JP2012157588A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine preventing a player from fraudulently squeezing game balls by continuously transmitting dispensing request signals using a fraudulent tool in the game machine configured to cause the putout control board to receive the dispensing request signal from the dispenser by connecting a putout control board to a game medium dispenser such as a card unit, and to supply a prescribed number of game balls.SOLUTION: This game machine is configured, when a second receiving timing of game medium command information is within a prescribed period that is set, with a receipt of the previous game medium putout command information used as a trigger or with game medium putout after receiving the previous game medium putout command information used as a trigger, to define a game state as a putout delay state, in the putout delay state, compare the state with the state that is not the putout delay state, and execute a control to decrease a putout speed of game media per unit time.

Description

  It relates to gaming machines.

  Taking a general gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine as an example, the machine includes a main control board (so-called main control board) on which a main control CPU that performs overall control of the entire game, a liquid crystal display device, Controls the effect control board (so-called sub-control board) equipped with an effect control CPU that controls side lamps, speakers, etc., and controls the entire payout process. A payout control board on which a payout control CPU is mounted. Also, in recent years, game media lending machines such as card units have been installed adjacent to pachinko gaming machines, and the lending request from the lending machine can be controlled by connecting the lending machine to the payout control board. It is configured so that a predetermined number of game balls are supplied (ball rental) to the pachinko gaming machine, which is received by the board. Here, when a payout relating to a prize ball or a ball lending is made, the following procedure (example) is generally executed.

  First, with respect to award ball payout, when a game ball enters a winning opening such as a start winning opening or a large winning opening, it reaches a winning ball discharge mechanism via a winning ball set, and is detected by a winning ball detection switch there. The main control board side that has received this detection signal transmits a prize ball payout command to the payout control board side. Subsequently, the payout control board that has received the prize ball payout command executes the prize ball payout operation by controlling the ball payout device based on the command.

  On the other hand, with regard to ball lending / dispensing, the lending request signal from the gaming medium lending machine that is divided into two states of ON / OFF state (which is binary logic) is in one of the states (for example, ON state). In response to this, the payout control board controls the ball payout device based on the number of payouts predetermined on the payout control board side, and executes the ball lending payout operation.

  By the way, recently, goto acts that illegally exploit game balls by accessing the game media lending machine or the connection portion between the game media lending machine and the payout control board using a cheating jig (goto jig) have ceased. Absent. In other words, the lending request signal is illegally turned on using the goto jig to cause the dispensing control board to execute an illegal ball lending / dispensing operation. Since it is difficult to completely prevent such a goto action by taking the goto action against the access unit, it is important to take measures against the goto action on the payout control board side (pachinko gaming machine side). From this point of view, several methods have been proposed.

For example, in the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, in order to prevent illegally exploiting a game ball using a falsified and altered recording medium, a ball launch detection means for detecting whether or not the game ball is fired is provided on the gaming machine side. If the ball launch detecting means does not detect that the game ball has been launched within a predetermined time after the end of the ball lending / dispensing operation, the game ball supplied by the ball lending / dispensing operation is used in the game. It is configured to determine that there is no.
JP 9-239142 A

  However, the technique such as Patent Document 1 may not always be effective for the goto action as described above. For example, it is possible to illegally exploit the game ball by holding the state in which the game ball is fired and by continuously turning on the lending request signal using the goto jig. There is.

The gaming machine according to this aspect is
As a result of the game execution, control for paying out the game medium as a privilege is executed when the game medium payout condition is satisfied, and the game medium payout instruction information output by the game medium payout instruction device (for example, card unit C) is output. A gaming machine provided with payout control means (for example, payout control means 2300) for executing control for paying out game media in response to reception,
When the payout control means (for example, the payout control means 2300) receives the game medium payout instruction information again after receiving the game medium payout instruction information, the reception timing of the replayed game medium instruction information indicates the previous game medium. When it is within a predetermined period set with the reception of the payout instruction information or within a predetermined period set with the game medium payout after reception of the previous game medium payout instruction information, the payout delay state is set. In the delay state, the gaming machine is configured to execute control for reducing the payout speed of the game medium per unit time as compared to a state in which the payout delay state is not set.

  According to the gaming machine according to this aspect, when the reception timing of the next game medium instruction information is within a predetermined period set by the reception of the previous game medium payout instruction information, or the previous game medium payout instruction information When the game medium is paid out after receiving the game media, the payout delay state is set during a predetermined period, and the payout speed of the game medium per unit time is reduced under the payout delay state as compared with the state without the payout delay state. The game medium is illegally exploited when an act of illegally transmitting the game medium payout instruction information and illegally exploiting the game medium is performed. Can be delayed.

FIG. 1 is a front view (player side) of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a back view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an operation principle of storing payout game balls in the game machine in the pachinko game machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external view of the payout unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a payout unit and an operation principle for paying out a game ball in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical configuration diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the contents of commands and information transmitted and received between the main control board and the payout control board of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of communication processing with the payout control board executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of serial communication error monitoring processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of serial communication data reception monitoring processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a payout command request process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a payout command transmission process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the first command (second command) transmission process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the first command reception confirmation process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the second command reception confirmation process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a main flowchart of processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of communication processing with the main control board executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of serial communication error monitoring processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of serial communication data reception monitoring processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of communication processing with the main control board executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of communication processing with the card unit executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the payout control process executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the early lending operation monitoring control process executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the early lending operation monitoring start process executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the early lending operation detection process executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart of early lending operation monitoring end processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 28 is a main flowchart of processing executed on the card unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 29 is a flowchart of operation content setting processing executed on the card unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 30 is a flowchart of communication processing with the payout control side executed on the card unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of unit lending request transmission / reception control processing executed on the card unit side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 32 is an operation explanatory diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

Form to carry out

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of an embodiment. However, it is not limited to pachinko machines, and may be other ball game machines (for example, sparrow balls or arrange balls) or slot machines. Note that this embodiment is merely an example, the location and function of each means, the order of each step regarding various processes, the timing of flag on / off, the name of the means responsible for each step, etc. It is not limited to the following aspects. In addition, the above-described embodiments and modified examples should not be understood as being limited to being applied to specific items, and may be in any combination. For example, it should be understood that a modification example of an embodiment is a modification example of another embodiment, and even if one modification example and another modification example are described independently, there is the modification example. It should be understood that a combination of the modified example and another modified example is also described. In the present embodiment, there are a lottery table and a reference table for various tables, but these are not limited, and the lottery table may be a reference table or vice versa.

  Here, before describing each component, the characteristics (outline) of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, each element will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

"overall structure"
(Front)
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Pachinko gaming machines mainly consist of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board. Hereinafter, these will be described in order.

  First, the gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine includes an outer frame 102, a front frame 104, a transparent plate 106, a door 108, an upper ball dish 110, a lower ball dish 112, and a launch handle 116. First, the outer frame 102 is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 104 is a frame body aligned with the opening portion of the outer frame 102, and is attached to the outer frame 102 through a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 104 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. The transparent plate 106 is made of glass or the like and is supported by the door 108. The door 108 is attached to the front frame 104 through an unillustrated hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed. The upper ball tray 110 has mechanisms for storing game balls, sending the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 112. The lower ball tray 112 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. Further, a speaker 114 is provided between the upper ball tray 110 and the lower ball tray 112, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state or the like is output. The game effect lamp 190 is provided in the game area 120 or an area other than the game area 120, and plays a role of effect by blinking or the like. Furthermore, a status display unit 130 that displays information relating to the payout of the game ball, which can be visually recognized through the lower right portion of the transparent plate 106, by an LED is provided. Here, although not shown, in the vicinity of the upper ball tray 110, there are a lending operation switch that is a pushable operation switch for instructing lending of game balls, and whether or not the lending operation switch is operable. A use permission / indication display lamp (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a lending permission notification LED) is provided.

  Next, the game board 120 has a game area 120 defined by an outer rail 122 and an inner rail 124. The game area 120 includes a plurality of not-shown mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill, various general winning ports, a special drawing start port 2110 (entrance detection sensor 2111), and a general illustration start port 2210 (entrance detection). Sensor 2211), special winning opening 2120 (ball detection sensor 2121), special symbol display device 2130, effect display device 2140, normal symbol display device 2220, center decoration 192 and out port 142 are provided. Then, when game balls enter the various winning ports such as the special figure starting port 2110 and the big winning port 2120, the passing of the game ball is detected by a ball detecting sensor (not shown) provided in these winning ports. This detection signal is transmitted to the main control board (main control device) 1000, and in response to this, a predetermined payout command is sent from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000. As a result, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. It is. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a card unit C that accepts rental of game balls using a recording medium such as a prepaid card is provided adjacent to the left of the gaming machine 1.

  Here, the card unit C according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as a well-known configuration. Specifically, although not shown in the figure, the card unit C has a fraction display LED provided in the vicinity of the upper plate 100 when the remaining amount information recorded in the card has a fraction (number less than 100 yen). A fraction display switch for displaying the card, a connection direction indicator indicating which side of the card unit C corresponds to the pachinko game machine, and a card insertion indicating that the card is inserted in the card unit C A display unit, a card insertion slot into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, a card unit lock for releasing the card unit when checking the mechanism of the card reader / writer provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot, etc. are provided. ing.

