JP2014171830A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing a signal transmission quantity while realizing fine control relating to a stepping motor.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises a stepping motor that includes: a rotor and a stator at least having two phases; and at least a first stator and a second stator differing from the first stator in the phase, as the stator to be excited. The game machine can simultaneously transmit a magnetic polarity specifying signal for specifying a magnetic polarity of the first stator, a magnetic polarity specifying signal for specifying a magnetic polarity of the second stator, an exciting current value specifying signal for specifying an exciting current value of the first stator and an exciting current value specifying signal for specifying an exciting current value of the second stator, as an ON/OFF signal from one signal line corresponding to each of the signals.

Description

  It relates to gaming machines.

  A bullet ball gaming machine is a type of gaming machine in which a gaming ball as a gaming medium is paid out when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine that is the most standard among ball and ball gaming machines, a winning ball is paid out by letting a gaming ball enter a winning opening provided in the gaming area. Recently, a game medium lending machine such as a card unit has been installed adjacent to the ball game machine. Upon receiving a request from the lending machine, a predetermined number of game balls are placed on the upper plate of the ball game machine. Is supplied. Here, when award ball payout or ball lending payout is made, ball payout is generally made in the following procedure (example). 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 controls the ball payout apparatus based on this command to execute a predetermined number of prize ball payout processes. Similarly, in the case of this ball lending operation, a ball payout command is received, and the payout control board controls the ball payout device based on this command and executes a predetermined number of ball payout processes.

  By the way, when the ball payout is performed according to the procedure described above, the payout control board side excites the stepping motor as a driving source of the ball payout operation, and the rotational motion of the stepping motor is converted into the ball payout operation. It is realized by. Under such a configuration, depending on the execution state of the ball payout operation, there are cases where it is desired to realize fine control by changing the excitation method of the stepping motor, the magnitude of the excitation current, etc. A method has been proposed. In addition to the above, the stepping motor can be used as a drive source for rotational driving of a so-called drum (rotating cylinder) or a movable object for production (movable object that is movable based on a control signal from the production control board) ) And a driving source for a medal payout operation (so-called hopper) in addition to a game ball. Fine control may be required.

JP 2000-279603 A JP 2000-300776 A JP 2002-017972 A JP 2011-206610 A JP 2010-012130 A

  However, if the amount of signal transmission (especially the number of connections) between the control board and the stepping motor is increased, the reliability of signal transmission may be reduced due to noise or the like. There is a problem that measures to reduce the amount of signal transmission are necessary while realizing it.

The gaming machine according to this aspect is
A stator having a rotor (for example, the rotor 141d-1) and at least two-phase stators (for example, the A phase and the B phase in the stator 141d-2) and being excited, the first stator (for example, , Any one of A phase A and A ′) and the first stator (eg, any one of A phase A and A ′) are different in phase from the second stator (eg, B phase). A stepping motor (for example, a stepping motor 141d) provided with at least
Rotation control means (for example, the payout control board 230) for controlling the rotation of the stepping motor (for example, the stepping motor 141d);
Excitation means (for example, payout motor driver 141e) that can excite the stator of the stepping motor based on a signal from the rotation control means (for example, payout control board 230),
The rotation control means (for example, the payout control board 230) has the magnetic property of the first stator (for example, one of A phase A and A ′) with respect to the excitation means (for example, the payout motor driver 141e). Magnetic pole property specifying signal for specifying, magnetic polarity specifying signal for specifying the magnetic property of the second stator (for example, one of B phase B and B ′), the first stator (for example, The excitation current value specifying signal for specifying the excitation current value of A phase A or A ′) and the second stator (for example, one of B phase B or B ′) An excitation current value specifying signal for specifying an excitation current value can be transmitted simultaneously as an ON / OFF signal from one signal line corresponding to each signal,
The excitation means (for example, the payout motor driver 141e) is based on the ON / OFF signal via the signal line, and has a predetermined current value and the first stator (for example, one of A and A 'in the A phase). One) can be excited to either the S pole or the N pole, and the second stator (for example, one of B and B ′ of the B phase) at a predetermined current value. ) Can be excited to either the S pole or the N pole.

  According to the gaming machine according to this aspect, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress the signal transmission amount while realizing fine control related to the stepping motor.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view of the payout unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the payout unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and the operating principle for paying out the game balls. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a rotor position confirmation sensor and a rotating body of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical configuration diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the stepping motor of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an operation diagram relating to award ball payout of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing 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 present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of unpaid prize ball (before prize ball payout command transmission) management processing on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the payout control board transmission control process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the payout control board reception control process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the error handling control process on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the payout control board in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of initial processing at the time of power interruption return on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of error control processing at the time of abnormality detection on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of error control processing at the time of detection of a payout motor operation abnormality on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of error control processing at the time of payout abnormality detection on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of error control processing at the time of ball path abnormality detection on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an error control process when a payout motor abnormality is detected on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an error control process at the time of a payout stop abnormality detection on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of prize ball payout-related information transmission / reception processing (vs. main control board) on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a prize ball payout control process (at the start of a prize ball payout / motor drive) on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a prize ball payout control process (at the end of motor driving / at the end of prize ball payout) on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a prize ball payout control process (during motor drive) on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 28 is a table configuration diagram that is referred to in a prize ball payout control process (during motor drive) on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram of the payout motor driver in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the motor error process on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the power interruption process on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 32 is an operation diagram (timing chart) of the payout motor in the present embodiment. FIG. 33 is an operation diagram (image diagram) of the payout motor in the present embodiment.

Form to carry out

  First, the definition of each term in this specification will be explained. “Prize ball payout” is a benefit given to a player when a game ball has entered a predetermined winning slot, and a predetermined number of game balls determined for each winning slot are paid back to the player. That is. “Based on the payout command” includes not only information included in the payout command but also information derived from the information. For example, when the information included in the payout command is only information related to a winning opening, the predetermined number of gaming balls determined for each winning opening is derived, and thus the predetermined number of gaming balls is also included. “CPU” is synonymous with what is well known in the art, and is not limited to the architecture (CISC, RISC, number of bits, etc.) used, processing performance, or the like. The “error related to the payout operation” is not particularly limited as long as it is an operation different from the operation defined as the normal operation, and does not depend on whether or not the payout operation needs to be stopped. The “operation content of the payout means” includes not only the operation content related to hardware but also the operation content related to software. For example, the operation content related to the hardware can include the rotation direction and rotation speed of the stepping motor, and the operation content related to the software can include the excitation timing and excitation method of the stepping motor. “Power interruption (power interruption)” means that the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine falls below a certain level regardless of whether the power switch provided on the gaming machine is operated or not. This also includes shutting off the power supply due to unforeseen circumstances such as equipment damage or power outages. A stepping motor refers to any stepping motor having a known structure in which a rotor rotates by excitation of a stator. The number of stators {for example, 2n (n = 2, 3, 4,...)} 2 phase type, 1-2 phase type, etc.) are not limited at all. “Rotation detection means for detecting whether or not the stepping motor is rotating normally” may be a means directly provided in the stepping motor, but the position and rotation status of the gear connected to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor are confirmed. However, it includes all means not provided in the stepping motor but capable of grasping the rotation state of the stepping motor. “Game machine” refers to a game medium that is a game ball or a medal. Specifically, a ball game machine (for example, a pachinko game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, an arrangement ball, etc.) This refers to a torso type gaming machine (slot machine), that is, the application of the stepping motor adopting the present embodiment is not limited to that used as a driving source for a game ball payout operation. It becomes a driving source for driving, a driving source for displacement driving of a movable object for production (movable object moved based on a control signal from the production control board), and a medal payout operation in addition to a game ball ( This means that it can be used for various purposes such as a driving source of a so-called hopper. “Retrying the rotation of the stepping motor” is a so-called retry operation, but is not limited to the mode of the retry operation. For example, the switching operation of the rotation direction of the stepping motor (forward direction → forward direction, For example, the forward direction → the reverse direction, the reverse direction → the forward direction, or both are alternately executed) and the change of the switching timing of one step is not limited. “Torque can be reduced” means that the average torque value at the time of rotation has only to be reduced, and the torque is always reduced when compared to the case of excitation, such as two-phase excitation and one-phase excitation. This includes not only the case where the torque is present, but also the case where the torque has the same value during certain excitation, such as two-phase excitation and 1-2 phase excitation. “One-time payout operation” means not only when paying out the number of game balls to be paid out by one payout operation, but also dividing the number of game balls to be paid out into a plurality of payout operations. It may be the number of units when paying out. 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. Furthermore, numerical values (for example, winning probability at the time of lottery execution, maximum number of rounds at the time of special game, symbol variation time, number of continuations in each gaming state, etc.) as specific examples shown in the following embodiments and modifications are as follows: This is merely an example, and in particular, under different conditions (for example, according to the condition of the first main game side and the second main game side, by the condition of the probability variation game and the non-probability variation game, by the time shortening game and non- It is understood that the magnitude relations and combinations of the numerical values shown in the conditions for time-saving games, etc.) may be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments and modified examples. Should. For example, on the first main game side and the second main game side, the magnitude relationship between the winning probability at the time of the lottery execution and the expected value of the maximum number of rounds at the time of the special game is as follows: first main game side = second main game side Even if it is illustrated as such, the magnitude relationship may be changed as appropriate so that the first main game side <the second main game side, or the first main game side> the second main game side, etc. Good (same for other values and conditions). Also, for example, when configuring based on the intention that the probability variation gaming state will continue until the next jackpot occurs, whether to set “65535” as the number of continuations (configure to continue substantially), Or, even in the options of the realization method based on the same purpose, such as maintaining the probability variation game state until the next jackpot occurs without setting the number of continuations, as long as it does not greatly deviate from the purpose of the following embodiments and modification examples Should be understood as appropriate.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 2 including a gaming machine frame unit according to the present embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame 3, a gaming board unit 5, a glass 10, a launch unit (not shown), and a ball tray 14. The launch units can launch the game balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 2, when the player operates a launcher handle 15 described later, the game ball 23 is launched by the launch unit toward the game area 16, and a game by the flow of the game ball 23 is realized. In addition to the pachinko gaming machine 2, the gaming machine can be an arcade machine such as a pachinko slot machine, a coin game machine, and various game machines (slot machines, etc.). Any gaming machine having a gaming area that realizes the above is included. In addition, in pachinko machines, all kinds of pachinko machines such as combination pachinko machines such as arrange ball machines and sparrow ball machines, so-called digipachi type (1 type) and honey mono type (2 types) pachinko machines are also available. Although it can be conceptualized, in the present embodiment, a so-called one-type pachinko game machine that realizes a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The game machine frame 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 2 is for holding a game board unit 5 to be described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface of the pachinko gaming machine 2 and the front side or the rear side in addition thereto. In addition to the game board unit 5, various mechanism parts such as various control boards and paths for game media, which are described later, are arranged on the inner side of the gaming machine frame 3. Unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko gaming machine 2 from behind is prevented.

