharge passage 1033f.

  The payout flicker 1033b is a member that regulates the inflow of game balls from the standby passage 1033d to the payout passage 1033e. The payout flicker 1033b has a proximal end portion 1033b1 and a distal end portion 1033b2 that are rotatably connected by a support shaft 1033b3. The proximal end portion 1033b1 and the distal end portion 1033b2 of the payout flicker 1033b are rotatably supported by the spindles 1033a1 and 1033a2 of the casing 1033a, respectively. A gripping portion 1033b4 for gripping the tongue piece 1033c1 of the payout solenoid 1033c is provided at the base end portion 1033b1 of the payout flicker 1033b. Further, an opening / closing portion 1033b5 that can project at a boundary portion between the standby passage 1033d and the discharge passage 1033e is provided at the tip portion 1033b2 of the discharge flicker 1033b.

  The payout solenoid 1033c is energized by pressing a ball lending button 1306 when a predetermined winning condition is satisfied or a card is inserted into a CR unit (not shown), and contracts the piston (plunger) 1033c2 upward. Is. A knob portion 1033c3 having the tongue piece 1033c1 extending in the radial direction of the piston 1033c2 is attached to the tip of the piston 1033c2. In addition, a coil spring 1033c4 is provided on the periphery of the piston 1033c2. The coil spring 1033c4 biases the main body portion 1033c5 of the payout solenoid 1033c and the knob portion 1033c3 in a direction to separate them. That is, when the power supply to the dispensing solenoid 1033c is turned off, the piston 1033c2 moves downward by the urging force of the coil spring 1033c4.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the opening / closing portion 1033b5 of the payout flicker 1033b protrudes at the boundary between the standby passage 1033d and the payout passage 1033e, and the inflow of game balls from the standby passage 1033d to the payout passage 1033e is prohibited. When a predetermined winning condition is satisfied or the ball lending button 1306 is pressed with the remaining number in the frequency display portion 1352 in the prohibited passage state, the payout solenoid 1033c is energized. In response to energization, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), the piston 1033c2 is attracted to the main body portion 1033c5 and the base end portion 1033b1 of the payout flicker 1033b rotates counterclockwise in the drawing, and the payout flicker is interlocked with this. The tip portion 1033b2 of the 1033b rotates clockwise in the drawing. As a result, the opening / closing portion 1033b5 of the tip portion 1033b2 moves out of the passage from the boundary between the standby passage 1033d and the payout passage 1033e, and the passage permission that allows the flow of game balls from the standby passage 1033d into the payout passage 1033e is permitted. Transition to the state. When the passage is permitted, the game ball naturally falls due to its own weight. On the other hand, when the discharge solenoid 1033c is de-energized in the discharge flicker passage permission state shown in FIG. 11B, the piston 1033c2 is pulled away by the biasing force of the coil spring 1033c4, and the base end side of the discharge flicker 1033b. The portion 1033b1 rotates clockwise in the drawing, and in conjunction with this, the tip side portion 1033b2 of the payout flicker 1033b rotates counterclockwise in the drawing. As a result, the opening / closing portion 1033b5 of the distal end portion 1033b2 moves into the passage at the boundary between the standby passage 1033d and the payout passage 1033e, and returns to the passage prohibited state shown in FIG.

  A substantially L-shaped pressing piece 1033i for moving the knob portion 1033c3 up and down is provided below the payout solenoid 1033c. The pressing piece 1033i is rotatably attached to the support shaft 1033a3 of the casing 1033a, and presses the knob portion 1033c3 upward at the distal end portion 1033i1. A substantially fan-shaped operation lever 1033j (see FIG. 7) is disposed outside the casing 1033a. The operation lever 1033j can rotate around the rotation shaft 1033a4. The operating lever 1033j is connected to a protruding portion 1033g1 provided at the intermediate portion of the switching piece 1033g and a protruding portion 1033i2 provided at the proximal end portion of the pressing piece 1033i. That is, when the operation lever 1033j is operated, the switching piece 1033g and the pressing piece 1033i rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the operation lever 1033j.

  When the operation lever 1033j is operated counterclockwise in the drawing from the state shown in FIG. 11A, the switching piece 1033g is interlocked with the operation as shown in FIG. The discharge passage 1033e is blocked, the discharge passage 1033f is opened, and the knob 1033c3 of the discharge solenoid 1033c is pushed up by the pressing piece 1033i in conjunction with the operation, so that the discharge flicker 1033b is in the passage-permitted state. Become. Thereby, the inflow of game balls from the middle of the payout passage 1033e to the discharge passage 1033f is permitted, and the inflow of game balls from the standby passage 1033d to the payout passage 1033e is permitted. If the operation lever 1033j is operated as described above while preventing the game ball from flowing with the ball stop lever 1034c provided on the tank rail 1034, all the game balls stored downstream from the ball stop lever 1034c are removed. When the payout device 1033 and the case rail 1035 that can be discharged to the outside of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 break down, the payout device 1033 and the case rail 1035 (see FIG. 7) can be easily replaced.

  The payout device 1033 is provided with a payout count switch ([medium detection device]) 1033h having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The payout count switch 1033h is arranged immediately downstream of the opening / closing portion 1033b5 of the payout flicker 1033b, and detects a game ball falling in the payout passage 1033e. The number of game balls paid out based on the detection of game balls by the payout count switch 1033h is counted.

  A ball overflow detection switch 1031j is provided in the lower dish guide passage 1031e. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the vicinity of the ball overflow detection switch. FIG. 12A shows a normal state, and FIG. 12B shows a ball overflow state. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the ball overflow detection switch 1031j includes an operation unit 1031j1 and an operation detection unit 1031j2. When the number of game balls stored in the lower plate 1128 increases from the normal state shown in FIG. 12A, the game balls are stored in the lower plate guide passage 1031e, and the operation unit 1031j1 is connected to the operation detection unit 1031j2. Pressed in the direction. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the ball overflow detection switch 1031j is turned on as shown in FIG. 12B, and the ball overflow state is detected.

  The payout control device 1037 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls. As is well known, the CPU 1037a1, which is the center of control, the ROM 1037a2 which stores fixed data referred to by the control program and the control program, and the execution of the control program A payout control board 1037a (see FIG. 17) including a RAM 1037a3 for storing variable data to be referred to, various input / output ports 1037a4 for controlling input / output of the payout control device, and the like.

  The power supply control device 1038 supplies power of a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control devices based on external power. The power control device 1038 includes a power control board 1038 ', a power switch 1038a, a reset switch 1038b, a stop change switch 1038c, and a setting change switch (not shown). When the power switch 1038a is turned on, it supplies power to each unit including the CPU. When the reset switch 1038b is pressed and the power switch 1038a is simultaneously turned on, the contents of the RAM are reset. When the reset switch 1038b is pressed while the power switch 1038a is turned on, the error state is reset. The stop switch 1038c is for switching whether or not to temporarily stop the game at the end of the big bonus. The setting change key cylinder 1038d constitutes a setting change device. In the setting change device, the ball turnout rate of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 is determined in advance in a plurality of steps (for example, 6 steps), and the ball turnout rate is set in any step. The procedure for changing the setting is as follows. First, with the power switch 1038a turned off, a setting change key (not shown) is inserted into the key cylinder of the setting change switch and rotated 90 degrees clockwise. When the power switch 1038a is turned on in this state, the current probability setting is displayed as one of the numerical values “1” to “6” on the 7-segment LED display portion 1041g (see FIG. 14) on the front surface of the game block 1040 described later. Is done. Next, when the reset switch 1038b is pushed, the number displayed on the 7-segment LED display unit 1041g changes and increases by 1 (however, in the case of “6”, it returns to “1”). When the start lever 1124 (see FIG. 1) is pressed in a state where any one of “1” to “6” is displayed on the 7-segment LED display portion 1041g, the probability setting is confirmed.

  The CR unit connection terminal board 1039 is electrically connected to a ball lending button 1306 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 and a CR unit (not shown), and detects a ball lending operation by a player to detect the CR lending operation. A signal is output to the unit, or a signal is transmitted from the CR unit corresponding to the output to the dispensing control device 1037. Note that the CR unit connection terminal plate 1039 is unnecessary in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate 1302 (see FIG. 1) from an external ball lending device or the like without using a CR unit.

  The payout control device 1037 and the power supply control device 1038 are configured such that the payout control device 1037a and the power supply control device 1038 'are accommodated in a substrate case made of a transparent resin material or the like, respectively.

(Game block configuration)
As shown in FIG. 2, the game block 1040 is attached to the front block 1020 so as to be freely opened and closed. The opening / closing axis of the game block 1040 is the same as the opening / closing axis of the payout block 1030, and, like the payout block 1030, the game block 1040 is attached to be openable and detachable by a drop structure. The game block 1040 has a one-touch type stopper 1040a, and is connected and fixed to the payout block 1030 by the stopper 1040a. A stopper 1031i for hooking the stopper 1040a is fixed to the payout block 1030 side. In other words, the game block 1040 is integrated with the payout block 1030 and is opened and closed with respect to the front block 1020, and after being disconnected from the payout block 1030, the game block 1040 is configured to rotate forward with respect to the payout block 1030. The The game block 1040 is a main block that forms the core of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010, and the game block 1040 can be replaced by making such a game block 1040 easy to attach and detach as described above. By replacing the gaming block 1040, it is possible to change to a gaming machine having completely different gaming characteristics, and to reduce the cost of replacing a new gaming machine.

  FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of a game block. As shown in FIG. 13, the game block 1040 has a game panel 1041 that is visually recognized through a window hole 1102 (see FIG. 1) of the front panel 1100. The gaming panel 1041 includes a pair of upper and lower window holes 1041a and 1041b. A liquid crystal display device 1042 is attached to the back side of the game panel 1041 corresponding to the upper window hole 1041a, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1042 can be viewed through the upper window hole 1041a. In addition, the rotating unit 1043 is attached to the back side of the game panel 1041 corresponding to the lower window hole 1041b, and the symbol display by the rotating unit 1043 can be visually recognized through the lower window hole 1041b. Further, on the back side of the game panel 1041, a main control device 1045 is attached to one side of the spinning unit 1043 via a main mounting base 1044, and a sub-control is provided behind the liquid crystal display device 1042 via a sub mounting base 1046. A device 1047 is attached. The main controller 1045 is arranged in a vertically long shape so as to be orthogonal to the game panel 1041.

  FIG. 14 is a front view of the game block 1040. 14 shows a state in which a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols (for example, 21 symbols) are attached in a row from the rotating drum unit 1043 and strip-shaped symbol stickers 1043L, 1043M, and 1043R (see FIG. 15) are removed.

  From the lower window hole 1041b of the gaming panel 1041, three of the symbols of the symbol seals 1043L, 1043M, and 1043R attached to each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are exposed from the lower window hole 1041b. In FIG. 14, a pair of left and right nine pairs of LEDs 1043L1, 1043M1, and 1043R1 are exposed in three rows and three columns.

  An effective line display portion 1041c is provided on the left side of the lower window hole 1041b of the game panel 1041. The active line display unit 1041c includes a 1-bet display unit 1041c1, 2-bet display units 1041c2 and 1041c2 arranged above and below, and 3-bet display units 1041c3 and 1041c3 arranged at the uppermost and lowermost levels. The predetermined bet display portions 1041c1 to 1041c3 are lit according to the number of bets on the game balls.

  On the both sides of the upper window hole 1041a of the game panel 1041, there are provided electric accessories 1041d and 1041e. In addition, on the right side of the lower window hole 1041b, an electric accessory 1041f, a 7-segment LED display unit 1041g, and an LED display unit 1041h are arranged in this order from the top. These electric actors 1041d, 1041e, and 1041f are used for game effects, big bonus or regular bonus confirmation notifications, and the like. The 7-segment LED display unit 1041g is a part for displaying the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts, an error code, the total number of payouts in the bonus, and six levels of settings when changing the settings. The LED display unit 1041h is provided with four LEDs. Among them, the upper three LEDs constitute a bet number display portion 1041h1. The bet number display section 1041h1 displays the bet number within a range of 1 to 3 by turning on the number of LEDs corresponding to the number of game balls inserted into the selector 1400. The remaining one LED is a re-game display unit 1041h2. The replay display section 1041h2 is lit when the replay symbols (the symbols displayed as “re” in a substantially fan-shaped frame) of the symbol stickers 1043L, 1043M, and 1043R shown in FIG. 16 are aligned on the active line. This is to notify that the next unit game can be played without a betting of a game ball. When the start lever 1124 is pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the replay symbols are aligned on the active line, the replay display portion 1041h2 is turned off as the rotating cylinders L, M, and R rotate.

  Further, an information posting panel (not shown) exposed from the central panel portion 1112 is attached below the lower window hole 1041b. A certificate 1041i and a model name sticker 1041j are affixed to one end of the information posting panel. Further, as shown by a broken line, a fluorescent lamp 1041k for illuminating the information posting panel from the rear side is disposed inside the information posting panel.

  The liquid crystal display device 1042 is a notification effect for winning a small role during a normal game, a suggestion effect for suggesting that the game state transitions from a normal game state to a bonus state, an effect during a big bonus or a regular bonus, Display of the number of small-games and the number of JAC games, the effect of notifying that a specific gaming state (for example, an RT state in which replay is easy to win), the timing and order of pressing of the spinning cylinder stop buttons 1126L, 1126M, 1126R An effect to notify the user is performed.

  FIG. 15 is a partial exploded perspective view of an example of the rotating drum unit 1043. As shown in FIG. 15, the rotating drum unit 1043 has three rotating drums (so-called reels) L, M, and R, and each of the rotating drums L, M, and R is stored in the rotating drum unit frame 1043a. is there. Since each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R has substantially the same configuration, the right spinning cylinder R will be described as an example.

  The right drum R is obtained by winding a symbol seal 1043R on which 21 symbols (identification elements) are drawn at equal intervals around the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical skeleton member 1043R2 forming a cylindrical cage, and the cylindrical skeleton member 1043R2 Is attached to the rotating shaft 1043R5 of the stepping motor 1043R4 for the right turn cylinder via the disk-shaped reinforcing plate 1043R3.

  The stepping motor 1043R4 for the right swirl is screwed to a motor plate 1043R6 that is suspended from the swivel unit frame 1043a. The motor plate 1043R6 has a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements. A position detection sensor 1043R7 is installed. A pair of photosensor elements (not shown) that constitute the rotation position detection sensor 1043R7 are arranged in the sensor casing while maintaining a predetermined interval.

  A sensor cut bang 1043R9 extending in the axial direction is attached to one of the five vehicle radii 1043R8 of the cylindrical skeleton member 1043R2. The sensor cut bang 1043R9 is aligned so that it can pass through the gap between both elements of the rotation position detection sensor 1043R7. Then, every time the right cylinder R makes one rotation, the cylinder position detection sensor 1043R7 detects the passage of the tip of the sensor cut bang 1043R9, and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 1045 each time it is detected. Based on this detection signal, main controller 1045 can check and correct the angular position of right cylinder R every rotation.

  The stepping motor 1043R4 is set so that the right cylinder R makes one round by a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; hereinafter the same), and the rotational position is controlled by this excitation pulse. That is, since the 21 symbols are sequentially exposed from the lower window hole 1041b of the gaming panel 1041 when the right turn R makes one round, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) are switched from one symbol to the next. ). Based on the number of pulses from the time when the detection signal of the rotation position detection sensor 1043R7 is output, it is recognized which symbol is exposed from the window hole 1041b, or an arbitrary symbol is exposed from the window hole 1041b. Control can be performed. In this embodiment, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor employing a 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the stepping motor 1043R4. The stepping motor 1043R4 is not limited to a hybrid type or two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a three-phase stepping motor and a five-phase stepping motor can be used. A drive signal (drive signal data) for the stepping motor 1043R4 is given to the motor driver 1070 (see FIG. 17) as excitation data.

  The main control device 1045 is responsible for the main control of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010. Specifically, the main control device 1045 receives a signal from the start lever 1124 and receives a winning combination (big bonus, regular bonus, small combination, replay). And a command signal is issued to the sub-control device 1047 and the payout control device 1037 based on the lottery result. As shown in FIG. 17, the main controller 1045 has a configuration in which a CPU 1045a1 that controls the main control, a ROM 1045a2 that stores a game program, a RAM 1045a3 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, and various devices are connected. A main control board 1045a including an output port 1045a4, a random number generation circuit 1045a5 used for various lotteries, a clock circuit 1045a6 used for time counting and synchronization, and a transparent resin that accommodates the main control board 1045a A substrate case 1045b (1045b1, 1045b2) (see FIG. 13) made of a material or the like is used.

  The sub control device 1047 is lit and blinking various LED units such as the LED unit 1104 (see FIG. 1) and the upper and lower speakers 1106 and 1204 (see FIG. 1) based on a command signal (command) issued from the main control device 1045. Control is performed on the sound effect emitted, the display mode displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1042, and the like. The configuration of the sub-control device 1047 is the same as that of the main control device 1045. The sub-control including the CPU for controlling the above various LEDs, the upper and lower speakers 1106, 1204, and the liquid crystal display device 1042, and other ROM, RAM, input / output ports, etc. A substrate 1047a and a substrate case 1047b (1047b1, 1047b2) made of a transparent resin material or the like that accommodates the sub-control substrate 1047a.

(Control system for ball-type spinning machine)
A control system of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a ball-type spinning machine.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the main control board 1045a functions as control means configured as a microcomputer centering on the CPU 1045a1, which is arithmetic processing means, and is a ROM (or flash memory) 1045a2 for temporarily storing processing programs. A working RAM 1045a3 and an input / output port 1045a4 for storing data are connected to the CPU 1045a1 via an internal bus.

  The input / output port 1045a4 of the main control board 1045a has a reset signal from the reset switch 1038b, a setting signal from the setting key switch 1038d1, a 1-bet signal from the bet button 1114, a maximum bet signal from the max bet button 1304, and a selector 1400. The auxiliary passage detection signals from the count sensors 1416a1, 1416b1, 1416c1 for detecting the game balls taken in by the player, and the upper elements 1415a1, 1415b1, 1415c1 in the passage sensors 1415a, 1415b, 1415c for detecting the game balls taken in by the selector 1400 Upstream passage detection signals from the lower element passage sensors 1415a2, 1415b2, 1415c2 in the passage sensors 1415a, 1415b, 1415c, A variation start signal from the moving lever 1124, a stop signal from each of the spinning cylinder stop buttons 1126L, 1126M, 1126R, a detection signal from the spinning cylinder position detection sensors 1043L7, 1043M7, 1043R7, and a payout period of the game ball by the payout device 1033 are identified. Out-of-payout signal, payout count signal based on the payout count switch signal from the payout count switch 1033h, out-of-ball detection signal for identifying the storage state of the game ball for payout based on the out-of-ball detection switch signal from the out-of-ball detection switch 1035b, etc. Is entered.

  Further, from the input / output port 1045a4 of the main control board 1045a, a closing solenoid based on the driving signals of the closing solenoids 1414a, 1414b, 1414c based on the bet signals from the bet buttons 1114, 1304 and the counting values of the passage sensors 1415a, 1415b, 1415c. 1414a, 1414b, 1414c drive stop signals, fluctuation start signals from the start lever 1124, and drive signals for the stepping motors for spinning cylinders 1043L4, 1043M4, 1043R4 based on stop command signals from the spinning cylinder stop buttons 1126L, 1126M, 1126R, etc. Is output. In addition, a control signal for controlling the content of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1042, the sound effect emitted from the speakers 1106, 1204, the lighting / flashing of the upper LED unit 1104, etc. is output to the sub-control board 1047a.

  The above-described CPU 1045a1 includes a ROM 1045a2 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 1045a1 and fixed value data, and a work area that temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 1045a2. In addition to the working RAM 1045a3 for securing the above, various processing circuits necessary for the ball-type rotating game machine 1010 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, etc. are built in, as is well known, although not shown. ing.

  The ROM 1045a2 and the RAM 1045a3 constitute a main memory, and a processing program (including an output control information generation processing program) for executing various processes is stored in the ROM 1045a2 described above as a part of the processing program. In the RAM 1045a3, a plurality of work areas are secured functionally. As is well known, in addition to a stack memory (stack memory area) for storing the value of the program counter provided in the CPU 1045a1, in this example, a power failure flag memory for storing a power failure flag and a stack for storing a stack pointer Memory for storing pointers, memory for checksum correction values for storing correction values related to the checksums of data stored in the RAM 1045a3, and memories such as a power recovery command buffer and a power recovery command counter used during power recovery Area is secured.

  In addition to various I / O devices, the input / output port 1045a4 includes a payout control board 1037a, a sub-control board 1047a, a gaming machine management device (not shown) such as a computer for a hall manager, an external information display device, etc. Are connected to an external concentration terminal board capable of transmitting information to the power supply, a power failure monitoring circuit 1038f provided on the power supply control board 1038 ', and further to the closing solenoids 1414a, 1414b, 1414c.

  The power supply control board 1038 ′ is equipped with a power supply unit 1038 e that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 including the main control board 1045 a, the power failure monitoring circuit 1038 f described above, and the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 1038f monitors the power-off state, and generates a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also at the time of power-off by the power switch 1038a. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 1038f monitors the 24 VDC stabilized drive voltage output from the power supply unit 1038e, and determines that the power has been disconnected when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 22 volts. A signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 1045a1 and the input / output port 1045a4, and the CPU 1045a1 recognizes this power failure signal to execute the power failure process. The power supply unit 1038e is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main control board 1045a even when the output voltage is reduced to less than 22 volts. As a time during which the stabilization voltage is output, a sufficient time is secured to execute the power failure process by the main control board 1045a.

  Further, when the reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 1038b at the same time when the stabilization drive voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 1038e, the main control board 1045a erases the information written in the RAM 1045a3 and stabilizes from the power supply unit 1038e. When a reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 1038b in the state in which the drive voltage is supplied, various error states are reset.

  Furthermore, when the power is turned on after the setting key switch 1038d1 is turned on when the power is turned off, that is, when the power is turned on after inserting the setting key into the setting change key cylinder 1038d and turning it on, It will be in the state which can change the 10-ball pitch rate. In this state, when a reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 1038b, the bonus probability and the small role probability of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 are changed, and the change result is represented by the numbers “1” to “6”. It outputs to 7 segment LED display part 1041g (refer FIG. 14). Then, when a signal is received from the start lever 1124 in a state where a desired number of “1” to “6” is displayed on the 7-segment LED display portion 1041g, the exit rate (setting) of the ball-type rotating game machine 1010 is set. ) Is determined to be the starting rate corresponding to the number displayed.