(back)
Next, a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko gaming machine controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine, and in particular controls overall gaming operations such as winning / successful lottery when the special figure starting port 2110 is entered and a prize ball payout command transmission to the payout control board 2000 (ie, Main control board (main control device) 1000 for performing control directly related to the player's profit), and display / acoustics related to various effects / information notifications on the drawing display unit 2141 for adding interest to the game contents Sub control board (production control device) 3000 that controls various effects using side lamps and the like, and sub sub control board (design control) that controls various effects on the effect display device 2140 based on instructions from the sub control board 3000 Device) 4000 and a ball payout-related mechanism / device on its back surface. Here, the ball payout-related mechanism / device transfers the game balls supplied from the ball tank 11 to the upper ball tray 110 in response to winning from the ball tank 11, the tank rail 12, each winning opening or a request from the card unit C. A payout unit 13, a count sensor 14 that detects a payout ball from the payout unit 13, a tray full tank switch 15 that is turned on when the pans (the upper ball tray 110 and the lower ball tray 112) are full, a payout unit 13 is composed of a prize ball payout control board (prize ball payout device) 2000 for controlling the payout operation by 13.

(Payment mechanism)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation principle of storing the payout game ball in the game machine in the pachinko game machine according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 3, the game balls supplied from the replenishment device (ancillary equipment of the hall installed to supply the game balls to the ball tank 11 of the game machine) are connected to the ball tank 11 and the tank rail 12. As a result, the payout unit 13 is guided and stored. The game balls stored in the gaming machine in this way are paid out to the upper ball tray 110 as prize balls based on the entrance to the prize opening or based on a payout request from the card unit C.

  Next, the structure of the payout unit 13 of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and the operating principle for paying out the game ball will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the payout unit 13 has a payout motor 13a that is driven at the time of payout. As shown in FIG. 5, the payout unit 13 has a cam shaft 13b connected to the payout motor 13a. The dispensing unit 13 having such a structure operates according to the following principle. First, when a game ball enters a winning opening in the game area 120, a winning signal is sent to the main control board 1000, the main control board 1000 determines the number of payouts, and transmits a signal of the winning ball to the payout control board 2000. . Alternatively, a ball lending request is made from the gaming ball lending device such as the card unit C to the payout control board 2000. In response to this, the payout control board 2000 operates the payout unit 13, and the payout motor 13a in the payout unit 13 executes payout of the game ball. As shown in FIG. 5, when the payout motor 13a rotates, the camshaft 13b rotates and the game balls are paid out one by one. The game balls that have been paid out are detected by a count sensor 14 provided in the payout unit 13, and the payout control board 2000 counts the number of game balls to be paid out.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the upper block diagram of FIG. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a main control board 1000 that controls the progress of the game, a payout control board 2000 that controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control board 1000, A sub-control board 3000 for controlling various effects on the effect display device 2140 such as variation / stop of the decorative pattern, lighting of the sound / game effect lamp 190 from the speaker 114, and the effect display device 2140 And a sub-sub control board 4000 for controlling the decorative pattern change display / stop display, hold display, notice display, and the like. Here, based on the operation of the launch handle 116, the main control board 1000 includes a launch unit 116a that launches a game ball into the game area 120, and a ball entry detection sensor (hereinafter referred to as a prize mouth sensor S) provided in various winning holes. Connected). As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the main control board 1000 and the launch unit 116a are connected, and information related to game ball launch transmitted from the launch unit 116a side is received on the main control board 1000 side. . The main control board 1000 side is configured to transmit the received information to the payout control board 2000 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing load relating to the series of information transmission / reception may be reduced by connecting the launch unit 116a and the payout control board 2000 side. Further, the payout control board 2000 is connected to a payout unit 13 (payout motor 13a) for paying out game balls, and a state display unit 130 for displaying a state relating to payout of game balls to the outside by LEDs. The main control board 1000 is connected to the hall computer H, which is a peripheral device of the pachinko gaming machine, via a relay board, and the payout control board 2000 is connected to the card unit C via the relay board.

  Here, the main control board 1000, the payout control board 2000, the sub-control board 3000, and the sub-sub-control board 4000 are handled by a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores programs that prescribe the arithmetic processes of the CPU, and a CPU. A RAM for temporarily storing data (various data generated during the game, computer programs read from the ROM, etc.) is mounted.

  Here, between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, information transmission is executed in the form of serial transmission. That is, one transmission line is provided from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000, and one transmission line is provided from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000. The information transmission is not limited to serial transmission, and may be configured to perform parallel transmission.

  On the other hand, information and commands from the main control board 1000 to the sub control board 3000 are transmitted in parallel. The same applies to information and commands from the sub-control board 3000 to the sub-sub-control board 4000. The information transmission is not limited to parallel transmission, and may be configured to perform serial transmission.

  Next, the communication process between the payout control board 2000 and the card unit C will be outlined with reference to the lower part of FIG. First, the payout control board 2000 and the card unit C are configured to transmit and receive information related to ball lending mainly using four signal lines configured by binary logic. Here, the four signal lines are (1) a signal line that controls a logical change on the card unit C side, and indicates whether or not a lending operation on the card unit C side can be executed. (Hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a BRDY signal) and (2) a signal line for controlling a logical change on the card unit C side, and a signal line for requesting the payout control board 2000 to perform a ball lending / dispensing operation (hereinafter referred to as a signal line). (3) a signal line for controlling a logical change on the payout control board 2000 side, and whether or not the ball lending payout operation on the payout control board 2000 side can be executed. And (4) a signal line for controlling a logical change on the payout control board 2000 side, and an operation state related to a ball lending / payout operation on the card unit C side. Signal line for notifying Hereinafter, there may be referred to as a EXS signal), and a. The payout control board 2000 performs the ball lending payout operation while grasping the signal state of the BRDY signal and the BRQ signal, and the card unit C side lends the ball while grasping the signal state of the PRDY signal and the EXS signal. Request a payout operation. An example of a specific operation based on such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to the timing chart in the lower part of FIG.

  First, (A) the card unit C turns on the BRDY signal when the lending operation switch provided in the vicinity of the upper ball tray 110 is operated and the switch is turned on. Next, (B) the card unit C turns on the BRQ signal to request the ball lending / dispensing operation to the payout control board 2000 side. Next, (C) the payout control board 2000 starts execution of a ball lending payout operation with a predetermined number of balls (25 balls) by using the payout unit 13 when the BRQ signal is switched to the ON state. The EXS signal is turned on. Next, (D) the card unit C turns off the BRQ signal when the EXS signal is switched to the on state. Next, (E) the payout control board 2000 sets the EXS signal to the OFF state when the execution of the ball lending / dispensing operation for the predetermined number of balls is completed.

  Here, a series of operations (A) to (E) completes a ball lending / dispensing operation for a predetermined number of balls (25 balls). Based on the operation setting on the card unit C side, (B) It is possible to repeatedly execute the above operation a plurality of times. That is, by repeating (B) to (E) a plurality of times continuously based on the operation of one lending operation switch, a ball lending / dispensing operation for a predetermined number of balls × repetition times is automatically executed { Hereinafter, one execution of (B) to (E) may be referred to as a unit lending operation}.

  Then, when the request transmission process of the unit lending operation is completed by the number of repetitions predetermined by the operation setting on the card unit C side, (F) the card unit C turns off the BRDY signal. Then, control is performed so that a new operation of the lending operation switch can be accepted.

  Here, when repeatedly executing such a unit lending operation, the card unit C starts measuring a predetermined waiting time immediately after the execution of the operation (D), and confirms that the waiting time has elapsed. As an opportunity, a new operation (B) is executed. When the EXS signal is in the ON state when the operation (B) is executed, it is assumed that some abnormality has occurred on the payout control board 2000 side or the payout unit 13 side, and the card unit It is configured to detect an error on the C side.

  Under such a configuration, for example, the card unit C or the relay board between the card unit C and the payout control board 2000 is accessed using a Goto jig, and the BRDY signal is illegally set in anticipation of the completion of the operation (F). In the on-state, it is possible to illegally exploit the game balls without requiring special skills for executing the unauthorized operation and without causing an error in the card unit C and the payout control board 2000. It will end up. Therefore, a configuration for preventing such a gotting action on the payout control board 2000 side will be described in detail below.

<Contents of commands and information transmitted / received via serial communication>
Next, the contents of commands and information transmitted / received between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the command from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 is composed of two commands having different numbers of bytes and contents, and each command is divided and transmitted serially. Similarly, information (command correspondence information) from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 is also serially transmitted divided into two commands having different numbers of bytes and contents.

  Therefore, first, a payout command transmitted from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 will be described. First, the first transmission command is composed of 2 bytes, and the content of the command includes first command identification information, saucer state information, prize ball number information, firing unit operation state information, and divided payout number information. Specifically, bits 15 to 13 and bits 2 to 0 are fixed to “100” (identification information indicating that the command is the first command). Next, the bit 12 relates to the pan state information, meaning that “0” is a normal state where the pan is not full and “1” is an abnormal state where the pan is full. means. Next, bits 11 to 8 relate to prize ball number information. For example, “0000” means 0 prize balls and “1111” means 15 prize balls. Next, bit 7 relates to the firing unit operation state information, and “0” means that the game ball is not being fired from the firing unit 116a (non-launching permitted), and “1” is This means that a game ball is being launched from the launch unit 116a (launching permitted). Next, bits 6 to 3 relate to the divided payout number information. For example, “0001” means that the payout operation is executed by subdividing the number of prize balls one by one. Then, as will be described later, the payout control board 2000 that has received the divided payout number information executes a split payout operation based on the information. In this embodiment, the divided payout number is also transmitted each time information is transmitted to the payout control board 2000. For example, the divided payout number information is transmitted when the power is turned on, and the payout is received. The divided payout number information may be temporarily stored and managed on the control board 2000 side.

  Next, the second transmission command is composed of 1 byte, and the content of the command is a fixed value (55H) because it is a confirmation signal. As will be described later, in this embodiment, command transmission processing is periodically executed regardless of the number of prize balls to be paid out. In other words, in a situation where there is no number of prize balls to be paid out, at the timing when the first command transmission process is executed, the prize ball number information is set to “0000” (0 prize balls), and the first command payout control board 2000 side. Will be sent to.

