JP2019058823A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of optimally suppressing a fraud intentionally blocking a smooth flow of game balls in a game area.SOLUTION: A game board 24 includes an out hole 37, and game balls not entering any of a general winning hole 31, a variable winning device, an upper actuation hole 33, and a lower actuation hole 34 are discharged via the out hole 37 to a back face side of the game board 24. The game balls discharged to the back face side of the game board 24, including game balls passing through the out hole 37 are detected by a discharge detection sensor 89. A detection result of the discharge detection sensor 89 is output to a main control device, and the main control device measures the number of game balls discharged from a pachinko machine 10 by using the detection result of the discharge detection sensor 89. In that case, when a period when the discharge detection sensor 89 is put in the detection state is a prescribed period or more, a notification representing that it is a discharge error state is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A pachinko machine is known as a type of gaming machine. Specifically, the pachinko machine is provided with a game board on which a game area in which game balls flow down is formed, and the game board is provided with a plurality of ball storage units capable of entering game balls flowing down the game area. ing. When the game ball enters the ball entry portion, a bonus such as the payout of the game ball and the execution of the internal lottery is given to the player. In addition, the game ball entering the ball entry section is discharged to the back side of the game board. In addition, the game board is provided with a discharge unit for discharging the game ball, which has not entered any of the ball entry units, out of the game area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-6412, A

  Here, a large number of gaming machines are installed in the gaming hall, and accordingly, a large amount of gaming media will be used in the gaming hall. In this case, it is necessary to manage game media in the game hall, and it is necessary to provide a game machine that can contribute to the optimization of the management.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine which can contribute to the optimization of management of gaming media in a gaming hall.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 measures the number of game media discharged from the game machine using a medium detection means provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is a discharge information storage means Emission measurement means to be stored in
Even during the situation where the supply of power to the discharge measurement means is stopped, power is supplied to the discharge information storage means, and the power supply during disconnection means that the storage of information can be held in the discharge information storage means When,
If the number of game media corresponding to the number-of-discharges information stored in the discharge information storage means becomes equal to or more than the specified number of discharges which is two or more, the discharge recognition signal can be output to the outside of the gaming machine Output side output means,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can contribute to the optimization of management of gaming media in the gaming hall.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. (A), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content in the display surface of a symbol display apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the channel | path structure formed inside the delivery apparatus. (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a discharge passage part, (b) is a figure which expands and shows a part of Fig.7 (a). It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for the etc. lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the normal processing performed by main side MPU. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution regarding payment of a game ball. It is a flowchart which shows the input state monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the output processing for payout performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed by payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball setting process performed by payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the rental ball setting process performed by payment side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the number setting process of payout performed by payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the payment control processing performed by payment side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the payment state setting process performed by payment side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the winning ball permission signal setting process performed by payout side MPU. FIG. 7 is a schematic view for explaining an outline of an electrical configuration of the game hall in which a large number of pachinko machines are installed. (A) It is a rear view of the pachinko machine which expands and shows an external terminal board and its periphery, It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electric constitution of an external terminal board. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process for discharge | emission performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process for a prize ball schedule performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process on the delivery side performed by the delivery side MPU. It is a timing chart which shows the situation of external output. It is a flow chart which shows the external output processing for individual discharge performed by main side MPU in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process on the delivery side performed by the delivery side MPU in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows processing for individual output performed by payment side MPU. (A) It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the discharge detection sensor in 4th Embodiment and the structure of the periphery of it, (b) It is a figure which shows typically the lower side area | region of a game board. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the discharge detection sensor in 5th Embodiment, and the structure of the periphery of it. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a figure which shows typically the lower side area | region of the game board in 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the out sphere monitoring process performed by main side MPU. It is a figure which shows typically the lower side area | region of the game board in 7th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the stop monitoring process performed by main side MPU.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded manner. In addition, in FIG. 2, the structure in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.

  The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and a gaming machine main body 12 rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 in a forward direction. The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting wooden plate members to four sides, and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending device (for example, a CR unit) Y is provided on the side of the outer frame 11. A card insertion slot H is provided on the front side of the ball lending device Y, and by inserting the card into the card insertion slot H, it is possible to receive a number of game balls corresponding to the amount of money stored in the card. It has become. The card inserted into the ball lending device Y in order to receive the game ball is not limited to a card, and may be cash or a coin in which cash information is stored.

  The gaming machine body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, the inner frame 13 is pivotable forward with the left side as the pivoting base end and the right side as the pivoting tip side in front view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip end side in front view It is assumed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and when viewed from the front, the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation tip end side. It is made movable.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the locking device 16 is provided at the rotating tip of the gaming machine main body 12 and the gaming machine main body 12 is locked to the outer frame 11 so as not to be openable. The front door frame 14 has a function to lock the inner door 13 in an unopenable manner. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation on the cylinder lock 17 provided exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 using an unlocking key.

  Next, the configuration of the front side of the gaming machine body 12 will be described.

  The inner frame 13 mainly includes a resin base 21 whose outer shape is substantially the same as the outer frame 11. A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 21. A game board 24 is removably attached to the resin base 21. The game board 24 is made of plywood, and the game area formed on the front of the game board 24 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 23 of the resin base 21.

  Here, the configuration of the game board 24 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 24. As shown in FIG.

  The gaming board 24 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. In each opening, a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper operating opening 33, a lower operating opening 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a main display unit 43, a display unit 44 and the like are provided. ing.

  When the ball is entered into the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) disposed on the back side of the game board 24. A payout of a predetermined number of winning balls is executed based on the detection result. In this case, when entry to the upper operation opening 33 occurs and when entry to the lower operation opening 34 occurs, the payout of three winning balls is executed, and entry to the general winning opening 31 is When it occurs, the payout of ten winning balls is executed, and when the entering of the variable winning device 32 occurs, the payout of fifteen winning balls is executed. However, the number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls of both operation ports 33 and 34 is such that the number of prize balls for lower operation port 34 is larger than the number of prize balls for upper operation port 33. It may be different. Further, the number of winning balls relating to the variable winning device 32 is not limited to a configuration having a larger number than the number of other winning balls, and may be smaller than the number of winning balls relating to the general winning opening 31, for example.

  In addition, an out port 37 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 24, and game balls which did not enter the various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 37. Further, on the game board 24, a large number of nails 38 are implanted to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as a windmill are disposed.

  Here, entering the ball means that the gaming ball passes through the predetermined opening, and it is discharged not only from the gaming area after passing through the opening, but also discharged from the gaming area after passing through the opening Not included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 37, the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34 or the through gate 35. The entry of the game ball is also expressed as a winning.

  The upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34 are unitized as an operating opening device and installed on the game board 24. The upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are both open upward. Further, both operation ports 33 and 34 are aligned in the vertical direction so that the upper operation port 33 is on the upper side. The lower operating port 34 is provided with a motorized part 34a as a guide piece including a pair of left and right movable pieces.

  The motorized jack 34a is connected to a motorized jack drive 34b mounted on the back side of the game board 24, and is driven by the motored jack drive 34b to be placed in either the closed state or the open state. . In the closed state of the electric combination 34a, the gaming ball can not win in the lower operating opening 34, and the opening of the electric combination 34a enables the winning in the lower opening 34.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible that the game ball in the lower operation opening 34 is likely to generate a prize, and that the prize is not impossible but is more difficult to occur than the above. The accessory 34a may be switched. In addition, the motorized part 34a may be defective, and switching between a state in which a winning is likely to occur and a state in which a winning is less likely to occur may be performed by the displacement of the lower operation port 34 itself.

  The variable winning device 32 has a large winning opening (not shown) communicating with the back side of the game board 24 and an open / close door 32a for opening and closing the large winning opening. The open / close door 32a is connected to a variable prize drive unit integrally provided as the variable prize device 32, and driven by the variable prize drive unit to be disposed in either the closed state or the open state. Specifically, the game ball is normally in a closed state in which the game ball can not win, and is switched to an open state in which the game ball can win a prize when the shift to the open / close execution mode is won in the internal lottery. By the way, the open / close execution mode is a mode which is to be shifted when the jackpot is won or the special out. In the closed state, although it is not impossible to win, it may be in a state in which the winning is less likely to occur than in the open state.

  In the main display unit 43, a change display of a pattern is performed triggered by winning on the upper operating opening 33 or the lower operating opening 34, and as a result of stopping the variable display, winning on the upper operating opening 33 or the lower operating opening 34 The result of the internal lottery made on the basis is clearly indicated by the display. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, winning in the upper actuation opening 33 and winning in the lower actuation opening 34 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and the row is based on the winning in the upper actuation opening 33 or the lower actuation opening 34. The result of the internal lottery is clearly indicated on the main display 43 which is a common display area. Then, when the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the predetermined display result is After being displayed and the fluctuation display is stopped, the mode is shifted to the open / close execution mode.

  In addition, although the main display part 43 is comprised by the segment display which the some segment light emission part is arranged in a predetermined | prescribed aspect, it is not limited to this, A liquid crystal display device, an organic electroluminescence display, It may be configured by a CRT or other type of display device such as a dot matrix display. In addition, as a pattern that is variably displayed on the main display unit 43, a configuration in which plural types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which plural types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which plural types of characters are variably displayed A configuration in which the color of the species is switched and displayed may be considered.

  In the prize display portion 44, the variation display of the pattern is performed triggered by the winning of the through gate 35, and as a result of the stop of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35 is Explicitly shown. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning on the through gate 35 is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the electronic part opening state, a predetermined stopping result is displayed on the role display 44 and the fluctuation display After being stopped, shift to the open state. In the open state, the motorized accessory 34a provided in the lower operation port 34 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  The variable display unit 36 is provided with a symbol display device 41 that variably displays a symbol, which is a type of symbol, and a center frame 42 so as to surround the symbol display device 41. The symbol display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device provided with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. The symbol display device 41 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device having a display screen such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device or a CRT, and a dot matrix display It may be a container.

  In the symbol display device 41, variable display of symbols is started based on winning on the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34. That is, when the variable display is performed on the main display unit 43, the variable display is performed on the symbol display device 41 in accordance with that.

  The display contents of the symbol display device 41 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing a display surface G of the symbol display device 41. As shown in FIG.

  Although illustration is omitted, a symbol which is a kind of symbol is constituted by nine main symbols designated respectively by the numerals “1” to “9” and a sub-symbol consisting of a shell-shaped symbol . More specifically, the main symbols are configured by attaching numbers of "1" to "9" to nine types of character symbols such as octopus.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, on the display surface G of the symbol display device 41, three symbol rows Z1, Z2 and Z3 of upper, middle and lower are set as a plurality of display areas. In each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3, the main symbols and the sub symbols are arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, in the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol . In the lower figure pattern row Z3, nine types of main symbols of "1" to "9" are arranged in the ascending order of the numbers, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol.

  That is, the upper pattern row Z1 and the lower pattern row Z3 are formed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine main symbols of "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and then between the main symbol of "9" and the main symbol of "1" The main symbols of "4" are additionally arranged in each, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, ten main symbols are arranged and are configured by twenty symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), on the display surface G, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine 3 × 3 symbols are stopped and displayed. It is supposed to be. Further, on the display surface G, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5 are set.

  In the case where effects for game circulation are performed on the display surface G based on winning on the upper operation opening 33 or the lower operation opening 34, the symbols of each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scrolled in a predetermined direction with periodicity. The variable display is started. Then, it is switched from the variable display to the standby display in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2 and finally the predetermined symbol is still displayed in each symbol row Z1 to Z3 for gaming use The production of is finished.

  In addition, when the game round effect ends, if it is the game turn corresponding to the occurrence of the high probability big hit result which it mentions later, the combination of the design where the same odd number is attached to one of effective lines is formed In the case of game times corresponding to the occurrence of the low probability jackpot result described later, a combination of symbols given the same even number is formed on any of the activated lines. The contents of each jackpot result will be described later.

  Note that the variable display is started on the main display unit 43 and the symbol display device 41 based on the winning on any of the operation ports 33 and 34, and a predetermined stop result is displayed until the above variable display is stopped. It corresponds to one game play.

  In addition, the aspect of the variation display of the symbols in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above and is arbitrary, the number of symbol rows, the direction of the variation display of symbols in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row Can be changed as appropriate. Further, the pattern variably displayed by the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above-described symbol, and for example, only numbers may be variably displayed as the pattern.

  At the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 42, as shown in FIG. 4, a first holding lamp unit 45 corresponding to the main display unit 43 and the symbol display device 41 is provided. The number of game balls winning in the upper operating opening 33 or the lower operating opening 34 is held up to a maximum of four, and the number of holdings is displayed by lighting of the first holding lamp unit 45.

  At the upper right portion of the center frame 42, a second holding lamp unit 46 corresponding to the character display unit 44 is provided. The number of times the game ball passes through the through gate 35 is held up to four times, and the number of the held balls is indicated by the lighting of the second holding lamp unit 46. Note that the function of each holding lamp unit 45, 46 may be performed by display in a partial area of the symbol display device 41.

  The inner rail portion 48 and the outer rail portion 49 are attached to the game board 24, and the inner rail portion 48 and the outer rail portion 49 constitute an induction rail, and the game is fired from the gaming ball emission mechanism 51 The ball is guided to the top of the game area. As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball firing mechanism 51 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21 and stored in the firing rail 52 extending toward the guide rail and the upper tray 61 a described later. A ball feeding device 53 for supplying gaming balls onto the firing rail 52, and a solenoid 54 serving as an electric actuator for firing the gaming balls supplied onto the firing rail 52 toward the guide rail are provided. By operating the firing handle 55 provided on the front door frame 14, the solenoid 54 is driven and controlled, and the gaming ball is fired.

  A front door frame 14 is provided to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 56 which allows almost the entire game area to be viewed from the front. The window 56 has a substantially elliptical shape, and the window panel 57 is fitted therein. The window panel 57 is formed to be colorless and transparent by glass, but is not limited to this and may be formed to be colorless and transparent by a synthetic resin, and the game area is viewed through the window panel 57 from the front of the pachinko machine 10 If possible, it may be colored and transparent.

  Around the window portion 56, light emitting means such as various lamp portions are provided. A display lamp unit 58 is provided above the window unit 56 as a part of various lamp units. In addition, on the left and right sides of the display lamp unit 58, speaker units 59 are provided to which sound effects and the like according to the game state are output.

  Below the window portion 56 of the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 61 and a lower bulging portion 62 bulging toward the front side are vertically juxtaposed. An upper plate 61a opened upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 61, and a lower plate 62a opening similarly upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 62. The upper tray 61a has a function for temporarily storing game balls paid out from a later described payout device and guiding the game balls to the game ball launch mechanism 51 side while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 62a has a function of storing gaming balls that have become surplus in the upper tray 61a.

  A ball lending operating device 65 is disposed at the upper bulging portion 61. The ball lending operating device 65 is provided with a ball lending button 66, a return button 67, and a frequency display unit 68. With the card or the like inserted in the ball lending device Y, the ball lending operation device 65 can perform a ball lending operation, a card returning operation, and confirmation of the card frequency. That is, the ball lending button 66 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on the information recorded in the card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is paid out as long as the remaining amount is present on the card or the like. The return button 67 is operated to request return of a card or the like inserted in the ball lending device Y. The frequency display unit 68 displays balance information of a card or the like.

  Next, the configuration of the back side of the gaming machine body 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24), control of the main control device 71 responsible for main control of the game, voice and lamp display, and control of a display control device not shown. An audio emission control device 72 to be responsible is mounted.

  The substrate box 71a of the main controller 71 may be provided with a trace means for leaving a trace of the opening or a trace structure for leaving a trace of the opening. As the trace means, a plurality of case bodies constituting the substrate box 71a are inseparably joined, and the configuration of a coupling portion (crimping portion) which requires breakage of a predetermined portion in the case of separation, and the adhesive layer A configuration is conceivable in which a sealing seal that leaves a trace of being peeled off by being left on is pasted across the boundaries between the plurality of case bodies. Moreover, as a trace structure, the structure which apply | coats an adhesive agent with respect to the boundary between several case bodies which comprise the board | substrate box 71a can be considered. Note that such a trace structure may be provided in a substrate box of the payout control device 78 described later.

  A back pack unit 15 is installed so as to cover the back side of the inner frame 13 including the main control device 71 and the sound emission control device 72. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 73 formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and to the back pack 73, a dispensing mechanism 74 and a control device assembly unit 75 are attached.

  The payout mechanism section 74 includes a tank 76 to which the gaming balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall are successively replenished, and a payout device 77 for paying out the gaming balls stored in the tank 76. The configuration of the dispensing device 77 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the passage structure formed inside the dispensing device 77. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the gaming balls flowing down the inside of the payout device 77 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

  In the housing 77a of the payout device 77, a game ball inlet 77b for taking in the game balls supplied from the side of the tank 76 is formed at the upper end thereof, and further, the game ball entered from the game ball inlet 77b inside A game ball passage 77c for passing a ball is provided.

  The game ball passage 77c communicates with the game ball outlet 77d formed at the lower end of the housing 77a, and the game balls entered from the game ball inlet 77b flow downward one by one toward the game ball outlet 77d. In the middle part of the game ball passage 77c, there is provided a housing portion in which the passage width is expanded to the left and right, and the rotary body 77e is housed in the housing portion. The center of the rotating body 77e is fixed to the output shaft 77f of the payout motor. Moreover, the recessed part 77g is formed in two places by a 180 degree space | interval on the periphery of the rotary body 77e. When the gaming ball flowing down the gaming ball passage 77c reaches the recess 77g of the rotating body 77e, the gaming ball is drawn to the downstream side as the rotating body 77e rotates.

  The payout motor is constituted by a stepping motor, and the output shaft 77f is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction. The payout motor is driven and controlled by a payout control device 78 described later. In this case, when the payout motor is continuously driven at a normal speed in a situation where gaming balls are continuously supplied from the tank 76 side, one gaming ball is paid out in a cycle of 30 msec.

  In the game ball passage 77c, a discharge ball detection sensor 77h having a substantially flat plate shape is installed at a position downstream of the housing portion. The payout ball detection sensor 77h is constituted by a known magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and converts a change in the magnetic field caused by the game ball passing through the through hole of the detection unit into an electric signal and outputs it. The payout ball detection sensor 77h is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect a game ball, and for example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. . The dispensing ball detection sensor 77 h outputs an electrical signal to the dispensing control device 78. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when the gaming ball is not detected, and a HI level signal is output when the gaming ball is detected. The relationship between the output levels may be reversed. The number of gaming balls paid out via the payout device 77 can be confirmed by the payout ball detection sensor 77h.

  The game balls paid out from the payout device 77 are discharged to the upper tray 61a or the lower tray 62a through the payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 77. In addition, for example, a main pack power of, for example, 24 AC, is supplied to the dispensing mechanism section 74, and a back pack substrate having a power switch for performing an ON operation and an OFF operation of the power is mounted.

  The control device set unit 75 generates a payout control device 78 having a function of controlling the payout device 77 and predetermined power required by various control devices and the like, and outputs and generates a game accompanying the operation of the discharge handle 55 by the player. A power supply and launch control device 79 is provided to control the launch of the ball. The payout control device 78 and the power source and discharge control device 79 are disposed so as to be stacked back and forth so that the payout control device 78 is located behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In addition to the above-described control devices 78 and 79, the control unit set unit 75 is a game ball that has been fired by the game ball firing mechanism 51 and reached the game area, and the game ball discharged to the back side of the game board 24 A discharge passage portion 85 for collecting the game balls and discharging the game balls to the island facilities of the game hall is provided. The configuration of the discharge passage portion 85 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a longitudinal sectional view of the discharge passage portion 85, and FIG. 7B is a view showing a part of FIG. 7A in an enlarged manner.

  The game ball that has won in any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34 is derived to the back side of the gaming board 24 and detected by the detection sensor corresponding to each winning portion Be done. Then, the gaming ball is guided to the lower end portion of the gaming board 24 by the recovery passage portion 86 provided on the back surface of the gaming board 24. In addition, the game ball entered into the out port 37 of the game board 24 and led to the back side of the game board 24 is also guided to the lower end of the game board 24 by the recovery passage section 86.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a discharge passage portion 85 is provided so as to exist below the collection passage portion 86. The discharge passage portion 85 is formed such that the inlet portion faces the outlet portion of the discharge passage portion 85 from below, and the inlet portion of the discharge passage portion 85 is discharged from the outlet portion of the discharge passage portion 85 While the game ball is formed in a wide opening so as to be able to receive all the game balls, it is narrow so that the game balls are not aligned in the direction orthogonal to the passage direction on the outlet of the discharge passage 85 It is formed in the mouth. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the inclined portion 87 is formed so that the passage cross section is narrowed at an intermediate position in the vertical direction, and the game ball is in the passage direction after the inclined portion 87. The alignment passage area 88 is incapable of being aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the direction. In addition, since the inclined portion 87 is inclined downward toward the entrance of the alignment passage area 88, the gaming ball that has reached the inclined portion 87 flows down toward the alignment passage area 88 by its own weight.

  The alignment passage region 88 communicates with the outlet of the discharge passage portion 85, and the gaming balls having passed through the alignment passage region 88 are discharged to the island facility. In the alignment passage area 88, a discharge detection sensor 89 is provided to detect the gaming balls passing through the alignment passage area 88 one by one.

  The discharge detection sensor 89 is configured of a proximity sensor of a magnetic detection type, and changes in the magnetic field when the gaming ball passes through the detection range are detected and output as an electric signal. The discharge detection sensor 89 is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is optional as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. The discharge detection sensor 89 outputs an electrical signal to the main controller 71. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when the gaming ball is not detected, and a HI level signal is output when the gaming ball is detected. The relationship between the output levels may be reversed.

  With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B, all gaming balls introduced to the discharge passage section 85 pass through the alignment passage area 88. The gaming balls passing through the alignment passage area 88 are detected one by one by the discharge detection sensor 89, and after being detected by the discharge detection sensor 89, the game balls are discharged to the island facility.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack 73 is provided with an external terminal plate 81 in addition to the dispensing mechanism 74 and the control device assembly unit 75. The external terminal plate 81 is installed at the base end side of the back pack unit 15 on the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 and at an upper corner portion. The external terminal board 81 is a board for performing a predetermined signal output in order to cause the hole computer of the gaming hall to recognize the state of the pachinko machine 10. The details of the external terminal board 81 will be described later.

<Electric Configuration of Pachinko Machine 10>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main control device 71 comprises a main control board 91 which controls the main control of the game, and a power failure monitoring board 95 which monitors the power supply. An MPU 92 is mounted on the main control board 91. The MPU 92 is a ROM 93 storing various control programs to be executed by the MPU 92 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data etc. when the control program stored in the ROM 93 is executed. A RAM 94, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and various counter circuits as a random number generator are incorporated. The fact that the ROM 93 and the RAM 94 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 92 is not an essential configuration, and each may be configured as an individual chip. The same applies to the MPUs of control devices other than the main control device 71.

  The MPU 92 is provided with an input port and an output port. The blackout monitoring board 95 and the payout control device 78 provided in the main control device 71 are connected to the input side of the MPU 92. In this case, a power supply having a function of supplying operating power and a launch control device 79 are connected to the power failure monitoring board 95, and power is supplied to the MPU 92 through the power failure monitoring board 95.

  Further, various sensors such as various winning detection sensors 96a to 96e are connected to the input side of the MPU 92. Various prize detection sensors 96a to 96e are provided one-to-one with respect to a prize-compatible entry ball such as a general prize opening 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper operation opening 33, a lower operation opening 34 and a through gate 35. A sensor is included, and the MPU 92 makes a winning determination on each ball entry unit. Further, in the MPU 92, various lottery is executed based on the winning on the upper operation port 33 and the lower operation port 34.

  The power failure monitoring board 95, the payout control device 78, and the sound emission control device 72 are connected to the output side of the MPU 92. For example, a winning ball command is output to the payout control device 78 based on the result of the winning determination on the winning correspondence ball entry unit. The voice light emission control device 72 outputs various commands such as a variation command, a type command, and an opening command.

  In addition, on the output side of the MPU 92, a variable winning drive unit 32c that opens and closes the opening and closing door 32a of the variable winning device 32, an electric combination drive unit 34b that opens and closes the electric combination 34a of the lower operation opening 34, and a main display unit 43 and the symbol display unit 44 are connected. The main control substrate 91 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 92 executes drive control of various driving units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the opening and closing execution mode, the MPU 92 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit 32 c so that the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed. Further, when the open state of the motorized prize 34a is won, the drive control of the motorized prize drive unit 34b is executed in the MPU 92 so that the motorized prize 34a is opened and closed. Further, at each gaming session, display control of the main display unit 43 is executed in the MPU 92. Further, when the lottery result as to whether or not the motorized combination 34a is to be opened is clearly indicated, the display control of the combination display unit 44 is executed in the MPU 92.

  The power failure monitoring board 95 relays the main control board 91 and the power supply and emission control device 79, and monitors the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and emission control device 79. The payout control device 78 performs payout control of the winning balls and the lending balls by the payout device 77 based on the winning ball command input from the main control device 71.

  The power supply and launch control device 79 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the main control board 91, the payout control device 78, etc. generate necessary operation power for each and supply the generated operation power. The configuration for supplying the operating power will be described later. Further, the power supply and launch control device 79 is responsible for the launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 51, and the game ball launch mechanism 51 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are satisfied.

  The sound emission control device 72 controls driving of the various lamp units 45, 46 and 58 and the speaker unit 59 based on the command received from the main control device 71, and transmits the command to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 analyzes various commands received from the sound emission control device 72 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands, and executes display control of the symbol display device 41.

