JP2020073068A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To give a plurality of functions to a control means at an instruction reception side while improving a configuration relating to a communication between a control means at an instructing side and the control means at the instruction reception side.SOLUTION: A sub-MPU 82 determines contents of a performance for a predetermined period based on a command from a main control device, and performs emission control following the contents to various kinds of emission parts 44a-44k. The sub-MPU 82 also performs sound output instruction to a sound output LSI 86 via a bus B1 in line with the contents of a determined performance, and allows the sound output LSI 86 to perform output control of sound from a speaker part 45. In this case, emission data are stored also in a common ROM 87, and a state in that the sub-MPU 82 accesses the sound output LSI 86 via the bus B1 for performing a sound output instruction and a state for accessing the sound output LSI 86 via the bus B1 to transmit the emission data are switched through signal output by the sub-MPU 82.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. In these gaming machines, as a result of the game played by the player, when the condition for paying out the game medium is satisfied, the payout device is used to pay out the game medium to the player. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, there is one that includes a symbol display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols on the display surface, and the variable display of symbols is started when a ball enters a predetermined operating port provided in the game area. It In addition, a winning lottery is performed at the time of entering the working opening, and at the time of winning, a display to that effect is displayed on the symbol display device, the predetermined winning opening is opened, and the number of balls entering the predetermined winning opening. The number of game balls corresponding to is paid out using the payout device. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-6412, A

  Here, it is necessary to optimize the management of the game medium in the gaming machine as exemplified above, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-illustrated circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can contribute to the optimization of management of a game medium.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a main control means for outputting payout command information,
A payout control means for driving and controlling the payout means so as to pay out the game medium when the main control means outputs the payout command information;
A power supply during power cut, which supplies power during power cut to the storage means of the main control means,
Equipped with
The payout control means,
Means for outputting predetermined information to the outside of the gaming machine when the number of paid-out game media reaches a reference number defined as a plurality of numbers;
Means for outputting specific information to the main control means each time a game medium is paid out from the payout means,
Means for outputting completion information to the main control means when the predetermined information is output to the outside of the gaming machine,
Equipped with
The main control means,
By updating the information in the specific storage area of the storage means based on the output of the specific information, means for measuring the number of times the specific information is output,
A means for updating the information in the specific storage area so that, when the completion information is input, the value corresponding to the reference number is subtracted from the value of the number of times the specific information is output,
Means for outputting to the payout control means corresponding information corresponding to the information stored in the specific storage area based on the start of the supply of the operating power,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it becomes possible to contribute to the optimization of management of game media.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main composition of a pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a configuration of a game board. (A), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content on the display surface of a symbol display device. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a passage structure formed inside the dispensing device. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning or winning. It is a flow chart which shows the main processing performed by the master MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in the main side MPU. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration relating to the payout of gaming balls. It is a flowchart which shows the input state monitoring process performed by the main MPU. It is a flow chart which shows winning a prize monitoring processing performed in the master side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal monitoring process performed by the main side MPU. It is a flow chart which shows payout output processing performed in the master side MPU. It is a flow chart which shows the main processing performed by the paying-out side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in the delivery side MPU. It is a flow chart which shows a prize sphere setting processing performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control process performed in the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal setting process performed by the payout side MPU. It is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of an electric configuration of a game hall in which a large number of pachinko machines are installed. (A) It is a front view of the external terminal board provided in the pachinko machine, and (b) is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the external terminal board. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process of the payment side performed in the payment side MPU. It is a timing chart showing a state of outputting a prize ball completion signal executed by the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure information storage process performed in the main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the command interruption process performed in the delivery side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the fraction interruption process performed in the payout side MPU. It is a timing chart showing a state of processing during a power failure. 7 is a flowchart showing a power-on setting process executed by the main MPU. It is a flow chart which shows payout control processing performed with a payout side MPU in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows the input state monitoring processing performed by the main side MPU in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the one award ball completion signal monitoring process performed in the main side MPU. It is a timing chart which shows a mode of the output of the one prize ball completed signal which is executed by the payout side MPU. 11 is a flowchart showing a power-on setting process executed by the main MPU in the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure regarding the payout of the game ball in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the input state monitoring process performed in the main side MPU in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the one award ball completion signal monitoring process performed by the main side MPU in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball completion signal monitoring process performed by the main MPU.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in a developed manner. Note that, in FIG. 2, for convenience, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending device (for example, a CR unit) Y is provided on the side of the outer frame 11. A card insertion slot H is provided on the front side of the ball lending device Y, so that by inserting a card into the card insertion slot H, the player can receive as many game balls as the amount of money stored in the card. Is becoming It should be noted that what is inserted into the ball lending device Y when the game ball is lent is not limited to a card, and may be cash or a coin in which cash information is stored.

  The gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 arranged behind the inner frame 13. An inner frame 13 of the gaming machine body 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward when the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side when viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and the front door frame 14 can be turned forward in a front view with the left side being a rotation base end side and the right side being a rotation tip side. It is said that. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and the back pack unit 15 is turned rearward when viewed from the front with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation front end side. It is possible to move.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at its pivoting front end, and the gaming machine main body 12 is locked to the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. And has a function of locking the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 such that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation on the cylinder lock 17 exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 using an unlocking key.

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

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

  Here, the configuration of the game board 24 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 24.

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

  When a ball enters the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper working opening 33 and the lower working opening 34, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) arranged on the back side of the game board 24, Based on the detection result, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In this case, when a ball enters the upper working opening 33 and a ball enters the lower working opening 34, three prize balls are paid out, and the ball entering the general winning opening 31 is When it occurs, the payout of 10 prize balls is executed, and when the incident of the ball into the variable winning device 32 occurs, the payout of 15 prize balls is executed. However, the number of these award balls is arbitrary, for example, the number of award balls associated with the lower operating port 34 is larger than the number of award balls associated with the upper operating port 33. It may be different. In addition, the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 32 is not limited to a configuration in which the number of prize balls is larger than the number of other prize balls. For example, the number may be smaller than the number of prize balls related to the general winning opening 31.

  In addition, an outlet 37 is provided at the bottom of the game board 24, and game balls that have not entered various winning openings are discharged from the game area through the outlet 37. Further, on the game board 24, a large number of nails 38 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as a wind turbine are arranged.

  Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and not only the aspect of being discharged from the game area after passing through the opening, but also discharging from the game area after passing through the opening. The mode which is not performed is also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the outlet 37, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper working opening 33, the lower working opening 34, or the through gate 35 Entering a game ball is also referred to as winning.

  The upper working port 33 and the lower working port 34 are unitized as a working port device and installed on the game board 24. Both the upper working port 33 and the lower working port 34 are open upward. Further, both the operation ports 33 and 34 are arranged in the vertical direction so that the upper operation port 33 faces upward. The lower working port 34 is provided with an electric accessory 34a as a guide piece composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces.

  The electric accessory 34a is connected to an electric accessory driving unit 34b mounted on the back side of the game board 24, and is driven by the electric accessory driving unit 34b to be placed in either a closed state or an open state. .. In the closed state of the electric accessory 34a, the game ball cannot enter the lower working port 34, and when the electric accessory 34a is in the open state, the winning of the lower working port 34 becomes possible.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this, and a state in which a game ball is easily won into the lower working opening 34 and a state in which a prize is less likely to occur than a state in which the prize is not impossible but the above winning is likely to occur are electrically driven. The accessory 34a may be switched. Alternatively, the electric accessory 34a may be omitted, and switching between a state in which a prize is more likely to occur and a state in which a prize is less likely to occur may be performed by the displacement of the lower working port 34 itself.

  The variable winning device 32 has a big winning opening (not shown) that leads to the back side of the game board 24, and an opening / closing door 32a that opens and closes the big winning opening. The open / close door 32a is connected to a variable winning award driving section integrally provided as the variable winning a prize device 32, and is driven by the variable winning award driving section to be arranged in either a closed state or an open state. Specifically, normally, the game balls are in a closed state in which they cannot win, and when the internal lottery wins the transition to the open / close execution mode, the game balls can be switched to an open state in which they can win. By the way, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode to be switched to when a big hit or a special failure occurs. It should be noted that in the closed state, the winning is not impossible, but the winning state may be less likely to occur than in the open state.

  In the main display portion 43, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34 as a trigger, and as a result of the stop of the variable display, the winning of the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34 is achieved. The result of the internal lottery performed based on this is clearly displayed. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the winning of the upper working opening 33 and the winning of the lower working opening 34 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and the winning is performed based on the winning of the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34. The result of the extracted internal lottery is clearly shown on the main display section 43 which is a common display area. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the upper operation opening 33 or the lower operation opening 34 is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the main display portion 43. After it is displayed and the variable display is stopped, the mode is changed to the open / close execution mode.

  The main display section 43 is composed of a segment display in which a plurality of segment light emitting sections are arranged in a predetermined manner, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, It may be constituted by another type of display device such as a CRT or a dot matrix display. In addition, as the pattern variably displayed on the main display unit 43, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, or a plurality of types A configuration in which the colors of the seeds are switched and displayed can be considered.

  In the accessory display unit 44, the variable display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the through gate 35 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35 is displayed as the stop result of the variable display. It is specified by the display. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the through gate 35 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric role open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display unit 44 and the variable display is displayed. After the power supply is stopped, the state changes to the electric power release state. In the electric role open state, the electric accessory 34a provided in the lower operation port 34 is opened in a predetermined manner.

