JP2009273561A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine making possible quick dispensing movement of game media. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes; the first means which is composed to receive from a game ball dispensing device 22, on one hand, an incoming signal BRDY reporting a game ball-dispensing demand from a game player and an incoming signal BRQ directing the start of a game ball dispensing movement, and to output, on the other hand, a control signal EXS to the game ball dispensing device 22 indicating the game ball dispensing movement is on, and which, when the incoming signal BRDY changes to H level, lets the movement status to go forward without double checking the incoming signal change; the second means which, when subsequently the incoming signal BRQ changes to H level, lets the movement status to go forward without double checking the incoming signal change; the third means which, after changing the control signal EXS to H level, waits for the incoming signal BRQ returning back to L level; and the fourth means which, when subsequently the incoming signal BRQ returns to L level, initiates the start of the unit put-out movement without double checking the incoming signal change, and, when the unit put-out movement is finalized, returns the control signal EXS back to L level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a game ball or game medal, and more particularly to a game machine that speeds up a communication protocol with a ball lending machine.

  For example, a ball game machine that uses a game ball as a game medium is roughly classified into a CR (Card Reader) machine and a cash machine. In the current CR machine, when cash is thrown into the ball lending machine adjacent to the gaming machine and the ball lending switch of the gaming machine is pressed, for example, 500 yen of gaming balls are lent out from the gaming machine. ing. In this specification, the term “rent” is used, but the rental operation and the prize ball operation are exactly the same in that the game ball is paid out from the gaming machine.

  The number of game balls lent by one switch operation is 125 in a normal game machine (hereinafter referred to as a normal machine), but the launch speed of game balls is about 100 per minute. In a state where no prize ball is obtained, 500 yen is consumed in 1.25 minutes, and if it is overlooked by Tsuki, a large amount of money is spent in a game of several hours. .

  Therefore, a simple type of gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a simple machine) that uses a game ball rented for one yen is increasing so as to avoid such a money risk and enjoy a game with peace of mind over a long period of time. . With this simple machine, 500 gaming balls are rented for 500 yen consumption, so that it is possible to secure a gaming time about four times that of a normal machine at the same expense.

  However, since it is cumbersome to separately manufacture a simple machine and the development cost increases, it is assumed that the game machine has the same configuration using the same game ball, and that it depends on the area where the game machine is installed. It is distinguished whether it is a normal machine or a simple machine. Therefore, regardless of whether the gaming machine is a normal machine or a simple machine, the game content is exactly the same, and the value of one gaming ball is simply different. If the gaming machine is a CR machine, the clerk changes the setting value of the ball lending machine arranged adjacent to it and executes a lending operation of 1 yen per simple machine. Like to do.

  For example, in the case where 500 yen is consumed, a ball lending operation will be specifically described. A ball lending machine adjacent to a simple machine corresponds to the ON operation of a ball lending switch on the simple machine, A total of 500 ball lending operations are instructed. On the other hand, the ball lending machine adjacent to the normal machine instructs a total of 125 ball lending operations to the normal machine in response to the ON operation of the ball lending switch on the normal machine. A command for ball lending operation from a ball lending machine to a gaming machine is realized by, for example, transmission of a BRQ signal, and a predetermined number (for example, a gaming machine that receives one BRQ signal, for example, a normal machine or a simple machine) 25) game balls will be paid out. Therefore, when the ball lending switch is turned ON on the normal machine, the BRQ signal is transmitted from the ball lending machine to the normal machine 5 times, whereas when the same operation is performed on the simple machine, the BRQ is transferred from the ball lending machine to the simple machine. The signal will be transmitted 20 times.

  However, in particular, in a gaming machine in which a large amount of gaming balls (for example, 500 pieces) may be paid out in response to one ON operation of the ball rental switch, the communication protocol between the ball rental machine and the gaming machine An improvement is desired, and a circuit configuration that does not cause adverse effects due to noise or the like even when the communication protocol is accelerated is desired. In other words, when a ball lending machine and a gaming machine communicate with each other, a duplication check of transmission signals, a confirmation signal, etc. are returned, especially when the gaming machine functions as a simple machine. To increase.

  In addition, when a ball lending operation is executed at a slow speed on a normal machine, a predetermined number (125 balls) of game balls are really required in relation to the game ball consumption speed of 5/3 [pieces / second]. It only gives the player anxiety whether the ball was lent. Therefore, there is a need for a device configuration with a light control burden that can quickly rent out game balls while eliminating malfunctions even in poor environments with high noise levels.

  Furthermore, if there is a competition between an unfinished prize ball movement and a ball lending action, giving priority to the unfinished prize ball movement may cause the player to be worried about whether or not a predetermined number of ball lending movements have actually been realized. Absent. First of all, at the timing when the player turns on the ball lending switch, there are almost no game balls left, so priority is given to 5 or 10 slightly award ball movements, rather than delaying the ball lending operation. It is more effective in the sense of renewing the mood to pay out the game balls at once. Even if priority is given to an unfinished prize ball motion, for example, five game balls are consumed in 3 seconds.

  These speeding-up requests basically do not relate to whether the gaming machine is operating as a simple machine or a normal machine. In other words, if the payout operation is speeded up and a harmful effect occurs in the simple machine, it should be dealt with by a measure other than the communication protocol. In short, it should be speeded up to such an extent that no clogging occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that reduces a control burden and enables a quick lending operation of game media.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is the first to drive the payout device based on the main control unit that is responsible for the game control operation and the control command from the main control unit. A gaming machine having a sub-control unit that executes a second payout operation by driving the payout device based on a payout command received from an external device while repeating a payout operation while executing a payout operation, The first input signal BRDY for notifying the player of the second payout operation request and the second input signal BRQ for instructing the start of the unit payout operation are received from the external device, while the unit payout operation is being performed. Is output to the external device, and when it is detected that the first input signal BRDY has changed from the initial level to the significant level, the control operation is performed without checking the duplication. If the second means that the second input signal BRQ has changed from the initial level to the significant level within a predetermined time is detected in the next stage, then the control operation is performed in the next stage without performing a duplicate check. The second means for proceeding to the second stage, and then the third means for waiting for the second input signal BRQ to return from the significant level to the initial level after changing the control signal EXS from the initial level to the significant level, and then to a predetermined level. When it is detected that the second input signal BRQ has returned to the initial level within the time, the start of the unit payout operation is started without checking the duplication, and when the unit payout operation ends, the control signal EXS is set to the initial level. And a fourth means for returning.

  In the present invention, since the control operation proceeds without checking each change in the input signals BRDY and BRQ from the external device, a quick ball lending operation is possible. Note that misrecognition due to noise or the like can be sufficiently dealt with by devising a circuit configuration. In terms of circuit configuration, it is conceivable to use twisted pair wires or shielded wires for the wiring cable. In addition to this measure, while receiving input signals BRDY and BRQ from an external device via a photocoupler, It is effective to output the control signal EXS via the coupler.

  Further, in order to cope with an erroneous recognition, if it is not possible to detect that the second input signal BRQ has changed from the initial level to the significant level even after the second means has elapsed, a communication abnormality process is performed. Thus, it is effective to return the first means to an executable initial state. Similarly, if it is not possible to detect that the second input signal BRQ has changed from the significant level to the initial level even after the fourth means passes through the predetermined time, the first means can be executed after performing the communication abnormality process. It is effective to restore the initial state.

  Although the communication abnormality process is set as appropriate, an output signal PRDY indicating that the second payout operation can be executed is output to an external device. On the other hand, when a communication abnormality is detected, the output signal PRDY is pulsed. It is simple and effective as a communication protocol to notify the external device of a communication abnormality by changing to a plurality of times.

  The invention according to claim 4 is configured to execute a first payout operation by driving a payout device on the basis of a main control unit that is centrally responsible for game control operations and a control command from the main control unit. A gaming machine having a sub-control unit that executes the second payout operation by repeating the unit payout operation by driving the payout device based on a payout command received from an external device, and the first payout operation is: A reference payout operation that does not exceed the reference number is repeated until the payout total number instructed by the control command, and a first input signal BRDY that notifies the player of a request for a second payout operation, and unit payout The second input signal BRQ instructing the start of the operation is received from the external device, while the control signal EXS indicating that the unit payout operation is being performed is output to the external device, the first input When it is detected that the signal BRDY has changed from the initial level to the significant level, after that, prohibition means for prohibiting the start of a new reference payout operation and waiting for the completion of the already started reference payout operation, and already started When the completion of the standard payout operation is confirmed, the control operation proceeds to the next stage, the control signal EXS is changed from the initial level to the significant level, and then the second input signal BRQ is changed from the significant level to the initial level. When it is detected that the second input signal BRQ has returned to the initial level within a predetermined time and then the unit payout operation is started and the unit payout operation is ended. And a payout means for returning the control signal EXS to the initial level.

  By adopting such a configuration, a new reference payout operation is prohibited and the second payout operation is prioritized, so that a quick payout operation is realized.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the prohibition process of the reference payout operation by the prohibiting unit is canceled after the execution of the second payout operation is completed. As a result, the total number of payouts specified by the control command is quickly completed thereafter.

  The external device is preferably configured to accept cash or a prepaid card. In addition, each of the above inventions executes the same game operation using a common game medium for a simple machine with a relatively low value of the game medium and a normal machine with a relatively high value of the game medium. It is effective to be applied to a gaming machine.

  Note that the second payout operation is realized by repeating the unit payout operation, but the number of payouts in the unit payout operation does not necessarily have to be a fixed value as in the embodiment. In addition, the payout speed of the second payout operation is suitably switched according to the total number of payouts. In the case of a normal machine, it is always executed quickly at a standard speed, while in the case of a simple machine. Should be shifted to a slower speed from the middle.

  According to the present invention described above, a quick lending operation of game media is possible, so that the player is not distrusted during the lending operation regardless of whether it is used as a normal machine or a simple machine. In addition, it is possible to reliably detect an emergency communication error.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall circuit configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. Broken lines in the figure mainly indicate DC voltage lines.

  As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine has a power supply board 7 that receives 24 VDC and outputs various DC voltages, a system reset signal SYS, a RAM clear signal CLR, and the like, and a main control board 1 that is centrally responsible for game control operations. An effect control board 2 that executes a lamp effect and an audio effect based on a control command CMD ′ received from the main control board 1, an effect interface board 3 that transmits a signal received from the effect control board 2 to each part, and an effect The liquid crystal control board 4 that drives the liquid crystal display DISP based on the control command CMD "received from the interface board 3 and the payout motor M based on the control command CMD received from the main control board 1 are used to pay the game ball. The payout control board 5 to be taken out and the launch control board 6 for launching a game ball in response to the player's operation are mainly configured.

  Here, the payout control board 5 is connected to the ball lending machine 22, and the ball lending machine 22 realizes a ball lending operation by the payout control board 5 within the range of the cash inserted here. In order to realize such an operation, the payout control board 5 receives two control signals BRDY and BRQ from the ball lending machine 22 and outputs two control signals EXS and PRDY to the ball lending machine 22. Yes.

  A launch handle 30 is connected to the launch control board 6, and a game ball is launched by intermittently supplying a drive current having a strength VL corresponding to the rotation position to the rotary solenoid SL 1. The ball feed solenoid SL2 is intermittently energized at the same timing, so that the game balls are continuously supplied to the launch position, and the game balls are launched at a speed of about 100 per minute.

  The main control board 1, the production control board 2, the liquid crystal control board 4, and the payout control board 5 are each equipped with a computer circuit including a one-chip microcomputer. Therefore, in this specification, the main control board 1, the production control board 2, the liquid crystal control board 4, and the circuits mounted on the payout control board 5 and the operations realized by the circuits are generically named. It may be called the control part 1, the production control part 2, the liquid crystal control part 4, and the payout control part 5. Note that all or part of the effect control unit 2, the liquid crystal control unit 4, and the payout control unit 5 are sub-control units.

  The main control unit 1 transmits a control command CMD to the payout control unit 5 in one direction, while the payout control unit 5 receives a prize ball count signal indicating a payout operation of a game ball, a payout operation, and a ball lending operation. The status signal CON related to the abnormality is received. The status signal CON includes an excess signal ERR indicating that the number of game balls has been paid out in excess of the reference number (= 125) in one ball lending operation, in addition to the replenishment signal and the full ball signal. ing.

  In the case of this embodiment, the control command CMD is composed of MODE data indicating the type of command and EVENT data for specifying specific contents, each having an 8-bit length. The control command CMD transmitted to the payout control unit 5 is roughly divided into a prize ball number specifying command for instructing the number of game balls to be paid out and an operation specifying command for instructing stop or restart of the payout operation. A prize ball number designation command (for example, 8AxxH) designates the number of prize balls by EVENT data (= xxH). On the other hand, a payout stop command and a payout restart command are prepared as the operation designation commands. Including the following cases, H is a subscript meaning a hexadecimal number.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main control unit 1 and the payout control unit 5 are supplied with a backup power supply BU of DC 5V from a power supply board 7. Therefore, even after the AC power supply 24V is shut off due to the end of business or a power failure, the RAM data in the one-chip microcomputer is retained. In this embodiment, the storage contents of the RAM are designed to be retained for at least several days.

  Further, the power supply board 7 is configured to output a voltage drop signal ABN to the main control unit 1 and the payout control unit 5 when the AC power supply 24V is shut off. In this embodiment, the voltage drop signal ABN is supplied to the input port instead of the interrupt terminal of each one-chip microcomputer. The main control unit 1 and the payout control unit 5 grasp the level drop of the voltage drop signal ABN by the flag sense method, and then save necessary data in the RAM. Therefore, coupled with the operation of the backup power supply BU described above, the main control unit 1 and the payout control unit 5 can resume the operation before the power shutoff at the start of business or at the time of recovery from a power failure.