  Next, payout related information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 will be described. First, the first transmission information is the same as the first transmission command from the main control board 1000. Next, the second transmission information consists of a fixed value, payout device status information, and payout operation status information. Specifically, bits 7 to 2 are fixed to “010101” (identification information indicating that the information is transmission / reception completion information). Next, bit 1 relates to the dispensing device status information, “0” means a normal state that is not an abnormality of the dispensing device, and “1” is a state where some abnormality relating to the dispensing device has occurred. It means that there is. Next, bit 0 relates to the payout operation state information, “0” means that a prize ball is not paying out (non-payout operation is in progress), and “1” means that a payout operation is in progress. To do. In the present embodiment, a certain command is periodically transmitted to the payout control board 2000 side. Therefore, even when the payout control board 2000 is performing a payout operation, a command or the like in which “0” is set as the prize ball number information is transmitted. Note that even if the payout device status information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side is “1”, the payout operation may actually be possible. In this embodiment, in this situation, the main control board is used. A normal command (a predetermined number of sets when there is a prize ball payout) is transmitted from the 1000 side.

<Functional configuration>
Next, the functions of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The functions shown here are a function between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 and a function between the payout control board 2000 and the card unit C.

(Main control board 1000)
First, the main control board 1000 temporarily stores a transmission / reception control unit 1100 that controls transmission / reception of commands and information with the payout control board 2000 and the like, and a state related to transmission / reception between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. A transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1200, a normal transmission determination means 1300 for determining whether or not a payout command from the main control board 1000 is normally sent to the payout control board 2000, and transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 side. Error control means 1400 for executing control of related errors. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control means 1100 includes transmission control means 1110 that controls transmission from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000, reception control means 1120 that controls reception from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000, have.

  Here, the transmission control means 1110 sends two commands (first command and second command) to be sent to the payout control board 2000 side for one prize ball payout to a predetermined temporary storage means (transmission command temporary storage means described later). 1113) transmission command setting means 1111 for setting, transmission command management means 1112 for managing the set transmission commands including transmission command transmission completion / incomplete, and two commands to be transmitted to the payout control board 2000 Is temporarily stored until a prize ball payout corresponding to the command is completed. Further, the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 includes a first command temporary storage area 1113a for temporarily storing the first command, and a second command temporary storage area 1113b for temporarily storing the second command. Yes.

  In addition, the reception control means 1120 receives information from the game side reception control means 1121 for receiving game information including prize ball information (entrance signal) and a saucer full signal, and information from the payout control board 2000 side. Payout control side reception control means 1122. Here, the game-side reception control means 1121 has a game-side information temporary storage means 1121a for temporarily storing information relating to prize balls for which payout processing is not being executed and tray full information. Also, the payout control side reception control means 1122 includes a payout control side reception data management means 1122a that manages the information including temporary storage and deletion of information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side, and a payout control board 2000. The payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b in which the information transmitted from the side is temporarily stored for the first time and the data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b are processed in subsequent processing (for example, normally Payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c for storing the command for determination).

  Next, the transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1200 includes a main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 for temporarily storing a transmission / reception state (ST = 0 to 4 to be described later) on the main control board 1000 side, and a payout control board 2000. A payout control side payout state temporary storage unit 1220 in which a payout state (for example, whether or not paying out or whether a payout abnormality has occurred) is temporarily stored.

  Next, the normal transmission determination means 1300 indicates the time from when the command is transmitted from the main control board 1000 until the reception of information corresponding to the command (information corresponding to the command transmitted from the payout control board 2000). Communication time management means 1310 for management is provided. Here, the communication time management means 1310 further includes a timer 1311 for counting time.

  Next, the error control unit 1400 includes an error flag management unit 1420 that monitors an error related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 side and manages an error state related to transmission / reception. Here, the error flag management unit 1420 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 1421 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag related to transmission.

(Discharge control board 2000)
Next, the payout control board 2000 includes transmission / reception control means 2100 that controls transmission / reception of commands and information with the main control board 1000 side, the card unit C side, and the like, and errors related to transmission / reception on the payout control board 2000 side. An error control means 2200 for executing control, a payout control means 2300 for executing a payout process for a predetermined number of game balls in response to a prize ball payout command or a lending command, and an abnormal operation on the card unit C side. Card unit side operation abnormality detection control means 2400. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control means 2100 receives reception control means 2110 that controls reception of information (for example, commands and signals) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C, and transmission that controls transmission of information to the main control board 1000. Control means 2120 and communication error avoidance control means 2130 for avoiding the occurrence of a communication error based on the communication protocol with card unit C are provided.

  Here, the reception control means 2110 is a main-side reception control means 2111 that controls reception of information (for example, commands) from the main control board 1000 and information (for example, 4 as described above). And inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 for controlling transmission / reception of two signals). The main reception control means 2111 is transmitted from the main control board 1000 and the main reception data management means 2111a for managing the information including temporary storage and erasure of information received from the main control board 1000. Temporarily stores the received information temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111b until the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the second command is received) Payout command temporary storage means 2111c for temporarily storing the first command until the first command is received.

  The communication error avoidance control unit 2130 further includes an inter-card unit error avoidance monitoring timer 2131 referred to in order to avoid error detection on the card unit C side. Here, in the present embodiment, the inter-card unit error avoidance monitoring timer 2131 is a decrementing timer, and is configured such that the timing ends when the timer value becomes zero. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inter-card unit error avoidance monitoring timer 2131 can be configured by an increment timer. Specifically, even if the payout speed is delayed and the payout is not completed, the EXS signal is forcibly shifted to the OFF state when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Next, the error control means 2200 has error flag management means 2220 for monitoring errors related to transmission / reception on the payout control board 2000 and managing error states related to transmission / reception. Here, the error flag management unit 2220 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 2221 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag related to transmission.

  Next, the payout control means 2300 includes payout information temporary storage means 2310 for temporarily storing a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000, information relating to a ball rental request from the card unit C, and the game ball payout control. Payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 for temporarily storing such information, payout abnormality determination means 2340 for determining whether or not an abnormal payout smaller than the planned payout number has occurred, and between divided payouts to be described later Waiting time control means 2350 for setting the waiting time (ball waiting time). In the present embodiment, the case where the number of payouts is less than the planned payout is set as “abnormal payout”, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also good.

  Here, the payout information temporary storage means 2310 has a buffer A for temporarily storing information related to the full tray state (the pan state information), and the number of winning balls based on the winning ball payout command from the main control board 1000 ( Buffer B for temporarily storing (award ball number information), buffer C for temporarily storing information relating to the game ball firing state from the launch unit 116a (launch unit operation state information), and the number of payouts per split payout And a buffer D for temporarily storing information (divided number information).

  The payout processing related information temporary means 2320 includes a payout state flag temporary storage means 2321 for temporarily storing a state related to payout (for example, whether payout is being performed or whether a payout abnormality has occurred); A payout number counter 2322 in which the number of game balls to be paid out in the payout process is set, a split payout number counter 2327 in which the number of game balls to be paid out in the split payout process in the split payout process is set, and divided payout (1 An abnormal payout counter 2323 for counting the number of abnormal payouts less than the expected payout number in the unit of dividing the number of payouts into multiple times), and the time abnormal for counting the number of abnormal payouts in one payout Payout counter 2324 and ball passage for measuring ball passage waiting time (payout motor stop time) between divided payouts And Chi time timer 2325 has a unit lending request from the card unit C and unit lending request reception counter 2326 for buffering, the.

  The waiting time control means 2350 further includes a ball passing waiting time determination reference table 2351 that is referred to in order to determine the ball passing waiting time.

Here, Table 1 is an example of a reference table 2351 for determining the ball passage waiting time. As shown in this example, the ball passage waiting time is configured to be determined based on the number of abnormal early lending or the number of abnormal payouts. In addition, the time value of the ball passage waiting time increases as the number of abnormal early lending or the number of abnormal payouts increases. Then, as will be described later, in the payout control process, control is repeated such that divided payout operation execution → ball passage waiting time elapse waiting → divided payout operation execution → ball passage waiting time elapse wait. That is, as the time value of the ball passage waiting time increases, the number of game balls paid out per unit time decreases.

  Next, the card unit side operation abnormality detection control means 2400 includes an early lending abnormality detection control means 2410 for detecting an abnormality (early lending abnormality) related to a ball lending request from the card unit side, And an operation abnormality detection process related information temporary storage unit 2420 for temporarily storing information necessary for the abnormality detection process related to the ball lending request.

  Here, the early lending abnormality detection control means 2410 further includes an early lending operation monitoring control means 2411 for monitoring the presence or absence of the early lending operation. The early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 includes a monitoring period determination reference table 2411-1 referred to for determining the monitoring period, and an early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 for timing the monitoring period. Further, it has. Here, in the present embodiment, the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 is a decrementing timer, and is configured such that the timing ends when the timer value becomes zero. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 may be configured by an increment timer.

Here, Table 2 is an example of the monitoring period determination reference table 2411-1. As shown in this example, the monitoring period is configured to be determined based on the number of loans paid out. Here, the rental payout number means the number of game balls paid out based on a loan request from the card unit C among the game balls paid out from the payout device. In this embodiment, 25 game balls are paid out by one unit lending operation, and one or more unit lending operations are executed based on the operation of one lending operation switch on the card unit C side. It is configured to be. Then, as will be described later, the number of game balls paid out by the one or more unit lending operations is determined as the lending payout number, and the monitoring period is derived. Note that the time value (seconds in this example) set as the monitoring period is merely an example, but by setting a time value that is estimated that game balls for the number of loans are used in the game, Can be effectively prevented from being illegally exploited. In this example, it is assumed that 100 game balls are fired from the launch unit 116 in one minute, and the monitoring period (seconds) = the number of loaned payouts × 0.6 seconds (the time required for launching one game ball) × It is calculated as 0.8 (20% margin).