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

  In the symbol display device 41, the variable display of symbols is started based on the winning of the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34. That is, when the variable display is performed on the main display section 43, the variable display is performed on the symbol display device 41 accordingly.

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

  Although illustration is omitted, the symbol, which is a kind of the symbol, is composed of nine types of main symbols to which the numbers “1” to “9” are respectively attached, and a sub symbol composed of a shell-shaped symbol. .. More specifically, the numbers of "1" to "9" are respectively added to nine types of character designs such as octopus to constitute the main design.

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

  That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol column Z2, nine kinds of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and then between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1". The main symbols of "4" are additionally arranged, and one sub-symbol is arranged between these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and configured by 20 symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, on the display surface G, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It is like this. Further, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5 are set on the display surface G.

  When an effect for game play is performed on the display surface G based on the winning of the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34, the symbols in each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scrolled in a predetermined direction with periodicity. The variable display starts at. Then, the variable display is switched from the variable display to the standby display in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and finally the predetermined symbol is statically displayed in each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 for game play. Production is finished.

  In addition, when the production for game time ends, if it is a game time corresponding to the occurrence of a high-precision jackpot result described later, a combination of symbols with the same odd number is formed on one of the activated lines. If it is a game time corresponding to the occurrence of a low-probability jackpot result described later, a combination of symbols with the same even number attached to any of the activated lines is formed. The contents of each jackpot result will be described later.

  It should be noted that, based on the winning in one of the operation ports 33, 34, the variable display is started on the main display section 43 and the symbol display device 41, and a predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display is stopped. It is equivalent to one game.

  Further, the manner of variable display of the symbols in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above, but is arbitrary, and the number of symbol columns, the direction of variable display of symbols in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be changed as appropriate. Further, the picture variably displayed on the picture display device 41 is not limited to the above-mentioned picture, and for example, only numbers may be variably displayed as the picture.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a first holding lamp portion 45 corresponding to the main display portion 43 and the symbol display device 41 is provided in the upper left portion on the front surface side of the center frame 42. The maximum number of game balls winning the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34 is 4 and the number of holding is displayed by turning on the first holding lamp unit 45.

  A second holding lamp section 46 corresponding to the accessory display section 44 is provided in the upper right portion of the center frame 42. The number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 35 is reserved up to four times, and the number of reservations is displayed by turning on the second suspension lamp section 46. The function of each of the holding lamps 45 and 46 may be achieved by the display in a partial area of the symbol display device 41.

  An inner rail portion 48 and an outer rail portion 49 are attached to the game board 24, and the inner rail portion 48 and the outer rail portion 49 constitute a guide rail, and the game launched from the game ball launching mechanism 51. The ball is guided to the upper part of the game area. As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball launching mechanism 51 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21, and is stored in a launching rail 52 extending toward the guide rail and an upper plate 61a described later. It is provided with a ball feeding device 53 that supplies the game ball onto the launch rail 52, and a solenoid 54 that is an electric actuator that launches the game ball supplied onto the launch rail 52 toward the guide rail. By operating the firing handle 55 provided on the front door frame 14, the solenoid 54 is drive-controlled, and the game ball is fired.

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

  Around the window 56, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. A display lamp portion 58 is provided above the window portion 56 as a part of various lamp portions. Further, speaker units 59 are provided on both left and right sides of the display lamp unit 58 to output a sound effect or the like according to the gaming state.

  Below the window portion 56 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 61 and a lower bulging portion 62 that bulge toward the front side are arranged in parallel vertically. An upper plate 61a that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging part 61, and a lower plate 62a that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging part 62. The upper plate 61a has a function of temporarily storing the game balls paid out from the payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism 51 side while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower plate 62a has a function of storing game balls that have become redundant in the upper plate 61a.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back surface of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24), a main control device 71 which controls the main control of the game, and a voice and lamp display and a display control device (not shown) are controlled. A voice light emission control device 72 that controls the device is installed.

  The board box 71a of the main controller 71 may be provided with a trace means for leaving a trace of the opening or a trace structure for leaving a trace of the opening. Examples of the trace means include a configuration of a coupling portion (caulking portion) that requires a plurality of case bodies that form the substrate box 71a to be non-separably coupled and that requires a predetermined portion to be broken during the separation, and an adhesive layer to which the adhesive layer adheres when peeled off. It is conceivable that a sealing sticker that leaves a trace that it has been peeled off by being left behind is attached so as to straddle the boundary between a plurality of case bodies. In addition, as the trace structure, a configuration in which an adhesive is applied to the boundaries between the plurality of case bodies that form the substrate box 71a can be considered. In addition, you may provide such a trace structure in the board | substrate box of the payout control apparatus 78 mentioned later.

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

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

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

  The game ball passage 77c leads to a game ball outlet 77d formed at the lower end of the housing 77a, and the game balls entered from the game ball inlet 77b flow down one by one toward the game ball outlet 77d. In the middle part of the game ball passage 77c, there is provided an accommodating portion whose passage width is widened to the left and right, and the rotating body 77e is accommodated in the accommodating portion. The center of the rotating body 77e is fixed to the output shaft 77f of the payout motor. Further, on the peripheral edge of the rotating body 77e, recesses 77g are formed at two positions at 180 ° intervals. When the game ball flowing down the game ball passage 77c reaches the concave portion 77g of the rotating body 77e, the game ball is led to the downstream side as the rotating body 77e rotates.

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

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

  The game ball paid out from the payout device 77 is discharged to the upper plate 61a or the lower plate 62a through a payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 77. The payout mechanism 74 is supplied with a main power of, for example, 24 V AC, and is equipped with a back pack substrate having a power switch for performing ON and OFF operations of the power.

  The control device gathering unit 75 is a payout control device 78 having a function of controlling the payout device 77, a predetermined electric power required by various control devices and the like is generated and output, and a game accompanying the operation of the firing handle 55 by the player. And a launch control device 79 for controlling the launch of the ball. The payout control device 78 and the power supply / launch control device 79 are arranged in front of and behind each other so that the payout control device 78 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack 73 is provided with an external terminal board 81 in addition to the payout mechanism section 74 and the control device assembly unit 75. The external terminal board 81 is installed on the back corner of the back pack unit 15 on the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 and in the upper corner portion. The external terminal board 81 is a board for outputting a predetermined signal so that the hall computer in the game hall can recognize the state of the pachinko machine 10. Details of the external terminal board 81 will be described later.

<Electrical structure of the pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

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

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

  Further, various sensors such as various prize detection sensors 96a to 96e are connected to the input side of the MPU 92. The various winning detection sensors 96a to 96e are provided one-to-one with respect to the winning-corresponding ball portions such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper working opening 33, the lower working opening 34, and the through gate 35. A sensor is included, and the MPU 92 determines the winning of each ball. Further, in the MPU 92, various kinds of lottery are executed based on the winning of the upper working opening 33 and the lower working opening 34.

  A power failure monitoring board 95, a payout control device 78, and a sound emission control device 72 are connected to the output side of the MPU 92. To the payout control device 78, for example, a prize ball command is output based on the result of the winning determination to the winning-compatible winning portion. Various commands such as a variation command, a type command, and an opening command are output to the sound emission control device 72.

  In addition, on the output side of the MPU 92, a variable winning a prize driving unit 32c that opens and closes the opening and closing door 32a of the variable winning device 32, an electric auditors product driving unit 34b that opens and closes an electric auditors product 34a of the lower working opening 34, and a main display unit. 43 and the accessory display portion 44 are connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 91, and the MPU 92 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the open / close execution mode, the MPU 92 executes drive control of the variable winning drive unit 32c so that the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed. When the electric accessory 34a is in the open state, the MPU 92 controls the driving of the electric accessory driving unit 34b so that the electric accessory 34a is opened and closed. Further, at each game time, the display control of the main display unit 43 is executed in the MPU 92. Further, in the case of clearly indicating a lottery result indicating whether or not to open the electric accessory 34a, the display control of the accessory display unit 44 is executed in the MPU 92.

  The power failure monitoring board 95 relays between the main control board 91 and the power supply and firing control device 79, and also monitors the voltage of DC stable 24 V which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and firing control device 79. The payout control device 78 controls the payout of prize balls or loan balls by the payout device 77 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 71.

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

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

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

  The MPU 92 uses various counter information at the time of playing a game, and performs jackpot occurrence lottery, setting of display of the main display unit 43, setting of symbol display of the symbol display device 41, setting of display of the accessory display unit 44, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot occurrence lottery, the jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 41 are displaced. Reach random number counter C3 used for the reach generation lottery, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the variation type counter for determining the display duration time in the main display portion 43 and the pattern display device 41. CS and will be used. Further, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery for determining whether or not the electric accessory 34a of the lower operation port 34 is in the power release state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the RAM 94.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 94. Of these, in the lottery counter buffer, the information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is acquired in the RAM 94 when a win is generated in the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area provided as a storage means.

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

  In this case, in the first holding area RE1 to the fourth holding area RE4, when the winnings to the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34 occur successively a plurality of times, the first holding area RE1 → the second holding area RE1. Numerical information is stored in time series in the order of RE2 → third holding area RE3 → fourth holding area RE4. Since the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 are provided in this manner, the winning history of the game balls to the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34 can be held and stored up to a maximum of four. In addition, the holding area RE is provided with a holding number storage area NA, and in order to specify the number of holding-stored winning history to the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34 in the holding number storage area NA. Information is stored.