<Electrical configuration for performing various lottery with MPU 92 of main controller 71>
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lottery in the MPU 92 of the main control device 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The MPU 92 uses the various counter information during game play to perform a big hit occurrence lottery, the setting of the display of the main display unit 43, the setting of the symbol display of the symbol display device 41, the setting of the display of the symbol display unit 44, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the jackpot random number counter C1 used for lottery of jackpot occurrence, the jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 41 deviates out The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach occurrence lottery, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1, and the variation type counter that determines the display duration time in the main display 43 and the symbol display device 41 We use CS and. Furthermore, the electric combination release counter C4 used in the drawing of whether or not the electric combination 34a of the lower operation opening 34 is in the electric combination release state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the RAM 94.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and reaches a maximum value and returns to 0. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 94. Among them, in the lottery counter buffer, the information corresponding to the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is acquired information in the RAM 94 when the upper actuation opening 33 or the lower actuation opening 34 wins. It is stored in a holding ball storage area provided as a storage means.

  The holding ball storage area includes a holding area RE and an execution area AE. The reserve area RE is provided with a first reserve area RE1, a second reserve area RE2, a third reserve area RE3 and a fourth reserve area RE4, according to the winning history to the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34. The combination of the numerical information of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer is stored in any one of the hold areas RE1 to RE4 as hold information.

  In this case, the first reserve area RE1 → the second reserve area RE1 → the second reserve area RE1 to the fourth reserve area RE4 when a plurality of winnings in the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34 occur consecutively in a plurality of times. Each numerical value information is stored chronologically in the order of RE 2 → third reserve area RE 3 → fourth reserve area RE 4. By providing four reserve areas RE1 to RE4 as described above, the game ball's winning history of the upper operating opening 33 or the lower operating opening 34 is reserved and stored up to four. In addition, the holding area RE is provided with a holding number storage area NA, and in the holding number storage area NA, in order to specify the number for which the winning history to the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34 is held and stored. Information is stored.

  The number that can be reserved and stored is not limited to four and is arbitrary, and may be other plural such as two, three, five or more, or may be singular.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each numerical information stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when the variable display of the main display unit 43 is started, and at the start of one game cycle On the basis of the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE, a determination of success or failure is made.

  The respective counters will be described in detail.

  For example, the jackpot random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 599, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the big hit random number counter C1 makes one revolution, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the large hitting random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and is stored in the holding ball storage area at the timing when the gaming ball is won in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored in the ROM 93 as a success or failure table. As the pass / fail table, a pass / fail table for the low probability mode and a pass / fail table for the high probability mode are set. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the low probability mode and the high probability mode are set as the lottery mode in the hit / fall lottery means.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 29 and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the holding ball storage area at the timing when the gaming ball is won in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34.

  The distribution destination of the game result for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored in the ROM 93 as a distribution table. In the distribution table, among the values of “0 to 29” jackpot type counter C2, “0 to 9” correspond to the low probability jackpot result, and “10 to 29” correspond to the high probability jackpot result ing.

  The low probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the success or failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends. However, this high frequency support mode ends when the number of games reaches the end reference number of times (specifically, 100 times) after the transition, and shifts to the low frequency support mode. The high probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the success or failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the open / close execution mode ends.

  The open / close execution mode is a mode in which a round game is performed 15 times. A round game is a game that continues until either a predetermined upper limit continuation time elapses or a predetermined upper limit number of gaming balls wins the variable winning device 32 is satisfied. It is. The upper limit continuation time is set to 29 seconds, and the upper limit number is set to nine. In each round game, the variable winning device 32 is opened only once, but may be opened a plurality of times.

  In the pachinko machine 10, in a situation where the release handle 55 is operated by the player, the game ball emission mechanism 51 is drive-controlled so that one game ball is emitted toward the game area in 0.6 sec. . Then, in each round game, the upper limit continuation time of a time longer than the product of the firing cycle of the game balls and the upper limit number of one round game is set. Therefore, in each round game, it can be expected that the variable winning device 32 will receive winnings for the upper limit number in one round game.

  The support mode is a mode in which the frequency at which the motorized part 34a of the lower operation opening 34 is opened per unit time is different, and the high frequency support mode is used so that the frequency is relatively high and low. The low frequency support mode is set.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of being in the electronic combination open state in the electric combination open lottery using the electric combination release counter C4 is the same (for example, both 4/5) However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times the motorized role 34a is in the open state when the electronic component is in the open state is set more frequently than in the low frequency support mode, one more open The time is set long. In this case, in the high frequency support mode, when the electric work open state is elected and the open state of the motorized accessory 34a occurs a plurality of times, closing from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state The time is set shorter than one open time. Also, in the high frequency support mode, a shorter time is secured as the minimum securing time when the next electric combination opening lottery is performed after the one electric combination opening lottery is performed than the low frequency support mode It is set to be selected.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability that the lower operating port 34 will be hit is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning in the upper operation port 33 is higher than in the lower operation port 34, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operation port 34 to the lower operation port 34. The probability of winning will increase. Then, when the lower operation opening 34 has a winning, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing his ball much be able to.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency with which the high-frequency support mode is to be in the open state per unit time than in the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described one. It is also possible to increase the probability of being in the electronic combination open state winning state in. In addition, a securing time (for example, based on the winning on the through gate 35) is secured on the occasion where the next electric combination opening lottery is performed after the one electric combination opening lottery is performed (for example In the configuration where multiple types of variable display to be executed are prepared, the high frequency support mode is set so that the short securing time is easier to be selected or the average securing time is shorter than the low frequency support mode. It may be done. Furthermore, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is extended, and the securing time secured upon the next electric combination opening lottery being performed after the one electric combination opening lottery is performed (i.e., shorter) Apply one of the conditions or any combination of conditions among the shortening of the average time of the securing time and the increase of the winning probability. By doing this, the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode may be enhanced.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the holding ball storage area at the timing when the gaming ball is won in the upper actuation opening 33 or the lower actuation opening 34.

  Here, reach display is set in the present pachinko machine 10 as a type of display effect in the symbol display device 41. The reach display is provided with a symbol display device 41 capable of performing variable display of symbols, and the gaming display in which the stop display result after the variable display is a special display result in the game turn to be the open / close execution mode is the symbol display device This is a display state for making the player think that the variable display state is likely to be the special display result before the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display of the symbol in 41 is started.

  In reach display, by stopping and displaying the symbols for some of the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display surface of the symbol display device 41, a combination of reach symbols may be established with a big hit symbol. A combination is displayed, and in that state, there is a display state in which variation display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol rows. Further, while displaying combinations of reach symbols as described above, while performing variable display of symbols in the remaining symbol rows, and performing reach effects by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image in the background image, or Also, it is possible to perform reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image over substantially the entire display surface after reducing or non-displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game times corresponding to the jackpot result. In addition, the game times corresponding to the disconnection result is executed when the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing corresponds to the occurrence of the reach display with reference to the reach table stored in the ROM 93. That is, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is used to determine whether or not the reach display is to be performed. However, when determining the type of reach display, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is not used.

  For example, the fluctuation type counter CS is sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The fluctuation type counter CS is used when the MPU 92 determines the display continuation time in the main display unit 43 and the display continuation time of the symbol in the symbol display device 41. The fluctuation type counter CS is updated in each timer interrupt process described later, and the value of the fluctuation type counter CS at the time of the start of the fluctuation display on the main display section 43 and the time of the fluctuation pattern determination at the time of the start of the fluctuation of the symbol Is acquired. When determining the display continuation time, the display continuation time table stored in advance in the display continuation time table storage area of the ROM 93 is referred to.

  Here, if it is determined that the reach display is to be generated based on the numerical information acquired from the reach random number counter C3, or the reach display may be generated due to the fact that the game is a transition to the open / close execution mode. If it is determined, the type of reach display is determined using the numerical information acquired from the fluctuation type counter CS. Each reach display differs in the kind of character which appears in reach display, the period when reach display is performed, etc.

  For example, the motor-operated combination release counter C4 is configured to be incremented by one in order within the range of 0 to 250, and to return to zero after reaching the maximum value. The motorized jack release counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in a hold area provided in the RAM 94 at a timing when the game ball has won the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the motorized jack 34a in the open state based on the value of the stored motorized jack release counter C4.

<Various processes executed by main controller 71>
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process which are executed to advance a game by the MPU 92 in the main control device 71 will be described. In addition to timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 92 executes NMI interrupt processing activated by main processing activated upon power on and input of a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). The description of these processes is omitted.

<Timer interrupt processing>
First, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This processing is activated periodically by the MPU 92 (with a cycle of 2 msec in the pachinko machine 10).

  In steps S101 and S102, an external output process for discharge for setting an external output to the hall computer of the game hall and an external output process for winning ball scheduling are executed. Details of these processes will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S103, reading processing of various detection sensors is executed. In the reading process, the states of the various winning detection sensors 96a to 96e are read, the states of the various winning detection sensors 96a to 96e are determined, and processing for storing the winning detection information is executed. However, in the processing, processing for giving a winning ball instruction such as output setting of a winning ball command to the payout control device 78 is not executed.

  Thereafter, in step S104, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S105, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric character product release counter C4 are updated. .

  In the subsequent step S106, a winning process for through is performed in association with the winning on the through gate 35. In the through winning process, when the winning on the through gate 35 has occurred, the number of bonus holding memories stored in the electronic holding area is less than the upper limit number (for example, "4") And stores the value of the motorized jack release counter C4 updated in the step S105 in the electric wave holding area. In addition, processing for lighting the second holding lamp unit 46 corresponding to the number of bonus holding memories with respect to the sound emission control device 72 is executed.

  Thereafter, in steps S107 to S110, a winning process for the operation port is executed. In the winning process for the operation port, first, in step S107, it is determined whether or not a winning in the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34 has occurred. If no winning has occurred, the timer interrupt processing is ended as it is.

  If a winning is occurring, whether or not the start pending storage number stored in the pending number storage area NA of the pending ball storage area is less than the upper limit value (for example, "4") in step S108 Determine If the number of start pending memories is the upper limit value, the timer interrupt processing is ended as it is, and if the number of start pending memories is less than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the start pending storage number is incremented by one. In the subsequent step S110, the numerical information of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in the step S105 is stored in the holding area RE of the holding ball storage area as holding information. In this case, of the vacant reserve areas RE1 to RE4 of the reserve area RE, the first reserve area is stored in the reserve area corresponding to the current start reserve storage number. In addition, the processing for lighting the first hold lamp unit 45 corresponding to the start hold storage number is executed to the sound emission control device 72. After the process of step S110 is performed, the timer interrupt process ends.

<Normal processing>
Next, the flow of the normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is activated in response to the power-on is performed. In the normal process, the main process of the game is performed. As an outline thereof, the processes of steps S201 to S208 are executed as periodic processes of 4 msec cycle, and the counter updating processes of steps S210 and S211 are executed with the remaining time.

  Specifically, in step S201, the variation type counter CS is updated. In the subsequent step S202, game number control processing for advancing the game of each game number is executed. In the game number control process, the hold information stored in the first hold area RE1 of the hold area RE is executed on condition that the hold information not set as the start target of the game round is stored in the hold area RE. While shifting to the area AE, processing is performed to shift each of the hold information stored in the second to fourth hold areas RE2 to RE4 to a higher area. Then, when the shift process is executed, the numerical value information of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE is used to judge whether the jackpot is successful or not. If the jackpot is won, the numerical information of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE is used to determine which jackpot result out of the high probability jackpot result and the low probability jackpot result Execute distribution judgment to In addition, when it is not jackpot winning, the random information of reach random number counter C3 which is remembered in execution area AE is utilized, the lottery of whether or not reach indication is to be generated in the game time which becomes the disappointing result is executed .

  In the game number control process, after executing these various lotterys, the numerical information of the fluctuation type counter CS at that time is acquired, and the acquired numerical information and the above-mentioned various lottery results are used to obtain the main display portion of the game period. The display continuation period of the variation display of the pattern in 43 is selected, and the variation display of the pattern in the main display unit 43 is started. Further, the MPU 92 transmits, to the sound emission control apparatus 72, a variation command including information on the display duration and a type command including information on the result of the success / failure determination process and the result of the distribution determination process. The sound emission control device 72 determines the effect pattern of the game turn according to the content of the received command, executes the light emission control of the display lamp unit 58 according to the effect pattern, and controls the sound output of the speaker unit 59. Run. In addition, the sound emission control device 72 transmits the content of the effect pattern determined by itself to the display control device 101 as a command. The display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to execute the display effect of the game play according to the received command.

  In the game number control process, the mode of the pattern displayed on the main display unit 43 is changed according to the regular pattern until the display continuation period elapses during the execution of the game number. Then, when the display continuation period has elapsed, the variation display of the pattern on the main display unit 43 is ended in a state in which an aspect corresponding to the result of the above-mentioned pass / fail judgment processing and the above distribution judgment processing is displayed. Also, in this case, the final stop command is transmitted to the sound emission control device 72. By receiving the final stop command, the sound emission control device 72 ends the light emission control and the sound output control by the effect pattern of the game number. Further, the final stop command is transmitted from the sound emission control device 72 to the display control device 101, and the display control device 101 ends the display control based on the effect pattern of the game run by receiving the final stop command.

  Returning to the description of the normal processing (FIG. 11), in the subsequent step S203, a game state transition processing is executed. In the gaming state transition process, the gaming state is shifted to the open / close execution mode on condition that the game round which results in the big hit is finished. In the opening and closing execution mode, the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed in the manner described above. And, when one game ball is won in the variable winning device 32, 15 game balls are paid out, so in the opening / closing execution mode, it can be expected to obtain many game balls, which is advantageous for the player . Further, in the gaming state transition processing, when the open / close execution mode is ended, transition setting of the lottery mode and the support mode is performed according to the type of the jackpot result which has triggered the transition of the open / close execution mode.

  In the subsequent step S204, a process for supporting the electric combination for driving and controlling the motorized part 34a provided in the lower operation port 34 is performed. In this electronic control support process, using the numerical information acquired from the electric character opening part counter C4 stored in the electric symbol holding area of the RAM 94, the electric part opening lottery of whether or not the electric part 34a is opened. In the case where the electronic winning combination is released, the opening and closing process of the motorized jack 34a is executed. Further, display control of the display unit 44 for bonus products is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electronic combination open lottery.

  In the following step S205, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined launch period is performed on the condition that the launch permission signal output from the power supply and launch control device 79 is input based on the launch operation performed on the launch handle 55. The solenoid of the game ball emission mechanism 51 is excited once (for example, 0.6 sec). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  After step S205, an input state monitoring process is performed in step S206, and a payout output process is performed in step S207. These processes will be described in detail later. Thereafter, in step S208, it is determined whether the power failure flag is set in the RAM 94 or not. The power failure flag is a flag that is set when the power failure monitoring substrate 95 confirms the occurrence of a power failure and the power failure monitoring substrate 95 inputs a power failure signal to the NMI terminal of the MPU 92, and is erased in the next main processing.

  If the power failure flag is not set, it means that the last process of the plurality of processes to be repeatedly executed is finished, so whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process is reached in step S209, that is, the previous normal It is determined whether a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the process. Then, updating of the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS is repeatedly executed within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process. That is, in step S210, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S211, the variation type counter CS is updated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 208 that the power failure flag is set, it means that the power is shut off, so that the processing at the time of power failure after step S212 is executed. That is, in step S212, the generation of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, and then the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S213, and after the access to RAM 94 is prohibited in step S214, the power is completely shut off and processing is performed. Continues an infinite loop until it can not execute.

<Electrical configuration regarding payout of gaming balls>
Next, the electrical configuration and processing configuration relating to the payout of gaming balls will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 12, the power supply line is indicated by a double arrow and the signal line is indicated by a solid arrow.

  The main control board 91 is electrically connected to the payout control board 111 provided in the payout control device 78 using the connection unit 105. In this case, the connection unit 105 is provided with a plurality (for example, 14) of electric wires (or signal lines) between the pair of connectors, and one of the pair of connectors is provided on the main control board 91. The connector 106 is detachably mounted to the connector 106, and the other is detachably mounted to the connector 107 provided on the payout control substrate 111. The connection unit 105 includes a command line which enables parallel transmission of a command having a data amount of a plurality of bits from the main control board 91 to the payout control board 111, and from the main control board 91 through the command line A command is sent to the payout control board 111. Further, the connection unit 105 includes various electric wirings for outputting a signal from the payout control substrate 111 to the main control substrate 91, and various kinds of electric wirings from the payout control substrate 111 to the main control substrate 91 through the various electric wirings are included. Signal is transmitted.

  As described above, the payout control board 111 executes payout control of a winning ball or the like using the payout device 77. The MPU 112, which is an arithmetic device, includes a ROM 113 storing control programs to be executed by the MPU 112, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 114 used as a work memory or the like.

  Note that part or all of the MPU 112, the ROM 113, and the RAM 114 may be provided as separate chips. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the MPU 92, the ROM 93 and the RAM 94 of the main control board 91 are referred to as the main MPU 92, the main ROM 93 and the main RAM 94, and the MPU 112, the ROM 113 and the RAM 114 of the payout control board 111 are dispensed. The side MPU 112, the dispensing side ROM 113 and the dispensing side RAM 114 are referred to.

  The payout side MPU 112 is provided with an input / output port. On the input side of the payout side MPU 112, there are a main control board 91, a power and fire control board 121 provided for the power and fire control device 79, and a ball lending connection terminal board 125 provided for the back pack unit 15. It is connected. Further, the payout ball detection sensor 77h of the payout device 77 is electrically connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 112, and it becomes possible to grasp the number of gaming balls actually paid out toward the downstream side. There is. On the other hand, a main control board 91 and a ball lending connection terminal board 125 are connected to the output side of the payout side MPU 112.

  The ball lending connection terminal board 125 is a board for relaying the electrical connection between the payout control board 111 and the ball lending device Y. The payout side MPU 112 performs control of a rental ball by performing input and output of an electric signal with the ball lending device Y.

  As described above, the power supply and emission control board 121 generates the operation power required for each of the main control board 91, the payout control board 111, etc. based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, and the generation thereof Supply operating power. Specifically, the power supply and emission control board 121 is provided with a power-on unit for power-on 122 and a power supply unit for power-off 123.

  The power-on unit for power-on 122 is, for example, connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like, and generates operating power and generates the operating power when external power is supplied from the commercial power supply. It has a function to supply operating power. The power-off time power supply unit 123 includes a capacitor, and the power supplied from the power-on time power supply unit 122 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is in the ON state (when power is supplied from the external power supply) It is charged by In addition, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is off or when the power is cut off in the commercial power supply (when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off), the power is cut off from the power supply unit 123 at power off. Storage power is supplied to the side RAM 94. Therefore, even in this situation, while the storage power is supplied from the power-off state power supply unit 123, the information stored in the main RAM 94 is stored without being erased.

  More specifically, the power from the power-on unit 122 is supplied to the VCC terminal of the main MPU 92 and the VCC terminal of the payout MPU 112. In the situation where power is supplied from the external power supply by the power supplied to the VCC terminal, various control processing is executed in each MPU 92, 112, and storage of information is performed in each RAM 94, 114. It will be.

  On the other hand, the power from the power-off time power supply unit 123 is supplied to the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92 and is not supplied to the VBB terminal of the payout MPU 112. The VBB terminal is a terminal that enables selective power supply to the RAMs 94 and 114 in a situation where power supply to the VCC terminal is cut off. In this case, the power is supplied from the power-off unit 123 to the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92 as described above, while the VBB terminal of the payout-side MPU 112 is not supplied with the power. The power from the hour power supply unit 123 is supplied to the main RAM 94 but is not supplied to the payout RAM 114.

  In addition, the VBB terminal of the payout side MPU 112 is grounded or not connected to any electrical wiring. Also, instead of the configuration in which the power supplied to the VCC terminal in each of the MPUs 92 and 112 is supplied to both the operation unit and the RAMs 94 and 114, the power supplied to the VCC terminal is supplied only to the operation unit. Only the power supplied to the terminals may be supplied to the RAMs 94 and 114. In this case, as described above, the main RAM 94 is supplied with power at the time of power interruption, and the discharge side RAM 114 is not supplied with power at the time of power interruption. Is supplied to the VCC terminal and the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92, and the electric power is supplied to the VCC terminal and the VBB terminal of the payout MPU 112, and The power is supplied to the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92, but not supplied to the VBB terminal of the payout MPU 112.

  The capacity of the power-off time power supply unit 123 is relatively large, and the information stored in the main RAM 94 before power-off is held within a predetermined period (for example, one day or two days). In this case, as described above, the power of the power-off unit 123 is supplied to the main RAM 94 while the supply RAM 114 is not supplied with the power, so that the backup RAM 114 can not perform backup. However, it becomes possible to reduce the required capacity of the power supply unit for power interruption 123, and to reduce the cost of the pachinko machine 10.

  Note that the power supply unit for power interruption is not limited to the capacitor, and may be a battery, a non-rechargeable battery, or the like. In the case of a non-rechargeable battery, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is in the ON state, there is no need to store power in the power-off means for power interruption, but it will need to be replaced periodically. Further, the power supply and discharge control board 121 is provided with a power supply unit for power failure processing which is different from the power supply unit for power interruption 123 (not shown). The power supply and discharge control board 121 discharges from the power supply for power failure processing even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volts, for a sufficient time for execution of the power failure processing described later. The output of 5 volts, which is the drive power supply of the control system, is configured to be maintained at a normal value. As a result, the main control board 91 or the like can execute and complete the power failure processing normally.

<Processing Configuration for Payout of Gaming Ball and Processing Configuration in Main MPU 92>
Next, the processing configuration in the main MPU 92 regarding the payout of the game balls will be described. In the following description, the value of the counter area refers to a value in which the value of the counter area configured in byte units is virtually expressed in decimal.

<Input status monitoring process>
First, the input state monitoring process executed in step S206 of the normal process (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the input state monitoring process, first, in step S301, a prize monitoring process is executed. In the prize monitoring process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, it is first determined in step S401 whether or not a prize for any of the operation ports 33 and 34 has occurred. If a winning on any of the operation ports 33 and 34 has occurred, the value of the three-prize ball counter provided on the various prize ball counters 94a of the main side RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S402. Do. The three-prize ball counter is for counting the number of times the three-prize ball command for instructing the payout side MPU 112 to pay out the three game balls should be output. In the following step S403, the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by three. The prize ball scheduled counter 94c is for counting the number of prize balls instructed to the payout side MPU 112, and the number of instructed prize balls is externally output to the hall computer HC of the game hall, as described in detail later. Used to

  In the process of step S401 to step S403, a winning prize ball for the upper actuation port 33 and a winning prize for the lower actuation port 34 can occur simultaneously within the range of one processing cycle of normal processing. There is a possibility that the processing of adding 1 for the counter and the processing of adding 3 for the winning ball scheduled counter 94c may be performed twice.

  If a negative determination is made in step S401, or after the process of step S403 has been performed, it is determined in step S404 whether or not a winning on the general winning opening 31 has occurred. When a winning on the general winning opening 31 has occurred, the value of the 10-prize-ball counter provided in the various-prize-ball counters 94a of the main side RAM 94 is incremented by one in a step S405. The ten-prize ball counter is for counting the number of times the ten-prize ball command for instructing the payout side MPU 112 to pay out the ten gaming balls should be output. In the subsequent step S406, the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c of the main side RAM 94 is incremented by ten.

  If a negative determination is made in step S404, or after the process of step S406 has been performed, it is determined in step S407 whether a win has occurred in the variable winning device 32 or not. If a winning on the variable winning device 32 has occurred, the value of the 15-prize-ball counter provided in the various-prize-ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S408. The 15 prize ball counter is for counting the number of times the 15 prize ball command for instructing the payout side MPU 112 to pay out the 15 game balls should be output. In the following step S409, the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c of the main side RAM 94 is incremented by 15. If a negative determination is made in step S407, or after the process of step S409 is executed, the present prize monitoring process is ended.

  Returning to the description of the input state process (FIG. 13), after the prize monitoring process is performed in step S301, a payout abnormality signal monitoring process is performed in step S302. In the payout abnormality signal monitoring process, when an abnormality signal is input from the payout side MPU 112, the voice emission control device 72 outputs a payout abnormality command to execute an abnormality notification. Note that the dispensing abnormality referred to here includes the ball absence state of the tank 76 and the like, and the signal from the ball absence detecting sensor for detecting whether the tank 76 is in the ball absence state is received by the payout side MPU 112 Be done.

  In the subsequent step S303, a full tank signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the lower tray 62a is full is executed. In the full tank signal monitoring process, when a full tank signal is received from the payout side MPU 112, a full tank state command is output to the voice emission control device 72, and a full tank notification is performed. A signal from a full tank detection sensor for detecting whether the lower tray 62a is full is received by the payout MPU 112.

  In the following step S304, a main body frame open signal monitoring process is performed to specify whether the gaming machine main body 12 is in the open state. In the main body frame open signal monitoring process, when the main body frame open signal is received from the main body frame open switch provided in the inner frame 13, a main body frame open state command is output to the sound emission control device 72 to notify the main body open Run

  In the subsequent step S305, a front door frame open signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the front door frame 14 is in the open state is executed. In the front door frame open signal monitoring process, when the front door frame open signal is received from the front door frame open switch provided on the front door frame 14, the voice emission control device 72 outputs a front door frame open state command And execute a front door open notification.

  Thereafter, the winning ball permission signal monitoring process is performed in step S306, and the discharge monitoring process is performed in step S307, and then the input state monitoring process is ended. The discharge monitoring process of step S307 will be described in detail later. First, the winning ball permission signal monitoring process of step S306 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Prize ball permission signal monitoring process>
Here, in the pachinko machine 10, as described above, the power and power from the power-off power supply unit 123 of the firing control board 121 are supplied to the main RAM 94 but not to the payout RAM 114. . With this configuration, as described above, the capacity reduction of the power-off state power supply unit 123 can be achieved, and the cost of the pachinko machine 10 can be reduced accordingly.