  The operation abnormality detection processing related information temporary storage unit 2420 further includes an early loan abnormality accumulation counter 2421 for accumulating and counting the number of occurrences of early loan abnormality.

(Card unit C)
Next, the card unit C includes a lending control unit 3000 that controls overall operation related to the ball lending request. Here, the lending control means 3000 is an operation content setting control means 3100 that sets the operation content related to the ball lending request, and a payout control side transmission / reception that controls transmission / reception of information related to the ball lending payout operation between the payout control board 2000 side. A control unit 3200, a lending processing related information temporary storage unit 3300 for temporarily storing information relating to the processing operation of the ball lending request, and an error control unit 3400 for managing error detection and error notification control on the card unit C side. Have. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the operation content setting control unit 3100 further includes operation content temporary storage unit 3110 for temporarily storing the operation content setting content related to the ball lending request.

  Next, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 controls the transmission / reception of information related to the unit lending operation between the continuous request counter 3210 for counting the number of continuous executions of the unit lending request and the payout control board 2000 side. Request transmission / reception control means 3220. Here, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 further includes a unit lending completion scheduled period timer 3221 for measuring the scheduled completion time of the unit lending operation.

"processing"
Next, the ball payout control process executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 16 are flowcharts showing processing on the main control board 1000 side. FIGS. 17 to 27 are flowcharts showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. 28 to 31 are flowcharts showing processing on the card unit C side. Hereinafter, it will be described in order.

(Processing on the main control board side)
First, the communication process with the payout control board 2000 executed on the main control board 1000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of scheduled interrupt processing related to communication control, which is executed on the main control board 1000 side. First, in step 1100, the main control board 1000 executes an error monitoring process of bidirectional communication (in this example, serial communication) between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 1200, the main control board 1000 executes a serial communication data reception monitoring process for monitoring whether information is received from the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 1300, the main control board 1000 executes a payout command request process for setting the payout related commands (first command and second command) to be sent to the payout control board 2000 in the transmission command temporary storage means 1113. . In step 1400, the main control unit 1000 executes a payout command transmission process for transmitting the payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 to the payout control board 2000, and returns to step 1100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1102, the error control unit 1400 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 1421 and determines whether an overrun error (AORE), a framing error (AFE), and a parity error (APE) have occurred. Specifically, it is monitored whether or not these flags are on. Here, the overrun error is a case where the next data is received before the already received data is read by the user program. Specifically, the overrun error is temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage unit 1122b. An error that occurs when the payout control side reception control means 1121 receives the next data before the information from the payout control board 2000 is read and moved to the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c side. is there. The framing error is an error that occurs when 0 is detected in the stop bit of the received payout command corresponding data. The parity error is an error that occurs when the parity of the received data does not match the parity bit of the data. When an error occurs, the error flag management unit 1420 executes a process of setting 1 to the corresponding error bit in the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 1421. In step 1104, the error control unit 1400 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and determines whether any error is detected. In the case of Yes in step 1104, in step 1106, the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the error flag that is turned on in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 (clears it to 0), and cancels the serial communication error. Further, in step 1108, the error control means 1400 clears the data received by serial communication (data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b) and performs the next processing (serial communication of step 1200). Move to data reception monitoring process. On the other hand, also in the case of No in step 1104, the processing shifts to the next processing (serial communication data reception monitoring processing in step 1200).

  Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the data reception monitoring process of serial communication in step 1200 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1202, the payout control side received data management means 1122a refers to the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b (data reception monitoring process). In step 1204, the payout control side received data management means 1122a determines whether or not the payout command corresponding data has been received from the payout control board 2000 side. In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the payout control side received data management means 1122a uses the payout command corresponding data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b as the payout command information related temporary storage means. 1122c, and the process proceeds to the next process (payout command request process in step 1300). Even in the case of No in step 1204, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command request process in step 1300).

  Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the payout command request process in step 1300 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1302, the transmission command setting unit 1111 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 (inspection of an untransmitted command). In step 1304, the transmission command setting unit 1111 determines whether the processing state temporarily stored in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is ST = 0, that is, all previous transmission commands are transmitted. Therefore, it is determined whether or not an unsent command does not exist. In the case of Yes in step 1304, in step 1306, the transmission command setting unit 1111 stores the identification code in the most significant 3 bits and the least significant 3 bits of the transmission data in the first command temporary storage area 1113a in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113. Set (100). Next, in step 1308, the transmission command setting unit 1111 refers to the game side information temporary storage unit 1121a, and based on whether or not the full signal from the pan full switch 15 has been received, Set status information. Next, in step 1309, the transmission command setting unit 1111 refers to the game side information temporary storage unit 1121a, and based on whether or not the game ball launch permission signal is received from the launch unit 116a, launches the seventh bit. Set unit operation status information. Next, in step 1310, the transmission command setting means 1111 refers to the payout control side payout state temporary storage means 1220 (inspecting the payout operation state on the payout control side). In step 1312, the transmission command setting unit 1111 determines whether or not the payout control board 2000 is in a non-payout operation. In the case of Yes in step 1312, in step 1314, the transmission command setting unit 1111 refers to the game side information temporary storage unit 1121 a and sets the number of winning balls corresponding to a new winning ball payout in bits 11 to 8. As for the number of winning balls, the number of winning balls for each winning opening is inspected, and the number of winning balls for the winning ball to be paid this time is subtracted, and then the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is set. To do. Next, in step 1315, the transmission command setting unit 1111 sets a predetermined division number (for example, 3) to bits 6 to 3, and proceeds to step 1318. On the other hand, if No in step 1312, that is, if the payout control device is in a payout operation, 0 is set in each of bits 11 to 8 and bits 6 to 3, and the process proceeds to step 1318. In the next step 1318, the transmission command setting unit 1111 sets a fixed value (55H) in the second command temporary storage area 1113 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 as the transmission data of the second command. The process proceeds to (payout command transmission process in step 1400). Even in the case of No in step 1304, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400).

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the payout command transmission process in step 1400 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402, the main control board 1000 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 (inspects the command transmission state). When the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is “0”, the main control board 1000 proceeds to step 1400-1 to execute the first command transmission process, and the main control side transmission / reception is performed. When the ST in the state temporary storage unit 1210 is “1”, the process proceeds to step 1400-2 to execute the first information reception confirmation process, and the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is “2”. ”, The process proceeds to step 1400-3 to execute the second command transmission process. If the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 is“ 3 ”, the process proceeds to step 1400-4. The second information reception confirmation process is executed, and the process proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100).

  Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the first command transmission process (second command transmission process) in step 1400-1, which is the subroutine of FIG. Note that the processing in step 1400-3 is basically the same as the processing in step 1400-1 (the parentheses indicate the processing in step 1400-3). First, in step 1402-1 (step 1402-3), the transmission control unit 1110 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 and checks the transmission state of serial communication. Next, in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), the transmission control unit 1110 determines whether or not the transmission state of serial communication can be transmitted. In the case of Yes in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), in step 1406-1 (step 1406-3), the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and performs communication. Execute the process to cancel the error. Here, the “communication error flag” is a flag that is turned on when the transmission of the first command (or the second command) from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side is reserved. . In step 1408-1 (step 1408-3), the transmission control unit 1110 transmits the first command transmission data (transmission command) temporarily stored in the first command temporary storage area 1113a of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113. The second command transmission data temporarily stored in the second command temporary storage area 1113b of the temporary storage unit 1113 is transmitted. Next, in step 1410-1 (step 1410-3), the communication time management unit 1310 sets the reception waiting timeout time in the timer 1311. In step 1412-1 (step 1412-3), the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 to “1” (“3”), and performs the next processing (step 1100 serial communication error monitoring processing). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), in step 1414-1 (step 1414-3), the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421. After executing the process of setting a communication error, the process proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100).

  Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the first information reception confirmation process in step 1400-2 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402-2, it is determined whether or not the payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the payout control board 2000 side. In the case of Yes in step 1402-2, in step 1404-2, the normal transmission determination means 1300 sends out the first command transmission data temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1113a of the transmission command temporary storage means 1113 and the payout The contents of the payout command correspondence information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c are compared. In step 1406-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether the comparison result in step 1402-2 matches. In the case of Yes in step 1406-2, in step 1408-2, the error flag management unit 1420 executes processing for turning off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1420 and canceling the communication error. In step 1410-2, the main control board 1000 sets ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to “2”, and proceeds to the next processing (serial communication error monitoring processing in step 1100). To do.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1402-2, that is, if no information is received from the payout control board 2000 side, the communication time management means 1310 waits for reception in the timer 1311 in step 1412-2. Subtract the timeout time. In step 1414-2, the error flag management unit 1420 refers to the timer 1311 and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1414-2, in step 1416-2, the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for setting a communication error. Next, in step 1418-2, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to "0", and proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100). Transition. With this process, if the information is not received for a predetermined time from the payout control board 2000 after the first command is transmitted, the first command is transmitted again.

  Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the second command reception confirmation process in step 1400-4 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402-4, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether or not the payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the payout control board 2000 side. . In the case of Yes in step 1402-4, in step 1404-4, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 transmits the second command transmission data (higher order) temporarily stored in the second command temporary storage area 1113b of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113. 6 bits) and information (upper 6 bits) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command related information temporary storage unit 1122c. In step 1406-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether the comparison result in step 1402-2 matches. In the case of Yes in step 1406-4, in step 1408-4, the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for canceling the communication error. In step 1410-4, the payout control side received data management means 1122a refers to the information (lower 2 bits) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command related information temporary storage means 1122c. Whether or not a prize ball is being paid out (ascertained from bit 0) and whether or not the payout device is abnormal (ascertained from bit 1) are temporarily stored in the payout control side payout state temporary storage means 1220. In step 1412-4, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 to “0” and proceeds to the next processing (serial communication error monitoring processing in step 1100). To do.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1402-4, that is, if no information is received from the payout control board 2000, the communication time management means 1310 waits for reception in the timer 1311 in step 1414-4. Subtract the timeout time. In step 1416-4, the error flag management unit 1420 refers to the timer 1311 and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1416-4, in step 1418-4, the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for setting a communication error. Next, in step 1420-4, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to “2” and proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100). Transition. By this process, if the information is not received for a predetermined time from the payout control base 2000 after the second command is transmitted, the second command is transmitted again.

(Processing on the payout control board side)
Next, control processing executed on the payout control board 2000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of processing related to communication processing with the main control board 1000 and communication processing with the lending device such as a gaming machine (card unit) executed on the payout control board 2000 side. First, in step 2100, the payout control board 2000 executes communication processing with the main control device 1000 side. Next, in step 2200, the payout control board 2000 executes communication processing with the card unit C. Next, in step 2300, the payout control board 2000 drives the payout unit to execute payout control of the game ball. Next, in step 2400, the payout control board 2000 executes an early lending operation monitoring control process described later, and returns to step 2100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a communication process with the main control apparatus 1000 side in step 2100 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2100-1, the payout control board 2000 executes an error monitoring process for bidirectional communication (serial communication) between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 2100-2, the payout control board 2000 executes serial communication data reception monitoring processing for monitoring whether information is received from the main control board 1000. Next, in step 2100-3, the payout control board 2000 executes payout command correspondence information transmission processing for sending information corresponding to the payout command received from the main control board 1000 side to the main control board 1000 side. Return to -1. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the serial communication error monitoring process in step 2100-1, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-1, the error control unit 2200 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 2221, and an overrun error (AORE), a framing error (AFE), and a parity error (APE) occur. It is monitored whether or not, specifically, whether or not these flags are on. In step 2104-1, the error control unit 2200 determines whether any error has been detected. When an error occurs, the error flag management unit 2220 executes a process of setting 1 to the corresponding error bit in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221. If YES in step 2104-1, in step 2106-1, the error flag management unit 2220 turns off the error flag that is on in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 (clears it to 0), and serial communication. Cancel the error. Further, in step 2108-1, the error control means 2200 clears the data received by serial communication (data temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111b) and performs the next processing (in step 2100-2). Shift to serial communication data reception monitoring process. On the other hand, also in the case of No in step 2104-1, the processing shifts to the next processing (serial data reception monitoring processing in step 2100-2).

  Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the data reception monitoring process of serial communication in step 2100-2 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-2, the main-side received data management unit 2111a refers to the main-side received information temporary storage unit 2111b (data reception monitoring process). In step 2104-2, the main-side received data management unit 2111a determines whether or not a payout command has been received from the main control board 1000 side. In the case of Yes in step 2104-2, in step 2106-2, the main side received data management means 2111a uses the payout command temporary storage means to store the payout command correspondence data temporarily stored in the main side received information temporary storage means 2111b. 2111c, and proceeds to the next process (payout related information transmission process of step 2100-3). In addition, also when it is No at step 2104-2, it transfers to the following process (payout relevant information transmission process of step 2100-3).

  Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the payout related information transmission / reception process in step 2100-3 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-3, the payout control board 2000 determines whether or not the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the main control board 1000 side. In the case of Yes in Step 2102-3, in Step 2104-3, the main-side reception control unit 2111 has “100” as the most significant 3 bits and the least significant 3 bits temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c. It is determined whether the command received from the main control board 1000 side is one command. In the case of Yes in step 2104-3, in step 2106-3, the transmission control unit 2120 transmits the information temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c to the main control board 1000 side. Next, at step 2106-3, the main-side received data management means 2111a stores the saucer state information in the buffer A based on the information (particularly bit 12) temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Next, in step 2110-3, the main-side received data management unit 2111a stores the prize ball number information in the buffer B based on the information (particularly bits 11 to 8) temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c. Store. Next, in step 2112-3, the main-side received data management unit 2111a stores the firing unit operation state information in the buffer C based on information (particularly bit 7) temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c. To do. Next, in step 2114-3, the main-side received data management means 2111a stores the division number information in the buffer D based on the information (particularly bits 6 to 3) temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Then, the process proceeds to the next process (communication process with the card unit in step 2200).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2104-3, in step 2122-3, the main reception control means 2111 indicates that the command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c is a predetermined value (“01010101 (55H)”). That is, it is determined whether or not the command received from the main control board 1000 side is two commands at this time.If Yes in step 2122-3, the transmission control means 2120 Prior to the transmission of the confirmation information to the control board 1000 side, it is confirmed whether or not there is an abnormality in the payout device and whether or not the prize ball is being paid in. Then, in step 2126-3, the transmission control means 2120 As confirmation information to the main control board 1000 side, bits 7 to 2 are fixed values (“010101”), and bit 1 is a dispensing device abnormality. Information indicating that the winning ball is being paid out is transmitted in bit 0. Next, in step 2128-3, the payout control board 2000 stores the contents of the buffer A in the tray state information in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320. Next, in step 2130-3, the payout control board 2000 temporarily stores the contents of the buffer B in the prize ball number storage area in the payout process related information temporary storage means 2320. Next, in step 2130-3, In 2132-3, the payout control board 2000 temporarily stores the contents of the buffer C in the firing unit operation state history information storage area in the payout processing related information temporary storage unit 2320. Next, in step 2134-3, the payout control is performed. The board 2000 temporarily stores the contents of the buffer C in the divided number storage area in the payout processing related information temporary storage unit 2320. In response to the fact that these pieces of information are set in the physical related information temporary storage means 2320, a payout process based on the contents of the set is executed in a payout control process to be described later. The payout control board 2000 clears the contents of the buffers A to D, and proceeds to the next process (payout control process in step 2400).

  Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the communication process with the card unit C in step 2200 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2202, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 determines whether or not the BRDY signal is in an on state. In the case of Yes in step 2202, in step 2216, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 determines whether or not the unit lending request accepted flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 2321 is off.

(Unit loan request reception processing)
In the case of Yes in step 2216, in step 2218, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 determines whether or not the BRQ signal is in an on state. In the case of Yes in step 2218, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 turns on the unit lending request accepted flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 2321 in step 2220. Next, in step 2222, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 adds 1 to the unit lending request reception counter 2326. Next, in step 2224, the communication error avoidance control means 2130 sets a predetermined value (TPA) in the inter-card unit error avoidance monitoring timer 2131 and starts. Here, a value less than a predetermined value (TCR) on the card unit C side described later is set as the predetermined value (TPA). Next, in step 2226, the inter-card-unit transmission / reception control means 2112 shifts the EXS signal to the ON state, and proceeds to step 2228. In the case of No in Step 2216, the process proceeds to Step 2228, and in the case of No in Step 2202 or Step 2218, the process proceeds to the next process (payout control process in Step 2300).

(Unit loan completion wait loop processing)
Next, at step 2228, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2112 determines whether or not the payout operation related to the unit payout request has been completed. In the case of Yes in step 2228, in step 2230, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control unit 2112 turns off the unit lending request received flag in the payout state flag temporary storage unit 2321. Next, at step 2234, the inter-card-unit transmission / reception control means 2112 shifts the EXS signal to the OFF state and proceeds to the next process (payout control process at step 2300). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2228, in step 2232, the inter-card unit transmission / reception control unit 2112 determines whether or not the timer value of the inter-card unit error avoidance monitoring timer 2131 is 0. If Yes in step 2232, the process proceeds to step 2230, and if No in step 2232, the process proceeds to the next process (payout control process in step 2300).

  Here, a supplementary explanation will be given of (unit lending request reception processing) and (unit lending completion waiting loop processing). First, as described above, based on the communication protocol between the card unit C and the payout control board 2000, the card unit C side receives the processing execution of step 2226 and turns off the BRQ signal related to the unit lending operation. At the same time, timing of a predetermined waiting time (TCR) is started, and when the waiting time has elapsed, the BRQ signal related to the new unit lending operation is turned on. When the card unit C side turns on the BRQ signal related to the new unit lending operation, if the EXS signal is on, the card unit C side operates to detect an error. . Here, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the payout operation is performed at a low speed by reducing the number of payouts per unit time. That is, there is a possibility that an error is unintentionally detected on the card unit C side under the situation where the low-speed payout operation is being executed. Therefore, this embodiment is configured to avoid the unintended error detection by turning off the EXS signal before the predetermined waiting time (TCR) on the card unit C side elapses. It is. Further, in a situation where a low-speed payout operation is being executed, it is considered that the BRQ signal related to a new unit lending operation is turned on on the card unit C side before the payout operation is completed. Therefore, the request from the card unit C side related to the unit lending operation can be buffered by the processing of step 2222 so that the operation is not hindered even in such a situation.

  Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the payout control process in step 2300 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2302, the payout control means 2300 refers to the payout process related information temporary storage means 2320, and determines whether or not the divided-time execution flag in the payout process related information temporary storage means 2320 is off. Here, the “divided number of execution flag” is a flag that is turned on when a predetermined number of payouts are divided into a plurality of times and executed, but a certain number of divided times are still being executed. In the case of Yes in step 2302, in step 2304, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the divided times continuation flag in the payout process related information temporary storage means 2320 is off. Here, the “division times continuation flag” is a flag that is turned on when there are division times even after a certain division time has ended. In the case of Yes in step 2304, in step 2306, the payout control means 2300 determines that the count value of the unit lending request reception counter exceeds 0, that is, the unit lending request from the card unit C being buffered remains. It is determined whether or not. In the case of Yes in step 2306, in step 2308, the payout control means 2300 sets a predetermined unit loan number (25 in this example) in the payout number counter 2322. Next, in step 2310, the payout control means 2300 subtracts 1 from the count value of the unit lending request reception counter. Next, in step 2322, the payout control means 2300 clears (zero clears) the abnormal payout counter 2324 and proceeds to step 2340. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2306, in step 2314, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not there is data in the prize ball number storage area in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 (whether or not it is 0). That is, it is determined whether or not there has been a prize ball payout request based on winning from the main control board 1000 side to the winning opening. If Yes in step 2314, the payout control means 2300 sets the payout ball number temporarily stored in the award ball number storage area in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 in the payout number counter 2322 in step 2316. In step 2318, the payout control unit 2300 clears the prize ball number storage area in the payout processing related information temporary storage unit 2320, and proceeds to step 2322. This completes the processing for setting the number of game balls to be paid out.

Next, a payout process for the set number of game balls is executed. Specifically, first, in step 2340, the payout control means 2300 determines the payout number in the divided times based on the divided number information temporarily stored in the divided number storage area in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320. To do. Next, in step 2344, the payout control means 2300 sets the payout number in the divided times in the divided payout number counter 2327. Next, in step 2346, the payout control means 2300 refers to the saucer state information storage area in the payout process related information temporary storage means 2320, and determines whether or not the saucer is full. In the case of Yes in step 2346, in step 2348, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the counter value of the early lending abnormality accumulation counter 2421 is greater than zero. In the case of Yes in step 2348, in step 2350, the waiting time control means 2350 sets the ball passing waiting time (T _x ) in the ball passing waiting time timer 2325 based on the counter value of the early lending abnormality accumulation counter 2421, and step 2352. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2348, in step 2356, the waiting time control means 2350 sets the ball passing waiting time (T _w ) in the ball passing waiting time counter 2325 based on the counter value of the abnormal payout number counter 2323, Control goes to step 2352. Next, in step 2352, the payout control means 2300 drives the payout motor 13 by a predetermined number of balls based on the counter value of the divided payout number counter 2327 to stop it. Next, in step 2354, the payout control means 2300 starts the ball passage waiting time timer 2325, and proceeds to step 2360.

  Next, in step 2360, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the timer value of the ball passage waiting time timer 2325 is 0, in other words, whether or not a predetermined ball passage waiting time has been reached. In the case of Yes in step 2360, in step 2362, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not game balls for the number of divided payouts have been detected by the count sensor 14 within a predetermined ball passage waiting time. In the case of Yes in step 2362, the payout control means 2300 determines that the payout has been made normally, and proceeds to the next process (step 2370). In the case of No in step 2360, that is, when the predetermined ball passage waiting time has not been reached, the payout control means 2330 is executing the divided times in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 in step 2368. The flag is turned on, and the processing proceeds to the next processing (communication processing with the main control device in step 2100).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2362, that is, when a predetermined ball passage waiting time is reached in a situation where game balls corresponding to the number of divided payouts are not detected, in step 2364, the payout abnormality determination means 2340 Then, 1 is added to the abnormal payout counter 2323. Next, in step 2366, the payout abnormality determination unit 2340 adds 1 to the abnormal turnout counter 2324, and proceeds to the next process (step 2336). With the above, the payout process relating to the current divided time is completed.

  In step 2374, the payout control unit 2300 determines whether or not the counter value (remaining ball value) of the payout number counter 2322 is greater than zero. In the case of Yes in step 2374, in step 2376, the payout control means 2300 turns on the division continuation flag in the payout process related information temporary storage means 2320 and performs the next process (communication process with the main control board in step 2100). Migrate to On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2374, in step 2378, the waiting time control means 2350 pays out whether or not the counter value of the abnormal rotation payout counter 2324 is 0, that is, pays out the number of balls scheduled this time. At this time, it is determined whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 2378, in step 2380, the waiting time control unit 2350 clears the abnormal payout number counter 2323. Next, in step 2382, the early lending abnormality detection control unit 2410 clears (zero clears) the counter value of the early lending abnormality accumulation counter 2421 and proceeds to the next processing (communication processing with the main control device in step 2100). . In the case of No in step 2378, the processing proceeds to the next processing (communication processing with the main control device in step 2100).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2304, that is, if the divided times continuation flag is on, in step 2330, the payout control means 2300 turns off the divided times continuation flag in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320. The process proceeds to step 2340.

  In the case of No in step 2346, that is, in the case where the tray is full, in step 2358, the dispensing control means 2300 drives the dispensing motor 13 for one ball and waits until the tray is not full. The waiting time (60 seconds) is stopped, and the process proceeds to Step 2370.

  Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the early lending operation monitoring control process in step 2400 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2420, the early lending abnormality detection control unit 2410 executes early lending operation monitoring start processing described later. Next, in step 2440, the early lending abnormality detection control means 2410 executes early lending operation detection processing described later. Next, in step 2460, the early lending abnormality detection control unit 2410 executes early lending operation monitoring end processing to be described later. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the early lending operation monitoring start process in step 2420 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2422, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 determines whether or not the BRDY signal has shifted from the on state to the off state. In the case of Yes in step 2422, in step 2424, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 determines whether or not the timer value of the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 is 0. In the case of Yes in step 2424, in step 2426, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 derives the monitoring period by referring to the monitoring period determining reference table 2411-1 based on the current number of ball lending / dispensing. Next, in step 2428, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 sets the derived monitoring period in the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 and starts. Next, in step 2230, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 turns on the early lending operation monitoring flag in the operation abnormality detection processing related information temporary storage unit 2420, and performs the next processing (when the early lending operation is detected in step 2440). Process). In the case of No in step 2422 or step 2424, the processing shifts to the next processing (processing at the time of early lending operation detection in step 2440).

  Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the early lending operation detection process in step 2440 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2442, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 determines whether or not the BRDY signal has shifted from the off state to the on state. In the case of Yes in step 2442, in step 2444, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 determines whether or not the early lending operation monitoring flag in the operation abnormality detection processing related information temporary storage unit 2420 is on. In the case of Yes in step 2444, in step 2446, the early loan abnormality detection control means 2410 adds 1 to the counter value of the early loan abnormality accumulation counter 2421. Next, in step 2448, the error control means 2200 makes full use of the state display unit 130 to notify that an abnormality relating to the early lending operation has occurred, and proceeds to the next processing (early lending operation monitoring end processing in step 2460). Transition. In the case of No in step 2422 or step 2444, the process proceeds to the next process (early lending operation monitoring end process in step 2460).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the state display unit 130 notifies that the early lending operation has occurred in Step 2448, but is not limited thereto. In that case, in the payout-related information (command content) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 side, a bit area for sending the presence / absence of the occurrence of the early lending operation abnormality is provided. An example in which when the lending operation abnormality occurs, the hall computer H is notified from the main control board 1000 side that has received the payout related information can be given.

  Next, FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the early lending operation monitoring end process in step 2460 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2462, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 determines whether or not the timer value of the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 is 0. In the case of Yes in step 2462, in step 2464, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 turns off the early lending operation monitoring flag in the operation abnormality detection processing related information temporary storage unit 2420, and performs the next process (main in step 2100). (Communication processing with the control board).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2462, in step 2466, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 refers to the launch unit operation state history information storage area in the payout process related information temporary storage unit 2320, and launches related to the launch unit 116a. It is determined whether or not the unit operation state is permitted to fire. In the case of Yes in step 2466, in step 2468, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 cancels the temporarily stopped state of the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 (does not execute the process if not in the suspended state), step 2472 is entered. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2466, in step 2470, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 temporarily stops the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 and proceeds to step 2472. Next, in step 2472, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 determines whether or not a payout process (ball lending payout or prize ball payout) has been executed in a payout control process described later. In the case of Yes in step 2472, in step 2474, the early lending operation monitoring control unit 2411 sets the timer value of the early lending monitoring timer 2411-2 to a predetermined value based on the number of game balls paid out in the execution of the payout process. (For example, 1 second per payout of one ball) is added, and the processing proceeds to the next processing (communication processing with the main control board in step 2100). If No in step 2472, the process proceeds to the next process (communication process with the main control board in step 2100).

(Processing on the card unit side)
Next, control processing executed on the card unit C side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 28 is a main flowchart of processing executed on the card unit C side. First, in step 3100, the card unit C executes an operation content setting process described later. Next, in step 3200, the card unit C executes communication processing with a payout control board 2000C, which will be described later, and returns to step 3100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  Next, FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the operation content setting process in step 3100 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 3102, the lending control unit 3000 determines whether or not an operation content setting operation related to the card unit C has been performed. Here, the operation content setting operation method is not particularly limited. For example, the card unit C is provided with a setting operation device (button, switch, or the like) for the operation content so that an input operation to the card unit C can be performed. An example of configuration can be given. In the case of Yes in step 3102, in step 3104, the operation content setting control unit 3100 temporarily stores the number of continuous executions of the unit lending operation (for example, 5 times) in the operation content temporary storage unit 3110 based on the operation setting operation. It memorize | stores and transfers to the following process (communication process with the payout control side of step 3200). In the case of No in step 3102, the process proceeds to the next process (communication process with the payout control side in step 3200).