  The outer frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko gaming machine 2, the front frame 9 that is swingably supported by the hinge 22 so as to be able to be opened and closed forward by the hinge 22, and that can be opened and closed by the hinge 22 in front of the front frame 9. The gaming machine frame 3 is configured to have the glass frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that supports the glass 10 and the periphery thereof. The glass 10 is a transparent member that allows the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the gaming machine frame 3 from the front. The gaming machine frame unit includes a front frame 9 that holds the game board unit 5 and a prize ball payout unit 100 described later.

  The glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glasses and is held on the back side of the glass frame 12, and has a function of forming a flowing-down space for the game ball 23 to flow between the game board 6 and the player through the glass 10. The function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized and the function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6 are exhibited.

  The ball tray 14 is a dish member disposed on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 2 to store the player's ball, and in this embodiment, has a upper ball tray 14a and a lower ball tray 14b. ing. The upper ball tray 14a has a ball punching member 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, the lower portion of the glass frame 12, and the lower ball tray 14b is disposed further below the upper ball tray 14a. .

  The launch unit launches (balls) the game ball 23 sent from the upper ball tray 14a as a part of the ball tray 14 to the launch position by the ball feeder (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. belongs to. The launch unit includes, for example, a launcher for projecting the game ball 23 at the launch position, a launch motor for driving the launcher, a launch spring for energizing the launcher to generate a ball force, and the like. It is attached to the front frame 9. For launching the ball by the launch unit, a launcher handle 15 is provided below the front surface of the pachinko game machine 2 to realize on / off of the launch of the ball and adjustment of the launch intensity based on the operation of the player.

  The game board unit 5 has a game board 6 in which a center object 7 as a game object is arranged at substantially the center on the game board surface 6a side, and a number of game nails 27 are also arranged on the game board surface 6a. ing. An effect display device 7a as an image display means is disposed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a display opening 7d for exposing the display portion 7b of the effect display device 7a is formed.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the game ball 23 on the surface side thereof, so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held in the gaming machine frame 3 (in the present embodiment, the front frame 9 as a part of the gaming machine frame 3). A rail ornament 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 in a substantially circular shape so as to surround the periphery, and an outer rail 26a of the rail ornament 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. The game area 16 is a substantially circular area defined by the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the outer rail 26a.

  The game nails 27 are flow-down changing members that collide with the game balls 23 flowing down the game area 16 and change the flow-down direction thereof, and many of them are arranged in the game area 16. In the game area 16, a ball winning member such as a normal winning port 28, a start winning port 29, a big winning port 31, and the out port 30 are arranged. Furthermore, a gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the game balls 23 that flow down flow into each ball entry member, pass through the gate 33, and rotate the windmill 34. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the down-flow game by the game ball 23.

  The center accessory 7 is configured to cover the periphery of the effect display device 7a, and realizes a symbol variation game (one type game). A first symbol (special symbol) display device 17 as a symbol display means is disposed on the center accessory 7, and an effect display device 7 a is disposed in the center of the center accessory 7.

  The first symbol display device 17 displays the variation of the first symbol 17a, which is the lottery result of the lottery means. The first symbol is a symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery executed when the game ball 23 enters the start winning opening 29. A big hit as a first special game occurs when the variable display of the first symbol is stopped in a predetermined winning manner.

  The effect display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, and the like, and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and displays an image on the display unit 7b. It is. A display symbol (first decorative symbol) 7c linked to the first symbol is displayed on the display unit 7b of the effect display device 7a. The display symbol is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result of the first lottery means, and corresponds to the first game. Further, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display unit 7b. An effect control board as a game control means is electrically connected to the effect display device 7a via a relay board, and image display is controlled by the effect control board.

  On the back side of the game board 6, there is a main control board case 35 containing main control means (main control board) 200 for controlling the whole pachinko gaming machine 2, and effect control such as image display of the effect display device 7a. An effect control board case 36 containing an effect control means (effect control board) 220 to perform, and a payout control board containing payout control means (payout control board) 230 for controlling the payout of prize balls by the prize ball payout unit 100 described later. A case 37 and a power supply board case 38 containing a power supply means (not shown) are arranged. A game is realized by each control means accommodated in each control board case. The main control board case 35 and the effect control board case 36 are mounted on the rear surface of the game board unit 5 and are configured to be detachable from the front frame 9 together with the game board unit 5.

  Furthermore, an external output terminal plate 39 for outputting game information such as the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 2 to the outside is provided on the back side of the game board 6. Further, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 2, a cover member 42 that covers a part of the effect control board case 36 and the prize ball payout unit 100 is provided.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the back of the pachinko gaming machine 2 is a game ball storage device for temporarily storing the game balls 23 supplied from the equipment of the hall where the pachinko gaming machine 2 is installed. The ball storage tank 40, the game balls 23 from the ball storage tank 40 flow in, the prize ball payout unit 100 that passes the game balls 23 one by one, and the game balls 23 that pass the prize ball payout unit 100 are And a prize ball supply passage 41 that leads toward 14.

  The award ball payout unit 100 is configured to be driven and controlled by a payout control means 230 described later, and responds to a request for entering the game ball 23 into various winning holes and a request for lending the game ball 23 from a player. Thus, the game ball 23 is supplied to the player. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of the payout process for winning balls based on the entering of game balls 23 into various winning ports. The prize ball payout unit 100 will be described later.

  When the game ball 23 is launched by a ball launcher (not shown), the game ball 23 travels along the outer rail 26 a of the rail decoration 26 and reaches the upper part in the game area 16. Thereafter, the game ball 23 moves along a plurality of passing trajectories, some moves to the right along the outer rail 26 a of the rail decoration 26, and some moves in the game area 16 while colliding with the game nail 27. Some things flow downward, some flow into the normal winning opening 28 and trigger the payout of a certain number of winning balls, and some things do not flow into any of the pitching devices and are out at the bottom in the game area 16 It flows into the mouth 30 and is discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 2 as an out ball.

  When the game ball 23 flows into the start winning opening 29 during the symbol variation game, the display symbol 7c of the effect display device 7a starts rotating display (the first special game lottery) due to the inflow. If 7c is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol (for example, “7, 7, 7”), a big hit (first special game; hereinafter referred to as symbol fluctuation big hit) in the symbol variable game occurs. Then, the special winning opening 31 is opened to accept a large amount of winning balls, and a large amount of winning balls are paid out to the ball tray 14.

  Next, the structure of the prize ball payout unit 100 of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and the operation principle for paying out the game ball will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the winning ball payout unit 100 has a payout motor (stepping motor) 141d that is driven at the time of payout. As shown in FIG. 4, the winning ball payout unit 100 has a cam shaft connected to the stepping motor 141d. The prize ball payout unit 100 having such a structure operates according to the following principle. First, when a game ball enters a winning opening in the game area, a winning signal is sent to the main control board 200, the main control board 200 determines the number of payouts, and transmits a signal of a winning ball to the payout control board 230. Alternatively, a ball lending request is made from the gaming ball lending device such as the card unit C to the payout control board 230. In response to this, the payout control board 230 operates the prize ball payout unit 100, and the stepping motor 141d in the prize ball payout unit 100 executes the payout of the game ball. As shown in FIG. 4, when the stepping motor 141d rotates, the camshaft rotates and game balls are paid out one by one. The game balls that have been paid out are detected by a count sensor 143 that is continuously provided downstream of the prize ball payout unit 100.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a rotor position confirmation sensor (dispensing motor position sensor) 150 and a rotating body (sprocket) 141 (an example). The rotor position confirmation sensor 150 has a pair of measurement units, and is a photosensor that detects an object between the measurement units by projecting and receiving light. Here, the pair of measuring units is a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives light from the light projecting unit, and is disposed with the rotation confirmation member 141c interposed therebetween. Here, the rotation confirmation member 141c has six recesses formed along the circumference, and is turned off when the rotation confirmation member 141c is interposed between the light projecting part and the light receiving part. When the rotation confirmation member 141c is not interposed between the light projecting part and the light receiving part, it is turned on (state shown in FIG. 5).

<Electrical configuration>
Next, an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a main control board 200 that controls the progress of the game, a payout control board 230 that controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control board 200, Various effects on the effect display device 2140 such as decoration pattern change / stop, etc., effects such as lighting of the sound / game effect lamp 190 from the speaker 114, and an effect control board 220 for controlling the award ball payout error notification Prepare. Here, the payout control board 230 is connected to a prize ball payout unit 100 that executes payout of game balls, and a state display unit 130 that displays a state relating to payout of game balls to the outside by LEDs.

  Here, the main control board 200, the payout control board 230, and the effect control board 220 include a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores programs that prescribe the arithmetic processes of the CPU, data handled by the CPU (during the game) An information processing RAM for temporarily storing various data generated and computer programs read from the ROM is mounted. In addition, the payout control board 230 according to the present embodiment has a backup function of the information so that the information temporarily stored in the information processing RAM provided on the payout control board 230 side can be held when the power is turned off. Have. Here, as a method of realizing the backup function, (1) a method of supplying backup power to the information processing RAM itself provided on the payout control board 230 side when the power is cut off, and (2) a backup RAM is separately provided and held. There is a method of supplying backup power only to the backup RAM after saving the information to be saved from the information processing RAM to the backup RAM. Here, (2) of the realization method has an advantage that the amount of information to be retained is relatively reduced and the power consumption of the RAM is easily reduced as compared with (1). Is configured on the premise of (2) of the realization method, but is not limited to this. The main control board 200 and the effect control board 220 may also be configured to have a backup function for the information.

  Here, transmission and reception of commands and information between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 230, transmission of information and commands from the main control board 200 to the effect control board 220, information from the effect control board 220 to the sub-sub control board 4000, The command may be transmitted by parallel communication or serial communication. In addition, a single line for transmitting a prize ball payout status is arranged between the payout control board 230 and the main control board 200, and a payout signal is sent when a prize ball payout command is transmitted from the main control board 200 side. Is turned on, and when the payout is completed and the motor is stopped, the payout signal is turned off.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 200 has various winning opening sensors S (for example, a special drawing starting opening detection sensor and a big winning opening detection sensor) via an input port (not shown). Connected. In addition, the effect control board 220 is connected to an error notification means 195 (for example, a game effect lamp 190 that changes the flashing mode according to the type of error) via an output port (not shown). Further, the winning ball payout unit 100 includes a payout motor driver 141e and a payout motor 141d (in this example, a stepping motor is used, and hence may be referred to as a stepping motor 141d hereinafter). The signal transmitted from the payout control board 230 is first input to the payout motor driver 141e, and the payout motor driver 141e excites the payout motor 141d based on the input signal.

《Stepping motor configuration》
Next, an excitation method for the stepping motor 141d according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a stepping motor 141d according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the basic structure of the stepping motor is composed of a magnet (rotor) 141d-1 attached to a rotating shaft and an electromagnet (stator) 141d-2 which is a wound coil fixed to the outside thereof. Is done. A plurality (two in this example) of the rotor 141d-1 and the stator 141d-2 are fixed so as to surround the rotating shaft. When a pulse current is passed through the coil around which the stator is wound, a magnetic force is generated, and the rotor is attracted to rotate by a certain angle. Here, the stepping motor is classified into a unipolar type and a bipolar type when the winding method is used. In the bipolar type, when the polarity of the fixed poles arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions is sequentially changed for rotation, it is necessary to reverse the polarity of the applied voltage of the excitation pole. On the other hand, in the unipolar type, the direction of the magnetic flux can be changed by selecting the pole to be excited. The stepping motor according to the present embodiment may be of any type, but the stepping motor of this example is a general-purpose unipolar type. In this example, it is assumed that the stator has two phases (A, A ′ or B, B ′, a set of opposing states is one phase). The example is merely an example, and the number of stator phases (for example, two phases, three phases, five phases, etc.), how to wind each stator winding, and the like are not limited thereto. An excitation method (excitation method) for the stepping motor according to the present embodiment will be described later.