  However, in the configuration, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 from the external power supply is stopped, all the information stored in the payout side RAM 114 is erased (destructed). In this case, if all the information on the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 114 as in the conventional pachinko machine, power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10 in a situation where there are unpaid prize balls. If the game is stopped, all the number of award balls that have not been paid out will be erased without being paid out. If this is done, it will cause a great disadvantage to the player.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, the prize ball information not yet paid out is basically stored in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main side RAM 94, and the main side MPU 92 inputs a prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112. If it is determined that the winning ball command has been received, the winning ball command is output to the corresponding payout MPU 112. Then, in the payout side MPU 112, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 will be described later with the maximum number of prize balls per winning (15 prize balls) at most. The output start timing and the output stop timing of the winning ball permission signal are set to be the sum of the permission reference number. The permission reference number is equal to or less than the minimum number of winning balls for one winning. As a result, even if the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped in a situation where a large number of unpaid award balls remain, it is possible to minimize the number of award balls erased at that time. That is, the winning ball permission signal is information output from the payout MPU 112 to the main MPU 92 in order to specify the output timing of the winning ball command in the main MPU 92.

  Now, in the winning ball permission signal monitoring process, it is first determined in step S501 whether a winning ball permission signal is received. If a winning ball permission signal has been received, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b provided in the main RAM 94 is "5" or more. With the winning ball permission counter 94b, when the winning ball permission signal is received, is it stored due to the fact that the winning ball permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 112, noise, etc. The main MPU 92 is used to specify whether the data is stored due to the cause of.

  If the value of the award ball permission counter 94b is "5" or more, the determination is affirmative in step S502, and the award ball permission signal monitoring process is ended. On the other hand, if the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b is less than "5", a negative determination is made in step S502, and the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, after the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b is incremented by 1, the present winning ball permission signal monitoring process is ended.

  Here, since the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, the execution cycle is about 4 msec. Therefore, when the winning balls permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 112 and the value of the winning balls permission counter 94 b is less than “5”, the value of the winning balls permission counter 94 b is incremented by 1 in about 4 msec cycle. . Further, when the value of the winning ball permission counter 94 b becomes “5” or more even when the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 is continued by execution of the processing of step S 502. Then, the process of adding the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b is not executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S502, the value of the award ball permission counter 94b is cleared to "0" in step S504, and the present award ball permission signal monitoring process is ended. That is, in a situation where the winning balls permission signal is not output from the payout side MPU 112, the value of the winning balls permission counter 94b is maintained at "0".

<Output processing for payout>
Next, the payout output process executed in step S207 of the normal process (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The payout output process is a process for outputting various commands from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112.

  In the payout output process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether the state of the front door frame 14 has changed. If the state of the front door frame 14 has changed, after the front door frame open command or the front door frame close command is output to the dispensing side MPU 112 according to the side on which the state change has occurred in step S602. The main payout output process ends.

  On the other hand, when a negative judging is carried out at Step S601, it progresses to Step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether the front door frame 14 is open. When the front door frame 14 is being opened, the main payout output process is ended as it is. If the front door frame 14 is closed, it is determined in step S604 whether the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b of the main side RAM 94 is "5" as the output permission reference number.

  Here, as described above, the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b is about 4 msec when the winning ball permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 112 and the value of the winning ball permission counter 94b is less than "5". One is added in a cycle. Further, the value of the winning ball permission counter 94 b is cleared to “0” when the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 is stopped. Therefore, in step S604, it is determined whether or not the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 continues to become 20 msec as the output permission continuation period.

  If the value of the winning ball permission counter 94 b is not “5”, the main payout output process is ended as it is. If the value of the award ball permission counter 94 b is “5”, the three prize ball counters, the ten prize ball counters, and the fifteen prizes in the various prize ball counters 94 a of the main RAM 94 are determined in step S 605. It is determined whether any value of the ball counter is 1 or more. When the values of all the prize ball counters are “0”, the main payout output process is finished.

  If the value of any of the award ball counters is 1 or more, the value of the award ball permission counter 94b of the main side RAM 94 is cleared to "0" in step S606. Thereafter, in step S607, the award ball command output process is executed, and then the payout output process ends.

  In the prize ball command output process, it is first determined whether the value of the 15 prize ball counter is 1 or more, and when it is 1 or more, the 15 prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112 At the same time, the value of the 15-prize ball counter is decremented by one. Thereafter, the award ball command output process is ended. If the value of the 15-prize ball counter is "0", it is determined whether the value of the 10-prize ball counter is 1 or more, and if it is 1 or more, 10 is 10 The prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112, and the value of the ten-prize ball counter is decremented by one. Thereafter, the award ball command output process is ended. If the value of the 10-prize ball counter is “0”, it is determined whether or not the 3-prize ball counter has a value of 1 or more. The prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112, and the value of the 3-prize ball counter is decremented by one. Thereafter, the award ball command output process is ended.

  As described above, even if the main MPU 92 receives the winning ball permission signal, the main MPU 92 does not immediately specify that the outputting of the winning ball command is permitted in the payout MPU 112, and the output permission reference set as a plurality of times If the winning ball permission information has been checked continuously for a number of times, that is, if it has been confirmed that the winning ball permission signal has been output for 20 msec, which is the output permission reference period, the output of the winning ball command is Identify as permitted (specify that output is permitted). Then, by specifying that the output of the winning ball command is permitted, the CPU 112 outputs one winning ball command corresponding to one winning to the payout side MPU 112. By setting the output permission reference period in this manner, as described above, when the winning ball permission signal is received, it is possible that the winning ball permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 112. It is possible to specify in the main MPU 92 whether it has been received as a result or as a result of noise or the like. Therefore, when the prize ball permission signal is received due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the prize ball command from being output.

  In particular, as will be described later, the number-of-winning balls exceeding the predetermined maximum reference number can not be stored in the number-of-winning balls storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114. In this case, when a winning ball permission signal is received due to noise or the like and a winning ball command is output for that, the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning ball command is erased without actually being paid out. I will. If this is done, the player will be disadvantaged. On the other hand, according to this configuration, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be prevented.

<Processing Configuration of Disbursement MPU 112>
Next, a timer interrupt process executed to control the payout of the gaming ball by the payout MPU 112 will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt process, the payout side MPU 112 executes a main process activated upon power-on and an interrupt process upon input when a command is received, but the description of these processes is omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the payout side MPU 112. The timer interrupt process is activated periodically (in a cycle of 2 msec in the pachinko machine 10).

  First, in step S701, a payout-side external output process is performed to set an external output to the hall computer HC of the game hall. Details of the process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S702, the status recovery switch (not shown) provided in the payout control device 78 is checked, and when it is determined that the status recovery operation is started, the status recovery operation is executed.

  In the subsequent step S703, a command determination process is performed. In the command determination process, the command stored in the storage area to be read this time out of the storage area (for example, ring buffer) in which the command received from the main MPU 92 is stored in the payout side RAM 114 is read. If the command is a front door frame open command, processing to make the fact that can be specified by the payout side MPU 112 by setting a flag, etc. is executed, and if it is a front door frame closed command, the flag is cleared. A process is executed to make it possible to identify the fact by the payout side MPU 112 by the like.

  In the following step S704, a full tank process is performed to determine whether the lower plate 62a is full based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor, and in step S705, no ball detection is performed. A ball useless process is performed to determine whether the tank 76 is in the ballless state based on the detection result of the sensor.

  Thereafter, the award ball setting process is executed in step S706, the rental ball setting process is executed in step S707, the payout amount setting process is executed in step S708, and the payout control process is executed in step S709. After executing the winning ball permission signal setting process at S710, the timer interrupt process is ended. Each of these processes will be individually described below.

<Prize ball setting process>
First, the winning balls setting process of step S706 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S801, it is determined whether a winning ball command has been received from the main MPU 92 or not. If the prize ball command has not been received, the prize ball setting process is ended as it is.

  If a prize ball command has been received, in step S802, arithmetic processing for the prize ball command is executed. Here, three types of prize ball commands, 10 prize ball commands, 10 prize ball commands, and 15 prize ball commands are set, and each of these prize ball commands is composed of high-order information and low-order information 2 It consists of bytes. Each prize ball command is set such that the form of information consisting of one byte when the addition of the upper information and the lower information is calculated is "FF". In step S802, the above-described addition operation is performed on the winning ball command to be processed this time.

  In the subsequent step S 803, the winning ball command currently being processed is deleted from the payout side RAM 114. In the following step S804, it is determined whether the result calculated in step S802 is normal. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is "FF" in hexadecimal. In the case of “FF”, it means that the current prize ball command is normal, so the process proceeds to step S 805.

  On the other hand, when it does not become "FF", it means that the current prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise etc. in the middle of the command transmission path from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112. Finish the prize ball setting process as it is. In this case, the winning ball command of this time is erased without being added to the winning ball number storage area 114a as the information of the winning ball number. In this way, it is possible to reduce the damage to the game hall or the like when the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. In other words, the lower rank information of the award ball command corresponds to the information of the number of prize balls, but the lower information is rewritten. For example, although the number of prize balls is supposed to be three, the number of prize balls is 100. There is a risk of On the other hand, by not adding the prize ball command to the prize ball number storage area 114a as the prize ball number information as described above, the information rewritten by the noise or the like is not added. Damage to the game hall etc. is reduced.

  Returning to the explanation of the winning balls setting process, at step S805, the winning balls number specifying process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the payout side ROM 113, it is specified to which prize ball number the prize ball command to be processed this time corresponds. In this case, the lower information of the winning ball command is collated with the information stored in the payout side ROM 113, and the number of winning balls is specified.

  In the following step S806, addition mask processing is performed. In the addition mask process, the logical product is performed so that the information on the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a is equal to or less than a predetermined number of correction spheres for addition (specifically, three). Perform the operation of

  Here, as described later, the payout side MPU 112 starts the output of the award ball permission signal by the fact that the information of the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a becomes three or less as the permission reference number. The prize ball command corresponding thereto is inputted from the main side MPU 92, and the information of the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes four or more, thereby stopping the output of the prize ball permission signal. Therefore, when the award ball command is input from the main side MPU 92 and the information on the number of award balls is added to the number-of- award balls storage area 114a, the number of permission criteria or less stored in the number-of- award balls storage area 114a (specifically Should be less than three).

  However, in the pachinko machine 10, there is a possibility that noise etc. may occur at various timings, and the number of prize balls is calculated from when the payout side MPU 112 starts outputting the prize ball permission signal until the addition process of the number of prize balls is executed. There is a possibility that the information in the storage area 114a may be rewritten. Then, for example, while the information in the prize ball number storage area 114a is originally three pieces, if it is rewritten to 131 pieces etc., it causes a great disadvantage to the game hall. I will.

  On the other hand, in the addition mask process in step S806, the information on the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a is less than or equal to three as the number of correction prize balls for addition. Perform an operation In the present configuration, the number of award correction balls is equal to the permission reference number.

  Thereafter, in step S807, it is determined whether the information on the number of winning balls to be added, that is, the information on the number of winning balls specified in step S805 is 1 or more. When the information on the number of prize balls to be added is “0”, the prize ball setting process is ended as it is. If the information on the number of winning balls to be added is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S 808.

  In step S808, it is determined whether the information on the number of winning balls to be added is less than "16". If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is “16” or more, the prize ball setting process is ended as it is. If the information on the number of winning balls to be added is less than "16", the process proceeds to step S809. By executing the processing of step S 807 and step S 808 as described above, if the information on the number of winning balls to be added is abnormal, it can be invalidated.

  In the following step S809, an addition process of the number of winning balls is executed. In the addition processing, the information on the number of winning balls specified in step S805 is added to the information on the number of winning balls stored in the number-of-winning balls storage area 114a after the addition mask processing in step S806.

  In the following step S810, whether or not the information on the number of winning balls stored in the number of winning balls storage area 114a after the addition processing in step S809 exceeds the upper limit number of winning balls in the number of balls storage area 114a. Determine if Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a is "19" or more.

  If the information on the number of winning balls is less than "19", the process directly proceeds to step S812. If the information on the number of winning balls is "19" or more, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, post-addition correction processing is performed. Specifically, the information on the number of winning balls in the number-of-winning balls storage area 114a is corrected to "18". As a result, when the information stored in the winning balls number storage area 114a exceeds the upper winning balls number due to the influence of noise or the like, it can be corrected to the upper winning balls number. Therefore, it can be suppressed that the gaming hall suffers a disadvantage. In addition, it is possible that the player suffers a disadvantage by correcting the upper limit award ball number instead of invalidating the upper limit ball number (that is, setting it as "0"). Absent.

  By executing the processes of step S806, step S807, step S808, and step S811, it is possible to carefully resolve the abnormality in the number of winning balls. However, it is not essential to execute all the processes, and for example, the processes of steps S807 and S808 may not be performed. Even in this case, by executing the processing of step S806 and step S811, it is possible to eliminate the abnormality in the number of winning balls.

  In the following step S812, it is determined whether "1" is set in the award ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114 or not. When the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number (specifically, "2") stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a, the winning ball low speed flag is used. And a flag which is erased when the switching reference number is exceeded.

  Here, when the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number, the pachinko machine 10 sets the dispensing speed of the dispensing device 77 to the normal cycle until then. Is configured to change to a slow cycle. This is due to the following reasons. That is, in a situation where the information on the number of winning balls is not stored in the number-of-winning balls storage area 114a, the driving of the payout device 77 is stopped. In this case, if a single winning is repeatedly generated at a predetermined interval, it is necessary to repeatedly start and stop driving the payout device 77. Since starting the driving of the dispensing device 77 requires a larger driving force than maintaining the driving state of the dispensing device 77, it is not preferable that the driving of the dispensing device 77 be repeatedly started and stopped. . On the other hand, when the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number, a single winning is achieved by switching the payout speed of the payout device 77 to the low speed cycle. Even if it occurs repeatedly at a predetermined interval, there is a high possibility that the next winning will occur while the switching reference number prize balls are being executed at a low speed cycle, and the drive start and drive stop of the dispensing device 77 are repeated. The possibility of being done is reduced.

  Although a configuration may be considered in which the payout speed of the payout device 77 is always low, in this case, the payout speed of the gaming ball is chronically slowed, and the player receives a prize ball despite the occurrence of a prize. It takes a considerable amount of time to receive the

  If "1" is not set in the award ball low speed flag at step S812, the process proceeds to step S814. On the other hand, if “1” is set in the prize ball low speed flag, the prize ball low speed flag is cleared to “0” in step S813, and then the process proceeds to step S814. The payout speed of the payout device 77 set to the low speed cycle by the fact that the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number when the winning ball low speed flag is cleared to "0". Will return to the normal cycle.

  In step S814, the process of erasing the error flag is performed. The error flag is a flag that is stored, for example, when a command that can not be analyzed is input from the main MPU 92. The error flag is erased in step S 814 by the prize ball command being input normally and the prize ball setting process for the prize ball command being executed. After the process of deleting the error flag is performed in step S814, the award ball setting process is ended.

<Lending ball setting process>
Next, the rental ball setting process of step S707 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S901, it is determined whether "1" is set in the rental ball status flag of the payout side RAM 114 or not. The rental ball status flag is a flag used to specify whether or not in the payout MPU 112 whether or not it is in the input standby state for the ball rental request signal from the ball rental device Y, and is stored by entering the input standby state. , It is erased when it is not necessary to receive a ball rental request signal.

  When “1” is not set in the lent ball status flag, the processing for setting the lent ball status of steps S902 to S906 is executed, and when “1” is set in the lent ball status flag, The in-rental ball state processing of steps S 907 to S 911 is executed.

  In the rental ball state setting process, first, at step S902, it is determined whether or not the connection confirmation signal and the rental ball standby signal are input from the ball lending device Y. The connection confirmation signal is a signal indicating that the ball lending device Y can communicate with the payout MPU 112. Further, in the ball lending standby signal, the ball lending device Y holds information on the unpaid lending balls (specifically, a card on which information on the unpaid lending balls is stored and held is on the ball lending device Y This is a signal for causing the payout side MPU 112 to grasp that the ball lending button 66 of the ball lending operating device 65 is operated in the situation where it is inserted. Note that the connection confirmation signal may be disabled.

  When any one of the connection confirmation signal and the rental ball standby signal is not input, the present rental ball setting process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if both the connection confirmation signal and the ball-on-ball waiting signal are input, it is determined in step S903 whether or not a payout error state is present. The dispensing error state is a state corresponding to any of the front door frame opening state, the bottom plate full state, the tank ball non-existence state or the dispensing device abnormal state.

  In the case of a payout error state, the present rental ball setting process is ended as it is. If it is not in the dispensing error state, it is determined in step S904 whether or not the dispensing operation is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the dispensing device 77 is stopped. The situation where the lending ball status flag is not stored and the payout device 77 is in operation is that the payout of the winning balls is being performed, or that of the lending balls based on the single lending operation. It means that the payout is being executed. That is, in step S904, it can be said that it is determined whether or not a winning ball operation or a lending operation based on one lending operation is being performed.

  When the payout operation is in progress, the present rental ball setting process is ended as it is. If the payout operation is not in progress, the output state of the rental ball allowance signal is set in step S905. As a result, the output of the rental permission signal is started from the payout side MPU 112 to the ball lending device Y, and the ball lending device Y inputs a rental permission signal, whereby the ball rental based on one operation of the ball rental button 66 Output request signal. After that, in step S906, after setting the rental ball status flag of the payout side RAM 114 to “1”, the present rental ball setting process is ended. In addition, the ball lending device Y does not operate the ball lending button 66 when the ball lending permission signal is not input for a predetermined period (for example, 2 sec) after outputting the ball lending standby signal. Treat as.

  In the in-rent-ball state processing in steps S 907 to S 911, first, in step S 907, it is determined whether or not the ball lending request signal is input from the ball lending device Y. The rental ball request signal is a signal that is output when the ball lending device Y requests payout of a rental ball. If the rental ball request signal has not been input, the process proceeds directly to step S909. When the rental ball request signal is input, in step S908, the addition process to the number-of-rented balls storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S909. In the addition processing, information on the number of balls to be lent corresponding to 25 corresponding to 100 yen is added to the number-of-rents storage area 114b. In other words, the ball lending device Y periodically outputs a ball lending request signal according to the ball lending operation in the ball lending state, and the payout side MPU 112 sets the number of units determined in advance each time the ball lending request signal is input. Information on the corresponding number of balls to be lent is added to the number-of-rental ball storage area 114b.

  In step S909, it is determined whether an end signal is input from the ball lending device Y. The end signal is a signal that is output when one ball rental operation is performed and the ball rental request signal is output five times, and the payout side indicates that the output of the ball rental request signal for one ball rental operation has ended. It is a signal for causing the MPU 112 to recognize. When the end signal is not input, the present rental ball setting process is ended as it is. When the end signal is input, the rental ball status flag of the payout side RAM 114 is cleared to "0" in step S910, and the output suspension state of the rental ball permission signal is set in step S911. End the sphere setting process.

  By the way, in a situation where the ball lending device Y outputs the ball lending request signal to the payout side MPU 112 based on one time of the ball lending operation, even if the ball lending operation is continuously performed, the payout side MPU 112 Until the output of the ball allowance signal of 3 is newly started, the output of the ball request signal based on the ball operation is not performed. Therefore, only the information on the number of lent balls based on one operation of lent balls is stored in the lent ball number storage area 114 b of the payout side RAM 114. In the situation where the ball lending device Y outputs the lending ball request signal to the payout side MPU 112 based on one lending operation, the configuration is to invalidate even if the lending ball operation is newly performed. It may be

  As described above, the payout side MPU 112 is set to the rental ball state when it is not in the payout error state and the payout operation is not in progress in the situation where the ball lending device Y receives the rental ball standby signal. In particular, by setting the state to the rental ball state not to be performed during the dispensing operation, even if the ball lending operation is performed in the ball lending operating device 65 while the payout of the winning balls is being performed, even if Priority can be given to the payout of prize balls.

  Assuming that the ball lending operation is performed in a situation where the payout of the winning balls is being performed, assuming that the ball lending is prioritized, the information on the number of winning balls is stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 However, it is necessary to stop the payout of prize balls. In this case, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the power-off state, the information on the number of winning balls is erased as the electric power for power-off is not supplied to the payout side RAM 114 as described above. On the other hand, since the ball lending device Y independently has a function to hold information at the time of power interruption (that is, the information of the unpaid ball lending is stored and held by the card), the payout of the winning balls is executed. In the situation where the ball lending device Y does not input the ball lending request signal from the ball lending device Y, the ball lending device Y holds the information on the number of balls, and even if the pachinko machine 10 is in the power-off state. The ball number information is never erased. Under the above-mentioned circumstances, even if the ball lending operation is performed in the situation where the payout of the winning balls is performed, the priority of the payout of the winning balls will erase the information of the number of winning balls without actually being paid out. Is prevented.

<Payout quantity setting process>
Next, the payout amount setting process of step S 708 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20. In the payout number setting process, the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a or the number-of-rental ball number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is stored in the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 which is an execution area at the time of payout of gaming balls. Processing to store is executed.

  In the number-of-payouts setting process, first, at step S1001, a mask process at the time of setting the payouts is executed. In the payout setting mask process, the logical product is calculated so that the information on the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is equal to or less than the predetermined award correction balls number. Run.

  Here, as described later, the payout side MPU 112 starts the output of the award ball permission signal when the information of the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a becomes 3 or less which is the permission reference number. The prize ball command corresponding to that is input from the main side MPU 92, and the prize ball number information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes four or more as the disallowed reference number, thereby outputting the prize ball permission signal. Stop. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, the maximum number of winning balls for one winning is 15. In the above configuration, the upper limit number of winning balls in the number of winning balls storage area 114a is 18, which is the sum of the permission reference number and the maximum number of winning balls corresponding to winning.

  However, in the pachinko machine 10, noise and the like may occur at various timings, and the information on the number of balls is set in the number-of-balls storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 in the prize ball setting process (FIG. 18). There is a possibility that the information of the award ball number storage area 114a will be rewritten at a stage before the completion of the payout of the game balls for the number of award balls. Then, for example, the information in the prize ball number storage area 114a is originally 10 pieces, but when it is rewritten to 131 pieces etc., it causes a great disadvantage to the game hall. I will.

  On the other hand, in the payout setting mask process in step S1001, the logical product is performed such that the information on the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a is 31 or less as the number of award balls for correction at payout. Perform the operation of

  In the following step S1002, it is determined whether or not the ball pulling operation is in progress. The ball releasing operation is an operation for discharging the game balls stored in the tank 76 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. If the ball removal operation is not in progress, it is determined in step S1003 whether or not a payout error state is present. The dispensing error state is as described above. In the case of a payout error state, the final payout amount setting process is ended as it is. This prevents the game ball from being paid out in the payout error state.

  If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined in step S1004 whether or not it is in the retry state. The retry state is a state in which the process of causing the rotating body 77e of the dispensing device 77 to alternately and repeatedly perform normal rotation performed at the time of normal dispensing and reverse rotation opposite thereto is performed. In the situation where the payout operation is being performed by the payout device 77, if it is not specified that the payout of the gaming ball has been detected over the predetermined period in the payout side MPU 112, the retry state is set.

  If it is in the retry state, the present payout number setting process is ended as it is, and if it is not in the retry state, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not a ball is being rented. In the state that the ball is in operation, “1” is set in the ball-sending status flag of the payout side RAM 114, or the state of the information on the number of balls to be pitched stored in the number-of-rental ball storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 It means that. When "1" is set in the rental ball status flag or the information on the number of rental balls is stored in the number-of-rental-balls storage area 114b, the information on the number-of-rental ball storage area 114b is paid out in step S1006. After updating the payout amount counter 114c of the side RAM 114, the present payout amount setting process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the rental ball status flag is not stored and the information on the number of rental balls is not stored in the number-of-balls storage area 114b, the information on the number-of- winnings storage area 114a of the RAM 114 is selected in step S1007. After updating the payout amount counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114, the present payout amount setting process is ended. Also in the case where the state of ball removal is set in step S1002, in step S1007, the information on the number-of-balls storage area 114a is updated to the number-of-payouts counter 114c, and the payout number setting process is ended.

<Disbursement control processing>
Next, the payout control process of step S709 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1101, a payout state setting process is executed. In the payout state setting process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22, it is first determined in step S1201 whether or not it is a payout error state. In the case of a dispensing error state, in step S1207, the setting of the stopping state is performed to stop the dispensing operation of the dispensing device 77, and then the dispensing state setting process is ended. Thereby, the dispensing operation of the dispensing device 77 is stopped.

  If it is determined in step S1201 that the dispensing error state is not set, it is determined in step S1202 whether or not the value of the dispensing number counter 114c in the dispensing side RAM 114 is "0". If the value of the number-of-payouts counter 114c is “0”, this means that there is no gaming ball to be paid out, so after setting the payout device 77 to a stop state in step S1207, the real payout state End the setting process.

  If it is determined in step S1202 that the value of the payout amount counter 114c is not "0", it is determined in step S1203 whether or not it is in the retry state. In the case of the retry state, since the operation dedicated to the retry is executed by the payout device 77, the present payout state setting processing is ended without executing the subsequent processing. If it is not in the retry state, it is determined in step S 1204 whether or not “1” is set in the prize ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114.

  If "1" is not set in the award ball low speed flag, setting of the normal state is performed in step S1206 in order to set the payout speed of the payout device 77 to the normal cycle, and then the main payout state setting process is performed. finish. If the normal cycle is already set, the state is maintained.

  On the other hand, if "1" is set in the award ball low speed flag, the low speed state is set in order to set the payout speed of the payout device 77 to the low speed cycle in step S1205, and then the main payout state setting is made. End the process. If the low speed cycle has already been set, the state is maintained.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout control process (FIG. 21), after the payout state setting process is executed in step S1101, the drive signal output process is executed in step S1102. In the drive signal output process, the drive signal is output to the payout device 77 in accordance with the state set in the payout state setting process of step S1101, and in a mode according to the set state. The game balls are paid out.