  Furthermore, the power supply board 7 outputs a RAM clear signal CLR indicating an operator's switch operation to the main control unit 1 and the payout control unit 5. This switch operation is mainly performed when the power is turned on, but is an operation for erasing the stored contents of the RAM held by the backup power supply BU. Therefore, the control boards 1 and 5 can grasp the presence or absence of the switch operation by the staff by determining the level of the RAM clear signal CLR.

  FIG. 2A illustrates a peripheral circuit of the payout control board 5. As shown in the drawing, the payout control unit 5 not only receives the DC power supply voltage (including the backup power supply BU) from the power supply board 7 but also the RAM clear signal CLR for clearing the RAM of the payout control unit 5 (one-chip microcomputer), A voltage drop signal ABN indicating a voltage drop of the AC power supply and a system reset signal SYS are received.

  The payout control unit 5 is also connected to the ball lending machine 22 and transmits and receives various control signals (BRDY, BRQ, EXS, PRDY) related to the ball lending operation. Here, the BRDY signal is a signal for transmitting from the ball lending machine 22 to the gaming machine that the player is in a ball lending operation in which the ball lending switch 32b is turned on. The BRQ signal is a signal for requesting a lending operation for one unit (usually 25) from the ball lending machine 22 to the gaming machine.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, when the BRRQ signal falls in a state where the BRDY signal is at the H level, 25 ball lending operations are started, and when the ball lending operation ends, the BRDY signal is at the L level, Alternatively, when the BRDY signal changes to the L level within a predetermined time after the end of the ball lending operation, the ball lending operation is no longer executed. Therefore, the BRDY signal can be considered as a “ball lending permission command”, and the BRQ signal can be considered as a “ball lending start command”. That is, as long as the BRDY signal is at the H level, the ball lending operation is permitted, and in the case of the embodiment, when the BRQ signal falls within this permitted section, 25 games are responded accordingly. The ball dispensing operation is started.

  On the other hand, the PRDY signal is a signal for transmitting to the ball lending machine 22 that the gaming machine is capable of lending the ball. The EXS signal is a signal for transmitting to the ball lending machine 22 that the lending operation for one unit (normally 25 pieces) has been completed.

  Incidentally, the excess signal ERR is transmitted not only to the main control unit 1 as a part of the status signal CON but also to the hall computer. The payout control unit 5 receives the DC voltage 18V from the ball lending machine 22 and outputs a permission signal CTL to the firing control board 6 on the condition that the voltage value can be normally received, thereby permitting the firing operation. ing.

  Returning to FIG. 2 and continuing the description, the payout control unit 5 includes a circuit board having a balance display unit 32a indicating a 3-digit numerical value related to the ball lending operation, a ball lending switch 32b, and a return switch 32c. The payout control unit 5 is provided between the circuit board and the ball lending machine 22 and relays necessary signals. When this gaming machine functions as a normal machine, every time the ball lending switch 32b is pressed once, the cash deposited by the ball lending machine 22 is consumed by 500 yen, and the display content of the balance display portion 32a. Is reduced to -5 and 125 game balls are paid out.

  On the other hand, when this gaming machine functions as a simple machine, every time the ball lending switch 32b is pressed, the display content of the balance display portion 32a is decreased by -5 and 500 gaming balls are paid out. Depending on the setting at the ball lending machine 22, as the ball lending operation for the simple machine, for example, the display content of the balance display portion 32a is -2 and 200 pieces are displayed in response to the pressing of the ball lending switch 32b. A game ball can also be paid out.

  In any case, the payout control unit 5 needs to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls accompanying winning of game balls or as rental balls cleared by the ball lending machine 22. Therefore, four types of drive pulse data Φ1 to Φ4 are output to the payout motor M as the stepping motor (unipolar 2-2 phase excitation), and the game balls to be paid out as the payout motor M rotates are changed to the left and right counting switches RSW. , LSW (see FIG. 3A).

  As shown in FIG. 3 (a), in this embodiment, the game balls lent out to the gaming machine are paid out to the gaming machine through the same path as the prize balls accompanying the winning of the game balls, Are detected by the common left and right counting switches RSW and LSW. 2A and 5, the signals of the left and right counting switches RSW and LSW are also transmitted to the main control board 1 as part of the status signal CON.

  The payout control unit 5 is supplied with a switch signal for detecting an out-of-supply state or a full ball clogging state. Here, the out-of-supply state means a state in which a game ball supplied from the upstream side of the payout rotating body RO (FIG. 3) is interrupted and a prize ball operation or a ball lending operation is virtually impossible. The full ball clogging state means a state in which the downstream side of the payout rotating body RO is full and no further payout is practically possible.

  The detection switch that detects a full ball clogging state is, for example, a limit switch having a movable piece LVR, and the pressing member BDY pushes the movable piece LVR so that the ON state is maintained until the game ball finishes passing through the position. (See FIG. 29). However, as long as the game ball is normally paid out, whether it is a winning ball operation or a ball lending operation, even if a large number of game balls are moving in a row, the pressing member BDY repeatedly swings, The detection switch repeats an ON state and an OFF state.

  As will be described later, in this embodiment, when a prize ball is operated, a game ball is paid out at a speed of 64 mS per unit, so that the output of the detection switch repeats the ON / OFF state at the same speed. However, when the movement of the game ball is stagnant and the ON state continues for 0.5 seconds or more, it is determined that the full ball clogged state has occurred.

  When such a full ball clogging state or a replenishment state is reached, the subsequent rotation operation of the payout rotating body RO is prohibited (operation prohibited state), and the system waits until the abnormal state is resolved. It should be noted that the out-of-supply state is automatically canceled or is canceled by an operator's operation. Also, the full ball clogging state is eliminated by the player's operation in response to the notification operation. This full ball clogging state may occur not only when winning balls are obtained one after another as in a big hit game, but also during a ball lending operation in a simple machine. However, in this embodiment, when the payout operation is executed exceeding the limit value at the time of the ball lending operation, the occurrence of a full ball clogging state can be avoided in advance by dramatically reducing the payout speed. Yes.

  Since the payout device 43 of the present embodiment includes the payout motor M and the payout rotating body RO as main components, the connection relationship between the payout motor M and the payout rotating body RO will be described just in case. As shown in FIG. 3A, an intermediate gear 51 is provided between a drive gear 50 provided on the rotation shaft of the payout motor M and a driven gear 52 provided on the payout rotating body RO. The payout rotating body RO is configured to rotate when the two gears mesh with each other. An operation shaft 53 that can be operated by an attendant is projected from the rotation shaft of the payout rotating body RO.

  The gear ratio of the drive gear 50 and the driven gear 52 is set to 1: 2. Therefore, the rotation angle of the payout rotating body RO is ½ times the rotation angle of the payout motor M. In this embodiment, since the drive gear 50 and the driven gear 52 are connected via the intermediate gear 51, the rotation directions of the payout motor M and the payout rotating body RO can be matched, and the payout motor M and the payout The arrangement position of the rotator RO can be set relatively freely. Therefore, for example, even when the clerk rotates the operation shaft 53 to eliminate the clogging, it is possible to use a work space that is as large as the diameter of the intermediate gear 51. The payout motor M and the payout rotating body RO rotate in the clockwise direction when viewed from the operation shaft 53 (see FIGS. 3C and 3D).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d), in the present embodiment, the payout rotating body RO is formed with holding grooves at intervals of 120 [deg.] That can hold three game balls, shifted left and right by a half pitch of 60 [deg.]. Has been. Along with the rotation of the payout rotating body RO, the game balls held in the holding grooves are alternately released one by one from the left and right every time the payout rotating body RO rotates 60 °. In this embodiment, since the step angle of the payout motor M is 7.5 °, when the drive data Φ1 to Φ4 that change every 4 mS in normal times are output in 16 steps, the payout motor M rotates 120 °. At this time, it is designed so that one game ball is paid out when the payout rotating body RO is rotated by 60 °.

  FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the payout operation as described above. With the drive data Φ1 to Φ4 that change every 4 mS, the rotational position of the payout rotor RO is stepped in the order of motor position (0) → motor position (1) → motor position (2) → motor position (3). This indicates that the game ball is paid out by repeating this operation. In this embodiment, the award ball operation is normally set to pay out one game ball by requiring 16 × 4 mS = 64 mS. Therefore, it takes 1.6 seconds or more to pay out 25 units of the game balls, but as long as the game balls are paid out smoothly, it is not erroneously determined as a full ball full state.

  FIG. 5 illustrates the internal configuration of the payout control unit 5. As shown, the payout control unit 5 includes an input buffer 10 that receives a control command CMD from the main control unit 1, a first input port 13A that receives various switch signals and control signals CLR and ABN, and a second input port 12. , A third input port 13B, a one-chip microcomputer 14 incorporating a Z80 CPU equivalent product, a decoder 15 for generating a chip select signal of an input / output port, a first output port 16, a second output port 17, and a first A transistor group (open collector) 18 that supplies a drive signal received from the output port 16 to the payout motor M is mainly configured.

  As shown in the figure, the third input port 13B receives two control signals BRDY and BRQ from the ball lending machine 22 via a photocoupler and an inverter. The two control signals BRDY and BRQ are less susceptible to noise because they pass through the photocoupler. That is, since the control input signals BRDY and BRQ are supplied to the cathode terminal of the diode, the output of the phototransistor is not affected by noise. Further, ringing, overshoot, undershoot and the like do not occur in the output of the phototransistor. These relationships are the same for the control output signals PRDY and EXS.

  The first input port 13A is supplied with switch signals from a counting switch, a replenishment detection switch, and a full ball clogging detection switch. The first input port 13A is also supplied with a RAM clear signal CLR, which is a control signal from the power supply board 7, and a voltage drop signal ABN. In this embodiment, the input buffer 10, the first, second and third input ports 12, 13A, 13B are constituted by 74541 equivalent bus buffers, and the decoder is constituted by 74138 equivalents. . The output ports 16 and 17 are 74273 equivalent D-type flip-flops.

  The control command CMD is supplied from the main control board 1 to the second input port 12 via the bus buffer 10, and the main control board 1 is supplied with the strobe signal STB in accordance with the supply of the control command CMD. The The strobe signal STB is supplied to an interrupt terminal (maskable interrupt) of the CPU core. Accordingly, the payout control board 5 starts a reception interrupt routine to acquire a control command CMD.

  From the bit 3 to bit 0 of the first output port 16, drive pulse data of (Φ4, Φ3, Φ2, Φ1) = 0101 → 0110 → 1010 → 1001 → 0101 →. (See FIG. 2 (b)). In addition, an LED drive signal is output to bit 4 of the first output port 16, and the abnormal lamp ER2 is turned on. Note that a clear signal of a watchdog timer circuit (not shown) is output to bit 7 of the first output port 16 every predetermined time.

  From the bit 0 of the second output port 17, an excess signal ERR transmitted to the hall computer is output, and if this is an excess level, the alarm lamp ER1 is turned on. Further, the bit 1 and bit 2 of the second output port 17 output a replenishment signal and a full ball clogging signal to the main control unit 1. On the other hand, control signals PRDY and EXS are output from the bit 6 and bit 7 of the second output port 17 to the ball lending machine 22. The control signals PRDY and EXS are transmitted to the ball lending machine 22 via an inverter and a photocoupler. Since the control signals PRDY and EXS are also transmitted via the photocoupler, they are not easily affected by noise or the like.

  6 to 7 are flowcharts for explaining a program executed by the payout control unit 5 shown in FIG. In summary, the operation of the payout control unit 5 is a main routine (FIG. 6A) that starts after power-on and ends with an infinite loop process, and a reception interrupt processing routine that is activated by a strobe signal STB from the main control unit 1. (FIG. 6 (b)) and a timer interrupt routine (FIG. 7 (a)) started every fixed time (2mS).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in the reception interrupt routine, the control command CMD is acquired from the second input port 12 and stored in the command buffer area of the RAM (ST101). EI) is set, and the process ends (ST103).

  Next, the operation content of the main routine (FIG. 6A) will be described. When the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board 7 and the system reset signal SYS is supplied, the CPU sets itself to the interrupt disabled state (DI) (ST1), and then initializes each part of the one-chip microcomputer 14. Perform (ST2). This initial setting operation includes initial setting of the stack pointer of the CPU, and the stack pointer points to the bottom of the LIFO type stack area. In this embodiment, the data in the stack area is maintained by the backup power supply BU even after the power supply is cut off, but the stack area is released by the processing in step ST2.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the RAM clear signal CLR is supplied from the power supply board 7 based on the data acquired from the first input port 13A (ST3). In this embodiment, when the game hall is in operation, especially when the clerk turns on the RAM clear switch of the power supply board 7, the RAM clear signal CLR is supplied. Normally, the RAM clear signal CLR is not supplied.

  If the RAM clear signal CLR is not supplied, the value of the backup flag BAKFLG stored in step ST237 of the power supply monitoring process (FIG. 7B) is checked (ST4). If BAKFLG = 5AH, next, the same checksum operation as that in step ST238 of the power monitoring process is executed to calculate the sum value (ST5), which is the sum value stored in the RAM area. (ST6). If the sum value calculated in the main routine matches the sum value stored in the power supply monitoring process (ST23), it is considered that the process before power-off can be resumed, so the backup flag BAKFLG is cleared. Later (ST7), the CPU is set to an interrupt enabled state (ST10), and the infinite loop process is repeated.

  When the CPU enters the interrupt enabled state, the periodic processing (ST82 to ST92) shown in FIG. 7A is executed by the subsequent timer interrupt. In the processing up to this point, except for the backup flag BAKFLG, storage in the RAM is performed. Since the contents have not been changed at all, the process before power-off is resumed correctly thereafter.