  Next, the relationship between the rotation of the stepping motor 141d and the prize ball payout in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the rotation shafts of the stepping motor 141d of the two-phase excitation method and the 1-2 phase excitation method according to the present embodiment rotate by an angle that is paid out by one ball in 24 steps and 48 steps, respectively (rotation by 60 degrees). When the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 141d rotates, the rotating body (sprocket) 141 fixed to the rotation shaft also rotates following the rotation shaft. Here, in this example, as described above, when the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 141d is rotated by 60 degrees, the holding portions (particularly 141a and 141b) of the sprocket 141 (particularly, three places are held for each rotating body as shown in FIG. 5). Are provided so that one sphere is discharged from a total of 6 locations). More specifically, as will be described later, if the number of prize balls is not stored in the two-phase excitation method, one payout is performed by rotating the payout motor at a speed of 1 step 3 ms and driving 24 steps. That is, the interrupt processing timing at the normal time is set to 3 ms (6 ms at the time of retry). Further, the payout motor position sensor 150 determines the position of the payout motor and detects whether or not it is rotating normally. The prize ball is paid out by driving the number of balls to be paid out and the payout motor in the reverse direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the back of the board), and the paid game balls are counted by the count sensor 143 to confirm that the payout has been made normally. To do. Note that in one continuous payout operation, the number of prize balls to be paid out (for example, 15 balls at the maximum) is paid out by one command. Communicate what is inside. Further, a motor pause time of a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms as a ball passage waiting time / motor pause time) after one continuous payout operation (three in this example) is set. Here, when three prize balls are paid out at a time, pulses of 3 × 24 = 72 steps are transmitted. In the present embodiment, the excitation to the stepping motor is not interrupted for the purpose of fixing the rotor during the motor pause time, but continuously with respect to a specific stator after the excitation output is reduced. It is configured to excite. In the present embodiment, the rotor 141d-1 of the stepping motor 141d is not directly connected to the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 141d, and the power is divided (divided into 1/36) via a gear or the like, thereby stepping. It is assumed that it is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 141d (however, it is not limited to this).

<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 mainly shown here are functions between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 230 that are particularly related to the present embodiment.

(Main control board 200)
First, the main control board 200 (main control means 1000) performs transmission / reception for controlling transmission / reception of commands and information between the game control means 1100 for controlling the progress of the game and the determination of award ball payout, and the payout control board 230 side. Control means 1200, processing related information temporary storage means 1400 for temporarily storing information related to payout-related processing, and error control means 1500 for controlling errors related to prize ball payout in the main control board 200, the payout control board 230, etc. And having. The game control means 1100 has a well-known configuration that conventional machines have. Specifically, the game control means 1100, as a process related to the progress of the game, for example, taking the case of the conventional type 1 gaming machine as an example, random number generation and random number acquisition triggered by the starting entrance ball , Well-known, such as lottery using the random numbers obtained, fluctuations in the symbol (special symbol) based on the lottery result, execution of a special game that opens the variable prize opening that is normally closed when the lottery is won Processing is executed, and when a game ball enters each winning opening, a payout determination process for the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is executed. Hereinafter, each characteristic means of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control unit 1200 includes information (signals) from the transmission control unit 1210 that controls transmission from the main control board 200 to the payout control board 230 and the like and various peripheral devices (for example, the payout control board and various signal output devices). And a reception control means 1220 for receiving the information.

  Here, the transmission control means 1210 has a payout control side transmission control means 1211 for transmitting commands and information to the payout control board 230 side. The payout control side transmission control means 1211 further includes a transmission command temporary storage means 1211a in which a prize ball payout command to be transmitted to the payout control board 230 is set when paying a prize ball.

Further, the reception control means 1220 includes a game side reception control means 1221 for receiving information (signals) from a signal output device (for example, a winning mouth sensor S ₁ , S ₂ ...) Provided in the gaming machine, Payout control side reception control means 1122 for receiving information from the payout control board 230. Here, the game side reception control unit 1221 further includes a game side reception information temporary storage unit 1221a for temporarily storing information received from the signal output device until processing related to the information is executed. The payout control side reception control means 1122 further includes payout control side reception information temporary storage means 1222a for temporarily storing the information received from the payout control board 230 until processing related to the information is executed. Yes.

  Next, the processing-related information temporary storage means 1400 includes an unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410 for temporarily storing unpaid prize ball information (standby prize ball payout information) that has not reached the prize ball payout order. In addition.

  Next, the error control unit 1500 monitors game-related errors (for example, a door opening error as an error other than a prize ball payout error) including errors related to a prize ball payout on the main control board 200 and the payout control board 230 side. In addition, an abnormality notification control unit 1510 that controls to notify an abnormality to the outside when a predetermined error occurs is further provided. Here, the abnormality notification control unit 1510 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 1511 for temporarily storing an on / off state of the game related error flag.

(Discharge control board 230)
Next, the payout control board 230 includes transmission / reception control means 3100 for controlling transmission / reception of commands and information to / from the main control board 200 side and the card unit C side, and errors related to payout on the payout control board 230 side. An error control means 3200 for executing the control, a payout control means 3300 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 when power is cut off on the payout control board 230 side. And a power failure / power failure recovery time process control means 3500 for executing backup processing and backup information restoration processing upon power failure recovery. Although not shown, the payout control board 230 is connected to a backup power source. In this connection form, for example, it may be directly connected to a backup power supply (that is, if the main control board also has a backup function, the backup power supply is supplied independently from the main control board), or The connection may be made indirectly via the main control board 200. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the backup power is supplied by control. However, a circuit configuration may be adopted in which backup power is automatically supplied upon reception of an NMI signal. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control unit 3100 transmits information to the main control board 200 and the card unit C, and the reception control unit 3110 that controls reception of information (for example, commands and signals) from the main control board 200 and the card unit C. Transmission control means 3120 for controlling the control.

  Here, the reception control unit 3110 further includes a main-side reception control unit 3111 that controls reception of information (for example, commands) from the main control board 200. The main side reception control means 3111 further includes a main side reception data temporary storage means 3111a in which information transmitted from the main control board 200 side is temporarily stored. Further, the transmission control unit 3120 further includes a payout-related error information temporary storage unit 3121 in which error information related to a payout operation for transmission to the main control board 200 side is temporarily stored.

  Next, the error control means 3200 includes an error flag temporary storage means 3221 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag such as payout on the payout control board 230 side, and error control when a payout motor operation abnormality is detected. An error control means 3230 at the time of detection of a payout motor operation abnormality that controls the error, an error control means 3240 at the time of an abnormality detection at the time of detection of an abnormality when a payout abnormality is detected, and a ball that controls the error control when an abnormality of the ball path is detected Error control means 3250 at the time of path abnormality detection, error control means 3260 at the time of detection of abnormality of the payout motor that controls error control when the abnormality of the payout motor is detected, and when a fatal abnormality related to the prize ball payout operation is detected And an error control means 3270 at the time of detection of a required payout stop abnormality for managing error control. Here, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 further includes an unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3231 for accumulating and counting the number of times the discharge motor operation abnormality is detected. Further, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 further includes an excessive payout accumulation counter 3241 for accumulating and counting the number of payouts of excessive prize balls. The ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 further includes a payout interval extension control means 3251 for executing a payout interval time extension process related to prize ball payout. Further, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 further includes retry operation control means 3261 for executing a retry operation (retry operation) for eliminating the abnormal operation of the stepping motor 141d. The retry operation control means 3261 further includes excitation method switching control means 3261a for controlling excitation method switching processing during the retry operation.

  Next, the payout control means 3300 has payout process related information temporary storage means 3310 for temporarily storing information necessary for the payout process. Here, the payout processing related information temporary storage means 3310 is a payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 for temporarily storing a state related to payout (for example, whether payout is being performed or whether a payout abnormality has occurred). The payout counter 3312 in which the number of game balls to be paid out is set during the payout process, the step counter temporary storage means 3313 for temporarily storing the number of steps to be driven by the stepping motor 141d, and the stepping motor 141d are driven. In this case, the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 3314 for temporarily storing the position information of the excited stator, and a predetermined time (waiting for ball passing) after one continuous payout operation (unit payout operation) Sphere passage waiting timer 3315 for measuring time / motor stop time) and stepping motor Excitation method setting information temporary storage means 3316 for temporarily storing setting information related to the excitation method 41d, a unit payout counter 3317 in which the number of game balls to be paid out by the unit payout operation is set, and a motor control command table 3318 And further. Here, in this embodiment, the ball passage waiting timer 3315 is a decrementing timer and is configured to stop when the timer value reaches 0, but is not limited thereto, and is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure using a timer.

  Next, the processing control means 3500 at the time of power interruption / recovery from power interruption has a power interruption information temporary storage means 3510 for temporarily storing information to be backed up at the time of power interruption on the payout control board 230 side. . Here, the interruption-time information temporary storage means 3510 includes an interruption-time flag temporary storage means 3511 for temporarily storing a flag state to be backed up at the time of interruption on the payout control board 230 side, and the payout control board 230 side. The counter value of the illegal payout cumulative counter 3512 at the time of power interruption at the time of power interruption at the power supply and the counter value of the excessive payout cumulative counter 3241 at the time of power interruption at the payout control board 230 side are set. There is further provided an excessive interruption cumulative payout counter 3513 and an interruption payout counter 3514 in which the counter value of the payout counter 3312 at the time of power interruption on the payout control board 230 side is set.

<< Contents of commands and information transmitted / received between main control board / payout control board >>
Next, the contents of commands and information transmitted and received between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 230 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the command from the main control board 200 to the payout control board 230 according to the present embodiment includes specific information indicating that it is a prize ball payout command and information on the number of prize balls. Specifically, bits 7 to 4 are fixed to 1001 (identification information indicating that the command is a prize ball payout command). Next, bits 3 to 0 relate to the number of prize balls. For example, 0 (0000B) means 0 prize balls and 15 (1111A) means 15 prize balls. .

  Next, payout related information transmitted from the payout control board 230 to the main control board 200 side will be described. Here, as an example, the payout related information (award ball payout related information or payout abnormality related information) is a fixed value (start bit), payout motor operation error information, excessive payout error information, out of ball error information, shortage of ball error information , Payout motor error information, other payout-related error information (for example, an upper plate full tank error, a card unit C connection error, etc.) and prize ball payout completion information. The details of each error will be described later. If the bit corresponding to each error is “0”, it means that the error has not occurred. If it is “1”, the error has occurred. Means that has occurred. Bit 0 relates to the completion of prize ball payout, “0” means that the prize ball has been paid out, and “1” means that the prize ball has not been paid out.