  The payout control board 1037a has a configuration substantially similar to that of the main control board 1045a, and includes a CPU, a ROM (or flash memory) for storing a processing program, a working (working) RAM for temporarily storing data, Input / output ports and the like are connected to the CPU via an internal bus.

  A control process executed on the main control board 1045a will be described. The control processing of the main control board 1045a is roughly divided into main processing that is activated in response to power recovery due to resumption of external power supply or turning on the power switch 1038a, and interrupt processing that interrupts the main processing. The For convenience of explanation, after describing the interrupt process, the main process will be described. As interrupt processing, there are power failure interrupt processing for interrupting in response to reception of a power failure signal at the NMI terminal and timer interrupt processing for periodically interrupting by measuring time with a timer.

  First, the power failure interrupt process will be described. When a power failure occurs, a power failure signal is generated by the power failure monitoring circuit 1038f of the power control board 1038 'and output to the main control board 1045a. In main control board 1045a, an NMI terminal of CPU 1045a1 receives a power failure signal, and an interrupt process (not shown) for setting a power failure flag in response to the reception of the power failure signal (hereinafter referred to as “power failure interrupt process”) is executed. In the power failure interrupt process, first, the data of the register currently used is saved in the backup area in the RAM 1045a3 ("register save process"). After the register saving process, the power failure flag is set (“power failure flag setting process”). The power failure flag is information indicating the occurrence of a power failure state held in a specific area in the RAM 1045a3. After the power failure flag setting process, the CPU 1045a1 is notified of the end of the process in its own interrupt ("interrupt end declaration process"). After the interrupt end declaration process, the register data saved in the backup area of the RAM 1045a3 in the register saving process is restored to the register of the CPU 1045a1 ("register restoration process"). After the register restoration process, a new interrupt is permitted (“interrupt permission process”). The power failure interrupt process ends when the interrupt permission process is completed. If the power failure flag setting process can be performed without destroying the data in the register in use, the register saving process and the register restoring process can be omitted.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing in the main control board 1045a. In the main control board 1045a, a timer interrupt process is periodically performed. In this embodiment, the timer interrupt process is substantially performed at a period of 1.49 ms [milliseconds].

  In the timer interrupt process, first, information on all registers used in the normal process in the main process described later is stored in the backup area of the RAM 1045a3 ("interrupt start process" S1101). After the interruption start process S1101, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set (S1102). When the power failure flag is set, the backup process S1103 is executed.

  In the backup process S1103, first, it is determined whether or not the transmission of various commands stored in the ring buffer has been completed. If the transmission of these commands has not ended, the backup process S1103 is temporarily ended and control returns to the timer interrupt process. This is control for completing the transmission of the command before starting the backup process S1103. On the other hand, when the transmission of these commands is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 1045a1 is saved in the backup area in the RAM 1045a3 ("stack pointer saving process"). After the stack pointer saving process, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 1045a4 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off ("stop process"). After the stop process, a new RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area (“RAM determination value storage process”). The RAM determination value is a 2's complement of the checksum value in the work area of the RAM 1045a3. Here, the 2's complement of the tick sum value is a value generated when each digit (bit) of the check sum value is inverted in binary representation. In this case, the value obtained by adding 1 to the exclusive OR (“FFFF”) of the checksum value of the RAM 1045a3 and the RAM determination value is “0”. In this embodiment, the complement of the checksum value is used as the RAM determination value. However, in the present invention, the checksum value itself may be used as the RAM determination value. After the RAM determination value storage process, access to the RAM 1045a3 is prohibited ("RAM access prohibition process"). Thereafter, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where processing cannot be executed due to complete interruption of internal power. For example, in consideration of a case where the power failure flag is erroneously set due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is still input before entering the infinite loop. If the power failure signal is not output, the internal power supply is restored, so that writing to the RAM 1045a3 is permitted, the power failure flag is released, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. On the other hand, if the power failure signal is continuously input, an infinite loop is entered as it is (not shown).

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the command transmission has been completed at the initial stage of the backup processing S1103, and when those transmissions are incomplete, the transmission processing is prioritized. By adopting a configuration in which the backup process S1103 is executed after the command transmission process is completed, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program that also considers that the backup process is executed during the command transmission. As a result, it is possible to simplify the program related to the processing at the time of a power failure and to reduce the capacity of the ROM 1045a2. The power supply unit 1038e of the power supply control board 1038 ′ outputs backup power used as drive power for the control system for a sufficient time to complete the power failure interrupt process and the backup process even after a power failure occurs. . With this backup power, backup processing of power failure interrupt processing and timer interrupt processing is performed. In this embodiment, backup power continues to be output for 30 ms [milliseconds] after the occurrence of a power failure.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1102 that the power failure flag is not set, a watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is initialized, and an interrupt permission is issued to the CPU 1045a1 itself ("interrupt end declaration"). Process "S1104).

  After the interrupt end declaration process S1104, the left stepping motor 1043L4 for rotating the left cylinder L, the middle stepping motor 1043M4 for rotating the middle cylinder M, and the right stepping motor 1043R4 for rotating the right cylinder R The drive is controlled ("left cylinder motor control process" S1105, "middle cylinder motor control process" S1106, "right cylinder motor control process" S1107).

  After various spinning motor control processes S1105 to S1107, the states of various switches and sensors connected to the input / output port 1045a4 are monitored ("switch reading process" S1108). The RAM 1045a3 includes information on the on / off state detected by the current timer interrupt, information on the on / off state detected by the previous timer interrupt, and information on the on / off state detected by the previous timer interrupt. Information on state changes (rising and falling) based on on / off states detected by previous and current timer interrupts, and state changes based on on / off states detected by current and previous and previous timer interrupts Such information is also held, and in the switch reading process S1108, the information is updated for each timer interrupt.

  After the switch reading process S1108, the state of the sensors in various devices connected to the input / output port 1045a4 is monitored ("sensor monitoring process" S1109). In the sensor monitoring process S1109, the number of game balls passing through the count sensor is measured. In the sensor monitoring process S1109, the occurrence of an error is detected according to the state of various sensors and other related information. Note that specific error control and error notification control are performed during a variation waiting process of a normal game process (to be described later, for example, an insertion error process and a payout error process). In the sensor monitoring process S1109, not only the sensors connected to the main control board 1045a are monitored, but also information based on some sensors connected via the payout control board 1037a (for example, based on the payout count sensor). The payout count signal and the payout signal indicating the payout period) are also substantially monitored.

  Here, the sensor monitoring process S1109 will be described. First, it is determined whether or not a payout operation is being performed, and it is determined whether or not reception of a payout count signal from the payout control board 1037a is detected. Specifically, whether or not the payout operation is being performed is determined as a payout operation when reception of a payout signal from the payout control board 1037a is detected, and a payout operation when it is not detected. Judge that it is not in. If the payout count signal is received even though the payout operation is not in progress, it is determined that the game ball has not passed normally due to payout, and an out-of-period payout error flag is set (out-of-period payout error flag). Setting process). When the out-of-period payout error flag is set, an error process is executed and an error is notified in a payout error process described later.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a closing operation is being performed, and it is determined whether or not a passage sensor signal is detected. Specifically, whether or not the closing operation is in progress is determined as a closing operation when the closing operation period flag is set, and is not in the closing operation when the closing operation period flag is not set. It is determined. When the upstream passage detection signal or the downstream passage detection signal from the passage sensors 1415a to 1415c is received even though the throwing operation is not being performed, it is determined that the game ball does not pass due to the normal throwing, and the time is out The input error flag is set (out-of-period input error flag setting process). When the out-of-period input error flag is set, error processing is executed and the occurrence of a number error is notified in input error processing (see S1403 in FIG. 21) described later. Next, when the signal states from various sensors have changed, the sensor detection information is updated (“sensor detection information update process”).

  After the sensor detection information update process, the number of game balls that normally pass through the count sensors 1416a to 1416c (number of auxiliary throws) is counted (auxiliary throw number counting process). Here, the auxiliary input number counting process will be described in detail. In the auxiliary input number counting process, first, if the falling of the auxiliary passage detection signal from any of the strips is detected, the value of the auxiliary thrown-in number is added to the value added by the number of the strips that detected the falling. Updated (auxiliary input number addition processing). After the auxiliary insertion number addition process, it is determined whether or not a number comparison timer for determining the timing for comparing the value of the input number and the value of the auxiliary input number is set. Specifically, when the value of the number comparison timer is larger than “0”, it is determined that the number comparison timer is set, and when it is “0”, the number comparison timer is released. Determined. The number comparison timer is a software timer that is set to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, “203” corresponding to about 300 ms) in accordance with the operation of the start lever 1124 by the player. If the number comparison timer is not set, the auxiliary insertion number counting process ends. On the other hand, when the number comparison timer is not set, the value of the number comparison timer is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value (number comparison timer update process). After the number comparison timer update process, it is determined whether or not the number comparison timer is released. When the number comparison timer is released, the auxiliary insertion number counting process S810 ends. On the other hand, if the number comparison timer has not been released, it is determined whether or not the game is in the re-game state. If the game is in the re-game state, the auxiliary insertion number counting process is terminated. If it is determined in the determination process that the game is not in the re-gaming state, it is determined whether or not the number of auxiliary inputs is equal to or greater than the number of inputs. If the number of auxiliary inputs is equal to or greater than the number of inputs, the auxiliary input number counting process S810 ends. If the number of auxiliary inputs is less than the input number, a number error flag is set (number error flag setting process), and then the auxiliary number is counted. The input number counting process ends.

  After the auxiliary input number counting process, it is determined whether a state to be notified has occurred or has been changed. If there is no change in the state to be notified, the sensor monitoring process ends. On the other hand, in the case of an affirmative determination, a sensor detection command corresponding to the state to be notified is set (sensor detection command setting process), and the sensor monitoring process ends. The set sensor detection command is output in a command output process (S1112 in FIG. 18) described later.

  After the sensor monitoring process S1109, various counter values and various timer values are subtracted ("timer subtraction process" S1110). After the timer subtraction process S1110, the bet number and the acquired number of balls are output to an external concentration terminal board (not shown) in order to count the number of difference balls (the difference between the total number of bets and the total number of bets) Count processing "S1111). After the difference ball counting process S1111, various commands accumulated in the ring buffer are transmitted to the sub control board 1047a (“command output process” S1112). After the command output process S1112, the segment data displayed on the 7-segment LED display unit 1041g and the like is set ("segment data setting process" S1113). The segment data set in the segment data setting process S1113 is transmitted to a predetermined segment data display device in the 7-segment LED display unit 1041g or the like (“segment data display process” S1114). Accordingly, the 7-segment LED display unit 1041g and the like display numbers, characters, symbols, and the like corresponding to the received segment data. Data is output from the input / output port 1045a4 to the I / O device or the like ("port output processing" S1115). After the port output process S1115, the data of each register saved in the backup area in the interrupt start process S1101 is restored to the predetermined register of the CPU 1045a1, and the next timer interrupt is permitted ("interrupt end process" S1116). Through the above processing, a series of timer interrupt processing ends.

  The main process in the main control board 1045a will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main processing of the main control board. The main process of the main control board 1045a is executed when returning from the power failure state.

  In the main processing of the main control board 1045a, first, an initial value of the stack pointer is set, an interrupt mode that permits interrupt processing is set, and various settings for the register group and I / O device in the CPU 1045a1 are performed. ("Start-up process" S1201). After the start-up process S1201, a setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 1038d1, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation (right rotation operation or the like) is performed (on state or off state) (S1202). If it is determined that the setting key switch 1038d1 has been operated, 1 is selected from a predetermined plurality of types of probability settings (in this embodiment, six-stage settings from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”). Data in all areas of the RAM 1045a3 excluding a predetermined area that holds the set values of the two probability settings is forcibly cleared ("forced RAM clear processing" S1203). After the forced RAM clear process S1203, the current setting value can be reset (setting re-setting) ("probability setting selection process" S1204). In changing the set value, the operation of the reset switch 1038b and the operation of the start lever 1124 are used. After the probability setting selection process S1204, the process proceeds to the normal game process.

  When it is determined in the determination process S1202 that the setting key switch 1038d1 is not operated, the set value of the selected probability setting is a value within a predetermined range (for example, “1” to “6”). It is determined whether or not (S1205). It should be noted that the set value takes only a value within a predetermined range unless an abnormal situation such as mechanical or electrical destruction of the RAM 1045a3 occurs between the occurrence of the power failure state and the return from the power failure state. Absent. If the set value is within a predetermined range, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is set (S1206). When the power failure flag is set, the checksum value of the work area of the RAM 1045a3 is newly calculated, and it is determined whether or not the new checksum value is normal (S1207). The new checksum value is normal means that the new checksum value and the checksum value before the occurrence of the power failure state are the same, that is, the new checksum value and the RAM determination held in the backup area of the RAM 1045a3. It means that the value obtained by adding 1 to the exclusive OR with the value is “0”. This value is “0” when the new checksum value and the checksum value before the occurrence of the power failure are the same, and other than “0” when they are different. This value is not other than “0” unless an abnormal situation such as mechanical or electrical destruction of the RAM 1045a3 occurs between the occurrence of the power failure state and the return from the power failure state. If it is determined in the determination process S1205 that the set value of the probability setting is not a value within the predetermined range, if it is determined in the determination process S1206 that the power failure flag is not set, or a new checksum is determined in the determination process S1207. If it is determined that the value obtained by adding 1 to the exclusive OR of the value and the RAM determination value is other than “0”, the interrupt is prohibited, all the output ports of the input / output port 1045a4 are cleared, All the actuators connected to the input / output port 1045a4 are turned off, and error processing and error notification processing for notifying the occurrence of the error are performed ("recovery error processing" S1208). This error state and error notification state continue until the reset switch 1038b is operated.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1207 that the new checksum value is normal, the value of the stack pointer stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 1045a1, and the value of the stack pointer is before the occurrence of the power failure state. ("Program return process" S1209). As a result, after returning from the power failure state, it is possible to resume from the process interrupted by the occurrence of the power failure state. After the program recovery process S1208, a power recovery command indicating recovery from the power failure state is set ("power recovery command setting process" S1210). As a result, the power recovery command is transmitted to the payout control board 1037a and the sub control board 1047a. After the power recovery command setting process S1210, the state of the stop change switch 1038c is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 (“game form setting process” S1211). After the game form setting process S1212, the sensor states of various devices are initialized ("sensor initialization process" S1212). After the sensor initialization process S1212, the power failure flag is canceled ("power failure flag cancellation process" S1213). After the power failure flag release process S1213, when there are remaining game balls to be paid out, such as when a power failure occurs during payout, a payout command is set in order to resume payout that has ended halfway (" Midway payout completion processing ”S1214). After the midway payout completion process S1214, the process is resumed from the process at the address before the occurrence of the power failure indicated by the stack pointer. Specifically, an interrupt end declaration process S1104 (see FIG. 18) after the backup process S1103 (see FIG. 18) in the timer interrupt process described above is executed.

  A normal process for performing main control related to the game at normal time will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal game process executed on the main control board 1045a. The normal game process of the main control board 1045a is executed after the end of the probability setting process S1204 (see FIG. 19) in the main process. Further, after the completion of the midway payout completion processing S1214 (see FIG. 19), the normal game processing is executed halfway.

  In the normal game process, as shown in FIG. 20, first, interrupt permission is set (“interrupt permission setting process” S1301). After the interrupt permission setting process S1301, the state of the stop change switch 1038c for determining the game form is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 ("game form setting process" S1302). The game form setting process S1302 is substantially the same process as the game form setting process S1211 in the main process (see FIG. 19). After the game form setting process S1302, the process proceeds to the loop process described below. In the following, a case where a continuous game is in progress will be described.

  In the loop process, first, data in an area holding information that changes for each unit game in the RAM 1045a3 is cleared (“game information clear process” S1303). Specifically, information related to the previous game is cleared. The information to be cleared includes, for example, information related to random numbers, information related to control of the reels L, M, and R, information related to winning, and information related to errors. Information related to winning includes information such as winning symbols, winning lines and the number of balls acquired.

  After the game information clear process S1303, it waits while performing a predetermined process until a change start signal is input ("change wait process" S1304). Here, the variable standby process S1304 will be described in detail. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation standby process.

  In the variable waiting process S1304, first, a game monitoring timer is set (“game monitoring timer setting process” S1401). Here, the setting of the game monitoring timer means that the value of the timer is reset and a new time measurement by the timer is started. The game monitoring timer is a software timer for measuring a game interval, and when a predetermined time has elapsed without being played by the player, the image on the liquid crystal display device 1042 is transferred to a predetermined image (demonstration image). Used to make

  After the game monitoring timer setting process S1401, it is determined whether or not a re-game player has won a prize in the previous unit game. If a re-game player has been won, the number of bets in the previous unit game is automatically set. To the same number of bets (“automatic betting process” S1402).

  After the automatic betting process S1402, the selector 1400 confirms whether or not an error that causes a game ball to be inserted outside the insertion period has occurred. If an error has occurred, an error process is executed, An insertion error command for notifying the speaker units 1106, 1204, various effect LED units 1104, 1108, 1110, 1148, 1150, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. is stored in the ring buffer (“input error processing” S1403). ). For example, a case where an upstream passage detection signal or a downstream passage detection signal is received from the passage sensors 1415a, 1415b, 1415c outside the game ball insertion period can be mentioned. Specifically, these detections are made based on the detection performed in the sensor monitoring process S1109 (see FIG. 18) in the timer interrupt process, and it is determined whether or not the input error flag is set. Various processes are executed when is set. The input error command stored in the ring buffer is output to the sub-control board 1047a in the command output process S1112 of the timer interrupt process executed after the storage. In the following, various commands stored in the ring buffer are output to the sub-control board 1047a in the command output process S1112 of the timer interrupt process executed after the storage, similar to the case of the input error command.

  After the insertion error process S1403, it is determined whether or not an out-of-period payout error (“out-of-payout payout abnormality”) has occurred in the payout device 1033, and an out-of-period payout error has occurred in the payout device 1033 Is an out-of-period payout error for notifying an out-of-period payout error to the speaker units 1106, 1204, various effect LED units 1104, 1108, 1110, 1148, 1150, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. The command (a type of error command) is stored in the ring buffer (“payout error processing” S1404). Specifically, whether the payout signal from the payout control board 1037a is in an on state (within a payout period) or an off state (outside a payout period), and whether the payout count signal is in an on state or an off state. If it is determined that the paying out signal is in the off state (outside the payout period) and the payout count signal is in the on state, it is determined that the payout error is out of period. Note that the same payout error process may be executed while waiting for some input from the player even during other processes, for example, when waiting for a rotation stop during rotation of the rotation.

  After the payout error process S1404, it is determined whether or not the return lever 1386 is operated. The number of game balls that have been thrown in after waiting for the end of the operation of the return lever 1386 (the number of balls that have been thrown in) is returned ("Return Processing" S1406).

  After the return process S1406, a process for betting a game ball and a process associated with the bet are executed in accordance with the operation of the 1 bet button 1114 or the max bet button 1304 (game ball bet process).

  After the completion of the game ball betting process S1407, as shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not the bet number is less than the minimum prescribed number (S1408). If the bet number is less than the minimum prescribed number, the insertion error process S1403 to the determination process S1408 are repeated. On the other hand, if the bet number is not less than the minimum prescribed number, it is determined whether or not a change start signal corresponding to the operation of the start lever 1124 has been received (S1409). If the variation start signal has not been received, the process from the insertion error process S1403 to the determination process S1409 is repeated. On the other hand, when the fluctuation start signal is received, the fluctuation waiting process S1304 ends. As described above, through the processing steps (S1401 to S1409), the variable waiting process S1304 is completed.

  After the variable waiting process S1304, as shown in FIG. 20, the value of the random number counter latched by hardware when the start lever 1124 is operated is read and stored in the RAM 1045a3 (“random number generation”). Process "S1305). When the start lever 1124 is operated, the random number counter is latched by hardware so that the operation of the start lever 1124 and the acquisition of the random number value are synchronized in time. Although the value of the random number counter can be read out by software, in this case, the time from the operation of the start lever 1124 to the acquisition of the random number value is more uneven than in the case of latching in hardware.

  After the random number generation process S1305, the winning combination corresponding to the random value acquired in the random number generation process S1305 is determined with reference to the random number table corresponding to the probability setting, the number of bets, and the gaming state, and according to the type of the winning combination Winning flags (for example, Big Bonus Winning Flag, Regular Bonus Winning Flag, Cherry Winning Flag, Bell Winning Flag, Watermelon Winning Flag, Replay Winning Flag) are set. A set value command representing a value is set ("internal lottery process" S1306). Winning roles include, for example, a big bonus role (hereinafter also referred to as “BB”), a regular bonus role (hereinafter also referred to as “RB”), and various small roles (in this embodiment, a cherry role, a bell role, and a watermelon role) , A re-playing role and a losing role. A plurality of types of winning combinations may be selected in the unit game.

  After the internal lottery processing S1306, based on the winning combination, the number of bets and the gaming state, one manual stop control table used for controlling each of the cylinders L, M, R from the manual stop control table group held in the ROM 1045a2 is reference-controlled. The table is selected as a table, and the table number of the reference control table is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 ("rotation initialization process" S1307). When the winning combination is other than losing, slip control is performed in accordance with this reference control table to rotate the rotating cylinder extra within a predetermined range (5 symbols) in order to win the winning combination as much as possible. When the winning combination is lost, the same slip control is performed in order not to win other winning combinations. This reference control table is reselected from the manual stop control table group as necessary. Details will be described in a rotation control process S1309 described later.

  After the rotation initialization process S1307, a symbol variation standby process S1308 is executed. In the symbol variation standby process S1308, first, it is determined whether or not the measurement time by the symbol variation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined specified time (for example, 4.1 seconds). Here, the “symbol fluctuation monitoring timer” is a timer that measures the elapsed time from the time of the last symbol display fluctuation start. When the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is less than a predetermined specified time, a symbol fluctuation standby command (internal state) indicating that the specified time has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as “symbol fluctuation waiting state”). Command) is stored in the ring buffer. Note that the player is informed of the symbol variation standby state by a variation standby state display device (not shown). After that, whether or not the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined specified time while the symbol fluctuation standby state is being notified until the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer reaches or exceeds the predetermined specified time. The determination is repeated. On the other hand, when the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined specified time, the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is reset and started, the notification of the standby state for the specified time is stopped, and the predetermined specified time has elapsed. A specified time elapse command (a kind of internal state command) indicating this and a bet number command for output to the external concentration terminal board are stored in the ring buffer. Thereafter, information related to drive control of each of the stepping motors 1043L4, 1043M4, and 1043R4 of the rotating drum unit 1043 in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 is initialized for starting rotation. For example, the value of the wait timer is set to “0”, and the value of the acceleration counter is set to “26”. Note that the actual driving of each of the stepping motors 1043L4, 1043M4, and 1043R4 is controlled by various rotary motor control processes S1105 to S1107 (see FIG. 18) of the timer interrupt process.

