JP2020014883A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of favorably putting out a game medium.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine includes a main control board 301 and a putout control board 322. The main control board 301 is provided with a winning storage ring buffer 313a, and winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a. A prize ball command specified based on the winning information is output from the main control board 301 to the putout control board 322. The putout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 333a, and the prize ball number specified based on the prize ball command is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. A putout device 224 is drive-controlled so that the game balls of the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a are put out. In this configuration, when the lower tray is full, a full notification is executed, and an abnormality notification is performed according to the situation of the prize ball number thereafter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In a pachinko gaming machine that is a type of gaming machine, a payout device is driven and controlled based on a game ball entering a ball entry portion provided in a game area, and the game ball is paid out from the payout device to a ball tray. . The drive control of the payout device is performed by the control device. Specifically, the control device is provided with a storage area for storing the number of game balls for paying out, and the payout device is configured to pay out the number of game balls stored in the storage area. Is drive-controlled (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-167431 A

  Here, in the gaming machines as exemplified above, there is a demand for a structure capable of favorably providing game media, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

  Note that the above problem is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine, but also occurs in other gaming machines in which game media are paid out according to the game result.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of favorably providing a game medium.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a payout means for paying out game media,
Specifying storage means for storing specifying information used in specifying the number of game media to be paid out,
Drive control means for driving and controlling the payout means to pay out the number of game media specified based on the specifying information,
An outer storage unit that stores the game medium paid out from the payout unit,
It is characterized by having.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide a game medium favorably.

It is a front view showing the pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structure of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view showing the composition of the pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a front door frame. It is a front view showing the composition of a main part frame. It is a front view showing the composition of a game board. It is a rear view showing the composition of a main part frame. It is a perspective view showing the back composition of a game board. It is a rear view showing the state where the main control unit was removed from the game board. It is a perspective view showing composition of a main control unit. It is a front view showing the composition of a back pack unit. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a back pack unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display content of a symbol display device. It is an explanatory view showing an outline of various counters used for game control. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an NMI interrupt process by the CPU of the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure regarding payout of a game ball and information accompanying the payout. (A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning storage ring buffer, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning table storage area. (A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a prize ball table storage area, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a prize ball number storage area. 6 is a flowchart showing a signal reading process by a CPU of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a winning identification process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball identification process. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process at the time of input by CPU of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a time chart for explaining a state of winning and a corresponding prize ball. It is a flowchart which shows the payout side full specification processing by CPU of the payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows a payout side ball non-specification process. It is a flowchart which shows the main side full specification processing by CPU of the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a main side ball non-specification process. It is a flow chart which shows winning information number specification processing. It is a flow chart which shows information control processing by CPU of a sound lamp control board. It is a flowchart which shows abnormality notification start processing. It is a time chart for demonstrating the state of the notification accompanying the payout of a game ball. It is a block diagram which shows payout of the game ball in 2nd Embodiment, and the electric structure regarding information accompanying the said payout. 9 is a flowchart illustrating main processing by the CPU of the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows a signal reading process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball identification process. It is a flowchart which shows the main side prize ball command number specific processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing by CPU of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process at the time of an input. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball command storage process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flow chart which shows payout side prize ball command number specific processing.

  First, a group of inventions that can be extracted from the present embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, corresponding configurations in the embodiments of the present invention are appropriately shown in parentheses and the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses and the like.

Means 1. Payout means (payout device 224) for paying out game media;
A specifying storage unit (a prize storage ring buffer 313a or a prize ball storage ring buffer 333b) for storing specification information used for specifying the number of game media to be paid out;
A drive control means for driving and controlling the payout means for paying out the number of game media specified based on the specifying information (a function of performing the processing of step S1204 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 or the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322); Function for performing the process of step S2910 in
An outer storage unit (lower plate 34) for storing the game medium paid out from the payout unit,
Full specification means (a function of performing a payout-side full specification process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for specifying whether or not the outer storage section is full;
A payout restricting means for restricting the payout of the game medium by the payout means when the full storage means specifies that the outer storage section is full (the processing of step S1201 or step S2908 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322); Etc.), and
A full notification process executing unit (sound lamp control board 324) that executes a full notification process so that a predetermined full notification is performed when the outer storage unit is specified to be full by the full specifying unit. A function of performing the process of step S1803 in the CPU 341);
In a situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted, based on the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information having increased from a predetermined number, an increase in an aspect different from the full notification. Increase notification processing execution means for executing the increase notification processing so that the notification is performed (the function of performing the processing of step S1703 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the function of performing the processing of step S3003 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, etc.) )When,
A gaming machine comprising:

  According to the means (1), when the outer storage portion is full, the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted, thereby preventing the failure of the payout means. However, if the state in which the payout of the game media is restricted is continued for a long period of time, various problems may occur. For example, the possibility that information stored in the specifying storage unit is rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like increases. In this case, there is a possibility that a game medium that should have been paid out may not be paid out, which is undesirable for the player. On the other hand, by executing the full notification, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to cancel the full state.

  It is also assumed that the full state is not resolved even if the full notification is executed. In this case, the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information may increase without being treated as a payout target. On the other hand, in a situation where the payout of the game media by the payout means is restricted, the mode different from the full notification is based on the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information being increased from a predetermined number. Is notified. This makes it possible to notify a player or the like that the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification has been increased without being treated as a payout target, and when the full notification is executed, the full state is resolved. Can be urged again to the player who did not perform the full state.

  The “full notification process” and the “increase notification process” include a process of outputting a notification sound from a sound output unit provided in the gaming machine, a process of lighting a light emitting unit provided in the gaming machine, or a process of playing the gaming machine. Any one or an arbitrary combination of the processes for performing the notification display on the display screen of the display device installed in the device may be considered. Further, in addition to or instead of the above, a process of outputting an abnormal signal to a game hall management device (for example, a hall computer) may be considered. The same applies to the following notification processes.

Means 2. In the means 1, an upper limit specifying means (step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) for specifying whether the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information has reached a predetermined upper limit reference number. A function of performing processing or a function of performing the processing of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322).
The increase notification processing executing means is specified by the upper limit specifying means to have reached the upper limit reference number after the full notification has been executed and in a situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted. A game machine that executes the increase notification process when the game machine is in the game.

  According to the means 2, after the full notification is executed and in the situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted, the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information becomes the upper limit reference number. When it reaches, the increase notification is executed.

  In addition, as a configuration of “determining whether or not the upper limit reference number has been reached”, in an actual calculation process, it may be configured to determine whether or not the upper limit reference number is exceeded. It may be configured to determine whether or not there is. In addition, the method of the determination may be any of an addition type and a subtraction type.

Means 3. In the means 1, an upper limit specifying means (step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) for specifying whether the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information has reached a predetermined upper limit reference number. A function of performing processing or a function of performing the processing of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322).
The increase notification processing executing means is specified by the upper limit specifying means to have reached the upper limit reference number after the full notification has been executed and in a situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted. When the increase notification process is performed,
Further, the increase notification is performed continuously or intermittently,
In a situation where the increase notification is performed continuously or intermittently, executing an increase notification release process for releasing the increase notification even if the full storage unit specifies that the outer storage unit is not full. And an increase notification canceling process executing unit that executes the increase notification canceling process when the upper limit specifying unit determines that the upper limit reference number is not reached (a function of performing the process of step S1705 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301). Or a function of performing the process of step S3005 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322).

  According to the means 3, after the full notification is executed and in the situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted, the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is set to the upper limit reference number. When it reaches, the increase notification is executed. Then, by performing the increase notification continuously or intermittently, the opportunity for causing the player or the like to recognize the increase notification is increased.

  In addition, the release of the increase notification is not performed even if the full state of the outer storage unit is released, and the state in which the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information has reached the upper limit reference number is released. It is done by that. The fact that the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information has reached the upper limit reference number means that a relatively large number of game media to be paid out are accumulated, and the state is continued. It is not desirable to end up. In this case, even if the full state of the outer storage part is once released, there is a concern that the outer storage part will immediately become full. Then, the state in which a relatively large number of payout game media are accumulated will be continued. On the other hand, since the release condition of the increase notification is set as described above, even if the full state of the outer storage unit is once released, it is suppressed that the full state is immediately filled thereafter, Along with this, it is suppressed that a state in which a relatively large number of payout game media are accumulated is continued.

  In addition, as a configuration of “determining whether or not the upper limit reference number has been reached”, in an actual calculation process, it may be configured to determine whether or not the upper limit reference number is exceeded. It may be configured to determine whether or not there is. In addition, the method of the determination may be any of an addition type and a subtraction type.

  Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, the increase notification indicates that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and that the outer storage unit is in a full state. A gaming machine characterized by being set to show.

  According to the means 4, when the increase notification is executed, not only that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, but also that the outer storage section is full. It is possible to notify a player or the like. Thus, when the increase notification is executed, it is possible to cause the player or the like to appropriately eliminate the cause of the increase in the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information. And the effect of executing the increase notification is enhanced.

Means 5. In any one of the means 1 to 4, the dispensing of the game medium by the dispensing unit may be limited by an obstruction state different from a state in which the outer storage unit is full,
Obstruction status specifying means for specifying whether or not the obstruction status is present (a function of performing a payout side ball non-specifying process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
In the event that the obstruction status is specified by the obstruction status specifying unit, an obstruction status notification process execution unit (an audio lamp control board 324) that executes an obstruction status notification process so as to execute a predetermined obstruction status notification. A function of performing the process of step S1808 in the CPU 341);
Based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information has increased in a situation where the payout of the game media by the payout means is limited after the inhibition status notification has been executed, A second increase notification process execution unit that executes a second increase notification process so that a second increase notification in a mode different from the inhibition status notification is performed (a function of performing the process of step S1904 in the CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324) )When,
With
The increase notification is set to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and to indicate that the outer storage unit is full,
The second increase notification is set to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing and to indicate the obstruction situation. Gaming machine to do.

  In the gaming machine of the means 5, in addition to the fact that the outer storage portion is full, the dispensing means restricts the payout of the game medium by being in an obstructive state. On the other hand, by performing the inhibition status notification, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to eliminate the inhibition status. Further, it is assumed that the inhibition status is not resolved even if the inhibition status notification is executed. In this case, the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information may increase without being treated as a payout target. On the other hand, based on an increase in the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information in the situation where the dispensing of the game medium by the payout means is limited after the inhibition status notification is executed. Thus, the second increase notification in a mode different from the inhibition status notification is executed. This makes it possible to inform a player or the like that the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification is increasing without being treated as a payout target. It is possible to prompt the player who did not cancel the situation again to cancel the obstruction state.

  In addition, when the increase notification is executed, not only the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification is increasing, but also the fact that the outer storage section is full is indicated to the player or the like. It will be possible to inform them. On the other hand, when the second increase notification is executed, it is not only that the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information is increasing, but also a situation where the outer storage unit is full. It is also possible to notify the player or the like of the inhibition situation. Thereby, when the increase notification or the second increase notification is executed, it is possible for the player or the like to accurately resolve the cause of the increase in the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information. This can be performed, and the effect of executing the increase notification and the second increase notification is enhanced.

Means 6. Any one of the means 1 to 5, further comprising an inner storage portion (tank 221) for storing the game medium inside the gaming machine, wherein the payout means pays out the game medium stored in the inner storage portion And
Further, storage specifying means for specifying whether or not game media are stored in the inner storage section (a function of performing a payout side ball non-specifying process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
Non-storage notification processing execution means for executing a non-storage notification process so that a predetermined non-storage notification is executed when it is specified by the storage specifying means that no game medium is stored in the inner storage section. (The function of performing the process of step S1808 in the CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324);
Based on the fact that the number of game media corresponding to the specific information or the specific information has increased in a situation where the payout of the game media by the payout means is limited after the non-storage notification is executed, A second increase notification process executing means for executing a second increase notification process so as to execute a second increase notification in a mode different from the non-storage notification (a function of performing the process of step S1904 in the CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324) )When,
With
The increase notification is set to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and to indicate that the outer storage unit is full,
The second increase notification is set to indicate that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, and that no gaming media is stored in the inner storage unit. A gaming machine characterized by being made.

  In the gaming machine of the means 6, when the game medium is not stored in the inner storage section, the payout of the game medium by the payout means is not performed. On the other hand, by executing the non-storage notification, it becomes possible to urge the manager of the gaming hall or the like to cancel the non-storage state. It is also assumed that the non-storage state is not resolved even if the non-storage notification is executed. In this case, the specifying information or the number of game media corresponding to the specifying information may increase without being treated as a payout target. On the other hand, after the non-storage notification is executed and the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted, the specific information or the number of game media corresponding to the specific information is increased. Thus, the second increase notification different from the non-storage notification is executed. This makes it possible to notify a player or the like that the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification is increasing without being treated as a payout target. It is possible to urge the manager of the gaming hall or the like who did not cancel the non-storage state to cancel the non-storage state again.

  In addition, when the increase notification is executed, not only the information for identification or the number of game media corresponding to the information for identification is increasing, but also the fact that the outer storage section is full is indicated to the player or the like. It will be possible to inform them. On the other hand, when the second increase notification is executed, not only that the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information is increasing, but also that no game media is stored in the inner storage unit. Can also be notified to the manager of the gaming hall. Thereby, when the increase notification or the second increase notification is executed, it is possible for the player or the like to accurately resolve the cause of the increase in the identification information or the number of game media corresponding to the identification information. This can be performed, and the effect of executing the increase notification and the second increase notification is enhanced.

Means 7. In any one of the means 1 to 6, the payout of the game medium is performed based on the game content being the payout game content,
The specifying storage means has a plurality of storage areas (a first storage area RA1 to a 256th storage area RA256, etc.), and as the specifying information, information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout game content or information corresponding thereto. Individual storage means (a prize storage ring buffer 313a or a prize ball storage ring buffer 333b) for storing information in different storage areas for each payout game content within the range of the number of the storage areas;
Payout storage means (award ball number storage area 333a) for storing information on the number of game media for payout,
Storage executing means for storing the information on the number of game media specified based on the information stored in some of the storage areas in the payout storage means (step S907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322); A function of performing processing or a function of performing processing of step S2907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
With
The drive control means drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means,
Further, among the respective storage areas of the individual storage means, the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as the information on the number of game media in the payout storage means is larger than the total number of the storage areas. An upper limit specifying unit (a function of performing the processing of step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the processing of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for specifying whether or not a predetermined upper limit reference number is reached as a small number. Function).
The increase notification processing executing means is specified by the upper limit specifying means to have reached the upper limit reference number after the full notification has been executed and in a situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted. A gaming machine that executes the increase notification process so that the increase notification is performed when the increase notification is performed.

  According to the means 7, the information on the number of game media according to the payout game content or the information corresponding thereto is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means. Then, information on the number of game media specified based on the information stored in some of the storage areas of the respective storage areas is stored in the payout storage means, and the information corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is stored. The number of game media is paid out via the payout means.

  With the above configuration, the information for specifying the payout target for the payout game content is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, and the information for specifying the number of game media at the time of payout is paid out. It will be stored in the storage means. Therefore, even if the information stored in the payout storage means has been rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the rewritten information is part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out. Therefore, the influence of the rewriting can be reduced. That is, assuming a configuration in which all information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means as in a conventional gaming machine, the payout storage means is stored in the payout storage means due to the influence of electrical noise and the like. If the information is rewritten, it will affect the number of all game media for which the payout is to be executed, but according to this configuration, it is only necessary to affect the number of some game media.

  Further, since information for specifying a payout target for payout game contents is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, the information stored in one storage area is affected by electric noise or the like. Even if it is rewritten, the effect can be limited to information on one payout game content.

  As described above, the influence of noise and the like is reduced, and the provision of the game medium can be favorably performed.

  Further, with the configuration of the means 1, the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted when the outer storage portion is full. On the other hand, by executing the full notification, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to cancel the full state.

  Further, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the information stored in the individual storage means may be accumulated without being treated as information on the number of game media to be paid out. On the other hand, if the number of storage areas storing information that has not yet been stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means has reached the upper limit reference number, an increase notification is executed. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to a player or the like who did not clear the full state at the stage where the full notification was performed, the full state is cleared. Can be prompted again.

  In addition, "payout game content" is a gaming machine having a game area in which a game ball flows down and a payout ball-in section in which the game ball can enter is provided with a game ball in the pay-out ball section. The ball may be entered. Further, in a gaming machine having a pattern display means for performing variable display of a pattern, and in which a game medium is paid out according to a stop pattern of the pattern display means, the stop pattern of the pattern display means corresponds to the payout of the game medium. The stop pattern may be used.

  The “information on the number of game media or information corresponding thereto” includes not only information on the number of game media itself, but also information that can be referred to when specifying the number of game media. For example, information on the number of game media and reference criterion information corresponding to the information are set, and further, correspondence information storing the correspondence between them is stored. By referring to the reference criterion information, information on the number of game media is obtained. In the specified configuration, the reference reference information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit. Further, the reference information includes first reference information and second reference information. The second reference information is specified based on the first reference information, and a game is performed based on the second reference information. In the configuration in which the information on the number of media is specified, the first reference information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit.

  In addition, "to store the information on the specified number of game media in the payout storage means" includes not only the configuration in which the information on the specified number of game media is stored in the payout storage means as it is, but also the information already stored in the payout storage means. A configuration is also included in which the information on the specified number of game media is added to the information on the number of game media specified. Note that this "addition" is not limited to only addition as a process, and even if a subtraction process is executed as a process, the number of game media stored in the payout storage unit is substantially added. If it is.

Means 8. In the means 7, the reading means for reading the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means (the function of performing the processing of step S805 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the processing of step S2903 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is performed. Function),
Reference storage means (winning table storage area 312a or prize ball table storage area 332a) for storing information on the number of game media that can be stored in the storage area or information corresponding thereto in advance as reference information;
When the information read by the reading unit does not match the reference information, the reading correction unit (step S807 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301) corrects the information read by the reading unit to predetermined correction information. Or the function of performing the process of step S2906 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322)
With
The storage execution unit stores the information on the number of game media specified based on the information read by the reading unit or the correction information corrected by the correction unit in the payout storage unit. A gaming machine.

  According to the means, when the information read from the storage area of the individual storage means does not match the reference information, the mismatched information is corrected to correction information. The payout storage means stores information on the number of game media specified based on the information read from the storage area or the correction information. Thus, even if the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the information is corrected to correction information, and the information of the number of game media corresponding to the information is corrected. , And the effect of noise and the like can be reduced for the individual storage means.

Means 9. In the means 8, a plurality of types of payout game contents are set, and a plurality of types of game media according to the payout game contents are set,
The gaming machine, wherein the correction information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media among the number of game media according to the payout game content.

  According to the means 9, since the correction information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media among the number of game media according to the payout game content, the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means may include noise or the like. Even if it is rewritten under the influence of, the player can be prevented from suffering disadvantages.

  Means 10. In any one of the means 7 to 9, when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means exceeds a predetermined upper limit number of game media, the number becomes equal to or less than the upper limit number of game media. A gaming machine further comprising payout correcting means (a function of performing the processing in step S1202 or step S2909 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for correcting the information stored in the payout storage means as described above.

  According to the means 10, even if the number of game media stored in the payout storage means is rewritten due to noise or the like and exceeds the upper limit number of game media, the information is corrected so as to be equal to or less than the upper limit number of game media. You. Thereby, even if the number of game media stored in the payout storage means exceeds the upper limit number of game media due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the gaming hall from being disadvantaged.

  Means 11. In any one of the means 7 to 10, the storage executing means, when all the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means have been paid out by the payout means, A gaming machine characterized in that the payout storage means stores information on the number of game media to be paid out next, which is specified based on information stored in some of the storage areas.

  According to the means, the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is paid out by the payout means, so that the number of game media is stored in some of the storage areas of the individual storage means. Information on the number of game media to be paid out next, which is specified based on the information, is stored in the payout storage means. Accordingly, in a configuration in which part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage unit, the payout of the game media is smoothly performed.

Means 12. In any one of the means 7 to 10, when a payout of a game medium is performed by the payout means, the payout is performed such that the number of payouts is reflected in information stored in the payout storage means. Updating means for updating the information stored in the storage means (the function of performing the processing in step S1205 or step S2911 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
The storage execution means, when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means has been updated by the update means and has reached a predetermined additional reference number, one of the storage areas. The number of game media specified based on the information stored in the storage area of the unit and to be paid out next is added to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means. A gaming machine characterized by that:

  According to the means 12, the information stored in the payout storage means is updated so as to reflect the number of game media paid out by the payout means. When the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means becomes the additional reference number, based on the information stored in some of the storage areas of the individual storage means, The number of game media which has been specified and is to be paid out next is added to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means. Accordingly, in a configuration in which a part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage unit, the payout of the game media is smoothly performed.