"processing"
Next, control processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, FIGS. 11 to 15 are flowcharts showing processing on the main control board 200 side. 16 to 31 are flowcharts showing processing on the payout control board 230 side. Hereinafter, it will be described in order.

<Processing on the main control board>
First, the processing in the main control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 5 is a main flowchart showing a flow of general processing performed by the main control unit 1000. After powering on the gaming machine, the process of FIG. That is, after the gaming machine is turned on and initialized (not shown), in step 1002, the main control means 1000 confirms the input port of the RAM clear button and resets the power supply unit E (RAM clear). Button) has been operated, that is, whether or not an operation of clearing the contents of the RAM has been performed intentionally by a game hall manager or the like. In the case of Yes in step 1002, in step 1004, the main control unit 1000 clears all the RAM contents (for example, information in the processing related information temporary storage unit 1400) on the main control board 200 side. Next, in step 1006, the transmission control means 1210 transmits ram clear information (command) indicating that the RAM of the main control board 200 has been cleared to the effect control board 220 (may be transmitted at this timing). At this timing, a command may be set and transmitted by a control command transmission process described later), and the process proceeds to step 1016. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1002, in step 1008, the main control means 1000 checks the contents of the RAM area in the main control board 200 (for example, stored in the checksum and the RAM area recorded at the time of power interruption). Comparison with the amount of information). Next, in step 1010, the main control unit 1000 determines whether or not the content of the RAM is not normal based on the check result (whether or not the information at the time of power interruption is accurately backed up in the RAM). If YES in step 1010, that is, if the data backed up in the RAM is abnormal, the process proceeds to step 1004 (RAM clear process described above). On the other hand, if the data backed up in RAM is normal in Step 1010, that is, if the data backed up in RAM is normal, in Step 1012, the main control means 1000 stores various backups stored (backed up) in the RAM in the main control board 200. The information command is acquired, and in step 1014, the acquired various information commands are transmitted to the effect control board 220 side (may be transmitted at the timing, or the command is set at the timing, and a control command transmission described later is performed. The process may be configured to be transmitted in the process), and the process proceeds to step 1016. Next, in step 1016, the main control means 1000 is triggered by a scheduled execution interrupt (for example, about every 4 ms), which is related to the main processing on the main control board 200 side shown in FIG. In this example, the interrupt cycle is set to T) (as a result, when the execution scheduled interrupt timing is reached, (b) in FIG. 11 is executed), the process proceeds to step 1018. After the transition to step 1018, the main control unit 1000 repeatedly executes various random number update processes (for example, random number counter increment process) until the next scheduled interrupt timing is reached.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. The main control unit 1000 executes the process shown in FIG. 5B based on an interrupt request generated when the scheduled interrupt timing is reached. That is, triggered by the arrival of the scheduled interrupt period T (for example, a hardware interrupt about every 4 ms), in step 1100, the main control means 1000 performs a game control process (based on game entry information such as a starting game) Execute the process related to Next, at step 1200, the main control means 1000 executes an unpaid prize ball management process described later. Next, in step 1300, the main control means 1000 executes a command transmission control process to the payout control board 230 described later. Next, in step 1400, the main control means 1000 executes information reception control processing from the payout control board 230 side described later. Next, in step 1500, the main control means 1000 executes an error handling control process described later. Next, at step 1920, the main control means 1000 executes output processing of external signals (information output to the external terminal board, hall computer HC, etc.). Next, in step 1930, the main control means 1000 executes a control command transmission process (transmits the command set in each process described above to the effect control board 220 side and the payout control board 230 side), and performs this interrupt process. Return to the process that was executed immediately before the execution.

  Next, NMI interrupt processing will be described. As described above, the main control means 1000 is configured such that the power interruption signal from the reset IC is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU, and the processing of FIG. Is done. That is, when the gaming machine is powered off (NMI interrupt in this example), in step 1020, the main control unit 1000 sets power interruption information (for example, checksum) based on the information in the RAM area. Next, in step 1022, the main control means 1000 prohibits writing to the RAM area, prohibits timer interrupt processing, and shifts to power-off waiting loop processing.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of unpaid prize ball (before prize ball payout command transmission) management processing according to the subroutine of step 1200 in FIG. First, at step 1205, the game side reception control means 1221 refers to the game side reception information temporary storage means 1221a, and whether or not a prize signal is received from any of the prize opening sensors S (S1, S2,...). Determine. In the case of Yes in step 1205, in step 1210, the game side reception control means 1221 temporarily stores the unpaid prize ball information related to the received winning signal in the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410 for the next processing ( The process proceeds to a payout control board transmission control process in step 1300. Even in the case of No in step 1205, the processing shifts to the next processing (anti-payout control board transmission control processing in step 1300).

  Next, FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the payout control board transmission control process according to the subroutine of Step 1300 of FIG. First, in step 1305, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the input port of the second line (a line for transmitting an ONOFF signal relating to whether or not a prize ball is being paid out), and determines whether or not the payout signal is OFF. That is, it is determined whether or not a payout is not currently being executed. In the case of Yes in step 1305, in step 1310, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410, and makes an unpaid prize ball (still prize ball payout command to the payout control board 230 side It is determined whether there is a prize ball that has not been transmitted. In the case of Yes in step 1310, in step 1315, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 1511, and a prize ball payout-related error (for example, an error that is inappropriate for paying a prize ball) (for example, It is determined whether or not an error relating to a failure of the payout motor, an upper pan full, a ball out error, etc. has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1315, in step 1320, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 is temporarily stored in the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410, and the unpaid prize ball information in the order in which the current payout process is executed. Are set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a. In step 1325, the payout control side transmission control means 1211 erases the unpaid prize ball information corresponding to the currently set prize ball payout command from the unpaid prize ball information temporary storage means 1410, and shifts the subsequent information. The process to be executed is executed, and the process proceeds to the next process (anti-payout control board reception control process in step 1400). In addition, also in the case of No in step 1305, step 1310, and step 1315, the process proceeds to the next process (the payout control board reception control process in step 1400).

  Next, FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of the payout control board reception control process according to the subroutine of step 1400 of FIG. First, in step 1405, the payout control side reception control means 1122 refers to the payout control side received information temporary storage means 1122a, and determines whether or not payout related information has been received. Here, in the case of Yes in step 1405, in step 1410, the error control unit 1500 determines whether or not error information (out of ball error, upper plate full tank error, other payout related errors) exists in the received payout related information. Determine whether. In the case of Yes in step 1410, in step 1415, the error control unit 1500 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 and turns on the error flag related to the corresponding error, thereby error information on the payout control board 230 side. Are also managed (unified management) on the main control board 200 side. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1410, in step 1420, the error control unit 1500 accesses the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 and turns off the error flag related to the error on the payout control board 230 side. In step 1425, the transmission / reception control unit 1200 determines whether or not prize ball payout completion information exists in the received payout related information. In the case of Yes in step 1425, in step 1430, the transmission / reception control means 1200 clears the prize ball payout command (the prize ball payout command related to the completion of the current payout) set in the transmission command temporary storage means 1211a. The process shifts to an error handling control process in step 1500. In addition, also in the case of No in step 1405 and step 1425, the process proceeds to the next process (control process for handling an error in step 1500).

  Next, FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the error handling control process related to the subroutine of step 1500 in FIG. First, in step 1505, the error control unit 1500 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 1511 to determine whether an error has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1505, in step 1510, the error control unit 1500 determines whether or not the error that has occurred is an important error (for example, a full dish full error with a high risk of fraud). If YES in step 1510, in step 1515, the error control unit 1500 transmits error information corresponding to the error that has occurred this time to the hall computer via the external output terminal board 39. In step 1520, the error control unit 1500 sets an error notification command to the effect control board 220 side corresponding to the error that has occurred this time, and performs the next process {unpaid award ball (award ball payout command in step 1200). Before sending). Even in the case of No in step 1505, the process proceeds to the next processing {unpaid prize ball (before sending a prize ball payout command) management process in step 1200}, and in the case of No in step 1510, the process proceeds to step 1520. As an error notification command transmitted from the main control board 200 side to the effect control board 230 side, a command indicating that the front frame 9 or the glass 10 is in an open state (glass door open error, front frame open error), etc. Can be mentioned.

  Next, the processing on the payout control board 230 side will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 16 (left) is a process executed by the payout control board 230 at the normal time after the power is turned on. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 16 (right) is a process at the time of power interruption (power interruption) executed by the payout control board 230 triggered by an NMI signal generated when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value.

  First, FIG. 16 (left) is a flowchart of a main routine 2000 executed on the payout control board 230 side. First, in step 2600, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes an initial process for returning from power interruption, which will be described later. Next, in step 2700, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes an error detection error control process described later. Next, in step 2100, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes prize ball payout related information transmission / reception processing described later with the main control board 200. Next, at step 2200, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of starting a prize ball payout / starting motor driving), which will be described later. Next, in step 2300, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the end of motor driving and at the end of prize ball payout), which will be described later. Next, in step 2400, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes a prize ball payout control process (at the time of motor drive execution) which will be described later. In step 2500, the payout control board (payout control means) 230 executes a motor error process described later, and proceeds to step 2600. Hereinafter, each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the power failure return initial process according to the subroutine of step 2600 of FIG. First, this process is a process that is executed only once at the time of power failure recovery on the payout control board 230 side, and its purpose is backup when power failure occurs on the payout control board 230 side (the backup process will be described later). ) Based on the restored information, the information related to the process execution on the payout control board 230 side before the occurrence of the power interruption is restored, and the process that was executed before the occurrence of the power interruption is restored based on the restored information. That is. First, in step 2605, the power interruption / power interruption return processing control means 3500 refers to the power interruption flag temporary storage means 3511 and determines whether or not the payout control side power interruption flag is on. Here, the payout control side power interruption flag is a flag that is turned on when power is cut off on the payout control board 230 side. In the case of Yes in step 2605, in step 2610, the power interruption / power interruption recovery processing control means 3500 accesses the power interruption flag temporary storage means 3511 and turns off the payout control side power interruption flag. Next, in step 2615, the power failure / power failure return processing control means 3500 refers to the power interruption unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3512 to acquire a counter value and to detect the counter value when a payout motor operation abnormality is detected. The illegal payout accumulation counter 3231 in the error control means 3230 is set. Here, as will be described later, the value of the unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3231 in the error control means 3230 upon detection of abnormality in the payout motor operation is temporarily stored (backup) in the unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3512 during power interruption. Will be. That is, by this processing, the value of the unauthorized payout cumulative counter 3231 in the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 is restored to the state before the occurrence of power interruption. In addition, in the following steps 2620 to 2635, it is supplemented that the same restoration process is executed. Next, at step 2620, the power failure / power failure recovery processing control means 3500 refers to the power interruption excessive payout accumulation counter 3513 to acquire the counter value, and at the same time, controls the counter value for error control at the time of payout abnormality detection. The excessive payout accumulation counter 3241 in the means 3240 is set. Next, in step 2625, the power interruption / power interruption return processing control means 3500 refers to the power interruption payout counter 3514 to obtain a counter value, and the counter value is related to the payout process related information temporary storage means 3310. The payout counter 3312 is set. Next, in step 2630, the power failure / power failure recovery processing control means 3500 refers to the power interruption flag temporary storage means 3511, and refers to various error flags (ball out error flag, ball shortage error flag, payout). The motor error flag and the payout stop error flag) are acquired, and the flag values are set in the error flag temporary storage unit 3221 in the error control unit 3200, and the process proceeds to step 2640. The details of the ball break error flag, the ball shortage error flag, the payout motor error flag, and the payout stop error flag will be described later.