  After the symbol variation standby process S1308, a rotation control process S1309 for controlling the rotation of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R in the spinning cylinder unit 1043 is executed. Here, the rotation control process S1309 will be described in detail. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the rotation control process.

  In the rotation control process S1309, information on the rotation of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 is initialized, and an all-rotating cylinder rotation command indicating that all the spinning cylinders L, M, R are rotating. (A type of spinning rotation information command) and a symbol variation state command (a type of internal state command) indicating the symbol display variation state in the spinning unit 1043 are stored in the ring buffer ("rotation start process" S1601). ). After the rotation start process S1601, the process waits until a predetermined stop standby time elapses ("design stop standby process" S1602). The “predetermined stop standby time” in the symbol stop standby process S1602 is substantially the same as the average time required from the start of rotation of each of the cylinders L, M, and R to the steady rotation at a constant speed. After the symbol stop standby process S1602, it is determined whether or not the rotations of all the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are steady rotations (S1603). Specifically, whether or not these rotations are steady rotations is determined by whether or not a detection signal is received from the rotating cylinder position detection sensor 1043R7 corresponding to the rotating cylinder that has started rotating last. If the detection signal is received, it is determined that the rotations are steady rotations. If the detection signal is not received, it is determined that the rotation of any of the rotating cylinders is not steady rotations. . If these rotations are not steady rotations, the determination process S1603 is repeatedly executed. In this embodiment, all the spinning cylinders L, M, R start to rotate simultaneously.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1603 that the rotations of all the cylinders are steady rotations, an automatic stop timer for measuring the fluctuation time of the symbol display until the automatic stop is set ("automatic stop timer setting process" S1604). ). After the automatic stop timer setting process S1604, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the automatic stop timer exceeds the specified rotation time (S1605). If the measurement time by the automatic stop timer does not exceed the specified rotation time, the following process for manually stopping the symbol display fluctuation is executed.

  It is determined whether or not a left stop signal corresponding to the operation of the left cylinder stop button 1126L is received (S1606). If the left stop signal has not been received, it is determined whether or not a middle stop signal corresponding to the operation of the middle-cylinder stop button 1126M has been received (S1607). If the middle stop signal is not received, it is determined whether a right stop signal corresponding to the operation of the right-turn cylinder stop button is received (S1608). When the right stop signal is not received, that is, when none of the left stop signal, the right stop signal, and the right stop signal is received, the determination process S1606 is executed.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1606 that a left stop signal has been received, it is determined whether a left stop flag is set (S1609). The “left stop flag” is a flag for identifying whether the left cylinder L is rotating or stopped, and is canceled in the rotation initialization process S1307. When the left stop flag is set, it indicates that the left cylinder L has already stopped, and when the left stop flag is released, it indicates that the left cylinder L is rotating. When the left stop flag is set, the determination process S1606 is executed. On the other hand, when the left stop flag is released, the left cylinder stop process S1610 is executed. In the left turning cylinder stop process S1610, first, the left stepping motor 1043L4 that rotates the left turning cylinder L is stopped with reference to the reference control table. After the left stepping motor 1043L4 is stopped, a left stop flag is set, the number of stop rotations is incremented, and a left rotation stop command (a type of rotation rotation information command) indicating that the left rotation L is stopped; A left swirl symbol command (a kind of stop symbol command) representing a stop symbol of the left swirl L is stored in the ring buffer. “The number of spinning cylinders” represents the number of spinning cylinders that are stopped, and is reset to “0” in the rotation start process S1601.

  Here, the left cylinder stop process S1610 will be described in detail. In the left-turn cylinder stop process S1610, first, with reference to the current symbol number held in the RAM 1045a3, the stop reference symbol number is set to a value obtained by adding 1 to the current symbol number. After the stop reference symbol number is set, if the left cylinder L is the second cylinder that has been stopped, the currently selected reference control table is changed to another control table as necessary. . If the left turn cylinder L is not the second stop, the control table is not changed. Thereafter, referring to the reference control table, a slip amount corresponding to the stop reference symbol number is extracted, and a value obtained by adding the slip amount to the stop symbol number is set as the stop symbol number. When the stop symbol number exceeds 20 (maximum symbol number), the stop symbol number is changed to a value obtained by subtracting 21 from the current value. After the stop symbol number is set, the stop interval timer is set. The stop interval timer is a timer that measures a period during which a stop instruction for the next spinning cylinder is not accepted. Note that the value of the stop interval timer is set to a predetermined time exceeding the maximum time in consideration of the time required for the rotation corresponding to the slip amount and the subsequent stop of the spinning cylinder. Thereafter, when the measurement time of the stop interval timer exceeds a predetermined time, the left stop flag is set, and the left cylinder stop process S1610 ends.

  After the left turning stop processing S1610, it is determined whether or not the number of stopping turns is 3 (S1611). If the number of stop cylinders is not 3, that is, if at least one of the cylinders is rotating, it is determined whether or not the reference control table needs to be changed (S1612). When it is necessary to change the reference control table when stopping the unstopped cylinder, the reference control table is changed to another manual stop control table selected from the manual stop control table group ("control table change process"). S1613). In the control table changing process S1613, the stop position of the already-rotated cylinder of the middle cylinder M and the right cylinder R is referenced together with the stop position of the left cylinder L. As a case where it is necessary to change the reference control table, for example, there is a case where a combination other than the winning combination wins.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1607 that an intermediate stop signal has been received, it is determined whether or not an intermediate stop flag is set (S1614). As in the case of the left stop flag, the “intermediate stop flag” is a flag for identifying whether the middle cylinder M is rotating or stopped, and is canceled in the rotation start process S1601. If the middle stop flag is set, determination processing S1606 is executed. On the other hand, if the middle stop flag is released, it is determined whether or not the number of stop rotations is 0 (S1615). When the number of stop cylinders is not 0, the middle cylinder stop process S1617 is executed. On the other hand, when the number of stop rotations is 0, a predetermined manual stop control table in the manual stop control table group is reset as a reference control table (“control table resetting process” S1616), and the control table is reset. After the process S1616, a middle cylinder stop process S1617 is executed. Note that the middle cylinder stop process S1617 is the same process as the case of the left cylinder stop process S1610. In the middle cylinder stopping process S1617, first, the middle stepping motor 1043M4 that rotates the middle cylinder M is stopped with reference to the reference control table. The control for stopping the middle stepping motor is substantially the same as the control for stopping the left stepping motor 43L4. After the middle stepping motor 1043M4 is stopped, a middle stop flag is set, the number of stop turns is incremented, and a middle turn stop command (a kind of turn rotation information command) indicating that the middle turn cylinder M is stopped. ) And a mid-rotor symbol command (a kind of stop symbol command) representing a stop symbol of the mid-rotor cylinder M is stored in the ring buffer.

  After the middle cylinder stop process S1617, it is determined whether or not the number of stop cylinders is 3 (S1618). If the number of stop rotations is not 3, it is determined whether or not the reference control table needs to be changed when stopping the unrotated rotation (S1619). When the reference control table needs to be changed, the reference control table is changed to another manual stop control table selected from the manual stop control table group ("control table change process" S1620). In the control table changing process S1620, the stop symbol numbers of all the rotating cylinders that have already stopped among the left rotating cylinder L and the right rotating cylinder R are referred to together with the stopping position of the intermediate rotating cylinder M.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1608 that a right stop signal has been received, it is determined whether a right stop flag is set (S1621). The “right stop flag” is a flag for identifying whether the right cylinder R is rotating or stopped, as in the case of the left stop flag and the middle stop flag, and is canceled in the rotation start process S1601. If the right stop flag is set, determination processing S1606 is executed. On the other hand, when the right stop flag is released, it is determined whether or not the number of stop rotations is 0 (S1622). When the number of stop rotations is not 0, the right rotation stop process S1624 is executed. On the other hand, when the number of stop rotations is 0, a predetermined manual stop control table in the manual stop control table group is reset as the reference control table (“control table resetting process” S1623), and the control table is reset. After the process S1623, a right cylinder stop process S1624 is executed. Note that the right crotch stop processing S1617 is the same processing as the left crotch stop processing S1610. In the right turning cylinder stop process S1617, first, the right stepping motor 1043R4 that rotates the right turning cylinder R is stopped with reference to the reference stop control table. The control for stopping the right stepping motor is substantially the same as the control for stopping the left stepping motor 1043L4. After the stop of the right stepping motor 1043R4, a right stop flag is set, the number of stop rotations is incremented, and a right rotation stop command (a type of rotation rotation information command) indicating that the right rotation R is stopped ) And a right swirl symbol command (a kind of stop symbol command) representing a stop symbol of the right swirl are stored in the ring buffer.

  After the right turn stopping process S1624, it is determined whether or not the number of stop turnings is 3 (S1625). If the number of stop rotations is not 3, it is determined whether or not the reference control table needs to be changed when stopping the unrotated rotation (S1626). When the reference control table needs to be changed, the reference control table is changed to another manual stop control table selected from the manual stop control table group ("control table change process" S1627). In the control table changing process S1627, the stop symbol numbers of all the rotating cylinders that have already stopped among the left rotating cylinder L and the middle rotating cylinder M are referred to together with the stop position of the right rotating cylinder R.

  In the determination process S1605, when the time measured by the automatic stop timer exceeds the specified rotation time, the rotation of all the cylinders L, M, R currently rotating is stopped (“automatic stop process” S1628). After the automatic stop process S1628, and when it is determined in the determination process S1611, the determination process S1618, and the determination process S1625 that the number of stop rotations is “3”, the automatic stop timer is canceled.

  Here, the automatic stop process S1628 will be described in detail. In the automatic stop process S1628, first, one table is set as a reference control table from the automatic stop control table group held in the ROM 1045a2 with reference to the stop symbol number (stop position) of the rotating cylinder that has already stopped. . Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the left stop flag is set. If the left stop flag is not set, the rotation of the left cylinder L is stopped. Next, it is determined whether or not the intermediate stop flag is set. If the intermediate stop flag is not set, the rotation of the intermediate drum M is stopped. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the right stop flag is set. If the middle stop flag is not set, the rotation of the middle cylinder R is stopped.

  After the rotation control process S1309, a winning confirmation process S1310 is executed as shown in FIG. In the winning confirmation process S1310, first, the pattern pattern for each activated line is confirmed, and if any winning combination other than the winning combination has been won, an error process is performed to notify the occurrence of a winning error. The On the other hand, if only the winning combination is winning, a winning flag corresponding to all winning winning combinations (for example, big bonus winning flag, regular bonus winning flag, cherry winning flag, bell winning flag, watermelon winning flag, A re-game winning flag) is set. Further, the number of acquired balls is finally determined by adding the number of acquired balls corresponding to each winning winning combination within a range not exceeding the maximum number of acquired balls. Further, in the winning confirmation process S1310, a winning combination command including information on the type of winning combination, a winning line command including information on the type of winning line, and a winning combination error command including information on winning errors are stored in the ring buffer. .

  After winning confirmation processing S1310, processing for paying out the acquired ball is executed ("acquired ball payout processing" S1311). Here, the acquired ball payout process will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the acquired ball payout process.

  In the acquired ball payout process S1311, as shown in FIG. 23, it is first determined whether or not the acquired ball number determined in the winning confirmation process is “0” (S1701). In the case of “0”, the actual acquired ball payout process S1311 is terminated without performing substantially any process, and when the acquired number of balls is not “0”, the payout remaining number is the same as the acquired number of balls. Is set to a value ("paid-out remaining number setting process" S1702), and an acquired ball number command including information on the number of acquired balls output to the sub control board 1047a is set ("acquired ball number command setting process" S1703). An acquired ball payout command to be output to the control board 1047a is set (“acquired ball number command setting process” S1704), and a prize ball command ([bonus payout information] including information on the number of acquired balls to be output to the payout control board 1037a is set. ) Is set "Winning balls command setting process" S1705). After the prize ball command setting process S1705, the control data defining the control until the on-payout detection state based on the payout-in-progress signal indicating that the payout control is started in the payout control apparatus 1037a is a predetermined initial value. ("Payout waiting information setting process" S1706). After the payout waiting information setting process S1706, the process waits until a timer interrupt is executed ("interrupt waiting process" S1707).

  After the interruption standby process S1707, it is determined whether or not the paying-out detection state is on (S1708), and if it is on, the control data is updated ("paying-in information setting process" S1709). A paying flag is set in the paying information setting process S1709. On the other hand, if it is in the off state, it is determined whether or not a payout monitoring timer for measuring the time from the transmission of the prize ball command to the detection of the on state of the payout signal is set (S1710). Is not set, that is, when the time measured by the payout monitoring timer has reached a predetermined time, it is determined that the payout shortage error has occurred, and the game progress is stopped until the reset switch is operated ( “Discharge insufficient error processing” S1721). If the reset switch is operated, the process returns to the prize ball command setting process S1705, and a prize ball command including information on the remaining payout number is set.

  After the paying-out information setting process S1709 and when the determination process S1710 is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the paying-out flag is set (S1711). The process returns to S1707 and waits for the payout detection state to shift to the on state. On the other hand, when the paying flag is set, it is determined whether or not the passage start detection state based on the payout count signal is an on state (S1712). In this determination, it is determined that the passage start detection state is the on state when the payout count signal shifts from the off state to the on state, and in other cases, the passage start detection state is determined to be the off state. . If it is determined in the determination process S1712 that the passage start detection state is the off state, the process returns to the interrupt waiting process S1707 and waits for the passage start detection state to shift to the on state. On the other hand, if it is determined that the passage start detection state is the on state, it means that one game ball has been paid out, so that the payout remaining number is a value smaller by “1” than the current value. ("Payout remaining number update process" S1713), the number of payouts is updated to a value larger by "1" than the current value in order to transmit the number of game balls that have been paid out to an external device of the gaming machine ( “Payout amount notification process” S1714), output data corresponding to the number of payouts is set to display the number of payouts on the light emitting device 1041g (“payout number display update process” S1715). After the payout amount display update process S1715, in the case of a special game state with a big bonus or a regular bonus, the total acquisition number is updated to a value smaller by “1” than the current value (“total acquisition number update process” S1716). ). After the total acquisition number update process S1716, it is determined whether or not the payout remaining number is “0”, that is, whether or not the payout is completed (S1717). If the payout remaining number is not “0”, The process returns to the interrupt waiting process S1707 and waits for the next game ball to be paid out. If it is determined in the determination process S1717 that the remaining payout number is “0”, the process waits for a predetermined time (for example, four timer interruption times) (“payout end standby process” S1718). After the payout end standby process, a payout end command (payout type command) indicating the end of payout is set (“payout end command setting process” S1719). After that, when the total number of acquisitions is 0 or less, it is updated to “0” (“total acquisition number update process” S1720).

  After the acquired ball payout process S1311, a re-game process S1312 is performed. In the re-game process S1312, when the re-game winning flag is set in the winning confirmation process S1310, various processes such as setting the internal state to re-game are performed. Further, a re-game command (a kind of internal state command) indicating that the next game is a re-game is stored in the ring buffer.

  After the re-game process S1312, an accessory operating process S1313 is performed. In the process of operating a bonus item S1313, a process during actives such as a big bonus (BB) combination and a regular bonus (RB) combination is performed. When the internal state is the big bonus game state, control during the small role game, transition control from the small role game to the JAC game, control during the JAC game, transition control from the JAC game to the small role game, and the big bonus Game state end control and the like are performed. The end determination of the big bonus game state is determined by whether or not the total number of game balls acquired during that state is equal to or greater than a predetermined specified number. If the total number of acquisitions is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of acquisitions, big bonus termination processing is performed. On the other hand, when the total number of acquisitions is less than the predetermined number of acquisitions, the end processing of the big bonus is skipped. On the other hand, when the internal state is a regular bonus, control during the JAC game, end control of the regular bonus game state, and the like are performed. The termination condition of the regular bonus is also determined by whether or not the total number of acquisitions is equal to or greater than the predetermined acquisition number.

  After the accessory operating process S1313, an accessory operating determination process S1314 is performed. In the combination act determination process S1314, a winning flag for the big bonus combination indicating that the big bonus combination is won is set, and a big bonus winning flag indicating that the big bonus combination is won is set. If so, a process for starting the big bonus is executed ("BB start process"). In addition, when the regular bonus combination winning flag indicating that the regular bonus combination is won is set and the regular bonus winning flag indicating that the regular bonus combination is won is set, the regular bonus combination is set. To start the process ("RB start process").

  A game progress display process S1315 is executed after the accessory operation determination process S1314. In the game progress display process S1315, when the internal state is a big bonus game state or a regular bonus game state, data for displaying the number of remaining JAC games, the total number of game balls acquired in one big bonus, and the like. Is set. In addition, after the end of the big bonus or regular bonus, the internal state is changed to the specific gaming state in order to shift to a specific gaming state such as a replay time (“RT”) in which the winning probability of replaying is higher than the normal gaming state. The specific game state command (a kind of internal state command) indicating the specific game state is set and stored in the ring buffer.

  Next, control processing executed by the payout control board 1037a will be described. The control process of the payout control board 1037a includes a main process activated by power recovery by restarting the supply of external power or turning on the power switch 1038a, and a signal from outside the payout control board 1037a with respect to the main process. In accordance with the external interrupt processing that interrupts according to the main processing and the internal interrupt processing that interrupts the main processing. As the external interrupt process, a power failure interrupt process for interrupting in response to reception of a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit unit 1038 of the power supply control board 1038 ′, and interrupting in response to reception of various commands from the main control board 1045a. And command interrupt processing. On the other hand, the internal interrupt process includes a timer interrupt process that is periodically and repeatedly executed.

  The main process in the payout control board 1037a will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process of the payout control board. In the main process, first, as shown in FIG. 24, various settings are made for a register group around the CPU, an I / O device, and the like ("initial setting process" S3001). After the initial setting process S3001, access to the RAM 1037a3 is permitted ("RAM access permission process" S3002), and interrupt vectors that define the priority of various external interrupts are set ("external interrupt vector setting process" S3003). . Note that a power failure interrupt has priority over a command interrupt. The power interruption interrupt and the command interruption process have priority over the timer interruption process. After the external interrupt vector setting process S3003, all areas of the RAM 1037a3 are once cleared to “0” (S3004), initial values are set in the RAM 1037a3 (“RAM initial setting process” S3005), and other peripheral devices of the CPU 1037a1. Is initialized ("CPU peripheral device initial setting process" S3006). After CPU peripheral device initial setting processing S3006, interrupt permission is set ("interrupt permission setting processing" S3007).

  After the interrupt permission setting process S3007, the process waits until the timer interrupt is executed three times ("timer interrupt wait process" S3008). As will be described later, since the passage detection state is determined by the output state of the payout count switch signal read by the three timer interrupts, in the timer interrupt waiting process s3008, until three timer interrupts are executed. Waiting. After the timer interrupt standby process S3008, it is determined whether or not the first passage detection state or the second passage detection state is off (S3009), and the first or second passage detection state is determined. In the ON state, the first payout error flag (a type of payout abnormality information at start-up) is set because the payout count switch 1033h in Article 1 or 2 detects a game ball. ("First payout error information setting process" S3010), and when the passage detection state of the first or second article is an off state, it is a normal state, and therefore the startup passage error information setting process S3010 is performed. Skipped. Similarly, it is determined whether the passage detection state of Article 3 or the passage detection state of Article 4 is an off state (S3011), and the passage detection state of Article 3 or Article 4 is on. In some cases, a second payout error flag (a kind of start-up payout abnormality information) is set ("first payout error setting process" S3012), and the passage detection state of Article 1 or Article 2 is off. Since there is a normal state in some cases, the first disconnection information setting process S3012 is skipped. When the first or second payout error flag is set, the control of the payout control board 1037a is retained at the next timer interruption, and the occurrence of a payout error at the time of start-up is notified to the main control board 1045a. As a result, the control of the main control board 1045a is also retained. Further, the occurrence of a payout error at the time of start-up is notified to the player or the manager by the liquid crystal display device 1042, the effect LED units 1104, 1108, 1110, 1148, 1150 and the upper speaker unit 1106.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission setting process S3013 is repeatedly executed, and after the execution of various interrupt processes, the execution of the next interrupt process is permitted. Note that processing relating to substantial payout is executed by timer interrupt processing described later.

  Next, the power failure interrupt process will be described. When the on state of the power failure signal from the power supply control board 1038 ′ is detected, the execution address of the current program is saved, all the dispensing solenoids 1033c in the on state are shifted to the off state, and the dispensing to the main control board 1037a is performed. The count signal is shifted to the off state. Thereafter, the process shifts to an infinite loop, and waits until an off state of the power failure signal is detected. When the power failure signal shifts to the off state, the power failure has been resolved. Therefore, the execution address of the saved program is restored and the processing at the time of the power failure is resumed.

  Next, command interrupt processing will be described. The command interruption process is executed when the payout control board 1037a receives a command from the main control board 1045a. The command is 2-byte data, and each byte data is subsequently transmitted to the strobe signal. When the strobe signal is received, the command interrupt process is started, and the byte data transmitted after the strobe signal is a predetermined area of the ring buffer (predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) indicated by the value of the write pointer (predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3). Stored in After the transmitted data is stored, the value of the write pointer is updated, and the command interrupt process ends.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. The timer interruption process pays out the game balls of the acquired number of balls based on the type of payout command in response to the reception of various payout commands from the main control board 1045a in the normal gaming state, and the ball lending button of the ball lending device 1350. Substantial processing for paying out the game ball is executed in response to the detection of the lending request signal from the CR unit based on the operation of 1306. This timer interrupt process is executed about every 2 ms. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interruption processing of the payout control board.

  In the timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 25, first, an interrupt having a higher interrupt priority than the timer interrupt process is permitted (“interrupt permission process” S3101). Specifically, a power failure interrupt and a command interrupt are permitted. By giving priority to the command interrupt process over the timer interrupt process, it is possible to reduce the processing load required for command transmission in the main control board 1045a and to suppress the stagnation of control progress due to command transmission. The priorities of various external interrupts are set in the external interrupt vector setting process 3003 of the main process.

  After the interrupt permission process S3101, the payout solenoid control information (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is output to the input / output port 1037a4 ("payout solenoid drive process" S3102). The payout solenoid control information is information for identifying driving states of various payout solenoids 1033c. As a result, a payout control signal is output from the input / output port 1037a4 to various payout solenoids 1033c, and the drive state of the payout solenoid 1033c is updated to an on / off state based on the payout control signal. When the payout solenoid 1033c shifts to the ON state, the corresponding payout flicker 1033b shifts to the passage permission state.