  In particular, at the stage before all the game media stored in the payout storage means are paid out, by adding the number of game media to be paid out next, the information on the number of game media is stored in the payout storage means. Even if it takes a certain amount of processing time to execute the processing to be added, the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is continued during the processing time. That is, the payout of the game media does not stop during the processing time, and the payout of the game media can be made continuous.

  Note that the "addition reference number" may be a natural number.

  Means 13. In the means 12, the additional reference number is determined by the drive control means to be longer than the payout time required for paying out the additional reference number of game media, Is set so that the processing time required to add the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means becomes shorter.

  According to the means (13), at the stage before all the number of game media stored in the payout storage means are paid out, the number of game media to be paid out next is added, so that the game medium is stored in the payout storage means. Even if it takes a certain amount of processing time to execute the process of adding the number information, during the processing time, the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is still continued. Becomes That is, the payout of the game media does not stop during the processing time, and the payout of the game media can be made continuous.

Means 14. In any one of the means 7 to 11, a main control device (main control device 162) having the individual storage means;
A payout control device (payout control device 242) having the payout storage means, the storage execution means, and the drive control means,
The main control device is a command information output unit that outputs payout command information corresponding to information stored in some of the storage areas to the payout control device (steps in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301). Function for performing the processing of S501).
The gaming machine, wherein the storage executing means stores information on the number of game media specified based on the payout command information in the payout storage means.

  According to the means (14), the individual storage means is provided in the main control device, the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, and the payout control device performs the storage processing in the payout storage means and the drive control processing of the payout means. Be executed. As a result, the function for paying out the game medium is divided into a plurality of control devices, and the load on each control device is reduced as compared with a configuration in which one control device has all the functions.

  Further, in a configuration in which one control device has all of the above functions, there is a concern that when an electrical noise or the like occurs in the control device, both the individual storage unit and the payout storage unit are affected by the noise. Is done. On the other hand, since the individual storage means is provided in the main control device and the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, the risk for the noise and the like is dispersed. Furthermore, by providing the main control device and the payout control device separately, the effect of the risk dispersion can be further enhanced.

  Further, in the above configuration, the payout command information corresponding to the information stored in some of the storage areas of the individual storage means is output from the main control device to the payout control apparatus. Information on the number of game media is specified based on the input payout command information, and the information on the specified number of game media is stored in the payout storage means. Thus, in the configuration in which the main control device is provided with the individual storage means as described above and the payout control device is provided with the payout storage means, the payout of the game medium is smoothly performed.

Means 15. In any one of the means 7 to 11, a main control device (main control device 162) including a main control side storage unit including the individual storage unit;
A payout control device (payout control device 242) having a payout control side storage unit including the payout storage unit, and having the storage execution unit and the drive control unit;
A power supply unit (power-on power supply unit 321a) for supplying operating power to the main control device and the payout control device based on power supplied from an external power supply;
With
The main control device is a command information output unit that outputs payout command information corresponding to information stored in some of the storage areas to the payout control device (steps in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301). Function for performing the processing of S501).
The storage execution means is for causing the payout storage means to store information on the number of game media specified based on the payout instruction information,
Further, both the main control side storage means and the payout control side storage means are capable of storing and holding information while power is supplied to themselves.
A power-off power supply unit (a power-off time power supply unit) that supplies power to the main control-side storage unit and does not supply power to the payout control-side storage unit when power is not supplied from the external power supply. 321c).

  According to the means 15, the individual storage means is provided in the main control device, the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, and the payout control device performs storage processing to the payout storage means and drive control processing of the payout means. Be executed. As a result, the function for paying out the game medium is divided into a plurality of control devices, and the load on each control device is reduced as compared with a configuration in which one control device has all the functions.

  Further, in a configuration in which one control device has all of the above functions, there is a concern that when an electrical noise or the like occurs in the control device, both the individual storage unit and the payout storage unit are affected by the noise. Is done. On the other hand, since the individual storage means is provided in the main control device and the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, the risk for the noise and the like is dispersed. In addition, by providing the main control device and the payout control device separately, the effect of the risk dispersion can be further enhanced.

  Further, in the above configuration, the payout command information corresponding to the information stored in some of the storage areas of the individual storage means is output from the main control device to the payout control device. The information on the number of game media is specified based on the payout command information, and the information on the specified number of game media is stored in the payout storage means. Thus, in the configuration in which the main control device is provided with the individual storage means as described above and the payout control device is provided with the payout storage means, the payout of the game medium is smoothly performed.

  Further, both the main control side storage unit including the individual storage unit and the payout control side storage unit including the payout storage unit can store and hold information while power is supplied to the game machine. While the power is supplied from the external power source to both of these storage units, the power is supplied to the two storage units, and the information is stored and held. On the other hand, in a situation where power is not supplied from the external power supply to the gaming machine, power is supplied from the power supply means for power failure to the main control side storage means, but power is supplied to the payout control side storage means. Is not supplied, and information is stored and held in the main control side storage means, but information is not stored and held in the payout control side storage means. As a result, compared to a configuration in which power is also supplied from the power-off-time power supply means to the payout-control-side storage means, the capacity of the power-off time power supply means is reduced, and the cost of the gaming machine is reduced accordingly Can be

  In addition, even in this configuration, since power is supplied to the main control side storage unit from the power supply unit at the time of power failure, a large number of pieces of information of the number of game media to be paid out are stored. The information is stored and held in the individual storage means capable of storing the information.

Means 16. In the means 14 or 15, the payout control device includes:
When the payout of the game medium is performed by the payout unit, the information stored in the payout storage unit is updated so that the number of the payouts is reflected in the information stored in the payout storage unit. Updating means (a function of performing the process of step S1205 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
A request information output for outputting request information to the main control device when the information on the number of game media stored in the payout storage means is updated by the update means to become information on a predetermined additional reference number; Means (the function of performing the process of step S1207 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
Further comprising
The command information output means is for outputting the payout command information according to the input of the request information,
The gaming machine, wherein the storage execution means adds the number of game media specified based on the payout command information to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means.

  According to the means 16, the information stored in the payout storage means is updated so as to reflect the number of game media paid out by the payout means. Then, when the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means becomes the additional reference number, the payout control device outputs request information to the main control device. In response to the input of the request information from the payout control device, the main control device is specified based on the information stored in some of the storage areas of the individual storage means, Is output to the payout control device corresponding to the information on the number of game media for executing the payout. The payout control device adds the number of game media specified based on the payout command information to the number of game media already stored in the payout storage means. Accordingly, in the configuration in which the main control device is provided with the individual storage means and the payout control device is provided with the payout storage means, and a part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means. The medium is smoothly dispensed.

  In particular, at the stage before all the game media stored in the payout storage means are paid out, the number of game media to be paid out next is added so that the main control device and the payout control device can be connected. Even if it takes some time to execute input / output of request information and payout command information at the same time and to execute processing for adding information on the number of game media to the payout storage means, it is still stored in the payout storage means during that time. The payout of the number of game media corresponding to the information being performed will be continued. In other words, the payout of the game medium does not stop during the time, and the payout of the game medium can be made continuous.

Means 17. In any one of the means 14 to 16, the payout control device includes:
Payout command reference storage means (prize ball table storage area 332a) for storing in advance the payout command information or information corresponding to the payout command information that can be output from the command information output means, as payout command reference information;
If the payout command information input from the command information output means does not match the payout command reference information, the payout command correction means (payout control board) corrects the input payout command information to predetermined payout command correction information. A function of performing the process of step S906 in the CPU 331 of the H.322);
With
The storage execution unit stores the information on the number of game media specified based on the payout command information input from the command information output unit or the payout command correction information corrected by the payout command correction unit in the payout storage unit. A gaming machine characterized by being stored.

  According to the means 17, when the payout command information input from the main control device does not match the payout command reference information, the payout control device corrects the mismatched information to payout command correction information. Then, the payout storage means stores information on the number of game media specified based on the payout command information or the payout command correction information input from the main control device. Thereby, even if the payout command information is rewritten due to noise or the like on the path from the main control device to the input to the payout control device, the information is corrected to the payout command correction information and Information on the number of corresponding game media is stored in the payout storage means. Therefore, in the configuration in which the individual storage means is provided in the main control device and the payout storage means is provided in the payout control device, even if the payout command information is rewritten on the above route due to the influence of noise or the like, the information is not changed. The information of the number of game media corrected to the payout command correction information is stored in the payout storage means, so that the influence of the noise or the like can be reduced.

Means 18. In the means 17, a plurality of types of payout game contents are set, and a plurality of types of game media and the payout instruction information according to the payout game contents are also set,
The gaming machine, wherein the payout command correcting information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media among the number of game media according to the payout game content.

  According to the means 18, the payout command correction information is information corresponding to the maximum number of game media among the number of game media according to the payout game content, and therefore the payout command information is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. Even so, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

Means 19. In any one of the means 7 to 13, a main control device (main control device 162) including a determination unit configured to determine whether the game content has become the payout game content,
A payout control device (payout control device 242) having the individual storage means, the payout storage means, the storage execution means, and the drive control means;
With
The main control device is a command information output unit (main control board 301) that outputs payout command information including information on the number of game media specified based on the determination result of the determination unit or information corresponding thereto to the payout control device. Function for performing the process of step S501 in the CPU 311).
The payout command information or the information corresponding to the payout command information is stored in the storage area of the individual storage means as information on the number of game media according to the payout game content or information corresponding thereto. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 19, since the individual storage means and the payout storage means are provided in the payout control device, the storage capacity required for the main control device with respect to the payout of the game medium can be reduced. In addition, the processing of storing in the payout storage means and the drive control processing of the payout means are executed by the payout control device, so that the control processing load of the main control device with respect to the payout of the game medium is reduced.

  Further, in the above configuration, the payout command information including the information on the number of game media specified based on the determination result of the determination means or the information corresponding thereto is output from the main control device to the payout control device. The input payout command information or the information corresponding thereto is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means. Then, information on the number of game media specified based on the information stored in the storage area of the individual storage means is stored in the payout storage means, and the payout of the game media is performed based on the stored information. Accordingly, in the configuration including the main control device and the payout control device as described above, the payout of the game medium is performed smoothly.

Means 20. In the means 19, the main control device further includes a main-side individual storage (a prize storage ring buffer 313a in the second embodiment) having a plurality of storage areas,
A gaming machine, wherein information corresponding to the determination result of the determination means within a range of the number of the storage areas is stored in different storage areas of the main individual storage means.

  According to the means 20, the judgment result in the judgment means can be managed well.

  Means 21. In any one of the means 7 to 20, the storage execution means stores the information on the number of game media specified based on the information stored in one of the storage areas in the payout storage means. A gaming machine characterized by being stored.

  According to the means 21, the information on the number of game media newly stored in the payout storage means corresponds to one payout game content. Thus, even if the information stored in the payout storage means is rewritten due to the influence of electric noise or the like, the effect can be suppressed to a degree related to the payout game content.

Means 22. In any one of the means 7 to 21, an order in which information storage processing is executed is set in advance in each of the storage areas of the individual storage means,
An individual storage executing means (a function of performing a prize identification process in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or a prize ball command storage process in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for storing information in the respective storage areas in accordance with the set order. Function).
When the information is already stored in the storage area to be stored, the individual storage execution means stores the information of the storage area so that new information is stored in place of the already stored information. A gaming machine characterized by being updated.

  According to the means 22, the information storage processing is sequentially executed in each storage area of the individual storage means, and when the information is already stored in the storage area to be stored, the information is already stored. New information is stored instead of the information. This can prevent the storage capacity of the individual storage unit from becoming extremely large.

  Also, in this configuration, if the information stored in the individual storage means is accumulated without being treated as information on the number of game media to be paid out, it is eventually rewritten to the next information without being treated as a payout target. Would be done. In that case, the profit that should have been obtained originally is lost for the player, which is not preferable. On the other hand, by providing the configuration of the above-described means 1 and performing the increase notification, it is possible to encourage the user to cope with a state in which the information is not treated as the information on the number of game media to be paid out, and the loss of the profit can be reduced It is possible to prevent it.

  Means 23. In any one of the means 7 to 22, the gaming machine is characterized in that the storage area of the individual storage means stores only information on the number of gaming media or information corresponding thereto.

  According to the means 23, since the individual storage means stores only the information on the number of game media or the information corresponding thereto, the information on the number of game media in the payout storage means can be favorably stored.

  In particular, in the configuration provided with the means 22, the information storage processing is sequentially performed in each storage area of the individual storage means, and when the information is already stored in the storage area to be stored, New information will be stored in place of the already stored information. In this case, assuming a configuration in which information other than the information on the number of game media or information corresponding to the number of game media is stored in the individual storage means, when a large amount of information corresponding to the payout game content occurs, the information on the number of game media or Information other than the corresponding information may be erased without being read. On the other hand, according to the present configuration, such inconvenience can be prevented.

Means 24. In any one of the means 1 to 6, a game board (game board 81) in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed,
A ball entry portion (general winning port 82, variable winning device 83, operating port 84) provided on the game board, and into which the flowing game ball can enter;
With
The payout of the game ball is performed based on the game ball having entered the ball entry portion,
The specifying storage means has a plurality of storage areas (a first storage area RA1 to a 256th storage area RA256, etc.), and as the specifying information, information on the number of game balls according to the entry into the entry section. Or, an individual storage means (a prize storage ring buffer 313a or a prize ball storage ring buffer 333b) for storing information corresponding thereto in a storage area different for each payout game content within the range of the number of storage areas,
Payout storage means (award ball number storage area 333a) for storing information on the number of game media for payout,
Storage executing means for storing information on the number of game media specified based on information stored in a part of the storage areas in the payout storage means (step S907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322); A function of performing processing or a function of performing processing of step S2907 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322);
With
The drive control means drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means,
Further, among the respective storage areas of the individual storage means, the number of storage areas storing information not yet stored as the information on the number of game media in the payout storage means is larger than the total number of the storage areas. An upper limit specifying unit (a function of performing the process of step S1702 in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 or the process of step S3002 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322) for specifying whether or not a predetermined upper limit reference number is reached as a small number. Function).
The increase notification processing executing means is specified by the upper limit specifying means to have reached the upper limit reference number after the full notification is executed and in a situation where the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted. A gaming machine that executes the increase notification process such that the increase notification is executed when the increase notification is performed.

  According to the means 24, the information on the number of game balls according to the entry into the entry section or the information corresponding thereto is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means. Then, information on the number of game media specified based on the information stored in some of the storage areas of the respective storage areas is stored in the payout storage means, and the information corresponding to the information stored in the payout storage means is stored. The number of game media is paid out via the payout means.

  With the above configuration, information for specifying a payout target for a ball entering the ball entry unit is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, and for specifying the number of game media at the time of payout. Will be stored in the payout storage means. Therefore, even if the information stored in the payout storage means has been rewritten due to the influence of electrical noise or the like, the rewritten information is part of the information on the number of game media to be paid out. Therefore, the influence of the rewriting can be reduced. That is, assuming a configuration in which all information on the number of game media to be paid out is stored in the payout storage means as in a conventional gaming machine, the payout storage means is stored in the payout storage means due to the influence of electrical noise and the like. If the information is rewritten, it will affect the number of all game media for which the payout is to be executed, but according to this configuration, it is only necessary to affect the number of some game media.

  Further, since information for specifying a payout target for payout game contents is individually stored in each storage area of the individual storage means, the information stored in one storage area is affected by electric noise or the like. Even if it is rewritten, the effect can be limited to information on one payout game content.

  As described above, the influence of noise and the like is reduced, and the provision of the game medium can be favorably performed.

  Further, with the configuration of the means 1, the payout of the game medium by the payout means is restricted when the outer storage portion is full. On the other hand, by executing the full notification, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to cancel the full state.

  Further, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the information stored in the individual storage means may be accumulated without being treated as information on the number of game media to be paid out. On the other hand, if the number of storage areas storing information that has not yet been stored as information on the number of game media in the payout storage means has reached the upper limit reference number, an increase notification is executed. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to a player or the like who did not clear the full state at the stage where the full notification was performed, the full state is cleared. Can be prompted again.

  Note that the “information on the number of game balls or the information corresponding thereto” includes not only information on the number of game balls itself but also information that can be referred to when specifying the number of game balls. For example, information on the number of game balls and reference reference information corresponding to the information are set, and correspondence information storing the correspondence between them is stored. By referring to the reference reference information, information on the number of game balls is obtained. In the specified configuration, the reference reference information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit. Further, the reference information includes first reference information and second reference information. The second reference information is specified based on the first reference information, and a game is performed based on the second reference information. In the configuration in which the information on the number of media is specified, the first reference information may be stored in each storage area of the individual storage unit.

  In addition, "to store the information of the specified number of game balls in the payout storage means" includes not only the configuration in which the information of the specified number of game balls is stored in the payout storage means as it is, but also the storage of the information in the payout storage means. A configuration is also included in which the information on the specified number of game balls is added to the information on the number of game balls set. Note that this "addition" is not limited to only addition as a process, and even if a subtraction process is executed as a process, the number of game balls stored in the payout storage means is substantially added. If it is.

  Further, the configuration limited in any one of the above-described means 8 to 23 may be applied to the present means 24.

  Hereinafter, a basic configuration of various gaming machines to which each of the above means can be applied will be described.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means (game ball launch handle 41) operated by the player, game ball launch means (game ball launch mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired ball A ball passage (inner and outer rails 101, 102) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area, and game components arranged in the game area are provided. A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball enters the sensors 152 to 155).

  Spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines: provided with a picture display device for variably displaying a plurality of pictures, variably displaying the plurality of pictures is started by the operation of the start operation means, and caused by the operation of the stop operation means A gaming machine in which the variable display of the plurality of pictures is stopped after a predetermined time or a predetermined time has elapsed, and a privilege is given to the player according to the pictures after the stop.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a kind of gaming machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing main components of the pachinko machine 10 in a developed state, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. 2, the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in the game area is 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 part 12 attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable forward. The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting a wooden plate to four sides, and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in a game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to island facilities.

  The gaming machine main part 12 includes a main body frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the main body frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 arranged behind the main body frame 13. . The main body frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. More specifically, the main body frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side being a rotation base end side and the right side being a rotation end side in a front view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation end side in front view. It has been. As shown in FIG. 3, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the main body frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is turned rearward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation end side in front view. It is possible to move.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 3 will be referred to, and the configuration of the rear surface of the front door frame 14 will be referred to FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front door frame 14.

  The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the main body frame 13. The front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 21 so that substantially the entire game area described later can be visually recognized from the front. The window 21 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a transparent glass 22 is fitted therein. Around the window 21, light-emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, along the periphery of the window 21, there is provided an annular illuminated portion 23 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED. In the annular illumination part 23, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the game state at the time of a big hit, a predetermined reach, or the like. Further, an error display lamp section 24 which is lit at the time of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the annular illumination section 23 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize which is lit during award ball payout is provided on the left and right sides thereof. A ball lamp unit 25 is provided. Further, a speaker section 26 for outputting a sound effect or the like according to a game state is provided at a position close to the right and left prize ball lamp sections 25.

  Below the window 21 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 bulging toward the near side are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later, and guiding the game balls to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning the game balls in a line. The lower plate 34 has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper plate 33.

  A game ball firing handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the near side. By operating the game ball firing handle 41, a game ball is fired from a game ball firing mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of a synthetic resin, and has a front door side upper plate passage 51 communicating with the upper plate 33 and a front door side lower plate passage 52 communicating with the lower plate 34. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 projecting rearward and opening upward is formed at an upper corner portion thereof, and the receiving portion 53 is divided into right and left by a partition wall 54, so that a front door side upper plate is formed. A passage 51 and an entrance portion of the front door side lower plate passage 52 are formed. The front door side upper plate passage 51 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 are connected on the upstream side to a game ball distribution unit described later, and the game balls entering the front door side upper plate passage 51 are guided to the upper plate 33, The game ball that has entered the door-side lower plate passage 52 is guided to the lower plate 34.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the passage forming unit 50 is provided with a fullness detection sensor 59 for detecting a game ball passing through the front door side lower plate passage 52. The fullness detection sensor 59 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects a change in a magnetic field when a game ball passes through the detection range, and outputs the change as an electric signal. The fullness detection sensor 59 is not limited to the proximity sensor of the magnetic detection type, but 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 fullness detection sensor 59 outputs an electric signal to a payout control device 242 described later. Specifically, a LOW signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI signal is output when a game ball is detected. The present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which a HI signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW signal is output when a game ball is detected. A configuration may be adopted in which an electric signal is output only in a state where the operation is performed.