  On the other hand, (1) as a result of the determination in step ST3, the RAM clear signal CLR is in an ON state, (2) as a result of the determination in step ST4, the backup flag is a value other than 5AH, or (3) step If an abnormality is recognized by the sum check in ST6, the entire RAM area is cleared (ST8).

  Then, after setting the payout retry flag to 5AH (ST9), the CPU is set to the interrupt enabled state (ST10), and the infinite loop process is repeated. Since all the RAM areas are cleared in the process of step ST8, the operation is started from the initial state by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In addition, since the payout retry flag is set to 5 AH, the first prize ball motion is executed with the motor operation status = 03H.

  Next, the timer interrupt routine shown in FIG. This timer interrupt routine is executed at regular intervals (2 mS) by interrupting the infinite loop processing of the main routine.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the timer interrupt routine of this embodiment includes a data output process (ST92) for rotationally driving the payout motor M and a motor process (ST91) for preparing drive data to be output to the payout motor M. A data input process (ST84) for detecting a game ball paid out by rotation of the payout motor M, a card communication process (ST87) for advancing card operation status in accordance with a communication protocol with the ball lending machine, and data input And a ball lending process (ST88) for managing whether a predetermined number of payout operations have been executed based on the payout detection result of the process. In the prize ball process (ST89), a prize ball operation based on a control command (award ball number designation command) received from the main control unit 1 is realized, but the ball lending process (ST88) is practically exclusive. Is supposed to work.

  The timer interrupt routine will be specifically described below. First, the CPU in the interrupt disabled state (DI) is returned to the interrupt enabled state (EI) (ST82). As a result of this process, the reception interrupt of FIG. 6B is also applied during the timer interrupt process, and the control command CMD from the main control unit 1 is acquired without being read out. In this embodiment, in the infinite loop processing of the main routine, the CPU does not substantially perform any processing, and therefore it is not necessary to save the CPU register at the time of timer interruption. Therefore, at the beginning of the timer interrupt process of FIG. 7A, there is no group of PUSH instructions, and at the end of the timer interrupt process, there is no group of POP instructions.

  When the process of step ST82 is completed, a power supply monitoring process is executed (ST83). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, first, the voltage drop signal ABN is acquired through the first input port 13A (ST230), and it is determined whether it is an abnormal level (ST231). If it is not an abnormal level, the abnormal number counter is cleared to zero and the process ends (ST232).

  On the other hand, if the voltage drop signal ABN is at the abnormal level, the abnormality counter is incremented by 1 (ST233), and it is determined whether the counting result exceeds the upper limit value MAX (ST234). This is because the acquired data from the first input port 13A may be garbled due to the influence of noise or the like, and continuously for a predetermined number of times (for example, the upper limit value MAX = 5). When the abnormal level is maintained, it is determined that the AC power supply is actually shut off.

  As a result of the determination in step ST234, if the count value of the abnormal number counter coincides with the upper limit value MAX, the CPU is first set in an interrupt disabled state in order to prohibit subsequent reception interrupts (ST235). Next, after the abnormality number counter is cleared to zero (ST236), 5AH is set to the backup flag BAKFLG (ST237). Next, the same calculation as in step ST5 of the main routine is executed for the same work area (work area), and the calculation result is stored (ST238). The operation to be executed is typically an 8-bit addition operation. After that, the one-chip microcomputer is set to the RAM access prohibited state (ST239), and the DC power supply voltage is lowered while repeating the infinite loop process.

  Next, the data input process at step ST84 will be described. The data input process is mainly a process for confirming whether or not the game ball is actually paid out by the rotation of the payout motor M. As described above, not only a game ball is paid out by a winning ball operation accompanying a winning or the like, but also a game ball is similarly paid out by a ball lending operation related to the ball lending machine 22.

  In the data input process (ST84), 8-bit data of the first input port 13A is acquired, it is determined whether the signal level has changed by comparison with the previous acquired value, and if a level change is detected, The edge data is stored in the work area EDG in the RAM area. As shown in FIG. 6C, the fact that the level of the switch signal from the count switches LSW and RSW has changed (the switch signal has risen) is stored in the work area EDG. In the work area LVL, the bit inversion data of the switch signals from the counting switches LSW and RSW acquired this time is stored and referred to in the next data input process.

  When the data input process (ST84) is completed in this way, the subtraction process (-1) for various timers of 8 bits or 16 bits is performed (ST85). Note that one unit time of the subtraction timer means 2 mS by executing the infinite loop process every 2 mS.

  When the timer subtraction process is completed, the control command obtained by the reception interrupt process is analyzed (ST86). In the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not the received control command CMD is a prize ball number designation command. When a prize ball number designation command is received, the prize ball number specified by the command is added to the total prize ball counter provided in the work area of the RAM. Note that the value of the total prize ball counter is read and used in the process of step ST26 (FIG. 14) in the prize ball process (ST89).

  Next, a communication process (ST87) with the ball lending machine 22 and a ball lending process (ST88) cleared by the ball lending machine 22 are executed. 8 to 13 are time charts and flowcharts for explaining the details of these processes.

  The specific processing contents of the card communication process (ST14) are managed by the card operation status. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, according to the value of the card operation status (= 00H to 0DH), the BRDY waiting process (RT0), the BRQ waiting process (RT1), and the ball lending start waiting process (RT2) ), Ball lending start processing (RT3), ball lending processing (RT4), ball lending end waiting processing (RT5), and communication error processing (RT60, RT61) are executed.

<Card operation status = 00H>
In the initial state, the card operation status is 00H, and the BRDY wait process (RT0) shown in FIG. 9B is executed. Specifically, the PRDY flag is set to 5AH, the number counter NUM is set to 00H, and the OVR flag is set to 00H (RT001).

  The PRDY flag prescribes whether or not the H-level control signal PRDY is output to the ball lending machine 22, and when the gaming machine is started normally, the PRDY flag set in the process of step RT001. In the data output process (ST92), the H level control signal PRDY is output based on the value (= 5 AH) (see timing (a) in FIG. 8).

  On the other hand, the number counter NUM is a counter that counts the number of times the ball lending machine 22 has output the control signal BRQ in response to the ball lending switch 32b of the gaming machine being pressed once. The gaming machine of this embodiment pays out 25 gaming balls each time it receives the control signal BRQ. Therefore, if 500 yen is consumed by pressing the ball lending switch 32b, each gaming machine has 4 yen. A normal machine operating with a game ball receives five control signals BRQ from the ball lending machine 22. On the other hand, a simple machine operating with one game ball of 1 yen receives 20 control signals BRQ from the ball lending machine 22. Therefore, when the number of times counted by the number counter NUM exceeds 5, it can be considered that this is a ball lending operation in a simple machine. The possibility of excessive ball lending on a regular machine cannot be denied.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, an OVR flag that is initially set to 00H is provided (RT001), and when the value of the number counter NUM exceeds 05H, the OVR flag is set to 5AH (RT306 in FIG. 10). Based on the OVR flag set to 5AH, in the data output process (ST92), the alarm lamp ER1 is turned on and an excess signal ERR is transmitted to the main controller 1 and the hall computer. It should be noted that when these alarm operations are executed in a simple machine, it is natural that an attendant or a supervisor of the hall computer ignores them.

  In this embodiment, when the number counter NUM exceeds eight times, the payout speed of the subsequent ball lending operation is reduced. As previously confirmed, there are 25 ball lending units, so if the number counter NUM exceeds 8 times, the number of ball lending will exceed 200. In the latter half of such a ball lending operation, the ball lending speed is relaxed, thereby preventing the occurrence of a full ball clogging error.

  Specifically, the relaxed ball lending speed is set to 640 mS, which is slightly slower than this, corresponding to the launching speed of the game balls (game ball launch interval≈600 mS). Therefore, in the second half of the ball lending operation, the game ball is paid out later than the game ball consumed for the game, and a full ball clogging error does not normally occur.

  When the initial processing of step RT001 is completed, the level of the control signal BRDY received from the ball lending machine 22 is determined (RT002), and only when this rises (see timing (b) in FIG. 8), the card operation status. Is set to 01H, and the card timer value is set to an appropriate initial value t1. The initial values t1, t2, t3, and t4 of the card timer and the lower limit value of the card timer value are values that are appropriately determined based on the interface specifications (protocol) between the ball lending machine and the gaming machine.

<Card operation status = 01H>
When the card operation status is changed from 00H to 01H (RT003), the BRQ waiting process (RT1) shown in FIG. 9C is executed. Here, first, the card timer value is determined (RT101), and if it is not zero, it is determined whether both the control signals BRDY and BRQ output from the ball lending machine 22 are at the H level (RT102).

  When both of the control signals BRDY and BRQ become H level (see timing (c) in FIG. 8), it is determined whether or not the card timer value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value (RT103). The operation status is set to 02H, and the card timer value is newly set to the initial value t4 (RT104).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step RT103 that the card timer value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value, it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and the card operation status is set to 07H and the card timer value is newly set. The initial value t2 is set (RT105). In this way, when the card operation status is set to 07H, appropriate communication error processing (RT60, RT61) is subsequently executed, including the case of passing through other processing.

  As is apparent from the processing of steps RT101 and RT103, it is determined that the control signals BRDY and BRQ are both H level too early or too late as a communication error. Specifically, in this embodiment, only when the two control signals are BRDY = BRQ = H level between 28 ms and 50 ms after the start of the BRQ waiting process (RT1), the card operation status is displayed. It is proceeding to 02H. Such operation improves noise resistance.

<Card operation status = 02H or 06H>
When the card operation status is changed from 01H to 02H (RT104) or the card operation status is changed from 05H to 06H (RT505 in FIG. 10C), the ball rental shown in FIG. 9D is started. A waiting process (RT2) is executed. In this ball lending start waiting process, first, the card timer value is determined (RT201), and if it is not zero, it is determined whether the value is less than the lower limit value (RT202).

  If the prize ball flag is zero at this timing (RT203), the card operation status is changed from 02H to 03H, the card timer value is set to the initial value t1, and the EXS flag is set to 5AH (RT204). . The process of step RT204 is a process for notifying the ball lending machine 22 that the ball lending process is started because the control signals BRDY and BRQ are already at the H level at this timing (RT102). Based on the EXS flag set to 5AH, in the subsequent data output process (ST92), the H level control signal EXS is output to the ball lending machine 22 (see timing (d) in FIG. 8).

  In addition, when time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses without satisfying the conditions of RT202 to RT203 and the value of the card timer becomes zero, at the timing when both of the control signals BRDY and BRQ become L level. Then, the card operation status is returned to 00H (RT206).

  As described above, in this embodiment, for example, about 10 seconds are waited for the prize ball flag to change to 00H. This prize ball flag is set to 5AH at the start of the prize ball motion (ST33 in FIG. 14), and returns to 00H when the necessary prize ball motion is completed (ST47, ST24). It seems that there is enough time.

  On the other hand, even when 10 seconds have passed without the prize ball flag becoming 00H, the control unit continues to wait for the control signal to become BRDY = BRQ = L level, and to change the card operation status at the timing of BRDY = BRQ = L level. 00H. This operation means that the operation of the ball lending machine 23 continues to wait for the operation to return to the initial state. In short, the ball lending machine 23 is given a sufficient grace time.

  Similarly, the operation preparation time of the ball lending machine 23 is ensured by not outputting the control signal EXS for 10 mS, for example, after starting the ball lending start processing (RT2) by the process of step RT202.

<Card operation status = 03H>
When the card operation status is changed from 02H to 03H (RT204), a ball lending start process (RT3) shown in FIG. 10A is executed. In this ball lending start process, first, the card timer value is determined (RT301). If it is not zero, it is determined whether the control signal BRDY is at the H level and the control signal BRQ is at the L level ( RT302). If this condition is satisfied (see timing (e) in FIG. 8), it is determined whether the card timer value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value (RT303).

  If the card timer value is less than the lower limit value, the card operation status is set to 04H, and the card timer value is newly set to the initial value t2 (RT304). Further, the number counter NUM is incremented (RT304). This process corresponds to the start of payout of 25 gaming balls since the ball lending machine 22 is confirmed to have lowered the control signal BRQ as a result of the determination in step RT302, and is incremented. The value of the number counter NUM after being played means the number of payouts of 25 game balls per unit.

  Therefore, the value of the incremented number counter NUM is then compared with a reference value TH (for example, 05H) (RT305), and if NUM> TH, the OVR flag is set to 5AH (RT306). As described above, based on the OVR flag set to 5AH, in the data output process (ST92), the alarm lamp ER1 is turned on and the excess signal ERR is output. Moreover, it is surely understood that this gaming machine is functioning as a simple machine only by determining the OVR flag. The number counter NUM is incremented each time the ball lending start process (RT3) is executed.

  If it is determined in step RT301 that the card timer value is zero, or if it is determined in step RT303 that the card timer value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value, the card timer value is set to the initial value t2. At the same time, the card operation status is set to 07H (RT307).

  As is apparent from the processing in steps RT303 and RT301, it is determined that the control signal BRDY = H level and the control signal BRQ = L level are communication errors, whether they are too early or too late. Specifically, in this embodiment, the card operation status is advanced to 04H only when the above condition is satisfied during 28 mS to 50 mS after shifting to the ball lending start process (RT3). By such operation, noise resistance is improved.

<Card operation status = 04H>
When the card operation status is changed from 03H to 04H (RT304), the ball lending process (RT4) shown in FIG. 10B is executed. In this ball lending process, when the card timer value is zero and the ball lending flag is 00H, the card operation status is changed to 05H (RT403). In accordance with this, the card timer is set to the initial value t3, and the EXS flag is set to 00H. Based on the EXS flag set to 00H, an L level control signal EXS is output to the ball lending machine 22 in the data output process (ST92) (see timing (f) in FIG. 8).