  Note that the number that can be reserved and stored is not limited to four, and may be any number, and may be another number such as two, three, or five or more, or may be a single number.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each numerical value information stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display of the main display portion 43, and at the start of one game time. Is judged on the basis of various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

  Each of the above counters will be described in detail.

  The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured so that, for example, it is sequentially incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 599, reaches a maximum value, and then returns to 0. 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 599). The big hit random number counter C1 is regularly updated and is stored in the reserved ball storage area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34.

  The value of the random number that wins the jackpot is stored in the ROM 93 as a win / loss table. As the win / loss table, a win / loss table for the low probability mode and a win / loss table for the high probability mode are set. In other words, in the pachinko machine 10, the low-probability mode and the high-probability mode are set as the lottery modes in the winning / winning lottery means.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be sequentially incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 29, and after reaching the maximum value, returns to 0. The jackpot type counter C2 is regularly updated and is stored in the reserved ball storage area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34.

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

  The low-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win / loss lottery mode becomes the low-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode. However, the high frequency support mode ends when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically 100 times) after the shift, and shifts to the low frequency support mode. The high-probability jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the win / loss lottery mode becomes the high-probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode.

  The open / close execution mode is a mode in which a round game is played 15 times. A round game is a game that continues until one of the following conditions is satisfied: a predetermined upper limit duration elapses, and a predetermined upper limit number of game balls wins the variable winning device 32. That is. The upper limit duration is set to 29 sec, and the upper limit number is set to 9. In each round game, the variable winning device 32 is opened only once, but the opening may be performed a plurality of times.

  In the pachinko machine 10, when the firing handle 55 is operated by the player, the game ball firing mechanism 51 is drive-controlled so that one game ball is fired toward the game area in 0.6 sec. .. Then, in each round game, the upper limit duration time longer than the product of the firing cycle of the game ball and the upper limit number of one round game is set. Therefore, in each round game, it can be expected that the variable winning device 32 will win the upper limit number of prizes in one round game.

  The support mode is a mode in which the frequency at which the electric accessory 34a of the lower working port 34 is opened per unit time is made different, and the high frequency support mode is set so that the frequency becomes relatively high or low. Low frequency support mode is set.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability that the electric role open state wins in the electric role open lottery using the electric role open counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 4/5). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 34a is in the open state when the electric-role open state is won is set to be larger than in the low-frequency support mode, and one more opening is performed. The time is set long. In this case, in the high-frequency support mode, the electric power open state is won, and in the case where the electric accessory 34a is opened a plurality of times, it is closed from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state. The time is set shorter than one opening time. Further, in the high frequency support mode, as compared with the low frequency support mode, a short time as a minimum secured time is required for performing the next electric accessory release lottery after one electric accessory release lottery is performed. It is set to be selected.

  As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize in the lower working opening 34 is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning a prize in the upper working opening 33 is higher than in the lower working opening 34, but in the high frequency support mode, the winning in the lower working opening 34 is higher than that in the upper working opening 33. The probability of winning a prize increases. Then, when a prize is given to the lower working opening 34, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays the game while not reducing the number of balls that he holds. be able to.

  In addition, the configuration for increasing the frequency of being in the electric role open state per unit time in the high frequency support mode is lower than that in the low frequency support mode, and is not limited to the above-mentioned one. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the probability of winning the electric role open state in is increased. In addition, a secured time that is secured when the next electric accessory release lottery is performed after one electric accessory release lottery is performed (for example, on the accessory display unit 44 based on the winning of the through gate 35). In a configuration in which multiple types of variable display time) are prepared, the high-frequency support mode is set so that a shorter securing time is easier to select or the average securing time is shorter than in the low-frequency support mode. It may have been done. Furthermore, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is increased, and the securing time that is secured when the next electric accessory release lottery is performed after one electric accessory release lottery is performed (that is, , Shortening the one-time variable display time on the accessory display unit 44), shortening the average time of the securing time and increasing the winning probability, any one condition or a condition of any combination is applied. By doing so, the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode may be increased.

  The reach random number counter C3 is configured such that the reach random number counter C3 is incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The reach random number counter C3 is regularly updated and is stored in the reserved ball storage area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working opening 33 or the lower working opening 34.

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

  In the reach display, by stopping and displaying the symbols for some of the symbol columns displayed on the display surface of the symbol display device 41, a combination of jackpot symbols may be established. A display state is included in which a combination is displayed, and in that state, the symbols are variably displayed in the remaining symbol columns. In addition, while displaying the combination of reach symbols as described above, while performing variable display of the symbols in the remaining symbol columns, and displaying the predetermined character or the like as a moving image in the background image, the reach effect is performed. , A combination of reach patterns is reduced or hidden, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on substantially the entire display surface to provide a reach effect.

  The reach display is executed irrespective of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game game corresponding to the jackpot result. Further, in the game times corresponding to the out-of-range result, the reach table stored in the ROM 93 is referred to, and the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing corresponds to the occurrence of the reach display. That is, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is used to determine whether or not the reach display is executed. However, when determining the type of reach display, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is not used.

  The fluctuation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 198, for example, and then returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used when the MPU 92 determines the display duration time on the main display portion 43 and the symbol display duration time on the symbol display device 41. The variation type counter CS is updated in each of the timer interrupt processing described later, and the value of the variation type counter CS when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation display on the main display portion 43 and at the start of the variation of the symbol by the symbol display device 41. Is obtained. When determining the display duration, the display duration table stored in advance in the display duration table storage area of the ROM 93 is referred to.

  Here, when it is decided to generate the reach display based on the numerical value information acquired from the reach random number counter C3, or the reach display may be generated due to the game time of shifting to the open / close execution mode. When it is determined, the type of reach display is determined using the numerical value information acquired from the variation type counter CS. Each reach display differs in the type of character that appears in the reach display, the period in which the reach display is executed, and the like.

  The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured so that, for example, it is sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, and then returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric accessory holding area provided in the RAM 94 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 34a in the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4.

<Various processes executed by main controller 71>
Next, each process executed by the MPU 92 in the main controller 71 to advance a game will be described. The processing of the MPU 92 is roughly classified into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on and a timer interrupt processing that is started regularly (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 4 msec).

<Main processing>
First, the main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S101, power-on wait processing is executed. In the power-on wait process, for example, the process waits for 1 sec after the main process is started without proceeding to the next process. In subsequent step S102, access to the RAM 94 is permitted, and in step S103, the internal function register of the main MPU 92 is set.

  Then, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erasing switch provided in the power supply and firing control device 79 is manually operated. In the following step S105, the power failure flag of the main RAM 94 is set to "1". It is determined whether or not there is. In step S106, a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum is executed. In the following step S107, it is determined whether or not the checksum matches the checksum saved at the time of power-off, that is, the validity of the stored and held data. ..

  In the pachinko machine 10, when the RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, when the game hall is opened, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch is pressed, the process proceeds to step S108. Also, when the power-off occurrence information is not set, or when an abnormality in the stored and held data is confirmed by the checksum, the process similarly proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the RAM 94 is cleared as initialization of the RAM 94. Then, it progresses to step S109.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch is not pressed, the power failure flag is set to "1" and the checksum is normal, and the process of step S108 is not executed, and step S109 is performed. Proceed to. In step S109, power-on setting processing is executed. The details of the power-on setting process will be described later.

  After that, the process proceeds to the residual process of steps S110 to S113. That is, although the MPU 92 is configured to periodically execute the timer interrupt process, a residual time is generated between one timer interrupt process and the next timer interrupt process. This remaining time will vary depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt processing, but the remaining processing of steps S110 to S113 is repeatedly executed using this irregular time. In this respect, it can be said that the residual process of steps S110 to S113 is an irregular process that is irregularly executed.

  In the residual processing, first, in step S110, interrupt prohibition is set in order to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing. In a succeeding step S111, a random number initial value updating process for updating the random number initial value counter CINI is executed, and at the same time, a fluctuation counter updating process for updating the fluctuation type counter CS is executed in step S112. In these update processes, the current numerical value information is read from the corresponding counter of the RAM 94, the process of adding 1 to the read numerical value information is executed, and then the process of overwriting the counter of the reading source is executed. In this case, when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to "0". After that, in step S113, an interrupt permission setting for switching from the state in which the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited to the state in which the timer interrupt processing is permitted is set. After executing the process of step S113, the process returns to step S110, and the processes of steps S110 to S113 are repeated.

<Timer interrupt processing>
Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, a hardware configuration for periodically executing the timer interrupt process in the MPU 92 will be described. A clock circuit is provided on the main control board 91 as a pulse signal output means for outputting a pulse signal at a predetermined cycle, and a frequency dividing circuit is provided so as to be present at an intermediate position of a signal path between the clock circuit and the MPU 92. Is provided.

  The frequency dividing circuit functions as a frequency changing unit that changes the period of the pulse signal from the clock circuit, and is configured to output a pulse signal for specifying the activation timing of the timer interrupt process by the MPU 92. That is, the pulse signal is supplied from the frequency dividing circuit to the MPU 92 at intervals of a specific cycle of 4 msec. The MPU 92 executes a process of confirming the occurrence of a specific signal form such as the rising or falling of the pulse signal, and activates and executes the timer interrupt process on the condition that the occurrence of the specific signal form is confirmed. To do.

