JP2016182407A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress ball clogging of a game medium stored for put-out and inhibit difference in aged deterioration in each putout passage with respect to means for regulating passage of the game medium to a plurality of putout passages in the putout of the game medium in a game machine.SOLUTION: The game machine for putting out the game medium by distributing them to a plurality of putout passages, includes: passage regulation means that individually regulates inflow of the game medium into respective putout passages, with a quotient and reminder obtained by dividing the allowable passage number thereof by the number of putout passages defined as the equitable-distribution number and the number of distribution reminders respectively; means that determines the equitable-distribution number+1 for a putout passage of the number of distribution reminders continuing from a preferential distribution passage according to a prescribed circulation sequence, and the equitable distribution number for the other putout passages, as individual-passage allowable numbers; preferential distribution passage selection means that, after determination of the individual-passage allowable numbers, selects an allowable-passage-number+1-th putout passage from the putout passage as the preferential distribution passage, as a new preferential distribution passage according to the circulation sequence; and means that refers to the individual-passage allowable numbers and controls the passage regulation by the passage regulation means for each putout passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

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

  In a conventional ball game machine, the number of game balls corresponding to the winning device is paid out from the payout device in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the winning device. In addition, in a conventional spinning machine using a sphere as a game medium, the number of game media corresponding to the type of profits is paid out from the payout device in accordance with the winning of the profits. There have been proposed a ball ball game machine and a revolving type game machine in which a payout device cooperates with a plurality of articles to pay out a game ball to improve the speed of payout (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below) ). In such a conventional gaming machine, a plurality of (two) payout restricting members are alternately operated in accordance with each payout control to equalize the number of drive times and the drive time of the payout restricting members.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-116017 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-34680

  In the conventional gaming machine, in the single payout control, the number of times and the drive time of the payout restricting member can be made substantially uniform. For example, when 15 game balls are paid out in 2 articles, 8 game balls are paid out in the 1st article, and 7 game balls are paid out in the 2nd article. It is only the driving time required for paying out the game balls. However, when the payout control for paying out 15 game balls is repeated, the difference between the drive time for paying out in Article 1 and the drive time for paying out in Article 2 is gradually increased. There will be a big difference in the deterioration over time with respect to the payout regulation means in Article 1 and Article 2. As the number of strips increases, the difference in aging degradation between the payout restricting means with the longest drive time and the payout restricting member with the shortest drive time further increases.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the durability of the game medium flow-down control operation is improved.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention is:
Flow regulation means for regulating the flow of game media to a plurality of passages for each passage;
A flow-permitted number determining means for determining a flow-permitted number of game media based on a flow-down instruction;
A distribution control means for distributing the allowed flow number to the plurality of passages;
A flow restriction control means for controlling the flow restriction of the game medium by the flow restriction means for each passage based on the distribution by the distribution control means;
A gaming machine including
A priority distribution path selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of paths as a priority distribution path;
The distribution control means determines the number of game media to be distributed to the plurality of passages from the priority distribution passage according to a predetermined cyclic order and flow down to each of the plurality of passages so as not to differ by two or more. ,
The priority distribution path selection means selects, as the priority distribution path, a path corresponding to the next order of the paths to be distributed last among the plurality of paths for each distribution by the distribution control means. ,
It is characterized by that.

  With the gaming machine of the present invention, the durability of the game medium flow-down control operation is improved.

The front side perspective view showing an example of a ball-type spinning machine. The perspective view represented in the state which opened an example of the ball-type spinning machine in block unit. The perspective view showing an example of a selector. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a selector. The principal part expansion longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of a selector and an upper plate ball stop part in the passage prohibition state of an insertion flicker and a return shutter. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a selector and an upper dish ball removing operation unit in a state where passage of a charging flicker and a return shutter is prohibited. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a payout block. The top view showing an example of a tank rail. Sectional drawing showing an example of a tank rail. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a payout apparatus, (A) The figure represents the state which is not paying out, (B) The figure represents the state which is paying out, (C) The figure is a ball extraction The figure showing the state which is operating. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a game block. The front view showing an example of a game panel. The partial exploded perspective view showing an example of a rotating drum unit. It is a development view showing an example of a symbol seal, (A) the figure represents the left symbol seal, (B) the figure represents the middle symbol seal, (C) the figure represents the right symbol seal. The block diagram showing an example of the electrical structure of a ball-type spinning machine. The flowchart showing an example of the timer interruption process in a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the normal game process in the main process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the fluctuation waiting process in the normal game process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the rotation control process in the normal game process in the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the timer interruption process in a payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the command determination process in the timer interruption process of a payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the number-of-payout counting process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the payout remaining number update process in the payout number counting process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the payout solenoid control process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a payout number distribution process in a timer interrupt process of a payout control board. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of surplus distribution pattern data. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the data structure of surplus distribution pattern data The flowchart showing an example of the payout solenoid setting process in the timer interruption process of the payout control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the reception command confirmation process in the main process of a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the period timer process in the main process of a sub control board. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of transition of the number-of-payout distribution in the multiple payments accompanying a game progress.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has the following configuration.
Means 1.
A storage means (for example, a tank rail and a case rail) for storing the game media to be supplied in a plurality of storage passages and storing them in a row in each of the plurality of storage passages;
Passage restricting means (for example, payout flicker and payout solenoid) for restricting the inflow of the game medium stored in the storage means to the plurality of payout paths corresponding to the plurality of storage paths for each payout path;
Medium detection means (for example, a count sensor of a payout device) for detecting the game medium flowing down the plurality of payout passages for each payout passage;
A payout information generating means for generating at least one kind of payout information (for example, a payout control means of the main control device and a ball lending device);
A passage permission number determining means for determining the number of permitted passages of game media according to the type of the payout information (for example, a prize ball payout number setting process of a payout control board);
Distribution means for distributing the number of allowed passages to the plurality of payout passages (for example, payout number distribution processing of the payout control board);
Individual passage number measuring means for measuring the number of individual passages for each payout passage according to the detection of the game medium by the medium detecting means (for example, the first to fourth article payout remaining number update processing of the payout control board);
A passage restriction control means (for example, a payout solenoid control process and a payout solenoid setting process of the payout control board) for controlling the restriction of the passage of the game medium by the pass restriction means for each payout path according to the payout information;
A gaming machine including
A sequence sequence that cyclically designates the plurality of payout passages in a predetermined order is set as a circulation sequence row, and a value corresponding to a quotient and a remainder obtained by dividing the number of allowed passages by the number of the plurality of payout passages, respectively. And as the surplus fraction,
A priority distribution path selection means for selecting a priority distribution path from the plurality of payout paths (for example, priority distribution line update processing of the payout control board);
The distribution means distributes a value one larger than the equal distribution number to a discharge path that continues for the surplus distribution number according to the circulation order sequence with the priority distribution path as a head, and the remaining of the plurality of discharge paths Distribute the same value as the evenly distributed number to the payout passage of
The priority distribution path selection means, after the distribution permission number is allocated by the distribution means, from the payout path selected as the priority distribution path corresponding to the number of passage permission ahead according to the circulation order sequence Select the passage as the new priority distribution passage,
A gaming machine characterized by that.
In the present specification, “at least one type of payout information” may be payout information related to a winning ball according to the progress of the game, or may be payout information related to a rental ball. Examples of “at least one type of payout information” include a command for instructing payout of prize balls and a signal for instructing payout of rental balls.
For example, when the number of payout passages is 4, the payout passages are identified by the first payout passage to the fourth payout passage. , “... → first payout passage → second payout passage → third payout passage → fourth payout passage → first payout passage →...”
With the above configuration, the number of game media paid out from each distribution path can be made uniform based on the dynamic change of the priority distribution path over a plurality of payout controls. The difference in aging of the corresponding passage restriction means can be suppressed. Thereby, the ease of maintenance management of the gaming machine can be improved. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of game media paid out from each payout passage in each payout control can be made uniform, so that the ball clogging of game media stored for payout can be suppressed. Thereby, smooth game progression can be realized.