  The ball lending flag determined in step RT402 is initially set to 5AH at the timing when the ball lending process for 25 pieces is actually started (RT15 in FIG. 11). After passing through a correct value (= A5H) (RT51 in FIG. 13), it is finally returned to 00H (RT18 in FIG. 11). Therefore, in the ball lending process (RT4), the fact that the ball lending flag = 00H is detected means that 25 gaming balls have been paid out, so that the L level control signal EXS is output. The EXS flag is returned to 00H (RT403).

  It should be noted that the value of the ball lending flag is not checked until the predetermined time t2 elapses after the process of step RT401 shifts to the ball lending processing (RT4). This is because in the present embodiment, the ball lending operation is executed with 25 units as one unit, so that the ball lending flag does not return to 00H earlier than 25 × 64 mS = 1.6 seconds. That is, the execution of the meaningless determination process (RT402) is avoided.

<Card operation status = 05H>
When the card operation status is changed from 04H to 05H (RT403), the ball lending end waiting process (RT5) shown in FIG. 10C is executed. In this ball lending end waiting process, it is determined whether the two control signals BRDY and BRQ are both at the H level (RT502) on the condition that the card timer value is not zero (RT501). Here, the case where the two control signals BRDY and BRQ are both at the H level means that the control signal BRQ that has been at the L level again becomes the H level (timing (c) in FIG. 8). 'reference). In other words, this means that the ball lending machine 22 instructs the gaming machine to execute the payout of 25 gaming balls per unit again.

  Therefore, when BRDY = H level and BRQ = H level, the card operation status is set to 06H and the card timer is set to the initial value t4 (RT505). When the card operation status is set to 06H, the ball lending start waiting process (RT2) shown in FIG. 9D is executed thereafter.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step RT502 is NO, it is next determined whether or not both control signals BRDY and BRQ are at the L level (RT503). Here, when the two control signals BRDY and BRQ are both at the L level, the control signal BRDY that has been at the H level at the start of a series of ball lending operations (see timing (b) in FIG. 8). This means that the signal has returned to the L level (see timing (g) in FIG. 8). In other words, as a result of repeating the payout operation of 25 game balls per unit a plurality of times, a series of ball lending processes in response to one pressing operation of the ball lending switch 23b is completely completed. means.

  Therefore, when BRDY = L level and BRQ = L level, the card operation status is set to the initial state 00H, and the card timer is initialized to zero (RT504). When the card timer becomes zero without executing any card operation status change processing (RT505, RT504) (for example, 250 mS has elapsed), the card operation status is set to 07H because the communication is abnormal. At the same time, the card timer is set to the initial value t2 (RT506). However, since the ball lending machine 22 lowers the BRDY signal after a predetermined time after the last BRQ signal is lowered, usually the processing of step RT504 is executed immediately, and it is not determined that there is a communication abnormality.

<Card operation status = 07H to 0DH>
The operation after the card operation status is changed to 07H will be described with reference to FIG. When the card operation status is 07H, the communication error process (RT60) shown in FIG. 34A is executed as in the case where the card operation status is 08H to 0CH.

  Regardless of the card operation status (07H to 0CH), the communication error process (RT60) waits until the card timer value becomes zero (RT600), and the process corresponding to the card operation status 07H to 0CH is executed. .

  Specifically, as shown in the figure, when the card operation status is 07H, the PRDY flag is changed to 00H, the card timer value is set to 50, and the card operation status is changed to 08H. . Next, when the card operation status is 08H, the EXS flag is changed to 00H, the card timer value is set to 50, and the card operation status is changed to 09H. Note that the control signals PRDY and EXS at the L level are output in the subsequent data output process ST92 (FIGS. 7 and 20) according to the value of the PRDY flag and the EXS flag (= 00H). Further, since the card timer value is set to 50, the transition of the card operation status requires an elapsed time of 100 mS (= 2 * 50 mS) in this embodiment.

  The same processing continues thereafter, and when the card operation status is 09H, the PRDY flag is changed to 5AH, the card timer value is set to 50, and the card operation status is changed to 0AH. Next, when the card operation status = 0AH, the PRDY flag is changed to 00H, the card timer value is set to 50, and the card operation status = 0BH.

  When the card operation status = 0BH, the PRDY flag is changed to 5AH, the card timer value is set to 50, and the card operation status = 0CH. Next, when the card operation status = 0CH, the PRDY flag is changed to 00H, the card timer value is set to 5000 this time, and the card operation status = 0DH.

  As a result of the above processing, the control signal PRDY repeats the H level and the L level every 100 mS through the data output processing ST92 (FIGS. 7 and 20). This pulse-like change tells the ball lending machine 22 that a communication abnormality has occurred, and the ball lending machine 22 that has recognized this will return its operating state to the initial state.

  As described above, when the card operation status changes from 07H → 08H → 09H → 0AH → 0BH → 0CH → 0DH, the communication error processing (RT61) shown in FIG. 34B is executed.

  In the communication error process (RT61), after waiting for the card timer value to become zero (RT610), the PRDY flag is set to 5AH (RT611). As a result, an H level control signal PRDY is output to the ball lending machine 22 to notify that the gaming machine is capable of lending the ball. In the card operation status 0CH, since the card timer value is set to 5000, a sufficient time elapses after the control signal PRDY changes in a pulse shape until the H level control signal PRDY is fixedly output. Time (10 seconds) is secured.

  Next, after confirming that the BRDY signal and the BRQ signal output from the ball lending machine 22 are at the L level (RT612), the card operation status is set to the initial value 00H (RT613). The card timer value is set to 0.

  As a result of the above processing, the ball lending machine and the gaming machine normally return to the initial state. Note that it takes about 10 seconds from the start of the communication error process (RT60) shown in FIG. 34 (a) to the end of the communication error process (RT61) shown in FIG. 34 (b). In the embodiment, since the photocoupler is provided and the wiring cable is devised, a communication error occurs very rarely and no particular problem occurs.

  The processing contents according to the card operation status values 00H to 0DH have been described in detail above. The state transition diagram of the card operation status is as shown in the lower part of FIG. As shown in the figure, the card operation status changes from 00H → 01H → 02H → 03H → 04H → 05H → 06H → 03H → 04H → 05H → 06H → 03H... 5 or 20 times), and finally, the transition is made from 06H → 03H → 04H → 05H → 00H to finish the ball lending process. When it is determined that the communication is abnormal, the operation of the ball lending machine 22 is returned to the initial state through the processing shown in FIG. 34, and the card operation status is returned to 00H in the gaming machine.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a ball lending process (ST88) executed following the card communication process (ST87). In the ball lending process (ST88), first, a ball lending / prize ball switching process is executed (RT11). The specific contents are as shown in FIG. 12A. First, the switching flag is set to 00H, and the standard value 2 is set to the speed variable SPEED (RT30). This standard value is a numerical value that realizes the payout operation shown in FIG. 4, and is a set value for quickly paying out one game ball in a time of 64 mS.

  Next, only when the card operation status is 03H or more and less than 07H, the switching flag is rewritten to 5AH (RT33). Therefore, once the switching flag is rewritten to 5AH, ball lending start processing (card operation status 03H) → ball lending processing (card operation status 04H) → ball lending end wait processing (card operation status 05H) → sphere As long as the lending start waiting process (card operation status 06H) → the ball lending start process (card operation status 03H) is repeated, the switching flag is maintained at 5AH, and then the ball lending end waiting process (card operation status 05H) to the BRDY waiting process When shifting to (card operation status 00H), the switching flag returns to 00H (see the middle and lower stages in FIG. 8, see FIG. 12B).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number counter NUM exceeds the reference value 8 (RT34). As described with reference to FIG. 10A, the number counter NUM is incremented each time a ball lending operation is started for one unit of game balls. Therefore, when the number counter NUM> the reference value 8, it means that the number of balls lent out exceeds 200 by a future payout operation.

  Therefore, when the number counter NUM> the reference value 8, the speed variable SPEED is rewritten to the relaxation value 20 (RT35). Since the relaxation value 20 is 10 times the standard value, based on this relaxation value, in the process during motor driving shown in FIG. 18B, one game ball is slowly paid out in a time of 640 mS. Become.

  When such a ball lending / prize ball switching process (RT11) is completed, a ball lending detection process is then executed (RT12). Ball lending specifically means payout of game balls, but payout of game balls occurs when the payout motor M rotates due to the data output process (ST92). If a game ball is paid out, the fact is stored as switch edge data in the work area EDG by the data input process (FIG. 7A) in step ST84 (FIG. 6C).

  Therefore, in the ball lending detection process (R12), it is determined whether or not there is a ball lending (game ball payout) based on the data in the work area EDG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not there is a possibility of paying out a game ball based on whether or not the switching flag is 5AH (RT40). If the switching flag = 5 AH, the switch edge data is stored in the C register (RT41). In this embodiment, bit 0 of the switch edge data represents the detection state of the left counting switch, and bit 1 represents the detection state of the right counting switch (see FIG. 5).

  Next, after storing the numerical value 2 in the B register (RT42), the value in the C register is rotated right by 1 bit (RT43). By this rotation processing (Z80 CPU ROTATION instruction), the value of bit 0 of the C register is moved to the carry flag CY. Therefore, when CY = 1, it means that the least significant bit before the execution of the ROTATION instruction is 1, which means that a game ball is detected in the data input process (ST84).

  Therefore, 5AH is set in the payout detection flag in order to store this (RT45). Next, it is determined whether or not the ball lending flag is 5AH (RT46). If the ball lending flag is not equal to 5AH, the payout retry flag is set to 5AH (RT47). As will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, when the payout operation is started, the ball lending flag is set to 5AH (RT15 in FIG. 11). Therefore, the ball lending flag ≠ 5AH despite the detection of the game ball payout means an abnormal situation in which the game ball has fallen due to its own weight or inertia. Therefore, the payout retry flag is set to 5AH in order to position the payout rotating body RO (RT47).

  However, since the ball lending flag is normally 5AH, it is next determined whether or not the payout remaining number counter is zero (RT48). If not, the payout remaining number counter is decremented (RT49). The payout remaining number counter is a counter for managing the number of balls lending, and is initially set to 25 as a lending unit (RT15 in FIG. 11) at the start of the operation.

  When the value of the remaining counter after decrement becomes zero, the payout motor flag and the ball lending flag are set to A5H (RT51). The payout motor flag has an initial value of 00H at the timing when the payout motor M is stopped, but is set to 5AH at the start timing at which the payout motor M should be driven (RT15 in FIG. 11), and the drive is stopped. It is set to A5H at the present timing (RT51).

  In any case, when the processing of steps RT45 to RT51 is completed, the value of the B register is decremented (RT52), and the same processing is repeated until the value of the B register becomes zero (RT53). Since the B register is initially set to 2 (RT42), the processing of steps RT43 to RT52 is executed twice, and the value of the payout remaining number counter is subtracted according to the detection result of the left and right left counting switches. Will be.

  Subsequently, returning to FIG. 11, the description of the ball lending process is continued. After the ball lending detection process (RT12) is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the value of the card operation status matches 04H (RT13). Card operation status = 04H means “ball lending”, but the ball lending operation is not actually started, and the card operation status is changed from “ball lending start” to “ball lending” at the beginning. Timing is also included. In such a case, the ball lending flag remains at the initial value of 00H.

  Therefore, when the ball lending flag = 00H, 25 ball lending units are set in the payout remaining number counter and the new payout counter, and 5AH is set in the ball lending flag and the payout motor flag to execute the subroutine processing. (RT15).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step RT14 that the ball lending flag is not equal to 00H, it means that a substantial payout operation (ball lending operation) has already been started. Therefore, in this case, it is determined whether or not the ball lending flag is A5H (RT16). If the ball lending flag = A5H, the ball lending is performed on the condition that both the left and right counting switches are at the OFF level. The flag is returned to 00H (RT18). As described above, the ball lending flag is set to A5H in the process of step RT51 in FIG. 13 when the payout remaining number counter becomes zero. Therefore, when the ball lending flag = A5H, it is confirmed that the game ball has passed the left and right counting switches LSW, RSW, and then returned to 00H in the initial state.

  When the ball lending process (ST88) is completed as described above, the prize ball process (ST89) is then executed. The winning ball process (ST89) is a process similar to the ball lending process (ST88), but is configured to operate alternatively to the ball lending process.

  That is, in the prize ball detection process (ST20) executed at the head of the prize ball process (ST89), first, the value of the switching flag is determined, and if the value is 5AH, the process is finished without doing anything ( ST39 in FIG. 15). As described above, the switching flag is set to 5AH only when the card operation status is 03H or more and less than 07H (see FIG. 12A). In short, the ball lending operation is executed. Is the case. Therefore, at the timing when the ball lending process (ST88) is functioning, the prize ball detection process (ST20) is effectively skipped.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the subsequent processing (ST22 to ST34) in the prize ball processing (ST89) also functions only when the card operation status is 00H. That is, if the card operation status is not equal to 00H, the value of the prize ball flag is determined (ST23). If the prize ball flag is A5H, the prize ball flag is cleared and the process is completed (ST24). At the timing when the process (ST88) is functioning, the winning ball process (ST89) is effectively skipped.

  FIG. 16 shows the operation contents of the payout error process (ST90). The payout error process (ST90) includes a retry error detection process (S70), a count switch error detection process (S71), and a replenishment error detection process. (S72) and full ball clogging error detection processing (S73).

  In the retry error detection process (S70), it is determined whether or not a new game ball has been paid out based on the value of the switch edge data of the work area EDG updated in the data input process (ST84) (S701). . Specifically, it is determined whether or not the values of bit 0 and bit 1 of the first input port 13A have risen at the time of the current timer interruption. Here, when the payout of the game ball is detected, it means that the clogged state where the game ball is not paid out has been eliminated as a result of the retry process described later. Therefore, when it is confirmed that the game ball has been paid out, all of the retry error flag, the retry error LED flag, and the retry counter are set to 00H, and the process ends (S704).