  In this case, if the occurrence of the above specific signal form is confirmed in the situation where the activation of the timer interrupt processing is prohibited, the timer is activated when the interrupt is changed from the disabled state to the enabled state. Interrupt processing is started. That is, depending on the execution status of the process in the MPU 92, the next timer interrupt process may be started 4.1 msec after the previous timer interrupt process was started, and when such an event occurs, the next timer interrupt process is started. The timer interrupt process will be started 3.9 msec after the immediately preceding timer interrupt process is started.

  However, since the output of the pulse signal from the frequency dividing circuit is performed at a specific cycle of 4 msec regardless of the progress of processing in the MPU 92, the timer interrupt processing is basically started at a specific cycle. Furthermore, the processing configuration of the MPU 92 is such that even if the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined timing is started after a period exceeding a specific cycle has elapsed since the previous timer interrupt processing was started, the timing next to the predetermined timing is In the timer interrupt processing in, the amount exceeding the specific period is absorbed, and in the timer interrupt processing at the next timing, the timer interrupt processing is activated at the timing when the input of the pulse signal is confirmed.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, the power failure information storage process is executed in step S201. Details of the power failure information storage processing will be described later.

  In a succeeding step S202, lottery random number updating processing is executed. In the random number updating process for lottery, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, after the current numerical value information is sequentially read from the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4, and the read numerical value information is incremented by 1, respectively. , The process of overwriting the counter of the reading source is executed. In this case, when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to "0".

  After that, in step S203, the random number initial value updating process is executed as in step S111, and at the same time, the fluctuation counter updating process is executed in step S204 as in step S112. In a succeeding step S205, a game stop determination process is executed. In the game stop determination process, it is monitored whether or not the progress of the game should be stopped, and if the situation is such that the progress of the game should be stopped, the execution of the process for advancing the game is stopped.

  Then, in step S206, it is determined whether or not the progress of the game is stopped, and the processing of step S207 and the subsequent steps is executed on condition that the progress of the game is not stopped.

  In step S207, port output processing is executed. In the port output process, when the output information is set in the previous timer interrupt process, a process for outputting to the various drive units 32c and 34b is executed according to the output information. For example, when the information for switching the open / close door 32a to the open state is set, the output of the drive signal to the variable winning drive unit 32c is started, and when the information for switching the closed state is set, the information is set. Stop the output of the drive signal.

  In a succeeding step S208, a reading process is executed. In the reading process, signals other than the power failure signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in future processes.

  In a succeeding step S209, a winning detection process is executed. In the winning detection process, first, the through winning process associated with the winning of the through gate 35 is executed. In the winning process for through, when the winning to the through gate 35 has occurred, the number of stored accessory holdings stored in the electric hand holding area is less than the upper limit number (for example, “4”). Under the condition, the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 updated in step S202 is stored in the electric accessory holding area. Further, the sound emission control device 72 is subjected to a process for turning on the second holding lamp unit 46 corresponding to the number of stored accessory storages.

  After that, the winning process for the working opening is executed. In the winning process for the operating port, first, it is determined whether or not a winning is generated in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. When the winning is generated, it is determined whether or not the number of stored starting suspensions stored in the number of reserved storages NA of the reserved ball storage area is less than the upper limit value (for example, "4"). When the number of stored starting suspensions is less than the upper limit value, the number of stored starting suspensions is incremented by 1, and the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S202 is suspended. The information is stored in the holding area RE of the holding ball storage area as information. In this case, it is stored in the first holding area among the empty holding areas RE1 to RE4 of the holding area RE, that is, in the holding area corresponding to the current starting holding storage number. Further, the voice light emission control device 72 is subjected to a process for turning on the first holding lamp unit 45 corresponding to the number of starting hold storages.

  In a succeeding step S210, a timer updating process for collectively updating numerical information of a plurality of types of timer counters provided in the RAM 94 is executed. In this case, the configuration is such that the timer counters that are updated by subtracting the stored numerical value information are aggregated and handled, but both the subtraction timer counter update and the addition timer counter update are aggregated and performed. It may be configured.

  In a succeeding step S211, a fraud detection process for monitoring whether or not a predetermined event set as a fraudulent monitoring target has occurred is executed. In the fraud detection process, the occurrence of a plurality of types of events is monitored, and by confirming that a predetermined event has occurred, the game stop is set in step S205 in the next timer interrupt process, A positive determination is made in step S206.

  In a succeeding step S212, a firing control process for controlling the firing of the game ball is executed. In the situation where the firing operation is continued to the firing operation device 28, as described above, one game ball is fired at a predetermined firing cycle of 0.6 sec.

  In the following step S213, various processes are performed as the input state monitoring process based on the information read in the reading process of step S208. Details of the input state monitoring process will be described later.

  In a succeeding step S214, the contents of the command and the signal received from the payout control device 78 are confirmed, and a payout state receiving process for performing a process corresponding to the confirmation result is executed. In step S215, payout output processing for setting the prize ball command as an output target is executed. Details of the payout output process will be described later.

  When a positive determination is made in step S206, or after the processes of steps S207 to S215 are executed, the timer interrupt process ends.

<Electrical structure for paying out game balls>
Next, an electrical configuration and a processing configuration regarding payout of gaming balls will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 11, a power supply line is indicated by a double-line arrow and a signal line is indicated by a solid-line arrow.

  The main control board 91 is electrically connected to the payout control board 111 provided in the payout control device 78 using the connection unit 105. In this case, the connection unit 105 has a plurality of (for example, 14) electric wires (or signal lines) provided between a pair of connectors, and one of the pair of connectors is provided on the main control board 91. The connector 106 is detachably attached to the connector 106, and the other is detachably attached to the connector 107 provided on the payout control board 111. The connection unit 105 includes a command line that allows a command having a data amount of a plurality of bits to be transmitted in parallel from the main control board 91 to the payout control board 111, and from the main control board 91 through the command line. The command is transmitted to the payout control board 111. Further, the connection unit 105 includes various electric wirings for outputting signals from the payout control board 111 to the main control board 91, and various kinds of electric wirings are provided from the payout control board 111 to the main control board 91 through the various electric wires. Is transmitted.

  As described above, the payout control board 111 uses the payout device 77 to execute payout control of prize balls and the like. The MPU 112, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 113 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 112, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 114 that is used as a work memory and the like.

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

  The payout side MPU 112 is provided with an input / output port. On the input side of the payout side MPU 112, a main control board 91, a power supply / launch control board 121 provided in the power supply / launch control device 79, and a ball lending connection terminal board 125 provided in the back pack unit 15 are provided. It is connected. Further, the payout ball detection sensor 77h of the payout device 77 is electrically connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 112, and the number of game balls actually paid out toward the downstream side can be grasped. There is. On the other hand, the main control board 91 and the ball lending connection terminal board 125 are connected to the output side of the payout side MPU 112.

  The ball lending connection terminal plate 125 is a substrate for relaying the electrical connection between the payout control substrate 111 and the ball lending device Y. The payout side MPU 112 executes the control of the ball rental by inputting and outputting an electric signal with the ball lending device Y.

  As described above, the power supply / launch control board 121 generates operating power necessary for each of the main control board 91 and the payout control board 111 based on the external electric power supplied from the commercial power supply, and also generates the operation power. Supply the operating power. Specifically, the power supply / launch control board 121 is provided with a power supply unit 122 for powering on and a power supply unit 123 for powering off.

  The power-on unit for power-on 122 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like, and generates and generates operating power in a situation where external power is supplied from the commercial power source. It has a function of supplying operating power. The power source unit 123 for power interruption is composed of a capacitor, and is supplied from the power source unit 122 for power input when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is in the ON state (when power is being supplied from the external power source). Is charged by. Further, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the power-off state or in a power-off state (when the power supply from the external power source is cut off) such as when a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply, the power is cut off from the power supply unit 123 for power interruption. The memory holding power is supplied to the side RAM 94. Therefore, even in this situation, the information stored in the main RAM 94 is stored and held without being erased while the power for storage holding 123 is being supplied with the power for storage and storage.

  More specifically, the power from the power source unit 122 for power-on is supplied to the VCC terminal of the main MPU 92 and the VCC terminal of the payout MPU 112. In a situation where power is supplied from the external power supply by the power supplied to the VCC terminal, each MPU 92, 112 executes various control processes, and each RAM 94, 114 stores and retains information. Be seen.

  On the other hand, the electric power from the power supply unit 123 for power interruption is supplied to the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92, and is not supplied to the VBB terminal of the payout MPU 112. The VBB terminal is a terminal that enables power to be selectively supplied to the RAMs 94 and 114 when the power supply to the VCC terminal is cut off. In this case, as described above, the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92 is supplied with electric power from the power-supply-for-power-off unit 123, whereas the VBB terminal of the payout MPU 112 is not supplied with the electric power. The power from the hour power supply unit 123 is supplied to the main RAM 94, but is not supplied to the payout RAM 114.