  Next, FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the communication process with the payout control side in step 3200, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 3202, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 determines whether or not the lending request flag in the lending process related information temporary storage means 3300 is off. In the case of Yes in step 3202, in step 3204, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 determines whether or not the lending operation switch provided in the vicinity of the upper ball tray 110 is detected. In the case of Yes in step 3204, in step 3206, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 turns on the lending request flag in the lending process related information temporary storage means 3300. Next, in step 3208, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 obtains the continuous execution count of the unit lending operation temporarily stored in the operation content temporary storage means 3110, and stores the continuous execution count in the continuous request counter 3210. set. Next, in step 3210, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 turns off the all unit lending request completion flag in the lending processing related information temporary storage means 3300. Next, in step 3212, the lending control unit 3000 uses the lending permission notifying LED provided in the vicinity of the upper ball tray 110 to notify that it is the operation invalid period of the lending operation switch (in this example, the LED Off). Next, in step 3214, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 determines whether or not the PRDY signal is in an on state and the EXS signal is in an off state, in other words, on the payout control board 2000 side. It is determined whether the operation can be executed. In the case of Yes in step 3214, in step 3216, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 turns on the BRDY signal and shifts to the next processing (operation content setting processing in step 3100). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 3214, in step 3218, the error control means 3400 reports that an abnormality has occurred on the payout control board 2000 side (the notification mode is arbitrary), and proceeds to step 3214. In the case of No in step 3204, the process proceeds to the next process (operation content setting process in step 3100).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 3202, in step 3250, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 executes a unit lending request transmission / reception control process to be described later. Next, in step 3252, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 determines whether or not the all unit lending request completion flag in the lending processing related information temporary storage means 3300 is on. In the case of Yes in step 3252, in step 3254, the payout control side transmission / reception control unit 3200 turns off the lending request flag in the lending process related information temporary storage unit 3300. Next, in step 3256, the lending control means 3000 makes full use of the lending permission notification LED provided in the vicinity of the upper ball tray 110 to notify that it is the operation effective period of the lending operation switch (in this example, the LED Lit). Next, at step 3258, the payout control side transmission / reception control means 3200 turns off the BRDY signal and proceeds to the next processing (operation content setting processing at step 3100). In the case of No in step 3252, the process proceeds to the next process (operation content setting process in step 3100).

  Next, FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the unit lending request transmission / reception control process of step 3250 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 3252, the unit lending request transmission / reception control unit 3220 determines whether the unit lending request flag in the lending processing related information temporary storage unit 3300 is off. In the case of Yes in step 3252, in step 3254, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 determines whether or not the count value of the continuous request counter is greater than zero. In the case of Yes in step 3254, in step 3256, the unit lending request transmission / reception control unit 3220 turns on the unit lending request in-progress flag in the lending processing related information temporary storage unit 3300. Next, in step 3258, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 determines whether the PRDY signal is on and the EXS signal is off. In the case of Yes in step 3258, in step 3262, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 turns on the BRQ signal, and proceeds to step 3264. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 3258, in step 3260, the error control means 3400 notifies that an abnormality has occurred on the payout control board 2000 side (the notification mode is arbitrary), and proceeds to step 3258. If No in step 3254, the unit lending request transmission / reception control unit 3220 turns on the all unit lending request completion flag in the lending processing related information temporary storage unit 3300 in step 3270, and the next processing (step 3252). ).

  Next, in step 3264, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 determines whether or not the EXS signal is in an ON state. Here, in the case of No in step 3264, the process proceeds to step 3264 again (a waiting loop until the EXS signal is turned on). In the case of Yes in step 3264, in step 3266, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 decrements the counter value of the continuous request counter 3210 by one. Next, in step 3268, the unit lending request transmission / reception control unit 3220 sets a predetermined value (TCR) in the unit lending completion scheduled period timer 3221 and starts. Next, in step 3269, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 turns off the BRQ signal, and proceeds to the next processing (step 3252).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 3252, in step 3272, the unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3220 determines whether or not the timer value of the unit lending completion scheduled period timer 3221 is 0. In the case of Yes in step 3272, in step 3274, the unit lending request transmission / reception control unit 3220 turns off the unit lending request flag in the lending processing related information temporary storage unit 3300, and proceeds to the next processing (step 3252). If No in step 3272, the process proceeds to the next process (step 3252).

<Action>
Next, the effect | action which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated, referring FIG. First, the process executed at the timings 1 to 4 in the figure is a timing chart of the payout process under a normal state. Further, the processing executed at the timings 7 to 11 and 13 to 14 in the figure is a timing chart of the payout processing under the situation where the early loan abnormality is detected. And the process performed in 5-6 in a figure and 12 in the figure is a monitoring process for detecting the presence or absence of generation | occurrence | production of an early loan abnormality. Each process will be described in detail below.

  First, at the timing of 1 in the figure, the number of continuous executions of the unit lending operation (two times in this example) is set on the card unit C side when the BRDY signal has shifted to the ON state. Further, the card unit C side transmits a ball lending request related to the first unit lending operation (in this example, 25 balls per unit lending operation) to the payout control board 2000 side, and therefore shifts the BRQ signal to the on state. .

  Next, when the BRQ signal shifts to the ON state at the timing 2 in the figure, the payout control board 2000 executes the split payout operation based on a predetermined split number (5 in this example). To start. Here, at this timing, since the payout process is in a normal state (early lending abnormality accumulation counter = 0), “1 second” which is a default value is set as the ball passage waiting time. That is, the unit lending operation is completed by continuously repeating a series of operations of five game balls payout operation → ball passage waiting time 1 second elapse →...

  Next, at timing 3 in the figure, the payout control board 2000 turns off the EXS signal when the execution of the five divided payout operations is completed and the ball lending payout for the unit lending operation is confirmed. Transition to the state. Thereafter, in order to transmit a ball lending request related to the second unit lending operation on the card unit C side, the BRQ signal is shifted to the ON state again. In this way, smooth payout processing is executed under the normal condition.

  Next, at timing 4 in the figure, the card unit C side turns off the BRDY signal when the card unit C side completes the transmission processing of the ball lending request related to the second unit lending operation. And a waiting state until the lending operation switch is newly turned on. Here, at this timing, the payout control board 2000 sets “24 seconds” to the early lending operation monitoring timer based on the number of game balls “50” paid out by the two unit lending operations. Start the countdown. In addition, as shown by the timing of 5 in the figure, the countdown is temporarily stopped in a situation where the firing unit 116a is in a state where non-firing is permitted. Also, as shown by the timing 6 in the figure, when a prize ball payout based on the entrance to various winning awards occurs, a predetermined time based on the number of prize ball payouts is set in the early lending operation monitoring timer. Is added. As described above, in this embodiment, whether or not the number of game balls paid out by the ball lending / dispensing operation has been used in the game (whether or not the player has lost the ball) is being monitored early. It is possible to make a guess based on the timer value of the timer.

  Next, at the timing of 7 in the figure, the card unit C side transmits a ball lending request related to the first unit lending operation in response to the new transition of the BRDY signal to the ON state. Transition to the on state. Here, at this timing, it is assumed that the number of game balls left by the previous ball lending / dispensing operation remains in a situation where the timer value of the early lending operation monitoring timer is not 0. It is a situation where it is estimated that the need for new ball lending is low. Under such circumstances, as indicated by the timing 8 in the figure, the ball passage waiting time is set to “5 seconds”, and the payout operation for five game balls → the passage of the ball passage waiting time of 5 seconds has elapsed → By repeating the series of operations five times, the time required to complete the ball lending / dispensing for the unit lending operation is delayed by approximately 20 seconds compared to the normal operation. Become. And in the said situation, since it is comprised so that abnormality may be fully notified using the status display part 130 grade | etc., When a goto action is performed, it delays that a game ball is exploited illegally. At the same time, it is possible to notify the game hall operator that the goto action is being performed.

  Next, at the timing 9 in the figure, the payout control board 2000 shifts the EXS signal to the OFF state when the predetermined time TPA has passed. Here, at this timing, since the time required for completing the ball lending / out for the unit lending operation is delayed, the ball lending / out for the unit lending operation on the payout control board 2000 side is not completed. State. Under such circumstances, the EXS signal is shifted to the OFF state before the predetermined time TCR, which is the timing at which the ball lending request related to the second unit lending operation is transmitted from the card unit C side, has elapsed. Thus, it is possible to avoid detecting an error on the card unit C side. Further, as indicated by the timing 10 in the figure, when the BRQ signal is shifted to the ON state in order to transmit the ball lending request related to the second unit lending operation on the card unit C side, the payout control board 2000 side Then, the ball lending request related to the unit lending operation is buffered (1 is added to the unit lending request reception counter).

  Next, at the timing of 11 in the figure, the card unit C side turns off the BRDY signal when the transmission process of the ball lending request related to the second unit lending operation is completed on the card unit C side. And a waiting state until a new lending operation switch is turned on. Here, at this timing, the timer value during the early lending operation monitoring is not yet 0, so the countdown continues. Then, as shown by the timing 12 in the figure, a predetermined time based on the number of game balls that have been paid out is added to the early lending operation monitoring timer.

  Next, at the timing of 13 in the figure, the card unit C side transmits a ball lending request related to the first unit lending operation when the BRDY signal newly shifts to the ON state. Transition to the on state. Here, at this timing, there is a situation where a ball lending request is made again under a situation where the timer value of the early lending operation monitoring timer is not 0, and the risk that the got act is further increased It is below. On the other hand, as shown in the present example, it can be assumed that the payout operation is being executed based on the ball lending request related to the previous unit lending operation in this situation. In other words, even during a payout operation in which “5 seconds” is set as the ball passage waiting time, it is desirable to promptly switch to a slower payout operation. From this point of view, in the present embodiment, since the ball passage waiting time can be changed at the start of the divided payout operation, as shown in the timing of 14 in the figure, the division related to the previous unit lending operation is performed. At the start of the payout operation, “10 seconds” is set as the ball passage waiting time. Therefore, if the risk of a goth act is further increased, the game ball is further delayed from being illegally exploited and the game hall operator is notified that the goth act is being carried out. It can be done.