  In the following step S1103, a ball detection process is executed to specify whether or not one game ball has been detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h. Then, in step S1104, it is determined whether or not one game ball has been detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h. If a negative determination is made in step S1104, the present payout control process is ended as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1104, it is determined in step S1105 whether or not a ball is being rented. If the ball is not in the lending operation, the payout ball subtraction process of step S1106 to step S1111 is performed, and then the payout control process is ended. On the other hand, when the ball is in the lent ball operation, the subtract processing for the lent ball in step S1112 to step S1113 is performed, and then the present payout control process is ended.

  In the prize ball subtraction process, first, at step S1106, the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is decremented by one, and at the subsequent step S1107, the value of the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 is decremented by one. . Further, in step S1108, the value of the award ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by one. The prize ball completion counter 114d is for counting the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77, and although the details will be described later, the number of the prize balls actually paid out is It is used to output to the hall computer HC of the hall.

  Thereafter, in step S1109, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number storage area 114a is "2" or less. If it is not "2" or less, the present payout control processing is ended as it is. If it is "2" or less, it is determined in step S1110 whether "1" is set in the award ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114 or not. When "1" is set in the award ball low speed flag, the present payout control processing is ended as it is, and when "1" is not set in the award ball low speed flag, the award ball low speed flag is determined in step S1111. After "1" is set, the present payout control process is ended.

  In addition, in the subtraction process for the rental balls, first, the value of the number-of-balls storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is decremented by 1 in step S1112, and the value of the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 is set to 1 in step S1113. After the subtraction, the present payout control process is ended.

<Prize ball permission signal setting process>
Next, the winning ball permission signal setting process of step S710 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1301, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is three or less, which is the permission reference number. If the number is four or more, the winning ball non-permission state is set in step S1305, and the processing for setting the winning ball permission signal ends.

  Specifically, regarding the setting of the prize ball non-permission state, when the prize ball permission state flag of the payout side RAM 114 is set to “1”, the prize ball permission state flag is cleared to “0”, and the prize ball is set. Stop the output of the permission signal. In the situation where the award ball permission state flag is “0”, the output of the award ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 to the main MPU 92 is stopped, and the state is maintained.

  In the pachinko machine 10, since the state in which the winning ball permission signal is output is the output state of the HI level signal, the state in which the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped is the output state of the LOW level signal. . However, when the state in which the winning ball permission signal is output is the output state of the LOW level signal, the state in which the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped may be the output state of the HI level signal.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1301 that the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a is 3 or less, which is the permission reference number, then in step S1302 Determine If the ball removal operation is not in progress, it is determined in step S1303 whether or not a payout error state has occurred.

  If it is determined that the payout error state is set, the winning ball non-permission state is set in step S1305, and the present winning ball permission signal setting process is ended. By setting the winning ball non-permission state in the case of the payout error state as described above, the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped in the payout error state, and the output of the winning ball command is prohibited.

  As described above, in the payout error state, the payout of the gaming ball is stopped. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, the information stored in the payout side RAM 114 is erased. Therefore, when the prize ball command is output in the dispensing error state, if the power supply is stopped while the dispensing error state is continued, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being dispensed. . That is, in the configuration in which the prize ball command is output in the payout error state, the possibility that the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being dispensed increases. On the other hand, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such an inconvenience.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1302 or if a negative determination is made in step S1303, the award ball permission state is set in step S1304, and the present prize ball permission signal setting process is ended.

  Specifically, regarding the setting of the winning ball permission state, when the winning ball permission state flag of the payout side RAM 114 is not set to "1", the winning ball permission state flag is set to "1", and the winning ball permission signal is set. Start the output of In a state in which the award ball permission state flag is set to “1”, the output of the award ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 to the main MPU 92 is started, and the state is maintained. That is, in the state where the ball pulling operation is not in progress, the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is three or less which is the permission reference number, and is not a payout error state. In the case, the output of the winning ball permission signal is continued.

<External Output from Pachinko Machine 10 to Hall Computer HC>
Next, the configuration of the external output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC will be described. FIG. 24 is a schematic view for explaining an outline of the electrical configuration of the game hall where a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed.

  As shown in FIG. 24, an island facility S is provided in the game hall, and a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed in the island facility S. Further, in the island equipment S, data counters DC are installed in one-to-one correspondence with the respective pachinko machines 10. Each data counter DC is mounted above the corresponding pachinko machine 10, and the first display section DC1 for displaying the number of times of game execution and the number of times for execution of the predetermined opening / closing execution mode 2 A display unit DC2 is provided.

  A hall computer HC is provided in the game hall as a management control means for managing each pachinko machine 10 and each data counter DC. The hall computer HC is an electronic arithmetic device having a management program, and the MPU 201 is mounted therein. The MPU 201 temporarily stores various control programs to be executed by the MPU 201 and a ROM 202 storing fixed value data, and various data and information input from the pachinko machine 10 when executing the control program stored in the ROM 202. And a RAM 203 which is a memory for storing data.

  The hall computer HC is electrically connected to each pachinko machine 10 through the electric wiring group EL1, and is also electrically connected to each data counter DC and the electric wiring group EL2. And while performing the management process based on the information received from each pachinko machine 10, the signal according to the result of the management process is transmitted to each data counter DC.

  Here, the configuration for transmitting information to the hole computer HC in the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 (a) is a back view of the pachinko machine 10 showing the external terminal board 81 and its periphery in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 25 (b) is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the external terminal board 81. .

  As shown in FIG. 25A, the external terminal board 81 is provided with a plurality of external terminals (output terminals) 81a to 81h. A total of eight external terminals 81a to 81h are provided, and the types of information externally output to the hall computer HC are different.

  The jackpot external terminal 81a is used to output information indicating that the open / close execution mode is in progress based on the jackpot winning in the lottery by the main MPU 92. The external terminal 81 b for the open / close execution mode is used to output information indicating that the open / close execution mode is in progress. The jackpot external terminal 81a and the open / close execution mode external terminal 81b are both used to output information indicating that the open / close execution mode is in effect, but the conditions for outputting the information are different. ing.

  In addition to the external terminals 81a and 81b, one of the external terminals 81a to 81h is an external terminal 81c for a support mode used to output information indicating that the support mode is in the high frequency support mode. And an external terminal 81e used to output information indicating that a predetermined fraud has been detected. ,It is included. Furthermore, in addition to these, the external terminal 81 f used to output information on the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S (discharge signal) and the payout from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112 Outputs the external terminal 81g used to output information on the instructed number of prize balls (presence ball scheduled signal) and information on the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 (prize ball completion signal) And an external terminal 81 h used for the purpose.

  The types of the external terminals 81a to 81h are not limited to the above, and for example, external terminals used to output information indicating that the gaming machine main body 12 is open, the front door frame 14 There may be provided an external terminal used to output information indicating that the switch is open.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (b), each external terminal 81a to 81h enables transmission of an electrical signal from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC while preventing the flow of the reverse by the photocoupler 131. It is configured. A light emitting diode 132 on the primary side of the photocoupler 131 is connected to the main controller 71 via a resistor 133, and a light receiving element (phototransistor) 134 on the secondary side is connected to the hole computer HC. Therefore, when the pachinko machine 10 outputs signals to the external terminals 81a to 81h, the light emitting diodes 132 of the external terminals 81a to 81h to which the signal outputs are emitted, and the lights are emitted from the external terminals 81a to 81h. The light receiving element 134 receives light and converts it into an electric signal, and the electric signal is output to the hall computer HC.

  Note that the aspect of the electrical signal output to the hall computer HC is arbitrary, and in the situation where no external output is made from the pachinko machine 10 side, a signal of 0 V is output, and the external output is made a predetermined value larger than 0 V It is also possible to output a signal of a voltage of V. The output pattern of the signal may be in the opposite relationship to this. In addition, in a situation where no external output is made from the pachinko machine 10 side, a signal of a reference voltage larger than 0 V is output, and a signal of a voltage larger or smaller than the reference voltage is output by external output. It may be

  Among the external terminals 81a to 81h, the main MPU 92 executes output setting processing, and the payout MPU 112 executes output setting processing. Specifically, among the eight external terminals 81a to 81h, the seven external terminals 81a to 81g including the external terminal 81f for the discharge signal and the external terminal 81g for the prize ball scheduled signal are output at the main side MPU 92 The process of setting is executed, and the process of setting the output of the remaining external ball terminal 81 h for the winning ball completion signal, which is one, is executed by the payout side MPU 112. However, in the connection unit 141 having a plurality (eight) of electrical wires electrically connected to the respective external terminals 81 a to 81 h, the connector on the opposite side to the external terminal plate 81 is connected to the main control board 91 It is done. Such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the main control board 91 is connected to the payout control board 111 using the connection unit 105. However, for the electrical wiring of the connection unit 105, the main MPU 92 sends an award ball command to the payout MPU 112. In addition to the command line for transmission and the electrical wiring for transmitting various signals from the payout side MPU 112 to the main side MPU 92, the payout side MPU 112 performs output setting to the external terminal 81 h for the prize ball completion signal. Electrical wiring is also included.

  The main control board 91 is relayed by electrically connecting the connector 106 to which the connection unit 105 on the side of the payout control board 111 is connected and the connector 142 to which the connection unit 141 on the external terminal plate 81 is connected. A circuit 143 is formed. The prize ball completion signal output from the payout side MPU 112 propagates in the order of the connection unit 105 on the payout control board 111 side → the relay circuit 143 → the connection unit 141 on the external terminal board 81 side, and the hall computer from the external terminal 81h. It is possible to output to HC. That is, the prize ball completion signal is output from the main control board 91 to the external terminal board 81 although the processing of the main MPU 92 is not involved in the output setting. With this configuration, in the configuration in which output setting to the external terminal board 81 is performed in both the main MPU 92 and the payout MPU 112, the external terminal board 81 is prevented while not affecting the processing load of the main MPU 92. Connector portion to which the electrical wiring is connected can be integrated into one connector. Therefore, the electrical connection work to the external terminal board 81 at the time of manufacture of the pachinko machine 10 and the attachment / detachment work of the electrical connection to the external terminal board 81 at the time of maintenance are facilitated.

  Although the illustration by the illustration is omitted, the ball lending device Y is also electrically connected to the hall computer HC, and information on the number of gaming balls instructed to lend out to the payout side MPU 112 from the ball lending device Y (lending ball instruction Signal) is output to the hall computer HC.

<Process for performing external output in main side MPU 92 and payout side MPU 112>
Next, processing for performing external output in the main MPU 92 and the payout MPU 112 will be described. However, in the following description, among the external terminals 81a to 81h of the external terminal board 81, the external terminal 81f for the discharge signal, the external terminal 81g for the prize ball scheduled signal, and the external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal A process for external output will be described.

<Process for setting output of discharge signal>
First, processing for performing external output through the external terminal 81 f for the discharge signal in the main MPU 92 will be described. The discharge signal is output to enable the hole computer HC to recognize the information on the number of gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, as described above. Therefore, prior to the description of the process for executing the external output, a discharge monitoring process for monitoring the number of gaming balls discharged to the island facility S will be described.

  The discharge monitoring process is executed in the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13) as described above. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the discharge monitoring process.

  In the discharge monitoring process, it is determined in step S1401 whether or not a game ball is detected by the discharge detection sensor 89. As described above, the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided for the alignment passage area 88 of the discharge passage section 85 through which all the game balls led to the back side of the game board 24 pass after flowing down the game area. It is done. Then, the detection result is output to the main MPU 92.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, it is determined in step S1402 whether "1" is set in the discharge detected flag provided in the main RAM 94 or not. The discharge detection completion flag is used to prevent the main MPU 92 from identifying the passage of a plurality of game balls when the discharge detection sensor 89 continuously detects one game ball. It is a flag. If "1" is set in the discharge detection completion flag, the discharge monitoring process is ended as it is.

  If “1” is not set in the discharge detected flag, the value of the discharge detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S1403. When the discharge detection counter receives a signal indicating that the game ball is detected from the discharge detection sensor 89, one game ball is used on condition that the main MPU 92 has checked the reception state a plurality of times. It is a counter to be identified as being discharged.

  In the following step S1404, it is determined whether the value of the discharge detection counter is 2 or more. If it is not two or more, the present discharge monitoring process is ended as it is, and if it is two or more, it proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one. The discharge ball counter 94d is for counting the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, and the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S is, as described in detail later. It is used to externally output to the hall computer HC. Thereafter, the discharge detection completion flag is set to "1" in step S1406, and the value of the discharge detection counter is cleared to "0" in step S1407, after which the discharge monitoring process is ended.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1401, the discharge monitoring process is ended after clearing the discharge detection completed flag to "0".

  Next, in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10), at the time of execution of the process, the execution timing prior to the process (for example, the process of updating the counter) having a large fluctuation of the processing time in each process time The external output process for discharge executed in step S101, which is the timing, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the discharge external output process, first, at step S1501, the value of the discharge recognition counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one. The discharge signal is a HI level signal which is an output state for discharge recognition when the hole computer HC recognizes the number of gaming balls discharged to the island facility S, while the hole computer HC recognizes it. If not, it is a LOW level signal. Note that the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. The main MPU 92 maintains the state for a predetermined period when the discharge signal is in the output state for discharge recognition, and for the predetermined period when the output state for discharge recognition is canceled. Make sure that the output state for discharge recognition is not reset. In this case, the discharge recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

  Further, as described above, the external output process for discharge is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) at an execution timing prior to the process having a large variation in processing time at each process time when the process is executed. Thus, the process of adding one to the discharge recognition counter is basically performed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it becomes possible to accurately measure each period to be described later.

  After the process of step S1501 is executed, the state of the flag provided in the main RAM 94 is checked in step S1502 to determine whether it is an output state for discharge recognition. If it is not the discharge recognition output state, it is determined in step S1503 whether or not the discharge recognition counter value is 25 or more, the timing at which the discharge recognition output state was canceled last time. It is determined whether or not 50 msec or more has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S1503, the present external output processing ends. Thereby, when the output state for discharge recognition is cancelled, at least until the lapse of 50 msec which is the output setting restriction period on the discharge side, the other conditions for setting the output state for discharge recognition are: Even if the condition is satisfied, setting to the output state for the discharge recognition is limited.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1503, it is determined in step S1504 whether or not the value of the discharge ball counter 94d of the main RAM 94 is 10 or more. Here, in the case where the main side MPU 92 sets the discharge signal to the output state for discharge recognition, this is a case where ten or more gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S are newly added, and the discharge When the output state for recognition is set, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is decremented by 10 as described later. That is, when the discharge signal is set to the output state for discharge recognition, the hole computer HC is informed that the discharge side specified number of game balls predetermined as a plurality of numbers are newly discharged to the island facility S. . In this case, it is determined in step S1504 whether or not the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is 10 or more, and if it is less than 10, the present external output processing is ended as it is. As a result, when the number of game balls newly discharged to the island facility S is less than 10, the discharge signal can be prevented from being set to the discharge recognition output state.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1504, the flag in the main RAM 94 is set in step S1505 to set an output state for discharge recognition. As a result, the discharge signal becomes an output state for discharge recognition. Thereafter, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is decremented by 10 in step S1506, and the value of the discharge recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1507, followed by terminating the external output process.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, that is, if the discharge signal is in the output state for discharge recognition, it is determined in step S1508 whether the value of the discharge recognition counter is 50 or more. By determining, it is determined whether or not the output state for discharge recognition is continued for 100 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1508, the present external output processing ends. Thus, when the output state for discharge recognition is set, the discharge signal is maintained in the output state for discharge recognition until 100 msec which is the output continuation period for discharge recognition has elapsed.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1508, in step S1509, the flag provided in the main RAM 94 is cleared to release the discharge recognition output state. As a result, the discharge signal is not in the output state for discharge recognition. Thereafter, after the value of the discharge recognition counter is cleared to “0” in step S1510, the present external output processing is ended.

<Process for setting output of prize ball scheduled signal>
Next, a process for externally outputting in the main MPU 92 through the external terminal 81g for winning ball scheduled will be described. The prize ball scheduled signal is output to enable the hole computer HC to recognize the information on the number of prize balls instructed from the main MPU 92 to pay out, as described above. Then, in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10), the output setting of the prize ball scheduled signal is executed at a timing prior to the process (for example, the process of updating the counter) having a large variation in the processing time in each process cycle when executing the process. More specifically, it is executed in the external output process for the winning ball schedule activated in step S102. The external output process for the prize ball schedule will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the external output process for the prize ball schedule, first, in step S1601, the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter provided in the main side RAM 94 is incremented by one. The winning ball schedule signal is an HI level signal which is an output state for winning ball schedule recognition when the hole computer HC recognizes the number of winning balls for which the main MPU 92 instructs the payout MPU 112 to pay out. On the other hand, when the hole computer HC is not made to recognize, it is a LOW level signal. Note that the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. The main MPU 92 maintains the state for a predetermined period when the winning ball schedule signal is in the output state for winning ball schedule recognition, and when the output state for winning ball schedule recognition is canceled. Resetting to the output state for winning ball schedule recognition is not performed over a predetermined period. In this case, the prize ball schedule recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

  In addition, as already described, the external output process for the prize ball schedule is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) at an execution timing prior to the process having a large variation of the processing time in each process when executing the process. Ru. As a result, the process of adding one to the prize ball schedule recognition counter is basically executed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it becomes possible to accurately measure each period to be described later. .

  After the process of step S1601 is executed, the state of the flag provided in the main RAM 94 is checked in step S1602 to determine whether or not the output state for award ball schedule recognition is present. If it is not the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition, the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition can be determined by determining whether or not the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter is 5 or more in step S1603. It is determined whether 10 msec or more has elapsed from the timing of the previous release. If a negative determination is made in step S1603, the present external output processing ends. Thereby, when the output state for winning ball schedule recognition is canceled, the output state for winning ball schedule recognition is set at least until 10 msec which is the output setting limitation period on the winning ball schedule side has elapsed. Even if the other conditions in the above are satisfied, setting to the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition is limited. The output setting limitation period on the scheduled prize ball side is a period shorter than 50 msec which is the output setting limitation period on the discharge side.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1603, it is determined in step S1604 whether or not the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c in the main side RAM 94 is 1 or more. Here, when the main side MPU 92 sets the winning ball schedule signal to an output state for winning ball schedule recognition, the number of winning balls which has been instructed to pay out from the main side MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112 is one or more. In the case where the output state for winning ball schedule recognition is set, the value of the winning ball schedule counter 94c is decremented by one as described later. That is, when the winning ball schedule signal is set to the output state for winning ball schedule recognition, the number of winning balls instructed to pay out from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112 is the predetermined number of winning ball scheduled sides specified in advance. Is notified to the hall computer HC.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1604, the present external output processing ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1604, the flag on the main RAM 94 is set in step S1605 to set the output state for award ball schedule recognition. As a result, the winning ball schedule signal becomes an output state for winning ball schedule recognition. Thereafter, the value of the winning ball schedule counter 94c is decremented by 1 in step S1606, and the value of the winning ball schedule recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1607, followed by terminating the external output process.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1602, that is, if the winning ball schedule signal is in the output state for winning ball schedule recognition, the value of the winning ball schedule recognition counter is 5 or more in step S1608. By determining whether or not it is determined, it is determined whether or not the output state for winning ball schedule recognition is continued for 10 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1608, the present external output processing ends. As a result, when the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition is set, the prize ball schedule signal is the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition until 10 msec which is the output continuation period for the prize ball schedule recognition has elapsed. Will be maintained. The output continuation period for the prize ball schedule recognition is a period shorter than 100 msec which is the output continuation period of the discharge side.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1608, the flag provided on the main RAM 94 is cleared in step S1609 to cancel the output state for winning ball schedule recognition. As a result, the winning ball scheduled signal is not in the output state for winning ball scheduled recognition. Thereafter, after the value of the winning ball schedule recognition counter is cleared to “0” in step S1610, the present external output processing is ended.

<Process for setting output of award ball completion signal>
Next, a process for performing an external output in the payout side MPU 112 through the external terminal 81 h for the winning ball completion signal will be described. The prize ball completion signal is output to enable the hole computer HC to recognize the information on the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77, as described above. Then, the output setting of the prize ball completion signal is an execution timing prior to the processing (for example, the payout control processing) in which the processing time fluctuates widely in each processing time when the processing is executed in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 17) More specifically, it is executed in the payout-side external output process activated in step S701, which is the first execution timing. The external output process on the payout side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout-side external output process, first, in step S1701, the value of the payout-side recognition counter provided in the payout-side RAM 114 is incremented by one. The prize ball completion signal is an HI level signal which is an output state for the payout side recognition when the number of the prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is recognized by the hole computer HC, while When the hole computer HC is not made to recognize, it is a LOW level signal. Note that the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. The payout side MPU 112 maintains the state for a predetermined period when the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition, and the predetermined state when the output state for payout side recognition is canceled. Resetting to the output state for payout side recognition is not performed over the period. In this case, the payout side recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

  Further, as described above, in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17), the external output process on the payout side is executed at an execution timing prior to the process having a large variation in processing time in each process when the process is executed. As a result, the process of adding one to the payout side recognition counter is basically performed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it becomes possible to accurately measure each period described later.

  After the process of step S1701 is executed, the state of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is confirmed in step S1702 to determine whether or not the output state for payout side recognition is set. If the output state for payout side recognition is not set, the output state for payout side recognition is canceled last time by determining whether or not the value of the payout side recognition counter is 25 or more in step S1703. It is determined whether 50 msec or more has elapsed since the timing at which the command was issued. If a negative determination is made in step S1703, the present external output processing ends. As a result, when the output state for payout side recognition is canceled, at least until 50 msec which is the output setting restriction period of the payout side has elapsed, the other state in setting the output state for payout side recognition Even if the condition is satisfied, setting to the output state for the payout side recognition is limited. The output setting limitation period of the payout side is longer than the output setting limitation period of the winning ball scheduled side, and is the same as the output setting limitation period of the discharge side.

  If the determination in step S1703 is affirmative, it is determined in step S1704 whether the value of the award ball completion counter 114d of the payout side RAM 114 is 10 or more. Here, when the payout side MPU 112 sets the winning ball completion signal to an output state for payout side recognition, this is a case where ten or more gaming balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 newly become, When the output state for the payout side recognition is set, the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 10 as described later. That is, when the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for the payout side recognition, the fact that the payout side specified number of gaming balls predetermined as a plurality of numbers are newly paid out from the payout device 77 is the hall computer HC Will be informed. In this case, it is determined in step S1704 whether the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is 10 or more, and if it is less than 10, the present external output processing is ended as it is. As a result, when the number of gaming balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is less than ten, it is possible to prevent the award ball completion signal from being set to the output state for payout side recognition.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1704, in step S1705, the flag on the payout side RAM 114 is set to set an output state for payout side recognition. As a result, the winning ball completion signal becomes an output state for payout side recognition. Thereafter, the value of the award ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 10 in step S1706, and the value of the payout side recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1707, followed by terminating the external output process.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1702, that is, if the winning ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition, the value of the payout side recognition counter becomes 50 or more in step S1708. It is determined whether or not the output state for payout side recognition is continued over 100 msec or more by determining whether or not there is any. If a negative determination is made in step S1708, the present external output processing ends. Thus, when the output state for payout side recognition is set, the prize ball completion signal is maintained in the output state for payout side recognition until 100 msec which is the output continuation period for payout side recognition elapses. It will be The output continuation period for the payout side recognition is longer than 10 msec which is the output continuation period for winning ball scheduled recognition, and is the same period as 100 msec which is the output continuation period for the discharge side. .

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1708, in step S1709, the output state for payout side recognition is canceled by performing the clear processing of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114. As a result, the winning ball completion signal is not in the output state for payout side recognition. Thereafter, after the value of the payout side recognition counter is cleared to “0” in step S1710, the present external output processing is ended.

<About the appearance of the external output and the effects of this embodiment>
Next, the appearance of the external output and the effects of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 30 (a) is a timing chart for explaining the state of the external output of the discharge signal, and FIG. 30 (a1) shows the value of the discharge ball counter 94d fluctuating, and FIG. 30 (a2) shows the discharge signal Indicates the output status of. Also, FIG. 30 (b) is a timing chart for explaining the state of the external output of the winning ball completion signal, and FIG. 30 (b1) shows the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d fluctuating. b2) shows the output state of the winning ball completion signal. FIG. 30 (c) is a timing chart for explaining the state of the external output of the prize ball scheduled signal, and FIG. 30 (c1) shows the value of the prize ball scheduled counter 94c changing. c2) shows the output state of the winning ball scheduled signal.

  First, the appearance of the external output of the discharge signal will be described with reference to FIG.

  Discharge of the game ball to the island facility S through the discharge passage unit 85 occurs continuously by the player performing a shooting operation by the player to the shooting handle 55 and continuing the shooting of the game ball toward the game area When the game balls discharged are detected by the discharge detection sensor 89, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 increases as shown in FIG. 30 (a1). In this case, the game balls to be discharged include game balls that have been won in the winning portion such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34 as described above. The game ball which entered the mouth 37 is also included. Then, at the timing of t11, when the value of the discharge ball counter 94d reaches the value of the specific number on the discharge side, the discharge signal becomes an output state for discharge recognition. This output state is continued over the discharge recognition output duration from the timing of t11 to the timing of t12. The output continuation period for this discharge recognition is 100 msec. The firing cycle of the gaming ball is 600 msec when the player continues the firing operation to the firing handle 55, and if the value of the discharge ball counter 94d reaches the value of the specified number on the discharge side, it is for discharge recognition. It takes more time than the output duration. That is, the time from the release of the discharge recognition output state to the next discharge recognition output state is equal to or longer than the discharge recognition output continuation period.

  Next, the appearance of the external output of the winning ball completion signal will be described with reference to FIG.