  The payout control device 242 specifies whether or not the lower plate 214 is full based on the detection result of the fullness detection sensor 59. Specifically, when the detection state of the game ball by the fullness detection sensor 59 is continued until a predetermined fullness determination continuation period elapses, it is specified that the lower plate 214 is full. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the lower plate 214 is full, the payout device 224 stops paying out game balls. As a result, when the lower plate 214 is full and the game balls continue to the position of the full detection sensor 59 in the front door side lower plate passage 52, the further payout of the game balls is stopped. The stop of the payout is released when the full state of the lower plate 214 is released and the fullness detection sensor 59 stops detecting the game ball. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the lower plate 214 is full, the corresponding notification process is executed. This will be described later.

  Protruding shafts 61 and 62 are provided at the upper end and lower end of the rear base side (the right side in FIG. 5) of the rear surface of the front door frame 14. The projection shafts 61 and 62 constitute an assembly mechanism for the main body frame 13. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hooks 63 extending rearward are vertically arranged on the rear end side of the front door frame 14 (left side in FIG. 5). These hooks 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the main body frame 13.

  Next, the main body frame 13 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a front view of the main body frame 13.

  The main body frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 71 whose outer shape is almost the same as that of the outer frame 11. Supporting brackets 72 and 73 are attached to the upper end and lower end of the resin base 71 on the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 6) on the front surface. Although not shown, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 72 and 73, and the protruding shafts 61 and 62 of the front door frame 14 are inserted into the shaft holes, whereby the front door is A frame 14 is rotatably supported.

  Insertion holes 74 for inserting the hooks 63 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the rotation front end side (the right side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71, respectively. The pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device for locking the main body frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the main body frame 13. Therefore, the front door frame 14 is locked to the main body frame 13 so that it cannot be opened by locking the hook fitting 63 to the locking device via the insertion hole 74.

  At the lower right corner of the resin base 71, a cylinder lock 75 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device is installed. The cylinder lock 75 is integrated with the locking device. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned clockwise, the locking of the front door frame 14 with respect to the main frame 13 is released. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned counterclockwise, the lock of the main frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is unlocked.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 76 is formed in the center of the resin base 71. A game board 81 is detachably attached to the resin base 71. The game board 81 is made of plywood, and a game area formed on the front surface of the game board 81 is exposed on the front side of the main body frame 13 through the window hole 76 of the resin base 71.

  Here, the configuration of the game board 81 will be described based on FIG. The game board 81 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning port 82, a variable winning device 83, an operating port 84, a through gate 85, a variable display unit 86, and the like. There are a total of four general winning openings 82, two on each side. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating port 84, it is detected by a detection sensor described later, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. In addition, an out port 87 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 81, and game balls that have not entered the various winning ports are discharged from the game area through the out port 87. In addition, a large number of nails 88 are planted on the game board 81 for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are provided.

  The variable display unit 86 is provided with a symbol display device 91 that variably displays symbols with a winning in the operating port 84 as a trigger. The variable display unit 86 is provided with a center frame 92 surrounding the symbol display device 91. Above the center frame 92, a first specific lamp unit 93 and a second specific lamp unit 94 are provided. Further, on the upper and lower portions of the center frame 92, holding lamp portions 95 and 96 are provided, respectively. The lower holding lamp section 95 corresponds to the symbol display device 91 and the first specific lamp section 93, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the operating port 84 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the holding lamp section 95 is turned on. The reserved number is displayed. The upper holding lamp section 96 corresponds to the second specific lamp section 94, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 85 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of the held balls is displayed by lighting of the holding lamp section 96. It has become so.

  The symbol display device 91 is configured as a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the symbol display device 91, symbols are displayed side by side, for example, on the left, middle and right, and these symbols are displayed in a scrollable manner in a vertical direction. Then, when a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the preset active line, a special game state (hereinafter, referred to as a big hit) is generated.

  In the first specific lamp section 93, the emission colors are switched in a predetermined order triggered by a winning in the operation port 84, and a big hit occurs when the stop display is performed in a predetermined color. Further, in the second specific lamp section 94, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 85, and when the stop is displayed in a predetermined color, the operation port 84 is switched to the operation port 84. The accompanying electric accessory is opened for a predetermined time.

  The variable winning device 83 is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot be won or hard to win, and can be switched to a predetermined open state in which game balls can be easily won in a big hit. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 83, the variable winning device 83 repeatedly repeats a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. Those that are open are common.

  The game board 81 is provided with an inner rail portion 101 and an outer rail portion 102. The inner rail portion 101 and the outer rail portion 102 constitute a guide rail, and are fired from a game ball firing mechanism described later. The game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area.

  The game ball firing mechanism 110 is mounted below the window hole 76 in the resin base 71, as shown in FIG. The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes an electromagnetic solenoid 111, a launching rail 112, and a ball feed mechanism 113, and the output shaft of the solenoid 111 moves in the expansion and contraction direction by inputting an electric signal to the solenoid 111. The game ball placed on the firing rail 112 by the ball feed mechanism 113 is launched toward the game area.

  There is a gap at a predetermined interval between the firing rail 112 and the inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102 attached to the game board 81, and the gap is formed below the gap in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. A foul ball passage 55 is provided. Therefore, if the game ball fired from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the upper part of the game area and returns on the guide rail formed by the inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102, the foul ball is returned. It enters the foul ball passage 55. The foul ball passage 55 communicates with the front door side lower plate passage 52, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage 55 are discharged to the lower plate 34.

  A passage forming portion 121 is provided on the resin base 71 on the left side of the firing rail 112 so as to penetrate the resin base 71 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body-side upper dish passage 122 and the main body-side lower dish passage 123 are formed in the passage forming portion 121. The upstream sides of the main body-side upper plate passage 122 and the main body-side lower plate passage 123 communicate with a game ball distribution unit described later. A receiving portion 53 of the passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming portion 121, and a front door side upper plate passage 51 is provided below the main body upper plate passage 122. The front door side upper plate passage 51 is disposed below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

  An opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 is attached below the passage forming portion 121 in the resin base 71. The opening / closing member 124 is rotatably supported in the front-rear direction by a support shaft 125 provided at a lower end thereof, and further urges the main body-side upper plate passage 122 and the main body-side lower plate passage 123 to a front position for closing. An urging member is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the main body frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the drawing, and closes the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where the game balls are stored in the main body-side upper dish passage 122 or the main body-side lower dish passage 123, the inconvenience such that the stored balls fall down can be prevented. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14 against the urging force. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage 51 communicate with each other, and further, the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage 52 communicate with each other.

  Next, the rear configuration of the main body frame 13 will be described. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the main body frame 13.

  A locking device 131 is provided on the rotation tip side (the left side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the locking device 131 is interlocked with a key operation on the cylinder lock 75, and the main body frame 13 and the front door The frame 14 is unlocked.

  A bearing bracket 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71. Bearing portions 133 are formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be vertically separated from each other, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, on the back surface of the resin base 71, a fastening hole 134 for fastening the back pack unit 15 to the main body frame 13 is provided.

  A plurality of latches 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the game board 81 is attached to the resin base 71 by the latches 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 81 will be described. 9 is a perspective view of the game board 81 as viewed from the rear, and FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the main control unit 160 is removed from the game board 81.

  The variable display unit 86 disposed in the center of the game board 81 is provided with a synthetic resin frame cover 141 that covers the center frame 92 from behind and protrudes rearward. The above-described symbol display device 91 is attached, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device is attached (not shown). The symbol display device 91 and the display control device are arranged so as to be overlapped in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device is at the front, and the display control device is at the rear), and the sound lamp control device unit 142 is mounted behind the symbol display device. The sound lamp control device unit 142 includes a sound lamp control device 143 and a mounting stand 144, and the sound lamp control device 143 is mounted on the mounting stand 144.

  The sound lamp control device 143 includes a sound lamp control board that controls sound and lamp display and control of the display control device in accordance with an instruction from a main control device described later, and the sound lamp control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 145.

  On the back of the game board 81, as shown in FIG. 10, an assembly plate unit 150 is provided below the variable display unit 86. The collecting plate unit 150 is provided with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls winning various winning ports, a winning detection mechanism for detecting winning of game balls to various winning ports, and the like. .

  A description will be given of the game ball collecting mechanism. The collecting plate unit 150 has a collecting passage 151 which gathers at one position on the downstream side corresponding to the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, and the opening of the game board of the operating port 84. Are formed. Therefore, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 82 and the like gather below the game board 81 via the collection passage 151. Below the game board 81, there is a discharge passage described below, and the game balls gathered below the game board 81 by the collection passage 151 are led out into the discharge passage. The outlet 87 also communicates with the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won any of the winning openings are led out of the discharge passage through the outlet 87.

  The prize detecting mechanism will be described. The prize opening sensors 152a to 152d are provided in the collecting board unit 150 at positions corresponding to the general prize openings 82 on the front side of the game board 81, respectively. A count sensor 153 is provided at a position corresponding to the variable winning device 83, and an operation port sensor 154 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation port 84. The winning of a game ball is detected by these sensors 152 to 154, respectively. On the right side of the variable display unit 86 outside the collecting plate unit 150, a gate sensor 155 for detecting a game ball passing through the through gate 85 is provided. These sensors 152 to 155 output electric signals to main controller 162 described later. Specifically, a LOW signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI signal is output when a game ball is detected. The present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which a HI signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW signal is output when a game ball is detected. A configuration may be adopted in which an electric signal is output only in a state where the operation is performed.

  A main controller unit 160 is mounted on the back of the game board 81 so as to cover the collective board unit 150 from the rear side. The configuration of main controller unit 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of main controller unit 160.

  The main controller unit 160 has a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin, and the main controller 162 is mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is housed in a substrate box 163 made of the same.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. Five sealing portions 164 are provided on the long sides of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform a sealing process.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so that the box base and the box cover cannot be opened. And are inseparably connected. The sealing process performed by the sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if an unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after the sealing. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into at least one of the long holes of the five sealing portions 164. When the board box 163 is opened, for example, when a failure occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connecting part between the sealing part in which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing part is connected. Disconnect. Thereby, the box base and the box cover of the board box 163 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing portions. If a history indicating that the board box 163 has been opened is left in the board box 163, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 163 that unauthorized opening has been performed.

  A plurality of connecting pieces 165 are provided on one short side of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude to the side. These connecting pieces 165 correspond one-to-one with a plurality of connected pieces 166 formed on the mounting base 161, and are connected between the board box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the connecting pieces 165 and the connected pieces 166. A sealing process is performed.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view of the back pack unit 15, and FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the back pack unit 15.

  The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and includes a base 211 to which the payout mechanism 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover 212 projecting rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 86.

  The external terminal board 213 is provided in the upper right part of the base part 211. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal plate 213, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. A pair of upper and lower locking pins 214 are provided at the right end of the base portion 211 when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10. By inserting the locking pins 214 through the bearing 133 provided on the main body frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is supported rotatably with respect to the main body frame 13. In addition, the base portion 211 is provided with a fastener 215 for fastening to a fastening hole 134 provided in the main body frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the frame 13.

  The dispensing mechanism 202 is provided on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. That is, a tank 221 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 201, and game balls supplied from island facilities in a game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 221. Below the tank 221, a tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. Further, a payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the case rail 223 is provided with a ball non-detection sensor 223a for detecting a game ball connected from the tank 221 to the payout device 224 through a passage formed in the case rail 223. . The ball absence detection sensor 223a is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects a change in a magnetic field when a game ball passes through the detection range and outputs the change as an electric signal. Note that the ball absence detection sensor 223a is not limited to a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. .

  The ball absence detection sensor 223a outputs an electric signal to a payout control device 242 described later. Specifically, a LOW signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI signal is output when a game ball is detected. The present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which a HI signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW signal is output when a game ball is detected. A configuration may be adopted in which an electric signal is output only in a state where the operation is performed.

  The payout control device 242 specifies whether or not the tank 221 is in a ballless state based on the detection result of the balllessness detection sensor 223a. Specifically, when the non-detection state of the game ball by the ball-absence detection sensor 223a is continued until the predetermined ball-absence determination continuation period elapses, it is specified that the tank 221 is in the ball-absence state. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the tank 221 is in a ballless state, the payout operation of the game balls by the payout device 224 is stopped. This prevents the dispensing device 224 from continuing to operate even though the tank 221 is in a ballless state. The stop of the payout operation is released when the absence state of the ball in the tank 221 is released and the game ball is detected by the ball absence detection sensor 223a. When the payout control device 242 specifies that the tank 221 is in a ballless state, a notification process corresponding thereto is executed. This will be described later. It should be noted that even when a ball is clogged in the tank 221 and the game ball does not flow to the payout device 224 side, it is also specified that there is no ball.

  The dispensing device 224 includes a dispensing motor 224a for rotating a rotating body built in the dispensing device 224, and is driven by the dispensing motor 224a to rotate the rotating body, so that the rotating body and the tank 221 are connected. The waiting game ball is paid out to the downstream side. Further, the payout device 224 includes a payout ball detection sensor 224b that detects a game ball paid out to the downstream side. The payout motor 224a and the payout ball detection sensor 224b are both electrically connected to a payout control device 242, which will be described later. The payout motor 224a is driven and controlled by the payout control device 242, and outputs the detection result of the payout ball detection sensor 224b. Based on this, the number of game balls paid out to the downstream side in the payout control device 242 is specified.

  The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to a game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base unit 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided downstream of the payout device 224. The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or any of the discharge passages described below, and the inner opening 226 is described above. The upper plate 33 communicates with the upper plate 33 via the upper plate passage 122 on the main body side and the upper plate passage 51 on the front door side, and the central opening 227 is connected to the lower plate 34 via the lower plate passage 123 on the main body side and the lower plate passage 52 on the front door side. The outer opening 228 is formed so as to communicate with the discharge passage.

  A back pack substrate 229 is installed in the payout mechanism 202. The back pack substrate 229 is supplied with a main power of, for example, 24 volts AC, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of a power switch 229a.

  The discharge passage panel 203 and the control device assembling unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base 211 so as to sandwich the lower end back and forth. The discharge passage panel 203 has a discharge passage 231 that is opened rearward on a surface facing the control device aggregation unit 204, and the opening of the discharge passage 231 is closed by the control device aggregation unit 204. The discharge passage 231 is formed so as to discharge game balls to the island facilities of the game hall and the like, and the game balls led out to the discharge passage 231 from the above-described collection passage 151 and the like pass through the discharge passage 231 to be pachinko machines. Is discharged outside the machine 10.

  The control device assembling unit 204 has a mounting base 241 having a horizontally long shape, and a payout control device 242, a power supply and a firing control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply and firing control device 243 are arranged one on top of the other so that the payout control device 242 is located behind the pachinko machine 10.

  The dispensing control device 242 accommodates a dispensing control board for controlling the dispensing device 224 in a substrate box 244. Note that a signal of a payout command from the payout control device 242 to the payout device 224 is relayed by the above-described back pack substrate 229. The payout control device 242 is provided with a state return switch 245. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed at the time of a payout error such as a clogged ball in the payout device 224, the clogged ball is eliminated.

  The power supply and the firing control device 243 include a power supply and a firing control board housed in a board box 246, and the board generates and outputs predetermined power required by various control devices and the like. The launching of the game ball is controlled in accordance with the operation of the firing handle 41. In addition, a RAM erase switch 247 is provided in the power supply and firing control device 243. The pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and holding various data, so that even if a power failure occurs, the state at the time of the power failure is maintained, and when returning from the power failure, it can be returned to the state at the time of the power failure. Has become. Therefore, for example, when the power is turned off in a normal procedure as in the case of closing the game hall, the state before the power is turned off is stored and stored. However, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247, the RAM data is initialized. It has become.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 14, power supply lines are indicated by double-line arrows, and signal lines are indicated by solid-line arrows.

  The main control board 301 provided in the main control device 162 includes a main control circuit 302 and a power failure monitoring circuit 303 (power interruption monitoring circuit). The main control circuit 302 has a CPU 311 mounted thereon.

  The CPU 311 includes a ROM 312 (non-volatile storage unit) storing various control programs executed by the CPU 311 and fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 312. A RAM 313 (volatile storage means), which is a memory for storing, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are built in. Note that part or all of the CPU 311, the ROM 312, and the RAM 313 may be provided as separate chips.

  The RAM 313 is configured such that, even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, the power is supplied from the power supply and the power supply provided in the firing control device 243 and the power supply for the firing control board 321, and the information is stored and stored.

  The CPU 311 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the CPU 311 is connected to a power failure monitoring circuit 303 provided in the main control board 301, a payout control board 322 provided in the payout control device 242, and other sensor groups (not shown). In this case, a power supply and a firing control board 321 are connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 303, and power is supplied to the CPU 311 (main control circuit 302) via the power failure monitoring circuit 303.

  On the other hand, the output side of the CPU 311 is connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 303, the payout control board 322, and the relay terminal board 323. Various commands such as a prize ball command are output to the payout control board 322. Various commands are output from the main control circuit 302 to the sound lamp control board 324 provided in the sound lamp control device 143 via the relay terminal plate 323.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 303 relays between the main control circuit 302 and the power supply and the launch control board 321 and monitors a DC stable 24 volt voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and the launch control board 321. Then, when the voltage becomes less than 22 volts, it is determined that the power supply has been interrupted, and a power failure signal is transmitted to the main control circuit 302.

  The payout control board 322 controls the payout of a prize ball or the like by the payout device 224. The CPU 331 as an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 332 storing a control program executed by the CPU 331, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 333 used as a work memory or the like. Note that some or all of the CPU 331, the ROM 332, and the RAM 333 may be provided as separate chips.

  The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is provided with an input / output port. The input side of the CPU 331 is connected to the main control circuit 302, the power supply and firing control board 321, and the back pack board 229. The main control circuit 302 and the back pack board 229 are connected to the output side of the CPU 331.

  The power supply and launch control board 321 includes a power-on power supply unit 321a and a launch control unit 321b. The power-on power supply unit 321a 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 operating power required for each of the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like is generated, and the generated operating power is indicated by a double-line arrow. The power is supplied to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like through the path. As an outline, the power-on power supply unit 321a takes in an AC 24 volt power supplied through the back pack connection board 229, and supplies + 12V power for driving various sensors and motors and + 5V power for logic. And supplies the + 12V power and + 5V power to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like.

  The launch control unit 321b is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launch mechanism 110 in accordance with the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player, and is activated when predetermined launch conditions are met. You.

  In addition, a power supply unit 321c for power failure is mounted on the power supply and emission control board 321. The power supply unit 321c for power failure is charged by a capacitor when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON (when power is supplied from an external power supply). Further, in a power cutoff state (when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off) such as when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off or when a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply, the power is cut off from the power supply unit 321c at the time of power cut. The power for storage retention is supplied to the RAM 313 of the control board 301. Therefore, even in such a situation, the information stored in the RAM 313 is stored without being erased while the power for storing and storing is supplied from the power supply unit 321c for power failure.

  Incidentally, the capacity of the power supply unit for power interruption 321c at the time of power interruption is relatively large, and the information stored in the RAM 313 before the power is turned off is retained for a predetermined period (for example, one day or two days). Further, the power supply unit for power interruption is not limited to a 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, it is not necessary to store the power in the power supply unit for power failure, but it is necessary to periodically replace the power supply.

  Further, the power supply and firing control board 321 is provided with a power supply unit for processing at the time of power failure different from the power supply unit 321c at the time of power failure. The power supply and the firing control board 321 discharge the power from the power supply unit for power failure processing even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volts, so that the power failure and the emission control board 321 have sufficient time for executing the power failure processing described later. , So that the output of 5 volts, which is the drive power supply for the control system, is maintained at a normal value. Thus, the main control circuit 302 and the like can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The audio lamp control board 324 controls the various lamp units 23 to 25, the speaker unit 26, and the display control device 325. The CPU 341 as an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 342 storing a control program executed by the CPU 341 and fixed value data and the like, and a RAM 343 used as a work memory or the like.

  The CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324 is provided with an input / output port. The main control circuit 302 is connected to the input side of the CPU 341 by being relayed to the relay terminal plate 323, and based on various commands output from the main control circuit 302, various lamp units 23 to 25, the speaker unit 26, and The display control device 325 is controlled. The display control device 325 controls the symbol display device 91 based on a display command input from the audio lamp control board 324.