  After the payout solenoid driving process S3102, various control signals are output to the main control board 1045a and various devices connected to the payout control board based on the data stored in the output buffer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) ( “Control information output process” S3103).

  After the control information output process S3103, various commands transmitted following the strobe signal from the main control board 1045a are stored in the ring buffer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3), and are electrically connected to the payout control board 1037a. The output states of signals from various switches are read and various detection states are set ("control information input process" S3104).

  Here, setting of various detection states based on the output states of signals from various switches in the control information input process S3104 will be described. As signals from other than the main control board 1045a input to the payout control board, for example, the first to fourth payout count switch signals from the first to fourth payout count switches 1033h, the first and the fourth The first and second ball break detection switch signals from the second ball break detection switch 1035b (see FIGS. 17 and 10), and the ball overflow detection switch signal from the ball overflow detection switch 1031j (see FIGS. 17 and 12). , A reset switch signal from the reset switch 1038c (see FIGS. 17 and 7), a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 1038f (FIG. 17) of the power supply board 1038 ′, and a lending instruction signal from the CR unit (FIG. 17). . In the control information input process S3104, the 1st to 4th payout count switch signals indicate that the 1st to 4th payout count switch 1033h detects the passage of the game ball (passing state). Is an L level potential, and a state where no passage is detected (non-passing state) is an H level potential. Based on the output state (L level or H level) in three consecutive timer interruptions, the passage detection states of Article 1 to Article 4 are set. Specifically, when the L level output is detected twice consecutively when the passage detection state is OFF in each strip, the passage detection state is changed to ON, and conversely, the passage detection is performed in each strip. If the H level output is detected twice consecutively when the state is the on state, the passage detection state is changed to the off state. This prevents malfunction due to noise or the like. Further, a passage flag indicating the passage start detection state is set based on the passage detection state (on state or off state) in three consecutive timer interruptions. Specifically, when the passage detection state is an off state, the passage flag is set when an on state of the passage detection state is detected twice consecutively. The first and second ball break detection switch signals are L level potentials when the first and second ball break detection switches 1035b detect the ball presence state, respectively, If it is detected, the potential is at the H level, and the first and second ball breakage detection states are set based on the signal output state (L level or H level) in three consecutive timer interruptions. The ball overflow detection switch signal is an L level potential when the ball overflow detection switch 1031j detects a ball overflow state, and is an H level potential when a ball removal state is detected. The ball overflow detection state is set based on the output state (L level or H level) in the three timer interruptions. Various detection states are set for other input signals based on the output states (L level or H level) in three consecutive timer interruptions.

  After the control information input process S3104, the type of command stored in the ring buffer is determined, and the process according to the type of command is executed ("command determination process" S3105). Here, the command determination processing S3105 will be described in detail. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command determination processing.

  In the command determination process S3105, as shown in FIG. 26, first, after waiting for reception of byte data for a predetermined time from detection of the strobe signal ON state, whether or not unread byte data is stored in the ring buffer. Is determined (S101). Specifically, a write pointer (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) indicating a write position (address) to the ring buffer and a read pointer (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) indicating a read position (address) of the ring buffer; If they point to the same position, it is determined that the byte data constituting the command is not stored, and if they point to different positions, it is determined that the byte data is stored. If it is determined that the command is not stored, the command determination process S3105 ends.

  If byte data is stored, it is determined whether or not the stored byte data is header information (upper byte) of the winning ball payout command (S102). When the stored byte data is header information, the header information is stored in a command header buffer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) (“command header storage process” S103). After the header information is stored, the value of the read pointer of the ring buffer is updated in order to read the remaining byte data (trailer information; lower byte) constituting the prize ball payout command (“reading area update process” S104). Thereafter, the process returns to the determination process S101 to determine whether trailer information is received. The header information and trailer information constituting one prize ball payout command may be read by the same timer interrupt process or may be read by the next timer interrupt process of the timer interrupt process from which the header information is read. is there.

  If it is determined in the determination process S102 that the byte data read from the ring buffer is not header information, it is determined whether or not the winning ball payout command is normal (S105). Specifically, the prize ball payout command is configured such that the header information indicates the number of acquired balls and the trailer information indicates the one's complement of the acquired number of balls, so the header information and the trailer information are added. It is determined whether or not the value is “FFH”. When it is “FFH”, it is determined as normal, and when it is “FFH”, it is determined as abnormal. If it is abnormal, it is determined that the read command is invalid, the read pointer of the ring buffer is updated (S104), and the process returns to the determination process S101.

  If it is determined in the determination process S105 that the winning ball payout command is normal, it is determined whether or not the number of acquired balls in the header information is a value within a predetermined specified range (S106). In this embodiment, the specified range is an integer value range that is larger than “1” and smaller than “76”. In the case of an affirmative determination, since the number of acquired balls is normal, the number of winning ball payouts (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set to the same value as the number of acquired balls ("Prize ball paying number setting process" S107). ) And the reading of the prize ball payout command is completed, the command header buffer is cleared (“command clear process” S108). On the other hand, in the case of negative determination, since the number of acquired balls is abnormal, the winning ball payout number setting processing S104 and the command clear processing S105 are skipped, and the winning ball payout number is not set.

  After the command determination processing S3105, as shown in FIG. 25, the reset detection state of the reset switch 1038b (see FIGS. 17 and 7) of the power supply control board 1038 ′ (see FIG. 17) is confirmed, and the reset detection state. Whether or not to cancel the payout error is determined based on the above, and if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the payout error (the payout error at the time of start-up and the payout error within the payout period) is canceled ("Removal of payout error" Process "S3106).

  Here, the payout error cancellation processing S3106 will be described in detail. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payout error canceling process. In the payout error canceling process S3106, as shown in FIG. 27, it is first determined whether or not it is in a reset canceling standby state (S201). Specifically, a reset release standby flag (a type of reset release standby information) (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is confirmed, and when the reset release standby flag is set, it is determined that the device is in the reset release standby state. When the reset release standby flag is released, it is determined that the reset release standby state is not set. The release determination condition will be described later. If it is not in the reset release waiting state after canceling the payout error, that is, if it is in the payout error state and the reset detection state is on for a predetermined time or if it is not in the payout error state, the reset detection state is on. It is determined whether or not. When the reset detection state is the off state, the release determination timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set to a predetermined value (for example, “10”: equivalent to about 20 ms) (“release determination timer setting process”) S203). This ensures that the ON state of the reset detection state is not an erroneous ON state due to noise or the like.

  If the reset detection state is on in the determination process S202, the release determination timer is updated ("release determination timer update process" S204). Specifically, when the release determination timer is set (“1” or more), the value of the release determination timer is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value, and the release determination timer is released. If present ("0"), the current value is maintained. After the release determination timer update process S204, it is determined whether or not the release determination timer is released (S205). When the release determination timer is not released, that is, when the time in which the reset detection state is in the on state has not reached a predetermined time (20 ms in this embodiment), to wait until the predetermined time elapses Finally, the payout error canceling process S3106 ends. On the other hand, when the release determination timer is released, that is, when the reset detection state remains on for a predetermined time, a reset release standby flag is set ("reset release standby start process" S206).

  After the reset release standby start process S206, it is determined whether or not a payout error state is present (S207). Specifically, the first payout error flag (predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) indicating the occurrence of a payout error in Article 1 or 2 or the second payout error indicating the occurrence of a payout error in Article 2 or Article 3 When the flag (predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set, it is determined as a payout error state. When both the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag are not set, the payout error state is not set. It is determined. When it is a passage error state, it is determined whether or not the passage detection state of all the strips is an off state (S208). When all the passage detection states are in the off state, the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag are canceled (“payout error canceling process” S209), and the number of repaid trials is a predetermined value ([prescribed Number of repaid trials]; “1” in this embodiment) (“repaid trial number setting process” S210). Here, the number of re-payout trials represents the maximum number of re-payout operations when the payout is not completed by the initial payout operation after resetting.

  If it is determined in the determination process S201 that the reset release standby state is set, it is determined whether or not the reset detection state is an on state (S211). If the reset detection state is the on state, a reset detection is determined. When the payout error canceling process S3106 is completed to wait for the state to shift to the OFF state, and the reset detection state is the OFF state, the reset canceling standby flag is canceled ("reset canceling standby end process" S212). ), The release determination timer is set to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, “10” corresponding to about 20 ms) in preparation for the next transition of the reset detection state to the ON state (“release determination timer setting process”). S213).

  The payout error canceling operation realized by repeatedly executing the payout error canceling process S3106 will be described in chronological order. 28 (A) and 28 (B) are timing charts conceptually showing an example of the payout error canceling operation. FIG. 28 (A) shows a case where resetting is returned from the payout error state, and FIG. ) Represents a case where the reset does not return from the payout error state. FIGS. 28A and 28B show a case where only one of the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag is set. The case where both the second payout error flag and the first payout error flag are set is substantially the same, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted below. In the following, description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 28A, the payout error state is the on state of the first payout error flag, not the reset release standby state (S201: N), and the reset detection state is the off state ( S202: N) In the reset input standby state (for example, tx0), the on state (payout error state) of the first payout error flag is maintained until the reset detection state shifts from the off state to the on state (skip of S209). . Note that a predetermined value (a value corresponding to the reset confirmation time Tx) is set in the release determination timer.

  When the reset detection state shifts from the off state to the on state (tx1), subtraction of the value of the release determination timer is started and the on state of the reset detection state continues, so the value of the release determination timer is “0”. Until the actual payout error canceling process S3106 is executed (every timer interruption), “1” is subtracted (S204). In the reset input confirmation state until the on state of the reset detection state continues for the reset confirmation time Tx (S205: N), the on state of the first payout error flag is maintained (S209 skip).

  When the OFF state of the reset detection state continues for the reset confirmation time Tx (tx2), the reset release waiting flag shifts from the OFF state to the ON state. Further, since it is a payout error state (S207: Y), the passage detection states of Articles 1 to 4 (predetermined areas in the RAM 1037a3) are confirmed, and the passage detection state of all the strips is turned off (non-passage state). (S208: Y), the first payout error flag is canceled and the payout error state is ended (S209). With the cancellation of the first payout error flag, the number of re-payout trials is set to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, “1”) in order to pay out incompletely paid game balls. After that, in the reset release standby state (S201: Y, S211: Y), it waits for the reset detection state to shift to the off state.

  When the reset detection state shifts to the off state (tx3) (S211: N), the reset release standby flag is shifted from the on state to the off state, and the reset release standby state ends (S212). In addition, a predetermined value (a value corresponding to the reset confirmation time Tx) is set in the release determination timer in preparation for the next transition to the ON state of the reset detection state.

  Unlike the case shown in FIG. 28A, the reset switch 1038b is operated to reset errors other than various payout errors, and thus the OFF state of the reset detection state continues for the reset confirmation time Tx. Even if there is no payout error state (S207: N), the payout error flag is not canceled and the number of re-payout attempts is not set (S209 and S210 are skipped).

  Moreover, when the passage detection state of Article 1 to Article 4 is confirmed (S208), as shown in FIG. 28B, the passage detection state of Article 1 is in the on state (passage state). In some cases (S208: N), the first payout error flag is not cleared (S205: Y), and the number of re-payout trials is not set. FIG. 28 (B) shows the case where the first payout passage detection state is on, but the same applies when at least one of the first through fourth passage detection states is on. It is. When it is determined in the determination process S208 that the passage detection state is the on state, the game ball is placed in the waiting passage 1033d (see FIG. 11) and the payout passage 1033e when the payout flicker 1033b shifts to the passage prohibited state in the previous payout operation. This is a state where it is captured by the payout flicker 1033b in the vicinity of the boundary (see FIG. 11) and maintained. When the game ball is captured in this way, even if the re-payout operation is executed after the operation of the reset switch 1038b, the payout cannot be normally continued. Not. The captured game ball can be removed by operating the operation lever 1033j (see FIG. 11) of the payout device 1033. When the game ball is captured, the payout error state is detected after the operation lever 1033j is operated. The reset switch 1038b is released by operating again. 27, FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B show an example, but when the game ball is captured, the payout error state is not canceled by the operation of the reset switch 1038b. Any configuration may be used. Further, in the present invention, even when the game ball is captured, if the normal payout can be executed in the re-payout operation, the payout error state is canceled by operating the reset switch 1038b. It may be a configuration.

  Also, unlike the case shown in FIG. 28A, in the reset input confirmation state, when the on state of the reset switch 1038b does not continue for the reset confirmation time Tx (S202: N), there is substantially nothing. The state before the operation of the reset switch 1038b is maintained. In preparation for the next operation of the reset switch 1038b, a predetermined value (a value corresponding to the reset confirmation time Tx) is reset in the release determination timer (S203).

  As shown in FIG. 25, after the payout error canceling process S3106, when the state to be displayed is changed, the state display is updated according to the latest state ("state display update process"). S3107). Specifically, a payout error state when a game ball payout is stagnant based on the passage detection state, a ball overflow error state based on a ball overflow detection state described later, a ball break error state based on a ball break detection state described later, etc. In this case, a 7-segment LED (not shown) provided on the payout control board 1037a based on various error flags (predetermined areas of the RAM 1037a3) and error notification flags (predetermined areas of the RAM 1037a3), a speaker The player is notified of this by sound output from 1106 and 1204, image display on the liquid crystal display device 1042, and the like. For notifications other than the 7-segment LED, control signals from the payout control board 1037a corresponding to various error flags and error notification flags are output to the main control board 1045a, and from the main control board 1045a based on the output control signals. The sub-control board 1047a controls in accordance with the ball information command.

  After the status display update process S3107, the ball breakage detection state (RAM 1037a3) of the first ball breakage detection switch (a kind of [storage detection means]) 1035b and the second ball breakage detection switch (a kind of [storage detection means]) 1035b. Are stored in a predetermined area), and a ball break error flag (predetermined area in the RAM 1037a3) is set or released in accordance with the detected state of the broken ball ("reserved ball confirmation process" S3108). The first ball break detection switch 1035b is configured to determine whether or not a predetermined number (predetermined number) of game balls are stored in the standby passage 1033d and the ball passage 1035a of at least one of the first and second items. The second ball break detection switch 1035b detects whether or not a predetermined number or more of game balls are stored in the standby passage 1033d and the ball passage 1035a of at least one of the third and fourth items. To detect.

  Here, the stored ball confirmation processing S3108 will be described in detail. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stored ball confirmation processing S3108. In the stored ball confirmation processing S3108, first, it is determined whether or not both the first ball-out detection state and the second ball-out detection state are in an off state (no ball state) (S3201).

  If any one of the ball break detection states is on (the ball is present), it is determined whether or not the first ball break detection state is the on state (S3202). When the first ball-out detection state is an off state, a predetermined value is set in the first ball-out determination timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) in preparation for the next occurrence of the first and second no-ball states. (In this embodiment, “1500” corresponding to about 3000 ms) is set (“first ball breakage determination timer setting process” S3203). Similarly, it is determined whether or not the second ball-out detection state corresponding to the second ball-out detection switch 1035b is on (S3204). When the second ball-out detection state is in the off state, the second ball-out detection timer (predetermined area in the RAM 1037a3) has a predetermined value in preparation for the next occurrence of the third and fourth no-ball states. A value (in this embodiment, “1500” corresponding to about 3000 ms) is set (“second ball breakage determination timer setting process” S3205). Regardless of the first ball break detection state and the second ball break detection state, in preparation for the next occurrence of the first or second ball presence state and the third or fourth ball presence state Then, a predetermined value (“50” corresponding to about 100 ms in this embodiment) is set in the determination timer with a sphere (predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) (“spherical determination timer setting process” S3206). After the ball presence determination timer setting process S3206, the values of the first ball breakage determination timer and the second ball breakage determination timer are updated ("first ball breakage determination timer update process" S3207, "second ball breakage determination timer update"). Process "S3208). Specifically, the value of each ball breakage determination timer is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value if the current value is not “0”, and the current value “0” if the current value is “0”. ”. After the first ball break determination timer update process S3207 and the second ball break determination timer update process S3208, it is determined whether or not it is during the payout control period (S3209). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the payout control period flag (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set. If the payout control period flag is set ("1"), it is determined that the payout control period is in progress. If it is determined and the payout control period flag is not set (“0”), it is determined that the payout control period is out. If it is during the payout control period, the stored ball confirmation process S3108 ends. On the other hand, if it is during the payout control period, it is determined whether or not the first ball-out determination timer and the second ball-out determination timer are released (S3210, S3211), and any one of the ball out-of-ball determination is determined. When the timer is released, a ball-out error flag is set (“ball-out error setting process” S3212), and a ball-out notification flag (a predetermined area in the RAM 1037a3) is set (“ball-out notification process”). S3213).

  In the determination process S3201, when all the ball break detection states are in the off state (the state with a ball), a predetermined value is set in the first ball break determination timer as in the first ball break determination timer setting process S3203. ("First ball breakage determination timer setting process" S3214), and in the same manner as the second ball breakage determination timer setting process S3205, a predetermined value is set in the second ball breakage determination timer ("second ball breakage timer setting process"). Cut-off determination timer setting process "S3215). The value of the sphere presence determination timer is updated after the first sphere expiration determination timer setting process S3214 and the second sphere expiration determination timer setting process S3215 ("sphere presence determination timer update process" S3216). Specifically, if the current value is not “0”, the value of the sphere presence determination timer is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value. If the current value is “0”, the current value “0” is changed. To maintain.

  Here, the broken ball confirmation operation realized by repeatedly executing the stored ball confirmation processing S3108 will be described in chronological order. FIG. 30 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of a ball break confirmation operation. FIG. 30 (A) shows a case where a ball break occurs outside the payout control period, and FIG. 30 (B) is during the payout control period. FIG. 30C shows a case where a ball break occurs during the payout control period and a ball break is resolved during the payout control period. Represents. In FIG. 30 (A) to FIG. 30 (C), a case where a ball break occurs only in the first or second article is shown. Substantially when a ball break occurs only in Article 3 or 4, or when a ball break occurs in Article 1 or 2, and a ball break also occurs in Article 3 or 4. Therefore, in the following, a case where a ball break occurs only in the first or second article will be described, and a detailed description of other cases will be omitted. In the following description, FIG. 29 is also referred to as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 30A, the state in which all the ball break detection states are in the off state continues (S3201: Y), and the ball presence determination timer has already been released (for example, ty0), (S3201: Y), the first ball breakage determination timer and the second ball breakage determination timer are maintained at predetermined values (“1500” corresponding to the ball breakage confirmation time Ty1 (about 3000 ms)) (S3214). , S3215). On the other hand, the ball presence determination timer is canceled (maintained at “0”) (S3216, S3217: Y), and the ball-out error flag and the ball-out error notification flag are released (S3218, S3219).

  When the first ball-out detection state shifts from the off-state to the on-state (ty1), subtraction of the value of the first ball-out detection timer is started and the on-state of the first ball-out detection state continues. (S3201: Y, S3202: Y), “1” is subtracted every time the stored ball check processing S3108 is executed (every timer interruption) until the value of the first ball breakage determination timer becomes “0” (S3207). . Note that the second ball breakage determination timer is set to a predetermined value (a value corresponding to the no-ball confirmation time Ty1) because the off state of the second ball breakage detection state continues (S3204: N). Later (S3205), the value is updated to a value smaller by “1” (S3208). Therefore, it is substantially maintained at a value smaller by “1” than the predetermined value. The sphere presence determination timer is maintained at a predetermined value (“50” corresponding to the sphere presence confirmation time Ty2 (about 100 ms)) (S3206). During the payout control period (S3209: Y), the off state of the ball out error flag is maintained until the on state of the first ball out detection state continues for the first ball out confirmation time Ty1 (S3212 skip) ). As a result, the error process and error notification process associated with the ball-out error state are not executed.

  When the on state of the ball break detection state continues for the ball break confirmation time Ty1 (ty2), the first ball break determination timer is canceled (S3207), and the ball break determination timer is set outside the payout control period (S3209: N). Since it has been released (S3210: Y), the ball-out error flag is set (changed from the off state to the on state), and the ball-out error notification flag is set. As a result, the ball-out error state is started, and the ball-out error notification is started.

  In the ball-out error state, when the first ball-out detection state shifts to the off state (ty3), since all the ball-out detection states are off (S3201: Y), the value of the ball existence determination timer is subtracted. Each time the stored ball check process S3108 is executed (every timer interruption) until the value of the ball existence determination timer becomes “0” while the OFF state of the first ball break detection state is started (S3201: N). ) Is subtracted by “1” (S3216). Note that the first ball breakage determination timer and the second ball breakage determination timer are maintained at predetermined values (values corresponding to the no-ball confirmation time Ty1) (S3214, S3215). Further, the ON state of the ball-out error flag and the ball-out error notification flag is maintained until the OFF state of the first ball-out detection state continues for the ball presence confirmation time Ty2 (S3218, skip of S3219). As a result, the error process and error notification process associated with the ball-out error state are continued.

  When the off state of the first ball break detection state continues for the ball presence confirmation time Ty2 (ty4), the ball presence determination timer is canceled (S3216), and the ball break error flag is cleared (changed from the on state to the off state). At the same time, the ball break error notification flag is canceled. As a result, the ball-out error state ends, and the ball-out error notification is stopped.

  Unlike the case shown in FIG. 30A, even when the on-state of the first ball-out detection state continues for the ball-out check time Ty1, during the payout control period (S3209: N) When the time Ty1 is over (S3210: Y), as shown in FIG. 30B and FIG. 30C, the ball break error flag and the ball break error notification flag are not set (S3212). And S3213 skip). Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 30B, when the off state of the first ball break detection state is not continued for the ball presence confirmation time Ty2 at the end of the payout control period (ty5). Immediately after the payout control period flag is canceled, the ball-out error flag and the ball-out error notification flag are set. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30C, when the off state of the first ball break detection state continues for the ball existence confirmation time Ty2 at the end of the payout control period (ty5 '), The piece error flag and the ball piece error notification flag are not set.

  After the storage ball confirmation processing S3108, the ball overflow detection state based on the ball overflow detection signal from the ball overflow detection switch (ball overflow detection means) 1031j is confirmed, and the ball overflow error flag (ball overflow) is determined based on the ball overflow detection state. Error state) is set or canceled ("lower dish ball confirmation process" S3109).

  Here, the lower dish ball confirmation process S3109 will be described in detail. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the lower dish ball confirmation process S3109. In the lower dish ball confirmation processing S3109, first, it is determined whether or not the ball overflow detection state is an off state (ball removal state) (S3301).