  On the other hand, when the payout of the game ball has not been detected yet, the processing is finished as long as the value of the retry counter does not exceed the upper limit value MM (for example, 127), and when the value exceeds the upper limit value MM, the retry error flag, the retry error LED All of the flag and the payout retry flag are set to 5AH, and the process ends (S703). Note that the value of the retry counter is updated (+1) in the process of step S33 in the retry process of FIG.

  Since the retry error LED flag is set to 5AH in the process of step S703, the abnormal lamp ER2 indicating the clogged state is turned on in the subsequent data output process (ST92). Further, as long as the value of the retry error flag is 5 AH, the motor drive data is set to 00H in the subsequent motor processing (ST91), and therefore the payout motor M is in the non-driven state (ST92) in the subsequent data output processing (ST92). Free rotation state). Therefore, the clerk who detects the lighting of the abnormal lamp ER2 can relatively freely rotate the operation shaft 53 of the payout rotating body RO, and can easily eliminate the clogged state.

  By the way, in the replenishment error detection process (S72), it is determined whether or not the switch signal to the first input port 13A is at an abnormal level over a predetermined time. The error flag is set to 5AH. If the normal level is returned to the normal level, the replenishment error flag is reset to 00H.

  Also in the full ball clogging error detection process (S73), it is determined whether or not the corresponding switch signal to the first input port 13A is continuously at an abnormal level after a predetermined time (= 500 mS in the embodiment). If it is determined and the abnormal level continues, the full ball clogging error flag is set to 5AH. If the normal level is returned to the normal level, the full ball clogging error flag is reset to 00H.

  If it is a normal machine, only 125 game balls are paid out by one ball lending operation, so normally there will be no full ball clogging error at the time of ball lending operation, but in the case of a simple machine During ball lending operation, a full ball clogging error may occur. That is, when 500 yen is consumed in a single ball lending operation and 500 game balls are paid out depending on the setting of the game hall, if the configuration of the present embodiment is not adopted, it will be full. There is also a risk of a clogging error. A specific configuration for preventing the occurrence of a full ball clogging error will be described with reference to FIG.

  In any case, the out-of-supply error flag and the full ball clogging error flag serve to determine whether or not to enter the operation prohibition state in which the rotation operation of the payout rotating body RO is prohibited (ST62 in FIG. 17). reference). As described above, in this embodiment, when the movement of the game ball stagnates for 0.5 seconds, the driving of the payout rotating body RO is stopped, so that deterioration of the payout motor M is effectively prevented. Even when a large number of game balls are moving in a row, the detection switch repeats the ON state and the OFF state, so as long as the moving speed is normal, a full ball clogging error is not erroneously recognized.

  Next, the motor process (ST91) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the motor processing, the contents of the MOOUT address storing the motor drive data are cleared (ST61), and it is determined whether or not the values of various error flags are all 00H (ST62). Here, the error flags to be determined include a retry error flag, a replenishment error flag, and a full ball clogging error flag.

  If all error flags are 00H and no error has occurred, the value of the payout motor flag is subsequently determined (ST63). On the other hand, if any one of the retry error flag, the replenishment error flag, and the full ball clogging error flag is not 00H, or the payout motor flag is = 00H, the motor processing is performed without doing anything. Finish (ST62, ST63). As a result, the motor drive data (contents of the MOOUT address) remains binary 0000, and the payout motor M is not driven even when the data output process (ST92) is executed. Therefore, an operation prohibition state in which the rotation operation of the payout rotating body RO is prohibited is entered.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST63 that the payout motor flag is not 00H, the motor drive start process (ST65a), the motor drive process (ST65b), and the motor according to the value of the motor operation status at that time After either the stop process (ST65c) or the motor retry process (ST65d) is executed, motor drive data is selected according to the position of the payout motor M determined by these processes and stored in the MOOUT address. (ST66). In this embodiment, the motor position of the payout motor M is managed from 0 to 3, and corresponding to this, there are four types of motor drive data (0101, 0110, 1010, 1001), which are shown in FIG. The payout motor M is stepped forward in order.

  18 to 19 illustrate specific contents of the motor drive start process (ST65a), the motor drive process (ST65b), the motor stop process (ST65c), and the motor retry process (ST65d). Since the motor operation status is 00H in the initial state, the motor driving start process shown in FIG. 18A is executed.

<Motor operation status = 00H>
In the motor drive start process, the value of the payout retry flag is checked (S1). If the payout retry flag is not equal to 5AH, the value N of the new payout counter is multiplied by 16 and stored in the step counter (S2). As described above, in this embodiment, the payout motor M is advanced by 16 steps and rotated by 120 °, thereby rotating the gear-connected payout rotating body RO by 60 ° and paying out one game ball. As a result, a value of 16 × N is set in the step counter as the total number of a series of drive data to be output to the payout motor M. The value N of the new payout counter is the number of ball lending units (= 25) set in the process of step RT15 in FIG. 11 during the ball lending operation. On the other hand, during the prize ball operation, the value is set in the process of step ST31 in FIG. 14 (= 25 or less).

  After setting the initial value of the step counter as described above, the motor operation status is changed to 01H, and the value of the speed variable SPEED is set in the motor drive timer (S4). The motor drive timer designates a time interval for outputting drive data to the payout motor M. The speed variable SPEED is initially set to the standard value 2 (RT30 in FIG. 12), and when the lending operation of 25 units per unit exceeds 8 times, the slow value 20 is reset (in FIG. 12). RT35).

  In any case, since the motor drive timer is decremented by the timer subtraction process (ST85) every 2 mS, when the motor drive timer is set to the standard value 2, the time interval is 2 × 2 = 4 mS. The motor position will change. On the other hand, when the motor drive timer is set to the slow value 20, the motor position changes at a time interval of 40 mS. Each time the motor drive timer becomes zero, the step counter is decremented by 1 (S12).

  Therefore, in the subsequent motor driving process (motor operation status = 01H), the payout motor M advances every 4 mS or every 40 mS, and every 4 × 16 = 64 mS (during normal operation such as prize ball operation) ) Or every 640 mS (when the ball lending operation is slow), one gaming ball is paid out.

  On the other hand, if the motor operation status is 00H and the payout retry flag is 5AH, the motor operation status is changed to 03H (S5). Further, the motor drive timer is set to 125 (S6), and the payout retry flag and the payout detection flag are cleared to zero (S7). When the motor operation status is changed to 03H, the retry process is started. However, since the motor drive timer is initially set to 125, thereafter, at a time interval of 1 step 250 mS (= 2 × 125). The dispensing motor M is slowly driven.

<Motor operation status = 01H>
After the motor operation status is set to 01H by the process of step S3 in FIG. 18A, the motor driving process shown in FIG. 18B is executed. Here, first, the value of the motor drive timer is checked (S10), and if it is not zero, the process is terminated without doing anything. Therefore, for example, when the motor drive timer is initially set to 2, the two motor processes (ST91) output the same drive data (ST65b to ST66). On the other hand, when the motor drive timer is initially set to 20, 20 times of motor processing (ST91) outputs the same drive data (ST65b to ST66).

  Thereafter, when the motor drive timer becomes zero, the value of the step counter initially set to 16 × N is determined in the process of step S2 (S11). Is incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 3 (S12 to S13).

  Further, the value of the speed variable SPEED is set in the motor drive timer (ST14). As described with reference to FIG. 12 (a), the speed variable SPEED is initially a standard value 2 (R30), but in the ball lending operation, when the number of ball lending exceeds 200, the slow value 20 is set. (RT35). Therefore, during the ball lending operation, 200 gaming balls are quickly paid out at a rate of 1 per 64 mS (200 in about 13 seconds), and thereafter at a rate of 1 per 640 mS (300 Individuals are slowly dispensed (in about 3.2 minutes).

  Therefore, even if a large number of game balls are paid out in one ball lending operation, a full ball clogging error does not occur. Although the ball lending operation is slow, the display content of the balance display portion 32a is decremented by 1 every time 100 game balls are paid out, so that the player is not distrusted. On the other hand, since the speed variable SPEED set to the standard value is always used during the prize ball movement (RT30), even if the prize ball movement is repeated in the big hit game, a quick payout action is realized, and the player is frustrated. There is no fear.

  If such a stepping operation is repeated, the value of the step counter thereafter becomes zero. In this case, the motor operation status is changed to 02H, and the value of the motor drive timer is initialized to 350 (S15). To S16).

  As described above, the payout for the new payout is completed when the value of the step counter becomes zero in the motor driving process of motor operation status = 01H. However, even during this series of payout operations, there is a possibility that a new control command CMD (award ball number designation command) has been received, and the value of the total award ball number counter is updated by the command analysis process (ST86). In some cases, further payout may be necessary (for example, in the case of a big hit state). In addition, due to a malfunction of the payout rotating body RO, there may be an excess or deficiency in the payout amount N for the new payout.

  If the payout amount is insufficient, the payout remaining number counter is not zero, so the payout motor flag is not changed to A5H and remains 5AH. On the other hand, if the payout motor flag is A5H, the payout remaining number This means that the counter has become zero (see ST47 in FIG. 15). At the time of overpayment in which further payout is made after the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, the payout motor flag is A5H and the payout retry flag is 5AH (see ST45 in FIG. 15).

<Motor operation status = 02H>
Continuing the description based on the above, as shown in FIG. 19A, the motor stop process is executed in a state where the motor operation status is 02H. Here, it is first determined whether or not the value of the payout motor flag is A5H (S20). As described above, if the payout motor flag is A5H, it means that the payout remaining number counter has become zero (ST47). In such a case, the motor operation status is changed from 02H to 00H to drive the motor. The timer is set to zero (S25 to S26). Further, the payout motor flag and the payout detection flag are cleared to zero (S27).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the payout motor flag is not equal to A5H, it means that the payout remaining number counter is not yet zero. Therefore, when the payout motor flag is not ≠ A5H, it waits for the motor drive timer to become zero (S21). Note that when the motor operation status is changed from 01H to 02H, the motor drive timer is initially set to 350 (S16), and here, 700 mS is consumed. Thereafter, when the motor drive timer becomes zero, the motor operation status is changed from 02H to 03H, the motor drive timer is initialized to 125, and the payout detection flag is cleared (S22 to S24).

<Motor operation status = 03H>
As shown in FIG. 19B, when the motor operation status is 03H, first, it waits for the motor drive timer to become zero (S30). Since the motor drive timer is initially set to 125 when the motor operation status is changed to 03H (S6, S23), the time is consumed by 250 mS here. Thereafter, the value of the payout detection flag is checked (S31). The payout detection flag is set to 5 AH when the payout of the game ball is confirmed (ST43 in FIG. 15), and is set to zero when the motor operation status is changed to 03H (S24 in FIG. 19, FIG. 18). S7).

  Therefore, in the motor retry process, the payout detection flag is initially zero so that the motor position is advanced by 1 in the range of 0 to 3 (S32). In addition, the retry counter is updated by +1, and 125 is set in the motor drive timer (S33 to S34). Therefore, a retry process for updating the drive data every 1 step = 250 mS is executed thereafter.

  In this retry process, the dispensing motor M rotates slowly at a speed 2/125 times that of the normal time. Specifically, as is clear from steps S30 to S34, the dispensing motor M rotates by one step (7.5 °) every 250 mS according to the initial setting value of the motor drive timer, and the dispensing rotation is correspondingly performed. Each time the body RO rotates 3.75 °, the payout of the game ball is checked, and the same operation is repeated until the payout is detected (S31). Note that the payout of the game ball is determined by the process of step RT44 in FIG. 13 or the process of step ST42 in FIG. ).

  Therefore, if the processing in steps S30 to S34 is repeated, the payout detection flag eventually becomes 5AH. In this case, the value of the payout motor flag is checked next (S35). The payout motor flag is set to A5H when the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, that is, when a game ball is paid out without a shortage (RT51 in FIG. 13 or ST47 in FIG. 15). Therefore, since the payout motor flag ≠ A5H means that there is a game ball that has not been paid out, a value obtained by multiplying the value of the payout remaining number counter by 16 is stored in the step counter (S36).

  However, in this embodiment, an upper limit value LT of the payout amount after the retry process is provided, and specifically, the upper limit value LT is set to LT <4096 so that 65536> LT × 16. Therefore, even if the payout remaining number counter is limited to a 16-bit length, there is no possibility that the remaining payout counter overflows and the number of winning balls disappears in a big hit state where a large number of winning balls are continuously obtained. Since the upper limit LT of the payout amount is set to the upper limit LT = 4095, the maximum value of the payout remaining number counter is 65520. However, following the process of step S36, the motor operation status is changed from 03H. Change to 01H to clear the retry counter and set 2 to the motor drive timer (S37, S38). As a result of this setting process, the normal motor rotation for updating the drive data every 1 step = 4 mS is started thereafter.

  By the way, when the payout motor flag becomes A5H in the determination in step S35, the motor operation status is changed from 03H to 00H (S39). When the payout is detected (payout detection flag = 5AH) and the payout motor flag is A5H, one game ball is paid out with the motor operation status = 03H, and the payout remaining number counter becomes zero. (See ST47). In other words, it means that the payout for the shortage has been completed, so the motor operation status is changed from 03H to 00H, and then waits until the time when the payout operation is required again. Therefore, all the values of the retry counter, the payout motor flag, and the payout detection flag are set to zero (S40).