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

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

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

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

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

  The top effect LED cover portion 1104, the right middle effect LED cover portion 1108, and the left middle effect LED cover portion 1110 of the front panel 1100 are each a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) attached from the back side of the front panel 1100. Covering. This light-emitting device is turned on or blinked as the game progresses, thereby providing a visual effect of the game. The upper speaker units 1106 and 1106 play various sound effects as the game progresses, and inform the player of the game state to produce an auditory effect of the game.

  The center panel portion 1112 of the front panel 1100 is made of colorless and transparent glass, and describes the predetermined winning conditions, the number of game balls to be paid out (the number of winning balls), the game method, and the like. This is a window through which an information posting panel (not shown) can be seen. In order to make it easy to see the display contents of the information posting panel, a fluorescent lamp 1041k (see FIG. 12) is installed on the back side of the central panel portion 1112. A 1-bet button 1114 is disposed on the left side of the central panel portion 1112. General-purpose buttons 1116 and 1118 are disposed on the right side of the central panel portion 1112. The general-purpose buttons 1116 and 1118 are buttons whose usage can be appropriately set for each type of gaming machine, such as switching of gaming modes and switching of display modes on a liquid crystal screen. A key cylinder insertion hole 1120 that exposes the front surface (key hole) of the door key cylinder 1202 for opening and closing the front block is provided on the right side of the general-purpose button 1116 and the like of the central panel portion 1112. An operation panel portion 1122 that protrudes forward is disposed below the central panel portion 1112.

  In the operation panel section 1122 of the front panel 1100, a start lever 1124 for starting rotation of later-described rotating cylinders L, M, and R (see FIG. 13) and rotation of the left rotating cylinder L are sequentially arranged from the left side of FIG. A left-turn cylinder stop button 1126L for stopping the rotation of the center cylinder M, a middle-turn cylinder stop button 1126M for stopping the rotation of the middle cylinder M, and a right-turn cylinder stop button 1126R for stopping the rotation of the right cylinder R In addition, a small window hole 1130 for exposing an upper tray ball return lever 1386 for performing an operation of flowing a game ball from the upper tray 1302 to the lower tray 1128 is provided. The start lever 1124 is a lever that is pressed and operated by the player when the player starts the game, and automatically returns to the original position after the hand is released. When the start lever 1124 is operated while a predetermined number of game balls are betted, the cylinders L, M, and R start to rotate at the same time. Above the base end of the start lever 1124, each cylinder L, M, R is ready for rotation, that is, a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the selector 1400 (see FIG. 2), and the start lever 1124 is operated. A start lever LED (not shown) for notifying the acceptable state is embedded. Further, around each of the spinning cylinder stop buttons 1126L, 1126M, and 1126R, the spinning cylinder stop buttons LEDL, 134M, and 134R for notifying the state in which the operation can be accepted are embedded. Each spinning cylinder stop button LED 1134L, 1134M, 1134R is turned on when the corresponding spinning cylinder L, M, R is rotating at a constant speed, and is extinguished when the rotation of the corresponding spinning cylinder L, M, R is stopped. A lower tray 1128 for storing game balls is disposed below the operation panel unit 1122.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The payout block main body 1031 protrudes rearward in the center to cover a game block 1040 (see FIG. 2), and a game ball tank 1032 and a tank rail 1034 so as to surround the protective cover portion 1031c. A case rail 1035, a payout device 1033, a payout relay terminal plate 1036, a CR unit connection terminal plate 1039, a payout control device 1037, and a power supply control device 1038 are mounted. The payout block main body 1031 has an upper plate guide passage 1031d for guiding game balls from the payout device 1033 to the upper plate 1302, a lower plate guide passage 1031e for guiding game balls from the payout device 1033 to the lower plate 1128, and a payout device 1033. A discharge passage 1031f is formed for discharging the game ball from the outside to the outside of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010. In the lower dish guide passage 1031e, when the upper dish guide passage 1031d overflows with game balls, the game balls are introduced from the payout device 1033. The upper plate guide passage 1031d and the lower plate guide passage 1031e communicate with the upper plate discharge port 1312 and the lower plate discharge port 1138, respectively.

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

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

  The tank rail 1034 is attached below the game ball tank 1032, and has four rows of bowl-shaped passages (not shown) in the horizontal direction partitioned by partition pieces 1034 d and 1034 e. The bowl-shaped passage is gently inclined toward the downstream side. On the tank rail 1034, four pendulums 1034a and 1034b that rectify the game balls so as not to flow due to being stacked are attached in two rows and two columns. A ball stop lever 1034c for preventing the game ball from flowing from the tank rail 1034 to the case rail 1035 is attached to the downstream side of the pendulums 1034a and 1034b.

  The case rail 1035 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 1034. The case rail 1035 has a ball passage 1035a that is curved to the left and right with wavy undulations so that the game ball does not flow vigorously, and a ball breakage detection device 1035b is assembled to the upper portion thereof. The ball breakage detecting device 1035b has a case in which there are not enough game balls inside the case rail 1035, that is, a ball is clogged upstream from the case rail 1035 and the game balls are not sufficiently supplied to the case rail 1035. Is detected. Based on the detection result of the ball break detection device 1035b, a ball clogging error is notified. Note that a plurality of case rails 1035 (for example, four) are connected in the front-rear direction corresponding to the number of bowl-shaped passages of the tank rail 1034.

  The payout device 1033 is for paying out a predetermined number of game balls by satisfying a predetermined winning condition or by pressing a ball lending button 1306 with a card inserted in a CR unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the maximum number of prize balls of the pachinko machine is 15 balls, whereas the maximum number of prize balls of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 is 75, which is a ball-type spinning machine compared to the pachinko machine. In view of the fact that the maximum number of prize balls of the gaming machine 1010 is large, more payout devices 1033 are provided than pachinko machines so that prize balls can be quickly paid out. In other words, if the pachinko machine has two payout devices 1033, the game can proceed quickly, but in the case of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010, the number of prize balls is large and all the prize balls are not paid out. In this embodiment, four payout devices 1033 are provided in the front-rear direction to speed up the payout of the winning ball so that the game can proceed without delay.

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

10A to 10C are longitudinal sectional views showing an example of the configuration of the dispensing device. FIG. 10A shows that the game ball is being paid out, FIG. 10B shows that the game ball is being paid out to the upper plate, and FIG. 10C shows the case where the game ball is being discharged to the outside of the gaming machine. ing.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the payout device 1033 has a resin casing including a casing 1033a and a cover (not shown). Inside the casing, a payout flicker 1033b, a payout solenoid 1033c, , And a switching piece 1033g. Formed inside the casing 1033a are a ball passage 1033d, a discharge passage 1033e extending substantially vertically downward on the downstream side of the ball passage 1033d, and a discharge passage 1033f extending from the middle of the discharge passage 1033e and extending obliquely downward. Yes. The switching piece 1033g is disposed at a branch portion from the payout passage 1033e to the discharge passage 1033f. Normally, since the switching piece 1033g is maintained substantially vertically upward, the game ball does not flow into the discharge passage 1033f.

  The payout flicker 1033b is a member for opening and closing the ball passage 1033d. The payout flicker 1033b includes a base end side portion 1033b1 and a tip end side portion 1033b2 that are rotatably connected by a support shaft 1033b3. The proximal end portion 1033b1 and the distal end portion 1033b2 of the payout flicker 1033b are rotatably supported by the spindles 1033a1 and 1033a2 of the casing 1033a, respectively. A gripping portion 1033b4 for gripping the tongue piece 1033c1 of the payout solenoid 1033c is provided at the base end portion of the payout flicker 1033b. An opening / closing portion 1033b5 for opening / closing the ball passage 1033d is provided at the tip of the payout flicker 1033b.