  As a result of the game balls being fired toward the game area, any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34 is generated, whereby the payout side from the main side MPU 92 A prize ball command is transmitted to the MPU 112, and the payout device 77 is driven and controlled by the payout MPU 112, whereby payout of the game ball is executed. The paid-out game ball is detected by the paid-out ball detection sensor 77h, and accordingly, as shown in FIG. 30 (b1), the value of the award ball completion counter 114d provided in the pay-out side RAM 114 increases. . Then, at time t21, when the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d reaches the value of the payout side specified number, the winning ball completion signal becomes an output state for payout side recognition. This output state is continued over the output continuation period for payout side recognition from the timing of t21 to the timing of t22. The output continuation period for the payout side recognition is 100 msec. Further, the shortest payout cycle of the gaming ball when the payout device 77 is continuously driven is 30 msec, and when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d reaches the value of the specific number on the payout side, the output continuation period for the payout side recognition It takes more time. That is, the time from the cancellation of the output state for payout side recognition to the next output state for payout side recognition is equal to or longer than the output continuation period for discharge side recognition.

  As described above, for each of the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal, a period during which the output state for recognition continues and a period from when the output state is released to when the output state is next set are relatively long. Even if the hole computer HC has a relatively slow processing speed such as 40 msec of the signal monitoring cycle by being set as the period, the discharge signal is in the output state for discharge recognition, and The hole computer HC can recognize that the winning ball completion signal has become the output state for the payout side recognition.

  In addition, when the number of game balls discharged newly becomes the specific number on the discharge side set as the plurality, the discharge signal is set to the output state for discharge recognition, so each pachinko It becomes possible to reduce the frequency with which the discharge signal is in the output state for discharge recognition in the machine 10. Similarly, in the configuration in which the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition when the number of newly paid out prize balls becomes the specific number on the payout side set as a plurality of pieces. Because of this, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the winning ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition in each pachinko machine 10. In the hall computer HC of the game hall using the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal, it is necessary to process all of the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal transmitted from each pachinko machine 10 present in the game hall. In this case, even if the processing speed is relatively slow, the hole computer HC can use these signals by reducing the frequency at which the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal are set to the output state for recognition as described above. It is possible to carry out the preferred processing.

  Here, the hall computer HC manages the number of gaming balls existing in the gaming hall. Specifically, in the hall computer HC, information on the number of game balls to be paid out transmitted from each pachinko machine 10 (for example, a winning ball completion signal) and the number of game balls transmitted from each ball lending device Y The number of gaming balls paid out to the player in each pachinko machine 10 is totaled by summing up the information of (1).

  In addition, the gaming hall is provided with one or more tallying devices for tallying the number of gaming balls paid out to the player when returning the gaming balls to the island facility S. , Is sent to the game hall as a recovery signal. The hall computer HC adds up the information on the number of collected game balls transmitted from the counting device and the information on the number of discharged game balls (discharge signal) transmitted from each pachinko machine 10 to the island. The number of game balls returned to the facility S is totaled (hereinafter, this total number is also referred to as the total number of emissions).

  The hall computer HC manages the total number of gaming balls existing in the gaming hall by, for example, comparing the total number of payouts and the total number of discharges at the start of business or at the end of business. For example, in the case where no abnormality has occurred in the gaming ball existing in the gaming hall, the counted number of payouts matches the counted number of discharging, or depending on the size of the gaming hall, for example, about 100 errors The generated ones substantially match, and in this case, the hall computer HC notifies (for example, output to a display) that the management result of the gaming ball is normal.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is brought into the game hall by a player or the like, or the game ball is illegally acquired from the game hall and the game ball is supplied to the game area, such an illegal act is performed. The counted number of emissions is greater than the counted number of paid out. When such an event occurs, a great disadvantage may occur in the game hall. On the other hand, the hall computer HC notifies (for example, output to a display) that the gaming balls are excessive as the management result of the gaming balls.

  In addition, when the player returns home with many gaming balls left in the pachinko machine 10, or when the player takes away the gaming balls from the gaming hall, the above-mentioned payout total number is the above-mentioned discharge total number It will be more than that. In particular, in recent years, there have been many sales forms in which the number of game balls loaned per unit amount is different. In this case, in the game hall, for example, pachinko machines with island facilities S with a large number of loans set. It is necessary to manage whether or not the gaming ball obtained in 10 is used in the pachinko machine 10 of the island facility S for which the number of loans is set to a small number, and if so, the number of gaming balls for each island facility S having a different number of loans It will be necessary to manage the total number. In this case, in the case of the island facility S where the number of loans has been set is a management result in which the total number of withdrawals is larger than the total number of emissions, the number of loans from the island facilities S having a large number of loans is There may be a small number of carry-on of game balls on the side of the island facility S. When each event as described above occurs, a great disadvantage may occur in the game hall. On the other hand, the hall computer HC notifies (for example, output to a display) that the game balls are insufficient as a result of managing the game balls.

  As described above, it is possible to manage the number of game balls existing in the game hall by using the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal even if the hole computer HC has a relatively slow processing speed. . However, in the case of using the winning ball completion signal, there may be a problem that the number can not be strictly managed. The said problem is demonstrated, referring FIG.30 (b).

  In the configuration in which the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition when the number of newly paid out prize balls reaches the payout side specific number set as a plurality of pieces, FIG. As shown after the timing of t23 in b), when the number of newly paid out prize balls is less than the specified number on the payout side, the state where the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d becomes 1 or more continues. It will be done. In this case, since the power for disconnection is not supplied to the payout side RAM 114 as described above, the business is terminated at the timing t23 and after, the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 and the power supply to the firing control board 121 are When it is shut off, the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is cleared. And such a situation may occur for the number of pachinko machines 10 existing in the game hall. For example, since the specific number on the payout side is 10, the average of the numbers remaining in the winning ball completion counter 114d in each pachinko machine 10 is 4.5, and the pachinko machine 10 is 1000 in the gaming hall. If there is a stand, an error of 4500 can occur on a daily basis with respect to the management of the number of gaming balls. In addition, since the error is an error in which the counted number of discharges is larger than the counted number of paid outs, it may be difficult to find an illegal act carried out by bringing in the game ball. Furthermore, the error is not offset even if the number of gaming balls is managed evenly in a plurality of business days, and the error tends to increase. How to view this error depends on the business policy of the game hall, but it is not preferable in a game hall where you want to strictly control the game ball.

  On the other hand, in the present pachinko machine 10, the above-mentioned problem can be solved by enabling the output of the winning ball scheduled signal separately from the winning ball completion signal. The appearance of the external output of the prize ball scheduled signal will be described with reference to FIG. 30 (c).

  As a result of the game balls being fired toward the game area, any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33, and the lower operating opening 34 is generated, as shown in FIG. 30 (c1). As shown, at the timing of t31, information on the number of winning balls is set in the winning ball scheduled counter 94c provided in the main side RAM 94. In this case, a winning on the general winning opening 31 occurs, and the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94 c is set to 10. Then, the combination of the setting of the output state for winning ball schedule recognition and the cancellation of the output state is generated for the winning ball schedule signal by the number of values set in the winning ball schedule counter 94c. In addition, at the timing of t32, when the upper operating opening 33 or the lower operating opening 34 is hit, the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c is set to 3. Even in this case, the combination of the setting of the output state for winning ball schedule recognition and the cancellation of the output state is generated for the winning ball schedule signal by the number of values set in the winning ball schedule counter 94c.

  As described above, in the gaming hall where it is desired to strictly control the gaming balls, and the gaming hall having the hall computer HC with a relatively high processing speed, use the prize ball scheduled signal for managing the number of prize balls. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an event that it is not recognized in the hall computer HC despite the fact that the game ball is paid out, and the game ball can be strictly managed. Become.

  In addition, the winning ball schedule signal has an output duration period for winning ball schedule recognition of 10 msec and an output setting limitation time on the winning ball schedule side of 10 msec, and the sum period of these is a game ball from the payout device 77 Is shorter than 30 msec, which is the shortest dispensing cycle in the case of dispensing continuously. Thereby, the difference between the timing when the winning ball schedule signal becomes the output state for winning ball schedule recognition and the timing when the corresponding gaming ball is actually paid out by the payout device 77 is reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the time when the payout balls are actually being paid out in the hall computer HC.

  In addition, even if the game ball can be strictly managed by utilizing the prize ball scheduled signal as described above, the external terminal board 81 is provided with an external terminal 81g for the prize ball scheduled signal. In addition to the above, an external terminal 81 h for a prize ball completion signal is provided, and the game ball does not need to be strictly managed, because the prize ball completion signal can be output. In a game hall having a hole computer HC with a relatively slow speed, it is possible to use a prize ball completion signal instead of a prize ball scheduled signal. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the diversity of the gaming halls. Furthermore, for the game hall, since it is possible to perform the signal used in the hall computer HC through the selection of the external terminals 81g and 81h, selective use in the game hall is facilitated.

  According to the present embodiment, the following excellent effects can be obtained in addition to the above-described effects.

  A discharge detection sensor 89 is provided to detect game balls discharged from the game area to the back side of the game board 24 and discharged to the island facility S through the discharge passage unit 85, and the game balls discharged to the island facility S are Since the pachinko machine 10 itself is configured to be detected, it becomes possible to reliably detect the game balls discharged to the island facility S. For example, in the configuration for detecting gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 in the island facility S, a receiving ball of discharging balls is provided below each pachinko machine 10 and the gaming ball is detected in the receiving portion, or It is conceivable to set an area in which the gaming balls are aligned in a line in the circulation path of the facility S and to detect the gaming balls in the alignment area. However, in the former configuration, the configuration of the receiving portion needs to be configured to have versatility so as to be compatible with various manufacturers and various types of models, and thus the configuration configured to have versatility In this case, the gaming ball discharged from the pachinko machine 10 jumps on the receiving portion, and a situation may occur in which it can not be detected as the discharged ball. Moreover, in the latter configuration, there may arise a problem that the configuration of the circulation path of the island facility S becomes complicated, and a problem that the circulation speed of the gaming ball is lowered. On the other hand, as described above, by configuring the pachinko machine 10 itself to detect the game balls discharged to the island facility S, the discharge balls can be reliably detected without causing such a disadvantage. It becomes possible.

  Further, the measurement of the number of gaming balls discharged to the island facility S is performed by the main MPU 92, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge ball counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94. Then, since the main RAM 94 is supplied with power for disconnection, even if power supply to the power supply and launch control board 121 is stopped after the business is over, the information of the discharge ball counter 94 d is stored and held. . As a result, a predetermined business day ends when the value of the discharge ball counter 94d becomes 1 or more, and even if an error occurs in the management of the discharge ball for the predetermined business day, the information of the discharge ball counter 94d The above error is offset by managing the number of discharge balls evenly by multiple business days, so that the management of the number of the discharge balls is accurate. It is possible to do

  In addition, by using both the prize ball scheduled signal and the prize ball completion signal in the hall computer HC, the number of planned prize balls set based on the occurrence of the prize and the number of prize balls actually paid out for that. It becomes possible to manage whether or not there is a match.

Second Embodiment
In the present embodiment, the external terminal board 81 serves as an external terminal for outputting information on the number of gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, in the external for the discharge signal in the first embodiment. In addition to the terminal 81f, an external terminal for an individual discharge signal is provided, and the output setting process to the external terminal is executed by the main MPU 92, so that an individual discharge signal can be output to the hall computer HC. ing. In addition, the main RAM 94 is provided with an individual discharge ball counter so that external output of the number of discharges through the individual discharge signal can be performed independently of the external output of the number of discharges through the discharge signal. There is. When the addition process of the discharge ball counter 94d is performed, the same number of addition processes are performed on the individual discharge ball counter.

  Since the main RAM 94 is supplied with power at the time of power interruption as in the first embodiment, the value of the individual discharge ball counter is determined to stop the power supply to the power supply and launch control board 121. Even in a situation where you Further, the configuration other than the configuration relating to the output setting of the individual discharge signal is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the external output process for individual discharge executed by the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The external output process for individual discharge is performed immediately after the external output process for discharge (step S101) is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10).

  In the external output process for individual discharge, first, at step S1801, the value of the counter for individual discharge recognition provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one. When the number of gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S is to be recognized by the hall computer HC, the individual discharge signal is an HI level signal which is an output state for individual discharge recognition, When the hole computer HC is not made to recognize, it is a LOW level signal. Note that the relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. When the individual discharge signal is set to the output state for individual discharge recognition, the main MPU 92 maintains the state for a predetermined period, and when the output state for individual discharge recognition is canceled, the predetermined period. So that the output state for individual discharge recognition is not reset. In this case, the individual discharge recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

  Further, the external output process for individual discharge is executed at the execution timing prior to the process having a large fluctuation of the processing time in each process when the process is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10). Thus, the process of adding one to the individual discharge recognition counter is basically performed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it becomes possible to accurately measure each period to be described later.

  After the process of step S1801 is executed, the state of the flag provided in the main RAM 94 is checked in step S1802 to determine whether the output state is for individual discharge recognition. If it is not the output state for individual discharge recognition, the output state for individual discharge recognition is canceled last time by determining whether or not the value of the individual discharge recognition counter is 5 or more in step S1803. It is determined whether 10 msec or more has elapsed since the timing at which the command was issued. If a negative determination is made in step S1803, the present external output processing ends. Thereby, when the output state for individual discharge recognition is canceled, at least until 10 msec which is the output setting restriction period of the individual discharge side has elapsed, the other state in setting the output state for individual discharge recognition Even if the above condition is satisfied, setting to the output state for the individual discharge recognition is limited. The output setting restriction period of the individual discharge side is shorter than the output setting restriction period of the discharge side and the output setting restriction period of the payout side, and is the same as the output setting restriction period of the winning ball scheduled side. It has become.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1803, it is determined in step S1804 whether the value of the individual discharge ball counter in the main RAM 94 is 1 or more. Here, when the main side MPU 92 sets the individual discharge signal to the output state for individual discharge recognition, one gaming ball is discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, and the individual discharge recognition is performed. When the output state is set, the value of the individual discharge ball counter is decremented by 1 as described later. That is, when the individual discharge signal is set to the output state for individual discharge recognition, the number of gaming balls newly discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S has become the predetermined specific number on the individual discharge side. Is notified to the hall computer HC.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1804, the present external output processing ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1804, the flag set in the main RAM 94 is set in step S1805 to set an output state for individual discharge recognition. Thus, the individual discharge signal becomes an output state for individual discharge recognition. Thereafter, the value of the individual discharge ball counter is decremented by 1 in step S1806, and the value of the individual discharge recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1807, followed by terminating the external output process.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1802, that is, if the individual discharge signal is in the output state for individual discharge recognition, is the value of the individual discharge recognition counter 5 or more in step S1808? By determining whether or not it is determined, it is determined whether the output state for individual discharge recognition is continued for 10 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1808, the present external output processing ends. Thereby, when the output state for individual discharge recognition is set, the individual discharge signal is maintained in the output state for individual discharge recognition until 10 msec which is the output continuation period for individual discharge recognition has elapsed. It will be. The output continuation period for individual discharge recognition is shorter than the output continuation period of the discharge side and the output continuation period of the discharge side of 100 msec, and is the same as the output continuation period of the prize ball scheduled side. There is.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1808, in step S1809, the flag provided in the main RAM 94 is cleared to cancel the output state for individual discharge recognition. As a result, the individual discharge signal is not in the output state for individual discharge recognition. Thereafter, after the value of the individual discharge recognition counter is cleared to “0” in step S1810, the present external output processing is ended.

  According to the above configuration, in the gaming hall, either a discharge signal or an individual discharge signal may be selected as a signal for managing the number of gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S. It becomes possible. Then, when an individual discharge signal is selected, the individual discharge signal becomes an output state for individual discharge recognition each time one discharge ball is generated, so the hall computer HC manages the discharge ball in units of one. It is possible to In the discharge signal, the output state for discharge recognition is set when the number of discharge balls reaches the specified number on the discharge side and the output status for discharge recognition is set. The day may end, and in this case, it is not possible to strictly control the emission sphere on a business day basis. On the other hand, by using the individual discharge signal, as described above, the hole computer HC can manage the discharge balls in units of one, so that the discharge balls can be strictly managed. Become.

  Further, even in the configuration where it is possible to strictly control the discharge balls by using the individual discharge signal as described above, the external terminal board 81 is separate from the external terminals for the individual discharge signal. , And an external terminal 81 f for the discharge signal, which is capable of outputting the discharge signal, so there is no need to strictly control the discharge balls in the game hall, or a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed In the game hall having HC, it becomes possible to use not the individual discharge signal but the discharge signal. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the diversity of the gaming halls. Furthermore, for the game hall, it is possible to perform the signal used in the hall computer HC through the selection of the external terminal, so selective use in the game hall is facilitated.

  Further, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, a game hall having a hall computer HC with a relatively high processing speed and wanting to strictly manage the game balls is a prize ball scheduled as management of the number of prize balls. Using a signal and using an individual discharge signal as management of the number of discharge balls, it is possible to manage both the management of the number of prize balls and the management of the number of discharge balls in units of one game ball It becomes possible to manage the number of game balls accurately in units of one business day. On the other hand, in a game hall having a hole computer HC with a relatively slow processing speed, the prize ball completion signal is used to manage the number of prize balls, and the discharge signal is used to manage the number of discharge balls. For both the management of the number of balls and the management of the number of discharge balls, it is possible to reduce the output frequency of signals and the switching frequency of signals, and it is possible to manage the number of gaming balls.

  In the present embodiment, the winning ball completion counter 114d may be configured to be supplied with power at the time of interruption. In this case, the value of the award ball completion counter 114d is also stored even if the supply of the operation power to the power supply and the launch control board 121 is stopped. Therefore, in a game hall having a hole computer HC with a relatively slow processing speed, the configuration is such that the prize ball completion signal is used to manage the number of prize balls, and the discharge signal is used to manage the number of discharge balls. When the management of the number of game balls is equalized on a plurality of business days, the error is offset and the management can be strictly performed.

Third Embodiment
In this embodiment, the output mode of the winning ball completion signal changes according to the situation. Hereinafter, the different configuration will be described. The configuration other than the different configuration is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a payout side external output process performed by the payout side MPU 112 in the present embodiment.

  First, in step S1901, the status of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is checked to determine whether it is in the individual output status. If it is not in the individual output state, the processing of step S1902 to step S1911 is executed. The processes of steps S1902 to S1911 are the same as the processes of steps S1701 to S1710 of the external output process (FIG. 29) on the payout side in the first embodiment. As a result, when the individual output state is not obtained, as in the first embodiment, the prize ball completion signal is output when the number of dispensed prize balls is equal to the specified number of payout sides determined as a plurality. The output state for payout side recognition is set, and the output continuation period for payout side recognition is 100 msec, and the output setting limit period on the discharge side is 50 msec.

  If negative determination is made in step S1904 or step S1905 in the processing of steps S1902 to S1911, that is, if the output state for payout recognition is not set, a condition for performing a new setting to the output state for payout recognition Is not established, it is determined in step S1912 whether an individual output condition is established. The individual output condition is a condition that is satisfied when the state in which the player is not playing a game continues over the switching reference period (for example, 60 seconds), and more specifically, the operation of the firing handle 55 is in the switching reference period It is determined that the individual output condition is satisfied when the operation is continued. The individual output condition is not limited to this, and for example, when the demonstration screen is displayed on the symbol display device 41, it may be determined that the individual output condition is satisfied.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1912, the present external output processing ends. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1912, the external output processing is finished after setting in the individual output state by setting the flag provided in dispensing side RAM 114 in step S1913. .

  By setting the individual output state, an affirmative determination is made in step S1901 in the next external output processing, and an individual output processing is performed in step S1914. The individual output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S2001, the value of the individual recognition counter provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by one. The individual recognition counter is used to count a period in which the prize ball completion signal is set to the individual recognition output state in the individual output state and a period after the output state is released.

  After execution of the process of step S2001, it is determined in step S2002 whether the output state for individual recognition is or not by confirming the state of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114. When it is not the output state for individual recognition, it is determined in step S2003 whether or not the value of the individual recognition counter is 25 or more, the timing when the output state for individual recognition is canceled last time It is determined whether or not 50 msec or more has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S2003, the present external output processing ends. As a result, when the output state for individual recognition is canceled, there are other conditions for setting the output state for individual recognition until at least 50 msec which is the output setting restriction period on the individual side elapses. Even if it is established, setting to the output state for the individual recognition is limited. The output setting restriction period on the individual side is the same as the output setting restriction period on the payout side, but may be shorter or longer than this.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2003, it is determined in step S2004 whether the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d of the payout side RAM 114 is 1 or more. Here, the case where the payout side MPU 112 sets the winning ball completion signal to the output state for individual recognition is the case where one or more gaming balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 are newly added, When the output state for individual recognition is set, the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 1 as described later. That is, when the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for individual recognition, it is a hall that the game player of the individual specific number determined as a number smaller than the payout side specific number is newly paid out from the payout device 77 It is notified to the computer HC.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2004, the present external output processing ends. When an affirmative determination is made in step S2004, in step S2005, an output state for individual recognition is set by setting the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114. As a result, the winning ball completion signal becomes an output state for individual recognition. Thereafter, the value of the award ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 1 in step S2006, and the value of the individual recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S2007, followed by terminating the external output process.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2002, that is, if the winning ball completion signal is in the output state for individual recognition, it is determined in step S2008 whether the value of the individual recognition counter is 100 or more. By determining whether or not the output state for individual recognition is continued for 200 msec or more, it is determined. If a negative determination is made in step S2008, the present external output processing ends. As a result, when the output state for individual recognition is set, the prize ball completion signal is maintained in the output state for individual recognition until 200 msec which is the output continuation period for individual recognition elapses. Become. The output continuation period for individual recognition is a period longer than 100 msec which is the output continuation period for payout side recognition which is set when the individual output state is not set. As a result, in the hall computer HC of the game hall, even if the signal is received from the external terminal 81h for the winning ball completion signal, the difference in the output continuation period in the output state for recognition causes it to be It is possible to identify whether it is a state set in the individual output state or a state set in a state other than the individual output state.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S2008, in step S2009, the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is cleared to cancel the output state for individual recognition. As a result, the winning ball completion signal is not in the output state for individual recognition. Thereafter, after the value of the individual recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S2010, the process proceeds to step S2011.

  In step S2011, it is determined whether the cancellation condition of the individual output state is satisfied by determining whether the value of the award ball completion counter 114d is 10 or more, or "0". Determine If the negative determination is made in step S2011, the present external output processing is ended as it is, and if the positive determination is made in step S2011, the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is cleared in step S2012. Then, after releasing the individual output state, the present external output processing ends.

  According to the present embodiment, in the situation where the player is playing a game, the individual output state is not set, and the number of paid out prize balls becomes the specified number of payout sides determined as a plurality. In this case, the winning ball completion signal is set as an output state for payout side recognition, and the hole computer HC is notified that the payout of the specified number of payout balls has been performed. On the other hand, in a situation where a game is not being played by the player, an individual output state is made, so that a prize ball completion signal is made an output state for individual recognition in one prize ball unit, and in one prize ball unit. Notification to the hall computer HC is performed. By setting it as the said structure, in the condition where the game is performed by the player, in the condition where the game is not performed by the player, suppressing the frequency with which the prize ball completion signal is made into the output state for payout side recognition. The value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is externally output in units of one so as not to continue until the end of the business day. The hole computer HC can identify each of the signal output modes of the former and the latter because the signal output modes are different. Therefore, even when the hole computer HC, which has a relatively low processing speed, manages the number of prize balls using the prize ball completion signal, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is maintained at 1 or more. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of an event that the day is over and to strictly manage the number of prize balls.

  Also, the configuration is such that the output mode of the prize ball completion signal is switched between the individual output state and the other state while using the prize ball completion signal instead of using a signal different from the prize ball completion signal. Thus, the above-described excellent effects can be obtained without increasing the number of external terminals of the external terminal board 81.

  Further, since the switching is performed by making the period in the case of continuing the award ball completion signal in the recognition output state different, the processing configuration for performing the switching and the identification of the switching are described. Can be simplified.

  In addition, since the time period during which the winning ball completion signal is held in the recognition output state is set longer than before when the individual output state is achieved, the hole computer HC is relatively slow in processing speed. Even in this case, it is possible to cope with the switching.

  Further, the switching to the individual output state is performed when the player does not operate the launch handle 55. As a result, the switching to the individual output state is performed in a state in which the frequency of the award ball completion signal becoming the output state for recognition is reduced, and thus the frequency as described above for the output state for recognition is reduced. It is possible to achieve excellent effects.

  If a prize ball command is received in the individual output state, the individual output state is obtained even if the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is 1 or more before the prize ball command is received. It is good also as composition which cancels. In this way, basically, it is possible to set the winning ball completion signal to the output state for recognition in response to the generation of a plurality of payout side specified numbers of winning balls, and it is possible to It is possible to reduce the frequency of setting.

  In addition, as a specific method in the case of switching the output mode of the award ball completion signal, instead of changing the output duration period for recognition as described above, the voltage value or the current for setting the output state for recognition The value may be changed, or the output setting limit period may be changed.

  Further, the configuration in which the output mode of the signal is switched as described above may be applied to the discharge signal in addition to or instead of the winning ball completion signal.

Fourth Embodiment
The pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a discharge detection sensor 89 for detecting a game ball discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S as in the first embodiment. In this case, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a configuration for coping with fraudulent acts utilizing the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided. The different configurations will be described below. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 34 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of the discharge detection sensor 89 and the periphery thereof, and FIG. 34 (b) is a view schematically showing the lower side area of the game board 24. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 34 (a), the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided in the alignment passage area 88 of the discharge passage 85 as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided with a through hole 89a which allows the game balls B1 to pass one by one, and the through hole 89a is coaxial with the alignment passage area 88. A discharge detection sensor 89 is provided. The discharge detection sensor 89 detects a change in the magnetic field when the gaming ball passes through the through hole 89a, and outputs the detection result to the main MPU 92 as an electric signal. The opening area of the through hole 89 a is smaller than the passage cross section of the alignment passage region 88, and a step 89 b is formed between the through hole 89 a and the passage wall of the alignment passage region 88.