  Next, display contents of the symbol display device 91 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol display device 91, three symbol rows of left, middle, and right are set. Each symbol row is composed of, for example, a main symbol numbered “0” to “9” and a sub symbol composed of, for example, a diamond-shaped symbol. Each main symbol and sub symbol constitute the first symbol. In each symbol row, main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub symbols are arranged between the main symbols. In other words, each symbol row is provided with a total of 20 first symbols of 10 main symbols and 10 sub symbols. Then, on the symbol display device 91, 20 first symbols are variably displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom periodically with each symbol row. The symbol display device 91 is configured to display first, upper, middle, and lower three-stage symbols for each symbol row. Therefore, the symbol display device 91 displays a total of nine first symbols in three rows and three columns. In the symbol display device 91, five effective lines, that is, an upper line L1, a middle line L2, a lower line L3, a rising line L4, and a rising line L5 are set. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the left symbol row → the right symbol row → the middle symbol row, and at the time of the stop, the combination of the big hit symbols (in this embodiment, the same combination of the main symbols) is placed on any of the activated lines. If they are aligned, a big hit video will be displayed as a big hit.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 311 in the main control device 162 uses a variety of counter information at the time of the game to set a jackpot lottery, set the emission color of the first specific lamp unit 93, set the symbol display of the symbol display device 91, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot lottery, and a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probability variable jackpot or a normal jackpot, as shown in FIG. The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 91 comes off and fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the fluctuation pattern of the symbol display device 91 are selected. The first variation type counter CS1 to be used and the period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 are determined. A second change type counter CS2 that has been decided to use the left column, the middle column and the right column the off each off symbol counters in the left-and right to use the setting symbol CL of, CM, and CR.

  Among them, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters in which 1 is added to the previous value each time the counter is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. In addition, register values of the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are added by using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 311, and as a result, numerical values change randomly. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. The RAM 313 is provided with a reserved ball storage buffer including one execution area and four reserved areas (reserved first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the operating port 84 is stored. The values of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history.

More specifically, each of the counters is configured such that the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by one in a range of, for example, 0 to 676, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one in order within the range of 0 to 49, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (ie, 49). In the present embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether the state is changed to the probable change state or the normal state after the end of the jackpot. The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 causes the final stop symbol to be shifted by one before and after the reach symbol and then to stop by the reach random number counter C3. The "reach other than before and after departure" that stops other than before and after, and the "complete departure" where no reach occurs are determined by lottery. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and is stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The first variation type counter CS1 is configured to be incremented by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The configuration is such that one is added in order within a range of 0 to 240, and the value returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240). The first variation type counter CS1 determines the display mode of the symbol display device 91, such as the reach type of the first symbol such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2. The switching display time as a period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is determined. The switching display time corresponds to the symbol change time of the symbol display device 91. Therefore, by the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the final stop symbol (the middle symbol in the present embodiment) stops after the reach occurs in the symbol display device 91, and the like. A fine symbol variation mode will also be determined. That is, with respect to the symbol display device 91, by combining these two change type counters CS1 and CS2, it is possible to easily realize a wide variety of change patterns. Each of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 is updated once each time a normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are obtained at the time of starting the switching of the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 and at the time of determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation of the first symbol by the symbol display device 91.

  The left / middle / right out-of-design counters CL, CM, and CR are used to determine the out-of-stop design of the left-row first design, the middle-row first design, and the right-row first design when the jackpot lottery is lost. In each column, any one of the 20 first symbols including the main symbol and the sub symbol is displayed, so that 20 (0 to 19) counter values are prepared for each symbol. Each of the upper, middle, and lower symbols of the left symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CL, each of the upper, middle, and lower symbols of the middle symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CM, and the right symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CR. The upper, middle, and lower symbols are determined.

  In this embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are updated at random by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 311. That is, at the time of updating each of the missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and if the addition result exceeds the maximum value, 20 is subtracted to determine the current value. You. The missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated in the normal processing so that the update timings do not overlap, and the combination of the missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is determined by the reach symbol buffer in the RAM 313 and the reach other than the preceding and following misses. It is stored in either the symbol buffer or the completely off symbol buffer. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation of the first symbol, any one of the buffer values of the out-of-order reach symbol buffer, the reach symbol buffer other than the out-of-order loss, and the completely out-of-order symbol buffer is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3. You.

  Although not shown, the second specific ramp random number counter is used for the lottery of the second specific ramp unit 94. The second symbol random number counter is configured as, for example, a loop counter that is sequentially incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching a maximum value (that is, 250). The second specific ramp random number counter is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and is acquired when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 311 is roughly classified into a main processing started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing started periodically (in the present embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process activated by the input of ".". For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows an NMI interrupt process, which is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power failure or the like. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power monitoring circuit 303 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 311, and the CPU 311 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing. . In the NMI interrupt process, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 313 in step S101, and the process ends. After that, it is confirmed that the power failure flag is stored in the normal processing described later, and the power failure processing is executed.

  Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S201, a process of reading signals from various sensors, the payout control board 322, and the like is executed. The details of the processing for paying out game balls in the signal reading processing will be described later.

  Then, in step S202, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by one, and cleared to zero when the counter value reaches a maximum value (676 in the present embodiment). Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in a corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In the following step S203, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and their counter values reach the maximum values (in the present embodiment, 676, 49, and 238, respectively). Clear to 0 each time. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 313. Thereafter, a start winning process is executed in step S204.

  In the start winning process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the operating port flag is stored in the operating port flag storage buffer of the RAM 313, so that the game ball is set to the operating port 84. It is determined whether or not a prize (starting prize) has been won. If it is determined that the game ball has won the operation port 84, in the following step S302, whether the number N of operation reserved balls of the first specific lamp unit 93 and the symbol display device 91 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Determine whether or not. The process proceeds to step S303 on condition that there is a prize in the operation port 84 and the number N of pending operation balls is smaller than 4, and the number N of pending operation balls is incremented by one. In the following step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S203 are stored in the first one of the free storage areas of the reserved sphere storage buffer of the RAM 313. Then, after the start winning process, the CPU 311 temporarily ends the timer interrupt process.

  Next, a main process that is started in response to a reset when the power is turned on will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S401, an initial setting process accompanying power-on is executed. Specifically, a wait process is executed for, for example, about one second in order to wait for the slave control board (the payout control board 322 and the like) to become operable. In a succeeding step S402, access to the RAM 313 is permitted.

  Then, in a step S403, it is determined whether or not the RAM erasure switch 247 provided in the power supply and the firing control device 243 is turned on. In a succeeding step S404, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 313. Is determined. In step S405, a RAM determination value is calculated, and in the following step S406, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 313. The validity of the stored data can be determined based on whether the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 is correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when the RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall is opened, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 247 has been pressed, the processing shifts to steps S407 to S408. Similarly, when the power shutdown occurrence information is not set, or when an abnormality in the stored data is confirmed by the RAM determination value (such as a checksum value), the process also proceeds to steps S407 to S408.

  In step S407, the used area of the RAM 313 is cleared to 0, and in step S408, initialization processing of the RAM 313 is executed. Then, in step S409, interruption permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S410 on condition that the power failure flag is stored and the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the buffer. Then, in step S409, interruption permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later. As a result, the state returns to the state before the power was cut off.

  Next, the normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In this normal processing, main processing of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing in steps S501 to S508 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter updating processing in steps S510 and S511 is executed in the remaining time.

  In the normal processing, in step S501, the output data such as the command updated in the previous processing is output to each of the slave control boards. In a succeeding step S502, updating of both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is executed. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by one, and cleared to 0 when their counter value reaches the maximum value (198, 240 in the present embodiment). Then, the updated values of both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 313. In a succeeding step S503, the respective out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the left symbol column, the middle symbol column, and the right symbol column are updated.

  In the update process of the out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, it is determined whether or not any of the left, middle, and right symbol columns has been updated, and the out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the updated symbol column are updated. Update. The missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in one normal process without duplication, and each time the normal process is performed three times, one set of the missing symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated. It has been updated. Then, when the updated combination of the out-of-design symbols CL, CM, and CR is a combination of out-of-reach designs that result in out-of-before and out-of-reach combinations, or in the case of a combination of reach designs other than out-of-before and out-of-before cases, a combination of completely out-of-reach designs that do not become out of reach. In some cases, the combinations are stored in corresponding buffers. If the updated combination of the out-of-office symbol counters CL, CM, CR is a combination of big hit symbols, the updating process is terminated as it is.

  After the update process of the out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, a first specific lamp unit control process for switching colors displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is executed in step S504. In the first specific lamp unit control process, a jackpot determination, ON / OFF control of a light source switch of an LED lamp provided in the first specific lamp unit 93, and the like are performed. Further, in the first specific lamp unit control process, the setting of the variable display of the first symbol by the symbol display device 91 is also performed.

Specifically, it is determined whether or not a jackpot is based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the type of the jackpot is determined based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 (so-called probable variable jackpot is determined). . At this time, the type of the big hit symbol and the stop line of the combination of the big hit symbols in the first symbol are also determined and set as the stop symbol command. When it is determined that the big hit does not occur, the mode of the combination of the missing symbols in the first symbol is determined based on the value of the reach random number counter C3. In such a case, the combination of the symbols updated in the lost symbol counter updating process and stored in the buffer is set as the stop symbol command. Further, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the switching display time of the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 and the variation display time of the first symbol are determined. Further, based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1, the reach type in the first symbol and its rough symbol variation mode are determined and set as a variation mode command. In addition, each time the on / off control of the first specific lamp unit 93 is started in the first specific lamp unit control processing, the number N of operation-holding balls is decremented by one. Does not start.
After the first specific lamp unit control process, a special winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S505. In the special winning opening opening / closing process, the special winning opening of the variable winning device 83 is opened or closed in the case of the big hit state. That is, the special winning opening is opened for each round of the jackpot state, and it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the special winning opening has elapsed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening. The determination as to whether or not the specified number has been won is made by checking the above-mentioned large winning opening counter. When any of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed.

  Then, in step S506, a second specific lamp unit control process for performing a process of switching colors displayed on the second specific lamp unit 94 is executed. In the second specific lamp unit control process, switching of the display color in the second specific lamp unit 94 is started on the condition that the number of gate reserved balls is one or more. At this time, the display color switching time is also set. In addition, a color to be stopped and displayed is set based on the value of the second specific lamp random number counter that has already been acquired. When a predetermined color is set as the stop display color, the electric accessory attached to the operation port 84 is opened for a predetermined time after the stop display of the color.

  After step S506, game ball launch control processing is executed in step S507. In the game ball launch control process, the game ball launch mechanism 110 is activated once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power source and the launch control unit 321b of the launch control board 321. Is excited. As a result, the game ball on the firing rail 112 is launched toward the game area. Incidentally, the firing permission signal is input to an input port other than the input port 311 in the CPU 311, and it is determined whether or not the input port has a firing permission signal in the game ball firing control processing.

  After step S507, in step S508, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. If the power failure flag is not stored, it means that the last processing of the plurality of processings to be repeatedly executed has been completed. Therefore, in step S509, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached, that is, the previous normal processing has been completed. It is determined whether a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the process. Then, the update of the random number initial value counter CINI and both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly executed within the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal processing. That is, in step S510, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by one, and cleared to zero when the counter value reaches a maximum value (676 in the present embodiment). Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in a corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In step S511, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by one, and cleared to 0 when their counter value reaches the maximum value (198, 240 in the present embodiment). Then, the updated values of both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 313.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that the power failure flag is stored, it means that power interruption has occurred, and the power failure processing from step S512 is executed. That is, in step S512, the occurrence of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then, in step S513, a power failure command indicating that the power has been shut down is output to another control board such as the payout control board 322. Then, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S514, and after the access to the RAM 313 is prohibited in step S515, the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely shut off and the process cannot be executed.

(Electrical configuration regarding payout of game balls and notification accompanying the payout)
Next, an electrical configuration and a processing configuration related to the payout of the game balls and the notification accompanying the payout will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 22, power supply lines are indicated by double-line arrows, and signal lines are indicated by solid-line arrows.

  As described above, the main control board 301 and the payout control board 322 are electrically connected, and a command as command information is output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322. A command as command information is also output to the main control board 301.

  The power and the power from the power-on power supply unit 321 a of the firing control board 321 are supplied to the VCC terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and the VCC terminal of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. In a situation where power is supplied from an external power supply using the power supplied to the VCC terminal, various control processes are executed by the CPUs 311 and 331, and information is stored and held by the RAMs 313 and 333. Will be

  In addition, the power and the power from the power supply unit 321 c at the time of power failure of the firing control board 321 are supplied to the VBB terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301. That is, the power from the power supply unit 321 c for power interruption is supplied to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, but is not supplied to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. In a situation where the power supply from the external power supply is cut off by the power supplied to the VBB terminal, information is stored and held in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301. As described above, the power supplied from the power-on power supply unit 321a and the power-off power supply unit 321c to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is relayed by the power failure monitoring circuit 303.

  On the input side of the main control board 301, in addition to the payout control board 322, a winning port sensor 152, a count sensor 153, and a working port sensor 154 are connected, and electric signals input from these various sensors 152, 153, 154 are provided. The CPU 311 of the main control board 301 determines the presence or absence of a ball in the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating opening 84 based on the CPU.

  More specifically, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a winning storage ring buffer 313a as individual storage means. The prize storage ring buffer 313a is dedicated to storing prize information, and as shown in FIG. 23A, is composed of 256 storage areas of a first storage area RA1 to a 256th storage area RA256. Note that each storage area is configured with one byte (a plurality of bits), but is not limited thereto, and may be configured with two bytes or three or more bytes. In addition, the number of storage areas is a situation in which the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is not stopped (a situation in which the payout of the game balls is not restricted), and a large number of winnings such as a big hit state occur continuously. In such a situation, the prize information to be paid out may not be stored in all the storage areas, and may be 150 pieces, 300 pieces, or the like.

  A write pointer (write specifying means) and a read pointer (read specifying means) are set for the winning storage ring buffer 313a. Based on the write pointer, the winning information is stored (stored) with regularity from the first storage area RA1 to the 256th storage area RA256, and when the winning information is stored in all the storage areas, the first information is stored. It is configured to return to the storage area RA1 and update the winning information. Each storage area stores one piece of winning information.

  Here, as described above, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a general winning port 82, a variable winning device 83, and an operating port 84 as ball entrances (ball entry section or winning section). The number of prize balls (the number of game balls to be paid out) for entering balls differs for each mouth. Specifically, the number of award balls when a game ball enters the general winning opening 82 is three, and the number of award balls when a game ball enters the variable winning device 83 is 15. When a game ball enters the mouth 84, the number of prize balls is four. Correspondingly, three pieces of winning information, fifteen pieces of winning information, and four pieces of winning information are set in the winning information stored in the winning storing ring buffer 313a. The corresponding winning information is stored in each storage area of the winning storing ring buffer 313a. Note that the number of prize balls is merely an example, and the number is arbitrary. Further, the number of entering balls is not limited to the above three types, but may be one type, two types, or four or more types.

  In the winning storage ring buffer 313a, based on the read pointer, the winning information stored in the storage areas is read from the first storage area RA1 to the 256th storage area RA256 with regularity. . The write pointer and the read pointer are set in the first storage area RA1 in an initial state (a state in which no winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a). Then, the update of the pointer toward the 256th storage area RA256 is performed first by the write pointer in response to the input of the prize information, and by the read pointer in response to the read of the prize information. With this configuration, in a situation where the write pointer and the read pointer are set in the same storage area, it means that there is no winning information to be read.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 is provided with a winning information counter area 313b in addition to the winning storage ring buffer 313a. The winning information counter area 313b is used by the CPU 311 to specify the number of winning information stored in the winning storing ring buffer 313a.

  The ROM 312 of the main control board 301 is provided with a winning table storage area 312a. In the prize table storage area 312a, as shown in FIG. 23B, the prize information stored in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322. The correspondence with the ball command is stored. When a prize ball command is output from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 based on the prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a, the information stored in the prize table storage area 312a is The type of the prize ball command is specified based on the command, and the specified prize ball command is output to the payout control board 322.

  The payout control board 322 specifies the number of prize balls based on the prize ball command input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and executes payout control such that the specified number of game balls are paid out. In detail, the award ball table storage area 332a is provided in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322. As shown in FIG. 24A, the correspondence between the winning ball command input from the main control board 301 and the number of winning balls is stored in the winning ball table storage area 332a.

  The RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 333a as payout storage means. The prize ball number storage area 333a is composed of one byte (multiple bits) as shown in FIG. 24B, and the number of prize balls specified based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a is The number is added to the ball count storage area 333a. For example, in a situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is 0 and the specified prize ball number is 15, the prize ball number storage area 333a indicates “000011111”. Become. The prize ball number storage area 333a is not limited to one byte, but may be composed of two bytes or three or more bytes.

  The payout motor 224a of the payout device 224 is connected to the output side of the payout control board 322, and the payout motor 224a is driven so as to pay out the game balls of the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. You. A payout ball detection sensor 224b of the payout device 224 is connected to the input side of the payout control board 322. The payout ball detection sensor determines whether or not the game ball is actually paid out according to the drive of the payout motor 224a. It is specified by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 based on the detection result of 224b.

  In addition, on the input side of the payout control board 322, a fullness detection sensor 59 and a no-ball detection sensor 223a other than those described above are connected. Based on the detection results of these sensors 59 and 223a, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 specifies the full state of the lower plate 34 and the absence of the ball in the tank 221. The specified result is output to the main control board 301. The CPU 311 of the main control board 301 outputs a command to the audio lamp control device 143 according to the command input from the payout control board 322, and executes various notifications.

(Processing configuration for paying out game balls)
Next, a processing configuration in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 regarding the payout of the game balls will be described.

  First, the signal reading process executed in step S201 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 18) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the signal reading process, a winning identification process is executed in step S601, a prize ball identification process is executed in step S602, a main side full identification process is executed in step S603, and a main ball no identification is executed in step S604. The process is executed, and the winning information number specifying process is executed in step S605. Of these, the prize winning specifying process in step S601 and the prize ball specifying process in step S602 are processes relating to the payout of game balls, and the other are processes relating to notification accompanying the payout of game balls. In the signal reading process, in addition to the processes in steps S601 to S605, a process of storing an operating port flag based on the detection result of the operating port sensor 154 is performed.

  Next, the winning specification processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the winning specification process, it is first determined in step S701 whether or not there is a winning signal. That is, it is determined whether or not a winning signal has been input from any of the winning port sensor 152, the count sensor 153, and the operating port sensor 154. If the winning signal has not been input from any of the sensors 152 to 154, the main winning specifying process is terminated.

  If a winning signal has been input from any of the winning opening sensor 152, the count sensor 153, and the operating opening sensor 154, in step S702, the winning input that has been input this time among the storage areas of the winning storing ring buffer 313a. The write pointer is referred to to specify in which storage area the signal winning information is stored. In a succeeding step S703, a process of storing the winning information corresponding to the currently input winning signal in the storage area specified in the step S702 is executed.

  Then, in step S704, the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is incremented by one, and further, in step S705, the write pointer of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is updated, and then the final winning identification processing is ended. I do.

  Next, the winning ball specifying process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the prize ball specifying process, first, in step S801, whether a request command has been input from the payout control board 322 or whether a request flag has been stored in the request flag storage area provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 Determine whether or not. Here, the request command is a command output from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 333a of the payout control board 322 is small. This command is output when a new prize ball command is requested. The request flag is a flag for specifying that a request command has already been input from the payout control board 322 and a prize ball command has not been output in response to the request command, and is stored. The request flag is cleared when the request command is output.

  If neither the request command nor the request flag is present, it means that the payout control board 322 has not requested the output of the prize ball command, so a negative determination is made in step S801 and the main prize ball is left as it is. The specific processing ends. On the other hand, if either the request command or the request flag is present, it means that the payout control board 322 is requesting the output of the prize ball command, so that an affirmative determination is made in step S801, and The processing after S802 is executed.

  In step S802, it is determined whether the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is 1 or more. If it is not 1 or more, it means that there is no winning information to be read in the winning storage ring buffer 313a, so a negative determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the request flag is stored in the request flag storage area. If the request flag has already been stored, the stored state is maintained. After that, the main prize ball specifying process ends.

  On the other hand, if the value stored in the prize information counter area 313b is 1 or more, it means that there is prize information to be read in the prize storage ring buffer 313a. A determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, a read pointer is referenced to specify which storage area of each of the storage areas of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is to output the winning information as a prize ball command. In a succeeding step S805, a prize ball command specifying process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the winning table storage area 312a of the ROM 312, it is determined which winning ball command the winning information read this time corresponds to.

  In a succeeding step S806, it is determined whether or not the award ball command has been specified in the step S805. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, there is a possibility that the information stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a may be rewritten due to the occurrence of electrical noise. For example, when the one-byte information is set to “000011111” as the fifteen winning information, the information may be “00011111” or “00000111” due to the influence of noise. Then, the winning ball command corresponding to the winning information does not exist in the winning table storage area 312a of the ROM 312, and the winning ball command cannot be specified.