  Next, in step 2640, the power failure / power failure recovery processing control means 3500 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the payout motor error flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2640, in step 2645, the processing control unit 3500 at the time of power interruption / recovery from power interruption turns on a retry operation execution permission flag in the payout state flag temporary storage unit 3311. Next, at step 2650, the power failure / power failure recovery time processing control means 3500 turns on the prize ball paying-in flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 to perform the next processing (when an abnormality is detected at step 2700). Move to error control process. Here, as will be described later, the retry operation of the stepping motor is executed under the situation where the retry operation execution permission flag is ON. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2640, in step 2655, the power interruption / power interruption recovery time processing control means 3500 refers to the payout counter 3312 and determines whether or not the count value is greater than zero. In the case of Yes in step 2655, in step 2660, the processing control means 3500 at the time of power interruption / recovery from power interruption turns on the winning ball payout start permission flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and performs the next processing (step 2700, error control processing upon abnormality detection). Here, as will be described later, in a situation where the winning ball payout start permission flag is ON, the winning ball paying operation (that is, the normal paying operation) of the stepping motor is executed. Note that, also in the case of No in step 2605 or step 2655, the process proceeds to the next process (error control process at the time of abnormality detection in step 2700).

  Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of error control processing at the time of abnormality detection according to the subroutine of step 2700 in FIG. First, in step 2710, the error control means 3200 executes an error control process at the time of detecting a dispensing motor operation abnormality, which will be described later. Next, in step 2720, the error control means 3200 executes a payout abnormality detection error control process to be described later. Next, in step 2740, the error control means 3200 executes a ball path abnormality detection error control process described later. Next, in step 2770, the error control means 3200 executes an error control process at the time of detecting a payout motor abnormality, which will be described later. Next, in step 2790, the error control means 3200 executes an error control process at the time of detecting a required payout stop abnormality described later, and proceeds to the next process (award ball payout related information transmission / reception process in step 2100).

  Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the error control process at the time of detecting a dispensing motor operation abnormality according to the subroutine of step 2710 of FIG. First, the purpose of this process is to count the number of occurrences of abnormality when a payout motor operation abnormality described later is detected, and to perform error notification when the number of occurrences of abnormality exceeds a threshold value. That is. First, in step 2711, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the payout motor operation abnormality detection flag is on. Here, as will be described later, the payout motor operation abnormality detection flag is detected when the passing of the game ball is detected by the count sensor 143 under a situation where the prize ball payout process is not executed on the payout control board 230 side ( This flag is turned on when the dispensing motor operation is abnormal. In the case of Yes in step 2711, in step 2712, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the payout motor operation abnormality detection flag. Next, at step 2713, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 increments the counter value of the unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3231 by one. Next, in step 2714, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 refers to the counter value of the unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3231 and determines whether or not the count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 25). To do. In the case of Yes in step 2714, in step 2715, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 turns on the payout motor operation error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221, and proceeds to step 2716. Note that if the answer is No in step 2711 or step 2714, the process proceeds to step 2716.

  Next, at step 2716, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the payout motor operation error flag is on. If YES in step 2716, the payout motor operation error detection error control means 3230 turns off the payout motor operation error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221 in step 2717. Next, in step 2718, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 makes full use of the status display unit 130 to notify that a payout motor operation error has occurred. Then, in step 2719, the payout motor operation abnormality detection error control means 3230 sets the payout motor operation error in the payout related error information temporary storage means 3121 as the payout related error information, and performs the next process (the payout abnormality in step 2720). Shift to error control processing at detection. Even in the case of No in step 2716, the process proceeds to the next process (error control process at the time of payout abnormality detection in step 2720).

  Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of error control processing at the time of payout abnormality detection according to the subroutine of step 2720 in FIG. First, the purpose of this process is to count the number of payouts of excessive game balls due to the abnormality when a payout abnormality described later is detected, and when the count number exceeds a threshold value, It is to perform error notification. First, in step 2721, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the payout abnormality detection flag is on. Here, as will be described later, the payout abnormality detection flag exceeds the predetermined number of winning ball payouts based on the command transmitted from the main control board 200 side, and the payout of excessive game balls is detected (payout). It is a flag that is turned on (abnormal). In the case of Yes in step 2721, in step 2722, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the payout abnormality detection flag. Next, in step 2723, the error control means 3240 at the time of an abnormality in detecting the withdrawal acquires the excessive payout number temporarily stored in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 3310, and stores the excessive payout number in the excessive payout cumulative counter 3241. to add. Next, in step 2724, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 refers to the counter value of the excessive payout accumulation counter 3241 and determines whether or not the count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 25). If YES in step 2724, in step 2725, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 turns on the excessive payout error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221, and the process proceeds to step 2726. Note that if the result is No in step 2721 or step 2724, the process proceeds to step 2726.

  Next, in step 2726, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the excessive payout error flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2726, in step 2727, the payout abnormality detection time error control means 3240 turns off the excessive payout error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221. Next, in step 2728, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 makes full use of the status display unit 130 to notify that an excessive payout error has occurred. Then, in step 2729, the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 sets an excessive payout error as payout related error information in the payout related error information temporary storage means 3121 for the next processing (when the ball path abnormality is detected in step 2740). Move to error control process. Even in the case of No in step 2726, the process proceeds to the next process (the error control process at the time of detecting a ball path abnormality in step 2740).

  Next, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the error control process at the time of detecting a ball path abnormality according to the subroutine of step 2740 in FIG. First, the purpose of this process is to detect an abnormal ball path, which will be described later. Or whether or not an abnormality has occurred in which there is a small amount of game balls (shortage of balls) in the prize ball payout unit 100, and an abnormality corresponding to the abnormal ball shortage or abnormal shortage is detected. The error notification is executed. In addition, (2) when an abnormality corresponding to a ball shortage abnormality or a ball shortage abnormality is detected, the waiting time until the ball shortage abnormality or the ball shortage abnormality is resolved by extending the payout interval of the prize ball payout Is to create. First, in step 2741, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the ball path abnormality detection flag is on. Here, as will be described later, the ball path abnormality detection flag is at the end of execution of a predetermined number of payout operations (unit payout operations) scheduled on the payout control board 230 side, and the motor drive operates normally. It is a flag that is turned on when a situation in which the number of payouts is less than the predetermined number is detected under the situation where it is determined that the payout has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 2741, in step 2742, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the ball path abnormality detection flag. Next, in step 2743, the error control means 3250 at the time of detecting the ball path abnormality determines whether or not the condition for occurrence of the ball break abnormality is satisfied. Here, the occurrence condition of the ball break abnormality is not particularly limited. For example, a game ball detection sensor is provided at a predetermined position in the ball storage tank 40 or the prize ball payout unit 100, and the presence of the game ball is detected by the detection sensor. An example can be given in which a condition where a ball breakage abnormality has occurred is detected when it cannot be detected. In the case of Yes in step 2743, in step 2744, the ball path abnormality detection time error control means 3250 turns on the ball break error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221. Next, in step 2745, the error control means 3250 at the time of detecting a ball path abnormality notifies the fact that a ball-out error has occurred by making full use of the state display unit 130. In step 2746, the ball path abnormality detection error control unit 3250 sets a ball-out error as the payout-related error information in the payout-related error information temporary storage unit 3121, and proceeds to step 2747. Note that if the result is No in step 2743, the process proceeds to step 2747. Next, in step 2747, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 determines whether or not the occurrence condition of the ball shortage abnormality is satisfied. Here, the occurrence condition of the ball shortage abnormality is not particularly limited. For example, each of the ball flow paths (in this example, two ball flow paths exist) immediately above the sprocket 141 in the prize ball payout unit 100. An example can be given in which a game ball detection sensor is provided, and when the presence of a game ball cannot be detected by any of the detection sensors, a ball shortage abnormality occurs. In the case of Yes in step 2747, in step 2748, the error control means 3250 at the time of detecting the ball path abnormality turns on the sphere shortage error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221. Next, in step 2749, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 makes full use of the status display unit 130 to notify that a ball shortage error has occurred. In step 2750, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 sets a ball shortage error as the payout-related error information in the payout-related error information temporary storage means 3121, and proceeds to step 2751. Note that if the result in Step 2741 is No, the process proceeds to Step 2751.

  Next, at step 2751, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the ball break error flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2751, in step 2752, the error control means 3250 at the time of detecting the ball path abnormality determines whether or not the condition for eliminating the ball break abnormality is satisfied. Here, the condition for eliminating the ball break abnormality is not particularly limited, and an example of the condition for eliminating the ball break abnormality when the above-described condition for occurrence of the ball break abnormality is not satisfied can be given. In the case of Yes in step 2752, in step 2753, the ball path abnormality detection time error control means 3250 turns off the ball break error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221. Next, at step 2754, the error control means 3250 at the time of detecting a ball path abnormality ends (cancels) notification that a ball shortage error has occurred using the state display unit 130. In step 2755, the payout interval extension control unit 3251 is continuously excited so as to perform a predetermined number of payout operations at a single speed every 3 ms × 8 steps = 24 ms in the normal operation. And go to step 2760. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2752, in step 2756, the payout interval extension control means 3251 changes the excitation timing so that the payout speed of one sphere is relatively low as compared with that in the normal operation. Move to 2760. Note that if the result is No in step 2751, the process proceeds to step 2760. Here, the excitation timing to be changed is not particularly limited. For example, after a payout operation for one sphere is executed at a speed of 3 ms × 8 steps = 24 ms, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) is waited. An example can be given in which the excitation timing is changed so that the payout operation is executed once again at a speed of 3 ms × 8 steps = 24 ms after the waiting time has elapsed.

  Next, in step 2760, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the sphere shortage error flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2760, in step 2761, the error control means 3250 at the time of detecting the ball path abnormality determines whether or not the condition for eliminating the ball shortage abnormality is satisfied. Here, the condition for eliminating the ball shortage abnormality is not particularly limited, and an example of a condition for eliminating the ball shortage abnormality when the above-described condition for occurrence of the ball shortage abnormality is not satisfied can be given. In the case of Yes in step 2761, in step 2762, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 turns off the sphere shortage error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221. Next, at step 2763, the ball path abnormality detection error control means 3250 uses the state display unit 130 to end (cancel) notification that a ball shortage error has occurred. In step 2764, the payout interval extension control means 3251 sets a predetermined value (500 ms in this example) in the ball passage waiting timer 3315, and proceeds to the next process (error control process at the time of detection of a payout motor abnormality in step 2770). Transition. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2761, in step 2765, the payout interval extension control means 3251 resets the predetermined value to the ball passage waiting timer 3315 (the processing of step 2238 in FIG. 25, each time the unit payout operation is executed). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined value has been reset at the start of the unit payout operation. In the case of Yes in step 2765, in step 2766, the payout interval extension control means 3251 sets an extended time value (for example, 30 seconds) in the ball passage waiting timer 3315 and performs the next processing (payout motor abnormality detection in step 2770). (Error control process). Even in the case of No in step 2760, the process proceeds to the next process (error control process at the time of detection of a dispensing motor abnormality in step 2770). Here, when a ball break error occurs and a ball shortage error occurs, it is the same in that processing for relatively extending the payout interval of the winning ball is executed as compared with the normal operation. The method is different. That is, when a ball break error occurs, one ball payout → extension wait time → one ball payout → extension wait time ... is repeated, whereas when a ball shortage error occurs, a predetermined number payout → extension wait time → predetermined number It is repeated with payout → extended waiting time.

  Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an error control process at the time of detection of a dispensing motor abnormality according to the subroutine of step 2770 of FIG. First, the purpose of this process is to perform error notification when a payout motor abnormality (to be described later) is detected, to execute a control process for switching the payout motor to a retry operation, and to drive the motor when the retry operation is executed. This is to execute the excitation type switching control processing according to the above. First, at step 2771, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the payout motor abnormality detection flag is on. Here, as will be described later, the payout motor abnormality detection flag is a flag that is turned on when it is determined that the motor drive is not operating normally due to an external factor such as a ball bite. If Yes in step 2771, in step 2772, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 turns off the payout motor abnormality detection flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311. Next, in step 2773, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 turns on the payout motor error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221. Next, at step 2774, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 makes full use of the status display unit 130 to notify that a payout motor error has occurred. Next, in step 2775, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 sets the payout motor error as the payout related error information in the payout related error information temporary storage means 3121. In step 2776, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 turns on the retry operation execution standby flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, and proceeds to step 2777. Note that if the result of Step 2771 is No, the process proceeds to Step 2777. Here, the retry operation execution standby flag is a flag for setting a retry operation in a standby state for a predetermined time after the occurrence of a motor error, which will be described later, and providing a waiting time for eliminating the motor error within the predetermined time.

  Next, in step 2777, the payout motor abnormality detection error control means 3260 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the payout motor error flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2777, in step 2778, the retry operation control unit 3261 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage unit 3311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution permission flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2778, the retry operation control unit 3261 turns off the retry operation execution permission flag in the payout state flag temporary storage unit 3311 in step 2779. Next, in step 2780, the retry operation control unit 3261 sets a predetermined number of steps during the retry operation as a step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage unit 3313. Here, the predetermined number of steps at the time of the retry operation is not particularly limited, but an example in which the same number as the confirmation timing of the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 at the time of the retry operation described later can be given. Next, in step 2882, the excitation method switching control means 3261a switches the excitation speed for the retry operation related to the stepping motor operation (in this example, the 1-2 phase excitation method) and the switching speed of one step for the retry operation (this In the example, 6 ms) is temporarily stored in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 3316. Here, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the excitation method for the normal operation related to the stepping motor operation is set to the 2-2 phase excitation method, while the excitation method for the retry operation is set to the 1-2 phase excitation method. The excitation method is set. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail. First, as described above, among the excitation methods (1-1 phase excitation method, 2-2 phase excitation method, 1-2 phase excitation method) listed in this example, the generated torque is 1-1 phase. Excitation method <1-2 phase excitation method <2-2 phase excitation method In the order of increasing, on the other hand, in the situation where the motor drive is obstructed by external force such as ball engagement, the load on the motor in the same order Is getting bigger. That is, as in this example, when a retry operation is executed due to the occurrence of a ball bite or the like, the 2-2 phase excitation method to the 1-2 phase excitation method (or 1-1 phase excitation method). By switching to, the load on the motor can be suppressed, and the probability that the motor will be damaged can be reduced. In addition to switching the excitation method, the switching speed of one step is reduced {the stator excitation timing is changed from once in X (for example, 3 ms) to once in Y (Y> X, for example, 6 ms)}. Thus, the load on the motor can be further suppressed, and the interval at which the stator is not excited can be secured relatively long. In other words, since the power per unit time supplied to the sprocket is relatively lowered, it is possible to increase the probability that an abnormal operation such as ball biting is eliminated. Returning to the description of the flowchart, next, in step 2783, the retry operation control means 3261 sets a predetermined value (500 ms in this example) as a ball passage waiting time / motor suspension time related to the stepping motor operation, and a ball passage waiting timer. Set to 3315. Next, in step 2784, the retry operation control unit 3261 turns on the retry operation execution flag in the payout state flag temporary storage unit 3311. In step 2785, the retry operation control means 3400 turns on the motor driving flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and proceeds to the next processing (error control processing at the time of payout stop abnormality detection in step 2790). To do. In addition, also in the case of No in step 2777 or step 2778, the process proceeds to the next process (error control process at the time of detection of required stoppage stop abnormality in step 2790).

  Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the error control process at the time of detecting a required payout abnormality according to the subroutine of step 2790 of FIG. First, the purpose of this process is to execute error notification when a fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the prize ball payout process is detected, and to resolve the fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the prize ball payout process. The prize ball payout process cannot be continued until Here, the fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the prize ball payout process includes a communication error between the main control board 200 and the payout control board 230, a communication error between the card unit C and the payout control board 230, and a sensor of the count sensor 143. Abnormality, upper plate full tank abnormality, etc. are mentioned. First, at step 2791, the required payout stop abnormality detection error control means 3270 determines whether or not a fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the prize ball payout process as described above has been detected. In the case of Yes in step 2791, in step 2792, the payout stop abnormality detection error control means 3270 turns on the payout stop error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221, and proceeds to step 2793. In the case of No in step 2791, the process proceeds to step 2793. Next, in Step 2793, the payout stop abnormality detection error control means 3270 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and determines whether or not the payout stop error flag is on. If Yes in step 2793, in step 2794, the payout stop abnormality detection error control means 3270 uses the status display unit 130 to notify that a payout stop error has occurred. Next, in step 2795, the transmission control means 3120 transmits to the main control board 200 side that a payout stop error has occurred as payout related error information. Next, in Step 2796, the required payout stop abnormality detection error control means 3270 determines whether or not the fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the winning ball payout process has been resolved. In the case of Yes in step 2796, in step 2797, the error control means 3270 upon detection of a required payout stop abnormality turns off the payout stop error flag in the error flag temporary storage means 3221 and performs the next process {the prize ball payout in step 2100. The process proceeds to related information reception processing (vs. main control board)}. Even in the case of No in step 2793, the process proceeds to the next process {the prize ball payout related information reception process (vs. main control board) in step 2100}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2796, the process shifts to step 2796 again to shift to an infinite loop process. Here, in the present embodiment, the infinite loop process is executed until the fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the winning ball payout process is resolved, but the present invention is not limited to this. In that case, it may be configured to execute only the error control process at the time of abnormality detection in step 2700, and when a fatal abnormality related to the continuation of the prize ball payout process and other abnormality occur in duplicate. It is suitable for a configuration in which all of these abnormalities can be detected.

  Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart of prize ball payout related information reception processing (vs. main control board) according to the subroutine of step 2100 of FIG. Here, the first half of the flow is an information reception process from the main control board 200 (and a process for setting the number of winning ball payouts associated therewith), and the second half of the flow is an information transmission process to the main control board 200. Accordingly, the information reception process from the main control board 200 in the first half (and the process of setting the number of winning ball payouts associated therewith) will be described first. Referring to 3311, it is determined whether or not the winning ball payout flag is off. Here, the “Prize ball paying out flag” means that when the pay ball paying process is being executed on the payout control side (when the payout motor of the payout device is in driving operation, or when the ball passing waiting time / motor pause time) This flag turns on when In the case of Yes in step 2105, in step 2110, the main-side reception control means 3111 refers to the main-side reception information temporary storage means 3111a and determines whether or not a prize ball payout command has been received. In the case of Yes in step 2110, in step 2115, the payout control means 3300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns on the prize ball payout start permission flag. Next, in step 2120, the payout control means 3300 derives the number of prize balls to be paid out this time based on the prize ball payout command information temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 3111a, and the prize ball number information Is set in the payout counter 3312, and the process proceeds to the next process (step 2125). This completes the process of setting the number of prize balls to be paid when the normal prize ball payout process is executed. It should be noted that the process proceeds to the next process (step 2125) also when No in step 2105 and step 2110.

  Next, the process of transmitting information to the main control board 200 will be described. First, in step 2125, the transmission control means 3120 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 to determine whether or not the payout related error transmission flag is on. Determine. Here, the “payout-related error transmission flag” means that the above-mentioned payout-related error {payout motor operation error, excessive payout error, ball out error, ball shortage error, payout motor error, payout stop error} occurs. This flag is turned on and turned off after the error notification is made on the main control board side. In the case of Yes in step 2125, in step 2130, the error control unit 3200 turns off the payout related error transmission flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 3221. In step 2135, the transmission control means 3120 transmits the payout-related error information set in the payout-related error information temporary storage means 3121 to the main control board 200 side, and proceeds to the next process (step 2140). Note that if the result is No in step 2125, the process proceeds to the next process (step 2140).

  Next, in step 2140, the transmission control means 3120 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout completion flag is on. Here, the “prize ball payout completion flag” is a flag that is turned on when it is determined by the payout control means 3300 that the prize ball payout has been completed. In the case of Yes in step 2140, in step 2145, the transmission control means 3120 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the winning ball payout completion flag. In step 2150, the transmission control means 3120 transmits information indicating that the prize ball payout has been completed to the main control board 200 side, and the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step 2200 (the prize ball payout start).・ When starting motor drive}. Even in the case of No in step 2140, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step 2200 (award ball payout start / motor driving start)}. The winning ball payout completion information transmission process is thus completed.