  Here, in the above configuration, if the illegal ball B2 having a diameter smaller than the passage width of the alignment passage area 88 and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole 89a is launched into the game area, the illegal ball B2 The passage of the game ball B1 in the alignment passage area 88 is inhibited by being caught on the step portion 89b of the discharge detection sensor 89. Then, the game balls B1 fired toward the game area thereafter will be stopped in the alignment passage area 88 with the incorrect ball B2 as the head. Then, when the firing of the game ball B1 is continued in that state, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), the game ball B1 overflows from the out port 37 of the game board 24 to the game area side. In this case, when the gaming ball B1 overflows around the general winning opening 31 or around the upper operation opening 33, the gaming ball B1 fired thereafter is won in the general winning opening 31 or the upper opening 33. It becomes easy, and it becomes possible for a fraudster to obtain an unfair advantage.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the execution of the discharge monitoring process by the main MPU 92 makes it possible to prevent the fraud. The said discharge monitoring process is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIG. The discharge monitoring process is executed in step S307 of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13), as in the first embodiment.

  In the discharge monitoring process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether the discharge detection sensor 89 is ON. If it is ON, the value of the discharge detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S2102. The discharge detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times the main MPU 92 confirms that the signal indicating that the game ball is detected is being received from the discharge detection sensor 89.

  In the following step S2103, it is determined whether "1" is set in the discharge detected flag provided in the main RAM 94 or not. As in the first embodiment, when the ejection detection sensor 89 continues to detect one gaming ball, the ejection detection completion flag has a plurality of gaming ball states in the main MPU 92. It is a flag for not specifying the passage of

  If "1" is not set in the discharge detected flag, it is determined in step S2104 whether the value of the discharge detection counter of the main RAM 94 is 2 or more. If a negative determination is made in step S2104, the discharge monitoring process is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2104, the value of the discharge ball counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S2105. The discharge ball counter is for counting the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S as in the first embodiment, and the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S Are externally output to the hall computer HC. After that, “1” is set in the discharge detection completed flag of the main RAM 94 in step S2106, and the discharge monitoring process is finished.

  Under the condition that the discharge detection sensor 89 is in the ON state, the discharge detection completion flag of the main RAM 94 is set to “1”, so that an affirmative determination is made in step S2103, and the process proceeds to step S2107. In step S2107, it is determined whether the value of the discharge detection counter in the main RAM 94 is equal to or greater than "500" which is the stop determination reference value. Since the discharge monitoring process is activated at a cycle of 4 msec in the main MPU 92, in step S2107, whether the discharge detection sensor 89 is in the ON state continued for 2 seconds or more, which is the stop determination reference period. Will be determined.

  The game ball is from the position of the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 to the position of the out port 37 of the game board 24 after the irregular ball B2 is caught at the position of the discharge detection sensor 89 during the stop determination reference period. It is set as a period shorter than the minimum period assumed as the time required to be filled. As a result, even if the incorrect ball B2 is caught at the position of the discharge detection sensor 89, a notification may be started to indicate that the discharge error state exists before the game ball B1 overflows from the out port 37 to the gaming area side. It becomes possible.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2107, the discharge monitoring process is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2108, the discharge error flag provided in the main RAM 94 is set to "1", and in step S2109, the discharge error command is transmitted to the voice emission control device 72. Output to Thereafter, the discharge monitoring process is ended.

  The discharge error flag is a flag for specifying that the main MPU 92 is in the discharge error state. Although the main MPU 92 can specify whether or not the discharge error state has occurred by the discharge error flag, the main MPU 92 does not stop the progress of the game even if the discharge error state occurs. That is, even in the case of the ejection error state, the same processing as the situation not in the ejection error state is executed.

  The ejection error command is a command output to cause the voice emission control device 72 to recognize that the ejection error state has occurred, and the voice emission control device 72 receives the ejection error command to display the display lamp unit 58. Are lighted in a predetermined manner, and a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 59. Further, when the voice emission control device 72 receives the discharge error command, the voice light emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding thereto to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image by receiving the command. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of the discharge error state is not limited to the above, and may be configured so that only a part is performed instead of the entire notification mode being performed, and the game hall A signal for notification may be output to the outside.

  On the other hand, when the discharge detection sensor 89 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2110 by making a negative determination in step S2101. In step S2110, the value of the discharge detection counter in the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0". In step S2111, the discharge detection completion flag in the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0". Thereafter, in step S2112, it is determined whether "1" is set in the discharge error flag of the main RAM 94 or not.

  If "1" is not set in the discharge error flag, the discharge monitoring process is terminated. If “1” is set in the discharge error flag, the discharge error flag is cleared to “0” in step S2113, and an error release command is sent to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2114. End the emissions monitoring process.

  The voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the discharge error state in the display lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59 by receiving the error release command. Also, when the voice emission control device 72 receives an error release command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding to that to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 ends the notification of the discharge error state in the symbol display device 41 by receiving the command.

  According to the present embodiment described above, when the period during which the game ball B1 is continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 becomes the stop determination reference period, an error notification is issued thereto. As a result, even if it is attempted to hold an illegal ball B2 larger than the game ball B1 at the position of the discharge detection sensor 89 and cause the game ball B1 to overflow on the gaming area side, it is possible that the stop occurs Since the manager of the hall is notified, the manager of the game hall can cope with it.

  Further, since it is possible to specify whether or not the above-mentioned fraudulent activity has occurred using the discharge detection sensor 89, it is possible to cope with the above-mentioned fraudulent activity while simplifying the configuration. It becomes.

Fifth Embodiment
In the present embodiment, the processing configuration of the discharge monitoring processing is different from that of the fourth embodiment. The different configurations will be described below. The description of the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment is basically omitted.

  Prior to the description of the discharge monitoring process, the contents of the cheating that can be dealt with in the present embodiment will be described first with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is an explanatory view for explaining the configuration of the discharge detection sensor 89 and the periphery thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the discharge passage portion 85 is formed with an alignment passage region 88 so as to be continuous on the downstream side with respect to the inclined portion 87, and a discharge detection sensor 89 is provided in the alignment passage region 88. ing. In this case, if an illegal ball B3 having a diameter larger than the passage width of the alignment passage region 88 is allowed to flow into the discharge passage portion 85, the illegal ball B3 is in the alignment passage region 88. The inflow of the game ball B1 to the alignment passage area 88 is blocked by the hook at the entrance portion. Then, the game ball B1 fired toward the game area thereafter will be stopped in the discharge passage section 85 with the unfair ball B3 as the head. When the game ball B1 continues to be fired in that state, the game ball B1 overflows from the out port 37 of the game board 24 to the game area as in the case described in the fourth embodiment. turn into. Further, since the illegal ball B3 is caught at the entrance of the alignment passage area 88, the illegal ball B3 is not detected by the discharge detection sensor 89.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the execution of the discharge monitoring process by the main MPU 92 makes it possible to prevent the fraud. The said discharge monitoring process is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIG. The discharge monitoring process is executed in step S307 of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13), as in the first embodiment.

  In the discharge monitoring process, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether the discharge detection sensor 89 is ON. If it is OFF, the process at the time of discharge non-detection is executed in step S2202. In the process at the time of the discharge non-detection, the same process as step S2110 to step S2114 of the discharge monitoring process (FIG. 35) in the fourth embodiment is executed.

  In the subsequent step S2203, the value of the non-detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one. The non-detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times the main MPU 92 confirms that the signal indicating that the gaming ball has not been detected is received from the discharge detection sensor 89.

  After that, it is determined in step S2204 whether or not the open / close execution mode is in progress, and in step S2205, winning in any of the general winning opening 31, the upper operating opening 33, the lower operating opening 34 and the through gate 35 has occurred. In step S2206, it is determined whether the value of the non-detection counter in the main RAM 94 is equal to or greater than "1000", which is the non-detection determination reference value. By the way, since the discharge monitoring process is started at a cycle of 4 msec in the main MPU 92, in step S2206, is the situation where the discharge detection sensor 89 is in the OFF state continued for 4 seconds or more which is the non-detection determination reference period? It will be determined whether or not.

  If it is in the open / close execution mode (step S2204: YES), if no winning has occurred (step S2205: NO), or if the value of the non-detection counter is not 1000 or more (step S2206: NO), This emission monitoring process ends as it is. On the other hand, if it is not the open / close execution mode (step S2204: NO), a winning is occurring (step S2205: YES) and the value of the non-detection counter is 1000 or more (step S2206: YES), step S2207 At the same time, the non-detection discharge error flag provided in the main RAM 94 is set to “1”, and the non-detection discharge error command is output to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2208. End the emissions monitoring process.

  The discharge error flag at the time of non-detection is for specifying by the main side MPU 92 that it is in the discharge error state at the time of non-detection by not detecting the gaming ball B1 continuously by the discharge detection sensor 89. It is a flag. Although the main MPU 92 can identify whether or not the discharge error state is in the non-detection state by the discharge error flag in the non-detection state, the main MPU 92 does not stop the progress of the game even if the discharge error state in the non-detection state . That is, even if the discharge error state at the non-detection time, the same processing as the situation not at the discharge error state at the non-detection time is executed.

  The discharge error command at the time of non-detection is a command output to make the sound emission control device 72 recognize that the discharge error state at the time of non-detection has been made, and the sound emission control device 72 discharges the non-detection state. By receiving the error command, the display lamp unit 58 is turned on in a predetermined manner, and the speaker unit 59 outputs a notification sound. Further, when the sound emission control device 72 receives an ejection error command at the time of non-detection, the sound emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding thereto to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image by receiving the command. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of the discharge error state at the time of non-detection is not limited to the above-described one, and the configuration may be such that only a part is performed instead of performing the whole notification mode. Well, a signal for notification may be externally output toward the gaming hall.

  On the other hand, if the discharge detection sensor 89 is ON, the process proceeds to step S2209 by making an affirmative determination in step S2201. In step S2209, the process at the time of discharge detection is executed. In the process at the time of the discharge detection, the same process as step S2102 to step S2109 of the discharge monitoring process (FIG. 35) in the fourth embodiment is executed. Thereafter, in step S2210, the value of the non-detection counter in the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0".

  In the following step S2211, it is determined whether the discharge error flag at the time of non-detection of the main RAM 94 is set to "1". If "1" is not set in the discharge error flag at the time of non-detection, the discharge monitoring process is ended as it is. If the discharge error flag at the non-detection time is set to "1", the discharge error flag at the non-detection time is cleared to "0" at step S2212, and the error release command at the non-detection time at step S2213. Is outputted to the sound emission control device 72, and the discharge monitoring process is finished.

  The voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the discharge error state at the non-detection time in the display lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59 by receiving the error cancellation command at the non-detection time. Further, when the sound emission control device 72 receives an ejection error command at the time of non-detection, the sound emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding thereto to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 ends the notification of the discharge error state at the time of non-detection in the symbol display device 41 by receiving the command.

  According to the present embodiment described in detail above, in addition to the effects described in the fourth embodiment, the following excellent effects can be achieved.

  Under the condition that the period in which the game ball B1 is not continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 is the non-detection determination reference period or more, the general winning opening 31, the upper operation opening 33, the lower operation opening 34 and the through gate 35 When a winning on any of them occurs, an error notification is given to it. Thus, even if it is attempted to hold an illegal ball B3 larger than the game ball B1 at the entrance portion of the alignment passage area 88 and cause the game area B to overflow the game area B1, the stop occurs. Since the manager of the gaming hall is notified, the manager of the gaming hall can cope with it.

  Further, in the open / close execution mode, since the variable winning device 32 present immediately above the out port 37 is in the open state, the game ball can be detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 even if the game is being played regularly. A situation may occur in which the period in which B1 is not detected continuously is equal to or greater than the non-detection determination reference period. On the other hand, in the open / close execution mode, even if a prize is generated in a situation where the period when the game ball B1 is not continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 is equal to or more than the non-detection determination reference period, Since the setting of the discharge error state at the time of detection is not performed, the possibility of being set to the discharge error state at the time of non-detection although the regular game is being performed is reduced.

Sixth Embodiment
In the present embodiment, the configuration for measuring the number of gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the different configuration will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 38 is a view schematically showing the lower area of the game board 24 in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge detection sensor 89 is not provided. Instead, as shown in FIG. 38, on the back side of the game board 24, an out ball detection sensor 37a for detecting the game balls passing through the out port 37 one by one is provided. In addition, the out ball detection sensor 37a detects only the game ball which has passed through the out port 37, and the game ball having entered into the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operation port 33 and the lower operation port 34. Is not detected.

  The out ball detection sensor 37a is a proximity detection sensor of a magnetic detection type, and changes in the magnetic field when the gaming ball passes through the detection range are detected and output as an electric signal. Note that the out-of-ball detection sensor 37a is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and any sensor can be used as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. . The out ball detection sensor 37 a outputs an electric signal to the main controller 71. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when the gaming ball is not detected, and a HI level signal is output when the gaming ball is detected. The relationship between the output levels may be reversed.

  On the back side of the game board 24, as in the first embodiment, the winning detection is performed in a one-to-one correspondence with the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34, respectively. Sensors 171 to 176 are provided. These winning detection sensors 171 to 176 are magnetic detection type proximity sensors, and changes in the magnetic field when the gaming ball passes through the detection range are detected and output as electric signals. The winning detection sensors 171 to 176 are not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and may be any type as long as they can detect the game ball. For example, even using a photo sensor or a limit sensor, etc. Good. The winning detection sensors 171 to 176 output an electric signal to the main controller 71. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when the gaming ball is not detected, and a HI level signal is output when the gaming ball is detected. The relationship between the output levels may be reversed. As in the first embodiment, the main MPU 92 utilizes the detection results of the winning detection sensors 171 to 176 to win the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33, and the lower operating opening 34. If the occurrence of a prize is identified, processing for generating a winning ball and various internal lottery are executed.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the discharge monitoring process executed by the main MPU 92. The discharge monitoring process is executed in step S307 of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13), as in the first embodiment.

  First, in step S 2301, it is determined whether “1” is set in the out detection flag provided in the main RAM 94. The out detection flag is a flag for specifying in the main MPU 92 that one game ball has been detected by the out ball detection sensor 37a. If "1" is set in the out detection flag, the value of the discharge ball counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S2302, and the out detection of the main RAM 94 is continued in step S2303. Clear the flag to "0". The discharge ball counter is for counting the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S as in the first embodiment, and the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S Are externally output to the hall computer HC.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2301 or if the process of step S2303 is executed, whether or not "1" is set in any of the winning detection flags provided in the main RAM 94 in step S2304. Determine if The prize detection flag is provided in one-to-one correspondence to the prize detection sensors 171 to 176, and the main MPU 92 indicates that one game ball is detected by the corresponding prize detection sensors 171 to 176. It is a flag to identify.

  If all the winning detection flags are “0”, the discharge monitoring process is terminated, and if any one of the winning detection flags is “1”, the process proceeds to step S2305. In step S2305, values equivalent to the number of winning detection flags for which “1” is set are added to the discharge ball counter of the main RAM 94. Thereafter, after the value of each winning detection flag is cleared to “0” in step S2306, the present discharge monitoring process is ended.

  The main MPU 92 refers to the discharge ball counter of the main RAM 94 to externally output a discharge recognition signal to the hall computer HC of the game hall. The output setting of the signal for discharge recognition is executed in the external output process for discharge (FIG. 27) as in the first embodiment.

  Here, even in the configuration in which the out ball detection sensor 37a is provided at the out port 37, as in the case where the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided, the out ball 37 is out using a wrong ball having a diameter larger than the gaming ball It is assumed that the game ball is obstructed at the position of the ball detection sensor 37a and the game ball is flooded from the out port 37 to the gaming area side. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the processing configuration for preventing the fraudulent activity is adopted in the out-of-sphere monitoring processing.

  The out-of-sphere monitoring processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the out-of-sphere monitoring process, first, in step S2401, it is determined whether the out-of-sphere detection sensor 37a is ON. If it is ON, the value of the out detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S2402. The out detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times the main MPU 92 confirms that the signal indicating that the game ball is detected is received from the out ball detection sensor 37a.

  In the following step S 2403, it is determined whether “1” is set in the out detection completed flag provided in the main RAM 94. The out detection completed flag is used to prevent the main MPU 92 from identifying the passage of a plurality of gaming balls when the one out of the ball detecting sensor 37a continuously detects one gaming ball. Is the flag of

  If “1” is not set in the out detection completed flag, it is determined in step S2404 whether the value of the out detection counter of the main RAM 94 is 2 or more. If the negative determination is made in step S2404, the out-of-sphere monitoring process is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2404, "1" is set in the out detection flag of the main RAM 94 in step S2405. The out detection flag is a flag for specifying in the main MPU 92 that one game ball has been detected by the out ball detection sensor 37a, as described above. Thereafter, in step S2406, the out-of-detection flag of the main RAM 94 is set to "1", and the out-of-sphere monitoring process is ended.

  In the situation where the ON state of the out ball detection sensor 37a continues, “1” is set in the out detected flag of the main side RAM 94, so that the positive determination is made in step S2403, and the process proceeds to step S2407. In step S2407, it is determined whether the value of the out detection counter of the main side RAM 94 is equal to or greater than "300" which is the stop determination reference value. Since the out-of-sphere monitoring process is activated at a cycle of 4 msec in the main MPU 92, in step S2407, the situation in which the out-of-ball detection sensor 37a is in the ON state extends over 1.2 seconds, which is the stop determination reference period. It will be judged whether it continued or not.

  By the way, from the stop determination reference period, after the illegal ball is caught at the position of the out-of-ball detection sensor 37a, the detection range of the out-ball detection sensor 37a is the head to the position of the out slot 37 of the game board 24 It is set as a period shorter than the minimum period assumed as the time required for the game balls to be filled. As a result, even if an incorrect ball is caught at the position of the out ball detection sensor 37a, it is possible to start notification indicating that the out of error state is present before the game ball overflows from the out port 37 to the gaming area side. It becomes.

  If the negative determination is made in step S2407, the out-of-sphere monitoring process is ended as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2407, "1" is set in the out error flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S2408, and an error command is sent to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2409. Output. Thereafter, the out-of-sphere monitoring process is ended.

  The out error flag is a flag for specifying that the main MPU 92 is in the out error state. The main side MPU 92 can specify whether or not the out error state is made by the out error flag, but does not stop the progress of the game even if the out error state. That is, even in the out-of-error state, the same processing as that in the non-out-error state is performed.

  The error command is a command output to cause the voice emission control device 72 to recognize that the out error state has occurred, and the voice emission control device 72 receives the out error command to display the display lamp unit 58. While making it light in a predetermined mode, a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 59. Also, when receiving the out error command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding thereto to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image by receiving the command. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of the out error state is not limited to the above, and may be configured so that only a part is performed instead of the entire notification mode being performed, and the game hall A signal for notification may be output to the outside.

  On the other hand, when the out-of-sphere detection sensor 37a is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2410 by making a negative determination in step S2401. In step S 2410, the value of the out detection counter in the main RAM 94 is cleared to “0”. In step S 2411, the out detection completed flag of the main RAM 94 is cleared to “0”. Thereafter, in step S 2412, it is determined whether “1” is set in the out error flag of the main RAM 94.

  If "1" is not set in the out error flag, the out-of-sphere monitoring process is ended as it is. If “1” is set in the out error flag, the out error flag is cleared to “0” in step S 2413 and an error release command is sent to the voice emission control device 72 in step S 2414. End the out-of-sphere monitoring process.

  The voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the out error state in the display lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59 by receiving the error release command. Also, when the voice emission control device 72 receives an error release command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding to that to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 ends the notification of the out error state in the symbol display device 41 by receiving the command.

  According to this embodiment described in detail above, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operation opening 33, and the lower operation that allow the game balls flowing down the game area to be led out to the back side of the game board 24 The game ball detection sensors 171 to 176 and 37a are provided corresponding to the mouth 34 and the out port 37, and based on the detection results of the detection sensors 171 to 176 and 37a, the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility The number of game balls discharged to S is measured. As described above, by measuring the number of discharges using the individual detection sensors 171 to 176 and 37a, it is not necessary to individually detect the game balls in the discharge passage portion 85 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it becomes possible to measure the number of discharges while making no restriction on the passage design of the discharge passage 85.

  In addition, when the period in which the game ball is continuously detected by the out ball detection sensor 37a becomes the stop determination reference period, an error notification is issued to that. As a result, even if it is attempted to hold an illegal ball larger than the gaming ball at the position of the out ball detection sensor 37a and cause the gaming area to overflow the gaming ball, it is possible that the stopping occurs. Since the manager is notified, the manager of the gaming hall can cope with it.

  In addition, since it is possible to specify whether or not the above-mentioned fraudulent activity has occurred using the out-of-ball detection sensor 37a, the above-mentioned fraudulent activity can be dealt with while simplifying the configuration. It becomes possible.

  It is to be noted that a fraudulent act is assumed on the upstream side of the out ball detection sensor 37a to inhibit the passage of the game ball. For example, a wrongdoing that blocks the out port 37 is assumed. On the other hand, the fraudulent act can be dealt with by using the processing configuration shown in the fifth embodiment in the out-of-sphere monitoring processing in the present embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment
In the present embodiment, the configuration for detecting that an illegal act of flooding the gaming ball from the out port 37 of the gaming board 24 to the gaming area side is different from the fourth to sixth embodiments. Hereinafter, the different configuration will be described. In addition, the description is fundamentally abbreviate | omitted about the structure same as the said 4th-6th embodiment.

  FIG. 41 is a view schematically showing the lower area of the game board 24 in the present embodiment.

  On the back side of the game board 24, a position lower than the variable winning device 32 and upper than the out port 37, and at a position behind the area where the game ball flows down in the game area, a pair of left and right stops Detection sensors 181 and 182 are provided. The stationary detection sensors 181 and 182 are photo sensors, and output an electric signal corresponding to the presence of the gaming ball within the detection range. The stationary detection sensors 181 and 182 are not limited to photo sensors, but are arbitrary. For example, a magnetic detection type proximity sensor or a limit sensor may be used. Each stationary detection sensor 181, 182 outputs an electrical signal to the main controller 71. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when the gaming ball is not detected, and a HI level signal is output when the gaming ball is detected. Note that the relationship between the output levels may be reversed.

  By providing the retention detection sensors 181 and 182, for example, when the game area overflows on the game area side due to the out-port 37 being clogged illegally, it is possible to detect it. In addition, since the stop detection sensors 181 and 182 are provided at positions lower than the variable winning device 32 and higher than the out port 37, before the game ball overflows to the position of the variable winning device 32. It becomes possible to detect the overflowing game balls with the stationary detection sensors 181, 182.

  Next, a processing configuration for monitoring the stationary state of the gaming ball using the stationary detection sensors 181 and 182 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the detention monitoring process. The suspension monitoring process is executed in the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13) of the main MPU 92. In addition, the detention monitoring process is individually executed for the pair of detention detection sensors 181 and 182. In the following description, a detention monitoring process using one of the detention detection sensors 181 will be described. The processing content of the suspension monitoring processing using the other suspension detection sensor 182 is the same as the processing content described below.

  In the stay monitoring processing, first, in step S2501, it is determined whether the stay detection sensor 181 is ON. If it is ON, the value of the stationary detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by one in step S2502. The stop detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times the main MPU 92 has confirmed that it has received a signal indicating that the game ball is detected from the stop detection sensor 181.

  In the following step S2503, it is determined whether the value of the detention detection counter is equal to or greater than “500” which is the detention determination reference value. Since the stationary monitoring process is activated at a cycle of 4 msec in the main MPU 92, in step S2503, whether the condition in which the stationary detection sensor 181 is in the ON state continues for at least 2 sec which is the stationary determination reference period. Will be determined.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2503, the permanent stay monitoring process is ended as it is. When an affirmative determination is made in step S2503, in step S2504, the stopping error flag provided in the main RAM 94 is set to "1", and in step S2505, the stopping error command is transmitted to the sound emission control device 72. Output to After that, the detention monitoring process is ended.

  The stationary error flag is a flag for specifying that the main MPU 92 is in the stationary error state. Although the main MPU 92 can specify whether or not it is in the stationary error state by the stationary error flag, it does not stop the progress of the game even if it is in the stationary error state. That is, even in the case of the stationary error state, the same processing as the situation not in the stationary error state is executed.

  The stationary error command is a command output to cause the voice emission control device 72 to recognize that the stationary error state has occurred, and the voice emission control device 72 receives the stationary error command to display the display lamp unit 58. Are lighted in a predetermined manner, and a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 59. Also, upon receiving the stationary error command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding thereto to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image by receiving the command. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of the stationary error state is not limited to the above, and the configuration may be such that only a part is performed instead of the entire notification mode being performed, and the game hall A signal for notification may be output to the outside.

  On the other hand, when the stationary detection sensor 181 is off, the process proceeds to step S2506 by making a negative determination in step S2501. In step S2506, the value of the stationary detection counter in the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0". Thereafter, in step S2507, it is determined whether "1" is set in the retention error flag of the main RAM 94 or not.

  If “1” is not set in the detention error flag, the detention monitoring process is ended as it is. If “1” is set in the stationary error flag, the stationary error flag is cleared to “0” in step S2508, and an error release command is transmitted to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2509. Stop the suspension monitoring process.

  The voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the stationary error state in the display lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59 by receiving the error release command. Also, when the voice emission control device 72 receives an error release command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits a command corresponding to that to the display control device 101. The display control device 101 ends the notification of the stationary error state in the symbol display device 41 by receiving the command.