  If the award ball command cannot be specified, a command correction process is executed in step S807. In the command correction process, 15 prize ball commands are selected regardless of the information form of the winning information. By selecting the fifteen prize ball commands in this way, the profit of the player can be secured. In other words, if the fifteen winning information is rewritten due to noise or the like, and if the winning information is ignored and no prize ball command is output, the player can obtain the fifteen game information originally obtained. You will not be able to receive the ball. Further, the same applies to a configuration in which a three-prize ball command or a four-prize ball command is selected when the fifteen winning information is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. On the other hand, by selecting 15 prize ball commands corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls out of the preset number of prize balls in the command correction process, the disadvantages described above can be reduced. Is prevented from suffering. Also, if the winning information that was “000011111” was rewritten to “11111111”, and if the winning ball command is selected so that the number of winning balls in the rewritten winning information is equal to the winning ball command, a great deal of money will be given to the gaming hall. Will suffer significant disadvantages. On the other hand, by executing the command correction processing as described above and selecting the fifteen prize ball commands, it is possible to prevent the gaming hall from suffering the above disadvantage.

  After executing the command correction processing in step S807, the process proceeds to step S808. Also, in the event that a prize ball command has been identified in step S806, the flow proceeds to step S808. In step S808, the award ball command specified in step S805 or the award ball command selected in step S807 is set. The prize ball command set here is output to the payout control board 322 in the external output process in step S501 of the above-described normal process (FIG. 21).

  After that, in step S809, the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is decremented by one. In the following step S810, if the request flag is stored in the request flag storage area of the RAM 313, the request flag is deleted. Thereafter, in step S811, the process of updating the read pointer of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is executed, and then the main prize ball specifying process is ended.

  Next, a processing configuration in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described. The processing of the CPU 331 is roughly divided into an input interrupt processing started by input of a command from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and a main processing started by power-on. There is a timer interrupt process that is started (at a period of 2 msec). For convenience of explanation, the input interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process and the timer interrupt process will be described.

  In the input interruption process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, first, it is determined whether or not the command input in step S901 is a power failure command. If the command is a power failure command, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S902, and then the input interruption process ends.

  On the other hand, if the input command is not a power failure command, a negative determination is made in step S901, and the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, it is determined whether the input command is a prize ball command. If it is not a prize ball command, the main input interruption process is terminated as it is.

  If the command is a winning ball command, a command analysis process is executed in step S904. Specifically, based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, it specifies which prize ball number the prize ball command inputted this time corresponds to.

  In the following step S905, it is determined whether or not the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning ball command has been specified in step S904. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, due to the generation of electrical noise, the prize ball command may be rewritten in the process of reaching the payout control board 322 from the main control board 301. For example, when “00001111” is set as 1-byte information as a 15-prize ball command, the information may be “00011111” or “00000111” due to the influence of noise. Then, the award ball number corresponding to the award ball command does not exist in the award ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, and the award ball number cannot be specified.

  If the number of prize balls has not been specified, a prize ball number correction process is executed in step S906. In the award ball number correction process, 15 award ball numbers are selected regardless of the information form of the award ball command. By selecting the number of fifteen prize balls in this way, the profit of the player can be secured. In other words, if the award ball command is rewritten due to noise or the like and the award ball command is ignored and the number of award balls is not added at all, the player can obtain 15 award ball commands originally obtained. Will not be able to receive the payout of game balls. Further, the same applies to a configuration in which the number of three award balls or the number of four award balls is selected when the fifteen award ball commands are rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. On the other hand, in the prize ball number correction process, the maximum prize ball number of 15 prize ball numbers is selected from the preset prize ball numbers, so that the above-described non-principal ball numbers are not obtained. Profit is prevented from being incurred by the player. Also, if the award ball command which was “000011111” was rewritten to “11111111”, and if the number of award balls corresponding to the rewritten award ball command is selected, a great disadvantage to the gaming hall is obtained. Will suffer. On the other hand, by executing the prize ball number correction processing as described above and selecting the 15 prize ball numbers, it is possible to prevent the above-described disadvantage from being applied to the game hall. I have.

  After executing the prize ball number correcting process in step S906, the process proceeds to step S907. Also, in step S905, if the number of prize balls has been specified, the process proceeds to step S907. In step S907, the number of prize balls specified in step S904 or the number of prize balls selected in step S906 is added to the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 333a.

  In a succeeding step S908, an input-time mask process is executed. In the input masking process, when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball number (upper limit number of game media) of 18, the prize balls are reduced to 18 or less. This is the process of correcting the number. Specifically, 1-byte mask information is stored in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 in advance. As the mask information, information of “000011111”, “00010000”, “00010001”, and “00010010” are stored. In the input mask processing, the information of the one-byte winning ball count storage area 333a is called into a register of the CPU 331, and the above-mentioned mask information is individually AND-processed with respect to the called information. Then, of the AND-processed ones, the one having the maximum number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. Thus, even if the information stored in the prize ball count storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball count due to the influence of noise, it can be reduced to the upper limit prize ball count or less. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaming hall from being disadvantaged. In addition, when the number of balls exceeds the upper limit, the number is not invalidated (that is, set to “0”), but becomes the number obtained by performing an AND process with the mask information, so that the player suffers disadvantage. Is suppressed as much as possible. After executing the input-time mask process, the input-time interrupt process ends.

  Next, the main processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started with a reset at the time of power-on.

  First, in step S1001, an initialization process accompanying power-on is executed. Specifically, an interrupt mode is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S1002 to permit access to the RAM, and sets an external interrupt vector in step S1003. Then, in step S1004, the entire area of the RAM 333 is cleared to 0, and in step S1005, CPU peripheral devices are initialized. In a succeeding step S1006, an interruption is permitted. In a step S1007, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. If the power failure flag is not stored, the process waits until the power failure flag is stored. I do.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag is stored, it means that a power failure has occurred, and the processing after step S1008 is executed as the power failure processing. In the process at the time of a power failure, first, occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S1008. After that, access to the RAM 333 is prohibited in step S1009, and the infinite loop continues until the power is completely shut off and the processing cannot be executed.

  Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 every 2 msec, for example, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1101, the state return switch 245 is chucked, and when it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed. Thereafter, the payout side full specification process is executed in step S1102, the payout side ball non-specification process is executed in step S1103, and the prize ball control process is executed in step S1104, followed by terminating the timer interrupt process. Of the processes in steps S1102 to S1104, the prize ball control process in step S1104 is a process related to payout of game balls, and the other is a process related to notification accompanying payout of game balls. In the timer interrupt process, in addition to the processes in steps S1101 to S1104, a process related to a ball lending and the like are executed.

  Next, the award ball control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the prize ball control processing, first, it is determined in step S1201 whether or not a payout is impossible. The state corresponding to the dispensable state includes a state in which the lower plate 34 is full or a state in which the tank 221 has no balls. Note that a full state flag storage area and a no-ball state flag storage area are provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. When the lower plate 34 is full, the full state flag storage area is full as described later. The state flag is stored. When the tank 221 is in the ballless state, the ballless state flag is stored in the ballless state flag storage area as described later. Therefore, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not at least one of the full state flag and the no-ball state flag is stored, thereby determining whether or not the state is the payout impossible state.

  If it is in the payout impossible state, an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, and the main prize ball control processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the state is not the dispensable state, a negative determination is made in step S1201, and the process proceeds to step S1202. In step S1202, a payout mask process is executed. In the payout-time mask process, similarly to the input-time mask process, when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball number of 18, the number is reduced to 18 or less. This is a process for correcting the number of winning balls. The specific contents are the same as in the input-time masking process, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the following step S1203, it is determined whether or not the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is “0”. If the number of prize balls is “0”, it means that there is no prize ball to be paid out, and the process directly proceeds to step S1207. On the other hand, if the number of award balls is not “0”, the flow proceeds to step S1204, and payout of one game ball is executed. In a succeeding step S1205, the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 333a is decremented by one on condition that the passing of the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b.

  In step S1205 immediately after the payout of the game ball in step S1204, it is assumed that the game ball is not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b. In order to cope with this, in a situation after the payout of the game balls in step S1204 and the game balls are not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b, the main prize is executed without executing the processing after step S1205. At the same time as ending the ball control process, in each prize ball control process thereafter, all the processes of steps S1201 to S1207 are not executed until a game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b, and the payout ball detection sensor 224b When a game ball is detected in step, the processing after step S1205 is executed.

  After executing the processing in step S1205, it is determined in step S1206 whether or not the number of prize balls stored in the number-of-prize-balls storage area 333a is equal to or less than the required reference number “3”. If the number of prize balls is not equal to or less than “3”, the main prize ball control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of award balls is equal to or less than “3”, a request command is output to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 in step S1207. As described above, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 receives the request command in a situation where the prize information is stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a, and sends the prize ball command to the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. Output. It should be noted that also in the case where an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, the request command is output to the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 in step S1207. After outputting the request command in step S1207, the main prize ball control process ends.

  Next, the state of the winning and the corresponding prize ball will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  In the situation where the request command has already been output from the payout control board 322 (CPU 331), when a prize is generated at the timing of t1, the prize information is stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301. . Then, a prize ball command corresponding to the winning information is output from the main control board 301 (CPU 311) to the payout control board 322, so that the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is stored in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. The number is added to the ball count storage area 333a. Thereby, the payout of the game balls from the payout device 224 is started. In this case, at the time of specifying the prize ball command on the main control board 301, the command that cannot be specified is subjected to the command correction processing, thereby preventing the player from being disadvantaged by the influence of noise or the like. In analyzing the prize ball command on the payout control board 322, the prize ball number correction processing is performed on the number of prize balls that could not be analyzed, so that the player is not disadvantageously affected by noise or the like. You. Further, the input-time masking process and the payout-time masking process are executed so that the prize ball count storage area 333a to which the prize ball count has been added does not exceed the upper limit prize ball count. Is prevented from suffering a great disadvantage. The effects related to these correction processing and mask processing are achieved for each award ball command.

  Thereafter, at time t2, when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the required reference number (three), a request command is output from the payout control board 322 to the main control board 301. .

  In the main control board 301, a plurality of prize information that has not been read yet is stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a because a plurality of prizes are generated from the timing t1 to the timing t2. Have been. In response to the request command, the prize ball command corresponding to the oldest prize information among the unread prize information is output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 at the timing of t3. As a result, the number of prize balls corresponding to the above-mentioned prize ball command is added to the number-of-prize-ball storage area 333a of the payout control board 322. As described above, the prize ball command is output from the main control board 301 when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the required reference number that is not “0” (is “1” or more). By doing so, the payout of the game balls does not stop in spite of the winning information in the situation where the payout is not possible, and the payout of the game balls becomes continuous, and the payout of the game balls is performed. It is performed smoothly.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t4, the timing of t5, and the timing of t6, the above-mentioned request command and the prize ball command are exchanged, and the payout of the game ball is smoothly performed.

  Here, the award ball count storage area 333a of the payout control board 322 may be rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. For example, as shown at the timing of t7 in FIG. 32, the number of award balls which was 15 may be rewritten to 5 due to the influence of noise or the like. Further, as shown at the timing of t8, the number of award balls, which was five, may be rewritten to eighteen due to the influence of noise or the like.

  On the other hand, in the present pachinko machine 10, a prize storage ring buffer 313a and a prize ball number storage area 333a are provided, and prize information is individually stored in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a. The upper limit prize ball number stored in the ball count storage area 333a is set to the maximum prize ball number (specifically, 15) for one winning and the required reference number for enabling continuous payout of game balls. (Specifically, three). Therefore, even if the rewriting as shown at the timing of t7 occurs, the disadvantage to which the player suffers can be reduced, and even if the rewriting as shown at the timing of t8 occurs, the disadvantage to which the gaming hall suffers can be reduced. Can be reduced. That is, in a configuration in which unpaid prize balls are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the total number of prize balls as in a conventional pachinko machine, the number is relatively large. For example, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 500 and the rewrite as shown at the timing of t7 occurs and the number of prize balls becomes five, the disadvantage that the player suffers is It will be enormous. Further, for example, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 5 and the rewrite as shown at the timing of t8 occurs and the number of prize balls reaches 500, the game hall may not be covered. The benefits are huge. On the other hand, in the present pachinko machine 10, as described above, the disadvantage to the player and the disadvantage to the game hall can be reduced.

(Processing configuration related to notification accompanying the payout of game balls)
Next, a description will be given of a processing configuration relating to the notification accompanying the payout of the game balls. Here, for convenience of explanation, a processing configuration in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 relating to notification will be described first, and then a processing configuration in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 and a processing configuration in the CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324 will be described.

  The payout-side full specification processing in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 30) of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the payout side full specification processing, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the payout side full state flag is stored in the payout side full state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. The full state flag is a flag indicating that the lower plate 34 is full, and when an electric signal indicating that a game ball is being detected is received from the full state detection sensor 59 for the full state determination continuation period. And is deleted when the input of the electric signal is interrupted.

  If the payout-side full state flag is not stored, the payout-side full state monitoring process of steps S1302 to S1303 is executed, and if the payout side full state flag is stored, the payout of steps S1304 to S1305 is performed. Execute the side full release monitoring process.

  In the payout-side fullness monitoring process, first, in step S1302, it is determined whether or not an electric signal indicating that a game ball is being detected is input from the fullness detection sensor 59. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the electric signal has been input over the full determination period. If the input has not been made, the payout side full specification processing is terminated as it is. If so, in step S1303, a full command is output to the main control board 301, and the payout-side full state flag is stored. Then, the payout-side full specification processing ends.

  In the payout-side full release monitoring process, first, in step S1304, it is determined whether or not an electric signal indicating that a game ball has not been detected has been input from the full detection sensor 59. If the input has not been made, the payout side full specification processing is terminated as it is. If it has been input, in step S1305, a full release command is output to the main control board 301, and the payout full state flag is erased.

  Next, the payout side non-specifying process in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 30) of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout side ball no-specifying process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the payout side ball no-state flag is stored in the payout side ball no-state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. The no-ball state flag is a flag indicating that the tank 221 is in the no-ball state, and outputs an electric signal indicating that the game ball is not detected from the no-ball detection sensor 223a over the no-ball determination period. This flag is stored when received, and is deleted when the input of the electric signal is interrupted.

  When the ball absence state flag is not stored, the payout side ball absence monitoring process of steps S1402 to S1403 is executed, and when the ball absence state flag is stored, the payout side of step S1404 to step S1405 is stored. Executes the no-ball release monitoring process.

  In the payout-side ball non-monitoring process, first, in step S1402, it is determined whether an electric signal indicating that a game ball has not been detected is input from the ball non-detection sensor 223a. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the electric signal has been input for the sphere no-determination continuation period. If the input has not been made, the payout-side unspecified ball processing is terminated. If so, in step S1403, a ball absence command is output to the main control board 301, and after the ball absence state flag is stored, the payout-side ball absence specification processing ends.

  In the payout-side full release monitoring process, first, in step S1404, it is determined whether an electric signal indicating that a game ball is being detected is input from the ball absence detection sensor 223a. If the input has not been made, the payout-side unspecified ball processing is terminated. If so, in step S1405, a no ball release command is output to the main control board 301, and further, the no-ball state flag is erased, and then the payout-side no-ball specifying process is terminated.

  Next, the main side fullness specifying process in the signal reading process (FIG. 25) of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the main-side full state specifying process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether the main-side full state flag is stored in the main-side full state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. The full state flag is a flag for the main control board 301 to grasp that the lower plate 34 is full and that the full notification is being performed, and a full command is input from the payout control board 322. This flag is stored in the memory and is deleted when a full release command is input from the payout control board 322.

  If the main side full state flag is not stored, the main side full state monitoring processing of steps S1502 to S1503 is executed. If the main side full state flag is stored, the main side full state monitoring processing of steps S1504 to S1505 is performed. Execute the side full release monitoring process.

  In the main side fullness monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1502 whether or not a fullness command has been input from the payout control board 322. If the input has not been made, the main-side full specification processing is terminated. If so, in step S1503, after setting a fullness notification command and storing the fullness state flag, the main-side fullness identification process ends. The full notification command set here is output to the audio lamp control board 324 in the external output processing in step S501 of the normal processing (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 starts the full notification by receiving the full notification command. This will be described later.

  In the main side full release monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1504 whether a full release command has been input from the payout control board 322. If the input has not been made, the main-side full specification processing is terminated. If it has been input, in step S1505, a full-state notification release command is set, and the full-state flag is deleted. Then, the main-side full specification processing ends. The full notification release command set here is output to the audio lamp control board 324 in the external output processing in step S501 of the normal processing (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 ends the full notification by receiving the full notification release command. This will be described later.

  Next, the main sphere no-specifying process in the signal reading process (FIG. 25) of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the main sphere no-specifying process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not the main sphere non-state flag is stored in the main sphere non-state flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. The ball absence state flag is a flag for the main control board 301 to grasp that the tank 221 is in the ball absence state and that the ball notification is being performed. Is input, and is deleted by inputting a no-ball release command from the payout control board 322.

  If the main sphere no-state flag is not stored, the main sphere non-monitoring process of steps S1602 to S1603 is executed. If the main sphere no-state flag is stored, steps S1604 to S1604 are performed. The main sphere non-release monitoring process of S1605 is executed.

  In the main-side no-ball monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1602 whether or not a no-ball command is input from the payout control board 322. If the input has not been made, the main sphere non-specifying process ends. If so, in step S1603, after setting the ball non-reporting command and storing the ball non-state flag, the main ball non-specifying process ends. The ball non-announcement command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output processing in step S501 of the normal processing (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 starts the ball alerting by receiving the ball alerting command. This will be described later.

  In the main side ball no release monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1604 whether a ball no release command has been input from the payout control board 322. If the input has not been made, the main sphere non-specifying process ends. If the ball has been input, the process proceeds to step S1605, in which the ball non-reporting release command is stored and the ball non-state flag is erased. The stored ball silent notification cancel command is output to the audio lamp control board 324 in the external output processing in step S501 of the normal processing (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 terminates the ball alarm notification by receiving the ball alarm notification cancel command. This will be described later.

  Next, the winning information number specifying process in the signal reading process (FIG. 25) of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the winning information number specifying process, first, in step S1701, it is determined whether or not an abnormality flag is stored in an abnormality flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. This abnormality flag is a flag for the main control board 301 to grasp that abnormality notification, which will be described later, is being performed, and the value of the winning information counter area 313b of the RAM 313 becomes "100" or more as the upper limit reference number, and the sound is output. A flag that is stored when an abnormality notification command is output to the lamp control board 324, and that is deleted when the value of the winning information counter area 313b becomes less than “100” and the abnormality notification release command is output to the audio lamp control board 324. It is. The upper limit reference number is not limited to “100”, and may be any number as long as the number is smaller than the number of storage areas of the winning storage ring buffer 313a. For example, the upper limit reference number may be “150” or “200”. Is also good.

  When the abnormality flag is not stored, the abnormality monitoring processing of steps S1702 to S1703 is executed. When the abnormality flag is stored, the abnormality cancellation monitoring processing of steps S1704 to S1705 is executed.

  In the abnormality monitoring process, first, in step S1702, it is determined whether the value of the winning information counter area 313b is “100” or more. If it is not equal to or more than "100", the main winning information number specifying process is terminated. If it is "100" or more, in step S1703, an abnormality notification command is set and an abnormality signal is sent to the hall computer provided in the game hall (a management device for managing a large number of gaming machines installed in the game hall). Output to Further, an abnormal flag is stored. Thereafter, the winning information number specifying process ends. The abnormality notification command set here is output to the audio lamp control board 324 in the external output processing in step S501 of the normal processing (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 starts the abnormality notification by receiving the abnormality notification command. This will be described later. Further, by outputting an abnormal signal to the hall computer, it is possible to grasp that the number of winning information of the pachinko machine 10 has reached the upper limit reference number in the hall computer, and to cope with it by the manager of the game hall. Can be encouraged.

  In the abnormality release monitoring process, first, in step S1704, it is determined whether the value of the winning information counter area 313b is less than “100”. If it is not less than "100", the main winning information number specifying process is terminated. If it is less than "100", in step S1705, an abnormality notification cancellation command is set and an abnormality cancellation signal is output to the hall computer. Further, the abnormal flag is deleted. Thereafter, the winning information number specifying process ends. The abnormality notification release command set here is output to the sound lamp control board 324 in the external output processing in step S501 of the normal processing (FIG. 21). The sound lamp control board 324 ends the abnormality notification by receiving the abnormality notification cancel command. This will be described later. Further, by outputting the abnormality release signal to the hall computer, it is possible to grasp that the state in which the number of winning information of the pachinko machine 10 has reached the upper limit reference number in the hall computer has been released.

  Next, the notification control processing executed by the CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that, of the notification control processing executed by the CPU 341 of the audio lamp control board 324, only processing relating to notification accompanying payout of game balls will be described. The notification control process is started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

  In the notification control process, first, in steps S1801 to S1805, a full notification process is executed. In the full notification process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether a full notification flag is stored in a full notification flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 343. This full notification flag is a flag for the audio lamp control board 324 to grasp that the full notification is being executed, and is stored by inputting the full notification command from the main control board 301, and This flag is deleted by inputting a full notification release command.