  Next, FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the prize ball payout control process (at the start of prize ball payout / motor driving start) according to the subroutine of step 2200 in FIG. Here, this process is a process before the execution of the motor drive process of the next step 2300, and the number of motor drive steps and the like are set in response to receiving a prize ball payout command from the main control board side. It is processing to do. First, in step 2205, the payout control means 3300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, and whether or not the prize ball payout start permission flag (see step 2660 in FIG. 17 and step 2115 in FIG. 24) is on. Determine. In the case of Yes in step 2205, in step 2210 and step 2215, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 to turn on the winning ball paying-out flag and turn off the winning ball payout start permission flag. To do. In step 2220, the payout control means 3300 determines whether or not the number of prize balls paid out set in the payout counter 3312 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 3). In the case of Yes in step 2220, in step 2225, the payout control means 3300 temporarily stores the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 3313 so that a predetermined number of payouts are paid, and the process proceeds to step 2232. The counter value (n) temporarily stored here is the number of steps of the stepping motor (in this embodiment, one ball is discharged in 24 steps in the case of the 1-1 phase excitation method and the 2-2 phase excitation method). In the case of the 1-2 phase excitation method, one ball is discharged in 48 steps). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2220, the payout control means 3300 temporarily stores the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 3313 so that the number of winning ball payouts set in the payout counter 3312 is paid out. 2232 is entered. In step 2232, the payout control unit 3300 sets the payout planned number in this unit payout operation (that is, the payout number scheduled in step 2225 or step 2230) in the unit payout counter 3317. Next, in step 2237, the payout control means 3300 switches the normal operation excitation method (2-2 phase excitation method in this example) and the normal operation 1 step switching speed (in this example) to the stepping motor operation. 3 ms) is temporarily stored in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 3316. Next, in step 2238, the payout control means 3300 sets a predetermined value (500 ms in this example) as a ball passage waiting timer 3315 as a ball passage waiting time / motor suspension time related to the stepping motor operation. Next, in step 2239, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the retry operation execution flag. Here, the retry operation execution flag is a flag that is turned on during execution of the retry operation related to the stepping motor operation as described above. In step 2240, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, turns on the motor driving flag, and proceeds to the next process {the award ball payout control process in step 2300 (at the end of motor driving / award). At the end of ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2205, in step 2245, the payout control means 3300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2245, since the motor has already been driven, the process proceeds to the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step 2300 (at the end of motor drive and at the end of prize ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2245, in step 2250, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the prize ball payout continuation flag is off. Here, the winning ball payout continuation flag is after the stepping motor operation for a predetermined number of steps in the unit payout operation, and when the winning ball payout operation should be continued when the ball passing waiting time / motor rest time elapses ( A detailed condition is described later. In the case of Yes in step 2250, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step 2300 (at the end of motor driving / end of a prize ball payout)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2250, in step 2252, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the prize ball payout continuation flag. In step 2254, the payout control means 3300 refers to the unit payout counter 3317 and determines whether or not the counter value exceeds 0 (that is, all the payout amount for the current unit payout operation has not been paid out). Or not). In the case of Yes in step 2254, in step 2256, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, turns on the ball path abnormality detection flag, and proceeds to step 2220. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2254, the process proceeds to step 2220 without executing step 2256. That is, when the winning ball payout continuation flag is on, the process of setting the number of steps of motor driving and the like is executed again without receiving the winning ball payout command from the main control board side, If it is determined that all of the scheduled payout amount due to the current unit payout operation has not been paid out, the occurrence of an abnormality that causes a ball shortage error or a ball shortage error is detected.

  Next, FIG. 26 is a flowchart of prize ball payout control processing (at the end of motor driving / end of prize ball payout) according to the subroutine of step 2300 in FIG. Here, the process is an end process when all the motors scheduled to be driven in the previous process (step 2200) are completed or when all the prize ball payouts are scheduled. . Here, motor drive end processing is executed from step 2302 to step 2319, game ball detection processing is executed from step 2320 to step 2325, and prize ball payout end processing is executed from step 2330 to step 2362. First, the motor drive end process will be described. First, in step 2302, the payout control means 3300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 to determine whether or not the winning ball payout flag is on. To do. If Yes in step 2302, in step 2305, the payout control means 3300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2305, in step 2310, the payout control means 3300 refers to the counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 3313 and determines whether or not the counter value is 0, that is, the step of FIG. It is determined whether or not all the number of steps in the current unit payout operation set in step 2225 or step 2230 has been executed. In the case of Yes in step 2310, in step 2315, the payout control means 3300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the motor driving flag. Next, in step 2316, the payout control means 3300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, and determines whether or not the retry operation execution flag is on. In the case of Yes in step 2316, in step 2317, the payout control unit 3300 accesses the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage unit 3311, turns off the retry operation execution flag, and proceeds to step 2318. On the other hand, if No in step 2316, the process proceeds to step 2318. Next, at step 2318, the payout control means 3300 maintains the stepping motor in a paused state (in this example, the excitation output is lowered and the current excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) is continuously excited). Here, the excitation stator position specifying counter indicates the relative position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and “0” corresponds to the default position at the time of standby (pause). Next, in step 2319, the payout control means 3300 starts a ball passage waiting timer 3315 and proceeds to step 2320. Note that if the answer is No in step 2305 or step 2310, the process also proceeds to step 2320. This completes the motor drive end process.

  Next, the game ball detection process will be described. First, in step 2320, the payout control means 3300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal is received from the count sensor 143. In the case of Yes in step 2320, the payout control unit 3300 decrements the counter value temporarily stored in the unit payout counter 3317 by 1 in step 2322. Next, in step 2325, the payout control means 3300 decrements the counter value temporarily stored in the payout counter 3312 by 1 and proceeds to the next process (step 2330). Note that if the answer is No in Step 2320, the process proceeds to the next process (Step 2330). This is the end of the game ball detection process.

  Next, the winning ball payout end process will be described. First, in step 2330, the payout control means 3300 refers to the payout counter 3312 and determines whether or not the count value is 0 or less. In the case of Yes in step 2330, in step 2335 and step 2340, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 to turn off the winning ball payout flag and turn on the winning ball payout completion flag. . Next, in step 2341, the payout control means 3300 refers to the payout counter 3312 and determines whether or not the count value is less than zero. If Yes in step 2341, the payout control means 3300 turns on the payout abnormality detection flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 in step 2342. Next, the payout control means 3300 refers to the payout counter 3312 and based on the count value, the payout process related information temporary storage means calculates the excessive payout number (for example, if the counter value is −3, the excessive payout number is 3). Temporarily stored in 3310, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step 2400 (during motor drive)}. In the case of No in step 2341 (that is, when the count value of the payout counter 3312 is 0 and the predetermined payout number is normally paid out), the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step 2400 is also performed. (During motor drive execution)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2330, in step 2345, the payout control means 3300 refers to the timer value of the ball passage waiting timer 3315 and determines whether or not the timer value is zero. In the case of Yes in step 2345, in step 2347, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution standby flag is off. Here, the retry operation execution standby flag is a flag that is turned on when a motor error occurs during motor driving as described above. In the case of Yes in step 2347, in step 2350, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, turns on the prize ball payout continuation flag, and proceeds to the next process {the prize ball payout control process in step 2400 ( (When motor drive is executed)}. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2347, in step 2360 and step 2362, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311, turns off the retry operation execution standby flag, and sets a retry operation execution permission flag. It is turned on, and the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step 2400 (during motor drive)}. Even in the case of No in step 2345, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step 2400 (during motor drive)}. Here, in the case of No in Step 2302 (that is, when the prize ball payout process is not being executed), in Step 2370, the payout control means 3300 determines whether or not a game ball detection signal has been received from the count sensor 143. judge. In the case of Yes in step 2370, in step 2372, the payout control means 3300 turns on the payout motor operation abnormality detection flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 to perform the next process {the winning ball payout control process in step 2400 ( (When motor drive is executed)}. Even in the case of No in step 2370, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout control process in step 2400 (during motor drive)}.

  Next, FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the prize ball payout control process (during motor drive execution) according to the subroutine of step 2400 of FIG. Here, the process is a process of actually executing motor driving based on the number of steps set in the previous process (step 2200). First, in step 2405, the payout control means 3300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the motor driving flag is on. The motor driving flag is a flag that is turned on when a predetermined step counter number is set in the step counter temporary storage unit 3313 (see step 2240 in FIG. 25), and corresponds to the predetermined step counter number. This flag is turned off when all excitation is executed. Here, in the case of Yes in step 2405, in step 2410, the payout control means 3300 decrements the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 3313 by 1. Next, in step 2420, the payout control means 3300 refers to the motor control command table 2218 and updates (increments by 1) the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 3314. Next, in step 2425, the payout control means 3300 refers to the motor control command table 3318 and based on the excitation method and switching speed temporarily stored (set) in the excitation method setting information temporary storage means 3316. A stator excitation command corresponding to the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j) in the position specifying counter value temporary storage means 3314 is transmitted to the payout motor driver 141e.

  Here, FIG. 28 is an example of the motor control command table 3318. As shown in the figure, the motor control command (stator excitation command) is determined based on the excitation method (2-2 phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation) and the excitation stator position specifying counter value (j). Has been. As described above, since the stepping motor 141d in this example is illustrated as having a two-phase stator, in the following description, expressions such as A phase and B phase are used. Explains. As shown in this example, in this embodiment, the motor control command is a 6-bit command, the first 3 bits are signals related to A-phase excitation control, and the remaining 3 bits are related to B-phase excitation control. It is configured to be a signal. In addition, the signal related to the excitation control is 1-bit information (A-phase control signal) indicating in which direction (+ or −) the current flows to a pair of stators corresponding to the A-phase (or B-phase). Or B-phase control signal) and 2-bit information (A) indicating the level of current flowing to the pair of stators (0%, 67%, 100% and 33% used only when the motor is stopped at the home position). Phase current level control signal or B phase current level control signal). All information related to the excitation control of the motor configured as described above can be simultaneously transmitted to the payout motor driver 141e as one command, that is, any of the two-phase stators can be transmitted using the 6-bit command. There is a technical feature in that it is possible to collectively control at which pole the stator (for example, A or A ′) is magnetized, and further, the degree of magnetization. . For reference, the conventional motor control command is composed of 4-bit information related to whether or not each of the stators A, A ′ or B and B ′ is magnetized and 1-bit information related to the degree of magnetization of all the stators. However, in such a configuration, redundant information may be included as information on which stator in the two-phase stator is magnetized at which pole. In addition, it is supplemented that there is a problem that it is difficult to finely set the drive control of the stepping motor 141d because the degree of magnetization cannot be set for each stator. Each signal (information of each bit) in the motor control command can be input to the payout motor driver 141e from terminals (PHASE1, IA1, IA2, PHASE2, IB1, IB2) described later. (It is connected. Note that this example is merely an example, and the contents of the command, the configuration of the table, and the like can be appropriately changed as long as they do not deviate significantly from the purpose of this example. May be 1 bit (combination of 0% and 100%), and in the case of 3 phases or 5 phases, it may be configured to add a bit string serving as a motor control command for each phase}.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart, next, in step 2430, the payout control means 3300 refers to the flag area of the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the retry operation execution flag is off. In the case of Yes in step 2430, in step 2432, the payout control means 3300 indicates that the counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 3313 is the confirmation timing of the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 during normal operation. It is determined whether or not. Here, the confirmation of the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 during the normal operation is performed for the purpose of confirming whether or not an abnormal operation related to the motor operation (a step-out phenomenon due to ball biting or the like) has occurred. For example, at least two confirmation timings are required during the execution of the payout operation for one ball. For example, at the first confirmation timing, the detection signal from the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 is normally operated because the detection signal is switched from OFF to ON, and at the second confirmation timing, the detection signal from the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 is set. Is a method of performing normal operation by switching from ON to OFF. Thus, by providing two confirmation timings during the execution of the payout operation for one ball, it is possible to detect an abnormal operation related to the motor operation. In addition, when performing a one-ball payout operation in eight steps, the first time when motor driving for 4 steps (1/2 ball) is executed, and the second time when motor driving for 8 steps (one ball) is executed. It is preferable to provide a confirmation timing. Returning to the description of the flowchart, if Yes in Step 2432, the payout control means 3300 refers to the presence or absence of a detection signal from the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 in Step 2450 (if j = 4, it is OFF. Is normal, and when j = 8, it is normally ON). In step 2455, the error control means 3200 determines whether the rotor is not rotating correctly, that is, whether a motor error has occurred, based on the presence / absence of the detection signal in step 2450. In the case of Yes in step 2455, in step 2460, the error control means 3200 turns on the motor position abnormality flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and shifts to the next process (process at the time of motor error in step 2500). If No in step 2455, the error control unit 3200 turns off the motor error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 3221 in step 2465, and proceeds to the next processing (step 2500 motor error processing). .