  According to the present embodiment described above in detail, when the period in which the game ball is continuously detected by the suspension detection sensors 181 and 182 becomes the suspension determination reference period, an error notification is performed to that period. . As a result, even if an illegal act is performed to prevent passage of the game ball in the out port 37 and cause the game area to overflow the game area, it is possible that the game ball is held in the game area. Management of the game hall Since it is notified to the player, the manager of the game hall can cope with it.

  In addition, it is assumed that the fraudulent action which prevents passage of the game ball on the upstream side than the stop detection sensor 181, 182, or that the game ball accidentally stops on the upstream side of the stop detection sensor 181, 182 . On the other hand, by using the processing configuration shown in the fifth embodiment in the suspension monitoring processing in the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with the above-mentioned event.

Other Embodiments
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, A various deformation | transformation improvement is possible within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. Incidentally, the configurations of the following different embodiments may be individually applied to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, or may be applied in combination.

  (1) When a prize on any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34 occurs, the value is set to the winning ball scheduled counter 94c of the main side RAM 94 The timing is not limited to the timing at which the winning is generated, and may be the timing at which the winning ball command is transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112. For example, in the prize ball command output process of step S 607 in the payout output process (FIG. 16), when performing the output setting of the 15 prize ball command, the value of the prize ball scheduled counter 94 c is added 15 and the 10 prize ball command It is also possible to add 10 to the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c when performing the output setting of and add 3 to the value of the winning ball scheduled counter 94c when performing the output setting of the three winning ball command. In this case, it is possible to make the timing at which the winning ball schedule signal becomes the output state for winning ball schedule recognition close to the timing at which payout of the corresponding winning balls is actually performed.

  (2) Regarding the prize ball scheduled signal When the sum of the output duration period for recognizing the prize ball scheduled and the output setting limited period on the prize ball scheduled side is continuously paid out of the gaming ball from the payout device 77 It may be configured to coincide with the normal dispensing cycle. In this case, it is possible to make the timing at which the winning ball schedule signal becomes the output state for winning ball schedule recognition close to the timing at which payout of the corresponding winning balls is actually performed.

  (3) Instead of providing the discharge detection sensor 89 in the discharge passage portion 85, only the game balls that have passed through the out port 37 among the game balls drawn down to the back side of the game board 24 are detected. It is good also as composition provided with a detection sensor for out mouth so that. In this case, the number of game balls led to the back side of the game board 24 in order to detect these winnings is a winning on the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34. A discharge detection sensor 89 is provided by detecting by the provided prize detection sensors 96a to 96e, and detecting the number of gaming balls having passed through the out port 37 by a detection sensor for the out port. Even if not, it becomes possible to measure the number of gaming balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S.

  (4) Information on the number of the borrowed balls paid out from the payout device 77 may be externally output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hole computer HC. In this case, the timing at which the lending signal is set to the output state for lending recognition may be the case where the number of lending balls being measured becomes a specified number of lending sides defined as multiple, such as 10, and It may be assumed that the number of the borrowing balls is one. Also, an external terminal corresponding to each of the lending signal output at the former timing and the lending signal output at the latter timing is provided on the external terminal board 81, and each signal can be output individually. Good. In this case, the former lending signal is longer than the latter lending signal in the game hall having the hall computer HC having a relatively slow processing speed by making the output duration period for recognition and the output setting limitation period longer than the latter lending signal. It becomes easy to use the loan signal. Further, the main body that performs the output setting of the lending signal may be the payout side MPU 112, the main side MPU 92, or another control device. Further, the information for measuring the number of the balls may be stored in the RAM to which the power for disconnection is supplied, or may be stored in the RAM to which the power for disconnection is not supplied. .

  (5) Of the award ball schedule signal and the award ball completion signal, the output setting of the award ball schedule signal is performed by the main MPU 92, and the output setting of the award ball completion signal is performed by the payout MPU 112. Alternatively, both the output setting of the award ball scheduled signal and the output setting of the award ball completion signal may be performed by the main MPU 92 or may be performed by the payout MPU 112. Further, at least one of the output settings may be performed by a control device different from the main MPU 92 and the payout MPU 112.

  (6) The output duration period for recognition may be configured to be the same for the winning ball scheduled signal and the winning ball completion signal, or the winning ball scheduled signal may be longer than the winning ball completion signal. Even in this case, by setting the number of prize balls that trigger the setting to the output state for recognition to be a smaller number for the prize ball scheduled signal than the prize ball completion signal, the prize ball scheduled signal is set. When used, it is possible to strictly manage the number of prize balls, but when the prize ball completion signal is used, it is possible to reduce the frequency of the output state for recognition.

  (7) A configuration may be adopted in which no discharge signal exists as a signal that can be output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. In this case, the number of the discharge balls is measured on the island facility S side, and the measurement result is output to the hall computer HC, thereby using the signal and the winning ball scheduled signal or the winning ball completion signal. Thus, it becomes possible to manage the number of game balls.

  (8) A configuration may be adopted in which there is no winning ball scheduled signal as a signal that can be output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. Even in this case, it is possible to manage the number of gaming balls in the hall computer HC by using the discharge signal and the winning ball completion signal.

  (9) A configuration may be made in which there is no winning ball completion signal as a signal that can be output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. Even in this case, it is possible to manage the number of game balls in the hall computer HC by using the discharge signal and the winning ball schedule signal.

  (10) The trigger for setting the discharge signal to the output state for recognition is not limited to the configuration where the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is 10, and the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is other than 10 The value of the discharge ball counter 94d may be set to one. Further, the discharge ball counter 94 d is not limited to the configuration provided in the RAM to which the power for power interruption is supplied, but may be provided in the RAM to which the power for power interruption is not supplied. . Further, the output setting of the discharge signal is not limited to the configuration performed by the main MPU 92, and may be performed by the payout MPU 112, or may be performed by another control device.

  (11) The trigger for setting the winning ball schedule signal to the output state for recognition is not limited to the configuration where the value of the winning ball schedule counter 94c becomes 1 and the trigger for the winning ball schedule counter 94c is not limited. The configuration may be such that the value is a value determined as a plurality of values. Further, the winning ball scheduled counter 94c is not limited to the configuration provided in the RAM to which the power for power interruption is supplied, and may be provided in the RAM to which the power for power interruption is not supplied. Good. Further, the output setting of the prize ball scheduled signal is not limited to the configuration performed by the main MPU 92, and may be performed by the payout MPU 112, or may be performed by another control device. When the output setting of the prize ball scheduled signal is performed by the payout side MPU 112, the output setting of both the prize ball scheduled signal and the prize ball completed signal is performed by the payout side MPU 112.

  (12) The trigger for setting the winning ball completion signal to the output state for recognition is not limited to the configuration where the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is 10, and the winning ball completion counter 114d The configuration may be a case where the value is a plurality of values other than 10, or may be a configuration where the value of the winning ball completion counter 114d is one. Further, the winning ball completion counter 114d is not limited to the configuration provided in the RAM to which the power for power interruption is not supplied, but may be provided in the RAM to which the power for power interruption is supplied. Good. The output setting of the award ball completion signal is not limited to the configuration performed by the payout MPU 112, and may be performed by the main MPU 92, or may be performed by another control device. When the output setting of the award ball completion signal is performed by the main MPU 92, the output setting of both the award ball completion signal and the award ball scheduled signal is performed by the main MPU 92.

  (13) The discharge signal and the prize ball scheduled signal are output set by the main MPU 92 and supplied from the main control board 91 to the external terminal board 81 without passing through another board, but the payout control board It may be configured to be supplied to the external terminal board 81 via another board such as 111 or a relay board. In addition, the prize ball completion signal is set to be output set by the payout side MPU 112 and supplied to the external terminal board 81 from the payout control board 111 via the main control board 91, but via the main control board 91 Alternatively, it may be supplied to the external terminal board 81, or may be supplied to the external terminal board 81 via a board other than the main control board 91 such as a relay board.

  (14) The configuration may be such that the output setting limitation period is not set for the discharge signal. Even in this case, since the trigger for setting the discharge signal to the output state for recognition is set as the case where the number of discharge balls becomes the specified number on the discharge side, the recognition Since it takes a period longer than the output continuation period of the discharge side until it is set to the output state for recognition next after the output state of the output is canceled, the discharge signal is even for the hole computer HC whose processing speed is relatively slow. Can be recognized as an output state for recognition.

  (15) The configuration may be such that the output setting limitation period is not set for the award ball completion signal. Even in this case, the trigger for setting the prize ball completion signal to the output state for recognition is set as the case where the number of prize balls becomes the specified number on the payout side defined as plural, so Since it takes a period equal to or longer than the output continuation period of the payout side until the output state for recognition is next set after the recognition output state is cancelled, even the hole computer HC with a relatively low processing speed It becomes possible to recognize that the winning ball completion signal has become the output state for recognition.

  (16) The discharge signal has a configuration in which the output setting limitation period is shorter than the output duration, but is not limited to this, and the output setting limitation period and the output duration may be identical. The output setting limit period may be configured to be longer than the output duration period.

  (17) The prize ball completion signal has a configuration in which the output setting limitation period is shorter than the output duration, but is not limited to this. Even if the output setting limitation period and the output duration are the same. Alternatively, the output setting limited period may be longer than the output duration period.

  (18) The prize ball scheduled signal has a configuration in which the output setting limitation period and the output duration period are the same, but the output setting limitation period may be shorter than the output duration period, and the output setting limitation period May be longer than the output duration.

  (19) The specific values of the output setting limitation period and the output duration period are arbitrary for each of the discharge signal, the winning ball scheduled signal and the winning ball completion signal. In addition, for each of the discharge signal, the prize ball scheduled signal and the prize ball completion signal, the specific number serving as a trigger for setting the output state for recognition is arbitrary.

  (20) For the discharge signal, the number of discharge balls serving as a trigger for setting the output state for recognition is set to a plurality of numbers such as 10, and the trigger for setting the output state for recognition for the prize ball completion signal The number of winning balls to be 10 may be set to a plurality of numbers, such as ten, and the power at the time of power interruption may be supplied to both the discharge ball counter 94 d and the winning ball completion counter 114 d. As a result, even if the supply of the operating power to the power supply and the launch control board 121 is stopped, the values of the discharge ball counter 94 d and the prize ball completion counter 114 d are stored so that the processing speed of the hole computer HC is relatively slow. Even if the number of gaming balls can be managed, if the management of the number of gaming balls is equalized in a plurality of business days, the error is offset and the management can be strictly performed. In this configuration, although the output mode of the discharge scheduled signal is arbitrary, for example, the number of the discharge balls serving as a trigger to be set to the output status for recognition is set to a plurality of numbers such as 10, and the winning balls are scheduled. The power at the time of power interruption may be supplied to the counter 94 c.

  (21) The number of game balls serving as the trigger for setting the output state for recognition to any of the discharge signal, the winning ball completion signal and the winning ball schedule signal is set to one, and further the discharging ball counter 94d and the winning ball counter The power at the time of power interruption may be supplied to all of the completion counter 114d and the winning ball scheduled counter 94c. As a result, it becomes possible to strictly manage the number of gaming balls in units of one business day in the hall computer HC having a relatively high processing speed.

  (22) In the power failure process in the main MPU 92, the discharge signal may be set to the output state for recognition by the value remaining in the discharge ball counter 94d. In this case, by setting the output continuation period to a period different from that during the power failure process, it is possible to identify in which situation the hole computer HC is set to the output state for recognition. Become. Similarly, in the processing at the time of a power failure in the payout side MPU 112, the prize ball completion signal may be set to the output state for recognition by the value remaining in the prize ball completion counter 114d. In this case, by setting the output continuation period to a period different from that during the power failure process, it is possible to identify in which situation the hole computer HC is set to the output state for recognition. Become.

  (23) Instead of the configuration in which the display control device 101 is controlled by the sound emission control device 72 based on the command output from the main control device 71, display control based on the command output from the main control device 71 The device 101 may be configured to control the sound emission control device 72. Further, instead of the configuration in which the sound emission control device 72 and the display control device 101 are separately provided, both control devices may be provided as one control device, and one function of the both control devices may be provided. May be integrated into the main control device 71, and both functions of both control devices may be integrated into the main control device 71. Further, the configuration of the command output from the main control device 71 to the sound emission control device 72 and the configuration of the command output from the sound emission control device 72 to the display control device 101 are also arbitrary.

  (24) Other types of pachinko machines and the like different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which a motorized role opens a predetermined number of times when gaming balls enter a specific area of a special device The present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a right enters and becomes a jackpot, a pachinko machine equipped with other features, an arrange ball machine, a game machine such as a ball ball, and the like.

  A non-ball-ball type game machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of kinds of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts the rotation of the reels by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line visible from the display window after the reel is stopped by the passage of a predetermined time, a bonus such as payout of medals is awarded to the player The present invention can also be applied to slot machines.

  In addition, the gaming machine main body supported in an openable and closable manner by the outer frame is provided with the storage section and the loading device, and the start lever is operated after the predetermined number of gaming balls stored in the storage section are loaded by the loading device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated by starting to rotate the reels.

  (25) A discharge detection sensor is provided for detecting that the game ball has been discharged, and the discharge detection sensor 89 or the out-ball detection sensor 37a in a situation where continuous discharge of the game ball is detected by the discharge detection sensor. If the game ball is not detected for a predetermined period of time, special processing such as notification of an error state may be executed. In this configuration, although it is necessary to separately provide a firing detection sensor, it is accurately specified that the game ball is staying on the upstream side of the discharge detection sensor 89 or the out ball detection sensor 37a. It is possible to

  (26) In the fifth embodiment described above, when any winning occurs in a situation where the period during which the game ball is not continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 has become equal to or longer than the predetermined period, the opening / closing execution is performed. Even in the mode, special processing such as notification of an error state may be executed.

  (27) In the fifth embodiment, the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 may be set to an area where the gaming ball does not pass when the gaming ball flows down toward the variable winning device 32. For example, a game ball flowing down so as to pass the area on the right side of the symbol display device 41 can enter the ball and flow down so as to pass the region on the left side of the symbol display device 41 In the configuration in which the variable winning device 32 is provided at the position where the ball can not enter the ball, the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 may be set in the left area. In this case, in the situation where the gaming ball is fired toward the variable winning device 32, the situation in which the gaming detection sensor 89 does not detect the gaming ball is continued. Therefore, in the configuration, as in the fifth embodiment, it is preferable that the setting of the error state is not performed regardless of the detection result of the discharge detection sensor 89 during the opening / closing execution mode.

  (28) In the fifth embodiment, the game ball flowing down so as to pass through the area on the right side of the symbol display device 41 can enter and the area on the left side of the symbol display device 41 The lower operation port 34 is provided at a position where the game ball flowing down to pass through can not enter the ball, and the game ball flowing down so as to pass through the area on the left side of the symbol display device 41 In the configuration in which the upper operation port 33 is provided at the position where the ball can be entered, the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 may be set in the left area. In this case, in a situation where the gaming ball is fired toward the lower operation opening 34, the situation where the gaming detection sensor 89 does not detect the gaming ball is continued. Therefore, in the configuration, it is preferable that the setting of the error state is not performed regardless of the detection result of the discharge detection sensor 89 during the high frequency support mode in which winning in the lower operation port 34 is likely to occur. .

  (29) In the seventh embodiment, the retention detection sensors 181 and 182 may be provided so as to detect game balls on the upstream side of the game area from the variable winning device 32. For example, by providing the retention detection sensors 181 and 182 so that the detection range includes a location where the gaming ball is likely to be suspended in the gaming area even when the game is being played normally, the gaming ball is suspended at the relevant location It is possible to perform notification etc. when it is.

  (30) In the event of a discharge error state, an out error state or a stop error state, instead of or in addition to the configuration in which notification is provided by the pachinko machine 10, the progress of the game may be stopped. In this case, it may be configured that the execution of a part of the process for advancing the game may be blocked, or the execution of the entire process for advancing the game may be blocked. For example, the game ball may enter the ball entry portion such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operation opening 33, and the lower operation opening 34 at least the processing for firing the game ball may not be executed. The configuration may be configured such that at least the process of monitoring whether or not to be performed is not executed, or the process of internal lottery based on the entry of gaming balls into the upper actuation opening 33 or the lower actuation opening 34 is not executed at least.

  (31) A plurality of out ports 37 may be provided on the game board 24. For example, in the configuration in which the decoration member is provided on the game board 24 so that the game area is divided into left and right, the out port 37 for the left area and the out port 37 for the right area are separately provided. It is also good. In this case, the ball entry portion (for example, the general winning opening 31, the upper operation opening 33, and the lower operation) provided in the other area is the out port 37 formed in one of the left area and the right area. It may be configured to be provided on the upper side of the game area (i.e., on the upstream side of the game area) than the mouth 34).

  Even in the configuration in which a plurality of out ports 37 are provided as described above, in the configuration in which the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided in the discharge passage portion 85 as in the first to fifth embodiments, any of the out Even the game ball having entered the mouth 37 can be detected by the discharge detection sensor 89. In addition, by applying the configuration of the fourth embodiment, even if an incorrect ball enters any of the out ports 37, it can be specified. In addition, by applying the configuration of the fifth embodiment, it is possible to identify that the injustice is being performed, even if any out port 37 is clogged illegally.

  Further, in the configuration in which a plurality of out ports 37 are provided as described above, the out ball detection sensor 37a may be individually provided for each out port 37 as in the sixth embodiment. In this case, it is possible to individually detect the game balls entered into each out slot 37, and an illegal act using an incorrect ball larger than the game balls or an act of illegally blocking the out port 37 is performed. In this case, it becomes possible to specify which outport 37 is an object of fraud.

  Further, in the configuration in which a plurality of out ports 37 are provided as described above, the retention detection sensors 181 and 182 may be individually provided for each out port 37 as in the seventh embodiment. In this case, it is possible to individually specify whether or not the game balls are staying in each game area divided by the decorative member.

<About the invention group extracted from the above embodiment>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration illustrated in the parentheses or the like.

<Feature A group>
Features A1. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d). Discharge measurement means (function to execute discharge monitoring processing in the main MPU 92);
Even during the situation where the supply of power to the discharge measurement means is stopped, power is supplied to the discharge information storage means, and the power supply during disconnection means that the storage of information can be held in the discharge information storage means (Power supply unit for power off 123),
When the number of game media corresponding to the number-of-discharges information stored in the discharge information storage means becomes equal to or more than the specified number of discharges which is two or more, the discharge recognition signal (output status for discharge recognition is established Discharge side output means (a function of executing an external output process for discharge in the main side MPU 92) which can output the discharge signal) to the outside of the gaming machine;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature A1, the number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured, and the measurement result is output to the outside of the game machine, so it is discharged from the game machine in the hall computer of the game hall It becomes possible to manage the number of game media.

  In this case, since the number of gaming media discharged from the gaming machine is detected in the gaming machine, measurement of the number of gaming media discharged without requiring complication of the configuration on the island facility side It is possible to do

  In addition, since the discharge recognition signal is output when the counted number of game media discharged is equal to or greater than two, the frequency at which the discharge recognition signal is output is determined. It becomes possible to reduce. Thereby, for example, even in the case of a hole computer having a relatively low processing speed, recognition of the discharge recognition signal can be performed without difficulty.

  Further, since the discharge information storage means is configured to be supplied with electric power during power interruption, the discharge number information corresponding to the number which is 1 or more and less than the specified number of discharges is stored. Even if the power supply is interrupted, the information is stored. Thus, even with the configuration in which the frequency at which the discharge recognition signal is output is reduced as described above, it is possible to strictly manage the number of game media discharged.

  Feature A2. When the number of game media discharged from the game machine is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the separate discharge recognition signal (individual discharge signal in output state for individual discharge recognition) A game machine according to feature A1, characterized by comprising separate discharge side output means (function to execute an external output process for individual discharge in the main MPU 92) which can be output to the outside.

  According to the feature A2, in the gaming hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the discharge recognition signal is used, and the management of the number of game media discharged is more finely although the frequency increases. It becomes possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using another discharge recognition signal if it is desired to do. Thereby, it becomes possible to correspond to various sales forms of the game hall.

  Note that by setting “the number smaller than the specified number of discharges” to 1, it is possible to strictly manage the number of game media to be discharged.

Feature A3. When the discharge side output means outputs the discharge recognition signal, the output state of the discharge recognition signal is maintained over the discharge side continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least the discharge side regulation period has elapsed. It is intended that the output state is not reset until the
When the separate discharge side output means outputs the separate discharge recognition signal, the separate discharge side output means maintains the output state of the separate discharge recognition signal over the separate discharge side continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least the other discharge side. Resetting to the output state is not to be performed until the side restriction period has elapsed.
The gaming machine according to feature A2, wherein the discharge side continuation period is longer than the other discharge side continuation period, and the discharge side restriction period is longer than the other discharge side restriction period.

  According to the feature A3, when using the discharge recognition signal, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of the other discharge recognition signal. Therefore, the discharge recognition signal can be more easily recognized for the hole computer whose processing speed is relatively slow. On the other hand, when using another discharge recognition signal, both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the discharge recognition signal, so the processing speed However, for a hole computer that is relatively fast, it is possible to quickly recognize that the game medium has been discharged when it has been discharged.

  Feature A4. As terminals connectable to electrical wiring for outputting signals to a device provided outside the gaming machine, terminals for signals output by the discharge side output means, and outputs by the other discharge side output means A game machine according to feature A2 or A3, characterized in that the signal terminal and the signal terminal are separately provided.

  According to the feature A4, for the game hall, it is possible to select the side to be used from among the discharge recognition signal and the another discharge recognition signal only by selecting the type of the terminal connecting the electric wiring. Therefore, complication of the operation | work in the case of selecting and utilizing a signal is suppressed.

Feature A5. The payout measuring means (main MPU 92) measures the number of gaming media paid out or paid out to the player, and stores the measurement result in the payout information storage means (the prize ball scheduled counter 94c, the prize ball completion counter 114d). A function of executing the processing of step S403, step S406 and step S409, and a function of executing the processing of step S1108 in the payout side MPU 112);
When the number of game media corresponding to the number-of-payouts information stored in the payout information storage means becomes equal to or more than the prescribed number of payouts, a payout recognition signal (a prize ball scheduled to be in an output state for prize ball schedule recognition) A payout side output means (a function for executing an external output process for a prize ball schedule in the main side MPU 92) capable of outputting a signal and a prize ball completion signal in an output state for prize ball completion recognition to the outside of the gaming machine , A function of executing an external output process on the payout side in the payout side MPU 112),
A game machine according to any one of the features A1 to A4, comprising:

  According to the feature A5, the number of game media to be paid out in the gaming machine is measured, and the measurement result is output to the outside of the gaming machine. It becomes possible to manage the number of media. And since it is possible to manage not only the number of game media to be paid out but also the number of game media to be discharged, it is possible to manage the game media existing in the game hall. .

  Feature A6. The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein the prescribed number of payouts is one.

  According to the feature A6, it is possible to strictly manage the number of gaming media to be paid out in the gaming machine.

  Feature A7. The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein the prescribed payout number is a number of 2 or more.

  According to the feature A7, since the payout recognition signal is output when the number counted as the paid-out or paid-out game medium is 2 or more, the payout recognition signal is output, so the payout It is possible to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output. As a result, for example, even in the case of a hall computer with a relatively low processing speed, recognition of the payout recognition signal can be performed without difficulty.

  Feature A8. When the number of game media measured by the payout measuring means becomes equal to or more than the separately paid prescribed number smaller than the prescribed paid number, the separately paid out recognition signal (a prize ball in an output state for winning ball scheduled recognition is obtained A separate payout side output means (a function for executing an external output process for a winning ball schedule in the main side MPU 92) capable of outputting the schedule signal) to the outside of the gaming machine is described in the feature A7. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature A8, in the gaming hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the payout recognition signal is used to increase the frequency but the number of game media paid out or paid out It is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using the separate payout recognition signal if it is desired to perform management in more detail. Thereby, it becomes possible to correspond to various sales forms of the game hall.

Feature A9. When the payout side output means outputs the payout recognition signal, the output state of the payout recognition signal is maintained over the payout side continuation period, and when the output state is canceled, at least the payout side regulation period has elapsed. It is intended that the output state is not reset until the
When the separate payout side output means outputs the separate payout recognition signal, the separate payout side output means maintains the output state of the separate payout recognition signal over the separate payout period continuation period, and at least separate payout when the output state is released. Resetting to the output state is not to be performed until the side restriction period has elapsed.
The gaming machine according to Feature A8, wherein the payout-side continuation period is longer than the separate payout-side continuation period, and the payout-side restriction period is longer than the separate payout-side restriction period.

  According to the feature A9, when using the payout recognition signal, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of the separate payout recognition signal. Therefore, the payout recognition signal can be more easily recognized for the hole computer whose processing speed is relatively low. On the other hand, in the case of using the separate payout recognition signal, since both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the payout recognition signal, the processing speed In the case of a hall computer which is relatively fast, it is possible to promptly recognize when a game medium is paid out or when it is paid out.

  Feature A10. Terminals for signals output by the payout-side output unit and terminals output by the separate payout-side output unit as terminals connectable to electrical wiring for performing signal output to a device provided outside the gaming machine A game machine according to feature A8 or A9, characterized in that the signal terminal and the signal terminal are separately provided.

  According to the feature A10, it becomes possible for the game hall to select the side to be used from among the payout recognition signal and the separate payout recognition signal only by selecting the type of terminal to which the electric wiring is connected. Therefore, complication of the operation | work in the case of selecting and utilizing a signal is suppressed.

Characteristics A11. The payout side output unit is configured to be able to output the payout recognition signal when gaming media having the predetermined payout number or more are paid out,
The separate payout side output means enables output of the separate payout recognition signal even before the payout of the game medium is completed, when the condition for payout of game media equal to or more than the predetermined number of separate payouts is satisfied. The gaming machine according to any one of features A8 to A10, which is characterized in that

  According to the feature A11, it is possible to recognize the number of gaming media actually paid out when using the payout recognition signal, and the accuracy of management is enhanced, and when using the separate payout recognition signal. It becomes possible to carry out the management in the hall computer early.