  The VBB terminal of the payout side MPU 112 is grounded or not connected to any electric wiring. Further, instead of the configuration in which the power supplied to the VCC terminal in each of the MPUs 92 and 112 is supplied to both the calculation unit and the RAMs 94 and 114, the power supplied to the VCC terminal is supplied only to the calculation unit and VBB. Only the power supplied to the terminals may be supplied to the RAMs 94 and 114. In this case, in order to prevent the main power RAM 94 from being supplied with power for power interruption and the payout RAM 114 not to be supplied with power for power interruption as described above, the power supply unit 122 for power input is used. Power is supplied to the VCC terminal and the VBB terminal of the main side MPU 92, the power is supplied to the VCC terminal and the VBB terminal of the payout side MPU 112, and further, from the power supply unit 123 for power interruption. The electric power is supplied to the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92, but is not supplied to the VBB terminal of the payout MPU 112.

  A relatively large capacity of the power source unit 123 for power interruption is secured, and the information stored in the main RAM 94 before the power is shut off is retained within a predetermined period (for example, one day or two days). In this case, as described above, the power of the power supply unit 123 for power interruption is supplied to the main side RAM 94, but is not supplied to the payout side RAM 114, so that the payout side RAM 114 cannot be backed up. However, it is possible to reduce the required capacity of the power supply unit 123 for power interruption, and it is possible to reduce the cost of the pachinko machine 10.

The power supply unit for power interruption 123 is not limited to the capacitor, and may be a battery or a non-rechargeable battery. In the case of a non-rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to store electricity in the power supply unit for power interruption when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON, but it is necessary to replace it periodically. Further, the power supply / launch control board 121 is provided with a power supply unit for processing during a power failure (not shown) different from the power supply unit for power cut 123. In the power supply and launch control board 121, even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volt, the power is discharged from the power failure processing power supply unit for a sufficient time for executing the power failure processing described later. The output of 5 V, which is the drive power source for the control system, is maintained at a normal value. As a result, the main control board 91 and the like can normally execute and complete the power failure process.
<Processing configuration relating to payout of gaming balls and processing configuration in the main MPU 92>
Next, a processing configuration in the main MPU 92 regarding payout of game balls will be described. In the following description, the value of the counter area means the value of the counter area configured in bytes, which is virtually expressed in decimal.

<Input status monitoring process>
First, the input state monitoring process executed in step S213 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the input state monitoring process, first, in step S301, the prize winning monitoring process is executed. In the prize winning monitoring process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not a prize has been generated in one of the operation ports 33, 34. If a prize has been awarded to any one of the operation ports 33 and 34, the value of the three prize ball counters provided in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94 is incremented by 1 in step S402. To do. The three prize ball counter is for counting the number of times that the three prize ball command for instructing the payout side of the three game balls to the payout side MPU 112 should be output. In addition, within the range of one processing time of the normal processing, a prize for the upper working opening 33 and a prize for the lower working opening 34 may occur at the same time, so in the processing of steps S401 to S402, three prize balls There is a possibility that the process of incrementing the use counter by 1 is performed twice.

  When a negative determination is made in step S401, or after the processing of step S402 is executed, it is determined in step S403 whether or not a prize has been awarded to the general winning opening 31. If a prize has been paid to the general winning opening 31, in step S404, the value of the 10 prize ball counter provided in each prize ball counter 94a of the main RAM 94 is incremented by one. The counter for 10 prize balls is for counting the number of times that a 10 prize ball command for instructing the payout of 10 game balls to the payout side MPU 112 should be output.

  When a negative determination is made in step S403 or after the processing of step S404 is executed, it is determined in step S405 whether or not a prize has been awarded to the variable winning device 32. If a prize has been awarded to the variable winning device 32, then in step S406, 1 is added to the values of the 15 prize ball counters provided in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94. The 15 award ball counter is for counting the number of times that a 15 award ball command for instructing the payout side of the 15 game balls to the payout side MPU 112 should be output. When a negative determination is made in step S405, or after the processing of step S406 is executed, the main prize monitoring processing is ended.

  Returning to the description of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 12), after the prize monitoring process is executed in step S301, the payout abnormality signal monitoring process is executed in step S302. In the payout abnormality signal monitoring process, when the abnormality signal is input from the payout-side MPU 112, a payout abnormality command is output to the voice light emission control device 72 to execute the abnormality notification. It should be noted that the payout abnormality here includes a ball-free state of the tank 76 and the like, and the signal from the ball-free detection sensor for detecting whether the tank 76 is in the ball-free state is received by the payout side MPU 112. To be done.

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

  In a succeeding step S304, a main frame opening signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the gaming machine main body 12 is in an open state is executed. In the main frame opening signal monitoring process, when the main frame opening signal is received from the main frame opening switch provided in the inner frame 13, the main frame opening state command is output to the voice emission control device 72 to notify the main frame opening. To run.

  In a succeeding step S305, a front door frame open signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the front door frame 14 is in the open state is executed. In the front door frame opening signal monitoring process, when the front door frame opening signal is received from the front door frame opening switch provided in the front door frame 14, the front door frame opening state command is output to the voice emission control device 72. Then, the front door opening notification is executed.

  After that, after the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed in step S306, the present input state monitoring process is ended. Next, the prize ball permission signal monitoring processing in step S306 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

<Prize ball permission signal monitoring processing>
Here, in the pachinko machine 10, as described above, the power from the power-off time power supply unit 123 of the power supply / launch control board 121 is supplied to the main RAM 94 but not to the payout RAM 114. .. With this configuration, as described above, the capacity of the power supply unit 123 for power interruption can be reduced, and the cost of the pachinko machine 10 can be reduced accordingly.

  However, in the configuration, when the power supply from the external power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, all the information stored in the payout side RAM 114 is erased (destroyed). In this case, if all the information about the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 114 as in the conventional pachinko machine, power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10 in a situation where the number of unpaid prize balls is present. If it is stopped, all the unpaid prize balls will be erased without being paid out. Then, it causes a great disadvantage to the player.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, the unpaid prize ball information is basically stored in various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94, and the main MPU 92 inputs the prize ball permission signal from the payout MPU 112. If it is, the prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112. Then, in the payout-side MPU 112, the information about the number of prize balls stored in the prize-ball number storage area 114a of the payout-side RAM 114 is the maximum number of prize balls (15 prize balls) for one winning, which will be described later. The output start timing and the output stop timing of the prize ball permission signal are set so as to be the sum of the permission reference number. It should be noted that the number of permission standards is the minimum number of prize balls per winning or less. As a result, even if the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped in the situation where a large number of unpaid prize balls remain, the number of prize balls erased at that time can be minimized. That is, the prize ball permission signal is information output from the payout MPU 112 to the main MPU 92 in order to specify the output timing of the prize ball command in the main MPU 92.

  In the prize ball permission signal monitoring process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the prize ball permission signal is received. If the prize ball permission signal is received, it is determined in step S502 whether the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b provided in the main RAM 94 is "5" or more. The prize ball permission counter 94b is, when a prize ball permission signal is received, stored due to the fact that the payout side MPU 112 actually outputs the prize ball permission signal, noise, etc. This is for the main side MPU 92 to specify whether it is stored due to the cause.

  If the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is "5" or more, an affirmative decision is made in step S502, and the present prize ball permission signal monitoring processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is less than "5", a negative determination is made in step S502, and the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is incremented by 1, and then the present prize ball permission signal monitoring process is ended.

  Here, since the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, its execution cycle is about 4 msec. Therefore, when the payout side MPU 112 outputs the prize sphere permission signal and the value of the prize sphere permission counter 94b is less than "5", the value of the prize sphere permission counter 94b is incremented by 1 at a cycle of about 4 msec. .. Further, when the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is equal to or greater than “5” even in the situation where the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 is continued by executing the process of step S502. In addition, the process of adding the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is not executed.

  When a negative determination is made in step S502, the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is cleared to "0" in step S504, and then this prize ball permission signal monitoring process is ended. That is, in a situation where the payout side MPU 112 does not output the prize ball permission signal, the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is maintained at "0".

<Payout output process>
Next, the payout output process executed in step S215 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The payout output process is a process for outputting various commands from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112.

  In the payout output process, first in step S601, it is determined whether or not the state of the front door frame 14 has changed. If the state of the front door frame 14 has changed, after outputting the front door frame open command or the front door frame close command to the payout side MPU 112 in step S602, depending on the side where the state change has occurred. This payout output process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step S601, the operation proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether the front door frame 14 is open. When the front door frame 14 is open, the main payout output process is ended as it is. When the front door frame 14 is closed, it is determined in step S604 whether or not the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b of the main RAM 94 is "5" as the output permission reference number.

  Here, as described above, the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is about 4 msec when the payout side MPU 112 outputs the prize ball permission signal and the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is less than "5". One is added in the cycle. The value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is cleared to "0" when the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 is stopped. Therefore, in step S604, it is determined whether or not the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 has continued to reach 20 msec as the output permission continuation period.

  When the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is not "5", the main payout output process is ended as it is. When the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is "5", in step S605, three prize ball counters, 10 prize ball counters and 15 prizes in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94 are displayed. It is determined whether or not any value of the ball counter is 1 or more. When all the prize ball counter values are "0", the main payout output process is terminated.

  If the value of one of the prize ball counters is 1 or more, the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b of the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0" in step S606. After that, in step S607, after the prize ball command output process is executed, the main payout output process is ended.

  In the prize ball command output processing, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter for 15 prize balls is 1 or more, and if it is 1 or more, the 15 prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112. At the same time, 1 is subtracted from the value of the counter for 15 prize balls. When the value of the counter for 15 prize balls is "0", it is determined whether or not the value of the counter for 10 prize balls is 1 or more. The prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112 and the value of the counter for 10 prize balls is decremented by 1. When the value of the counter for 10 prize balls is "0", it is determined whether or not the value of the counter for 3 prize balls is 1 or more, and when it is 1 or more, 3 The prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112, and the value of the three prize ball counter is decremented by one.