  According to the present embodiment, the reception timing of the BRDY signal from the card unit C side is triggered by the ball lending / dispensing within a predetermined period set by the reception of the previous BRDY signal or after the reception of the previous BRDY signal. Since it is configured to extend the ball passage waiting time when it is within the set predetermined period, if the BRDY signal is manipulated illegally using a goto jig or the like, the game medium is illegally exploited. Can be delayed.

  According to the present embodiment, since the monitoring period can be set based on the number of game balls paid out by the ball lending / dispensing operation, game balls corresponding to the quantity paid out by the ball lending / dispensing operation are played. It can be estimated based on the remaining period of the monitoring period.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in a situation where the launch unit 116a is in a state where non-launch is permitted, the timing of the monitoring period is temporarily stopped, and a prize ball payout based on the entrance to various winning openings is made. In the event of an occurrence, the monitoring period is extended based on the number of prize balls paid out, so the accuracy of estimating whether or not the number of game balls paid out by the ball lending and payout operation has been used in the game Can be increased.

  According to the present embodiment, when the ball passage waiting time is extended, the state display unit 130, the hall computer H, or the like can be notified of an abnormality, so that the goth action is performed. Can notify the game hall operator to that effect.

  According to the present embodiment, since the EXS signal is shifted to the off state when the predetermined time TPA (<TCR) has elapsed, the ball passage waiting time is extended. , It is possible to avoid an error being detected on the card unit C side based on the communication protocol between the card unit C and the payout control board 2000.

  According to the present embodiment, since the ball passing waiting time can be changed at the start of the divided payout operation, the game ball is illegally used when the risk of the goto action further increases. Exploitation can be further delayed.

  In this embodiment, the command transmission process is periodically executed from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000, and the divided payout number information is sent in the command transmission process. Has been. That is, the divided payout number information is configured to be periodically transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000, but is not limited thereto. In this case, for example, an example in which the divided payout number information is transmitted from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 only when the power of the gaming machine is turned on can be given. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the processing load due to the command transmission process and the reception process.

  In the present embodiment, based on the communication protocol between the card unit C and the payout control board 2000, a predetermined time TPA (<TCR) has elapsed in order to avoid an error being detected on the card unit C side. In response to this, the EXS signal is shifted to the OFF state, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this case, the PRDY signal may be shifted to the off state on the payout control board 2000 side under a situation where the ball passage waiting time is extended. By configuring in this way, a BRQ signal is not newly transmitted from the card unit C side, which is preferable from the viewpoint that it is not necessary to buffer a request from the card unit C side related to the unit lending operation.

  In the present embodiment, the monitoring period is derived based on the number of game balls paid out by the ball lending / dispensing operation or prize ball paying operation, and whether the reception timing of the BRDY signal is normal based on the remaining period of the monitoring period. Although it is determined whether or not, it is not limited to this. In that case, a game ball detection sensor may be provided in the out port 142, the launch unit 116a, etc., and it may be configured to determine whether or not the BRDY signal reception timing is normal based on the number of game balls in / out. Good. By configuring in this way, it is possible to further improve the estimation accuracy as to whether or not the number of game balls paid out by the ball lending and payout operation has been used in the game.

S winning prize sensor, 116a launch unit 13 payout unit, 14 count sensor 15 full switch, 1000 main control board 1110 transmission control means, 1111 transmission command setting means 1112, transmission command management means, 1113 transmission command temporary storage means 1113a first command temporary Storage area, 1113b Second command temporary storage area 1120 Reception control means, 1121 Game side reception control means 1121a Game side information temporary storage means, 1122 Payment control side reception control means 1122a Delivery control side reception data management means, 1122b Delivery control side reception Data temporary storage means 1122c Discharge command correspondence information temporary storage means 1200 Transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 Main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1220 Discharge control side payout state temporary storage means 130 0 Normal transmission judgment means, 1310 communication time management means 1311 timer, 1400 error control means 1420 error flag management means, 1421 error flag temporary storage means 2000 payout control board, 2100 transmission / reception control means 2110 reception control means, 2111 main side reception control means 2111a main-side received data management means, 2111b main-side received information temporary storage means 2111c payout command temporary storage means, 2112 inter-card unit transmission / reception control means 2120 transmission control means, 2130 communication error avoidance control means 2131 inter-card unit error avoidance monitoring timer, 2200 error control means 2220 error flag management means 2221 error flag temporary storage means 2300 payout control means 2310 payout information temporary storage means 2311 buffer A 2323 buffer File B
2313 Buffer C, 2314 Buffer D
2320 Payout processing related information temporary storage means, 2321 Payout state flag temporary storage means 2322 Payout number counter, 2327 Dividend payout number counter 2323 Abnormal payout number counter, 2324 Time abnormal payout number counter 2325 Ball passage waiting time timer, 2326 Unit lending Request reception counter 2323 Abnormal payout counter 2330 Discharge abnormality determination means 2340 Wait time control means 2351 Ball passage wait time determination reference table 2400 Card unit side operation abnormality detection control means 2410 Early lending abnormality detection control means 2411 Early lending operation Monitoring control means 2411-1 Monitoring period determination reference table 2411-2 Early lending monitoring timer, 2420 Operation abnormality detection processing related information temporary storage means 2421 Early lending abnormality accumulation counter, C card unit 30 0 Lending control means, 3100 Operation content setting control means 3110 Operation content temporary storage means, 3200 Payment control side transmission / reception control means 3210 Continuous request counter, 3220 Unit lending request transmission / reception control means 3221 Unit lending completion scheduled period timer, 3300 Lending processing related information Temporary storage means 3400 Error control means

Claims (7)

As a result of the game execution, the game media payout control is executed as a benefit when the game media payout condition is satisfied, and the game media payout instruction information output from the game media payout instruction device is received as a trigger. A gaming machine provided with a payout control means for executing a control for paying out a medium,
If the payout control means receives the game medium payout instruction information again after receiving the game medium payout instruction information, the receiving timing of the second game medium instruction information is triggered by the reception of the previous game medium payout instruction information. When it is within the set predetermined period or within the predetermined period set by the game medium payout after receiving the previous game medium payout instruction information, the payout delay state is set. Under the payout delay state, the payout delay state is set. A gaming machine configured to execute control for reducing a payout speed of a game medium per unit time as compared to a state where the game machine is not. Withdrawal control means
When the game medium payout instruction information is received, the fastest predicted consumption time (T _min ) in which the number of game media is consumed is set as a target value based on the number of game media paid out upon receipt of the game medium payout instruction information. Or an elapsed time control means for measuring the elapsed time after setting a predicted error-considered predicted consumption time (T _min ± T _m ) obtained by subtracting or adding a predetermined time (T _m ) to the fastest predicted consumption time as a target value In addition,
The payout control means is configured to enter a payout delay state when the game medium payout instruction information is received before the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time control means reaches the target value. Gaming machine. The elapsed time control means, after the start of measurement of the elapsed time and until the target value is reached, when the game medium is paid out as a privilege when the game medium payout condition is satisfied, The bonus game medium fastest predicted consumption time (T _add-min ) in which the number of paid out game media is consumed is added to the target value, or a predetermined time (T _add-m ) is added to the bonus game medium fastest predicted consumption time. A bonus game medium prediction error-considered estimated consumption time (T _add-min ± T _add-m ) obtained by subtracting or adding to the target value, or
The elapsed time control means subtracts the reward game medium fastest predicted consumption time (T _add-min ) from the elapsed time or the benefit game medium prediction error-considered expected consumption time (T _add-min ± T _add-m ). The gaming machine according to claim 2, configured to subtract. The elapsed time control means is configured such that the number of game media consumed per unit time is less than or equal to a predetermined value when the game is not executed or after the start of measurement of the elapsed time until the target value is reached. The target value based on the number of gaming media to be consumed during a period when the game is not being executed or based on the difference between the scheduled maximum number of gaming media consumed per unit time and the actual number of consumption. Add a specific value, or
The elapsed time control means is configured so that the number of game media consumed per unit time is less than or equal to a predetermined value when the game is not executed or after the start of the measurement of the elapsed time until the target value is reached. If this is the case, stop measuring the elapsed time, or based on the number of game media that should be consumed during the period when the game is not being executed, or the expected maximum number and actual consumption of game media per unit time The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a specific value is subtracted from the elapsed time based on a difference from a number. The number of game media to be paid out when paying out the game media as a benefit when the game media payout condition is satisfied or when paying out the game media when receiving the game media payout instruction information If the number exceeds the predetermined number, the unit payout with the upper limit of one payout amount being the predetermined number is executed in a plurality of times, and the payout control means executes the payout of the game medium in the payout delay state. In this case, the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a waiting time between unit payouts is made longer than when paying out game media in a state that is not under a payout delay state. If the game medium payout completion information corresponding to the game medium payout instruction information is not received from the game machine within a predetermined time after the game medium payout instruction information is transmitted to the gaming machine, the state shifts to an error state. A gaming machine connectable to a gaming medium payout instruction device configured as described above,
The payout control means is configured to transmit the game medium payout completion information to the game medium payout instructing device before the payout of the game medium based on the reception is completed when the game medium payout instruction information is received in the payout delay state. The payout control means
6. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising incomplete game medium payout instruction information temporary storage means for temporarily storing the game medium payout instruction information when the game medium payout instruction information is received during payout of the game medium. A gaming machine according to claim 1. A gaming machine connectable to a gaming medium payout instruction device configured not to output gaming medium payout instruction information to the gaming machine side when the gaming machine side is in a gaming medium payout disapproval state,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the payout control means is configured to enter a game medium payout disapproval state under a payout delay state.

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