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

  As shown in FIG. 10 (A), in a state where the ball passage 1033d is closed by the opening / closing portion 1033b5 of the payout flicker 1033b, a predetermined winning condition is satisfied, or there is a remaining number in the frequency display portion 1352. When the ball lending button 1306 is pressed, the dispensing solenoid 1033c is energized. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), the piston 1033c2 is contracted, and the proximal end portion 1033b1 of the payout flicker 1033b is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the tip end portion 1033b2 of the payout flicker 1033b rotates clockwise in the drawing to open the ball passage 1033d, so that the game ball can fall naturally. On the contrary, when the discharge solenoid 1033c is deenergized, the piston 1033c2 is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 1033c4 to rotate the proximal end portion 1033b1 of the discharge flicker 1033b clockwise in the drawing. At the same time, the tip end portion 1033b2 of the payout flicker 1033b rotates counterclockwise in the drawing to close the ball passage 1033d, and the game ball returns to the state where it cannot fall naturally, that is, the state shown in FIG.

  The payout device 1033 is equipped with a count sensor 1033h having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The count sensor 1033h is arranged immediately downstream of the opening / closing portion 1033b5 of the payout flicker 1033b, and is for counting the game balls falling in the ball passage 1033d. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor 1033h reaches a predetermined value (for example, 35, 75, 125, or 250), the payout solenoid 1033c is de-energized, and the payout flicker 1033b passes through the ball path 1033d. It is configured to close.

  A substantially L-shaped pressing piece 1033i for moving the knob portion 1033c3 up and down is provided below the payout solenoid 1033c. The pressing piece 1033i is rotatably attached to the support shaft 1033a3 of the casing 1033a, and presses the knob portion 1033c3 upward at the distal end portion 1033i1.

  A substantially fan-shaped operation lever 1033j (see FIG. 7) is disposed outside the casing 1033a. 10A to 10C, the operation lever 1033j can rotate around the rotation shaft 1033a4. The operating lever 1033j is connected to a protrusion 1033g1 provided at the intermediate portion of the switching piece 1033g and a protrusion 1033i2 provided at the base end of the pressing piece 1033i. That is, when the operation lever 1033j is rotated, the switching piece 1033g and the pressing piece 1033i are configured to be interlocked. When the operation lever 1033j is operated counterclockwise in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 10C, the payout passage 1033e is closed by the switching piece 1033g and the ball passage 1033d and the discharge passage 1033f are communicated. On the other hand, the knob 1033c3 of the dispensing solenoid 1033c is pushed up by the pressing piece 1033i, and the dispensing flicker 1033b opens the ball passage 1033d. When the operation lever 1033j is operated as described above while preventing the game ball from flowing with the ball stop lever 1034c provided on the tank rail 1034, the game ball on the downstream side of the ball stop lever 1034c is It is discharged outside. When the payout device 1033 or the case rail 1035 fails, the payout device 1033 or the case rail 1035 is discharged in a state where the downstream game ball is discharged from the ball stop lever 1034c to the outside of the ball-type rotating game machine 1010 as described above. (See FIG. 7) can be replaced.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the payout control device 1037 controls payout of prize balls and lending balls. As is well known, the payout control device 1037 is a payout unit including a central control CPU, ROM, RAM, various ports, and the like. A control board 1037a (see FIG. 15) is provided.

  The power supply control device 1038 generates and outputs a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control devices. The power control device 1038 is provided with a power control board 1038 ′, a power switch 1038a, a RAM erasing reset switch 1038b, a stop switch 1038c, and a setting change key cylinder (not shown). Yes. When the power switch 1038a is turned on, it supplies power to each unit including the CPU. When the reset switch 1038b is pressed and the power switch 1038a is simultaneously turned on, the contents of the RAM are reset. When the reset switch 1038b is pressed while the power switch 1038a is turned on, the error state is reset. The stop switch 1038c is for switching whether or not to temporarily stop the game at the end of the big bonus. The setting change key cylinder 1038d constitutes a setting change device. In the setting change device, the ball turnout rate of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 is determined in advance in a plurality of steps (for example, 6 steps), and the ball turnout rate is set in any step. The procedure for changing the setting is as follows. First, with the power switch 1038a turned off, a setting change key (not shown) is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and rotated 90 degrees clockwise. When the power switch 1038a is turned on in this state, the current ball-out rate (setting) is set to numerical values “1” to “6” on the 7-segment LED display 1041g (see FIG. 12) on the front surface of the game block 1040 described later. Displayed either. Next, when the reset switch 1038b is pushed, the number displayed on the 7-segment LED display unit 1041g changes and increases by 1 (however, in the case of “6”, it returns to “1”). When the start lever 1124 (see FIG. 1) is pressed in a state where any number from “1” to “6” is displayed on the 7-segment LED display portion 1041g, the exit rate (setting) is determined.

  The CR unit connection terminal plate 1039 is electrically connected to the ball lending button 1306 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 and a CR unit (not shown), and receives a ball lending operation command from the player. This is output to the payout control apparatus 1037. Note that the CR unit connection terminal plate 1039 is not necessary in a cash machine in which game balls are rented directly from the ball lending device or the like to the upper plate 1302 (see FIG. 1) without using a CR unit.

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

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

  FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of the game block. As shown in FIG. 11, the game block 1040 has a game panel 1041 that is visually recognized through a window hole 1102 (see FIG. 1) of the front panel 1100. The gaming panel 1041 includes a pair of upper and lower window holes 1041a and 1041b. A liquid crystal display device 1042 is attached to the back side of the game panel 1041 corresponding to the upper window hole 1041a, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1042 can be viewed through the upper window hole 1041a. In addition, the spinning unit 1043 is attached to the back side of the game panel 1041 corresponding to the lower window hole 1041b, and the symbol display by the spinning unit 1043 can be visually recognized through the lower window hole 1041b. Further, on the back side of the game panel 1041, a main control device 1045 is attached to one side of the spinning unit 1043 via a main mounting base 1044, and a sub-control is provided behind the liquid crystal display device 1042 via a sub mounting base 1046. A device 1047 is attached. The main controller 1045 is arranged in a vertically long shape so as to be orthogonal to the game panel 1041.

  FIG. 12 is a front view of the game block 1040. FIG. 12 shows a state in which a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols in a row are removed from the rotating drum unit 1043 for convenience and strip-shaped symbol seals 1043L, 1043M, and 1043R (see FIG. 13) are removed.

  From the lower window hole 1041b of the game panel 1041, three of the symbols of the symbol seals 1043L, 1043M, and 1043R attached to each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are exposed from the lower window hole 1041b. In FIG. 12, nine pairs of left and right LEDs 1043L1, 1043M1, and 1043R1 are exposed in three rows and three columns.

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

  On the both sides of the upper window hole 1041a of the game panel 1041, there are provided the electric actors 1041d and 1041e. In addition, on the right side of the lower window hole 1041b, an electric accessory 1041f, a 7-segment LED display unit 1041g, and an LED display unit 1041h are arranged in this order from the top. These electric actors 1041d, 1041e, and 1041f are used for game effects, big bonus or regular bonus confirmation notifications, and the like. The 7-segment LED display unit 1041g is a part for displaying the number of game balls bet and the number of payouts, an error code, the total number of payouts in the bonus, and six levels of settings when changing the settings. The LED display unit 1041h is provided with four LEDs. Among them, the upper three LEDs constitute a bet number display portion 1041h1. The bet number display section 1041h1 displays the bet number within a range of 1 to 3 by turning on the number of LEDs corresponding to the number of game balls inserted into the selector 1400. The remaining one LED is a re-game display unit 1041h2. The replay display portion 1041h2 is lit when the replay symbols (the symbols displayed as “re” in a substantially fan-shaped frame) of the symbol stickers 1043L, 1043M, and 1043R shown in FIG. 14 are aligned on the active line. This notifies that the next unit game can be played without a betting of a game ball. When the start lever 1124 is pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the replay symbols are aligned on the active line, the replay display portion 1041h2 is turned off as the rotating cylinders L, M, and R rotate.