  When the full notification flag is not stored, the full notification start monitoring process of steps S1802 to S1803 is executed. When the full notification flag is stored, the full notification end monitoring process of steps S1804 to S1805 is performed. Execute

  In the full notification start monitoring process, first, in step S1802, it is determined whether a full notification command has been input from the main control board 301. If no input has been made, the process proceeds directly to step S1806. If the input has been made, in step S1803, a full notification start process is executed and a full notification flag is stored, and then the process proceeds to step S1806. By executing the full notification process, a full notification sound such as "Please remove the lower game ball." Is output from the speaker unit 26 as full notification. The mode of the full notification is arbitrary. For example, at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, a notification by a light emitting unit such as lighting of an error display lamp unit 24, a character for notification on a display screen of the symbol display device 91 or The notification by a display screen such as displaying a graphic may be performed. Furthermore, it is not essential that it be regular, but it may be irregular or one-off.

  In the full notification end monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not a full notification release command is input from the main control board 301 in step S1804. If no input has been made, the process proceeds directly to step S1806. If the input has been made, in step S1805, the full notification end process is executed and the full notification flag is deleted, and then the process proceeds to step S1806. By executing the full notification end process, the periodic output of the full notification sound is stopped.

  After the full notification process is performed, the non-ball notification process of steps S1806 to S1810 is performed. In the process for notifying a sphere notification, first, in step S1806, it is determined whether or not a sphere notification flag is stored in a sphere notification flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 343. The ball notification flag is a flag for the sound lamp control board 324 to know that the ball notification is being executed, and is stored by inputting a ball notification command from the main control board 301, and is stored in the main control board 301. This flag is deleted by inputting a ball non-reporting cancel command from the substrate 301.

  When the ball non-reporting flag is not stored, the ball non-reporting start monitoring process of steps S1807 to S1808 is executed, and when the ball non-reporting flag is stored, the ball non-reporting of step S1809 to step S1810 is performed. The notification end monitoring process is executed.

  In the ball alerting start monitoring process, it is first determined in step S1807 whether a ball alerting command has been input from the main control board 301. If no input has been made, the process proceeds directly to step S1811. If the input has been made, in step S1808, the process proceeds to step S1811 after executing the ball non-reporting start process and storing the ball non-reporting flag. By executing the ball-notification start process, the ball-notification, which is a mode different from the full-state notification (a mode that can be distinguished from the full-state notification), is "Gaming balls are insufficient. Please call a clerk." Is output from the speaker unit 26 periodically. Note that the form of the ball non-report is arbitrary as long as it is different from the form of the full report. For example, at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, the notification by the light emitting unit such as the lighting of the error display lamp unit 24 or the symbol display The notification may be performed on a display screen such as displaying characters or graphics for notification on the display screen of the device 91. Furthermore, it is not essential that it be regular, but it may be irregular or one-off.

  In the ball alert notification end monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not a ball alert notification release command has been input from the main control board 301 in step S1809. If no input has been made, the process proceeds directly to step S1811. If the input has been made, in step S1810, the ball non-reporting end process is executed and the ball non-reporting flag is deleted, and then the process proceeds to step S1811. The execution of the ball alerting end process stops the periodic output of the ball alerting sound.

  After executing the process of notifying the ball, the process of notifying an abnormality in steps S1811 to S1815 is executed. In the abnormality notification process, first, in step S1811, it is determined whether an abnormality notification flag is stored in the abnormality notification flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 343. The abnormality notification flag is a flag for ascertaining in the sound lamp control board 324 that the abnormality notification is being executed, and is stored by inputting an abnormality notification command from the main control board 301. This flag is deleted by inputting the abnormality notification cancel command.

  If the abnormality notification flag is not stored, the abnormality notification start monitoring process of steps S1812 to S1813 is executed. If the abnormality notification flag is stored, the abnormality notification end monitoring process of steps S1814 to S1815 is performed. Execute

  In the abnormality notification start monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1812 whether an abnormality notification command has been input from the main control board 301. If the information has not been input, the main control process ends. If input has been made, other notification prohibition settings are made in step S1813. When the full notification is already started due to the other notification prohibition setting, the full notification is ended. In addition, the start of subsequent full notification is prohibited. If the ball alert has already been started, the ball alert is ended. Further, the start of the subsequent ball alert is prohibited.

  In step S1813, not only the other notification prohibition setting is performed, but also abnormality notification start processing is executed. Here, in detail of the abnormality notification start processing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 39, first, it is determined in step S1901 whether or not the full notification flag is stored in the RAM 343. If the full notification flag is stored, it means that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the fact that the lower plate 34 has become full, so in step S1902 After the full system abnormality notification is set, the abnormality notification start processing ends.

  By setting the full system abnormality notification, the full system abnormality notification indicating that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the lower plate 34 being full is started. The full-system abnormality notification is executed in a mode (identifiable mode) different from the full-state notification and the no-ball notification described above. Specifically, as a full system abnormality notification, "the number of game balls to be paid out is increasing due to the lower plate being full. There is a possibility that the game balls to be paid out will be lost." The full system abnormality notification sound is periodically output from the speaker unit 26. The state of the full-system abnormality notification is arbitrary. For example, at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, notification by the light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24, or notification on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 is provided. The notification on the display screen such as displaying characters or figures may be performed. Furthermore, it is not essential that it be regular, but it may be irregular or one-off.

  If it is determined in step S1901 that the full notification flag is not stored, the process advances to step S1903. In step S1903, it is determined whether or not a ball non-report flag is stored in the RAM 343. If the ball absence notification flag is stored, it means that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number due to the fact that the tank 221 is in the ball absence state. After the ball-related abnormality notification is set, the abnormality notification start processing ends.

  By setting the ballless system abnormality notification, the ballless system abnormality notification indicating that the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number since the tank 221 is in the ballless state is started. . This ballless system abnormality notification is executed in a different manner (identifiable mode) from the full notification, the ballless system notification, and the full system abnormality notification described above. Specifically, as a ball-related abnormal notification, "The number of game balls to be paid out is increasing due to a shortage of game balls. There is a possibility that the game balls to be paid out will disappear. Please call the person in charge. " In addition, the mode of the ballless system abnormality notification is arbitrary. For example, at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, notification by a light emitting unit such as lighting of the error display lamp unit 24 or notification on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 May be displayed on the display screen, such as displaying characters or figures of the character. Furthermore, it is not essential that it be regular, but it may be irregular or one-off.

  If the full notification flag is not stored in step S1901 and the ball non-report flag is not stored in step S1903, the reason why the value of the winning information counter area 313b has reached the upper limit reference number is as follows. This means that neither the lower plate 34 is in the full state nor the tank 221 is in the absence state of the ball. Therefore, in step S1905, after the other system abnormality notification is set, the abnormality notification start processing ends. I do.

  By setting other system abnormality notification, the value of the prize information counter area 313b reaches the upper limit reference number in a situation where the lower plate 34 is not full or the tank 221 is not in a ballless state. Other system abnormality notification is started. The other system abnormality notification is executed in a manner (identifiable mode) different from the full notification, the ball absence notification, the full system abnormality notification, and the ball absence abnormality notification described above. Specifically, as other system abnormality notification, other systems such as "The number of game balls to be paid out is increasing. There is a possibility that the game balls to be paid out may be lost. Please call the staff." The abnormality notification sound is periodically output from the speaker unit 26. In addition, the mode of other system abnormality notification is arbitrary, for example, at the same time as or instead of the output of the sound, notification by a light emitting unit such as lighting of an error display lamp unit 24, or notification on the display screen of the symbol display device 91. The notification on the display screen such as displaying characters or figures may be performed. Furthermore, it is not essential that it be regular, but it may be irregular or one-off.

  Returning to the description of the notification control process (FIG. 38), in step S1813, an abnormality notification flag is stored as well as other notification prohibition settings and abnormality notification start processing. Thereafter, the notification control processing ends.

  In the abnormality notification end monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S1814 whether an abnormality notification release command has been input from the main control board 301. If the information has not been input, the main control process ends. If it has been input, in step S1815, other notification permission settings are executed, and an abnormality notification end process is executed. By executing the other notification permission setting, the subsequent full notification or the ball non-report is permitted. In addition, by executing the abnormality notification end process, the periodic output of the abnormality notification sound is stopped. In step S1815, the abnormality notification flag is deleted. Thereafter, the notification control processing ends.

  Next, the state of the notification accompanying the payout of the game balls will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  First, the case where the lower plate 34 is full but the number of winning information (ie, the value of the winning information counter area 313b) does not reach the upper limit reference number will be described.

  The fullness notification is started when the detection duration of the game ball by the fullness detection sensor 59 reaches the fullness determination duration at the timing of t1. When the lower plate 34 is full, the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is stopped. Therefore, for example, a big hit state in which prizes to the variable prize device 83 occur frequently in a short period of time (special game state). Then, the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 increases.

  Thereafter, at time t2 when the number of winning information has not reached the upper limit reference number, the detection of the game ball by the fullness detection sensor 59 ends, and the fullness notification ends. In addition, since the payout of the game balls from the payout device 224 is started, the number of winning information decreases after the timing of t2.

  Next, a case where the tank 221 is in a ballless state but the number of winning information does not reach the upper limit reference number will be described.

  When the non-detection continuation period of the game ball in the ball non-detection sensor 223a reaches the ball non-determination continuation period at the timing of t3, the ball non-report is started. When the tank 221 is in the ball-free state, the payout device 224 does not pay out the game balls. For example, in the above-mentioned big hit state, the game balls are stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313 of the main control board 301. The number of winning information increases.

  After that, at the timing t4 when the number of winning information does not reach the upper limit reference number, the detection of the game ball by the ball absence detection sensor 223a ends, and the ball notification ends. Since the payout of the game balls from the payout device 224 is started, the number of winning information decreases after the timing of t4.

  Next, the case where the lower plate 34 is full and the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number will be described.

  At the timing of t5, the fullness notification is started when the detection duration of the game ball by the fullness detection sensor 59 reaches the fullness determination duration. When the lower plate 34 is full, the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is stopped. For example, in the big hit state, the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a increases. .

  Thereafter, when the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number at the timing of t6, the full notification is ended and the abnormality notification is started. The abnormality notification started here is an abnormality notification started in a situation where the lower plate 34 is full, and is therefore a full system abnormality notification. Thereby, a message that is more severe than that in the case of the full notification is sent to the player who did not attempt to remove the ball of the lower plate 34 in the situation of the full notification (a heavy notification is performed), and thereby the lower plate 34 is performed. It is possible to encourage the player to remove the ball. At this time, an abnormal signal is also output to the hall computer, so that the manager of the game hall is prompted to warn the player that the lower plate 34 should be removed. it can.

  After that, the ball of the lower plate 34 is removed at the timing of t7, and an electric signal indicating that the game ball is not detected by the fullness detection sensor 59 is input, so that the game ball from the payout device 224 is input. Payout is started. Thus, the number of winning information decreases after the timing of t7. However, immediately after the timing of t7, since the state in which the number of winning information has reached the upper limit reference number is still maintained, the abnormality notification is continued. Thereafter, when the number of winning information falls below the upper limit reference number at time t8, the abnormality notification is terminated.

  Next, a case will be described in which the tank 221 is in a ballless state and the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number.

  At the timing of t9, when the non-detection continuation period of the game ball by the ball non-detection sensor 223a reaches the ball non-judgment continuation period, the ball non-report is started. Further, when the tank 221 is in a ballless state, the payout device 224 does not pay out the game balls, and thus, for example, in the big hit state, the number of prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a increases. .

  Thereafter, when the number of winning information reaches the upper limit reference number at the timing of t10, the non-ball notification is ended and the abnormality notification is started. Since the abnormality notification started here is the abnormality notification started in a situation where the tank 221 is in a ballless state, it is a ballless system abnormality notification. In this manner, a message that is more severe than that in the case of the ball alerting is sent to the player who did not call the manager of the gaming hall in the situation of the ball alerting (the alerting is performed more severely), and the It is possible to prompt to call an administrator or the like. Also, at this time, since the abnormal signal is also output to the hall computer, it is possible to urge the manager of the game hall or the like to release the ball-free state of the tank 221.

  Thereafter, at time t11, the game balls are refilled into the tank 221 and an electric signal indicating that the game balls are not detected by the ball non-detection sensor 223a is input. The payout of the game ball is started. Thus, the number of winning information decreases after the timing of t11. However, immediately after the timing of t11, since the state where the number of winning information has reached the upper limit reference number is still maintained, the abnormality notification is continued. Thereafter, when the number of winning information falls below the upper limit reference number at the timing of t12, the abnormality notification is terminated.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  Since the full notification is executed when the lower plate 34 becomes full, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to eliminate the full state. Further, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a may be accumulated without being output as the prize ball command. On the other hand, if the number of storage areas in which the winning information has not yet been output as the prize ball command in the winning storage ring buffer 313a is stored reaches the upper limit reference number, the abnormality notification is executed. Is done. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to a player or the like who did not clear the full state at the stage where the full notification was performed, the full state is cleared. Can be prompted again.

  By performing the ball absence notification when the tank 221 is in the ball absence state, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to eliminate the ball absence state. Also, even if the above-mentioned ball absence notification is executed, it is assumed that the above-mentioned ball absence state is not resolved. In this case, the prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a may be accumulated without being output as the prize ball command. On the other hand, if the number of storage areas in which the winning information that has not yet been output as the prize ball command is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a reaches the upper limit reference number, an abnormality notification is issued. Be executed. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to a player or the like who did not cancel the ball absence state at the stage where the ball absence notification was executed, the ball absence notification is provided. It is possible to prompt the user to cancel the state again.

  In particular, the storing process of the winning information is sequentially performed in each storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a, and when the winning information is already stored in the storage area to be stored, the storing processing is performed. New winning information will be stored in place of the existing winning information. In this case, if the prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a is accumulated without being output as a prize ball command, it is eventually rewritten to the next prize information without being treated as a payout target. . In that case, the profit that should have been obtained originally is lost for the player, which is not preferable. On the other hand, by performing the abnormality notification as described above, it is possible to encourage the user to deal with a state in which the winning information is not treated as a prize ball command, and the loss of the profit can be prevented. Become.

  In the abnormality notification, a full system abnormality notification and a ballless system abnormality notification are executed depending on the reason why the payout of the game balls is stopped. Then, each abnormality notification indicates the reason why the payout of the game balls is stopped. Thereby, when the abnormality notification is executed, it is possible to cause the player or the like to accurately perform the cause of the stoppage of the game ball payout, and the effect of executing the abnormality notification is achieved. Enhanced.

  Incidentally, the hall computer of the game hall manages the prize balls of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, it is not preferable that the prize ball timing greatly deviates from the winning timing. On the other hand, by performing the notification as described above, it is possible to prevent the prize ball timing from being largely deviated from the winning timing.

  When the lower plate 34 becomes full and an abnormality notification is executed thereafter, the abnormality notification is continued even if the lower plate 34 is released from the full state, and the prize ball command is still stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a. The abnormality notification is canceled when the number of storage areas in which the winning information that has not been output is stored is less than the upper limit reference number. The fact that the number of storage areas has reached the upper limit reference number means that a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out are accumulated, and it is not preferable that the state is continued. In this case, even if the lower plate 34 is once released from the full state, there is a concern that the lower plate 34 will immediately become full thereafter. Then, a state in which a relatively large number of payout prize balls are accumulated will be continued. On the other hand, by setting the condition for canceling the abnormality notification as described above, even if the full state of the lower plate 34 is once canceled, it is prevented that the full state immediately becomes full after that. As a result, it is possible to prevent the state where a relatively large number of payout prize balls are accumulated from being continued.

  The winning control ring buffer 313a is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, and the prize ball number storage area 333a is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. Then, the prize information is individually stored in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a, and specified based on the information stored in one of the storage areas in the prize ball number storage area 333a. The awarded ball number is stored, and further, the payout device 224 pays out the game balls having the awarded ball number stored in the awarded ball number storage area 333a. Thus, even if the information stored in the prize ball count storage area 333a is rewritten due to the influence of electric noise or the like, the influence can be reduced.

  That is, in a configuration in which unpaid prize balls are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the total number of prize balls as in a conventional pachinko machine, the number is relatively large. In this case, for example, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 500 and rewriting occurs due to the influence of noise or the like and the number of prize balls becomes 5 and the number of prize balls is reduced to 5, the player suffers a problem. The benefits are huge. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, even if the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is rewritten as described above and the number of prize balls is reduced, it is as large as the number of prize balls for one winning. Is only affected, so that the disadvantage to the player can be reduced.

  In addition, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the input-time masking process (step S908 in the input-time interrupt process in FIG. 28) and the payout-time masking process (step S1202 in the winning ball control process in FIG. 31). As a result, the upper limit prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is the sum of the maximum prize ball number for one winning and the required reference number for enabling continuous payout of game balls. Assuming a configuration in which the above-described mask processing is not executed, for example, in a situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 5, rewriting occurs due to the influence of noise or the like, and the number of prize balls becomes 500. Can be considered. In this case, the disadvantage that the gaming hall suffers is enormous. On the other hand, in the present pachinko machine 10, since the upper limit of the number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 333a is defined as described above, it is possible to reduce the disadvantage that the gaming hall suffers.

  The winning storage ring buffer 313a has a configuration in which one winning information is stored in one storage area. Therefore, even if the information in one storage area is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the effect is limited to the one winning information. Therefore, the effect of noise and the like can be reduced for the winning storage ring buffer 313a.

  In addition, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 executes a command correction process (step S807 in the prize ball specifying process of FIG. 27). As a result, even if the winning information stored in the storage area of the winning storing ring buffer 313a is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the winning information is not ignored, but a prize ball command for correction. Is output to the payout control board 322. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the winning storage ring buffer 313a.

  In particular, the prize ball command for correction is a 15 prize ball command corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls. Thereby, even if the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  As described above, the prize storage ring buffer 313a is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 (main control device 162), and the prize ball number storage area 333a is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 (payout control device 242). . As a result, the function for paying out the game balls is divided into a plurality of control devices, and the load on each control device is reduced as compared with a configuration in which one control device has all the functions. Further, in a configuration in which one control device has all of the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball number storage area 333a, when electric noise or the like occurs in the control device, the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball. There is a concern that both of the number storage areas 333a may be affected. On the other hand, by providing the winning storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball number storage area 333a in different control devices, the risk for the noise and the like is dispersed. In particular, in the pachinko machine 10, since the main control device 162 and the payout control device 242 are provided separately, the effect of dispersing the risk is further enhanced.

  The power supply and the power from the power supply unit 321c for power cut of the firing control board 321 are supplied to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, but not to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. As a result, compared to a configuration in which power is supplied from the power-off time power supply unit 321c to the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, the power-off time power supply unit 321c is reduced in capacity. Cost reduction is achieved. In addition, even in this configuration, the power is supplied from the power supply unit 321c for power failure to the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, and a large number of pieces of information of the number of prize balls to be paid out are stored. The information is stored and held in the winning storage ring buffer 313a having. Therefore, even if the power supply from the external power supply is cut off, a large number of pieces of information on the number of prize balls to be paid out are stored and retained without being erased.

  The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the prize ball number correction processing (step S906 in the input interruption processing in FIG. 28). As a result, even if the prize ball command is rewritten due to noise or the like on the signal path from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322, the prize ball command is ignored. Instead, the prize ball number for correction is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the signal path.

  In particular, the number of prize balls for the correction is set to 15 which is the maximum number of prize balls. As a result, even if the prize ball command is rewritten on the signal path due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  When the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the required reference number other than “0”, a request command is output from the payout control board 322 to the main control board 301, and the main control board 301 is correspondingly output. , A prize ball command is output to the payout control board 322. In this way, the payout of the game balls does not stop in spite of the prize information in the situation where the payout is not possible, and the payout of the game balls becomes continuous, and the payout of the game balls is performed smoothly. .

  In each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a, the storage processing of the prize information is sequentially performed in a predetermined order. Further, when the prize information is already stored in the storage area to be stored. , New winning information is stored in place of the already stored winning information. This can prevent the storage capacity of the winning storage ring buffer 313a from becoming extremely large.

(Second embodiment)
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the electrical configuration and the processing configuration relating to the payout of the game balls and the notification accompanying the payout. Therefore, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  First, the electrical configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 41, power supply lines are indicated by double-line arrows, and signal lines are indicated by solid-line arrows.

  In the present embodiment, the power from the power supply and the power supply unit 321c at the time of power interruption of the firing control board 321 is supplied not only to the VBB terminal of the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 but also to the VBB terminal of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322. You. In a situation where the power supply from the external power supply is cut off by the power supplied to each VBB terminal, data is stored and held in each of the RAMs 313 and 333.