  Next, the data output process (ST92) will be described with reference to FIG. In the data output process, first, the motor drive data prepared in the motor process ST91 (specifically, ST66 in FIG. 17) is acquired from the MOOUT address (ST70). Note that the motor drive data is binary numbers 0101, 0110, 1010, and 1001, and when these are output as shown in FIG. 4, the payout motor M rotates. In this embodiment, normally, the rotation time of one step of the payout motor M is set to 4 mS, and the payout rotating body RO is rotated by 60 ° by the output of the data drive data for 16 steps, thereby obtaining one game ball. It is set to pay out. Note that the rotation time of one step of the payout motor M is managed by a motor drive timer, and the rotation time of 4 mS for one step corresponds to two timer interruptions. Is set to 2.

  In any case, if the motor drive data is prepared in the B register by the process of step ST70, it is determined whether the retry error LED flag is set to 5AH (ST71). The retry error LED flag is a flag for lighting the abnormal lamp ER2 (see FIG. 5) when the abnormal state of the payout operation continues for a predetermined time. Therefore, if the retry error LED flag is 5AH, bit4 of the B register is set to 1 (ST72).

  Next, bit 7 of the B register is set to 1 (ST73), and the value of the B register is output to the first output port 16 (ST74). As a result, drive data is output to the payout motor M, and the abnormal lamp ER2 is turned on or off. Also, bit 7 of the B register is output to the watchdog timer. Then, after the time consumption process (ST75), the bit7 is returned to zero and is output again from the first output port 16 (ST76), thereby clearing the watchdog timer to zero. However, if the data output process (ST92) which should be executed every 2 ms is not executed due to the program runaway, the CPU is forcibly reset based on the operation of the watchdog timer circuit.

  In any case, following the processing of step ST76, the OVR flag, the PRDY flag, the EXE flag, the replenishment error flag, and the full ball clogging error flag are referred to, and the data in which the corresponding bit is set is sent to the second output port 17 (ST78). As a result of this operation, an alarm signal ERR, a PRDY signal, and an EXE signal may be output to the hall computer or the ball lending machine 22, and a replenishment signal or a full ball signal may be output to the main control unit 1. . In addition, in the main control unit 1 that has received the supply replenishment signal or the full ball clogging signal, the abnormality notification LED lamps P2 and P3 (see FIG. 25) are turned on.

  However, in this embodiment, when the number of game balls to be paid out in the ball lending operation exceeds the limit value, the game balls are then paid out in accordance with the game balls that are launched and consumed. No full ball clogging error is reported.

  By the way, when this gaming machine is used as a simple machine, much more gaming balls are paid out during the ball lending operation than in the case of a normal machine. For this reason, there is a concern about illegal acts that illegally change the setting of the ball lending machine 22 and receive a large amount of ball lending on a normal machine. That is, a gaming machine connected to an illegally set ball lending machine receives a BRQ signal 20 times each time the ball lending switch is turned on, even though it is a normal machine, and 500 games The ball will be paid out. For a normal machine, 500 gaming balls have a value of 4 × 500 yen, so an unauthorized player can easily obtain illegal profits by simply changing the setting of the ball lending machine. It will be.

  However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the BRQ signal is received more than five times from the ball lending machine 23, an excess signal ERR is output at that timing and the alarm lamp ER1 is turned on. Appears immediately.

  Although the timer lending routine shown in FIG. 7A has been described mainly regarding the ball lending operation, the award ball processing (ST89) resulting from the control command received from the main control unit 1 will be described next.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the prize ball process, it is first determined whether or not a prize ball has been detected (ST20). The specific contents of the prize ball detection process (ST20) are as shown in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 12, when the card operation status is 03H to 06H, the switching flag is 5AH (RT33), and all the following winning ball detection processing is skipped. That is, after the control signal EXS changes to the H level and the ball lending start process (RT3, FIG. 10A) is started, the prize ball detection process is not executed.

  Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the ball lending operation is not in progress, and therefore the switching flag is 00H (see FIG. 12). In such a case, the left and right prize ball data (bit 0 and bit 1 of the switch edge data) are acquired in the variable D1, and 2 is set in the B register (ST40). Next, the contents of bit0 of the switch edge data are moved to the carry flag CY by shifting the variable D1 to the right by 1 bit (ST41).

  If CY = 1, it means that the counting switch is ON. However, if CY = 1 is determined in step ST42, the payout detection flag is rewritten to 5AH (ST43), and then the contents of the prize ball flag Is checked (ST44). Until the payout operation is completed, the value of the prize ball flag is 5AH (see ST32 in FIG. 14). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout remaining number counter is zero (ST46).

  As in the case of the ball lending operation, the payout remaining number counter manages the remaining number of game balls to be paid out through the data output process (ST32). At this timing, the payout of the game ball is confirmed by the determination in step ST42. Therefore, if the value of the payout remaining number counter is not zero, the counter value is decremented by -1 (ST48), and the process proceeds to step ST50.

  On the other hand, if the value of the payout remaining number counter becomes zero as a result of the decrement process (ST48), after setting the payout motor flag and the prize ball flag to A5H (ST47), the process proceeds to step ST50. Note that the payout motor flag and the winning ball flag are set to 5 AH when the value of the new payout counter is added to the payout remaining number counter (ST31 to ST33 in FIG. 14).

  The payout motor flag defines whether the payout motor M is driven or not driven. If the payout motor flag is 5AH or A5H, the motor is driven. It becomes a non-driving state. Here, the motor drive state means that significant drive data (any one of binary numbers 0101, 0110, 1010, and 1001) is output to the first output port 16, and the non-drive state means the first This means that the binary number 0000 is output to the output port 16. When the binary number 0000 is output to the first output port 16, all the open collector type transistor groups 18 are turned off, and the payout motor M is in a free rotation state (see FIG. 5).

  The processes in steps ST41 to ST51 described above are executed twice based on the initial value (= 2) of the B register. Then, after the value of the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, the payout operation is not executed. Therefore, in the determination of step ST42, CY = 1 should not be inherent.

  However, the possibility of overpayment due to the influence of the inertial force of the payout rotating body RO cannot be denied. When such an abnormality occurs, the payout retry flag is set to 5AH to indicate an overpayment state (ST45). This payout retry flag is a flag that is set to 5AH even in step ST9 (FIG. 6) after power-on. If the payout retry flag is 5AH, retry processing (FIG. 19B) is started, and the payout rotating body RO advances at a pitch of 3.75 ° until one game ball is paid out. Accurate alignment processing is realized.

  Returning to FIG. 14, the description of the prize ball processing will be continued. After the above-described prize ball detection processing (ST20), first, the value of the card operation status is checked (ST21). If the card operation status is not equal to 00H, it is determined whether the prize ball flag is A5H (ST23). If the prize ball flag = A5H, this is set to 00H and the process is terminated (ST24). As shown in FIG. 15, the winning ball flag is set to 5H at the end of the winning ball operation in which the payout remaining number counter becomes zero (ST47), so that the winning ball flag is set to zero in the process of step ST24.

  Here, assuming that the ball lending switch is turned ON before the payout operation by the winning ball operation is completed, the value of the card operation status is changed from 00H to 01H through the card communication process (ST87, FIG. 9). Change. In this case, since the switching flag is 00H, the processing after step ST40 in FIG. 15 is executed to check the completion of payout in the winning ball operation (see ST47).

  Thereafter, when the prize ball flag changes from A5H to 00H (see ST47 and ST24), the card operation status is changed to 03H after the determination in step RT203 of FIG. 9C (RT204). When the value of the card operation status becomes 03H, the switching flag becomes 5AH, and thereafter, all the processes in FIGS. 14 and 15 are practically skipped.

  The case where the card operation status ≠ 00H has been described above. Next, the case where the card operation status = 00H will be described. In this case, following step ST21, the value of the motor operation status is checked (ST22). As described above, the motor operation status defines the operation content in a series of prize ball payout operations, and the motor processing (ST91) executed every 2 mS is any of motor operation status = 00H to 03H. The point executed in this state is as already described.

  If it is determined in the process of step ST22 that the motor operation status is now 01H and it is the timer interrupt timing at which the motor driving process (FIG. 18B) should be executed, the prize ball process is performed without doing anything. Finish. If it is determined that the motor operation status is 03H and the timer interrupt timing at which the motor retry process (FIG. 19B) is to be executed, the value of the winning ball flag is checked (ST23). If it is set to A5H, the prize ball flag is rewritten to 00H and the prize ball processing is finished (ST24).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of step ST22 that the motor operation status is now 02H and the timer interruption timing at which the motor stop process (FIG. 19A) is to be executed, the value of the payout retry flag Is checked (ST25), and if it is set to 5AH, the prize ball processing is finished, and if it is set to a value other than 5AH (= 00H), the process proceeds to step ST26 (ST25).

  If it is determined in the process of step ST22 that the current timer interruption time is the motor operation status = 00H and the timer interruption timing at which the drive start process (FIG. 18A) should be executed, first, the command The value of the total winning ball counter updated in the analysis process (ST86) is acquired in the variable D1 (ST26). If variable D1 is D1 ≠ 0, the maximum value 25 of the new payout number is stored in variable D2, and the value of variable D2 is subtracted from variable D1 (ST28).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the subtraction result is negative (ST29). If negative, the value of the total prize ball counter is stored in the variable D2, and the variable D1 is set to zero (ST30). Thereafter, the value of variable D2 is stored in the new payout counter, and the value of variable D1 is stored in the total prize ball counter (ST31). Note that the value of the new payout counter set in the process of step ST31 is usually any of 5, 10, or 25 (maximum value of the new payout number).

  Subsequently, the value of the payout remaining number counter is stored in the variable D3, and the value of the variable D2 is added to the variable D3. Then, the value of the variable D3 as the addition result is stored in the payout remaining number counter (ST32). As a result of this processing, the total number of winning balls to be paid, which is grasped at this timing, is stored in the payout remaining number counter.

  Thereafter, the prize ball flag and the payout motor flag are set to 5AH (ST33), the motor operation status is set to 00H, and the prize ball processing is completed (ST34). Note that the prize ball flag set to 5AH maintains that value until it is changed to A5H in the process of step ST47 of FIG.

  On the other hand, the payout motor flag set to 5AH is changed to A5H by the process of step ST47 of FIG. 15, and is changed to 00H by the processes of step S27 and step S40 of FIG. That is, the payout motor flag is initially set to 5AH, and then changed to A5H when the value of the payout remaining number counter becomes zero (ST47), and then changed from motor operation status = 02H to motor operation status = 00H. Alternatively, it is changed to 00H at a timing when the motor operation status is changed from 03H to motor operation status = 00H (S27, S40).

  As is clear from the above operation transition, the payout motor flag is set to 5AH at the start of a series of payout operations, and after that, even though it is changed to A5H, the series of payout operations is completed. When the motor operation status returns to 00H (initial state), it is always 00H. In this embodiment, whether the payout motor M is driven or not driven is managed according to the value of the payout motor flag. If the payout motor flag is A5H or 5AH, the drive state and payout are determined. If the motor flag is 00H, a non-driving state is established (see FIG. 17).

  Further, in this embodiment, a payout remaining number counter is provided in addition to the new payout counter, so that a smooth payout operation can be realized even when returning from an operation prohibited state in which the payout motor M is not driven. For example, when the processing of steps ST26 to ST34 is repeated in the operation prohibited state, the value of the payout remaining number counter is incremented by +25 by the decrement of the total prize ball number counter (ST28, ST31) in a state where no game balls are paid out However (ST32), after returning from the operation prohibition state, the game balls corresponding to the accumulated payout remaining number counter are paid out all at once.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a smooth payout operation is realized by appropriately switching between the ball lending operation and the prize ball operation by the switching flag and the prize ball flag. Hereinafter, the priority order of the two lending operations, the ball lending operation and the prize ball operation, will be summarized.

  In the initial state after power-on, the card operation status is 00H, but the card communication process (ST87) is executed prior to the prize ball process (ST89) (see FIG. 7). When the level control signal BRDY is received (timing (b) in FIG. 8), the card operation status immediately changes from 00H to 01H (RT003 in FIG. 9).

  After that, until the card operation status returns to 00H, the processing after step ST26 is not executed in the prize ball operation (ST89) (see FIG. 14). Therefore, in this embodiment, in this sense, the ball lending operation has priority over the prize ball operation.

  However, when an H-level control signal BRDY is received during a prize ball operation, the card action status is changed from 00H to 01H, but the switching flag is 00H. ) Is continued (see ST39 in FIG. 15). In the prize ball process (ST89), the prize ball flag is checked (see ST21 → ST23 in FIG. 14), and the prize ball operation is continued until the prize ball flag becomes A5H.

  As described above, the prize ball flag is set to 5AH at the start of the prize ball operation (see ST33 in FIG. 14). After that, when the payout remaining number counter becomes zero, it becomes A5H at the timing of step ST47 in FIG. .

  In the present embodiment, as long as no trouble occurs in the gaming machine, the value of the payout remaining number counter is set to the number of prize balls (maximum 25) (see ST30 to ST32 in FIG. 14). Therefore, when the H-level control signal BRDY is received after the start of the prize ball operation, the prize ball flag is changed from A5H to 00H after waiting for the number of prize ball units to be paid out ( In ST24 of FIG. 14, the ball lending operation is started. That is, as shown in FIG. 9D, until the prize ball flag is changed to 00H, since the card operation status does not change from 02H to 03H (RT203), the ball lending operation is waited.

  After the card operation status changes to 03H, the switching flag is set to 5AH (RT33 in FIG. 12), so that even if a control command (prize ball number designation command) is received from the main control unit 1, for example. The prize ball processing is not started. The winning ball process is started when the ball lending process ends and the switching flag returns to 00H.