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

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

  FIG. 13 is a partial exploded perspective view of an example of the rotating drum unit 1043. As shown in FIG. 13, the rotating drum unit 1043 has three rotating drums (so-called reels) L, M, and R, and each of the rotating drums L, M, and R is housed in the rotating drum unit frame 1043a. is there. Since each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R has substantially the same configuration, the right spinning cylinder R will be described as an example.

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

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

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

  The stepping motor 1043R4 is set so that the right cylinder R makes one round by a drive signal of 504 pulses (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter), and the rotational position is controlled by this excitation pulse. That is, when the right turn R makes one round, 21 symbols are sequentially exposed from the lower window hole 1041b of the gaming panel 1041, so 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next. ). Then, based on the number of pulses from when the detection signal of the rotating drum position detection sensor 1043R7 is output, it is recognized which symbol is exposed from the window hole 1041b, or an arbitrary symbol is exposed from the window hole 1041b. Control can be performed. In this embodiment, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor employing a 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the stepping motor 1043R4. The stepping motor 1043R4 is not limited to a hybrid type or two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a three-phase stepping motor and a five-phase stepping motor can be used. A drive signal (drive signal data) for the stepping motor 1043R4 is given to the motor driver 1070 (see FIG. 15) as excitation data.

  The main control device 1045 is responsible for the main control of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010. Specifically, the main control device 1045 receives a signal from the start lever 1124 and receives a winning combination (big bonus, regular bonus, small combination, replay). And a command signal is issued to the sub-control device 1047 and the payout control device 1037 based on the lottery result. As shown in FIG. 15, the main controller 1045 has a configuration in which a CPU 1045a1 that controls the main control, a ROM 1045a2 that stores a game program, a RAM 1045a3 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, and various devices are connected. A main control board 1045a including an output port 1045a4, a random number generation circuit 1045a5 used for various lotteries, a clock circuit 1045a6 used for time counting and synchronization, and a transparent resin that accommodates the main control board 1045a A substrate case 1045b (1045b1, 1045b2) (see FIG. 11) made of a material or the like is used.

  The sub-control device 1047 is based on a command signal (command) issued from the main control device 1045, and a light-emitting device for game effect (not shown) that is covered with various LED cover portions such as the LED cover portion 1104 (see FIG. 1). LED) is turned on and blinking, sound effects emitted from the upper and lower speakers 1106 and 1204 (see FIG. 1), and the display mode displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1042 are controlled. The configuration of the sub-control device 1047 is the same as that of the main control device 1045. A substrate 1047a and a substrate case 1047b (1047b1, 1047b2) made of a transparent resin material or the like for accommodating the sub-control substrate 1047a.

(Control system for ball-type spinning machine)
A control system of the ball-type spinning machine 1010 will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a ball-type spinning machine.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the main control board 1045a functions as a control unit configured as a microcomputer centering on a CPU 1045a1 that is an arithmetic processing unit, and a ROM (or flash memory) 1045a2 that stores a processing program, temporarily A working RAM 1045a3, an input / output port 1045a4, and the like for storing data are connected to the CPU 1045a1 via an internal bus.

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

  Further, from the input / output port 1045a4 of the main control board 1045a, the closing solenoids 1414a, 1414b, 1414c based on the betting signals from the betting buttons 1114, 1304, the closing solenoids based on the count values of the passage sensors 1415a, 1415b, 1415c. 1414a, 1414b, 1414c drive stop signals, fluctuation start signals from the start lever 1124, and drive signals for the spinning stepping motors 1043L4, 1043M4, 1043R4 based on stop command signals from the spinning cylinder stop buttons 1126L, 1126M, 1126R, etc. Is output. Control signals for controlling the contents of effects displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1042, sound effects emitted from the speakers 1106 and 1204, lighting and blinking of various light emitting devices (LEDs) covered with the upper LED cover 1104, etc. Is output to the sub-control board 1047a.

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

  The ROM 1045a2 and the RAM 1045a3 constitute a main memory, and a processing program (including an output control information generation processing program) for executing various processes is stored in the ROM 1045a2 described above as a part of the processing program. In the RAM 1045a3, a plurality of work areas are secured functionally. As is well known, in addition to a stack memory (stack memory area) for storing the value of the program counter provided in the CPU 1045a1, in this example, a power failure flag memory for storing a power failure flag and a stack for storing a stack pointer Pointer storage memory, checksum correction value memory for storing correction values related to the checksum of data stored in the RAM 45a3, and memory such as a power recovery command buffer and power recovery command counter used during power recovery Area is secured.

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

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

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

  Furthermore, when the power is turned on after the setting key switch 1038d1 is turned on when the power is turned off, that is, when the power is turned on after the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 1038d and rotated. A state in which the exit rate of the trunk game machine 10 can be changed occurs. In this state, when a reset signal is transmitted from the reset switch 1038b, the bonus probability and the small role probability of the ball-type spinning game machine 1010 are changed, and the change result is represented by the numbers “1” to “6”. It outputs to 7 segment LED display part 1041g (refer FIG. 12). Then, when a setting confirmation signal is received from the start lever 1124 in a state in which any number from “1” to “6” is displayed on the 7-segment LED display unit 1041g, the turn-out rate of the ball-type rotating game machine 1010 Confirm (Setting).

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

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

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

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing in the main control board 1045a. In the main control board 1045a, timer interrupt processing is periodically performed. In this embodiment, the timer interrupt process is substantially performed at a period of 1.49 ms [milliseconds].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a closing operation is being performed, and it is determined whether or not a passage sensor signal is detected. Specifically, whether or not the closing operation is in progress is determined as a closing operation when the closing operation period flag is set, and is not in the closing operation when the closing operation period flag is not set. Is determined. If the upstream passage detection signal or the downstream passage detection signal from the passage sensors 1415a to 1415c is received even though the throwing operation is not being performed, it is determined that the game ball does not pass due to normal throwing, and the time is out of period. The input error flag is set (out-of-period input error flag setting process). When the out-of-period input error flag is set, error processing is executed and the occurrence of a number error is notified in input error processing (see S1403 in FIG. 19) described later. Next, when the signal states from various sensors have changed, the sensor detection information is updated (“sensor detection information update process”).

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

  After the auxiliary input number counting process, it is determined whether a state to be notified has occurred or changed, and if there is no change in the state to be notified, the sensor monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, in the case of an affirmative determination, a sensor detection command corresponding to the state to be notified is set (sensor detection command setting process), and the sensor monitoring process ends. The set sensor detection command is output in a command output process (S1112 in FIG. 16) described later.

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

  The main process in the main control board 1045a will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 1045a. The main process of the main control board 1045a is executed when returning from the power failure state.

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

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

  If it is determined in the determination process S1207 that the new checksum value is normal, the value of the stack pointer stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the CPU 1045a1, and the value of the stack pointer is before the occurrence of the power failure state. ("Program return process" S1209). As a result, after returning from the power failure state, it is possible to resume from the process interrupted by the occurrence of the power failure state. After the program recovery process S1208, a power recovery command indicating recovery from the power failure state is set ("power recovery command setting process" S1210). As a result, the power recovery command is transmitted to the payout control board 1037a and the sub control board 1047a. After the power recovery command setting process S1210, the state of the stop changeover switch 1038c is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 (“game form setting process” S1211). After the game form setting process S1212, the sensor states of various devices are initialized ("sensor initialization process" S1212). After the sensor initialization process S1212, the power failure flag is canceled ("power failure flag cancellation process" S1213). After the power failure flag release process S1213, when there is a game ball to be paid out as in the case where a power failure occurs during payout, a payout command is set to resume payout that has been completed halfway (“ Midway payout completion processing ”S1214). After the midway payout completion processing S1214, the processing is resumed from the processing at the address before the occurrence of the power failure indicated by the stack pointer. Specifically, an interrupt end declaration process S1104 (see FIG. 16) after the backup process S1103 (see FIG. 16) in the timer interrupt process described above is executed.