  If the ball overflow detection state is the on state (ball overflow state), the ball overflow elimination determination timer (predetermined area in the RAM 1037a3) is predetermined in preparation for the next occurrence of the first and second ball removal states. (For example, “500” corresponding to about 1000 ms) is set (“ball overflow elimination determination timer setting process” S3302). After the ball overflow elimination determination timer setting process S3302, the value of the ball overflow occurrence determination timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is updated ("ball overflow occurrence determination timer update process" S3303). Specifically, if the current value is not “0”, the value of the bulb overflow occurrence determination timer is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value. If the current value is “0”, the current value “0” is changed. ”. After the ball overflow occurrence determination timer update process S3303, it is determined whether or not it is during the payout control period (S3304). If it is during the payout control period, the lower dish check process S3109 ends. On the other hand, if it is during the payout control period, it is determined whether or not the ball overflow occurrence determination timer is released (S3305). If the ball overflow occurrence determination timer is released, the ball overflow error flag is set. Is set ("ball overflow notification setting process" S3306), and a ball overflow notification flag (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set ("ball overflow notification setting process" S3307).

  In the determination process S3301, if the ball overflow detection state is an off state (ball removal state), a predetermined value is set in the ball overflow occurrence determination timer ("ball overflow occurrence determination timer setting process" S3308). After the ball overflow occurrence determination timer setting process S3308, the value of the ball overflow elimination determination timer is updated ("ball overflow elimination determination timer update process" S3316). Specifically, the value of the ball overflow elimination determination timer is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value unless the current value is “0”, and the current value “0” if the current value is “0”. ”.

  Here, the ball overflow confirmation operation realized by repeatedly executing the lower dish ball confirmation process S3109 will be described in chronological order. FIG. 32 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of a ball overflow confirmation operation. FIG. 32A shows a case where a ball overflow occurs outside the payout control period, and FIG. 32B shows a state during the payout control period. FIG. 32 (C) shows a case where a ball overflow occurs during the payout control period and a ball overflow is resolved during the payout control period. Represents. In the following description, FIG. 31 is also referred to as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 32A, the state where the ball overflow detection state is the off state (ball removal state) continues (S3301: Y), and the ball overflow elimination determination timer has already been released. (For example, tz0), the ball overflow occurrence determination timer is maintained at a predetermined value (“500” corresponding to the ball overflow occurrence confirmation time Ty1 (about 1000 ms)) (S3308). On the other hand, the ball overflow elimination determination timer is released (maintained to “0”) (S3309, S3310: Y), and the ball overflow error flag and the ball overflow error notification flag are released (S3311, S3312).

  When the ball overflow detection state shifts from the off state to the on state (tz1), subtraction of the value of the first ball break detection timer is started, and the on state of the first ball break detection state continues (S3301: Y). ) Until the value of the bulb overflow occurrence determination timer becomes “0”, “1” is subtracted every time the lower dish ball check process S3109 is executed (every timer interruption) (S3303). The ball overflow elimination determination timer is maintained at a predetermined value (“500” corresponding to the ball overflow elimination confirmation time Tz2 (about 1000 ms)) (S3302). During the payout control period (S3304: Y), the off state of the ball out error flag and the ball overflow error notification flag is maintained until the on state of the first ball out detection state continues for the first ball out confirmation time Tz1. (S3306 is skipped). As a result, error processing and error notification processing associated with the ball overflow error state are not executed.

  When the on-state of the ball overflow detection state continues for the ball break confirmation time Tz1 (tz2), the ball overflow occurrence determination timer is canceled (S3305), and the ball overflow occurrence determination timer is set outside the payout control period (S3304: N). Since it has been released (S3305: Y), the ball overflow error flag is set (changed from the off state to the on state), and the ball overflow error notification flag is set. As a result, the ball overflow error state is started, and the ball overflow error notification is started.

  In the ball overflow error state, when the ball overflow detection state shifts to the off state (tz3) (S3301: Y), subtraction of the value of the ball overflow cancellation determination timer is started, and the off state of the ball overflow detection state continues. During the interval (S3202: N), “1” is subtracted every time the lower dish check processing S3109 is executed (every timer interruption) until the value of the ball overflow elimination determination timer becomes “0” (S3207). The ball overflow occurrence determination timer is maintained at a predetermined value (a value corresponding to the ball overflow occurrence confirmation time Tz1) (S3308), and is updated to a value smaller by “1” (S3208). Further, the ball overflow error flag and the ball overflow error notification flag are kept on until the off state of the ball overflow detection state continues for the ball overflow elimination confirmation time Tz2 (S3311 skip). As a result, the error process and error notification process associated with the ball-out error state are continued.

  When the OFF state of the ball overflow detection state continues for the ball overflow cancellation confirmation time Tz2 (tz4), the ball overflow cancellation determination timer is canceled (S3309), and the ball overflow error flag is canceled (changed from the ON state to the OFF state). ) And the ball overflow error notification flag is canceled. As a result, the ball overflow error state ends and the ball overflow error notification is stopped.

  Unlike the case shown in FIG. 32A, even when the on-state of the overflow detection state continues for the overflow detection confirmation time Tz1, during the payout control period (S3304: N), the occurrence of the overflow is confirmed. When the time Tz1 is over (S3305: Y), as shown in FIGS. 32B and 32C, the ball overflow error flag and the ball overflow error notification flag are not set (S3306). And skip of S3307). Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 32B, when the ball overflow detection state is not continued for the ball overflow elimination confirmation time Tz2 at the end of the payout control period (tz5). Immediately after the payout control period flag is canceled, the ball overflow error flag and the ball overflow error notification flag are set. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 32 (C), if the ball overflow detection state continues for the ball overflow elimination confirmation time Tz2 at the end of the payout control period (tz5 ′), the ball breaks. The error flag and the ball break error notification flag are not set.

  After the lower tray ball check process S3109, the passage start detection state of each payout count switch 1033h is confirmed, and based on the passage start detection state, the common payout number ([total pass number]) and the payout amount of each item The number ([individual passage number]) and the like are updated (“payout number counting process” S3110). Here, the payout counting process S3110 will be described in detail. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payout number counting process.

  In the payout number counting process S3110, as shown in FIG. 33, first, the first non-monitoring timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is updated ("first article non-monitoring timer update process" S301). When the current value is a positive value other than “0”, the non-monitoring timer in Article 1 is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value, and the current value is a positive value other than “0”. To keep the current value. The non-monitoring timer of Article 1 is a timer used for determining a period during which the input of the payout count switch signal is not monitored. Specifically, a predetermined count non-monitoring time after the first article payout flicker 1033b shifts to the passage prohibition state is measured.

  After the first article non-monitoring timer update process S301, it is determined whether or not the first article passage flag (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set (S302). The first passage flag is set when the first passage detection state is substantially changed from the off state to the on state (when the falling of the payout count switch signal is substantially detected). Is done. If the first article passage flag is set, the first article passage flag is canceled ("first article passage flag releasing process" S303). As a result, it is recognized that one game ball has been paid out.

  After the first passage flag canceling process S303, the total payout remaining amount (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is changed to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current value ("total payout remaining number subtracting process" S304). . When the total payout remaining number is “0”, “0” is maintained. After the total payout remaining number subtraction process S304, it is determined whether or not the rental payout number common to all articles (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is “0” (S305). The rental ball payout number is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value (“rental ball payout number update process” S306), and this process ends. In addition, when the number of lending balls is “0”, it is maintained at “0”. On the other hand, when the number of rented balls is “0”, it is not a rented-out amount of spheres, and therefore, a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value of the number of spheres paid out common to all articles (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3). ("Prize ball payout number update process" S307). After the winning ball payout number updating process S207, it is determined whether or not the first article unmonitoring timer is set (S308). If the first article unmonitored timer is not set, the main control board is determined. The count signal output standby number used for output control of the payout count signal transmitted to 1045a is changed to a value obtained by adding “1” to the current value (“count signal output standby number update process” S309). Note that, in the case of paying out a prize ball, the number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of payouts is output as a payout count signal. However, in the case of paying out a ball, no payout count signal is output.

  Thereafter, the first payout remaining number (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value (“first payout remaining number update process” S310). If the remaining payout number in Article 1 is “0”, it is maintained at “0”. After the first payout remaining number update process S310, the presence / absence of the first payout remaining number is determined (S311). When there is no remaining payout in the first article in the determination process S311 (“0”), when the passing of the game ball to be paid out last in the first article (hereinafter also referred to as “final ball”) is started, It means a case where an unscheduled game ball starts to pass. In the determination process S305, when there is the first payout remaining number, a predetermined value (“150” corresponding to about 300 ms in this embodiment) is set in the first control timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) (“ On the other hand, if there is no remaining payout amount in the first article, the first control timer is forcibly released ("first article control timer release process" S313). ). The control timer of Article 1 is a timer used for monitoring the payout interval ([passing time interval]) of two game balls that are paid out in succession. The value of the first control timer is subtracted by “1” for each timer interrupt when it is a positive number, while “0” is maintained when it is “0”. After the first article control timer setting process S312, the first article non-monitoring timer is set to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, “50” corresponding to about 100 ms).

  Next, in the same manner as the series of first article payout number counting processes including the first article unmonitored timer update process S301 to the first article unmonitored timer setting process S314, the second to fourth article payout number count processes. ("Second article payout number counting process" S315, "Second article payout number counting process" S316, "Second article payout number counting process" S317) is executed, and this process ends. Each of the second article payout number counting process S315 to the fourth article payout number counting process S317 is substantially the same as the first article unmonitored timer update process S301 to the first article unmonitored timer setting process S314. In addition, for the Article 2 payout number counting process S315, the Article 3 payout count process S316, and the Article 4 payout number counting process S317, the prefix “Article 1” in the explanation for the Article 1 is used, respectively. It shall be read as “Article 2”, “Article 3” and “Article 4”, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  After the payout number counting process S3110, as shown in FIG. 25, a process for controlling the payout solenoid is executed ("payout solenoid control process" S3111). Here, the dispensing solenoid control process 3111 will be described in detail. FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dispensing solenoid control process.

  In the payout solenoid control process S3111, as shown in FIG. 34, it is determined whether any one of the payout error flag, the ball out error flag, and the ball overflow error flag is set (S401). ). If it is not in an error state, it is determined whether or not a ball rental operation is in progress (S402). Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is a standby state for accepting a lending operation in which a value of a lending operation state to be described later is “0”. If the ball lending operation is in progress, it is further determined whether or not the number of lending balls is “0” (S403). If the number of lending balls is not “0”, the game ball to be paid out Therefore, the total payout remaining common to all articles is set to the same value as the rental payout (“payout remaining number setting process” S404). Although details will be described later, the payout of the ball is executed in units of the number of the unit ball payout in a plurality of times, and is executed in a divided manner. In some cases, the number of payouts is “0”. Note that in the case of normal rental ball payout, the unit ball payout amount is set as the remaining payout amount. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process S402 that the ball lending operation is not in progress, the winning ball is paid out, and therefore the total payout remaining number is set to the same value as the winning ball payout number ("payout remaining number setting process"). S405). The prize ball payout number is set in the prize ball payout number setting process S107 (see FIG. 26) in the command determination process S3105 in response to the reception of the prize ball payout command from the main control board 1037a. If it is determined in the determination process S401 that there is an error state, the determination process S402 to the number-of-payout setting process S405 are skipped because the payout cannot be continued or a problem occurs if the payout is continued.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the total payout remaining number is “0” (S406). If the payout remaining amount is “0”, the predetermined number of payouts in the current payout control has been completed, and therefore processing for terminating payout is executed (“payout stop setting process” S407). ), This payout solenoid control processing S3111 ends. On the other hand, when the total payout remaining number is not “0”, it is determined whether or not the control timer for all items (predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is released (“payout interruption determination process” S408; Determination means]). Specifically, it is determined whether or not all the control timers are “0”. When the control timer of any of the items is not released, a re-payout control timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) for determining a waiting time until the re-payout operation is started is set ("re-payout control timer"). Setting process "S409), and the payout solenoid control process S3111 ends.

  If it is determined in the determination process S408 that the all-item payout control timer has been released, it is determined whether or not the total payout remaining number is “0” (S410). When the payout remaining number in all items is “0”, the initial payout operation is started, and therefore, the repaid trial number (“1” in this embodiment) (held in a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is set. The The number of re-payout trials represents the maximum number of times of re-payout operation when a predetermined number of payouts are not completed by the initial payout operation ("Re-payout trial number setting process" S411). In this embodiment, since the number of re-payout attempts is set to “1”, the re-payout operation is executed only once. In this case, the re-payout trial flag may be used instead of the re-payout trial number in order to set the re-payout trial number to “0” or “1”. After the re-payout count setting process S411, the total payout remaining amount is allocated to the first to fourth articles, and the number of game balls to be paid out in each of the first to fourth articles (remaining payout number) is determined. ("Payout number distribution process" S412).

  The payout number distribution process S412 will be described in detail. FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payout number distribution process. In the payout number distribution process S412, as shown in FIG. 35, first, surplus distribution pattern data is initialized ("excess distribution pattern initialization process" S501). As a result, the surplus distribution pattern data referenced in the previous payout number distribution process is cleared. Here, the surplus distribution pattern data will be described. FIG. 35A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of surplus allocation pattern information composed of a plurality of surplus allocation pattern data, and FIG. 35B is the data of each surplus allocation pattern data. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a structure. The surplus distribution pattern information is information held in a predetermined area of the ROM 1037a2, and as shown in the second column of FIG. 35 (A), a plurality of pieces of information are held one by one at a plurality of consecutive addresses. The surplus distribution pattern data. In FIG. 35A, the first column, the third column, and the fourth column are descriptions for convenience of explanation, and are not information actually held in the ROM 1037a2. Each surplus distribution pattern data is 8-bit (1 byte) data, and whether or not the surplus distribution number is allocated to the first article is determined by the 0th bit (bit 0). If the 0th bit is “0”, the surplus fraction is not assigned to the first article. Similarly, whether or not to allocate the surplus fraction to Article 2, Article 3 and Article 4 according to the values of the first bit (bit1), the second bit (bit1) and the third bit (bit1), respectively. It is determined. For example, the surplus distribution pattern data shown in FIG. 35 (B) allocates the surplus distribution numbers to the third, fourth and first articles.

  After the surplus distribution pattern initialization process S501, the surplus distribution number is calculated ("surplus distribution number calculation process" S502). The surplus distribution number is a value corresponding to the surplus when the total payout balance ([total number of allowed passages]) common to all articles is divided by the number of articles (“4”). Specifically, since the number of stripes is 4 (the square of 2), a logical operation (extraction of lower 2 bits) that takes the logical product of the total payout remaining number and “03H (00000011B)” The surplus fraction is easily calculated.

  After the surplus distribution calculation processing S502, it is determined whether or not the surplus distribution is “0” (S503). If the surplus distribution is not “0”, at least one of the first to fourth items is determined. Since it is necessary to allocate more game balls to other sections than the other sections, the surplus distribution pattern data for determining this allocation is updated ("surplus distribution pattern update process" S504). On the other hand, when the surplus distribution number is “0”, since the distribution numbers of the first to fourth articles are the same, it is not necessary to select the surplus distribution pattern data, and the surplus distribution pattern update process is performed. S504 is skipped. Specifically, by using a value generated based on the item identification value corresponding to the priority distribution item updated in the final stage of the previous payout distribution process S412 and the value of the surplus distribution number, FIG. One surplus distribution pattern data is selected from the surplus distribution pattern information shown in (A). More specifically, the offset value is calculated by shifting the value obtained by subtracting “1” from the line identification value and the surplus distribution number to the left by 2 bits (equivalent to multiplying by 4). Then, the surplus distribution pattern data corresponding to the memory address value obtained by adding the value of the head memory address (“1350H”) in the surplus distribution pattern information and the offset value is selected. The article ([priority distribution path]) is the first article when distributing the surplus distribution number. Note that the surplus distribution numbers are distributed one by one to the continuous line from the top line according to the circulation sequence. In this embodiment, the circulation order sequence is an order sequence repeated as “... → 1st article → 2nd article → 3rd article → 4th article → 1st article → ...”. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), if the surplus distribution number and priority are determined, the distribution pattern is uniquely determined.

  Next, the uniform distribution number is calculated (“uniform distribution number calculation process” S505). The even distribution number is a value corresponding to the quotient when the total payout remaining common to all articles is divided by the number of articles (“4”). Specifically, since the number of stripes is 4 (2 to the square of 2), the equal distribution number is easily calculated by shifting the value of the total payout remaining amount to the right by 2 bits.

  After the equal distribution number calculation process S505, the payout remaining number in the first article ([individual passage permission number]) is once set to the same value as the equal distribution number ("first article payout remaining number setting process"). S506). After the Article 1 payout remaining number setting process S506, with reference to the selected surplus distribution pattern data, if the 1st article is a surplus apportionment section, the 1st payout remaining number is the current The value is changed to a value obtained by adding “1” to the value (“First article payout remaining number correction process” S507). Specifically, when the value of the 0th bit of the surplus distribution pattern data is “1”, the remaining payout number in the first article is changed to a value obtained by adding “1” to the current value. If the first article is not, the first article payout remaining number correction process S507 is skipped, and the first article payout remaining number maintains the even distribution number.

  Next, similarly to the above-mentioned first article payout remaining number setting process S506 to first article payout remaining number correction process S508, the processes for articles 2 to 4 (S509 to S517) are executed. Thus, this process ends. In addition, since each process with respect to Article 2-Article 4 is a process substantially the same as the process corresponding in Article 1, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  After the determination of the remaining payout amount in Articles 1 to 4, the priority distribution item is updated for the next payout number distribution process ("priority distribution item update process" S518). Specifically, the pre-assignment-like item identification value is changed to a value obtained by adding the surplus distribution number to the item identification value corresponding to the pre-update preferential assignment item. As a result, the priority distribution is determined.

  Here, the distribution of the total payout remaining in a plurality of payouts without re-payout operation will be described. The distribution of the total payout amount in the case of the re-payout operation is a main characteristic part of the present invention, and will be separately described in detail in [Main characteristic part of the present invention].

  The distribution of the total payout remaining amount in the payout control to Article 1 to Article 4 will be described. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a change in the number of payouts in a plurality of payouts as the game progresses. FIG. 37 shows the change of the total payout remaining in the payout control for four times from the start-up of the payout control board 1037a. In addition, in the payout control from the first time to the fourth time (first payout to fourth payout in the figure), the case where 75 balls, 30 balls, 40 balls, and 5 balls are respectively paid out is shown. Yes. In the first payout control, the initial value of Article 1 is set for application priority. In addition, the symbol “*” in the figure represents an article to which extra game balls are distributed. The numbers enclosed in parentheses indicate the number of game balls paid out in the payout operation after the distribution. In the following, the change in the allocation of the total payout balance will be described almost in chronological order.

  In the allocation of the remaining payout amount in the first payout control, the priority distribution item (applicable priority distribution item in the figure) referred to in this distribution is Article 1, and the remaining number of payouts is 75 balls. Therefore, “18”, which is a value corresponding to the quotient when 75 (remaining payout) is divided by 4 (article number), is set as the even distribution number (S505). The corresponding value “3” is set as the surplus distribution number (S502). By the calculation based on the value “3 (00000011B)” representing the surplus distribution number and the item identification value “0 (00000000B)” of the first article, the leading address (FIG. 35A) of the surplus distribution pattern information ( 1350H), the surplus distribution pattern data at the eighth address (1358H) is selected (S504). Specifically, the value “8 (00001000B)” obtained by subtracting 1 from the value representing the surplus distribution and shifted to the left by 2 bits is added to the first article identification value “0 (00000000B)”. The addition result and the value of the start address of the surplus allocation pattern information are added, and surplus allocation pattern data at the address indicated by the value (“1358H”) is selected. As a result, “00000111B” is selected, and as shown in FIG. 35 (B), the first, second, and third articles become surplus distribution lines to which the number of payouts is distributed. In addition, the circulation order sequence in the present embodiment corresponds to an order sequence that is repeated as “... → first article → second article → third article → fourth article → first article →. Therefore, a value that is larger by “1” than the even distribution number is set in the payout remaining numbers in the first to third articles (S508, S511, S517). In each article, when the number of payouts allocated by the first allocation is completed, 3 (in accordance with the circulation sequence) including the applicable priority distribution from the first priority of the applicable priority distribution. The value of the number of distributions) Article 4 which is the next article after the third article becomes the priority distribution item (update priority distribution item in the figure) referred to in the second distribution (S518).

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 37, the payout remaining numbers are distributed in the second and subsequent payout control. As shown in FIG. 37, when the payout of each item is completed in the initial payout operation without performing the re-injection operation in all payout controls, the number of game balls to be paid out in each item is one. There is no difference.

  Since the number of game balls to be paid out from the payout passage 1033e of each article can be made uniform based on the dynamic change of the priority assignment section (priority assignment passage) over a plurality of payout controls, each of the plurality of payout paths The difference in aging deterioration of the payout flicker 1033b corresponding to can be suppressed. Thereby, the ease of maintenance management of the gaming machine can be improved. Further, since the number of game media paid out from each payout passage in each payout control can be made uniform, it is possible to suppress the clogging of the game balls stored for payout in the tank rail 1034. This is because even when the ball is likely to be jammed, if the game balls in the plurality of adjacent rows are paid out, the degree of freedom of movement of the game balls is increased, so that the ball clogging can be prevented. Thereby, smooth game progression can be realized.

  Although the case where the payout is performed in Article 4 has been described, it may be distributed to the number of positive powers of 2. In this case, the same effect as described above is exhibited. In the case of distribution to the number of 2 to the power of 2 less than 4 (2 items), the payout speed decreases. On the other hand, in the case where the number is distributed to the number of powers of 2 that is larger than 4 and is a positive power of 2 (e.g., 8), the information amount of the surplus distribution pattern information greatly increases. Therefore, the number of strips is most preferably four. In the above description, the case of distributing to the number of positive powers of 2 has been described. However, in the present invention, it may be distributed to a constant different from that of the positive power of 2. In this case, the control load required for the distribution increases because it becomes impossible to calculate the uniform distribution number and the surplus distribution number or to determine the preferential distribution condition by the bit operation as in the above configuration. Therefore, it is preferable to distribute the number to a positive power of 2.

  In the above, the case where the distribution number of each item is determined with reference to the surplus distribution pattern information has been described. It can also be set as the structure which repeats. Even in this case, substantially the same effect as the present invention can be obtained. In this case, the number of processings necessary to distribute the number of payouts to each item increases. Therefore, the above configuration is preferable.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout solenoid control process S3111 in FIG. 34, when the payout remaining number of any item is not “0” in the determination process S410, the payout of the number of game balls allocated in the previous payout operation is completed. The previous payout operation is the initial payout operation and shifts to the re-payout operation, or the previous payout operation is the re-payout operation and shifts to the payout error state within the payout period. In order to determine whether or not the re-payout trial number is “0”, it is determined (“payout stop determination process” S414). When the number of re-payout attempts is not “0”, it means that the maximum number of re-payout operations has not been reached, and when the number of re-payout attempts is “0”, the maximum number of re-payout operations is repeated. It means when it has reached.