  As described above, even if the main MPU 92 receives the prize ball permission signal, it does not immediately specify that the payout side MPU 112 has permitted the output of the prize ball command, and the output permission criterion set as a plurality of times. When the prize ball permission information is confirmed continuously for the number of times, that is, when the state where the prize ball permission signal is output for 20 msec which is the output permission reference period is confirmed, the prize ball command is output. Specify that it is permitted (specify that it is in the output permission state). Then, by specifying that the output of the prize ball command is permitted, the payout side MPU 112 outputs one prize ball command corresponding to one winning. By setting the output permission reference period in this way, as described above, when the prize ball permission signal is received, the payout side MPU 112 outputs the prize ball permission signal. The MPU 92 on the main side can specify whether it is received due to noise or due to noise or the like. Therefore, when the prize ball permission signal is received due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the prize ball command from being output thereto.

  In particular, as will be described later, the award ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 cannot store the award ball number exceeding a predetermined maximum reference number. In this case, when the prize ball permission signal is received due to noise or the like and the prize ball command is output in response to it, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being actually paid out. I will end up. Then, the player will be disadvantaged. On the other hand, according to the present configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such an inconvenience.

<Main processing>
Next, the main processing executed by the payout MPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is activated upon a reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S701, initialization is performed when the power is turned on. In subsequent step S702, an initial display process is executed. In the initial display process, “0” is displayed as an initial display on a 7-segment display (not shown) provided on the payout control board 111.

  In a succeeding step S703, RAM access is permitted, and an external interrupt vector is set in a step S704. Then, in step S705, the entire area of the pay-out RAM 114 is cleared to "0", and in step S706, the MPU peripheral device is initialized. In a succeeding step S707, it is determined whether or not a fraction return command is received from the main MPU 92, and various fractions are set in a step S708. Details of the processing in steps S707 and S708 will be described later. In the following step S709, interrupt permission is set. The series of processes in steps S701 to S709 described above corresponds to the startup process in the payout-side MPU 112, and it takes, for example, 300 msec until the startup process is completed. The time required for this startup processing is not limited to 300 msec, and may be any time as long as it is shorter than the time required for startup processing in the main MPU 92.

  After that, the process of step S709 is repeatedly executed until the power is completely cut off and the process cannot be executed. By repeatedly executing the interrupt permission setting processing in step S709 in this way, even if the interrupt permission setting is canceled due to the influence of noise or the like and the setting is disabled, the interrupt permission state is restored. It can be reset.

<Timer interrupt processing>
Next, the timer interrupt process executed to control the payout of the game balls in the payout MPU 112 will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that this timer interrupt processing is activated periodically (in the pachinko machine 10 at a cycle of 2 msec).

  First, in step S801, a payout side external output process for setting an external output to the hall computer HC of the game hall is executed. Details of the processing will be described later.

  In a succeeding step S802, a state return switch (not shown) provided in the payout control device 78 is checked, and when it is determined that the state return operation is started, the state return operation is executed.

  In the following step S803, a full tank process for determining whether or not the lower plate 62a is in the full tank state is executed based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor, and further in step S804, no ball detection is performed. A ball non-use process for determining whether or not the tank 76 is in the ball no-ball state is executed based on the detection result of the sensor.

  After that, in step S805, prize ball setting processing is executed. The details of the prize ball setting process will be described later. In a succeeding step S806, a ball rental setting process is executed. In the ball lending setting process, it is first determined whether or not "1" is set in the ball lending state flag of the payout side RAM 114. The ball rental state flag is a flag used in the payout MPU 112 to identify whether or not the ball lending request signal from the ball lending device Y is in the input standby state, and is stored when the input standby state is entered. , It is deleted when it is no longer necessary to receive the ball rental request signal. If "1" is not set in the ball rental state flag, the process for setting the ball rental state is executed, and if "1" is set in the ball rental state flag, the process during the ball rental state is executed. Run.

  In the ball lending state setting process, it is determined whether or not the connection confirmation signal and the ball lending standby signal are input from the ball lending device Y. The connection confirmation signal is a signal indicating a state in which the ball lending device Y can communicate with the payout side MPU 112. As for the ball lending standby signal, information on unpaid balls is held in the ball lending device Y (specifically, a card in which information on unpaid balls is stored is stored in the ball lending device Y). This is a signal for allowing the payout MPU 112 to know that the ball lending button 66 of the ball lending operation device 65 is operated in the (inserted) situation. The connection confirmation signal may be omitted.

  When neither one of the connection confirmation signal and the ball rental standby signal is input, this ball rental setting process is ended as it is. On the other hand, when both the connection confirmation signal and the ball lending standby signal are input, it is determined whether or not a payout error state is present. The payout error state is a state corresponding to any one of the front door frame open state, the lower tray full state, the tank ball no state, or the dispensing device abnormal state.

  If it is in the payout error state, this ball rental setting process is ended as it is. If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined whether or not the payout operation is being performed. Specifically, it is determined whether the dispensing device 77 is stopped. The condition in which the ball lending state flag is not stored and the payout device 77 is in operation means that the prize balls are being paid out, or the condition of the ball lending based on the ball lending operation has already been performed once. It means that the payout is being executed.

  When the payout operation is being performed, the main ball rental setting process is ended as it is. When the payout operation is not in progress, the output state of the ball rental permission signal is set. As a result, the payout side MPU 112 starts to output the ball lending permission signal to the ball lending device Y, and the ball lending device Y inputs the ball lending permission signal, whereby the ball lending button 66 is operated based on one operation. Output the request signal. After that, after setting the ball rental state flag of the payout side RAM 114 to "1", this ball rental setting process is ended. In addition, the ball lending device Y does not operate the ball lending button 66 when the ball lending permission signal is not input for a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds) after outputting the ball lending standby signal. Treat as.

  Further, in the ball lending state processing, it is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal is input from the ball lending device Y. The ball lending request signal is a signal output when the ball lending device Y requests the payout of a ball. When the renting ball request signal is input, addition processing to the renting ball number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is executed. In the addition process, information on the number of lent balls corresponding to 25 pieces corresponding to 100 yen is added to the lent number storage area 114b. That is, the ball lending device Y periodically outputs a ball lending request signal in response to a ball lending operation in the ball lending state, and the payout side MPU 112 has a predetermined number of units each time the ball lending request signal is input. Information on the corresponding number of lent balls is added to the lent number storage area 114b.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the end signal is input from the ball lending device Y. The end signal is a signal output when one ball lending operation is performed and the ball lending request signal is output five times, and the payout side indicates that the output of the ball lending request signal for the one ball lending operation is completed. It is a signal for the MPU 112 to recognize. When the end signal is input, the ball rental state flag of the payout side RAM 114 is cleared to "0", the output stop state of the ball rental permission signal is set, and then the ball rental setting process is ended.

  By the way, in the situation where the ball lending device Y outputs the ball lending request signal to the payout side MPU 112 based on one ball lending operation, even if the ball lending operation is continuously performed, the payout side MPU 112 Until the output of the ball rental permission signal is newly started, the ball rental request signal based on the ball rental operation is not output. Therefore, only the information on the number of lent balls based on one ball renting operation is stored in the lent number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114. In the situation where the ball lending apparatus Y outputs a ball lending request signal to the payout side MPU 112 based on one ball lending operation, even if a new ball lending operation is performed, it is invalidated. May be

  As described above, the payout-side MPU 112 is set to the ball lending state when the ball lending standby signal is input from the ball lending device Y and the ball is not in the payout error state and is not in the payout operation. In particular, by not setting the ball lending state during the payout operation, even if the ball lending operation device 65 performs the ball lending operation while the prize balls are being paid out. The payout of prize balls can be prioritized.

  Assuming a configuration in which the ball lending is prioritized when a ball lending operation is performed in a situation where prize balls are being paid out, information on the number of prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114. However, it is necessary to stop the payout of prize balls. In this case, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the power-off state, the information on the number of prize balls is erased as the power for power-off is not supplied to the payout side RAM 114 as described above. On the other hand, since the ball lending device Y has its own information retention function when power is cut off (that is, the information of the unpaid balls to be paid is stored and held in the card), the payout of the prize balls is executed. In this situation, by not inputting the ball lending request signal from the ball lending device Y, the information on the number of lent balls is held by the ball lending device Y, and even if the pachinko machine 10 is in the power-off state, The information on the number of balls is not erased. In the above circumstances, even if the ball lending operation is performed in a situation where the prize balls are being paid out, by prioritizing the payout of the prize balls, the information on the number of prize balls is erased without actually being paid out. Is prevented.

  Returning to the explanation of the timer interrupt process, the payout amount setting process is executed in step S807. In the payout number setting process, the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a or the lent ball number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is used as the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 which is an execution area at the time of paying out the game balls. The process of storing in is executed. After that, the payout control process is executed in step S808, the prize ball permission signal setting process is executed in step S809, and then the timer interrupt process is ended. The prize ball setting process of step S805, the payout control process of step S808, and the prize ball permission signal setting process of step S809 will be individually described below.