  The normal process for performing the main control related to the game at the normal time will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal game process executed on the main control board 1045a. The normal game process of the main control board 1045a is executed after the end of the probability setting process S1204 (see FIG. 17) in the main process. Further, after the completion of the midway payout completion process S1214 (see FIG. 17), the normal game process is executed halfway.

  In the normal game process, as shown in FIG. 18, first, interrupt permission is set (“interrupt permission setting process” S1301). After the interrupt permission setting process S1301, the state of the stop changeover switch 1038c for determining the game form is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 (“game form setting process” S1302). The game form setting process S1302 is substantially the same process as the game form setting process S1211 (see FIG. 17) in the main process. After the game form setting process S1302, the process proceeds to the loop process described below. In the following, a case where a continuous game is in progress will be described.

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

  After the game information clear process S1303, it waits while performing a predetermined process until a change start signal is input ("change wait process" S1304). Here, the variable standby process S1304 will be described in detail. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation standby process.

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

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

  After the automatic betting process S1402, it is confirmed whether an error has occurred in the selector 1400. If an error has occurred, the error process is executed and the speakers 1106, 1204, light emitting devices 1132, 1134L1. A throw error command for notifying the LED covered with various LED cover portions, the liquid crystal display device 1042, etc. of the error is stored in the ring buffer (“fill error processing” S1403). For example, a case where an upstream passage detection signal or a downstream passage detection signal is received from the passage sensors 1415a, 1415b, 1415c outside the game ball insertion period can be given. Specifically, these detections are performed in the sensor monitoring process S1109 (see FIG. 16) in the timer interrupt process, and various processes are executed based on the detection. The input error command stored in the ring buffer is output to the sub control board 1047a in the command output process S1112 of the timer interrupt process executed after the storage. Also, in the following, various commands stored in the ring buffer are the same as in the case of the input error command, in the command output process S1112 of the timer interrupt process executed after the storage of these commands, the payout control board 1037a and the sub control board 1047a. Is output.

  After the insertion error process S1403, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the payout device 1033. If an error has occurred in the payout device 1033, error processing is executed and the speakers 1106 and 1204 emit light. A payout error command for notifying the liquid crystal display device 42 and the like such as the devices 1132 and 1134L1 is stored in the ring buffer (“payout error processing” S1404). For example, it is determined whether or not a paying-in signal from the payout board 1037a is in an on state and whether or not it is in an on state. Although the payout signal is not in the on state (during the payout period), the count signal from the payout substrate 1037a based on the count switch signals from the various count sensors 1033h is in the on state. Note that the same payout error process is executed in a state waiting for some input from the player even during other processes, for example, in a waiting state for a rotation stop during rotation of the rotation.

  After the payout error processing S1404, it is determined whether or not the upper tray ball return lever 1386 has been operated. If it is being returned, input by the operation of other buttons or the like is prohibited, and a game ball that has already been thrown in. If there is a game ball, the same number of game balls that have been inserted (the number of games that have been inserted) are returned after completion of the operation of the upper tray ball return lever 1386 ("return processing" S1405).

  After the return process S1405, a process for betting a game ball and a process associated with the bet are executed in accordance with the operation of the 1 bet button 1114 or the max bet button 1304 (game ball bet process).

  After the game ball betting process S1406 is completed, as shown in FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the bet number is less than the minimum prescribed number (S1407). If the bet number is less than the minimum prescribed number, the insertion error process S1403 to the determination process S1407 are repeated. On the other hand, if the bet number is not less than the minimum prescribed number, it is determined whether or not a change start signal corresponding to the operation of the start lever 1124 has been received (S1408). If the variation start signal has not been received, the process from the insertion error process S1403 to the determination process S1408 is repeated. On the other hand, when the fluctuation start signal is received, the fluctuation waiting process S1304. As described above, through the processing steps (S1401 to S1408), the fluctuation waiting process S1304 is completed.

  After the fluctuation waiting process S1304, as shown in FIG. 18, the value of the random number counter latched by hardware when the start lever 1124 is operated is read and stored in the RAM 1045a3 (“random number generation”). Process "S1305). When the start lever 1124 is operated, the random number counter is latched by hardware so that the operation of the start lever 1124 and the acquisition of the random number value are synchronized in time. Note that although the value of the random number counter can be read by software, in this case, the time from the operation of the start lever 1124 to the acquisition of the random number value is more uneven than in the case of latching by hardware.

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

  After the internal lottery processing S1306, based on the winning combination, the number of bets and the gaming state, one manual stop control table used for controlling each of the cylinders L, M, R from the manual stop control table group held in the ROM 1045a2 is reference-controlled. The table is selected as a table, and the table number of the reference control table is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 ("rotation initialization process" S1307). When the winning combination is other than losing, slip control is performed in accordance with this reference control table to rotate the rotating cylinder extra within a predetermined range (5 symbols) in order to win the winning combination as much as possible. When the winning combination is lost, the same slip control is performed in order to prevent other winning combinations from winning. This reference control table is reselected from the manual stop control table group as necessary. Details will be described in a rotation control process S1309 described later.

  After the rotation initialization process S1307, a symbol variation standby process S1308 is executed. In the symbol variation standby process S1308, first, it is determined whether or not the measurement time by the symbol variation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined specified time (for example, 4.1 seconds). Here, the “symbol fluctuation monitoring timer” is a timer that measures the elapsed time from the time of the last symbol display fluctuation start. If the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is less than a predetermined specified time, a symbol fluctuation waiting command (internal state) indicating that the specified time has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as “symbol fluctuation waiting state”). A kind of command) is stored in the ring buffer. Note that the player is informed of the symbol variation standby state by a variation standby state display device (not shown). After that, until the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer reaches a predetermined specified time or more, whether or not the measurement time by the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is not less than a predetermined specified time while the symbol fluctuation standby state is being notified. The determination is repeated. On the other hand, when the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined specified time, the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is reset and started, the notification of the standby state for the specified time is stopped, and the predetermined specified time has elapsed. A specified time lapse command (a kind of internal state command) indicating this and a bet number command for outputting to the external concentration terminal board are stored in the ring buffer. Thereafter, information related to drive control of each of the stepping motors 1043L4, 1043M4, and 1043R4 of the rotating drum unit 1043 in a predetermined area of the RAM 1045a3 is initialized for starting rotation. For example, the value of the wait timer is set to “0”, and the value of the acceleration counter is set to “26”. The actual driving of the stepping motors 1043L4, 1043M4, and 1043R4 is controlled by various rotary motor control processes S1105 to S1107 (see FIG. 16) of the timer interrupt process.

  After the symbol variation standby process S1308, a rotation control process S1309 for controlling the rotation of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R in the spinning cylinder unit 1043 is executed. Here, the rotation control process S1309 will be described in detail. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the rotation control process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  After the rotation control process S1309, as shown in FIG. 18, a winning confirmation process S1310 is executed. In the winning confirmation process S1310, first, the pattern pattern for each activated line is confirmed, and if any winning combination other than the winning combination has been won, an error process for notifying the occurrence of a winning error is executed. The On the other hand, if only the winning combination is winning, a winning flag corresponding to all winning winning combinations (for example, big bonus winning flag, regular bonus winning flag, cherry winning flag, bell winning flag, watermelon winning flag, A replay winning flag) is set. Further, the number of acquired game balls corresponding to each winning combination won is added within a range not exceeding the maximum number of acquired game balls, so that the number of acquired game balls is finally determined. Further, in the winning confirmation processing S1310, a winning combination command including information on the type of winning combination, a winning line command including information on the type of winning line, and a winning combination error command including information on winning errors are stored in the ring buffer. .

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

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

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

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

  A control process executed by the payout control board 1037a will be described. The control process of the payout control board 1037a is roughly divided into a main process that is activated in response to power recovery by restarting the supply of external power or turning on the power switch 1038a, and an interrupt process that interrupts the main process. The As interrupt processing, there are command interrupt processing for interrupting in response to reception of various commands from the main control board 1045a, and timer interrupt processing that is periodically and repeatedly executed.