  In this embodiment, when a full ball clogging error or a replenishment error occurs when the motor operation status is 00H or 02H, every time the value of the total winning ball counter is -25 (see ST28 in FIG. 14). ), The value of the payout remaining number counter is +25 (ST31 to ST32 in FIG. 14), and the value of the payout remaining number counter may exceed 25. However, the value of the payout remaining number counter greatly exceeds 25 when the award ball number designation command is repeatedly received from the main control unit 1, and the ball lending switch 32b is pressed at such timing. There is virtually no problem.

  FIG. 21 is a time chart illustrating the operation contents when the 15 ball number designation commands are received twice during the ball lending operation and when the ball lending switch 32b is pressed during the ball operation. It is. In any case, the unit number of the payout operation is 25, and the operation of a normal machine in which 125 game balls are lent out by consumption of 500 yen is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 21B, when a control command (prize ball number designation command) for instructing 15 prize balls is received, the payout remaining number counter is set to 15 and the prize ball operation starts. (ST32 in FIG. 14). Since the same prize ball number designation command is received twice at the stage where the prize ball operation is not completed, the total prize ball number counter is set to 30 by the reception interrupt process (FIG. 6).

  Therefore, at the stage when the first 15 winning ball operations are completed, the payout remaining number counter is set to 25 (ST28 to ST32 in FIG. 14), and the total winning ball number counter is changed from 30 to 5 ( In ST31 of FIG. 14, 25 winning ball operations are started.

  However, in the illustrated embodiment, the ball lending switch is turned on at the stage where the 25 winning ball operations are not completed. For this reason, the card operation status advances from 00H → 01H → 02H during 25 prize ball operations. However, since the prize ball flag is maintained at 5AH until 25 prize ball movements are completed, the card action status is maintained at 02H. After the card operation status has progressed to 01H, only the winning ball detection process (ST20, FIG. 15) is executed, and the processes after ST26 in FIG. 14 are not executed.

  Thereafter, when 25 prize ball operations are completed, the process of ST47 in FIG. 15 → ST24 in FIG. 14 is performed, and as a result, the prize ball flag is set to 00H. As a result, card communication processing (ST87 in FIG. The card operation status advances to 03H (RT204 in FIG. 9C). Then, in the ball lending process (ST88 in FIG. 7A), the switching flag is set to 5AH (RT33 in FIG. 12), and the 25-unit ball lending process shown in FIG. 11 is started. Once the ball lending process is started, the card operation status repeats 03H → 04H → 05H → 06H → 03H → 04H → 05H → 06H →... Until the required payout process is completed. The ball processing is not started.

  That is, the total prize ball counter is not zero (= 5), and 125 or 500 ball lending operations are prioritized even though there are remaining prize balls to be paid out. It is better to give a large number of game balls at a time than to delay the ball lending operation at the timing when the player turns on the ball lending switch. Because it is considered.

  By the way, in the above embodiment, when the number of balls lent exceeds 200, the subsequent payout speed is reduced, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, while the speed variable SPEED is initially set to the standard value 2 (ST99), the speed variable SPEED once set to the slow value is not returned to the initial state. You may take (refer RT30 of FIG. 22, RT35).

  Corresponding to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 23, in the motor drive start process (ST65a) and the motor drive process (ST65b), the motor drive timer is initialized only during the ball lending operation in which the switching flag is 5AH. The value of the speed variable SPEED is adopted as the value, and the initial value of the motor drive timer is set to the standard value 2 during other prize ball operations (see S8 to S9 and S17 to S18 in FIG. 23). In order to determine that the ball lending operation is being performed (see S8), a ball lending flag or a prize ball flag may be used instead of the switching flag.

  When such a configuration is adopted, only 200 gaming balls are quickly paid out only at the time of the first ball lending operation. However, after the speed variable SPEED is set after it is determined that the machine is a simple machine. (See RT35 in FIG. 22), the game balls during the ball lending operation are slowly paid out from the first. In the case of this modification, the game ball payout speed during the ball lending operation is consistently slow, so that a full ball clogging error is prevented. However, as the slow value, it is preferable to adopt about 10 as shown in the figure (RT35). Since the payout control unit 5 is provided with a power backup function, the speed variable SPEED rewritten to the slow value 10 is carried over from the next day unless the RAM clear process (ST8) is executed.

  As another modification, a setting switch for setting whether the gaming machine is used as a normal machine or a simple machine may be provided. In this case, as shown in FIG. 24, when the power is turned on, the speed variable SPEED is initially set to the standard value 2 for the normal machine, and is initially set to the slow value 10 for the simple machine (ST99 in FIG. 24). The value is used consistently. Therefore, the speed variable SPEED is not reset even in the ball lending / prize ball switching process (see FIG. 24C). The motor drive start process (ST65a) and the motor drive process (ST65b) are executed as shown in FIG.

  Next, a bullet ball game machine to which the present invention is preferably applied will be described for confirmation. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine 21 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a side view of the pachinko machine 21. Note that a plurality of pachinko machines 21 are arranged in the length direction of the island structure of the pachinko hall while being electrically connected to the ball lending machine 22. The ball lending machine 22 receives cash prior to the start of the game, and at the end of the game, discharges a card storing a numerical value corresponding to the balance.

  The illustrated pachinko machine 21 includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 23 that is detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 24 that is pivotably mounted via a hinge H fixed to the outer frame 23. It consists of A game board 25 is detachably attached to the front frame 24 from the back side, and a glass door 26 and a front plate 27 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The front plate 27 is provided with an upper plate 28 for storing a game ball for launch. A lower plate 29 communicating with the upper plate 28 and a launch handle 30 are provided at the lower portion of the front frame 24. In this embodiment, the driving current of the rotary solenoid SL1 is changed in accordance with the rotation angle of the firing handle 30, and the striking rod 31 is intermittent with a strength corresponding to the driving current of the rotary solenoid SL1. The game ball is fired by operating. The game ball on the upper plate 28 is guided to the launch position by the striking rod 31, while the overflowing game ball is automatically guided to the lower plate 29.

  On the right side of the upper plate 28, an operation panel 32 for ball lending operation for the ball lending machine 22 is provided. In this operation panel 32, a value of 1/100 of the balance of the ball lending machine 22 is a three-digit number. Are displayed, a ball lending switch 32b for instructing lending of game balls for a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen), and a return switch 32c pressed at the end of the game. When the return switch 32c is pressed, the card corresponding to the balance is discharged from the ball lending machine 22.

  On the upper part of the glass door 26, a big hit LED lamp P1 indicating a big hit state is arranged. Further, in the vicinity of the big hit LED lamp P1, abnormality notification LED lamps P2 and P3 indicating a replenishment state or a full ball clogging state are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the game board 25 is provided with a guide rail 33 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and the display device 8 (specifically, at the approximate center of the game area 25a on the inner side thereof. In particular, a liquid crystal color display) is arranged. In addition, at a suitable place in the game area 25a, there are arranged a symbol start opening 35, a big winning opening 36, a plurality of normal winning openings 37 (four on the left and right sides of the big winning opening 36), and a gate portion 38 which is two passing openings. It is installed. Each of these winning openings 35 to 38 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

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

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

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

  After the opening / closing plate 36a of the big winning opening 36 is opened, the opening / closing plate 36a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. At this time, the special game is continued up to, for example, 15 times at maximum, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. Furthermore, when the stop symbol after the change is a special state occurrence symbol among the special symbols, a special state is generated.

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

  The opening 40a of the back mechanism plate 40 is fitted with a back cover 45 mounted on the back side of the game board 25 and a winning ball discharge basket (not shown) for discharging the game balls won in the winning holes 35 to 37. Has been. The main control board 1 is disposed inside the case CA1 attached to the back cover 45 (see FIG. 28).

  Below these cases CA2 and CA3, a power supply board 7 and a payout control board 5 are provided in a case CA4 attached to the back mechanism plate 40. On the power supply board 7, a power switch 53 and a RAM clear switch 54 are arranged. The parts corresponding to both the switches 53 and 54 are notched, and both switches can be operated simultaneously with a finger. Inside the case CA5 attached to the rear side of the firing handle 30, a firing control board 6 is provided.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described concretely, the description content does not specifically limit this invention. For example, in the embodiment, a ball game machine has been described, but it is applicable not only to a pachinko machine, an arrange ball machine, and a sparrow ball machine, but also to a spinning machine using medals and a spinning machine using game balls. Of course you can.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide a touch sensor for detecting that the player is touching the launch handle 30 and to stop the ball lending operation when the sensor output TCH is not obtained. This is because, as long as the launching operation is stopped and the game ball is not consumed, a full ball clogging error cannot be avoided even if the game ball is slowly discharged. 30 and 31 are diagrams for explaining the launch control board 6 that receives the sensor output TCH and transfers it to the payout control unit 5. FIG.

  To stop the ball lending operation, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 32A, when the touch sensor output TCH is at the OFF level (ST600) and the number counter NUM exceeds 8 (ST601). The motor driving process (ST65 to ST66) may be skipped. However, if the ball lending operation is stopped for a long time, the communication protocol with the ball lending machine 22 may be violated. Therefore, if the predetermined waiting time (= 2 mS × upper limit value) is exceeded, the subsequent full ball clogging You may be ready and resume ball lending.

  In the illustrated case, the standby time is monitored while incrementing the timer variable TMR (ST602 to ST605), and the ball lending operation is suspended until a predetermined upper limit value (= standby time / 2 mS) is reached. In this embodiment, once the upper limit value is reached, the timer variable TMR is continuously incremented (ST602), so that the ball lending operation is not stopped again unless the process of step ST606 is performed. Therefore, there is no possibility that trouble occurs against the communication protocol with the ball lending machine 22.

  In this embodiment, the timer variable TMR corresponds to the waiting time in consideration of the overflow of the timer variable TMR in order to realize an operation in which the ball lending operation is not stopped thereafter unless the process of step ST606 is performed. It is configured to circulate in a numerical range greater than or equal to the upper limit value (ST602 to ST604).

  By the way, the processing of steps ST602 to ST606 may be omitted. This is because, when the touch sensor output TCH is in the ON state, it is more likely not to violate the communication protocol with the ball lending machine 22 even if the payout operation is stopped without providing a waiting time. That is, when the number counter NUM exceeds 8, and a communication error occurs due to the restriction of the communication protocol, (1) when the card operation status 3 shifts to 4 and (2) the card operation status 5 These transition processes proceed regardless of the game ball payout operation even when the transition to → 6 and (3) the card operation status 6 → 3 only. Because.

  In other words, the normal ball lending machine 2 does not make this a problem no matter how long the transition time from the card operation status 4 to 5 is. If the prize ball flag is not 00H at the time of the transition from the card operation status 6 to 3, the process does not proceed to the next process (see RT 203 in FIG. 9), but if the number counter NUM exceeds 8, the ball lending As long as the number exceeds 200, this cannot be a problem.

  Therefore, the configuration in which the ball lending operation is stopped at the moment when the hand is released from the launch switch 30 in a state where the number of ball lending exceeds 200, including the case where the processing of steps ST602 to ST606 is omitted, It is effective.

  By the way, when the configuration for determining the touch sensor output TCH is adopted, a configuration in which a full ball clogging error is not notified may be adopted as long as the touch sensor output is at the OFF level. Specifically, this is as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, first, referring to the PRDY flag, EXE flag, OVR flag, and replenishment error flag, the data in which the corresponding bit is set is stored in the B register (ST77 '). Therefore, the bit corresponding to the full ball clogging error flag is in the reset state at this stage.

  Next, in order to determine whether or not a game ball is currently being fired, the sensor output TCH of the touch sensor received from the firing control board 6 is judged (ST771). When the sensor output TCH is at the OFF level, the player is not touching the launch handle 30, and the player may be away from the gaming seat. In such a state, even if the notification operation is activated, there is a possibility that it may cause trouble to surrounding players, so the process is shifted to step ST78. On the other hand, when the sensor output TCH is at the ON level, at least the player has not left the gaming seat, so the bit for the full ball clogging error flag in the B register is set (ST772). Then, the finally set value of the B register is output to the second output port 17 (ST85).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 32 (c), a configuration in which a full ball clogging error is not reported only when the ball lending operation is being performed is also preferably employed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32C, the full ball clogging error notification process is avoided only when the ball lending operation is being performed and the sensor output TCH is at the OFF level (ST773). ST774). According to this configuration, when a winning ball is being operated, a full ball clogging error is notified regardless of whether or not the shooting handle is touched. For example, a large number of winning balls can be handled during a big hit game or the like. Even if the player executes the ball removal process, there is an advantage that the notification operation is continued until the full ball clogging error is resolved.

  Next, the launch control board 6 will be described just in case. FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the dispensing control board 5 and the launch control board 6. The firing control board 6 includes an oscillator 61 that oscillates a clock pulse Φ, a frequency dividing counter 62 that divides the clock pulse Φ output from the oscillator 61, and an amplifying unit that amplifies the firing intensity signal VL and generates a drive signal SG. 63, a first drive circuit 64 that receives the drive signal SG and supplies an energization current to the rotary solenoid SL1, a switch circuit 65 that performs an ON operation based on the output of the frequency division counter 62 and short-circuits the drive signal SG, A second drive circuit 66 that receives the output of the circumference counter 62 and supplies an energization current to the ball feed solenoid SL2 is mainly configured.

  In this embodiment, the frequency dividing counter 62 is composed of a decimal counter HCF4017 (DECADE COUNTER WITH 10 DECODED OUTPUTS) having output terminals Q0 to Q9 (see FIG. 31A). As shown in the time chart of FIG. 31 (b), when the frequency dividing counter 62 receives an H level signal at the clear terminal CLR, only the Q0 output terminal becomes H level, and the other output terminals Q1 to Q9 are at L level. It becomes.