  On the other hand, if No in Step 2430, in Step 2434, the payout control means 3300 indicates that the counter value (j) in the excitation stator position specifying counter value temporary storage means 3313 is the confirmation timing of the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 during the retry operation. It is determined whether or not. Here, the confirmation by the rotor position confirmation sensor 150 at the time of the retry operation means that after the abnormal operation related to the motor operation occurs, whether or not the abnormal operation has been resolved by executing the retry operation described later and the rotor position to the normal position. This is performed for the purpose of confirming whether or not the vehicle has returned, and for example, a plurality of confirmation timings are required during the execution of the payout operation for one ball. Here, when an abnormal operation is detected at the first confirmation timing in normal operation (in this example, the detection signal is kept OFF), retry is performed until the detection signal is turned ON. On the other hand, if an abnormal operation is detected at the second confirmation timing in the normal operation (in this example, the detection signal is kept ON), the detection signal is It is necessary to repeat the retry operation until it is turned off. That is, in order to complete such a check operation efficiently, a motor that does not continuously change the detection signal from ON to OFF to ON (or from OFF to ON to OFF) by one retry operation. It is preferable to provide a confirmation timing for each drive. The confirmation timing during execution of the payout operation for one sphere depends on the shape of the sprocket 141 and the rotation confirmation member 141c and is not particularly limited. It is preferable to provide a confirmation timing once for each drive. Here, in this embodiment, as will be described later, during the retry operation, the 2-2 phase excitation method is switched to the 1-2 phase excitation method (that is, the number of steps required for the payout operation for one sphere is doubled). Therefore, a confirmation timing is provided for every two steps (1/8 ball) of motor drive execution. Returning to the description of the flowchart, in the case of Yes in step 2434, the process proceeds to step 2450, and processing for determining whether or not the rotor is rotating properly is executed based on the presence or absence of the detection signal in step 2450. The Rukoto. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2434, the process proceeds to the next process (the process at the time of motor error in step 2500). In addition, also when No is determined in Step 2405, Step 2432, Step 2434, and Step 2455, the processing shifts to the next processing (processing at the time of motor error in Step 2500).

  Next, FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram of the payout motor driver 141e in the present embodiment. In particular, the PHASE 1 terminal, the IA 1 terminal, the IA 2 terminal, the PHASE 2 terminal, the IB 1 terminal, and the IB 2 terminal are each connected to the payout control board 230 by one signal line, and the signal in the motor control command (stator excitation command) described above. Is configured to be able to receive. When a signal is input to each terminal, the current corresponding to the received motor control command is changed to OUTA terminal, OUT (upper line) A terminal, OUTB terminal, OUT (upper line) B by circuit control by the payout motor driver 141e. It will flow to the stepping motor 141d through the terminal. For example, when an on / off signal corresponding to the above-described A phase control signal (PHASEA) is input to the PHASE 1 terminal, each A phase (pair) stator ( For example, a current related to which pole A or A ′) is magnetized is output from the OUTA terminal and the OUT (overline) A terminal, and the above-described A-phase current level control signals (IA1, IA2). ) Is input to the IA1 terminal and the IA2 terminal, the current selection circuit shown in the figure selects the current value output from the OUTA terminal and the OUT (upline) A terminal as 1 / It is configured to be set as 3, 2/3, or 1 time.

  Next, FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the motor error process related to the subroutine of step 2500 in FIG. First, the purpose of this process is to forcibly shift the motor drive to a resting state when a motor error is detected. First, in step 2505, the payout control means 3300 refers to the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and determines whether or not the motor position abnormality flag is on. Here, as shown in step 2460 of FIG. 27, it is detected whether or not the motor is present at the predetermined rotational position at a predetermined detection timing. This motor position abnormality flag is turned on. In the case of Yes in step 2505, in step 2510, the payout control means 3300 accesses the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311 and turns off the motor position abnormality flag. Next, in step 2515, the payout control means 3300 turns on the payout motor abnormality detection flag in the payout state flag temporary storage means 3311. In step 2520, the error control means 3200 clears the step counter value (n) in the step counter temporary storage means 3313 and performs the next process {the prize ball payout related information transmission / reception process in step 2100 (vs. main control board). }. This is because the number of steps set this time is no longer executed due to the occurrence of a motor error, and after the count value is cleared, the motor drive shifts to a pause state (step 2310 and step 23 in FIG. 26). 2315). Even in the case of No in step 2505, the process proceeds to the next process {award ball payout-related information transmission / reception process (vs. main control board) in step 2100}.

  Next, processing executed by the payout control board 230 when an NMI signal is received will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16 (right). When the NMI signal is received, in step 2900, the power interruption / power interruption recovery process control means 3500 executes a power interruption process described later. When an NMI signal is received, the other process is interrupted and the process is preferentially executed even if the other process is being executed. In the following, processing related to each subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 16 (right) will be described in detail. Here, FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the power interruption processing according to the subroutine of step 2900 in FIG. First, in the payout control board 230 that has received the NMI signal, in step 2905, the power interruption / power interruption return processing control means 3500 refers to the unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3231 in the error control means 3230 at the time of the abnormality detection of the payout motor operation. Thus, the counter value is acquired, and the counter value is set (backed up) in the unauthorized payout cumulative counter 3512 at the time of power interruption. Next, in step 2910, the power failure / power failure recovery time processing control means 3500 refers to the excessive payout accumulation counter 3241 in the payout abnormality detection error control means 3240 to obtain the counter value and the counter value. Is set in the excessive payout cumulative counter 3513 during power interruption. Next, at step 2920, the processing control unit 3500 at the time of power interruption / recovery from power interruption obtains a counter value by referring to the payout counter 3312 in the payout processing related information temporary storage means 3310, and the counter value is It is set in the interruption payout counter 3514. Next, in step 2925, the power failure / power failure recovery time processing control means 3500 refers to the error flag temporary storage means 3221 in the error control means 3200, and various error flags (ball out error flag, ball shortage error). Flag value, payout motor error flag, payout stop error flag), and set the flag value in the power interruption flag temporary storage means 3511. Next, in step 2935, the power interruption / power interruption return processing control means 3500 turns on the payout control side power interruption flag in the power interruption flag temporary storage means 3511 and returns to the calling source of this subroutine. As a result, it shifts to a power interruption waiting loop.

  Next, FIG. 32 is a timing chart relating to the operation of the payout motor 141d during 1-2 phase excitation in the present embodiment. In the drawing, the excitation position and the current levels of the A phase and B phase during driving of the payout motor during paying out one game ball (24 steps) are particularly illustrated. FIG. 33 is an image diagram relating to the operation of the payout motor 141d during 1-2 phase excitation in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the current flowing through the stator 141d-2 is switched according to the excitation position (command content), whereby the magnetic pole and magnetic force of the stator 141d-2 are switched and adjusted, and the fixed magnetic pole is changed. The rotor 141d-1 that is held is driven to rotate.

  For example, since the stator A and the stator B are excited to the S pole and the stator A ′ and the stator B ′ are excited to the N pole at the excitation position “0”, the rotor 141d-1 has an N pole between the stator A and the stator B. It will come to rest towards. Under such circumstances, when the excitation position is switched to “1”, the stator A is excited to the S pole and the stator A ′ is excited to the N pole (current does not flow through the stator B and the stator B ′, and there is no magnetism). Therefore, the rotor 141d-1 is stationary with the north pole facing the stator A. Thus, by sequentially switching the excitation positions, the rotor 141d-1 of the payout motor 141d is rotationally driven by the motor control command from the payout control board 230.

  With the above configuration, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of control information transmitted from the payout control board (for example, A phase-control signal, A phase current level control signal, B phase control signal, B phase) In the gaming machine configured to drive and control the stepping motor for paying out the game ball based on the current level control signal), the plurality of control information is configured to be transmitted in a lump. The process related to the motor excitation control can be simplified, and the burden on the control board related to the winning ball payout process can be reduced. In addition, which stator (for example, A or A ′) in the two-phase stator is magnetized at which pole, and further, the degree of magnetization is configured to be collectively controllable. Therefore, in the case of 1-2 phase excitation as shown in this example, it is possible to perform fine control such as changing the degree of magnetization in the 1-phase excitation phase and the 2-phase excitation phase. Play.

  This example is merely an example, and the configuration of the stepping motor and the payout motor driver is not limited thereto. For example, in this example, a stepping motor having two pairs of stators (excitation phases) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a stepping motor having three or more pairs of stators may be used. Although not shown in this example, when an error related to payout control occurs, the content of the motor control command is changed according to the type of error that occurred even if the excitation method is the same. {For example, at the time of the first retry operation of the stepping motor, the content of the motor control command as shown in this example is used, and when the retry operation is repeated a predetermined number of times, Since there is a possibility of so-called ball biting, the power generated by the stepping motor is reduced by further reducing the current level control signal (for example, changing from 100% to 67%, 67% to 33%). It is also preferable to prevent the sprocket 141 and the like from being damaged}. In this example, 2-2 phase excitation and 1-2 phase excitation are exemplified as the stepping motor excitation method. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one phase excitation, three phase excitation, etc. Excitation methods may be combined, or the position of the rotor may be controlled at a finer angle by finely adjusting the excitation power to each stator (so-called microstep drive).

100 Prize ball payout unit 141d Stepping motor 141d-1 Rotor 141d-2 Stator 143 Count sensor 150 Rotor position confirmation sensor 200 Main control board 230 Payout control board 3200 Error control means 3221 Error flag temporary storage means 3230 Error at the time of detection of abnormalities in the payout motor operation Control means 3231 Unauthorized payout accumulation counter 3240 Error control means 3241 at the time of payout abnormality detection Excess payout accumulation counter 3250 Error control means 3260 at the time of ball path abnormality detection Error control means 3300 at the time of payout motor abnormality detection 3300 Payout control means 3400 Retry operation control means 3500 Electric power interruption Time / interruption return processing control means

Claims (1)

As a stator that has a rotor and at least a two-phase stator and is excited, at least a first stator and a second stator having a phase different from the first stator are provided. Stepping motor
Rotation control means for controlling the rotation of the stepping motor;
An excitation means capable of exciting the stator of the stepping motor based on a signal from the rotation control means,
The rotation control means, with respect to the excitation means, a magnetic polarity specifying signal for specifying the magnetic polarity of the first stator, a magnetic polarity specifying signal for specifying the magnetic polarity of the second stator, and the first fixed One signal line corresponding to each of the exciting current value specifying signal for specifying the exciting current value of the child and the exciting current value specifying signal for specifying the exciting current value of the second stator It is configured to be able to transmit simultaneously as an ON / OFF signal from
The excitation means is configured to excite the first stator to either the S pole or the N pole with a predetermined current value based on the ON / OFF signal via the signal line. The gaming machine is configured to excite the second stator to either the S pole or the N pole at a predetermined current value.

Images