  The main process in the payout control board 1037a will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing of the payout control board. In the main process, first, as shown in FIG. 32, various settings are made for a register group around the CPU, an I / O device, and the like ("initial setting process" S3001). After the initial setting process S3001, access to the RAM 1037a3 is permitted ("RAM access permission process" S3002), and an interrupt vector that defines the priority order of various interrupts is set ("interrupt vector setting process" S3003). After the external interrupt vector setting process S3003, all areas of the RAM 1037a3 are cleared to “0” (S3004), and then initial values are set in the RAM 1037a3 (“RAM initial setting process” S3005), and other peripheral devices of the CPU 1037a1. Initial setting is performed ("CPU peripheral device initial setting process" S3006). After CPU peripheral device initial setting processing S3006, interrupt permission is set ("interrupt permission setting processing" S3007). Thereafter, the interrupt permission setting process S3007 is repeatedly executed, and the execution of the next interrupt process is permitted after the execution of various interrupt processes. Note that the processing related to effective payout is substantially executed in a timer interrupt process described later.

  Next, command interrupt processing will be described. The command interruption process is executed when the payout control board 1037a receives a command from the main control board 1045a. When the command interrupt process is executed, first, the received command is stored in the data buffer for reception (received command storage process). After the command reception process, a command reception flag is set (command reception flag setting process). When the command reception flag setting process ends, the command interrupt process ends.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. The timer interruption process is for paying out a game ball with the number of prize balls based on the type of payout command in response to the payout command from the main control board 1045a during a normal game, and in response to a payout payout request from the ball lending device 1350. This is a process of paying out the game ball accordingly. This timer interrupt process is executed about every 2 ms. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing of the payout control board 1037a.

  In the timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 22, first, an interrupt having a higher interrupt priority than the timer interrupt process is permitted (“interrupt permission process” S3101). Specifically, command interruption is permitted. By giving priority to the command interrupt processing over the timer interrupt processing, it is possible to reduce the processing load required for command transmission in the main control board 1045a and to suppress the stagnation of control progress due to command transmission. The priority order of various interrupts is set in the interrupt vector setting process of the main process.

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

  After the payout solenoid driving process S3102, various control signals stored in the output buffer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) are output to the main control board 1045a and various devices connected to the payout control board ("control information output process"). "S3103). After the control information output process S3103, various commands transmitted following the strobe signal from the main control board 1045a are stored in a ring buffer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3) ("control information input process" S3104). After the control information input process S3104, the type of command stored in the ring buffer is determined, and the process according to the type of command is executed ("command determination process" S3105). Here, the command determination processing S3105 will be described in detail. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command determination processing.

  In the command determination process S3105, as shown in FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether or not any command is stored in the ring buffer (S101). Specifically, if the write pointer indicating the write position (address) to the ring buffer and the read pointer indicating the read position (address) of the ring buffer indicate the same position, it is determined that the command is not stored, If they indicate different positions, it is determined that the command is stored. If no command is stored, the command determination process S3105 ends.

  If the command is stored, it is determined whether or not the stored command is a prize ball payout command (S102). If the stored command is a prize ball payout command, the number of prize balls is greater than “1” and less than “76” based on information on the number of prize balls included in the prize ball payout command. (S103), if the determination is affirmative, the number of prize balls is set to the same value as the number of prize balls since the number of prize balls is normal ("prize ball number-of-payout setting process"). S104), and the ring buffer in the area where the read prize ball command is stored is cleared ("command clear process" S105). On the other hand, in the case of negative determination, the number of prize balls is abnormal. The payout number setting process S104 and the command clear process S105 are skipped. If it is determined in the determination process S102 that the stored command is not a prize ball payout command, the command is stored in a command buffer (a predetermined area of the RAM 1037a3).

  Thereafter, in order to confirm whether another command is stored in the ring buffer, the position pointed to by the read pointer is updated to the next position (“command read area update process” S107). After the command read area update process S107, the determination process S101 to the command read area update process S107 are repeatedly executed until all commands stored in the ring buffer are confirmed. When all the commands are confirmed, the command determination process S3105 is ended. To do.

  After the command determination process S3105, it is determined whether or not a reset command is included in the command stored in the command buffer. If an undetected error flag indicating that an error has occurred is set, an undetected error The flag is released.

  After the game ball non-detection canceling process S3106, when the state to be displayed is changed, the state display is updated to the latest state ("status display update process" S3107). Specifically, when the lower tray ball is full, the player is notified of the fact by voice from the speakers 1106 and 1204, and the player is notified of the fact by the liquid crystal display device 1042. Further, when the game ball is not stored in the game ball tank 1032 (when the flag with a ball is released), the player is similarly notified of the fact.

  After the state display update process S3107, the reception state of the game ball detection signal from each ball break detection device 1035b is confirmed, and setting control of the ball presence state is performed based on the reception state (“tank ball confirmation process” S3108). ). Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball detection signals from all the ball break detection devices 1035b are in an on state, that is, a predetermined number or more of game balls are present in all of the ball paths 1033d and 1035a. It is determined whether or not it is stored. When all the game ball detection signals are in the on state, it is confirmed whether or not the state continues for 2000 ms. When the on-state of the game ball detection signal has elapsed for about 2000 ms, a predetermined number (20 in this embodiment) or more of game balls exist in all the ball passages 1035a, so that a ball presence flag is set. Then, the tank ball confirmation processing S3108 is completed, and if the on state of the game ball detection signal has not passed about 2000 ms, the ball presence state setting processing S3106 is ended as it is. On the other hand, when at least one of the game ball detection signals is in the off state, it is determined whether or not the state continues for about 200 ms. Is released and the tank ball confirmation process S3108 ends, and when the state does not continue for about 200 ms, the tank ball confirmation process S3108 ends.

  After the tank ball confirmation processing S3108, the state of the detection signal from the overflow detection switch (not shown) is confirmed, and setting control of the lower pan full state is performed based on the reception state ("lower pan confirmation processing"). S3109). Specifically, when the lower pan is full while the overflow detection switch is continuously detected for about 200 ms, the lower pan full state is set. In other cases, the lower pan is full. The state is released.

  After the lower plate confirmation process S3109, the payout remaining number common to all the articles and the payout remaining number of each article are updated based on the output signal from each count sensor 1033h ("payout number counting process" S3110). Here, the payout counting process S3110 will be described in detail. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the payout number counting process.

  In the payout number counting process S3110, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the first passage flag is set (S201). Here, the first passage flag is a flag that is set when the output signal from the first count sensor is changed from the OFF state to the ON state (when rising is detected). When the first article passage flag is set, the first article passage flag is canceled ("first article passage flag releasing process" S202). As a result, it is recognized that one game ball has been paid out.

  After the first article passage flag canceling process S302, the payout remaining number common to all articles is updated ("paidout remaining number update process" S203). In the payout remaining number update process S203, information common to all items is updated. Here, the payout remaining number update process S203 will be described in detail. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payout remaining number update process. In the payout remaining number update process S203, as shown in FIG. 25, first, the payout remaining number is changed to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the current value ("paidout remaining number subtraction process" S301). After the payout remaining number subtraction process S301, it is determined whether or not the remaining lending payout number is “0” (S302). If the determination is negative, the lending payout control number is set to “1” from the current value. Thus, the value is changed to a value reduced by “(Lending control number subtraction process” S303), and this process ends. On the other hand, if the number of remaining ball payouts common to all articles is “0”, the number of payout balls common to all articles is subtracted by “1” from the current value because no balls are being paid out. The count signal standby number used for output control of the payout count signal transmitted to the main control board 1045a is changed to a value obtained by adding “1” from the current value. In the payout remaining number update process, information that is commonly used for all items is updated.