  When it is determined in the determination process S414 that the number of payout trials is not “0” (“1” in this embodiment), the re-payout standby timer is updated (“re-payout standby timer update process” S415). Specifically, when the re-payout standby timer is set (“1” or more), the value of the re-payout standby timer is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value. When it is released (“0”), the current value is maintained. The re-payout waiting timer is a timer used for measuring a predetermined waiting time from the completion of the initial payout operation to the start of the re-payout operation. After the re-payout standby timer update process S415, it is determined whether or not the re-payout standby timer is set (S416). If the re-payout standby timer is set, the predetermined standby time is elapsed. In order to wait, the payout solenoid control process S3111 is temporarily ended. On the other hand, when the re-payout waiting timer is released, the re-payout trial number is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value (“re-payment trial number update process” S417).

  After the payout trial number update process S417, it is determined whether or not the payout remaining number is less than a predetermined value (specified remaining number: “10” in this embodiment) (“redistribution determination process” S418). When the number is equal to or greater than the specified remaining number, the payout remaining number is reset in the payout number distribution process S412. On the other hand, when the payout remaining number is less than the specified remaining number, the payout number distribution process S412 is performed. skip. Thereafter, a payout start setting process S413 is executed, and various settings are made in order to start the re-payout operation as in the case of the initial payout operation.

  Here, the distribution of the total payout amount in the payout with the re-payout operation will be described. 46 and 47 are state transition diagrams showing an example of a change in the number of payouts in payout control in which no payout error occurs, and FIGS. 38A to 38D show payouts in one input control operation. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of a change of number distribution. Since FIG. 38 is represented in the same manner as in FIG. 37, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the initial payout operation, the total payout remaining amount (award ball payout number, loan payout number) set according to the type of prize ball payout command and the lending instruction signal is not dependent on the total number of payouts remaining. The number of remaining payouts in Articles 1 to 4 is determined from Article 1 to Article 4. On the other hand, in the re-payout operation, the total payout remaining amount, which is the number of game balls that have not been paid out in the initial payout operation, is selectively redistributed according to the number of remaining payouts. Specifically, if the total payout remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined specified remaining number ([unfinished payout number]; “10” in this embodiment), the total payout remaining amount is set in the same manner as the distribution in the initial payout operation. On the other hand, if the total number of remaining payouts is less than the predetermined remaining number, no redistribution is performed. Further, in the initial payout operation after reset return, as in the case of the repaid operation, the redistribution is selectively performed according to the number of remaining payouts. Also, in the re-payout operation after resetting, similarly to the case of the initial re-payout operation, the re-payout operation is selectively performed according to the total number of remaining payouts.

  Specifically, in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the payout is not completed by the initial payout operation (“initial payout” in the figure), and the repayout operation (“reissue” in the figure). ) Shows a case where redistribution is executed. As shown in FIG. 38 (A), when only a single item (the first item in the figure) is not paid out game balls exceeding the prescribed remaining number “10”, or as shown in FIG. 38 (B). As described above, when the total number of game balls that have not been paid out in a plurality of articles (Articles 1 to 4 in the figure) is equal to or greater than the prescribed remaining number (S418: Y), redistribution is performed. (S412). As a result of this redistribution, the number of remaining payouts in all the articles (Articles 1 to 4 in the figure) becomes “1” or more, and therefore, the re-payout operation is executed in all the articles.

  FIGS. 38C and 38D show a case where redistribution is not executed in the re-payout operation. As shown in FIG. 38 (C), when only a single item (the first item in the figure) is not paid out game balls less than the prescribed remaining number “10”, or as shown in FIG. 38 (D). As described above, when the total number of game balls that have not been paid out in a plurality of articles (Articles 1 and 4 in the figure) is less than the prescribed remaining number, redistribution is not performed. Accordingly, the re-payout operation is executed only in the article (Articles 1 to 3 in the figure) where the payout of the remaining payout game balls has not been completed.

  If it is determined in the determination process S414 that the number of re-payments is “0”, the re-payout waiting timer is forcibly canceled because the payout operation has already been executed for the maximum number of repetitions ( “Re-payout standby timer release processing” S419). After the re-payout waiting timer canceling process S419, it is determined whether or not the first or second article has been dispensed (S420). If it has not been completed, the first withdrawal error flag is set ( “Payout error setting process” S421), and then this payout solenoid control process S3111 ends. Further, it is determined whether or not the payout of Article 3 or Article 4 is incomplete (S422), and if it is incomplete, a second payout error flag is set ("payout error setting process" S423). Thereafter, the main payout solenoid control process S3111 ends.

  Information for specifically controlling the dispensing solenoid is set after the dispensing solenoid control process S3111 ("dispensing solenoid setting process" S3112). Here, the dispensing solenoid setting process S3112 will be described in detail. FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dispensing solenoid setting process. In the payout solenoid setting process, as shown in FIG. 39, it is first determined whether or not a payout error has occurred (S3401). If no payout error has occurred, the control timer of the first article is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value. It is determined whether or not the first control timer is “0” and whether or not the first payout remaining number is “0” (S3403, S3404). If neither the first control timer nor the first payout remaining number is “0”, the solenoid control information is updated. The solenoid control information includes information designating the on / off state of each payout solenoid 1033c, and the solenoid control information itself is information common to all items. Specifically, “1” is set to the 0th bit in the solenoid control information, and the first discharge solenoid 1033c shifts to the on state or maintains the on state.

  Similar to the first article control timer update process S3402 to the solenoid control information update process S3405 for the first article, the processes for the second to fourth articles (S3406 to S3417) are executed. In addition, since each process with respect to Article 2 to Article 4 is substantially the same as the corresponding process in Article 1, in the description of the Article 1 control timer update process S3402 to the solenoid control information update process S3405. The suffix “Article 1” will be read as “Article 2”, “Article 3” or “Article 4” as appropriate, and the detailed explanation will be omitted.

  Thereafter, the solenoid control information is output, and the solenoid control information is stored in the output buffer in order to change the operating state of the solenoids of each item as necessary ("solenoid control information output setting process" S3418). The stored solenoid control information is output in a payout solenoid drive process S3102 (see FIG. 25).

  Here, the payout control will be described in chronological order. FIG. 40 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of payout control for normally completing payout without going through a re-payout operation, and FIG. 41 is an example of payout control for completing payout normally through a re-payout operation. FIG. 42 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of payout control for completing payout through a re-payout operation based on cancellation of the payout error. 40-42 demonstrates the case where 25 game balls are paid out. In the following explanation of the payout control, FIG. 33, FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are also referred to.

  As shown in FIG. 40, when the payout operation is not executed (for example, ta0), when the payout control board 1037a receives a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1045a, the number of prize balls paid out is received. The value is set according to the prize ball payout command (prize ball payout number setting process S107: FIG. 26). When the winning ball payout number “25” is set (S3701: Y), the payout-in-progress signal is set to the on state (ta1) (S3702). The output control of the payout signal will be described later separately. In addition, since an error such as a payout error has not occurred (S401: N) and the prize ball payout operation is in progress (S402: N), the total payout remaining value is the same value “25” as the number of prize balls paid out. Is set. After that, the total number of payouts is “25” (S406: N), the control timer for all items is canceled (S408: Y), and the number of items left for payout is not determined. Since the payout remaining number is “0” (S410: N), a predetermined value “1” is set as the number of repaid trials (S411), and the payout remaining numbers in Articles 1 to 4 are set ( S412), a predetermined value (“150” corresponding to T1 (about 300 ms)) is set in each of the first to fourth control timers, and a payout operation period flag is set (S413). In FIG. 40, the number of remaining payouts in Article 1, the remaining payout in Article 2, the remaining payout in Article 3, and the remaining payout in Article 4 are shown as “7”, “6”, The case where “6” and “6” are set is shown. By setting each of the first to fourth control timers, the first to fourth solenoid operation flags (one type of solenoid control information) are set (S3405, S3409, S3413, S3417). . By setting the solenoid operating flag of the first to fourth articles, the dispensing solenoid 1033c of the first to fourth articles is collectively switched from the off state to the on state (ta2) (S3102: FIG. 25). reference). As a result, the payout flicker 1033b shifts from the passage prohibition state to the passage permission state. The game ball starts to pass through the payout count switch 1033h of the first to fourth articles. Thereafter, while the first control timer is decremented by “1” for each timer interrupt (S3402, S3406, S3410, S3414), the first first ball starts passing through the payout count switch 1033h of each item. (S201, S202: N). The same applies to Articles 2 to 4.

  When the first ball of the first article starts to pass through the payout count switch 1033h of the first article (t11), the first article passing flag is set (S3104; see FIG. 25), and the first article passing flag is set. As a result (S302: Y), the total payout remaining number, the prize ball payout number and the payout remaining number of the first article are reduced by "1" (S304, S307, S310). Note that the passage flag of the first article is canceled in the same interrupt process (S303). In addition, since the unmonitored timer in Article 1 has been canceled (S308: N), the number of payout count signal outputs is increased by “1”. As a result, a payout count signal is output to the main control board 1037a. The output control of the payout count signal will be described later separately. Further, since the number of payouts remaining in the first article after subtraction is a value “5” other than “0” (S311: N), the control timer of the first article corresponds to a predetermined value (T2 (about 300 ms). "150") is set (S312).

  When the first ball of Article 2, Article 3 and Article 4 starts to pass through the payout count switch 1033h (t21, t31, t41), in the same manner as the first ball of Article 1, The number of prize balls paid out and the number of payouts remaining in Articles 2 to 4 are reduced by "1" (S315, S316, S317), and the unmonitored timers in Articles 2 to 4 are canceled. The payout count signal output standby number increases (S315, S316, S317). Further, in the same manner as in the case of the first ball of each item, the items from the second item to the sixth item in the first item and the items from the second item to the fifth item in the second to fourth items are paid out.

  When the first ball of the first ball (seventh ball) starts to pass through the count switch 1033h of the first ball (t17), the total number of payouts is the same as each of the preceding balls that have been paid before the last ball. The winning ball payout number and the remaining payout number of the first article are reduced by “1” (S304, S307, S310), and the payout count signal output standby number is increased by “1”. Unlike the case of each preceding sphere, since the number of remaining payouts of the first article after subtraction is “0” (S311: Y), the control timer of the first article is forcibly canceled (S313). Then, a predetermined value (“50” corresponding to T3 (about 100 ms)) is set in the unmonitored timer of the first article (S314). In addition, the solenoid operation flag of the first article is not set (S3405 skipping) because the remaining payout of the first article becomes “0” (S3403) and the control timer is released (S3404: N). ), The first discharge solenoid 1033c shifts from the on state to the off state (S3418, S3104). The final ball (sixth ball) of Article 2 to Article 4 is the same as that of Article 1.

  When the total number of payouts in Article 1 to Article 4 becomes “0” (ta3: t17), the payout control operation ends, and the payout signal shifts from the on state to the off state (ta4).

  Unlike the case shown in FIG. 40, as shown in FIG. 41, when the game ball is not paid out in the first article, the control timer of the first article waits for the elapse of T1 (about 300 ms). When “0” is reached, the dispensing solenoid 1033c of the first article shifts from the on state to the off state (tb4). Also, even if only a part of the game ball is paid out in Article 4, when the Article 4 control timer becomes “0” after T2 (about 300 ms), the Article 4 payout solenoid 1033c is turned on. The state shifts to the off state (tb5). When the control timer for all items reaches “0”, the initial payout operation ends (tb5). When the value of the re-payout control timer becomes “0” after the elapse of T4 (1500 ms) from the end of the initial payout operation, the re-payout operation is started (tb6). Since the number of game balls not paid out in the first payout operation (total payout remaining number) is “11” (S418: N), redistribution is performed (S412). In FIG. 41, “2” is assigned to each of the remaining payout number in Article 1, the remaining payout amount in Article 2, the remaining payout amount in Article 3, and the remaining payout amount in Article 4. , “3”, “3”, “3” are set. After the redistribution, game balls are paid out in the same manner as in the first payout operation.

  Unlike the case shown in FIG. 41, as shown in FIG. 42, in the re-payout operation, when no game ball is paid out in the first article, the first waits for the elapse of T1 (about 300 ms). When the control timer of the line becomes “0”, the payout solenoid 1033c of the first line shifts from the on state to the off state (tb4). Further, since the payout of the game ball in the first article is incomplete (S420), the first payout error flag is set (tc7) (S421). Thereafter, when the first payout error flag is canceled (tc8), the initial payout operation after the error return is started (tc9). Since the number of game balls that have not been paid out in the re-payout operation (total payout remaining number) is “2” (S418: Y), redistribution is not performed (S412 skip). Thereafter, the game ball is paid out as in the case of the initial initial payout operation, and the first payout solenoid 1033c shifts from the on state to the off state in accordance with the start of passage of the first ball of the first ball ( tc10) Thereafter, the paying-out signal shifts from the on state to the off state (tc11). If the payout of the game ball is not completed in the initial payout operation after returning from the error, a re-payout operation is further executed. In addition, if the payout of the game ball is not completed in the re-payout operation, a payout error occurs during the payout period as in the case of the initial re-payout operation.

  As shown in FIG. 25, after the payout solenoid setting process S3112, a process for controlling the payout of the rental ball through the CR unit is executed in accordance with the ball lending operation from the ball lending device 1350 ( "Ball lending / dispensing control process" S3113). In the ball lending / dispensing control process, a lending ball payout number is set according to a ball lending operation. Specifically, when the ball lending button 1306 of the ball lending device 1350 is operated, a lending switch signal is output to the payout relay terminal plate 1036, and from the payout relay terminal plate 1036 to the CR unit without going through the payout control board 1037a. Entered. Based on the reception of the lending switch signal, the CR unit outputs a lending request signal and a lending instruction signal to the dispensing control board 1037a. The lending request signal is output from the start to the end of lending. The lending instruction signal is a signal for instructing payout of game balls of the number of unit lending payout divided into a plurality of times during a period in which the lending request signal is output. In a normal time, the lending instruction signal is output 10 times in response to the reception of one lending switch signal. As a result, the payout control board 1037a pays out the total number of game balls divided into 10 times.

  In the main control board 1045a, a payout count signal and a payout signal for detecting occurrence of an error in the payout device 1033 or the like and an illegal act on the payout device 1033 or the like are stored in the output buffer ("payout count signal setting process"). S3114, “Payout signal setting process” S3115). The payout count signal and the payout signal are output in the control information output process S3103. As for the payout count signal, the same number of pulse signals are output in a predetermined waveform based on the number of output signals received from the payout count switch 1033h (corresponding to the number of game balls that have been paid out). When the payout operation is being performed on the payout control board 1037a, the on state (L level output) is set.

  Here, output control of the payout count signal and the payout signal will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing an example of the payout count signal setting process, and FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of the payout signal setting process. FIG. 45 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of output control of the payout count signal and the payout signal.

  In the payout count signal setting process S3114, as shown in FIG. 43, the payout count signal output timer is first updated ("payout count signal output timer update process" S3501). Specifically, the value of the payout count signal output timer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value unless the current value is “0”, and the current value is “0”. If so, the current value “0” is maintained. The payout count signal output timer is a timer used for shaping the signal waveform of the payout count signal.

  After the payout count signal output timer update process S3114, it is determined whether or not the payout count signal output timer is set (S3502). Specifically, when the payout count signal output timer is a value other than “0”, it is determined to be set, and when it is “0”, it is determined to be released. When the payout count signal output timer is set, that is, when the output of the payout count signal is being controlled, the payout count signal output standby number is “0” in order to determine whether or not the payout count signal should be output. Is determined (S3503), and when the payout count signal output standby number is not “0”, the payout count signal output standby number is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value. ("Payout count signal output standby number update process" S3504), the payout count signal output timer is set to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, "6" corresponding to about 12 ms). On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process S3502 that the payout count signal output timer is not set, the determination process S3503 to the payout count signal output timer setting process S3505 is skipped.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is an output period of the payout count signal (S3506). Specifically, when the value of the payout count signal output timer is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the output period is in effect, and when the value is equal to or longer than a predetermined value (“4” in this embodiment), output standby It is determined that it is a period. In the case of the output waiting period, a value representing the OFF state output (H level output) of the payout count signal is stored in the output buffer (“payout count signal OFF state setting process” S3507). In the output buffer, a value representing the output of the payout count signal in the on state (L level output) is stored in the output buffer (“payout count signal on state setting process” S3508), and the payout count signal setting process S3114 ends.

  In the paying-in signal setting process S3115, as shown in FIG. 44, first, it is determined whether or not the number of winning ball payouts is set (S3601). Specifically, when the prize ball payout number is a value other than “0”, it is determined to be set, and when it is “0”, it is determined to be released. If it is determined in the determination process S3601 that the number of prize balls to be paid is set, a value indicating the off-state output (L level output) of the paying-in signal is output in order to shift the paying-out signal to the off state. After being stored in the buffer (“paying signal ON state setting process” S3602), the paying-out signal setting process S3115 ends. On the other hand, if the prize ball payout number is not set, it is determined whether or not the payout count signal output standby number is “0” (S3603), and whether or not the payout count signal output timer is set. Is determined (S3604). When the payout count signal output standby number is “0” and the payout count signal output timer is released (S3603: N, S3604: N), the same number of payout count output signals as the number of prize balls is paid out. Since the output has been completed, in order to shift the paying-out signal to the off state, a value representing the off-state output (L level output) of the paying-out signal is stored in the output buffer (“paying signal off state Setting process "S3605). Thereafter, the payout-in-progress signal setting process S3115 ends.

  Here, the output control of the payout count signal and the payout signal will be described in chronological order. In the order of Article 1, Article 4, Article 2 and Article 3, when the first ball for each item starts to pass, the final ball in Article 1 is finally paid out for all items. A case of a game ball to be played will be described. In the following, FIGS. 43 and 44 will be referred to together with FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 45, in a state where the payout control is not performed (for example, td0), the paying-in signal and the payout count signal are kept off. When the payout control board 1037a receives the prize ball payout command from the main control board 1045a, the prize ball payout number is set to a value corresponding to the received prize ball payout command (prize ball payout number setting process S107: FIG. 26). . When the winning ball payout number is set (S3701: Y), the paying-in signal is set to the on state (td1) (S3702). Thereafter, the payout flicker 1033b shifts to the passage permission state, and the game balls pass through the payout count switches 1033h of the first article to the fourth article sequentially.

  In response to the on-state transition of the first passage detection state to the first ball of the first row, since the unmonitored timer of the first row is not set, the payout count signal output standby number is changed to “1”. (S209; see FIG. 33). Since the payout count signal output timer is “0” (S3501, S3502: Y) and the payout count signal output standby number is “1” (S3503: N), the payout count signal standby number is reduced to “0”. The payout count signal output timer is set to a value corresponding to the predetermined output control time Td (td2) (S3505). However, since the payout count signal output timer does not elapse for the predetermined time Td1 and is in the output standby period (S3506: N), the payout count signal is maintained in the off state (S3507). When the output standby time Td1 has elapsed, it is within the output control period for the first ball of the first article (S3502: Y), and the payout count signal output timer is subtracted by a value corresponding to the output standby time Td1 (S3501). Since it has shifted to the output period, the payout count signal shifts to the ON state (td3) (S3508). At this time, the payout count signal output standby number is changed to “3” in accordance with the transition of the passage detection state to the first ball of each of the second to third articles. Further, when the output time Td2 elapses and the output control time Td for the first sphere of the first article elapses (td4), the output control period for the first sphere of the first article ends (S3502: N).

  When the output control time Td for the first ball of the first article has elapsed (td4), the payout count signal output standby number is “3” (S3503: N), so the payout count signal output standby number is “2”. The payout count signal output timer is set to a value corresponding to the output control time Td in order to control the output of the payout count signal corresponding to the first ball of the fourth article (S3505). Thereafter, the output of the payout count signal corresponding to the first sphere of the fourth article is controlled in the same manner as the first sphere of the first article (td4 to td5).

  In the same manner as the first ball of Article 4, the output of the payout count signal corresponding to the first ball of Article 2 is controlled (td5 to td6), and the payout count corresponding to the first ball of Article 3 The signal output is controlled (td6 to td7). When the output control time Td for the first sphere of the third article has elapsed (td7), the output control period for the first sphere of the first article has ended (S3502: N), and the payout count signal output standby Since the number is “0” (S3503: Y) and it is not an output period of the payout count signal (S3506: N), the payout count signal is shifted to an off state (S3507: Y). Thereafter, the OFF state of the payout count signal is maintained until the passage detection state of any one of Articles 1 to 4 shifts to the ON state.

  Further, the output of the payout count signal is similarly controlled for other game balls to be paid out. In addition, when the payout count signal for the final ball of the first article to be finally paid out in all the balls shifts from the on state to the off state, the prize ball payout number becomes “0” (S3601), and the payout count signal output standby number Becomes “0” (S3603), and the payout count signal output timer is canceled (S3604).

  If a payout error has occurred at the start-up or within the payout period after the payout signal setting process S3115, a value indicating the output state of the payout error signal is stored in the output buffer (“Set payout error signal”). Process "S3116). The payout error signal is output in the control information output process S3103.

  After the payout error signal setting process S3116, it is monitored whether or not the ball-turning gaming machine 1010 is electrically connected to the CR unit (“CR unit connection monitoring process” S3117).

  Next, control processing executed by the sub control board 1047a will be described. The control process of the sub control board 1047a is roughly divided into a main process that is activated when the external power is restored from a power failure or when power is turned on, and an interrupt process that interrupts the main process. For convenience of explanation, after describing the interrupt process, the main process will be described. As interrupt processing, there are timer interrupt processing that is internal interrupt processing that periodically interrupts, and command interrupt processing that is external interrupt processing based on command transmission from the main control board 1045a.

  The timer interrupt process is executed with a period of about 1 ms. In the timer interrupt processing, first, an interrupt flag is read, and if it is a timer interrupt among various interrupts, the value of the timer interrupt timer counter is updated to a value obtained by adding “1” to the current value (“ Interrupt timer counter update processing ").

  The command interrupt process is executed in response to reception of a strobe signal related to command transmission from the main control board 1045a. Since command transmission in the main control board 1045a is performed with a period of approximately 1.49 ms, this processing is performed with a period of approximately 1.49 ms. In the command interrupt process, various commands transmitted following the strobe signal are received (“command reception process”).

  The main process executed by the sub control board 1047a will be described in detail. FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process of the sub control board.