  In the present embodiment, the winning control ring buffer 313a is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, and the prize ball storing ring buffer 333b is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. The winning storage ring buffer 313a is different from the first embodiment in that it has 128 storage areas. Each of these storage areas is composed of one byte. The prize ball storage ring buffer 333b includes 256 storage areas. Each of these storage areas is composed of 2 bytes. The configuration of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is the same as the prize storage ring buffer 313a, except for the number of storage areas and the number of bytes forming each storage area. In other words, the write pointer and the read pointer for the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b are set, and the information is sequentially stored in each storage area, and the information stored in each storage area is sequentially read. Go. Note that the number of storage areas in the winning storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is not limited to the above, and the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is not stopped (game In a situation where the payout of the ball is not restricted) and a large number of winnings such as a jackpot can occur continuously, the winning information and the prize ball command to be paid out are stored in all storage areas. If not, it is optional.

  Winning information is individually stored in each storage area of the win storing ring buffer 313a, as in the first embodiment. In each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, a prize ball command output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 is individually stored. In this case, the prize ball command is composed of 2 bytes, one byte stores information indicating that the command is itself a prize ball command, and the other byte stores information on the number of prize balls. Is stored. As described above, since each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is composed of 2 bytes which is the same byte number as the prize ball command, the prize ball command can be stored in each storage area as it is. it can. Each storage area of the award ball storage ring buffer 333b may be 1 byte or 3 bytes or more as long as the award ball command can be stored.

  In the present embodiment, a command counter area 333c is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. The command counter area 333c is used by the CPU 331 to specify the number of award ball commands stored in the award ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  Next, a main process in the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S2001, an initial setting process accompanying power-on is executed. Specifically, a wait process is executed for, for example, about one second in order to wait for the slave control board (the payout control board 322 and the like) to become operable. In a succeeding step S2002, access to the RAM 313 is permitted.

  Then, in a step S2003, it is determined whether or not the RAM erasure switch 247 provided in the power supply and the firing control device 243 is turned on. In a succeeding step S2004, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 313. Is determined. In step S2005, a RAM determination value is calculated, and in subsequent step S2006, it is determined whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 313. The validity of the stored data can be determined based on whether the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 is correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when the RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall is opened, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 247 has been pressed, the processing shifts to steps S2009 to S2011. Also, when the information of the occurrence of the power shutdown is not set, or when the abnormality of the data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (such as the checksum value), the process similarly proceeds to steps S2009 to S2011.

  In step S2009, a payout initialization command or the like is output in order to initialize the payout control board 322 or the like serving as a subordinate control board. In the following step S2010, the used area of the RAM 313 is cleared to 0, and in step S2011, the RAM 313 is initialized. Thereafter, in step S2012, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S2007 on condition that the power failure flag is stored and the RAM determination value (check sum value, etc.) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the buffer. Then, in step S2008, a power restoration command for returning the slave control board to the gaming state before the power is turned off is output. After that, in step S2012, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal processing (FIG. 21). As a result, the state returns to the state before the power was cut off.

  Next, a signal reading process according to the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in the signal reading process according to the present embodiment, a winning specifying process is executed in step S2101, a prize ball specifying process is executed in step S2102, and a main side full specifying process is executed in step S2103. In step S2104, the main ball non-specifying process is executed, and in step S2105, the main prize ball command number specifying process is executed. That is, instead of the winning information number specifying process in step S605 in the first embodiment, the main prize ball command number specifying process in step S2105 is executed.

  Next, the prize ball specifying process according to the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the winning ball specifying process, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is 1 or more. If it is not equal to or more than one, it means that there is no winning information to be read in the winning storing ring buffer 313a, so a negative determination is made and the main prize ball specifying process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if the value stored in the prize information counter area 313b is 1 or more, it means that there is prize information to be read in the prize storage ring buffer 313a. A determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S2202.

  In step S2202, the read pointer is referenced to specify which storage area of each of the storage areas of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is to output the winning information as a prize ball command. In a succeeding step S2203, the award ball command specified in the step S2202 is set. The prize ball command set here is output to the payout control board 322 in the external output process in step S501 of the normal process (FIG. 21).

  The prize ball identification processing is executed as a part of the timer interrupt processing started at a cycle of 2 msec, whereas the normal processing is a series of processing repeated at a cycle of 4 msec. The output process is also executed at a cycle of approximately 4 msec. Therefore, every time one normal process is executed, two winning ball commands may be output. However, the number of the prize ball commands is not limited to two, but may be any number, and may be one. If the series of normal processing is completed within the range of 4 msec, the number is three. The number may be more than one.

  After that, in step S2204, the value stored in the winning information counter area 313b is decremented by one. After that, in step S2205, the process of updating the read pointer of the winning storage ring buffer 313a is executed, and then the main prize ball specifying process is ended.

  Next, the main-side award ball command number specifying process executed by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the main side prize ball command number specifying process, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not the main side abnormal flag is stored in the main side abnormal flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. The main-side abnormality flag indicates that the number of prize ball commands stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 has reached the upper limit reference number and that abnormality notification has been performed. This flag is a flag to be grasped by the main control board 301. The flag is stored when an abnormal command is input from the payout control board 322, and is deleted when an abnormal release command is input from the payout control board 322.

  When the main-side abnormality flag is not stored, the main-side abnormality monitoring processing of steps S2302 to S2303 is executed. When the main-side abnormality flag is stored, the main-side abnormality of steps S2304 to S2305 is performed. Execute the release monitoring process.

  In the main-side abnormality monitoring process, first, it is determined in step S2302 whether an abnormality command has been input from the payout control board 322. If no abnormal command has been input, the main prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If an abnormal command has been input, the main-side prize-ball command number specifying process ends after executing the process of step S2303. The process in step S2303 is the same as the process in step S1703 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the main-side abnormality release monitoring process, it is first determined in step S2304 whether an abnormality release command has been input from the payout control board 322. If the abnormality cancel command has not been input, the main prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If the abnormality cancel command has been input, the main prize ball command number specifying process ends after executing the process of step S2305. Note that the processing in step S2305 is the same as the processing in step S1705 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

  Next, the main processing according to the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S2401, an initialization process accompanying power-on is executed. Specifically, an interrupt mode is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S2402 to permit RAM access, and sets an external interrupt vector in step S2403.

  Thereafter, in step S2404, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. In step S2405, a RAM determination value is calculated, and in subsequent step S2406, it is determined whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 333. The validity of the stored data can be determined based on whether the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 333 is correctly stored.

  If the power failure flag is not stored, or if an abnormality in the stored data is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to the initialization processing of the RAM 333 (steps S2411 to S2413). That is, in step S2411, the entire area of the RAM 333 is cleared to 0, and in step S2412, the RAM 333 is initialized. In step S2413, CPU peripheral devices are initialized.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag is stored and the RAM determination value (such as the checksum value) is normal, the processing at the time of power recovery (the processing at the time of restoration after power interruption due to the power failure) is executed. That is, in step S2407, the power failure flag is cleared, and in step S2408, the payout permission flag for permitting the payout of prize balls is cleared. In step S2409, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 333.

  After the processing in step S2409 or step S2413, the interruption is permitted in step S2410, and in step S2414, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333, and the power failure flag is stored. If not, it waits until the power failure flag is stored.

  On the other hand, if the power outage flag is stored, it means that a power outage has occurred, so that the processing after step S2415 is executed as power outage processing. In the process at the time of power failure, first, the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S2415. After that, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S2416, the access to the RAM 333 is prohibited in step S2417, and the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely shut off and the processing cannot be executed. Note that, even after the power supply is completely shut off, the power stored in the RAM 333 is supplied from the power supply and the firing control board 321 to the data storage holding power in the RAM 333 before the power supply is shut off. 1 or 2 days).

  Next, the input interruption process according to the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the input interruption process, first, in step S2501, it is determined whether the command input this time is a prize ball command. If it is a prize ball command, after executing the prize ball command storage processing in step S2502, the interrupt processing at the time of this input is ended. On the other hand, if it is not a prize ball command, in step S2503, other command storage processing is executed, and in step S2504, after the command input flag is stored in the command input flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333, the final input is performed. The interrupt processing ends. Here, in addition to the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is provided with another storage ring buffer. Commands other than the prize ball command are stored in the other command storage process in step S2503. By being executed, it is stored in the other storage ring buffer.

  Next, the winning ball command storage processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the prize ball command storage processing, first, in step S2601, a write pointer is specified to specify which storage area of the prize ball command input this time is to be stored in each storage area of the ring buffer 333b for prize ball storage. refer. In a succeeding step S2602, a process of storing the awarded ball command input this time in the storage area specified in the step S2601 is executed.

  After that, in step S2603, the value stored in the command counter area 333c of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is incremented by one, and in step S2604, the write pointer of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is updated. After the payout permission flag is stored in the payout permission flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333 in S2605, the main prize ball command storage processing ends. The state in which the payout permission flag is stored means that the payout of the game balls to the payout control board 322 by the main control board 301 is permitted.

  Next, a timer interrupt process according to the present embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the timer interrupt processing, first, a command determination processing is executed in step S2701. Here, the command determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the command determination process, first, in step S2801, it is determined whether the command input flag is stored in the command input flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. If the command input flag is not stored, no new command has been output from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, and thus the present process ends. On the other hand, if the command input flag is stored, a command reading process is executed in step S2802. In the command reading process, the input command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 333, and the command input flag is cleared.

  Thereafter, the type of the read command is determined in each processing of steps S2803, S2805, and S2810, and processing corresponding to each command is executed. That is, in step S2803, it is determined whether the command is a power failure command. If the command is a power failure command, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S2804, and the process ends.

  In step S2805, it is determined whether the command is a payout initialization command. If the command is the command, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 instructs initialization of the RAM 333 when the power is turned on. After executing the processing from S2806 to step S2809, this processing ends. In step S2806, it is determined whether the payout permission flag is stored in the payout permission flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. If the payout permission flag is not stored, the work area of the RAM 333 is set to 0 in step S2807. Cleared, and in step S2808, an initial value of the RAM 333 is set. After that, by storing the payout permission flag in step S2809, the payout of the prize ball is permitted.

  If the payout permission flag is stored in step S2806, the process ends without performing the processes in steps S2807 and S2808. With this configuration, even if the input of the payout initialization command is recognized due to noise or the like even though the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the prize balls remaining at that time are paid out to the player. It can be prevented from being erased without being deleted.

  In step S2810, it is determined whether the command is a power restoration command. If the command is a power restoration command, the payout control board 322 returns to a state before power cutoff due to a power failure. After storing, the process ends. With this configuration, if a prize ball remains before the power is turned off, the prize ball can be paid out immediately.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 49), after executing the command determination processing, it is determined in step S2702 whether a payout permission flag is stored. If the payout permission flag has not been stored, the timer interrupt processing ends. On the other hand, if the payout permission flag is stored, the flow advances to step S2703.

  In step S2703, the state return switch 245 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is performed. Thereafter, a payout side full specification process is executed in step S2704, a payout ball no-specifying process is executed in step S2705, a prize ball control process is executed in step S2706, and a payout prize ball command is executed in step S2707. After executing the number specifying process, the timer interrupt process ends. Of the processing in steps S2704 to S2707, the payout side full specification processing in step S2704 and the payout side ball non-specification processing in step S2705 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore will be described here. Are omitted, and the winning ball control processing in step S2706 and the payout-side winning ball command number specifying processing in step S2707 will be described below.

  First, the award ball control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the prize ball control process, first, in step S2901, it is determined whether or not the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is “0”. When the prize ball number is “0”, the prize ball number update processing in steps S2902 to S2907 is executed, and when the prize ball number is 1 or more, the payout processing in step S2908 to step S2911 is executed. Execute.

  In the winning ball number updating process, first, in step S2902, it is determined whether the value of the command counter area 333c is 1 or more. When the value of the command counter area 333c is “0”, it means that the prize ball command to be paid out is not stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and the main prize ball control processing is ended as it is. I do. On the other hand, if the value of the command counter area 333c is 1 or more, it means that the prize ball command to be paid out is stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and the process advances to step S2903.

  In step S2903, the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is specified in order to specify which storage area of the storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is to be analyzed this time. Refer to the read pointer corresponding to. In a succeeding step S2904, a command analysis process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 332a of the ROM 332, it specifies which prize ball number the prize ball command inputted this time corresponds to.

  In the following step S2905, it is determined whether or not the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning ball command has been specified in step S2904. If the number of prize balls could not be specified, prize ball number correction processing is executed in step S2906. In the award ball number correction process, 15 award ball numbers are selected regardless of the information form of the award ball command. Since the specific contents are as described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted here.

  After executing the prize ball number correcting process in step S2906, the process advances to step S2907. Also, in step S2905, if the number of prize balls has been specified, the process proceeds to step S2907. In step S2907, the prize ball number specified in step S2904 or the prize ball number selected in step S2906 is added to the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. After executing the processing in step S2907, the payout processing in steps S2908 to S2911 is executed.

  In the payout process, first, in step S2908, it is determined whether or not a payout is impossible. In the present embodiment, the non-payout state refers to at least one of the full state of the lower plate 34, the absence of the ball in the tank 221 and the state in which the payout permission flag is not stored.

  If the payout is not possible, an affirmative determination is made in step S2908, and the main prize ball control process ends. On the other hand, if the state is not the dispensable state, a negative determination is made in step S2908, and the flow advances to step S2909. In step S2909, a payout-time mask process is executed. In the payout mask process, when the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit award ball number of 15 in the present embodiment, the number of award balls is reduced to 15 or less. Is a process for correcting Specifically, 1-byte mask information is stored in the ROM 332 of the payout control board 322 in advance. As the mask information, a single piece of information of “000011111” is stored. In the payout mask processing, the information in the one-byte configuration of the number of prize balls storage area 333a is called into a register of the CPU 331, and the called information is AND-processed with the called information. Then, the result of the AND processing is updated in the prize ball number storage area 333a. Thus, even if the information stored in the prize ball count storage area 333a exceeds the upper limit prize ball count due to the influence of noise, it can be reduced to the upper limit prize ball count or less. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaming hall from being disadvantaged. In addition, when the number of balls exceeds the upper limit, the number is not invalidated (that is, set to “0”), but becomes the number obtained by performing an AND process with the mask information, so that the player suffers disadvantage. Is suppressed as much as possible.

  After executing the payout mask process, the flow advances to step S2910 to execute payout of one game ball. In a succeeding step S2911, the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 333a is decremented by one on condition that the passing of the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b.

  In step S2911 immediately after the payout of the game balls in step S2910, it is assumed that the game balls are not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b. In order to cope with this, in a situation after the payout of the game ball in step S2910 and the game ball is not detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b, the prize ball control is performed without executing the process of step S2911. At the same time as the processing is ended, in the subsequent prize ball control processing, all the processing from step S2901 to step S2911 is not executed until a game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 224b. When a game ball is detected, the process of step S2911 is executed. After executing the processing in step S2911, the main prize ball control processing ends.

  Next, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the payout side prize ball command number specifying process, first, in step S3001, it is determined whether or not the payout side abnormality flag is stored in the payout side abnormality flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 333. The dispensing side abnormality flag is a flag for grasping in the dispensing control board 322 that abnormality notification has been performed, and the value of the command counter area 333c of the RAM 333 becomes "100" or more as the upper limit reference number and the main control is performed. This flag is stored when an abnormal command is output to the board 301, and is deleted when the value of the command counter area 333c is less than “100” and an abnormal release command is output to the main control board 301. It should be noted that the upper limit reference number is not limited to “100”, and is arbitrary as long as it is smaller than the number of storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, for example, “150” or “200”. It may be.

  If the payout side abnormality flag is not stored, the payout side abnormality monitoring process of steps S3002 to S3003 is executed, and if the payout side abnormality flag is stored, the payout side abnormality of steps S3004 to S3005 is performed. Execute the release monitoring process.

  In the payout-side abnormality monitoring processing, first, in step S3002, it is determined whether or not the value of the command counter area 333c is “100” or more. If it is not "100" or more, the main payout side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If it is equal to or greater than “100”, in step S3003, an abnormal command is output to the main control board 301 and a payout abnormal flag is stored. After that, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process ends.

  In the payout-side abnormality release monitoring processing, first, in step S3004, it is determined whether the value of the command counter area 333c is less than “100”. If it is not less than “100”, the main payout side prize ball command number specifying process is terminated. If it is less than “100”, in step S3005, an abnormality release command is output to the main control board 301, and the payout side abnormality flag is deleted. After that, the payout-side prize ball command number specifying process ends.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  Since the full notification is executed when the lower plate 34 becomes full, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to eliminate the full state. Further, even if the full notification is executed, it is assumed that the full state is not resolved. In this case, the prize ball command stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b may be accumulated without being stored as the number of prize balls. On the other hand, if the number of storage areas in which the prize ball commands not yet stored as the number of prize balls have been stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b has reached the upper limit reference number, an abnormality notification is issued. Be executed. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to cancel the full state for a player or the like who did not clear the full state at the stage when the full notification was executed. It is possible to prompt again.

  By performing the ball absence notification when the tank 221 is in the ball absence state, it is possible to prompt a player or the like to eliminate the ball absence state. Also, even if the above-mentioned ball absence notification is executed, it is assumed that the above-mentioned ball absence state is not resolved. In this case, the prize ball command stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b may be accumulated without being stored as the number of prize balls. On the other hand, if the number of storage areas in which the prize ball commands not yet stored as the number of prize balls have been stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b has reached the upper limit reference number, an abnormality notification is issued. Be executed. As a result, it is possible to notify a player or the like that the upper limit reference number has been reached, and to a player or the like who did not cancel the ball absence state at the stage where the ball absence notification was executed, the ball absence state Can be promoted again.

  In particular, the storage processing of the prize ball command is sequentially performed in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and when the prize ball command is already stored in the storage area to be stored, the storage processing is already performed. A new prize ball command is stored in place of the stored prize ball command. In this case, if the prize ball commands stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b are not stored as the number of prize balls and are accumulated, they are finally rewritten to the next prize ball commands without being treated as payout targets. Would be done. In that case, the profit that should have been obtained originally is lost for the player, which is not preferable. On the other hand, by performing the abnormality notification as described above, it is possible to encourage the player to cope with a state in which the prize ball command is not treated as the number of prize balls, thereby preventing the loss of the profit. Becomes

  In the abnormality notification, a full system abnormality notification and a ballless system abnormality notification are executed depending on the reason why the payout of the game balls is stopped. Then, each abnormality notification indicates the reason why the payout of the game balls is stopped. Thereby, when the abnormality notification is executed, it is possible to cause the player or the like to accurately perform the cause of the stoppage of the game ball payout, and the effect of executing the abnormality notification is achieved. Enhanced.

  Incidentally, the hall computer of the game hall manages the prize balls of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, it is not preferable that the prize ball timing greatly deviates from the winning timing. On the other hand, by performing the notification as described above, it is possible to prevent the prize ball timing from being largely deviated from the winning timing.

  When the lower plate 34 is full and the abnormality notification is executed thereafter, the abnormality notification is continued even if the full state of the lower plate 34 is released, and the prize ball is still stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The abnormality notification is canceled when the number of storage areas storing award ball commands that are not stored in the award ball number storage area 333a as number information is less than the upper limit reference number. The fact that the number of storage areas has reached the upper limit reference number means that a relatively large number of prize balls to be paid out are accumulated, and it is not preferable that the state is continued. In this case, even if the lower plate 34 is once released from the full state, there is a concern that the lower plate 34 will immediately become full thereafter. Then, a state in which a relatively large number of payout prize balls are accumulated will be continued. On the other hand, by setting the condition for canceling the abnormality notification as described above, even if the full state of the lower plate 34 is once canceled, it is prevented that the full state immediately becomes full after that. As a result, it is possible to prevent the state where a relatively large number of payout prize balls are accumulated from being continued.

  An award ball count storage area 333a and award ball storage ring buffer 333b are provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322. Then, the prize ball command is individually stored in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, and based on information stored in one of the storage areas in the prize ball number storage area 333a. The specified number of prize balls is stored, and the payout device 224 pays out game balls having the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. Thus, even if the information stored in the prize ball count storage area 333a is rewritten due to the influence of electric noise or the like, the influence can be reduced.

  That is, in a configuration in which unpaid prize balls are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the total number of prize balls as in a conventional pachinko machine, the number is relatively large. In this case, for example, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 500 and rewriting occurs due to the influence of noise or the like and the number of prize balls becomes 5 and the number of prize balls is reduced to 5, the player suffers a problem. The benefits are huge. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, even if the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is rewritten as described above and the number of prize balls is reduced, it is as large as the number of prize balls for one winning. Is only affected, so that the disadvantage to the player can be reduced.