  After the payout remaining number update process S204, as shown in FIG. 24, the remaining payout number in the first article is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value (“first payout remaining number update process”). "S204). After the first payout remaining number update process S204, it is determined whether or not the first payout remaining number is “0” (determination process S205). When the remaining payout number in Article 1 is “0”, it means that the game ball (final ball) to be paid out last in Article 1 has started to pass. In the determination process S205, when the game ball that has started to pass is the final ball, a predetermined value (“150” corresponding to about 300 ms in this embodiment) is set in the first item control timer (“first item control”). On the other hand, if the game ball that has started to pass is not the final ball, the first control timer is canceled (“first control timer cancellation process” S207). The control timer in Article 1 is a timer for monitoring the payout interval between two game balls that are paid out in succession. Note that the value of the Article 1 control timer is subtracted by “1” for each timer interrupt when it is a positive number.

  Next, in the same manner as the determination process S201 to the first article control timer release process S207 for the first article, the processes for the second to fourth articles (S208 to S228) are executed, and this process is completed. . In addition, since each process with respect to Article 2-Article 4 is a process substantially the same as the process corresponding to Article 1, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  After the payout number counting process S3110, as shown in FIG. 22, a process for controlling the payout solenoid is executed ("payout solenoid control process" S3111). Here, the dispensing solenoid control process 3111 will be described in detail. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dispensing solenoid control process.

  In the payout solenoid control process S3111, as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not a payout error (game ball non-detection error) flag is set (S401). If the payout error is not set, it is determined whether or not the ball lending operation is in progress (S402). When the ball lending operation is in progress, it is further determined whether or not the number of lending balls is “0”. Therefore, the number of payouts is set to the same value as the number of rental ball payouts. It should be noted that the lending of the rented balls is executed in a plurality of times, and the number of times the divided balls are executed is the number of rented balls. In each paying out of a rental ball, the number of payouts is set to the same value as the predetermined number of rental balls. On the other hand, if the ball lending operation is not in progress, the winning ball is paid out, and the payout number is set to the same value as the winning ball payout number. The prize ball payout number is a value set in the prize ball payout number setting process S104 (see FIG. 23) in the command determination process S3105. If the payout error flag is set in the determination process S401, since the payout cannot be continued, the determination process S402 to the payout number setting process S405 are skipped.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the remaining payout number is “0” (S406). If the payout remaining amount is “0”, the predetermined number of payouts in the current payout control has been completed, and therefore processing for terminating payout is executed (“payout stop setting process” S407). ), This process ends. When the remaining payout number is “0”, it is determined whether or not the control timer for all items is released. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the control timer for all items is “0” (S408). If any of the control timers is not released, a re-payout control timer that determines a waiting time until the re-payout operation is started is set ("re-payout control timer setting process" S409). The process ends.

  On the other hand, if the payout control timer for all items is canceled, it is determined whether or not the payout remaining number for any item is 0 (S410). When the remaining payout number in all the articles is not 0, since the payout is started, the re-payout count (“1” in this embodiment) is set. The number of re-payouts determines how many times the payout operation is repeated after the initial payout operation when a predetermined number of payouts are not completed in the initial payout operation ("re-payout number setting process" S411). After the re-payout number setting process S411, the number of game balls to be paid out in each of the first to fourth articles (remaining payout number: [individual pass permission number]) is determined.

  Here, the payout number distribution process S412 in the payout solenoid control process S3111 will be described in detail. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the payout number distribution process. In the payout number distribution process S412, as shown in FIG. 27, first, surplus distribution pattern data is initialized. As a result, the surplus distribution pattern data referenced in the previous payout number distribution process is cleared. Here, the surplus distribution pattern data will be described. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of surplus allocation pattern information composed of a plurality of surplus allocation pattern data, and FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the data configuration of each surplus allocation pattern data It is explanatory drawing. The surplus allocation pattern information is information held in a predetermined area of the ROM 1037a2, and as shown in the second column of FIG. 28, a plurality of surplus allocation patterns held one by one at a plurality of consecutive addresses. It consists of minute pattern data. In FIG. 28, the first column, the third column, and the fourth column are descriptions for convenience of explanation, and are not information actually held in the ROM 1037a2. Each surplus distribution pattern data is 8-bit (1 byte) data, and whether or not the surplus distribution number is allocated to the first article is determined by the 0th bit (bit 0). If the 0th bit is “0”, the surplus fraction is not assigned to the first article. Similarly, whether or not to allocate the surplus fraction to Article 2, Article 3 and Article 4 according to the values of the first bit (bit1), the second bit (bit1) and the third bit (bit1), respectively. It is determined. For example, in the surplus distribution pattern data shown in FIG. 29, the surplus distribution numbers are allocated to the third, fourth and first articles.

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

  After the surplus distribution calculation process, it is determined whether or not the surplus distribution is “0” (S504). If the surplus distribution is not “0”, at least one of the first to fourth articles Since more game balls must be paid out and allocated than in other articles, the surplus allocation pattern data for determining this allocation is updated. On the other hand, when the surplus distribution number is “0”, since the distribution numbers in Articles 1 to 4 are the same, it is not necessary to select the surplus distribution pattern data, and the surplus distribution pattern data is updated. Processing S504 is skipped. Specifically, by using the value generated based on the item identification value corresponding to the priority distribution item updated in the final stage of the previous payout distribution process S412 and the value of the surplus distribution number, FIG. One surplus distribution pattern data is selected from the surplus distribution pattern information shown in FIG. More specifically, the offset value is calculated by shifting the value obtained by subtracting “1” from the line identification value and the surplus distribution number to the left by 2 bits (equivalent to multiplying by 4). Then, the surplus distribution pattern data corresponding to the memory address value obtained by adding the value of the head memory address (“1350H”) in the surplus distribution pattern information and the offset value is selected. The article ([priority distribution path]) is the first article when distributing the surplus distribution number. Note that the surplus distribution numbers are distributed one by one to the continuous line from the top line according to the circulation sequence. In this embodiment, the circulation order sequence is an order sequence repeated as “... → 1st article → 2nd article → 3rd article → 4th article → 1st article → ...”. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, if the surplus distribution number and priority are determined, the distribution pattern is uniquely determined.

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

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

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

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

  Information for specifically controlling the dispensing solenoid is set after the dispensing solenoid control process S3111 ("dispensing solenoid setting process" S3112). Here, the dispensing solenoid setting process S3112 will be described in detail. FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dispensing solenoid setting process. In the payout solenoid setting process, as shown in FIG. 30, it is first determined whether or not a payout error has occurred (S601). If no payout error has occurred, the control timer of the first article is changed to a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the current value. It is determined whether or not the first control timer is “0” and whether or not the first payout remaining number is “0” (S603, S604). If neither the first control timer nor the first payout remaining number is “0”, the solenoid control information is updated. The solenoid control information includes information designating the on / off state of each solenoid, and the solenoid control information itself is information common to all items. Specifically, “1” is set in the 0th bit in the solenoid control information, and the first discharge solenoid is shifted to the on state or maintained in the on state.

  Next, similarly to the first article control timer update process S602 to the solenoid control information update process S605 for the first article, the processes for the second to fourth articles (S606 to S617) are executed. In addition, since each process with respect to Article 2-Article 4 is a process substantially the same as the process corresponding to Article 1, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Thereafter, solenoid control information is output, and the solenoid control information is stored in the output buffer in order to change the operation status of each of the solenoids as necessary. The stored solenoid control information is output in the payout solenoid drive process S3102 (FIG. 22). The solenoid control information is also output when it is determined in the determination process S601 that a payout error has occurred. In this case, the solenoid control information is changed to the OFF state in the solenoid control information update process S421 or the solenoid control information update process S423.