<Prize ball setting process>
First, the prize ball setting process executed in step S805 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S901, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is received from the main MPU 92. When the prize ball command has not been received, the present prize ball setting processing is ended as it is.

  When the prize ball command is received, the arithmetic processing for the prize ball command is executed in step S902. Here, three types of award ball commands are set: three award ball commands, ten award ball commands, and fifteen award ball commands, and each award ball command is composed of upper information and lower information. It consists of bytes. Then, each prize ball command is set so that the form of the information consisting of 1 byte when the addition of the upper information and the lower information is calculated is "FF". In step S902, the addition operation is executed for the prize ball command that is the current processing target.

  In a succeeding step S903, the prize ball command which is the current processing target is erased from the payout side RAM 114. In a succeeding step S904, it is determined whether or not the result calculated in step S902 is normal. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the hexadecimal number is "FF". If it is "FF", it means that the prize ball command of this time is a normal one, and therefore the process proceeds to step S905.

  On the other hand, if it is not “FF”, it means that the prize ball command this time has been rewritten due to noise or the like in the middle of the command transmission path from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112. Then, the prize ball setting process is finished as it is. In this case, the current prize ball command is erased without being added to the prize ball number storage area 114a as information on the prize ball number. As a result, when the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like, it is possible to reduce damage to the game hall and the like. That is, in the prize ball command, the lower information corresponds to the information of the number of prize balls, but the lower information is rewritten, and, for example, the number of prize balls is 100, although the number of prize balls should be 3 originally. There is a risk that On the other hand, by not adding the award ball command to the award ball number storage area 114a as the award ball number information as described above, the information rewritten by the noise or the like is not added, Damage to the game hall etc. is reduced.

  Returning to the explanation of the prize sphere setting processing, the prize sphere number specifying processing is executed in step S905. Specifically, based on the information stored in the payout side ROM 113, the number of prize balls to which the prize ball command to be processed this time corresponds is specified. In this case, the lower information of the prize ball command is collated with the information stored in the payout side ROM 113, and the number of prize balls is specified.

  In a succeeding step S906, mask processing at the time of addition is executed. In the addition time mask processing, the logical product is performed so that the information on the number of award balls stored in the award number storage area 114a is equal to or less than the predetermined number of award ball for correction during addition (specifically, 3). Perform the operation of.

  Here, as will be described later, the payout side MPU 112 starts the output of the prize ball permission signal when the number of prize balls information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is 3 or less as the permission reference number. When the prize ball command corresponding thereto is input from the main MPU 92 and the number of prize balls information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes four or more, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped. Therefore, when the prize ball command is input from the main MPU 92 and the information about the number of prize balls is added to the prize ball number storage area 114a, the permission reference number stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a or less (specifically, Should be 3 or less).

  However, in the pachinko machine 10, noise or the like may occur at various timings, and the number of prize balls is increased from when the payout side MPU 112 starts outputting the prize ball permission signal to when the prize ball number addition processing is executed. The information in the storage area 114a may be rewritten. And, for example, the information in the prize ball number storage area 114a is originally three, but if it is rewritten to 131 or the like, a great disadvantage is given to the game hall. I will end up.

  On the other hand, in the addition time mask processing in step S906, the logical product is calculated so that the information of the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes three or less as the correction number of correction prize balls at the time of addition. Perform an operation. It should be noted that in this configuration, the number of award balls for correction at the time of addition coincides with the reference number for permission.

  Then, in step S907, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls to be added, that is, the information on the number of prize balls specified in step S905 is 1 or more. When the information on the number of prize balls to be added is "0", the main prize ball setting process is ended as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is not "0", the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls to be added is less than "16". When the information on the number of prize balls to be added is “16” or more, the present prize ball setting process is ended as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is less than “16”, the process proceeds to step S909. By executing the processing of steps S907 and S908 as described above, when the information on the number of prize balls to be added is abnormal, it can be invalidated.

  In a succeeding step S909, an award ball number addition process is executed. In the addition processing, the information on the number of prize balls identified in step S905 is added to the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a after the mask processing during addition in step S906.

  In a succeeding step S910, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a after the addition processing is executed in the step S909 exceeds the upper limit number of award balls in the award ball number storage area 114a. To determine. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is “19” or more.

  If the information on the number of prize balls is less than “19”, the process directly proceeds to step S912. If the information on the number of prize balls is “19” or more, the process proceeds to step S911. In step S911, post-addition correction processing is executed. Specifically, the information on the number of prize balls in the prize ball storage area 114a is corrected to "18". Accordingly, when the information stored in the award ball number storage area 114a exceeds the upper limit award number due to noise or the like, it can be corrected to the upper limit award number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaming hall from being disadvantaged. Also, if the maximum number of award balls is exceeded, it is not invalidated (that is, set to "0"), but the maximum number of award balls is corrected, so that the player may suffer a disadvantage. Absent.

  By executing the processes of step S906, step S907, step S908, and step S911, it is possible to carefully eliminate the abnormality in the number of prize balls. However, it is not essential to execute all of these processes, and for example, the processes of step S907 and step S908 need not be executed. Even in this case, the abnormalities in the number of prize balls can be eliminated by executing the processes of step S906 and step S911.

  In a succeeding step S912, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the prize ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114. The prize ball low speed flag is a case where the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is the switching reference number (specifically, “2”) stored in advance in the payout side ROM 113. Is a flag that is stored in and is erased when the switching reference number is exceeded.

  Here, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number, the pachinko machine 10 sets the payout speed of the payout device 77 to the normal cycle until then. To a slow cycle. This is for the following reason. That is, the driving of the payout device 77 is stopped in a situation where the information on the number of prize balls is not stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a. In this case, if a single prize is repeatedly generated at a predetermined interval, it is necessary to repeatedly start and stop the driving of the payout device 77. Since the driving start of the dispensing device 77 requires a larger driving force than that in the case where the driving state of the dispensing device 77 is maintained, it is not preferable to repeatedly start and stop the driving of the dispensing device 77 as described above. .. On the other hand, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout device 77 is switched to the low speed cycle, so that a single prize is won. Even if it occurs repeatedly at a predetermined interval, it is more likely that the next prize will occur while the switching reference number of prize balls is being executed at a low speed cycle, and the start and stop of the driving of the payout device 77 are repeated. The likelihood of it being done is reduced.

  It should be noted that a configuration may be considered in which the payout speed of the payout device 77 is always low, but in this case, the payout speed of the game balls is chronically slowed down, and for the player, a prize ball for the win is generated in spite of the occurrence of a prize. It is not preferable because it takes a considerable time to receive.

  When "1" is not set in the prize ball low speed flag in step S912, the process directly proceeds to step S914. On the other hand, if the prize ball low speed flag is set to "1", the prize ball low speed flag is cleared to "0" in step S913, and then the process proceeds to step S914. When the prize ball low speed flag is cleared to "0", the prize ball number information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number, and thus the payout speed of the payout device 77 set to the low speed cycle. Will be returned to the normal cycle.

  In step S914, error flag erasing processing is executed. The error flag is a flag stored when a command that cannot be analyzed is input from the main MPU 92, for example. The error flag is erased in step S914 by normally inputting the prize ball command and executing the prize ball setting process for the prize ball command. After the error flag erasing process is executed in step S914, the prize ball setting process is ended.

<Payout control process>
Next, the payout control process executed in step S808 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1001, a payout state setting process is executed. In the payout state setting process, the payout operation of the payout device 77 is set. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not it is in a payout error state. When it is in the payout error state, the stop state is set to stop the payout operation of the payout device 77. As a result, the payout operation of the payout device 77 is stopped. When it is determined that the payout error state is not reached, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 is "0". When the value of the payout number counter 114c is "0", it means that there is no game ball to be paid out, and thus the payout device 77 is set to the stopped state. Further, when it is determined that the value of the payout number counter 114c is not "0", it is determined whether or not it is in the retry state. In the case of the retry state, the payout device 77 executes a retry-only operation, and thus the present payout state setting process is ended without executing the subsequent processes. If it is not in the retry state, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the prize ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114.

  When "1" is not set in the prize ball low speed flag, the normal state is set to set the payout speed of the payout device 77 to the normal cycle, and then the main payout state setting process is ended. If the normal cycle has already been set, that state is maintained.

  On the other hand, when the prize ball low speed flag is set to "1", the low speed state is set so that the payout speed of the payout device 77 is set to the low speed cycle, and then the main payout state setting process is ended. If the low-speed cycle has already been set, that state is maintained.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout control process, after executing the payout state setting process in step S1001, the drive signal output process is executed in step S1002. In the drive signal output process, the drive signal is output to the payout device 77 in accordance with the state set in the payout state setting process in step S1001, and in a mode according to the set state. The payout of gaming balls is executed.

  In a succeeding step S1003, a ball detection process for specifying whether or not one gaming ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h is executed. Then, in step S1004, it is determined whether or not one gaming ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h. When a negative determination is made in step S1004, the present payout control process is ended as it is.

  When a positive determination is made in step S1004, it is determined in step S1005 whether or not the ball-renting operation is in progress. When the ball renting operation is not in progress, the prize payout subtraction processing of steps S1006 to S1011 is executed, and then the present payout control processing is ended. On the other hand, when the ball-renting operation is being performed, the subtraction process for ball-renting in steps S1012 to S1013 is executed, and then the payout control process is ended.