Feature A12. Main control means (main MPU 92) for outputting payout command information when a condition for payout of game media is satisfied;
Payout control means (payout MPU 112) for drivingly controlling the payout means so as to pay out the game medium when the main control means outputs the payout command information;
Equipped with
The gaming machine according to the feature A11, wherein the main control means includes the separate payout side output means, and the payout control means includes the payout side output means.

  According to the feature A12, it is possible to output each of the payout recognition signal and the separate payout recognition signal using the functions of the main control unit and the payout control unit.

Feature A13. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d). Discharge measurement means (function to execute discharge monitoring processing in the main MPU 92);
Even during the situation where the supply of power to the gaming machine is stopped, power is supplied to the discharge information storage means, and power can be supplied to the discharge information storage means so that the information can be stored and held. A power supply unit for power interruption 123),
When the number of game media corresponding to the number-of-discharges information stored in the discharge information storage means becomes equal to or more than the specified number of discharges which is two or more, the discharge recognition signal (output status for discharge recognition is established Discharge side output means (a function of executing an external output process for discharge in the main side MPU 92) which can output the discharge signal) to the outside of the gaming machine;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature A13, the number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured, and the measurement result is output to the outside of the game machine, so the game computer is discharged from the game machine in the hall computer of the game hall. It becomes possible to manage the number of game media.

  In this case, since the number of gaming media discharged from the gaming machine is detected in the gaming machine, measurement of the number of gaming media discharged without requiring complication of the configuration on the island facility side It is possible to do

  In addition, since the discharge recognition signal is output when the counted number of game media discharged is equal to or greater than two, the frequency at which the discharge recognition signal is output is determined. It becomes possible to reduce. Thereby, for example, even in the case of a hole computer having a relatively low processing speed, recognition of the discharge recognition signal can be performed without difficulty.

  Further, since the discharge information storage means is configured to be supplied with power during power interruption, the power to the gaming machine is stored under the condition that discharge number information corresponding to a number of 1 or more and less than the prescribed discharge number is stored. Even if the supply is interrupted, the information is stored. Thus, even with the configuration in which the frequency at which the discharge recognition signal is output is reduced as described above, it is possible to strictly manage the number of game media discharged.

Feature A14. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is discharged information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d, individual discharge) Discharge measuring means (function to execute discharge monitoring processing in the main MPU 92) stored in the ball counter);
When the number of game media corresponding to the number-of-discharges information stored in the discharge information storage means becomes equal to or more than the specified number of discharges, the discharge recognition signal corresponding thereto (the discharge signal in an output state for discharge recognition) Output side output means capable of outputting an individual discharge signal in an output state for individual discharge recognition to the outside of the gaming machine (function to execute external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92, for individual discharge Function to execute external output processing),
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature A14, the number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured, and the measurement result is output to the outside of the game machine, so it is discharged from the game machine in the hall computer of the game hall It becomes possible to manage the number of game media.

  In this case, since the number of gaming media discharged from the gaming machine is detected in the gaming machine, measurement of the number of gaming media discharged without requiring complication of the configuration on the island facility side It is possible to do

Feature A15. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is discharged information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d, individual discharge) Discharge measuring means (function to execute discharge monitoring processing in the main MPU 92) stored in the ball counter);
The discharge recognition signal corresponding to the discharge number information stored in the discharge information storage means (discharge signal in output state for discharge recognition, individual discharge signal in output state for individual discharge recognition) Discharge-side output means (a function of executing external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92, a function of executing external output processing for individual discharge) that can be output to the outside of the machine;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature A15, the number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured, and the measurement result is output to the outside of the game machine, so the game computer is discharged from the game machine in the hall computer of the game hall It becomes possible to manage the number of game media.

  In this case, since the number of gaming media discharged from the gaming machine is detected in the gaming machine, measurement of the number of gaming media discharged without requiring complication of the configuration on the island facility side It is possible to do

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. Specific measurement means for measuring the number of game media to be paid out to the player (function of executing the processing of step S403, step S406 and step S409 in the main MPU 92);
When the number of game media measured by the specific measuring means becomes equal to or greater than the specified number, the specific recognition signal (a winning ball schedule signal in an output state for winning ball schedule recognition) is made outside the gaming machine. Specific output means capable of outputting (function to execute external output processing for winning ball schedule in the main MPU 92);
Equipped with
The specific output unit is capable of outputting the specific recognition signal even before the payout of the game medium is completed when the condition for paying out game media of the specified number or more is satisfied. A game machine characterized by

  According to the feature B1, by using the specific recognition signal, it is possible not only to manage the number of payouts of gaming media in the hall computer of the gaming hall, but also when a condition for payout of gaming media is established. It becomes possible to carry out the management early.

Feature B2. Predetermined measurement means (a function of executing the process of step S1108 in the payout side MPU 112) for measuring the number of game media paid out to the player;
When the number of gaming media measured by the predetermined measuring means becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the gaming machine receives a predetermined recognition signal (a winning ball completion signal in an output state for recognizing a winning ball completion) corresponding thereto. Predetermined output means capable of outputting to the outside (function of executing external output processing on the dispensing side of the dispensing side MPU 112);
The gaming machine according to feature B1, comprising:

  According to the feature B2, when using the specific recognition signal, management in the hall computer can be performed at an early stage, and when using the predetermined recognition signal, the number of gaming media actually paid out is recognized Management and accuracy of management is enhanced.

  Feature B3. The gaming machine according to feature B2, wherein the specified number is smaller than the predetermined number.

  According to the feature B3, in the gaming hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the predetermined recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, the number of payouts of gaming media is to be managed more finely Therefore, it becomes possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using a specific recognition signal. Thereby, it becomes possible to correspond to various sales forms of the game hall.

Feature B4. When the specific output means outputs the specific recognition signal, the output state of the specific recognition signal is maintained over a specific continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least until the specific restriction period has elapsed. This is to prevent resetting to the output state.
When the predetermined output means outputs the predetermined recognition signal, the output state of the predetermined recognition signal is maintained for a predetermined duration, and when the output state is released, at least until the predetermined restriction period has elapsed. This is to prevent resetting to the output state.
The gaming machine according to feature B2 or B3, wherein the specific continuation period is shorter than the predetermined continuation period, and the specific restriction period is shorter than the predetermined restriction period.

  According to the feature B4, when using the predetermined recognition signal, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of the specific recognition signal. For a hole computer whose processing speed is relatively slow, it becomes easier to recognize a predetermined recognition signal. On the other hand, when the specific recognition signal is used, both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the predetermined recognition signal, so the processing speed is reduced. For a relatively fast hall computer, when game media are paid out or paid out, it is possible to promptly recognize that.

  Feature B5. Terminals for signals output by the specific output unit and terminals for signals output by the predetermined output unit as terminals connectable to electrical wiring for outputting signals to a device provided outside the gaming machine The gaming machine according to any one of the features B2 to B4, characterized in that the terminal of (1) is separately provided.

  According to the feature B5, it becomes possible for the game hall to select the side to be used from among the specific recognition signal and the predetermined recognition signal only by selecting the type of the terminal connecting the electric wiring. Therefore, complication of the operation | work in the case of selecting and utilizing a signal is suppressed.

Feature B6. Main control means (main MPU 92) for outputting payout command information when a condition for payout of game media is satisfied;
Payout control means (payout MPU 112) for drivingly controlling the payout means so as to pay out the game medium when the main control means outputs the payout command information;
Equipped with
The gaming machine according to any one of the features B2 to B5, wherein the main control means has the specific output means, and the payout control means has the predetermined output means.

  According to the feature B6, it is possible to output each of the predetermined recognition signal and the specific recognition signal using the respective functions of the main control means and the payout control means.

Feature B7. Specific measurement means for measuring the number of game media to be paid out to the player (function of executing the processing of step S403, step S406 and step S409 in the main MPU 92);
Specific output means (allowing a specific recognition signal corresponding to the number of gaming media measured by the specific measurement means (a prize ball scheduled signal in an output state for winning ball schedule recognition) to be output to the outside of the gaming machine A function of executing external output processing for a winning ball schedule in the main MPU 92),
Equipped with
The specific output unit is capable of outputting the specific recognition signal even before the payout of the game medium is completed when the condition for paying out game media of the specified number or more is satisfied. A game machine characterized by

  According to the feature B7, it is possible not only to manage the number of payouts of gaming media in the hall computer of the gaming hall by using the specific recognition signal, but also when a condition for payout of gaming media is satisfied. It becomes possible to carry out the management early.

<Feature C group>
Feature C1. The first recognition signal (for discharge recognition) when the number of game media targeted for a specific event, which is one of the discharge of game media from the game machine and the payout of game media to the player, is equal to or greater than the first prescribed number. First output means (external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92) capable of outputting the discharge signal in the output state and the payout completion signal in the output state for the payout side recognition to the outside of the gaming machine A function of executing an external output process on the payout side in the payout side MPU 112),
The second recognition signal (individual discharge signal in an output state for individual discharge recognition, prize when the number of game media subject to the specific event becomes equal to or greater than a second predetermined number smaller than the first predetermined number Second output means (function to execute external output processing for individual discharge in main side MPU 92, payout side MPU 112) capable of outputting the winning ball scheduled signal in the output state for ball schedule recognition to the outside of the gaming machine Function to execute external output processing for the prize ball schedule in
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature C1, in the gaming hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the first recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, it is desired to more finely manage the gaming media. It is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using the second recognition signal. Thereby, it becomes possible to correspond to various sales forms of the game hall.

Feature C2. When the first output means outputs the first recognition signal, the output state of the first recognition signal is maintained for the first continuation period, and at least the first restriction period when the output state is released. It is intended that the output state is not reset until the elapse of
When the second output means outputs the second recognition signal, the output state of the second recognition signal is maintained for the second continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least the second regulation period. It is intended that the output state is not reset until the elapse of
The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the second duration period is shorter than the first duration period, and the second control period is shorter than the first control period.

  According to the feature C2, when using the first recognition signal, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of the second recognition signal. As a result, the first recognition signal can be more easily recognized for a hole computer with a relatively slow processing speed. On the other hand, when the second recognition signal is used, both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the first recognition signal. For a hole computer with a relatively high speed, it is possible to quickly recognize that a specific event occurs.

  Feature C3. A terminal for a signal to be output by the first output means and an output by the second output means as a terminal capable of connecting an electrical wiring for performing signal output to a device provided outside the gaming machine The gaming machine according to feature C1 or C2, wherein a terminal for signal is separately provided.

  According to the feature C3, for the game hall, it is possible to select the side to be used from among the first recognition signal and the second recognition signal only by selecting the type of terminal to which the electrical wiring is connected. Therefore, complication of the operation | work in the case of selecting and utilizing a signal is suppressed.

Feature C4. The first recognition signal (for discharge recognition) when the number of game media targeted for a specific event, which is one of the discharge of game media from the game machine and the payout of game media to the player, is equal to or greater than the first prescribed number. First output means (external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92) capable of outputting the discharge signal in the output state and the payout completion signal in the output state for the payout side recognition to the outside of the gaming machine A function of executing an external output process on the payout side in the payout side MPU 112),
In a situation where the number of gaming media subject to the specific event is a second prescribed number less than the first prescribed number, or in a situation greater than the second prescribed number, the second recognition signal Second output means (external output processing for individual discharge in the main side MPU 92) which can output the individual discharge signal and the prize ball scheduled signal in the output state for recognition of the ball prediction to the outside of the gaming machine A function of executing an external output process for winning balls scheduled by the payout side MPU 112), and
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature C4, in the gaming hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the first recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, it is desired to more finely manage the gaming media. It is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using the second recognition signal. Thereby, it becomes possible to correspond to various sales forms of the game hall.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1. Information of the number of game media for the specific event which is one of the discharge of game media from the game machine and the payout of game media to the player is a special recognition signal (prize ball in output state for payout side recognition) Special output means (function to execute external output processing on the payout side of the payout side MPU 112 in the third embodiment) capable of outputting to the outside of the gaming machine as a completion signal),
The special output means is
The first special output means (the step S1902 to step S1911 in the payout side MPU 112) which outputs the special recognition signal in the first mode when the number of game media targeted for the specific event becomes equal to or more than the special number which is two or more. Function to execute the processing of
The second special output means (function for executing the processing for individual output in the payout side MPU 112) which outputs the special recognition signal in the second mode even if the number of game media targeted for the specific event has not reached the special number ,
Switching means for switching the target for outputting the special recognition signal from the first special output means to the second special output means when the specific situation is reached (performing processing of step S1912 and step S1913 in the payout side MPU 112 Function),
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature D1, while reducing the frequency at which the special recognition signal is output to the hall computer under normal conditions, the hall computer can individually recognize the number of game media targeted for a specific event in a specific situation. It becomes possible. As a result, even if the processing speed is a hole computer with a relatively low processing speed, it is possible to manage the number of game media targeted for a specific event, while strictly performing the management.

Feature D2. The first aspect is an aspect in which the output state of the special recognition signal is maintained for a first duration,
The gaming machine according to the feature D1, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the output state of the special recognition signal is maintained for a second duration.

  According to the feature D2, by the simple configuration of adjusting the period for maintaining the output state of the special recognition signal, it is possible to obtain the excellent effect as described in the feature D1.

  Feature D3. The gaming machine according to feature D2, wherein the second duration is longer than the first duration.

  According to the feature D3, the special recognition signal is recognized in the hole computer having a relatively low processing speed whether the special recognition signal is output in the first mode or the second mode. It becomes possible.

  Feature D4. The switching means performs the switching when a special event occurring in a process of playing a game does not occur over a special period as the specific situation. The gaming machine according to any one of D3.

  According to the feature D4, it is possible to strictly manage the number of game media targeted for a specific event by using a situation where a game is not being played.

  According to the invention of the feature A group, the feature B group, the feature C group, and the feature D group, the following problems can be solved.

  For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or slot machine, gaming media are paid out to the player using the payout device when a condition for paying out gaming media is established as a result of the game played by the player. For example, some pachinko machines have symbol display devices that display a plurality of symbols on the display surface in a variable manner, and variable display of symbols is started triggered by entering a predetermined operation port provided in the game area. Ru. Also, when entering the operation opening, a winning lottery is performed, and when winning, the display to that effect is performed by the symbol display device, a predetermined winning opening is opened, and the number of balls entering the predetermined winning opening The game balls corresponding in number are paid out using the payout device.

  Although the above-mentioned gaming machine is installed and used in a gaming hall, the gaming machine is installed in an island facility in the gaming hall. The island facility is provided with a circulating facility for circulating game media discharged from each gaming machine, and the gaming media discharged from each gaming machine can be reused in each gaming machine.

  Here, a large number of gaming machines are installed in the gaming hall, and accordingly, a large amount of gaming media will be used in the gaming hall. In this case, it is necessary to manage game media in the game hall, and it is necessary to provide a game machine that can contribute to the optimization of the management.

<Feature E group>
Feature E1. A game board (game board 24) in which a game area is formed,
A bonus ball entry section (general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, upper operation opening 33, lower operation opening 34) which is provided on the game board and a bonus is generated when a game ball flowing down the game area enters the game area When,
A discharge unit (out port 37) provided on the downstream side of the gaming area from the bonus ball entry unit, for discharging game balls that did not enter the bonus ball entry unit from the game zone;
Discharge detection means capable of detecting a game ball discharged from the discharge unit or a game ball flowing down toward the discharge unit (the discharge detection sensor 89 in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the out ball in the sixth embodiment A detection sensor 37a, and in the seventh embodiment, a stationary detection sensor 181, 182);
The special processing execution means (the fourth process for executing special processing based on the continuation of the situation where the discharge detection means is in the detection state or the continuation of the situation where the discharge detection means is in the non-detection state) The function to execute the discharge monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the fifth embodiment, the function to execute the out-sphere monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the sixth embodiment, and the stay monitoring in the main MPU 92 in the seventh embodiment Function to execute processing),
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature E1, since the special process is executed based on the continuation of the situation in which the discharge detection means is in the detection state or the continuation of the situation in which the discharge detection means is in the non-detection state If the game ball is parked in the game area due to an act, or if the game ball is parked in the game area in the course of a regular game, it is possible to urge the game hall manager to cope with it It becomes.

  Note that the special processing execution means may be configured to execute notification processing as special processing, or may be configured to execute processing for blocking execution of part of processing for advancing a game as special processing, It is good also as composition which performs processing for blocking execution of all processings to advance a game as special processing.

  Feature E2. The gaming machine according to feature E1, wherein the special processing execution unit executes the special processing based on continuation of a state in which the discharge detection unit is in the detection state for a predetermined period or more.

  According to the feature E2, it becomes possible to execute the special processing when the gaming ball is parked in the detection range of the discharge detection means, and the manager of the gaming hall is urged to release the parked state. It becomes possible. In addition, since the special processing is executed when the situation where the game ball is detected by the discharge detection means continues for a predetermined period or more, the special period is specially adjusted in the situation where the game is performed normally. It is possible to prevent processing from being performed.

Feature E3. The detection range of the discharge detection means is set downstream of the discharge unit,
The predetermined period is a period shorter than the shortest period assumed as a period required for the game ball to overflow from the discharge unit to the game area side from the detection range of the discharge detection means to the position of the discharge unit being continuous The gaming machine according to feature E2, characterized in that

  According to the feature E3, even if the game ball is stopped within the detection range of the discharge detection means, the special process is executed until the game ball overflows from the discharge unit to the game area side, and it becomes possible to cope with it.

  Feature E4. In any one of the features E1 to E3, the special process execution unit executes the special process based on continuation of a state in which the discharge detection unit is in the non-detection state for a predetermined period or more. The gaming machine described.

  According to the feature E4, the special processing is executed when the game ball is stopped on the upstream side of the detection range of the discharge detection means and the flow of the game ball to the downstream side is prevented. It becomes possible to urge the manager of the game hall to release the suspended state. In addition, since the special processing is executed when the situation where the game ball is not detected by the discharge detection means continues for a predetermined period or more, the special period is specially adjusted in the situation where the game is performed normally. It is possible to prevent processing from being performed.

Feature E5. It has a ball entering specifying means (function to execute the processing of step S2205 in the main side MPU 92) for specifying that the game ball has entered the ball in the benefit ball receiving part,
The special processing execution means specifies that the ball of the gaming ball to the bonus ball entry part is specified by the ball entering specifying means when the situation where the discharge detecting means is in the non-detecting state continues for a predetermined period or longer. The gaming machine according to Feature E4, wherein the special processing is performed based on what has been done.

  According to the feature E5, the special processing is executed based on the game ball entering the bonus ball in spite of the fact that the game ball is not detected by the discharge detection means, so that the game is normally performed. It reduces the possibility of special processing being performed in a situation where

Feature E6. Variable entering means (variable winning device 32) which can be switched between the open state and the closed state, respectively, as the benefit entering portion;
Lottery means (function to execute game number control process in the main side MPU 92) which executes lottery process whether or not to generate a special gaming state;
Transition means for shifting the game state to the special game state in which the variable entering means is controlled to open and close when the occurrence of the special game state is won in the lottery process (a game state transition process in the main MPU 92 Function to execute)
Equipped with
The gaming machine according to the feature E4 or E5, wherein the special processing execution means does not execute the special processing regardless of the detection result of the discharge detection means in the special gaming state.

  In the situation where the variable ball entry means is opened and closed, a situation may occur where the game ball is not continuously detected by the discharge detection means even if the game ball is not parked. On the other hand, according to the feature E6, in the special game state, the special process is not executed regardless of the detection result of the discharge detection means, so the special process can be executed in the situation where the game is normally performed Is reduced.

  In the configuration in which the detection range of the discharge detection means is set to the area downstream of the variable ball entering means or the area to which the game ball flowing down toward the variable ball entering means does not pass. It is preferable to apply the configuration of E6.

  Feature E7. Measurement means for measuring the number of game balls discharged from the game area using the detection result of the discharge detection means (in the fourth embodiment, the function of executing the process of step S2105 in the main MPU 92, A game machine according to any one of features E1 to E6, characterized in that the main MPU 92 has a function of executing the processing of step S2302 and step S2305 in the main MPU 92.

  According to the feature E7, using discharge detection means for measuring the number of game balls discharged from the game ball, it is specified whether there is a possibility that the game ball is suspended in the game area. Is possible.

  Feature E8. The apparatus according to any one of features E1 to E7, wherein the discharge detection unit is provided downstream of the discharge unit to detect the game ball discharged from the discharge unit. Gaming machine.

  In the configuration in which the game ball discharged from the discharge unit can be detected, a ball clogged at the position of the discharge detection means is generated by inserting an incorrect ball larger than the game ball into the game area, and the game area is discharged through the discharge unit. An illegal act is expected to flood the gaming ball to the side. On the other hand, by providing the configuration of the above-mentioned feature E1, it is possible to urge the game hall manager to cope with such an illegal act when it is performed.

  The discharge detection means may detect the game balls discharged from the discharge unit, and may not detect the game balls entered into the benefit ball storage part, and the discharge detection means may The game ball discharged from the discharge unit may be detected, and the game ball entered in the benefit ball storage unit may also be detected.

  Feature E9. The game machine according to any one of features E1 to E8, wherein the discharge detection means detects a game ball on the way of flowing down the game area.

  Even if the act of holding the gaming ball in the gaming area by closing the ejection portion illegally is performed, the provision of the configuration of the feature E1 urges the game hall manager to cope with it. It becomes possible.

  Feature E10. The discharge detecting means is a game ball which is located downstream of the benefit entering portion (variable winning device 32) present on the most downstream side of the benefit entering portion and located upstream of the discharging portion. The gaming machine according to feature E9, wherein the gaming machine is provided so as to detect.

  According to the feature E10, when the gaming ball is stopped from the discharge unit toward the upstream side, it is possible to detect it early.

Feature E11. A game board (game board 24) in which a game area is formed,
A bonus ball entry section (general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, upper operation opening 33, lower operation opening 34) which is provided on the game board and a bonus is generated when a game ball flowing down the game area enters the game area When,
A discharge unit (out port 37) for discharging game balls from the game area;
Discharge detection means capable of detecting a game ball discharged from the discharge unit or a game ball flowing down toward the discharge unit (the discharge detection sensor 89 in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the out ball in the sixth embodiment A detection sensor 37a, and in the seventh embodiment, a stationary detection sensor 181, 182);
The special processing execution means (the fourth process for executing special processing based on the continuation of the situation where the discharge detection means is in the detection state or the continuation of the situation where the discharge detection means is in the non-detection state) The function to execute the discharge monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the fifth embodiment, the function to execute the out-sphere monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the sixth embodiment, and the stay monitoring in the main MPU 92 in the seventh embodiment Function to execute processing),
A game machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature E11, the special process is executed based on continuation of the situation where the discharge detection means is in the detection state or continuation of the situation where the discharge detection means is in the non-detection state. If the game ball is parked in the game area due to an act, or if the game ball is parked in the game area in the course of a regular game, it is possible to urge the game hall manager to cope with it It becomes.

  Note that the special processing execution means may be configured to execute notification processing as special processing, or may be configured to execute processing for blocking execution of part of processing for advancing a game as special processing, It is good also as composition which performs processing for blocking execution of all processings to advance a game as special processing.

  Further, by applying the configuration of any one of the features E2 to E10 to the configuration of the feature E11, it is possible to exhibit a synergistic effect by providing each configuration.

  In addition, according to the invention of the above-mentioned characteristic E group, it is possible to solve the following subjects.

  A pachinko machine is known as a type of gaming machine. Specifically, the pachinko machine is provided with a game board on which a game area in which game balls flow down is formed, and the game board is provided with a plurality of ball storage units capable of entering game balls flowing down the game area. ing. When the game ball enters the ball entry portion, a bonus such as the payout of the game ball and the execution of the internal lottery is given to the player. In addition, the game ball entering the ball entry section is discharged to the back side of the game board. In addition, the game board is provided with a discharge unit for discharging the game ball, which has not entered any of the ball entry units, out of the game area.

  Here, in a pachinko machine such as the one described above, it is assumed that the fraudulent action of intentionally blocking the smooth flow of the game balls in the game area is left, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which each of the above features can be applied or applied to each of the features is described below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means operated by a player, game ball firing means for firing game balls based on the operation of the operation means, a ball passage for guiding the fired game balls to a predetermined game area, and a game A gaming machine comprising: each gaming component arranged in an area, and providing a bonus to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of the gaming components.

  Throttle type gaming machines such as slot machines: A pattern display device for variably displaying a plurality of patterns, variable display of the plurality of patterns is started due to the operation of the start operation means, and the cause is due to the operation of the stop operation means And / or a variable display of the plurality of symbols is stopped when a predetermined time elapses, and a game machine which provides a bonus to the player according to the symbols after the stop.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 24 ... game board, 31 ... general winning opening, 32 ... variable winning device, 33 ... upper operation opening, 34 ... lower operation opening, 37 ... out opening, 37a ... out ball detection sensor, 89 ... discharge detection Sensor 91: main control board 92: main side MPU 93: main side ROM 94: main side RAM 181, 182: stationary detection sensor.

Claims (1)

Discharge measurement means for measuring the number of game media discharged from the game machine using a medium detection means provided in the game machine and storing the measurement result in the discharge information storage means;
Even during the situation where the supply of power to the discharge measurement means is stopped, power is supplied to the discharge information storage means, and the power supply during disconnection means that the storage of information can be held in the discharge information storage means When,
If the number of game media corresponding to the number-of-discharges information stored in the discharge information storage means becomes equal to or more than the specified number of discharges which is two or more, the discharge recognition signal can be output to the outside of the gaming machine Output side output means,
A game machine characterized by comprising:

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