  As shown in FIG. 22, after the payout solenoid setting process S3112, a process for controlling a signal from the ball lending apparatus 1350 and a signal to the ball lending apparatus is executed ("ball lending payout control process" S3113). ). In addition, the main control board 1045a stores in the output buffer a payout count signal and a payout signal for detecting the occurrence of an error in the payout device 1033h or the like and an illegal act on the payout device 1033h or the like (“payout count signal setting process”). S3114, “Payout signal setting process” S3115). As for the payout count signal, the same number of pulse signals are output in a predetermined waveform based on the number of output signals received from the count sensor 10 (corresponding to the number of game balls that have been paid out). This signal is turned on when the payout control board 1037a is performing a payout operation. If a payout error (game ball non-detection error) occurs after the payout signal setting process S3115, an undetected error signal is stored in the output buffer ("undetected error signal setting process" S3116). Various signals are actually output in the control information output process S3104.

  After the undetected error signal setting process S3116, it is monitored whether or not the main ball-type spinning machine 1010 is connected to an external ball lending device (“CR unit connection monitoring process” S3117).

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

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

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

  The main process executed by the sub control board 1047a will be described in detail. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process of the sub control board.

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

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

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

  Here, the received command confirmation processing S4108 will be described in detail. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a received command confirmation process. In the received command confirmation process S4108, first, the type of the received command is determined (S4201). Specifically, the command identification information included in the upper byte (8 bits) is extracted from the command stored in the reception buffer, and the process proceeds to processing according to the extracted command identification information. When a plurality of commands are stored in the reception buffer, the commands are sequentially processed according to the reception order. In the following, processing according to each command identification information will be described.

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

  If it is determined in the determination process S4201 that the received command is an error command such as a payout error command or a throw-in error command, information on the lower bytes of the error command is extracted, and errors by various peripheral devices based on the information are extracted. The type of notification is determined ("error command processing" S4203).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Here, the periodic timer process S4105 in the main process of the sub control board 1047a will be described in detail. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a periodic timer process. By executing the timer interrupt process substantially every 1 ms, the periodic timer process S4105 is also executed substantially every 1 ms.

  In the cycle timer process 4105, first, it is confirmed whether any command is received from the main control board 1045a within 2 seconds after the execution of the start process S4114 (see FIG. 31), and any command is received from the main control board 1045a. Is not received, it is determined that the main control board 1045a has not been normally activated, and a process of notifying the occurrence of an error is performed ("activation command confirmation process" S4301).

  After the startup command confirmation processing S4301, the liquid crystal display device 1042, the speakers 1106, 1204, and various effect LED cover sections 1104 according to various commands confirmed to be received in the reception command confirmation processing S4108 (see FIG. 32). Actual drive control of a light emitting device (not shown) covered with 1108 and 1110, various light emitting devices 1132 and 1134L1, etc. is performed ("device control process" S4302).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Main configuration related to the present invention]
The structure of the main characteristic part of the ball-type cylinder game machine 1010 of the present invention will be described. The ball-type rotating game machine 1010 pays out the number of game balls allowed to be paid out at the same time in cooperation with four payout systems (four payout paths). The four payout systems are identified by the notations “Article 1”, “Article 2”, “Article 3”, and “Article 4”.

  The distribution of the permitted number of payouts in payout control to Articles 1 to 4 will be described. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the change in the number of payouts in a plurality of payouts as the game progresses. FIG. 34 shows a change in the number of payouts in the payout control for four times from the start-up of the payout control board 1037a. In addition, in the payout control from the first time to the fourth time (first payout to fourth payout in the figure), the cases where payout of 75 balls, 30 balls, 40 balls, and 5 balls are respectively performed are shown. Yes. In the first payout control, it is assumed that the first article of the initial value is set for application priority. In addition, the symbol “*” in the figure represents an article to which extra game balls are distributed. In the following, the change in the number of payouts will be described, almost in chronological order.

  In the distribution of the number of payouts in the first payout control, the preferential distribution line (applicable preferential distribution line in the figure) referred to in the current distribution is Article 1, and the number of payouts is 75 balls. Therefore, “18”, which is a value corresponding to the quotient when 75 (number of payouts) is divided by 4 (number of items), is set as the even distribution number (S505), and the value corresponding to the remainder in that case “3” is set as the surplus distribution number (S502). From the head address (1350H) of the surplus distribution pattern information shown in FIG. 28 by the calculation based on the value “3 (00000011B)” representing the surplus distribution number and the item identification value “0 (00000000B)” of the first article. The surplus distribution pattern data at the eighth address (1358H) is selected (S504). Specifically, the value “8 (00001000B)” obtained by subtracting 1 from the value representing the surplus distribution and shifted to the left by 2 bits is added to the first article identification value “0 (00000000B)”. The addition result and the value of the start address of the surplus allocation pattern information are added, and surplus allocation pattern data at the address indicated by the value (“1358H”) is selected. As a result, “00000111B” is selected, and as shown in FIG. 29, the first, second, and third articles become surplus distribution lines to which the number of payouts is distributed. In addition, the circulation order sequence in the present embodiment corresponds to an order sequence repeated as “... → 1st article → 2nd article → 3rd article → 4th article → 1st article → ...”. Accordingly, the number of payouts (number of payouts) in Articles 1 to 3 is set to a value that is larger by “1” than the even distribution number (S508, S511, S517). In each article, when the number of payouts allocated by the first allocation is completed, 3 (in accordance with the circulation sequence) including the application priority distribution from the first of the application priority distribution The value of the number of distributions) Article 4 which is the next article after Article 3 is the priority distribution item (update priority distribution item in the figure) referred to in the second distribution (S518).

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 34, distribution of the number of payouts in the second and subsequent payout control is performed. As shown in FIG. 34, when the payout of each item is completed in the initial payout operation without performing the re-injection operation in all payout controls, the number of game balls to be paid out in each item is 1 or more. There is no difference.

  If it is the game machine of this form, the number of game media paid out from each line (payment path) can be equalized based on dynamic change of the preferential distribution line (priority distribution path) over a plurality of payout controls. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the difference in aging deterioration of the payout flicker 1033b (passage restricting means) corresponding to each of the plurality of payout passages. Thereby, the ease of maintenance management of the gaming machine can be improved. Furthermore, in the case of the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of gaming media paid out from each payout passage in each payout control can be made uniform, so that the game balls stored for payout are packed with tank rails of 1034 balls. Can be suppressed. This is because even when the ball is likely to be jammed, if the game balls of the plurality of adjacent strips are paid out, the degree of freedom of movement of the game ball is increased, so that the ball jam can be prevented. Thereby, smooth game progression can be realized.

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

  In the above, the case where the distribution number of each item is determined with reference to the surplus distribution pattern information has been described, but in the present invention, without using this information, the number of payouts is assigned to each item according to the circulation sequence. It is also possible to repeat the process of assigning one by one. Even in this case, substantially the same effect as the present invention can be obtained. In this case, the number of processings required to distribute the number of payouts to each item increases. Therefore, the configuration of this embodiment is preferable.

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

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

1032: Game ball tank 1033: Dispensing device 1034: Tank rail 1035: Case rail 1037a: Dispensing control board 1037a1: CPU
1037a2: ROM
1037a3: RAM
1350: Ball lending device 1402: Storage passage 1406: Discharge passage 1033b: Discharge flicker 1033c: Discharge solenoid 1033h: Count sensor

Claims (1)

Flow regulation means for regulating the flow of game media to a plurality of passages for each passage;
A flow-permitted number determining means for determining a flow-permitted number of game media based on a flow-down instruction;
A distribution control means for distributing the allowed flow number to the plurality of passages;
A flow restriction control means for controlling the flow restriction of the game medium by the flow restriction means for each passage based on the distribution by the distribution control means;
A gaming machine including
A priority distribution path selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of paths as a priority distribution path;
The distribution control means determines the number of game media to be distributed to the plurality of passages from the priority distribution passage according to a predetermined cyclic order and flow down to each of the plurality of passages so as not to differ by two or more. ,
The priority distribution path selection means selects, as the priority distribution path, a path corresponding to the next order of the paths to be distributed last among the plurality of paths for each distribution by the distribution control means. ,
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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