  In the main processing, first, in response to the supply of internal power from the power supply control board 1038 ′, initialization of the sub control board 1047a itself and initialization of peripheral devices such as the liquid crystal display device 1042 connected to the sub control board 1047a are performed. Is performed ("initialization process" S4101). After the initialization process S4201, it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state (S4102). Here, the system state includes a voltage drop state indicating that the supply voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, and an initialization indicating that the sub-control board 1047a and the peripheral device connected to the sub-control board 1047a are being initialized. It implies a state and a normal state indicating that the supply voltage is a predetermined voltage and normal game can be performed. Note that the initialization state is selected during the execution of the initialization process S4101.

  If the system state is not a voltage drop state, it is determined whether or not the value of the interrupt timer counter has changed (S4103). When there is a change in the value of the interrupt timer counter, the value of the interrupt timer counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value (“interrupt timer counter update processing” S4104). After the interrupt timer counter update process S4104, a periodic timer process S4105 described later is performed. After the cycle timer process S4105, it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state (S4106). If the system state is not a voltage drop state, any command from the main control board 1045a is received in the command interrupt process. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S4107). If a command has been received, the base value of the random number that determines the details of the effect is updated after receiving command confirmation processing S4108 described later ("random number base value update processing" S4109), while the command is received. If not, the received command confirmation process S4108 is skipped and the random number base value update process S4109 is executed. After the random number base value update process S4109, the process returns to the determination process S4102.

  If it is determined in the determination processing S4102 and the determination processing S4106 that the system state is a voltage drop state, register data and stack data are stored in the external RAM ("backup processing" S4110). After the backup process S4110, it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state (S4111). If the system state is a voltage drop state, the determination process S4111 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is not in the voltage drop state, it waits for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 30 ms) to confirm that the cancellation of the voltage drop state is not a malfunction due to noise or the like ("wait process" S4112). After the wait process S4112, it is determined again whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state (S4113). If the system state is a voltage drop state, the process returns to the determination process S4111. On the other hand, if the system state is not a voltage drop state, it is determined that the supply of internal power has been resumed normally, and a process for starting the main process is performed ("start process" S4114). After the startup process S4114, the process returns to the initialization process S4101 and the main process is resumed.

  Here, the received command confirmation processing S4108 will be described in detail. FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a received command confirmation process. In the received command confirmation process S4108, first, the type of the received command is determined (S4201). Specifically, the command identification information included in the upper byte (8 bits) is extracted from the command stored in the reception buffer, and the process proceeds to processing according to the extracted command identification information. When a plurality of commands are stored in the reception buffer, the commands are sequentially processed according to the reception order. In the following, processing according to each command identification information will be described.

  When it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a stop symbol command, the lower byte information of the stop symbol command is extracted and the stop symbol of each reel is determined based on the information. Based on the combination pattern based on the stop symbol, the type of effect by the various peripheral devices connected to the sub-control board 1047a is selected ("stop symbol command processing" S4202). For example, when two turning cylinders of the left turning cylinder L, the middle turning cylinder M, and the right turning cylinder R are stopped and a predetermined symbol pattern is stopped on at least one effective line, various sound effects are produced. From the predetermined sound effects and various light emission effects, a predetermined light emission effect is selected. As the predetermined symbol pattern, for example, two sets of “7” symbol and “youth” symbol of the same type and “BAR” symbol are listed.

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is an error command such as a payout error command, a ball out error command, a ball overflow error command, a payout error command such as a payout shortage command, or a throw error command, the error command Information of the lower byte is extracted, and the type of error notification by various peripheral devices is determined based on the information (“error command processing” S4203).

  When it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is an initialization command such as a power recovery command and a reset command, information on the lower byte of the initialization command is extracted, and based on the value of the extracted lower byte The sub-control board 1047a itself and various peripheral devices connected to the sub-control board 1047a are initialized ("initialization command processing" S4204).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is an internal state command such as a replay command, a big bonus command, or a regular bonus command, information in the lower byte (internal state type) of the internal state command is extracted. Based on the information, the types of effects by various peripheral devices are determined ("Internal state command processing" S4205).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a lottery result command such as a big bonus combination winning command, a regular bonus combination winning command, a re-playing player winning command, or a winning command for various small roles, a lottery result command The lower byte information (type of winning combination) is extracted, and the types of effects by various peripheral devices are determined based on the lottery result based on the information and random numbers ("lottery result command processing" S4206).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a winning symbol command such as a re-game winning command, a big bonus winning command, a regular bonus winning command, or a winning command for various small roles, the lower byte of the winning symbol command Information (winning symbol type) is extracted, and based on the information, the types of effects by various peripheral devices are determined ("winning symbol command processing" S4207).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the command is a setting change command, the type of notification by various peripheral devices is determined ("probability setting value process" S4208).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a winning line command corresponding to the active line on which the winning symbol pattern is displayed, the information on the lower byte of the winning line command (the type of the winning line) is extracted, Based on the information, the types of effects by various peripheral devices are determined ("winning line command processing" S4209).

  When it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a rotation rotation information command such as a stop command for various rotation cylinders L, M, and R, information in the lower byte of the rotation rotation information command (stop rotation cylinder) Type) is extracted, and based on the information, the types of effects by various peripheral devices are determined ("rotating cylinder rotation information command process" S4210).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is an acquired ball number command, information (acquired ball number) of the lower byte of the acquired ball number command is extracted, and effects by various peripheral devices based on the information are extracted. Are determined ("acquired ball number command processing" S4211).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a bet command such as a maximum bet command, information (the number of bets) of the lower byte of the bet command is extracted, and effects by various peripheral devices based on the information are extracted. Is determined ("bet command process" S4212).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a JAC maximum game number command, information in the lower byte (JAC maximum game number) of the JAC maximum game number command is extracted, and various peripherals are based on the information. The type of effect produced by the device is determined ("JAC maximum game number command process" S4213).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a JAC round number command, information of the lower byte (JAC round number) of the JAC round number command is extracted and notified by various peripheral devices based on the information. Is determined ("JAC round number command processing" S4214).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a set value command, lower byte information (established set value) of the set value command is extracted, and the types of notification by various peripheral devices based on the information Is determined ("probability setting value information processing" S4215).

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a ball release command such as an acquired ball payout start command or an award ball acquisition ball payout end command set at the start of payout of the winning ball, the lower order of the ball release command Byte information (numerical value indicating start or end) is extracted, and based on the information, the type of notification and the notification period by various peripheral devices are determined ("ball release command processing" S4216).

  When it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is an effect information command related to the effect determined by the main control board 1045a, information in the lower byte (effect information type) of the effect information command is extracted. Based on the lottery results using the information and random numbers, the types of effects by various peripheral devices are determined (“effect information command processing” S4217).

  When it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is a ball information command such as a bet number command, the lower byte information (final bet number) of the ball information command is extracted, and various peripherals are based on the information. The type of effect produced by the device is determined ("sphere information command processing" S4218).

  Here, the periodic timer process S4105 in the main process of the sub control board 1047a will be described in detail. FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cycle timer process. By executing the timer interrupt process substantially every 1 ms, the periodic timer process S4105 is also executed substantially every 1 ms.

  In the cycle timer process 4105, first, it is confirmed whether any command is received from the main control board 1045a within 2 seconds after the execution of the start process S4114 (see FIG. 46), and any command is received from the main control board 1045a. Is not received, it is determined that the main control board 1045a has not been normally activated, and a process of notifying the occurrence of an error is performed ("activation command confirmation process" S4301).

  After the startup command confirmation process S4301, the liquid crystal display device 1042, the speakers 1106, 1204, and the various effect LED units 1104, 1108 according to the various commands confirmed to be received in the reception command confirmation process S4108 (see FIG. 47). , 1110, 1148, 1150 are actually controlled (“device control process” S4302).

  After the device control process S4302, it is determined whether or not the system state has changed, and an initialization flag indicating the initialization state is set or canceled according to the determination result ("system state change process" S4303). . When the voltage drop flag and the initialization flag are canceled, the system state is regarded as a normal state. After the system state changing process S4303, it is determined whether or not the voltage of the internal power supplied from the power supply board 1038 ′ is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage. If the internal voltage is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, a voltage drop flag is set. If the voltage drop flag is set, the voltage drop flag is set. On the other hand, if the internal voltage is not equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the voltage drop flag is released if the voltage drop flag is set ("voltage monitoring process" S4304). . After the voltage monitoring process S4304, the long cycle timer counter is updated to a value obtained by adding the value of the cycle timer counter to the current value ("long cycle timer counter update process" S4305).

  After the long cycle timer counter update processing S4305, it is determined whether or not the value of the long cycle timer counter is “10” or more (S4306). By the determination process S4305, the following processes (S4307 to S4312) are executed approximately every predetermined number of times (in the present embodiment, 10 times) of the periodic timer counter. In this embodiment, since the periodic timer counter is updated approximately every 1 ms, the following processing (S4307 to S4312) is executed approximately every 10 ms.

  If it is determined in the determination process 2402 that the value of the long-period timer counter is less than the specified thinning number (in this embodiment, “10”), this process ends. On the other hand, when the value of the long cycle timer counter is “10” or more, the value of the long cycle timer counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the specified thinning number “10” from the current value (“long cycle timer counter”). Specified thinning-out number subtraction process "S4307). After the specified thinning number subtraction process S4307, during the light emission effect or the light emission notification, the light emission unit data constituting the selected light emission effect pattern or the light emission notification pattern is selected, and the selected light emission unit data is for output. Are stored in the data buffer ("light emission data update process" S4308). Here, each light emission effect pattern includes a plurality of light emission unit data. The light emission unit data constituting each light emission effect pattern is stored in the ROM of the sub control board 1047a and is selected in the reception command confirmation processing S4108. The stored light emission unit data is output to a desired light emitting device in device control processing 4302. By repeatedly executing the light emission notification changing process, the light emission unit data is sequentially changed, and a light emission effect or light emission notification of a predetermined light emission pattern is performed.

  After the light emission data update process S4308, a process for synchronizing the display effect, the light emission effect, and the sound effect is performed ("notification synchronization process" S4309).

  After the light emission / acoustic synchronization process S4309, in a situation where an audio effect is being performed, when the player is left for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds in this embodiment) without any input. The sound volume of the BGM in the sound effects and various special game states is changed to a low sound volume (“acoustic fade-out process” S4310).

  After the acoustic fade-out process S4310, whether or not to shift to demonstration notification (customer waiting effect) is determined for a predetermined time (this embodiment) without any input operation such as a bet operation, a start operation, or a stop operation performed by the player. In this case, the demonstration notification is substantially started when the predetermined time has elapsed ("demonstration notification transition process" S4311). Specifically, in the demonstration notification transition processing S4311, a display notification pattern for performing demonstration notification is selected, and a demonstration flag is set. Here, the demonstration notification pattern is composed of a plurality of light emission notification unit data, similarly to the light emission effect pattern. Demonstration effects are started in a predetermined peripheral device such as the liquid crystal display device 1042.

  After the demonstration notification transition processing S4311, the volume setting of the volume adjustment switch (not shown) in the volume changing operation device (not shown) is confirmed, and the reference volume for the speakers 106 and 204 is updated (“reference volume setting”). Process "S4312).

  In order to control the liquid crystal display device 1042 and the speakers 1106 and 1204 after ending the reference volume setting process S4312 and when it is determined in the determination process S4306 that the value of the long-period timer counter is less than the prescribed thinning-out number. Display notification unit data, display effect unit data, and the like are updated ("sound / display notification change process" S4313).

[Main configuration related to the present invention]
The structure of the main characteristic part of the ball-type cylinder game machine 1010 of the present invention will be described. The ball-type rotating game machine 1010 cooperates with four payout systems (four payout passages) of game balls (a kind of [game media]) of the total payout remaining number ([passing permission number]) substantially simultaneously. Pay out. The four payout systems are identified by the notations “Article 1”, “Article 2”, “Article 3”, and “Article 4”.

  In the game ball tank 1032 (see FIG. 7) of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010, a game ball from a game ball circulation device (part of the island facility where the game machine is set) outside the ball-type spinning game machine 1010. Is supplied. The game ball supplied to the game ball tank 1032 moves to the tank rail 1034 by its own weight. In the tank rail 1034, first, a game ball that roughly proceeds to the first or second bowl-shaped passage ([array storage section]) and a game ball that proceeds to the third or fourth bowl-shaped passage; Are distributed by the partition piece 1034d (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9), and then the game ball that proceeds to the first bowl-shaped passage and the game ball that proceeds to the second bowl-shaped passage are one partition piece 1034e. The game balls that are distributed by the above-mentioned and proceed to the third bowl-shaped passage or the fourth bowl-shaped passage are dispersed by the other partition piece 1034e. In addition, the game balls stacked in the first and second articles are aligned in a row in the first or second article step by step by one pendulum 1034a and one pendulum 1034b. Similarly, the game balls stacked in the third and fourth articles are aligned in a row in the third or fourth article step by step by the other pendulum 1034a and the other pendulum 1034b. In each of the first to fourth ball paths 1035a of the case rail 1035, the game balls are aligned in a line.

  In response to an ON operation of the power switch 1038a (see FIG. 7), power of a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 1038e ([power supply device]) of the power control board 1038 'to each device. Specifically, main control board 1045a (part of [main control device]: part of [game progress control device]) and payout control board 1037a (part of [payout control device]: [game progress control device]] A control power of 5V and a driving voltage of 15V are supplied to various control boards including a part of the control board. For various switches and various sensors such as the payout count switch 1033h (a kind of [medium detection device]) in Articles 1 to 4, 5V is supplied from the power supply unit 1038e via the main control board 1045a or the payout control board 1037a. A control voltage of 15 V is supplied to the various drive devices including the payout solenoid 1033c via the main control board 1045a or the payout control board 1037a.

  In the case rail 1035, a first broken ball detection switch 1035b common to the first and second balls is provided on the upstream side of the first and second ball paths 1035a. On the upstream side of the third and fourth ball passages 1035a, a second broken ball detection switch 1035b common to the third and fourth balls is provided. When the first and second payout flickers 1033b are in the passage-prohibited state, the first ball-out detection state based on the first ball-out detection switch 1035b is in the off state (the state with a ball). The first standby passage 1033d and the ball passage 1035a on the upstream side of the first discharge flicker 1033b (hereinafter, the passages of the standby passage 1033d and the ball passage 1035a of each item are also collectively referred to as “alignment storage passage”) And in at least one of the aligned storage passages of the second article, a predetermined number (the number of aligned storage: “20” in this embodiment) of game balls is stored. On the other hand, when the first and second payout flickers 1033b are in the passage prohibition state, if the first ball break detection switch 1035b is in the on state (no ball state), the first item alignment storage is performed. Only game balls less than the number of aligned storage are stored in both the passage and the aligned storage passage of the second article. Similarly, when the second flicker detection state is the off state (the state with a ball) when the third and fourth payout flickers 1033b are in the passage-prohibited state, the third-order aligned storage is performed. In at least one of the passage and the fourth article, a number of aligned storage game balls are stored. On the other hand, when the second ball break detection switch 1035b is in an on state (no ball state), In both the three aligned storage passages and the fourth aligned storage passage, only game balls less than the number of aligned storages are stored. As shown in FIG. 30, when the on state of the first ball break detection state continues for a predetermined ball break confirmation time (in this embodiment, “1000 ms”) outside the payout control period, the first The ball breaks error state. Similarly, except during the payout control period, the on state of the ball break detection state based on the ball break detection switch signal from the second ball break detection switch 1035b is a predetermined ball break confirmation time Ty1 (in this embodiment, “1000 ms”). ) If the operation continues, the second ball break error state is entered. In the ball-out error state, the ON state in the first ball-out detection state and the ON state in the second ball-out detection state continue for a predetermined ball existence confirmation time Ty2 (in this embodiment, “100 ms”). Respectively automatically return from the first ball-out error state and the second ball-out error state.

  The payout count switch 1033h in Articles 1 to 4 is a ground potential of 0V (a kind of [first detection potential]) when a game ball is detected, and 5V when a game ball is not detected. A payout count switch signal (a kind of [medium detection signal]) that is ([second detection potential]) is output. The payout control board 1037a and each of the first to fourth payout count switches 1033h are connected by a common wire harness, and the first to fourth payouts from the payout control board 1037a by the wire harness. A power supply path to the count switch 1033h and a transmission path for the payout count switch signal of the first to fourth articles are configured. The reference potentials of the payout control board 1037a and the payout count switches 1033h of the first to fourth items are shared with the ground potential.

  The main processing of the main control board 1045a and the payout control board 1037a is executed according to the ON operation of the power switch 1038a. In the main process of the payout control board 1037a, various processes for starting up the payout control board 1037a are executed (S3001 to S3007 in FIG. 24), and then waits until the three timer interruptions are finished (S3008). In each of the two timer interruptions, the voltage (potential) of the input terminal corresponding to the first to fourth articles connected to the first to fourth dispensing count switches 1033h is confirmed. After the two timer interruptions, it is determined whether each of the first passage detection state and the second passage detection state is an on state or an off state (S3009: [upset payout abnormality detection means] ], The first payout error flag is set (S3010) when either the first passage detection state or the second passage detection state is on. Similarly, it is determined whether each of the passage detection state of Article 3 and the passage detection state of Article 4 is an ON state or an OFF state (S3011: [Partial discharge abnormality detection means]) When either the third passage detection state or the fourth passage detection state is on, a second payout error flag is set (S3010).

  Before the power switch 1038a is turned on, the power supply path from the payout control board 1037a to the payout count switch 1033h of the first to fourth articles and the transmission path of the payout count switch signal of any of the first to fourth articles If the wire harness connecting the payout control board 1037a and the first to fourth payout count switches 1033h is not connected, the first to fourth payout count switches Regardless of the voltage at the output terminal of 1033h, the potential at the corresponding input terminal of the payout control board 1037a is the reference potential of 0V. As a result, the occurrence of a payout error at the time of start-up is detected in the payout control board 1037a, and at least one of the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag is set (S3010 and S3011).

  When at least one of the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag is set, the payout control board 1037a transmits a payout error signal to the main control board 1045a (S3103). When the main control board 1045a receives the payout error signal, the main control board 1045a sets a payout error flag (S1404) and transmits a first passage error command (a type of error command) to the sub control board 1047a (S1112: [abnormality notification control]. Part of the means]. Upon receiving the payout error command (S4203), the sub control board 1047a controls the light emitting device 1104, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. ([notification device]) (S4308 and 4313: part of [abnormality notification control means]). The occurrence of a payout error at start-up is notified. Note that the control of the sub control board 1047a stays in a state in which the occurrence of a payout error at the time of startup is informed.

  Generation of a prize ball payout command ([bonus payout information]) on the main control board 1045a or from the CR unit according to the operation of the ball lending button 1306 (see FIG. 1) of the ball lending device 1350 (see FIGS. 1 and 17). Waiting for the shift of the lending instruction signal to the on state, the initial payout operation is executed as shown in FIG. 40 in response to detection of reception of the prize ball payout command or detection of the on state of the lending instruction signal (ta2). ~ Ta3). If the first or second ball-out error state is present at the start of the initial payout operation based on the prize ball payout command and the lending instruction signal, both the first ball-out error state and the second ball-out error state are present. The payout operation is not executed until it is resolved. When the payout of the game ball is not completed in the initial payout operation, the re-payout operation is executed as shown in FIG. 41 (tb6 to tb7). Furthermore, when the payout of the game ball is not completed even in the re-payout operation, as shown in FIG. 42, a payout error state within the payout period is set (tc7).

  Specifically, in the payout control board 1037a, within a predetermined time ([passage permission time]) after the first and second payout flickers 1033b start shifting from the passage prohibition state to the passage permission state. It is determined whether the passage of the first sphere is started, and it is determined whether the passage of the subsequent sphere is started within a predetermined time from the start of the passage of the preceding sphere (S3403, S3407, S3411, S3415). . If it is determined in Article 1 or 2 that any game ball has not started passing within a predetermined time before the final ball starts to pass, this payout operation is the first payout If the current payout operation is the first payout operation when the current payout operation is the first payout operation, the first payout error flag is set (S421). : [A part of the withdrawal abnormality detecting means within the withdrawal period]). Similarly, if it is determined in Article 3 or 4 that any game ball has not started passing within a predetermined time before the final ball starts passing, The second payout error flag is set after the completion of the payout operation (S421: [part of second passing abnormality detecting means]). Even if the hanging ball is generated in any one of the first to fourth articles, the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag are not set.

  When at least one of the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag is set, the payout control board 1037a transmits a payout error signal to the main control board 1045a (S3103: [payout abnormality signal generating means]). The control of the payout control board 1037a stays in a state where a payout error signal is transmitted ([payout control staying means]). When the main control board 1045a receives the payout error signal ([second passing abnormality signal]), the main control board 1045a sets a payout error flag (S1404: [outside payout period payout abnormality detecting means]), and issues a payout error to the sub control board 1047a. A command (a kind of error command) is transmitted (S1112: [part of abnormal passage notification control means]). Thereafter, the control of the main control board 1045a stays in a state of waiting for the operation of the reset switch 1038b ([main control staying means]). When receiving the payout error command (S4203), the sub control board 1047a controls the light emitting device 1104, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. ([notification device]) (S4308 and 4313: part of [passage abnormality notification control means]). ), The occurrence of a payout error within the payout period is notified. The control of the sub-control board 1047a stays in a state in which the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period is informed ([payout control staying means]). The progress of the game is stopped by the control of the main control board 1045a, the payout control board 1037a, and the sub control board 1047a being retained.

  From the payout error state within the payout period, as shown in FIG. 28, the ON state of the reset detection state based on the operation of the reset switch 1038b (see FIGS. 7 and 17) has continued for a predetermined reset confirmation time Tx1 or more. It is a case and it returns, when the passage detection state of all the strips is an OFF state (non-passing state). As shown in FIG. 42, in the case of a clogged ball or a broken ball, in response to the return from the second passing error state (tc8), the initial payout operation after the reset return is executed (tc9 to tc10). .