  In addition, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the payout mask process (Step S2909 in the winning ball control process in FIG. 51). Thereby, the upper limit prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes the maximum prize ball number for one winning. Assuming a configuration in which the above-described mask processing is not executed, for example, in a situation where the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area is 5, rewriting occurs due to the influence of noise or the like, and the number of prize balls becomes 500. Can be considered. In this case, the disadvantage that the gaming hall suffers is enormous. On the other hand, in the present pachinko machine 10, since the upper limit of the number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 333a is defined as described above, it is possible to reduce the disadvantage that the gaming hall suffers.

  The award ball storage ring buffer 333b is configured to store one award ball command in one storage area. Therefore, even if the prize ball command in one storage area is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the effect is limited to one prize ball command. Therefore, the influence of noise and the like can be reduced also for the prize ball storage ring buffer a.

  In addition, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the prize ball number correction process (step S2906 in the prize ball control process of FIG. 51). Thus, even if the prize ball command stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, the prize ball command is not ignored, but is corrected. The prize ball count is stored in the prize ball count storage area 333a. Therefore, it is also possible to reduce the influence of noise and the like on the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  In particular, the number of prize balls for the correction is set to 15 which is the maximum number of prize balls. Thereby, even if the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

  A prize storage ring buffer 313a is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, prize information is individually stored in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a, and a prize ball command is specified for each of the prize information. The awarded ball command is output to the payout control board 322. Thereby, the management of the winning information in the main control board 301 can be performed well.

  When the prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes “0”, the prize ball command stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is analyzed, and the new prize ball number is calculated. The number is stored in the number storage area 333a. Thus, the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is equivalent to one prize ball command (one prize information), and even if the information in the prize ball number storage area 333a is rewritten as noise or the like. The effect can be limited to one prize ball command. Further, as described above, the award ball storage ring buffer 333b has a configuration in which one award ball command is stored in one storage area. In other words, both the one waiting in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b on the payout control board 322 and the one to be paid out in the prize ball storage area 333a are equivalent to one prize ball command, and the information is rewritten by noise or the like. Even if it is done, the effect can be kept to a minimum.

  In each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, the storage processing of the prize ball command is sequentially executed in a predetermined order, and the prize ball command is already stored in the storage area to be stored. If so, a new winning ball command is stored in place of the already stored winning ball command. This can prevent the storage capacity of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b from becoming extremely large.

(Other embodiments)
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the content described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

  (1) Instead of storing only a part of the prize ball count for winning in the prize ball count storage area 333a of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, the total prize ball count is stored in the prize ball count storage area 333a. Is also good. Even in this configuration, when the lower plate 34 is full, the full notification is executed, and after the full notification is executed, the total prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. When the number has reached the upper limit reference number, the abnormality notification is executed, so that a player who did not clear the full state at the stage where the full notification was executed does not have the full state. It is possible to prompt the cancellation again. The same applies to the state in which the tank 221 has no ball.

  By the way, in the case of this configuration, the first embodiment may not include the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the like, and the second embodiment may include the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball storage ring. The buffer 333b may not be provided.

  (2) In the configuration of the above (1), if the total prize ball number stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a increases by one after the full notification (or no ball notification) is executed, the abnormality notification is started. It is good also as a structure which performs. In this case, although the frequency of performing the abnormality notification may increase more than necessary, the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the above embodiments.

  (3) In the first embodiment, when the prize information is newly stored in the storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a after the full notification (or the no-ball notification) is performed, the abnormality notification is performed. It may be configured to start. In this case, the frequency at which the abnormality notification is performed may be increased more than necessary, but the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when a full prize ball command is stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b after the full notification (or no-ball notification) is executed, the abnormality notification is performed. May be started. In this case, although the frequency of performing the abnormality notification may increase more than necessary, the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the second embodiment.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, when the abnormality notification is performed, the full notification and the no-ball notification, which have been performed up to that point, are terminated. However, the configuration may not be terminated. For example, after the start of the abnormality notification, the full notification or the ball no-battery notification and the abnormality notification that have been executed up to that time may be alternately executed. In this case, even if the abnormality notification does not indicate the cause of the limitation of the payout of the game ball, the cause of the limitation of the payout of the game ball by the full notification or the ball non-alert executed alternately with the abnormality notification. Therefore, the mode of the abnormality notification may be the same regardless of the cause.

  (5) In the above-described embodiments, the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is stopped when the payout is disabled, but instead, the payout speed of the game balls by the payout device 224 is normally It may be configured to be extremely slower than the time, and to set the payout speed to such an extent that the game balls are not substantially paid out.

  (6) When the payout motor 224a of the payout device 224 breaks down, it becomes impossible to pay out the game balls. Then, the winning information is accumulated in the winning storage ring buffer 313a in the first embodiment, and the winning ball command is accumulated in the winning ball storage ring buffer 333b in the second embodiment. Therefore, there is a possibility that the winning information or the winning ball command is lost without paying out the game balls. On the other hand, a failure of the payout motor 224a may be detected, and if a failure of the payout motor 224a is identified, a notification indicating the failure may be executed. In addition, the failure notification of the payout motor 224a is executed, and when the winning information or the prize ball command reaches the upper limit reference number thereafter, the winning information or the prize ball command is reduced to the upper limit reference number due to the failure of the payout motor 224a. May be performed to indicate that a failure has occurred.

  (7) If the payout ball detection sensor 224b of the payout device 224 fails, the payout of the game balls cannot be performed accurately, so it is preferable to stop the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224. Then, the winning information is accumulated in the winning storage ring buffer 313a in the first embodiment, and the winning ball command is accumulated in the winning ball storage ring buffer 333b in the second embodiment. Therefore, there is a possibility that the winning information or the winning ball command is lost without paying out the game balls. On the other hand, the failure of the payout ball detection sensor 224b may be notified, and when the failure of the payout ball detection sensor 224b is identified, the notification indicating the failure may be executed. Further, the failure notification of the payout ball detection sensor 224b is executed, and when the winning information or the prize ball command reaches the upper limit reference number thereafter, the prize information or the prize ball command is generated due to the failure of the payout ball detection sensor 224b. May be performed to indicate that a failure has reached the upper limit reference number.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the electric signal of the fullness detection sensor 59 may be output to the main control board 301. In this case, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 specifies whether or not the lower plate 34 is full. If it is determined that the lower plate 34 is full, a payout restriction command is output to the payout control board 322. Further, an electric signal of the ball absence detection sensor 223a may be output to the main control board 301. In this case, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 specifies whether or not the tank 221 is in a ballless state, and outputs a payout restriction command to the payout control board 322 when it is determined that the tank 221 is in a ballless state. .

  (9) In the above embodiments, the prize ball command output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322 includes (or reflects) information on the number of prize balls corresponding to a single piece of winning information. ), But this may be changed. For example, one prize ball command may be configured to include information on the sum of the number of prize balls corresponding to two or three pieces of winning information at the maximum. Even in this configuration, the prize storage ring buffer 313a and the prize ball number storage area 333a are provided, and the prize ball number storage area 333a includes a part of each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a. Since the information on the number of prize balls specified based on the information stored in the storage area is stored, the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. Even so, the effect can be reduced.

  (10) In the above embodiments, the prize information counter area 313b is provided in the RAM 313 of the main control board 301, and the prize ball command has not yet been output in each of the storage areas of the prize storage ring buffer 313a in the area 313b. Although the number of storage areas in which the winning information is stored is specified by the CPU 311 of the main control board 301, this may be changed. For example, the prize information counter area 313b is not provided, and the write pointer and the read pointer are compared to store prize information that has not yet been output as a prize ball command in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a. The number of storage areas specified may be specified in the CPU 311 of the main control board 301.

  (11) In the second embodiment, a command counter area 333c is provided in the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, and in the area 333c, the prize ball number storage area 333a of each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b is provided. Although the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 specifies the number of storage areas in which the prize ball commands that are not the storage target of the prize ball number are stored, this may be changed. For example, the command counter area 333c is not provided, and the write pointer and the read pointer are compared to store the number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 333a in each of the storage areas of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 may specify the number of storage areas in which prize ball commands that are not targeted are stored.

(12) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which a prize ball command is stored may be used instead of storing the prize information in each storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a. Specifically, when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 inputs an electric signal indicating that a game ball has entered from the winning opening sensor 152, the count sensor 153, and the operating opening sensor 154, the prize corresponding to the electric signal is received. The command specifying process for specifying the ball command may be executed first, and the prize ball command specified in the command specifying process may be stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a.
(13) In the second embodiment, instead of the configuration in which the prize ball command is stored in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, the configuration may be such that information on the number of prize balls is stored. Specifically, when a prize ball command is input from the main control board 301 in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, a prize ball number specifying process for specifying the prize ball number corresponding to the prize ball command is first executed, The number of prize balls specified in the prize ball number specifying process may be stored in each storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  (14) In the first embodiment, when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes three, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 becomes the main control board. Although the request command is output to 301, it may be changed. For example, the required reference number may be one, two, four or more, and does not exceed the maximum winning ball number of one piece of winning information. Further, the request command may be output when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes zero. In this case, although the prize information not yet to be paid out is stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a, the request command and the prize ball command are input between the main control board 301 and the payout control board 322. While the output is being performed, the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 may be stopped, but the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 333a is equivalent to one prize ball command (one prize information). Min), and even if the information in the award ball number storage area 333a is rewritten by the influence of noise or the like, the effect can be limited to one award ball command. In this configuration, the upper limit prize ball number in the input mask process and the payout mask process may be the maximum prize ball number for one piece of prize information.

  (15) In the second embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 stores the prize ball when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball storage area 333a becomes 0. The number of prize balls is specified from the prize ball command stored in the storage area of the ring buffer 333b for use, and the specified number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball storage area 333a. However, this may be changed. . For example, when the number of prize balls corresponding to the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a becomes a non-zero addition reference number, the prize balls stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b. The prize ball number may be specified from the command, and the specified prize ball number may be stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a. Specifically, in step S2901 in the prize ball control process (FIG. 51), it is determined whether or not the number of prize balls stored in the number-of-prize balls storage area 333a has reached an addition reference number set as 1 or more. The determination is made, and if the number has been reached, the processing from step S2902 is executed. In this case, the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 333a exceeds one award ball command, but an award ball command that has not yet been paid out is stored in the award ball storage ring buffer 333b. Despite being performed, the stoppage of the payout of the game balls by the payout device 224 is suppressed.

  (16) When the payout of the game balls is executed and the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches a predetermined low-speed switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout device 224 is increased. May be changed to a slow low-speed cycle. For example, the normal cycle is set to 60 msec, and the low-speed cycle is set to 1.2 sec. Also, the number of low-speed switching references is one or more, such as two or three. In a situation where the information on the number of award balls is not stored in the award ball number storage area 333a, the driving of the payout device 224 is stopped. In this case, the driving of the payout device 224 requires a larger driving force than the case of maintaining the driving state. Therefore, when a single winning is repeatedly generated at predetermined intervals, the driving of the payout device 224 is started. It is not preferable that it is necessary to repeatedly perform the drive stop. On the other hand, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a reaches the low-speed switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout device 224 is switched to a low-speed cycle, so that a one-time prize can be won. Even if the prize balls are repeatedly generated at predetermined intervals, the possibility that the next prize will occur during the execution of the prize balls of the low-speed switching reference number in the low-speed cycle increases, and the driving start and the driving stop of the payout device 224 are stopped. The possibility of repetition is reduced.

  Note that a configuration is also conceivable in which the payout speed of the payout device 224 is always low, but in this case, the payout speed of the game balls becomes chronically slow, and the prize ball corresponding to the prize is generated for the player even though a prize is generated. It takes a considerable amount of time to receive the information, which is not preferable.

  In the first embodiment, when the payout speed of the payout device 224 is changed to the low speed cycle as described above, the required reference number is set to a number larger than the low speed switching reference number, and the main control board 301 is set. When a request command is output from the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 in a situation where the winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a of the RAM 313, the prize ball number storage area 333a is at a timing before the low speed reference switching number is reached. May be configured to complete the process of adding the number of prize balls to. In this case, when the payout speed of the payout device 224 is switched to the low-speed cycle, the above-described excellent effect is exhibited, and when the winning information is stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a, the payout of the payout device 224 is performed. The speed is not changed to the low-speed cycle, and the normal cycle can be maintained. Note that the required reference number may be a number larger than the low-speed switching reference number by only “1”.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when the payout speed of the payout device 224 is changed to the low speed cycle as described above, in a situation where the prize ball command is stored in the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b, the prize ball is stored. When the number of prize balls stored in the number storage area 333a reaches an addition reference number set as a number larger than the low-speed switching reference number, the process of adding the number of prize balls may be executed. In this case, when the payout speed of the payout device 224 is switched to the low-speed cycle, the above-described excellent effect is exhibited, and when the prize ball command is stored in the ring buffer 333b for storing the number of prize balls, the payout device is used. The payout speed of 224 is not changed to the low-speed cycle, and the normal cycle can be maintained. In addition, the addition reference number may be a number that is larger by “1” than the low-speed switching reference number.

  (17) In the first embodiment, when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 cannot identify the winning information stored in the storage area of the winning storing ring buffer 313a, the command correction processing (the award of FIG. 27) is performed. By executing step S807) in the ball control process, 15 prize ball commands are set, but this may be changed. For example, a winning ball command may not be set for winning information that cannot be specified. In this case, although one piece of winning information is lost, the processing load on the CPU 311 can be reduced. Also, in the command correction process, instead of setting the award ball command corresponding to the maximum number of award balls, a smaller one of a plurality of types of award ball commands such as a three award ball command or a four award ball command is used. It may be configured to set a prize ball command corresponding to the number of prize balls.

  (18) In each of the above embodiments, when the prize ball command cannot be specified in the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, the prize ball number correction process is executed to store 15 prize balls in the prize ball storage area. 333a is stored, but this may be changed. For example, the award ball command that cannot be specified may not be stored in the number of award balls. In this case, although one prize ball command (winning information) is lost, the processing load on the CPU 311 can be reduced. In addition, instead of storing the maximum number of prize balls in the prize ball number correction processing, the configuration may be such that the smaller number of prize balls among a plurality of types of prize balls, such as three or four, is stored. .

  (19) In the first embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 may be configured to execute only one of the input mask processing and the payout mask processing. However, in order to manage the information stored in the number-of-prize-balls storage area 333a well, it is preferable that at least the payout mask processing is executed.

  (20) In the second embodiment, when the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 cannot identify the prize ball command from the winning information stored in the winning storing ring buffer 313a, the CPU 311 executes the first embodiment. The configuration may be such that the command correction process in the embodiment is executed.

  (21) The invention relating to the payout of game balls in each of the above embodiments may be applied to a gaming machine which does not include the payout control board 322 and executes drive control of the payout device 224 by the main control board 301. In this case, the RAM 313 of the main control board 301 has a winning storage ring buffer 313a and a prize ball number storage area 333a.

  The invention relating to the payout of gaming balls in each of the above embodiments may be applied to a gaming machine in which electric signals of the winning port sensor 152, the count sensor 153, and the operating port sensor 154 are output to the payout control board 322. In this case, the prize ball command is not output from the main control board 301 to the payout control board 322, and the processing relating to the payout of the game balls is completed in the payout control board 322. It has a winning storage ring buffer 313a and a prize ball number storage area 333a.

  (22) In the first embodiment, when a full prize information is stored in the storage area of the prize storage ring buffer 313a after the full notification (or the no-ball notification) is performed, the abnormality notification is performed. It may be configured to start. In this case, the frequency at which the abnormality notification is performed may be increased more than necessary, but the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when a full prize ball command is stored in the storage area of the prize ball storage ring buffer 333b after the full notification (or no-ball notification) is executed, the abnormality notification is performed. May be started. In this case, although the frequency of performing the abnormality notification may increase more than necessary, the timing at which the abnormality notification is started can be made earlier than in the second embodiment.

  (23) In the above embodiments, not only the winning information but also other information may be stored in the storage area of the winning storage ring buffer 313a. In the second embodiment, not only the award ball command but also other commands may be stored in the storage area of the award ball storage ring buffer 333b.

  (24) In each of the above embodiments, the sound lamp control device 143 controls the display control device 325, but instead, the display control device 325 may control the sound lamp control device 143. . Further, a single control device having both functions of the sound lamp control device 143 and the display control device 325 may be provided.

  (25) In each of the above embodiments, the information on the number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a, and the stored value is subtracted every time a game ball is paid out. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  (26) In the above embodiments, the main control board 301 may have a function of only the main control circuit 302 by providing the power failure monitoring device separately from the main control device 162.

  (27) Instead of the configuration in which the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 executes the interrupt processing at the time of input, whether or not a command is input from the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 is included in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 30 or FIG. 49). In addition to monitoring, a command storage process or the like may be executed.

  (28) In the first embodiment, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 may be configured not to output a power failure command. In this case, since the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 does not input the power failure command, it is not necessary to execute the power failure flag storage process (Step S902) and the power failure process (Steps S1007 to S1009). In this configuration, in the main process (FIG. 29) of the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, a configuration in which interruption permission is repeatedly set in step S <b> 1007 instead of determining whether or not the power failure flag is stored is executed. It may be.

  (29) In the first embodiment, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 requests the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 to output a prize ball command by outputting a request command. By outputting a request signal including information of “0” or “1”, the CPU 311 of the main control board 301 may be requested to output a prize ball command. In this case, the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 continues to output the request signal when the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 333a has reached “3” or less as the request reference number, The output of the request signal may be stopped when the award ball command is input or when the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 333a exceeds the required reference number.

  (30) In the first embodiment, when the number of winning information stored in the winning storage ring buffer 313a becomes “100” or more, the abnormality notification is started, and when the number becomes smaller than “100”. Although the abnormality notification is configured to end, this may be changed. For example, when the number of prize information stored in the prize storage ring buffer 313a reaches the notification start reference number, the abnormality notification is started, and the notification end reference number which is smaller than the notification start reference number is reached. May be configured to end the abnormality notification. In this case, the number of prize information that triggers the start of the abnormality notification is different from the number of prize information that triggers the end, so that the start and end of the abnormality notification can be prevented from being repeated in a short period of time. Become. Note that this configuration may be applied in the second embodiment.

  (31) Instead of storing only a part of the number of prize balls for winning in the prize ball storage area 333a of the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322, the total prize ball number is stored in the prize ball storage area 333a. Is also good. In this configuration, the total number of prize balls stored in the number-of-prize-balls storage area 333a is smaller than the maximum storable number (eg, 255) of the prize-ball number storage area 333a (for example, 100). By executing the abnormality notification when the number has reached, it becomes possible to urge the player or the like to take some action before the information on the number of prize balls for winning is invalidated.

  (32) In the above embodiments, the ring buffer is provided as the individual storage means, but this may be changed. For example, a plurality of storage areas are provided as individual storage means, and a storage area in which any one of the storage areas is set as a read area is provided, and the storage area is stored in each storage area every time information is read. The information stored in the area may be sequentially shifted to the reading area side.

  (33) In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 including the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34 as the outer storage units, but instead includes a single outer storage unit. The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine. In this case, the full detection sensor 59 is provided so as to detect whether or not the single outer storage section is full, and restricts the payout of game balls when it is specified that the outer storage section is full. To do.

  (34) Other types of pachinko machines, such as pachinko machines, which are different from the above embodiments, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific region of a special device, or a game ball in a specific region of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a right enters and a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball and the like.

  In addition, a game machine that is not a ball-and-ball type, for example, includes a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are provided in a circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reels by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols has been established on the activated line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, a bonus such as payout of medals is provided to the player. The present invention can be applied to a slot machine. In particular, it is more effective to apply the present invention to a slot machine capable of starting the next game round even when the payout of medals is not completed.

  A pachinko machine, a slot machine, and a slot machine, comprising a capturing device, and starting rotation of the reel by operating a start lever after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capturing device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which is integrated. In particular, it is more effective to apply the present invention to a gaming machine capable of starting the next game round even when the payout of game balls has not been completed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 34 ... Lower plate, 81 ... Gaming board, 82 ... General winning opening, 83 ... Variable winning device, 84 ... Working opening, 162 ... Main control device, 221 ... Tank, 224 ... Payout device 242 payout control device, 301 main control board, 311 CPU, 312 ROM, 312a winning table storage area, 313 RAM, 313a winning ring buffer, 321a power supply unit for power-on, 321c Power supply unit for power interruption 322 Payout control board 324 Audio lamp control board 331 CPU CPU 332 ROM 332a Prize ball table storage area 333 RAM RAM 333a Prize ball number storage area 333b ... Ring buffer for storing award balls, 341, CPU, RA1 to RA256, storage areas.

Claims (1)

A payout means for paying out game media,
Specifying storage means for storing specifying information used in specifying the number of game media to be paid out,
Drive control means for driving and controlling the payout means to pay out the number of game media specified based on the specifying information,
An outer storage unit that stores the game medium paid out from the payout unit,
A gaming machine comprising:

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