  On the other hand, when an L level signal is received at the clear terminal CLR, a pulse signal is output from any one of the Q0 terminal to Q9 terminal according to the number of clock pulses Φ received at the clock terminal CK. This pulse signal rises in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock pulse Φ. Conversely, when the clock terminal CK is fixed to the H level and the clock pulse Φ is supplied to the enable terminal CE, a pulse signal is output from any one of the Q0 terminal to Q9 terminal according to the number of clock pulses Φ. . This pulse signal rises in synchronization with the falling edge of the clock pulse Φ.

  As shown in the figure, in this circuit example, the clock pulse Φ is supplied to the enable terminal CE while the clock terminal CK is fixed at the H level. Further, the output of the Q8 terminal is fed back to the clear terminal CLR via the two gates G0 and G2. Therefore, the decimal counter 14 functions as an octal counter, and a pulse signal obtained by dividing the clock pulse Φ by 8 is output from the Q1 terminal (see FIG. 31C).

  The pulse signal obtained by dividing the clock pulse Φ by 8 needs to set the pulse period to about 600 mS corresponding to the legal firing speed (≈100 / min) of the game ball. Therefore, the pulse period of the clock pulse Φ is set to about 75 mS and the pulse frequency is set to about 13.3 Hz.

  Incidentally, in addition to the inverted output of the Q8 terminal, the inverted output of the photocoupler PH, the output of the firing stop switch STP, and the output of the touch sensor TCH are supplied to the NAND gate G2. When the firing permission signal CTL is not permitted, the inverted output of the photocoupler PH becomes L level, and when the hand is released from the firing handle HD, the output of the touch sensor TCH becomes L level. Further, when the firing stop switch STP is turned on, the switch output becomes L level.

  Therefore, in the situation where either (a) the firing permission signal CTL is not permitted, (b) the hand is released from the firing handle HD, or (c) the firing stop switch STP is turned on, the NAND gate G2 Becomes an H level, and no pulse signal is output from the Q1 terminal. Therefore, the game ball launching operation is maintained in a stopped state until the above conditions (a) to (c) are resolved.

  The switch circuit 65 includes a NAND gate G3, voltage dividing resistors R10 and R11, and a switching transistor TR3. A clock pulse Φ and a pulse signal (Q1 pulse) obtained by dividing the clock pulse Φ by 8 are supplied to the input terminal of the NAND gate G3. Therefore, as shown in the output of the gate G3 in FIG. 31 (c), the switching transistor TR3 is turned off only for the time in which the phases of the two pulses Φ and Q1 coincide (half the pulse period 75 mS).

  As described above, since the pulse obtained by dividing the clock pulse Φ by 8 is output from the Q1 terminal of the frequency division counter 62, the switching transistor TR3 eventually has a frequency that is 1/8 times the clock pulse Φ, that is, The OFF operation is performed with a time period of about 600 mS. Note that the duty ratio of the output pulse of the gate G3 is 15/16, and in the time period of 15/16, the switching transistor TR3 is in the ON state, and the drive signal SG is at the zero level.

  The second drive circuit 66 includes a pair of Darlington-connected transistors TR4 and TR5, bias resistors R12 to R14, and a ball feed solenoid SL2. The transistors TR4 and TR5 are turned on / off based on the Q1 output of the frequency dividing counter 14 to energize the ball feed solenoid SL2. As shown in the time chart of FIG. 31 (c), the Q1 output of the frequency dividing counter 14 has a pulse width of about 75 mS and a pulse period of about 600 mS, and therefore at a time interval of about 100 times per minute (= 60/600 mS). A game ball will be sent.

  Since the pulse for energizing the ball feed solenoid SL2 is turned on prior to the pulse for energizing the rotary solenoid SL1 (FIG. 31 (c)), the hitting hammer is in a state where the game ball is securely set at a predetermined position. Will hit the game ball with a predetermined torque.

  The amplifying unit 63 includes a buffer circuit configured by an OP amplifier and voltage dividing resistors R1 and R2, and a negative feedback amplifier circuit configured by an OP amplifier A2 and resistors R3, R4, and R9. The buffer circuit is supplied with a partial pressure value Ei = VL × R2 / (R1 + R2) of the firing intensity signal VL, and the signal Ei is supplied as it is to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the OP amplifier A2. On the other hand, a voltage Eo = I × R9 proportional to the energization current I of the rotary solenoid SL1 is supplied to the inverting input terminal (−) of the OP amplifier A2.

  Here, if the voltage Eo = I × R9 is α times (Eo = α × E) the output voltage E of the OP amplifier A2, − (Ei−α × E) × R4 / R3 + α × E = E. When this is rearranged, E = β × Ei / {α × (1 + β) −1}. Note that β = R4 / R3, and here, β >> 1 and α × β >> 1 are set.

  Therefore, E≈Ei / α, and the drive current I (= Eo / R9) of the rotary solenoid SL1 becomes I = Ei / R9, which is proportional to the output voltage Ei of the OP amplifier A1. As described above, since Ei = VL × R2 / (R1 + R2), the drive current I of the rotary solenoid SL1 eventually changes in proportion to the firing intensity signal VL.

  The first drive circuit 64 includes voltage dividing resistors R5 and R6, a switching transistor TR1, a load resistor R7, a bias resistor R8, a current driving transistor TR2, a rotary solenoid SL1, a current detection resistor R9, and a vibration. It comprises a diode D for current absorption. As illustrated, a transistor TR2, a rotary solenoid SL1, and a current detection resistor R9 are connected in series. The transistor TR2 is a MOS transistor for large current, DC32V is supplied to the source terminal S, and the drain terminal D is connected to the rotary solenoid SL1 and the diode D.

  The transistor TR2 performs a linear operation in which the drain current in the negative direction changes in proportion to the voltage change between the gate terminal G and the source terminal S. This drain current is nothing but the drive current I of the rotary solenoid SL1, and has a current value proportional to the firing intensity signal VL.

  Based on the above, the game ball launching operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 30, the drive signal SG is obtained by dividing the output voltage E of the OP amplifier A2. If the switching transistor TR3 is in the OFF state, the voltage dividing ratio is approximately R6 / (R5 + R6). If the switching transistor TR3 is in the ON state, the voltage dividing ratio is zero.

  The output of the gate G3 has an L level pulse width of about 75 mS / 2 and a duty ratio of 15/16. Therefore, in the time period of 15/16 when the switching transistor TR3 is ON, the drive signal SG is It becomes zero level. On the other hand, during the 1/16 time period when the switching transistor TR3 is turned off, the drive signal SG is substantially E × R6 / (R5 + R6), and the rotary solenoid SL1 has a drive current I at a level proportional to the firing intensity signal VLM. Flows (I = Ei / R9).

  Here, since the rotary solenoid SL1 is configured to launch a game ball with a torque proportional to the drive current I, the drive current I intermittently flows through the rotary solenoid SL1 about 100 times per second. A game ball having an initial velocity proportional to the firing intensity signal VLM is fired. The reason why the duty ratio of the drive pulse SG is set to 1/16 is to operate the rotary solenoid SL1 to be used optimally.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described in detail, the further improvement is also possible. For example, the possibility of a big hit state during a deceleration (slow) operation cannot be denied as in the case where the ball lending button 23b is pressed without waiting for the result of the symbol variation effect. Configuration is desired.

  FIG. 33A is a flowchart showing this configuration. Here, prior to the motor status determination process (ST64), the value of the total prize ball number counter is checked (ST600). As described above, when the payout control unit 5 receives a prize ball number designation command from the main control unit 1, the value of the total prize ball number counter is updated by command analysis processing (ST86). Once the ball lending operation is started, the processing of steps ST26 and ST31 is not executed (see ST21 of FIG. 14). Can be reliably detected.

  Therefore, in the process of step ST601, when it is determined that the value of the total number of winning balls counter exceeds a reference value TH (for example, 100), the speed variable SPEED is set to the standard value 2 (ST601). As a result of this operation, even if the speed variable SPEED is set to the slow value 20 in the ball lending process (ST88), it is returned to the standard value 2, and the payout rotating body RO is then changed by the subsequent motor driving process. It will rotate quickly. Instead of such a process, the priority order of the ball lending process and the winning ball process is reversed, and once a winning ball request is generated, the already started ball lending process is stopped. May be.

  Further, there is a case where it is desired to move to another gaming machine during a deceleration (slow) operation in which the game ball is slowly paid out, and a configuration that can cope with such a situation is also suitable. When it is desired to move to another game machine, the touch sensor output TCH of the launch handle should normally not be obtained continuously. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), when the touch sensor output TCH is not continuously obtained for a predetermined time (ST602 is Yes), on the condition that it is not a full ball clogging error state (ST603 is No), Return speed variable SPEED to standard value 2. On the other hand, even if the touch sensor output TCH cannot be obtained continuously for a predetermined time (ST602 is Yes), if the full ball clogging error state is present (ST603 is Yes), the payout operation is stopped.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. The peripheral circuit (a) of the payout control board and the operation principle (b) of the stepping motor are illustrated. 1 schematically illustrates the structure of a dispensing device. It is a time chart explaining the payout operation by the payout device. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine (a) of a payout control board, and a reception interruption routine (b). It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption routine (a) and a power supply monitoring process (b). It is a time chart explaining a ball lending process. It is a flowchart explaining a part of card | curd communication process. It is a flowchart explaining another part of card | curd communication process. It is a flowchart explaining a ball lending process. It is a flowchart explaining a ball lending / prize ball switching process. It is a flowchart explaining a ball lending detection process. It is a flowchart explaining a prize ball process. It is a flowchart explaining a prize ball detection process. It is a flowchart explaining a payout error process. It is a flowchart explaining a motor process. It is a flowchart explaining a motor drive start process (a) and a motor drive process (b). It is a flowchart explaining the motor stop process (a) and the motor retry process (b). It is a flowchart explaining a data output process. It is a time chart explaining the priority of ball lending operation and prize ball operation. It is a time chart explaining the principal part of the modified example of this invention. It is a time chart explaining another principal part of the modified example of this invention. It is a time chart explaining another modification example of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine concerning an example. It is a side view of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine of FIG. The detection switch which detects a full ball clogging state is illustrated. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a launch control board. It is a time chart explaining the circuit operation of a launch control board. It is a flowchart explaining the Example which refers the output of a touch sensor. It is a flowchart explaining another Example. 10 is a flowchart showing details of communication error processing of FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main control part 5 Sub control part 21 Game machine 22 External apparatus 43 Payment apparatus BRDY 1st input signal BRQ 2nd input signal EXS Output signal

Claims (9)

Based on a main control unit that is responsible for game control operations centrally, and based on a control command from the main control unit, the payout device is driven to execute a first payout operation, while on the basis of a payout command received from an external device A gaming machine having a sub-control unit that drives the payout device and executes a second payout operation by repeating a unit payout operation,
The first input signal BRDY for notifying the player of the second payout operation request and the second input signal BRQ for instructing the start of the unit payout operation are received from the external device, while the unit payout operation is being performed. Is configured to output a control signal EXS indicating to the external device,
When detecting that the first input signal BRDY has changed from the initial level to the significant level, the first means for proceeding the control operation to the next stage without checking the duplication,
After that, when it is detected that the second input signal BRQ has changed from the initial level to the significant level within a predetermined time, the second means for proceeding to the next step without performing the duplication check,
Thereafter, a third means for waiting for the second input signal BRQ to return from the significant level to the initial level after changing the control signal EXS from the initial level to the significant level;
After that, when it is detected that the second input signal BRQ has returned to the initial level within a predetermined time, the start of the unit payout operation is started without checking the duplication, and when the unit payout operation ends, the control signal EXS is set. And a fourth means for returning to the initial level. When the second means cannot detect that the second input signal BRQ has changed from the initial level to the significant level even after the predetermined time has elapsed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to return the control operation to an executable initial state of the first means after performing the communication abnormality process. When the fourth means cannot detect that the second input signal BRQ has changed from the significant level to the initial level even after passing through the predetermined time,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to return the control operation to an executable initial state of the first means after performing the communication abnormality process. Based on a main control unit that is responsible for game control operations centrally, and based on a control command from the main control unit, the payout device is driven to execute a first payout operation, while on the basis of a payout command received from an external device A gaming machine having a sub-control unit that drives the payout device and executes a second payout operation by repeating a unit payout operation,
The first payout operation is configured to repeat the reference payout operation not exceeding the reference number until reaching the total number of payouts specified by the control command,
The first input signal BRDY for notifying the player of the second payout operation request and the second input signal BRQ for instructing the start of the unit payout operation are received from the external device, while the unit payout operation is being performed. Is configured to output a control signal EXS indicating to the external device,
When detecting that the first input signal BRDY has changed from the initial level to the significant level, thereafter prohibiting the start of a new reference payout operation and waiting for the completion of the already started reference payout operation; ,
When it is confirmed that the reference payout operation that has already started is completed, the control operation proceeds to the next stage, the control signal EXS is changed from the initial level to the significant level, and then the second input signal BRQ is changed from the significant level. A waiting means for waiting to return to the initial level;
Thereafter, when it is detected that the second input signal BRQ has returned to the initial level within a predetermined time, the start of the unit payout operation is started, and when the unit payout operation ends, the payout means for returning the control signal EXS to the initial level. And a gaming machine characterized by comprising the above.   The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the prohibition process of the reference payout operation by the prohibiting unit is configured to be canceled after the execution of the second payout operation is completed.   6. The first input signal and the second input signal are received from an external device via corresponding photocouplers, and the output signal is output to the external device via a photocoupler. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. An output signal PRDY indicating that the second payout operation can be executed is configured to be output to the external device,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when a communication abnormality is detected, the output signal PRDY is changed a plurality of times in a pulse shape to notify the external device of the communication abnormality.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the external device is configured to accept cash or a prepaid card.   9. The same gaming operation is executed using a common gaming medium for a simple machine having a relatively low gaming medium value and a normal machine having a relatively high gaming medium value. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

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