  Within the payout period, the payout count switch signal of any of the first to fourth articles during the period until the final ball of each article starts to pass through the payout count switch 1033h of the first article to the fourth article When the disconnection of the power supply path of the transmission line or the payout count switch 1033h of any one of the first to fourth articles occurs, the control timer of the first to fourth articles becomes "0", that is, the predetermined Therefore, the first payout error flag or the second payout error flag is set (first payout error process S421, second payout error process S423: [payout] One type of payout abnormality detection means] within a period, and the game progress is stopped by shifting to a payout error state within the payout period. Also, within the payout period, the payout count according to any of the first to fourth articles during the period after the last ball of each article has started to pass through the payout count switch 1033h of the first article to the fourth article. When a disconnection of the power supply path of the switch signal transmission path or the payout count switch 1033h of any one of the first to fourth articles occurs, the first to fourth control timers are forcibly set to “ In order to maintain the value after being set to “150”, the value does not become “0”, that is, it is not determined that the predetermined time has passed, and thus the first and second payout error flags are not set. Therefore, it does not shift to the payout error state within the payout period, and the game progress is not stopped. However, in the next payout control operation, the control timers in Article 1 to Article 4 are set to “0”, and a transition to a payout error state within the payout period is made, and the game progress is stopped. In this case, even if the reset switch 1038c (see FIG. 17) is operated and the ON state of the reset switch state continues for a predetermined time (S205: N), the transmission path of the payout count switch signal is disconnected or disconnected. Since the passage passage detection state is kept on (S208: N), the payout error state within the payout period is maintained without shifting to the payout operation (S209 skip). On the other hand, when the transition to the payout error state within the payout period occurs due to the occurrence of ball clogging or ball breakage, the payout error state is canceled because the passage detection state of all the strips is off (S208: Y). (S209). Note that even if an operation to cancel out of the ball is performed but the out-of-ball state has not been canceled, the payout error within the payout period is once again after the payout error state within the payout period is canceled. Transition to the state. Therefore, whether or not the cause of the payout error within the payout period is caused by the disconnection can be identified based on whether or not the error state is once released.

  In the control during the normal game of the payout control board 1037a, it is determined whether each of the passage start detection states of Article 1 to Article 4 is in the on state (transition from the passage detection state to the on state). S302: [a part of [third passage abnormality detection means]), when any of the passage start detection states of Articles 1 to 4 is in the ON state, the payout count signal output standby number is set to 1 at the current value. (S309: Part of [Pulse signal synthesizing means]). As shown in FIG. 45, payout count signals transmitted from the payout control board 1037a to the main control board 1045a are synthesized with reference to the payout count signal standby number and output (S3114, S3103: [pulse signal synthesis] Part of the means].

  Further, in the control during the normal game of the payout control board 1037a, the payout flag is set in response to the reception of the prize ball payout command from the main control board 1045a, and the payout period is started, as shown in FIG. As described above, the paying-in signal is transferred to the main control board 1045a (S3602: [part of paying-out signal generating means]). When the payout flag is set and the transmission of the same number of pulse signals as the payout count signal is completed as the payout count signal, the payout flag is canceled and the payout period ends. As shown, the paying-in signal is shifted to the main control board 1045a (S3605: [part of paying-out signal generating means]).

  In control during the normal game of the main control board 1045a, it is determined whether the paying-out signal is in an on state (within a payout period) or an off state (outside a payout period), and the payout count signal is in an on state. When the payout count signal shifts from the off state to the on state when the payout signal is in the off state, an out-of-period payout error flag is set (S1404). ). As a result, the state shifts to an out-of-payout period payout error state, and an out-of-period payout error command (a type of error command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 1047a (S1112: [part of [abnormality notification control means]). Thereafter, the control of the main control board 1045a stays in a state of waiting for the operation of the reset switch 1038b ([main control staying means]). When receiving the out-of-period payout error command (S4203), the sub control board 1047a controls the light emitting device 1104, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. ([notification device]) (S4308 and 4313: [abnormality notification control means]) Section), the occurrence of a payout error outside the payout period is notified. The control of the sub-control board 1047a stays in a state where the occurrence of the payout error is reported ([payout control staying means]). The progress of the game is stopped by the control of the main control board 1045a and the sub control board 1047a being retained.

  Out of the payout period, when the disconnection of the payout count switch signal transmission path of any of Articles 1 to 4 or the power supply path of the payout count switch 1033h of any of Articles 1 to 4 occurs. Since the payout count signal shifts from the off state to the on state when the paying out signal is in the off state, the occurrence of a payout error outside the payout period is detected, and the game progress is stopped. On the other hand, when a hanging ball is generated, the payout count signal is kept on before the paying-in signal is turned off. When the paying-out signal is off, the payout count signal is turned on from the off state. Since the state does not change, the occurrence of a payout error outside the payout period is not detected, and the game progress is not stopped.

  In the case of the ball-turning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, since the occurrence of a payout error is confirmed when the payout control device 1037a is started up, the power supply of the payout control device 1037a etc. at night is shut off. Power to the transmission line (hereinafter also abbreviated as count switch signal line) for transmitting the count switch signal from the first to fourth payout count switch 1033h and the first to fourth payout count switch 1033h. When a power supply path to be supplied (hereinafter also abbreviated as a count switch power line) is cut off by an illegal act, the potential of the input terminals of the first to fourth count switch signals of the payout control device 1037a is the ground potential. Thus, the occurrence of a payout error at the time of start-up is detected and the game progress is stopped. Note that the resumption of the game progress according to the operation of the reset switch 1038b is on condition that the potentials of all the input terminals of the count switch signals of the first to fourth articles are potentials within a predetermined second range. Therefore, when any of the count switch signal lines and the count switch power lines in the first to fourth articles is disconnected due to an illegal act, the game progress is not resumed by the operation of the reset switch 1038b. Also, not only when disconnected due to fraud, but even when the count switch signal line or the count switch power line of Articles 1 to 4 is disconnected due to maintenance work, etc., a payout error at startup Is detected and the progress of the game is stopped. In addition, since these problems can be found at the time of start-up, these can be repaired before the game is started by the player.

  Further, since the occurrence of a payout error is confirmed even after the start-up is completed and outside the payout period, if the count switch signal line or the count switch power line is disconnected due to an illegal act, the payout control device 1037a counts. The potential at the input end of the switch signal becomes the ground potential, and the occurrence of a dispensing abnormality outside the dispensing period is detected. Note that the state of the payout abnormality outside the payout period is not canceled even by operating the reset switch 1038b. In addition, the occurrence of a payout abnormality outside the payout period is detected not only in the case of being disconnected due to fraud, but also in the case of unexpected disconnection due to an operation performed by exposing the inside of the gaming machine.

  In addition, if the count switch signal line or the count switch power line is disconnected due to fraudulent action after the start-up is completed and the occurrence of a payout error is confirmed within the payout period, the total payout allowance is determined. If the game medium to be paid out last is before the start of passing, the payout error in the payout period is detected in order to reach the predetermined passage permission time in the current payout control operation, and the game progress is stopped, If it is after the passage of the game medium starts, in the next payout control operation, the payout error within the payout period is detected and the game progress is stopped because the passing interval time reaches the predetermined pass permission time. If the count switch signal line is disconnected due to an illegal act, the game progress is not resumed by the operation of the reset switch 1038b. On the other hand, the progress of the game is also stopped in the case of a ball clogging or running out of balls where the supply of game media to be automatically supplied from the outside for payout is temporarily stopped, in this case The game progress is resumed according to the input of the game progress resumption information after the ball clogging or ball breakage is resolved, and the game progress is resumed according to the input of the game progress resumption information before the ball clogging or ball breakage is resolved Since the game progress is stopped again after being resumed, it is possible to distinguish between a case where the count switch signal line or the count switch power line is disconnected and a case where the ball is out of ball or a ball is clogged.

  The payout count switch 1033h in the first to fourth articles is a predetermined potential within the first range including the ground potential when the game ball is detected, and is grounded when the game medium is not detected. Since the medium detection signal having a predetermined potential within the second range not including the potential is output, it is difficult to execute the illegal act. Specifically, in this configuration, the count switch signal line is adjusted to a predetermined potential (second detection potential) that is different from the ground potential, and is illegal unless the discharge flicker 1033b is forcibly permitted from the outside to pass through. However, if the medium detection signal has a reverse potential configuration, if the medium detection signal is within the payout period, the count switch signal line is cut to a predetermined potential, such as disconnection. The game media can be illegally paid out by a much simpler operation, and if it is outside the payout period, the ground potential is set by a simple operation and the passage restriction device is forcibly passed from the outside. This is because game media can be paid out illegally.

  On the other hand, when the last game medium to be paid out is captured by the payout flicker 1033b, the payout period ends and the payout flicker 1033b is out of the payout period. Since the condition is that the potential in the two ranges shifts to the potential in the first range, it is possible to prevent a third passing error from occurring even if a game ball is captured. The captured game ball is paid out without being counted as the number of payouts in the next payout control operation.

  Accordingly, in the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, occurrence of various payout errors is confirmed in substantially the entire game period (except at the time of start-up), and it corresponds to one of a plurality of payout passages. If the count switch signal line or the count switch power line is disconnected, the game progress can be stopped and the game progress can be prevented from being stopped due to the occurrence of the capture of the game ball in any of the plurality of payout passages. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the smooth progress of the game due to the capture of the game ball, and to improve the payout abnormality detection performance associated with the disconnection of the count switch signal line or the count switch power line.

  Also, with the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, it is possible to pay out at a high speed in order to pay out the gaming balls of the total payout permitted number in cooperation with the payout passages of Articles 1 to 4. In the above description, the configuration in which the game balls are paid out in cooperation with the four payout passages has been described. However, in the present invention, the game balls may be paid out through a single payout passage. A configuration may be adopted in which game balls are paid out in cooperation with payout passages other than the number of passages.

  In the case of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, the payout period during which the count switch signal line is likely to be disconnected due to fraud after the main control board 1045a and the payout control board 1037a are started up. An external payout error can be detected by the main control board 1045a that controls the main game progress related to acquisition of game media and the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent adverse effects on the control relating to the acquisition of game media and the like. Further, by separating the game progress control into the main control device 1045a and the payout control device 1037a, the main game progress control and the payout of the actual game medium can be executed independently.

  In addition, the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 according to the present embodiment includes the ball lending device 1350, so that it is possible to easily lend a game ball and to pay out a bonus game ball and to be lent. By sharing the medium payout with the same configuration, the configuration of the gaming machine can be simplified. Also, in the payout of game media based on the ball lending button 1306 of the ball lending device 1350, the payout control board 1037a does not output the paying out signal and the payout count signal to the main control board 1045a, so that a payout error outside the payout period is not determined. . Therefore, it is possible to lend a game ball without stopping the game progress. This can prevent the smooth progress of the game from being hindered due to the lending of game balls.

  Further, in the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, since the operation lever 1033j and the projection 1033g1 for forcibly operating the payout flicker 1033b are provided, the progress of the game is stopped based on the payout error within the payout period. In the case where the game progress is not resumed in response to the reset operation despite the operation to clear the ball clogging or ball breakage and the operation of the operation lever 1033j, the count switch signal line and the count switch power line It can be almost determined as a payout error within the payout period due to cutting or disconnection. Accordingly, it is possible to satisfactorily identify whether the cause of the stoppage of the game progress based on the payout error within the payout period is the disconnection of the count switch signal line or the count switch power line, or the clogging or supply of the game medium.

  Further, in the case of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 of this embodiment, since the occurrence of various payout errors is notified to the player, the employee of the game hall, etc., the player, the employee of the game hall, etc. The occurrence of abnormality can be recognized more quickly. In the present invention, the same type of notification may be performed for various payout errors, or in any one case, a different type of notification may be performed, and all of them may be performed. In some cases, different types of notification may be performed.

  Further, in the case of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, even if the control timer expires, it is repaid without detecting the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period until the predetermined number of times is reached. By repeating the operation and detecting the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period when a predetermined number of times is reached, it is possible to reduce the detection of a payout error within the payout period due to clogging or running out of balls. Based on this, it is possible to suppress the progress of the game from being stopped. This is because, even if a ball clogging has occurred, during the previous payout operation, the storage state of the game balls in the tank rail 1034 may change and the ball clogging or ball breaking may be resolved. Particularly when game balls are paid out in cooperation with a plurality of payout passages, even when ball clogging occurs, game balls are paid out in the payout passage adjacent to the payout passage where clogging has occurred. This is because sometimes the clogging is cleared with high frequency, and the payout is completed in the payout operation to be continuously executed. In addition, game balls may be supplied to the tank rail 1034 as time elapses until the predetermined number of times is reached. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a ball clogging or a payout error within the payout period due to a ball shortage that occurs more easily than when the count switch signal line or the count switch power line is disconnected. This can greatly reduce the stoppage of game progress.

  Further, in the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, the re-payout operation is executed only once after the initial payout operation, and the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period due to a ball clogging or a ball breakage is detected. Thus, the disconnection of the count switch signal line and the count switch power line can be detected as a payout error within the payout period more quickly than when a plurality of re-payout operations are executed.

  Further, in the ball-type spinning machine 1010 of this embodiment, since the minimum number of permitted total passages is larger than the number of items (“4”), each of the payout control operations includes items 1 to 4. It is possible to confirm malfunctions in all the sections and detect the occurrence of malfunctions at an early stage.

  Further, in the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, the number of game balls to be paid out in each item in order to distribute the items substantially equally to the first to fourth items is substantially the same. It is possible to shorten the time until the payout of the game ball is completed in all the articles from Article 4 to Article 4.

  In the ball-type spinning machine 1010 of this embodiment, the number of items is equal to or less than the minimum value of the number of payouts associated with each of the various prize ball payout commands and the lending payout instructions, and the remaining payout number However, in the distribution of the number of payouts, the distribution of the count switch signal lines and the power lines of the count switch can be confirmed in each payout control operation without depending on the type of bonus payout information. Therefore, the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period can be detected early.

  Further, in the ball type spinning machine 1010 of this embodiment, the minimum value of the number of payouts associated with each of the various prize ball payout commands and the lending payout instruction is 5 or more, and the number of items is “4”. Therefore, the payout can be performed at a high speed without greatly complicating the structure involved in the payout. In addition, with a simple structure in the tank rail 1034, the game balls can be distributed almost evenly in the four payout passages, and the occurrence of payout errors during the payout period due to the ball breakage in any of the aligned storage passages can be suppressed. .

  Further, in the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of the present embodiment, the tank rail 1034 disperses the supplied game balls in stages, that is, the pair of the first and second articles and the third article. And the game balls that have flowed into the pairs of Articles 1 and 2 are distributed substantially evenly in the first and second pairs, By distributing the game balls flowing into the pairs of Article 3 and Article 4 substantially evenly in Articles 3 and 4, the game balls distributed to different pairs of storage passages are clogged with any of the articles. Can be suppressed, and occurrence of the second passing error due to clogging of the balls can be reduced. This is because the game balls distributed in the vicinity of the first and second bowl-shaped passages of the tank rail 1034 may cause clogging in the first or second section, or the third and fourth bowls. In some cases, the game balls distributed near the path may cause clogging in the 3rd or 4th section, but depending on the game balls near the 2nd and 3rd path, the 2nd section This is because the ball clogging does not occur in the bowl-shaped passage of Article 3.

  Further, in the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 of this embodiment, the first ball break detection switch 1035b stores more than the specified number of game balls in one of the first and second aligned storage passages. The second ball break detection switch 1035b detects that more than the specified number of game balls are stored in the aligned storage passages of either the third or fourth article, and the first When the ball-out detection state of both the second ball-out detection switch 1035b is in the off state, the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period due to the ball clogging is detected by starting the initial payout operation. Can be reduced. This is because, when a predetermined number of media are stored in all the aligned storage passages of Articles 1 to 4, if the payout is executed, ball clogging has occurred in at least one item. However, with the above configuration, even if there is a ball clogging in either Article 1 or Article 2, it will also be in one of Article 3 or Article 4. This is because, even if a ball clogging occurs, the ball clogging is frequently eliminated as the payout progresses.

In the above description, the case where the game progress is not stopped according to the detection of the payout error at the start-up has been described. However, in the present invention, the game progress is stopped according to the detection of the payout error at the start-up. It can also be. Specifically, the following configuration can be adopted. When at least one of the first payout error flag and the second payout error flag is set, the payout control board 1037a transmits a payout error signal to the main control board 1045a (S3103: [payout abnormality signal generating means]). The control of the payout control board 1037a stays in a state where a payout error signal is transmitted ([payout control staying means]). When the main control board 1045a receives the payout error signal ([second passing abnormality signal]), the main control board 1045a sets a payout error flag (S1404: [outside payout period payout abnormality detecting means]), and issues a payout error to the sub-control board 1047a. A command (a kind of error command) is transmitted (S1112: [part of abnormal passage notification control means]). Thereafter, the control of the main control board 1045a stays in a state of waiting for the operation of the reset switch 1038b ([main control staying means]). When receiving the payout error command (S4203), the sub control board 1047a controls the light emitting device 1104, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. ([notification device]) (S4308 and 4313: part of [passage abnormality notification control means]). ), The occurrence of a payout error within the payout period is notified. The control of the sub-control board 1047a stays in a state in which the occurrence of a payout error within the payout period is informed ([payout control staying means]). The progress of the game is stopped by the control of the main control board 1045a, the payout control board 1037a, and the sub control board 1047a being retained.

  In the above, the case where the present invention is applied to a ball-type spinning game machine has been described, but it can also be applied to a ball game machine.

  The present invention is suitable for a gaming machine such as a swing-type game machine and a ball game machine.

The front side perspective view showing an example of a ball-type spinning machine. The perspective view represented in the state which opened an example of the ball-type spinning machine in block unit. The perspective view showing an example of a selector. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a selector. The principal part expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of a selector and an upper plate ball stop part in the passage prohibition state of an insertion flicker and a return shutter. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a selector and an upper dish ball removal operation unit in a state where passage of a charging flicker and a return shutter is prohibited. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a payout block. The rear view showing an example of the passage route of the game ball in a payout block. (A) A figure is a top view showing an example of a tank rail, (B) A sectional view showing an example of a tank rail. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the vicinity of a sphere break detection switch, (A) A figure represents a sphere presence state, (B) A figure represents a sphere absence state. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a payout apparatus, (A) The figure represents the state which is not paying out, (B) The figure represents the state which is paying out, (C) The figure is a ball extraction Indicates the state of operation. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the vicinity of a sphere overflow detection switch, (A) A figure represents a normal state and (B) figure represents a sphere overflow state. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a game block. The front view showing an example of a game panel. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a rotating drum unit. It is an expanded view showing an example of a symbol seal, (A) A figure represents a left symbol seal, (B) A figure represents a middle symbol seal, (C) A figure represents a right symbol seal. The block diagram showing an example of the electrical structure of a ball-type spinning machine. The flowchart showing an example of the timer interruption process in a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the normal game process in the main process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the fluctuation waiting process in the normal game process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the rotation control process in the normal game process in the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the acquired ball payout process in the normal game process on the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the timer interruption process in a payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the command determination process in the timer interruption process of a payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the passage error cancellation process in the timer interruption process of a payout control board. 6 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of a passing error canceling operation in a passing error canceling process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the storage ball confirmation process in the timer interruption process of a payout control board. The timing chart which represents conceptually an example of the storage ball confirmation operation | movement in the storage ball confirmation process of a payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the lower tray ball confirmation operation | movement in the timer interruption process of a payout control board. 9 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of a lower dish ball check operation in the lower dish ball check process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the number-of-payout counting process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the payout solenoid control process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a payout number distribution process in a timer interrupt process of a payout control board. (A) The figure shows an example of the surplus distribution pattern data referred to in the payout number distribution process, and (B) The figure shows an example of the data structure of the surplus distribution pattern data referred to in the payout number distribution process. Illustration. Explanatory drawing showing an example of transition of the number-of-payout distribution in multiple times of payout control operation | movement. (A)-(D) Explanatory drawing showing the example of transition of the number-of-payout distribution in one insertion control operation. The flowchart showing an example of the payout solenoid setting process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. 6 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of payout control for normally completing payout without going through a re-payout operation. 6 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of payout control for normally completing payout through a re-payout operation. 6 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of payout control for completing payout through a re-payout operation based on cancellation of a passage error. The flowchart showing an example of the payout count signal setting process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the during-payout signal setting process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. 4 is a timing chart conceptually showing an example of output control of a payout signal and a payout count signal. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the reception command confirmation process in the main process of a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the period timer process in the main process of a sub control board.

Explanation of symbols

1032: Game ball tank 1033: Discharge device 1033b: Discharge flicker 1033c: Discharge solenoid 1033d: Standby passage 1033e: Discharge passage 1033f: Discharge passage 1033h: Discharge count switch 1033j: Lever 1034: Tank rail 1035a: Case rail 1035a: Ball : Ball break detection switch 1037a: Dispensing control board 1037a1: CPU
1037a2: ROM
1037a3: RAM
1038 ': Power supply control board 1038a: Power supply unit 1038c: Reset switch 1350: Ball lending device 1306: Ball lending button

Claims (1)

A payout restricting device for restricting inflow of game media into the payout passage by a change in a substantial width of the payout passage;
A medium detecting device for detecting a game medium flowing down the payout passage;
Bonus payout information generating means for generating bonus payout information, total pass permission number determining means for determining the total pass permission number of game media based on the bonus payout information, and the payout based on detection of game media by the medium detecting device Based on the number-of-passage measuring means for measuring the number of passages of the game medium flowing down the passage, and the generation of the bonus payout information by the bonus payout information generating means and the detection of the game medium by the medium detection device A game progress control device for controlling the progress of the game, including payout control means for controlling the inflow control;
A power supply device that supplies power to the game progress control device, the payout restriction device, and the medium detection device;
A gaming machine including
It further includes a game progress restart input device for inputting game progress restart information,
The medium detecting device detects the game medium captured by the payout restricting device in the payout passage;
When the medium detection device detects a game medium based on the power supplied from the power supply device, the game medium is a predetermined first detection potential within a predetermined first range including a ground potential, Output a medium detection signal that is a predetermined second detection potential within a predetermined second range that does not overlap with the predetermined first range,
The game progress control device is
A startup abnormality detection means for detecting a startup payout abnormality in which an input terminal potential of an input terminal that receives the medium detection signal at the start of power supply from the power supply device is a potential in the first range;
The payout path when the number of passages does not reach the total passage permission number within a payout period including at least a period during which the payout restricting device permits the flow of game media based on generation of the bonus payout information A payout period payout abnormality detection means for detecting a payout abnormality within a payout period in which a passage interval time of a game medium flowing down a predetermined passage permission time elapses based on the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal;
Out-of-payout period payout abnormality detecting means for detecting an out-of-payout period payout abnormality in which the input terminal potential changes from a potential in the second range to a potential in the first range outside a payout period different from the inside of the payout period;
Game progress stopping means for stopping the progress of the game in response to each of a predetermined number of detections within the payout period of the payout abnormality within the payout period and a detection of the payout abnormality outside the payout period;
A payout abnormality cancellation determination means for determining whether the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within the second range in response to the input of the game progress resumption information;
Game progress resuming means for resuming the progress of the game in response to detection that the input terminal potential of the medium detection signal is a potential within the second range by the payout abnormality cancellation determining means;
Including
The gaming machine, wherein the payout restriction control means recontrols the inflow restriction by the payout restriction device in response to the resumption of the game progress by the game progress resuming means.

Images