  In the prize ball subtraction process, first, in step S1006, the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S1007, the value of the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 is decremented by 1. .. Further, in step S1008, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by 1. The prize ball completion counter 114d is for counting the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77, and the details will be described later, but the number of prize balls actually paid out is determined by the game. It is used for external output to the hall computer HC of the hall.

  Then, in step S1009, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a is equal to or less than "2". When it is not equal to or less than "2", the main payout control process is ended as it is. If it is "2" or less, it is determined in step S1010 whether or not "1" is set in the prize ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114. When the prize ball low speed flag is set to "1", the main payout control process is terminated as it is, and when the prize ball low speed flag is not set to "1", the prize ball low speed flag is set to step S1011. After setting "1", this payout control process is ended.

  In the subtraction process for lent balls, first, in step S1012, the value of the lent number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is decremented by 1, and in subsequent step S1013, the value of the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 is set to 1. After the subtraction, the payout control process is ended.

<Prize ball permission signal setting process>
Next, the prize ball permission signal setting process executed in step S809 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1101, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is equal to or less than the permission reference number of three. If the number is four or more, the prize ball non-permission state is set in step S1105, and then the present prize ball permission signal setting process is ended.

  Regarding the setting of the prize ball non-permission state, specifically, when the prize ball permission state flag of the payout side RAM 114 is set to "1", the prize ball permission state flag is cleared to "0", and the prize ball is not permitted. Stop the output of the permission signal. When the prize ball permission state flag is "0", the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 to the main side MPU 92 is stopped and the state is maintained.

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

  On the other hand, in step S1101, if the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 114a is less than or equal to the permission reference number of 3, it is determined in step S1102 whether the ball is being removed. To judge. If the ball removing operation is not being performed, it is determined in step S1103 whether or not a payout error state is present.

  If it is in the payout error state, the prize ball non-permission state is set in step S1105, and then the present prize ball permission signal setting process is ended. By thus setting the prize ball non-permission state in the payout error state, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped and the output of the prize ball command is prohibited in the payout error state.

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

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1102 or a negative determination is made in step S1103, the prize ball permission state is set in step S1104, and then the prize ball permission signal setting process is ended.

  Regarding the setting of the prize ball permission state, specifically, when the prize ball permission state flag of the payout side RAM 114 is not set to "1", the prize ball permission state flag is set to "1", and the prize ball permission signal is set. Start the output of. When the prize ball permission state flag is set to "1", the payout side MPU 112 starts outputting the prize ball permission signal to the main MPU 92, and the state is maintained. That is, in a state in which the ball removing operation is not being performed, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is equal to or less than the permission reference number of 3, and is not a payout error state. In this case, the output of the prize ball permission signal is continued.

<External output from pachinko machine 10 to hall computer HC>
Next, the configuration of the external output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC will be described. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the electrical configuration of a game hall in which a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed.

  As shown in FIG. 21, an island facility S is provided in the game hall, and a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed in the island facility S. Further, in the island facility S, a data counter DC is installed in association with each pachinko machine 10 in a one-to-one correspondence. Each data counter DC is mounted above the corresponding pachinko machine 10, and has a first display unit DC1 for displaying the number of times of execution of the game times, and a first display unit DC1 for displaying the number of times of execution of a predetermined opening / closing execution mode. Two display parts DC2 are provided.

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

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

  Here, a configuration for transmitting information to the hall computer HC in the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 22A is a front view of the external terminal board 81 provided in the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 22B is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the external terminal board 81.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, the external terminal board 81 is provided with a plurality of external terminals (output terminals) 81a to 81h. A total of eight external terminals 81a to 81h are provided, and the types of information to be externally output to the hall computer HC are different.

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

  In addition to the external terminals 81a and 81b, the external terminals 81a to 81h include a support mode external terminal 81c used to output information indicating that the support mode is in the high frequency support mode, and An external terminal 81d for the number of games used to output information indicating that the game time has ended, and an external terminal 81e used to output information indicating that a predetermined fraud has been detected. An external terminal 81f used to output information indicating that the gaming machine body 12 is open, and an external terminal 81g used to output information indicating that the front door frame 14 is open. An external terminal 81h used for outputting information (number of prize balls completion signal) of the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 22B, the external terminals 81a to 81h are configured by a photo coupler 131 so as to prevent the reverse flow while allowing the electric signal to be transmitted from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. Has been done. The light emitting diode 132, which is the primary side of the photocoupler 131, is connected to the main control device 71 via the resistor 133, and the light receiving element (phototransistor) 134, which is the secondary side, is connected to the hall computer HC. Therefore, when a signal is output from the pachinko machine 10 side to the external terminals 81a to 81h, the light emitting diode 132 of the external terminal 81a to 81h to which the signal is output emits light, and the light is emitted from the external terminal 81a to 81h. The light receiving element 134 receives the light and converts it into an electric signal, which is output to the hall computer HC.

  It should be noted that the electric signal output to the hall computer HC may be in any mode, and a signal of 0V is output when the pachinko machine 10 side is not outputting an external signal. The voltage output signal may be output, or the signal output pattern may have an inverse relationship. Further, in a situation where no external output is made from the pachinko machine 10 side, a signal having a reference voltage larger than 0V is output, and a signal having a voltage larger or smaller than the reference voltage is outputted by the external output. May be

  Here, in the connection unit 141 having a plurality of (eight) electric wires electrically connected to the external terminals 81a to 81h, the connector on the opposite side to the external terminal board 81 is connected to the main control board 91. Has been done. Such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the main control board 91 is connected to the payout control board 111 by using the connection unit 105, and the electric wire of the connection unit 105 is provided with a prize ball command from the main side MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112. In addition to the command line for transmission and the electrical wiring for transmitting various signals from the payout side MPU 112 to the main side MPU 92, the payout side MPU 112 sets the output to the external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal. The electrical wiring of is also included.

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

  Although not illustrated, the ball lending device Y is also electrically connected to the hall computer HC, and information on the number of game balls that the ball lending device Y has instructed to lend to the payout side MPU 112 (ball lending instruction). Signal) is output to the hall computer HC.

<Process for setting output of award ball completion signal>
Next, a process for performing external output in the payout side MPU 112 through the external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the prize ball completion signal is output to allow the hall computer HC to recognize the information on the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77. Then, the output setting of the prize ball completion signal is the execution timing before the processing (for example, payout control processing) in which the processing time is largely changed in each processing time in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 17). .. More specifically, it is executed in the payout-side external output process activated in step S801 which is the first execution timing.

  In the payout side external output process, first, in step S1201, the value of the payout side recognition counter provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by one. The prize ball completion signal is an HI level signal which is an output state for payout side recognition when the hall computer HC recognizes the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77. When the hall computer HC is not made to recognize it, it is a LOW level signal. The relationship of HI and LOW may be reversed. In the payout side MPU 112, when the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition, the state is maintained for a predetermined period, and when the output state for payout side recognition is released, a predetermined value is given. It is prevented that the output state for payout side recognition is reset over the period. That is, the output of the LOW level signal is maintained for the period until the next prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition in the state where the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition. .. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily recognize that the HI level signal is output to the hall computer HC. In this case, the payout side recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

  Further, as described above, the external output process on the payout side is executed at the execution timing prior to the process in which the process time is largely changed in each process in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17). Accordingly, the process of incrementing the payout side recognition counter by 1 is basically executed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it becomes possible to accurately measure each period described later.

  After executing the processing of step S1201, in step S1202, by checking the state of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114, it is determined whether or not the payout side recognition output state. If it is not in the output state for payout side recognition, in step S1203 it is determined whether or not the value of the payout side recognition counter is 25 or more, so that the output state for payout side recognition is released last time. It is determined whether or not 50 msec or more has elapsed from the given timing. When a negative determination is made in step S1203, the external output processing is ended as it is. As a result, when the payout side recognition output state is canceled, at least until the payout side output setting limit period of 50 msec elapses, other output conditions for payout side recognition may be set. Even if the condition is satisfied, setting the output state for payout side recognition is limited.

  When a positive determination is made in step S1203, it is determined in step S1204 whether or not the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d of the payout side RAM 114 is 10 or more. Here, when the payout side MPU 112 sets the prize ball completion signal in the output state for payout side recognition, it is a case where the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is 10 or more, When the output state for payout side recognition is set, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 10 as described later. That is, when the prize ball completion signal is output for recognition on the payout side, the hall computer HC indicates that a predetermined number of game balls on the payout side, which are predetermined as a plurality of numbers, are newly paid out from the payout device 77. Will be informed. In this case, in step S1204, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is 10 or more, and if it is less than 10, the external output processing is ended as it is. As a result, when the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is less than 10, it is possible to prevent the prize ball completion signal from being set in the output state for payout side recognition.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, a flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is set in step S1205 to set the output state for payout side recognition. As a result, the prize ball completion signal is output for recognition on the payout side. Thereafter, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 10 in step S1206, the value of the payout side recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1207, and then the external output processing is ended.

  On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, that is, when the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition, the value of the payout side recognition counter becomes 50 or more in step S1208. By determining whether or not the payout side recognition output state is continued for 100 msec or more, it is determined. When a negative determination is made in step S1208, this external output processing is ended as it is. As a result, when the payout side recognition output state is set, the prize ball completion signal is maintained in the payout side recognition output state until 100 msec, which is the payout side recognition output continuation period, elapses. Will be.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1208, the output state for payout side recognition is canceled by performing a clearing process of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S1209. As a result, the prize ball completion signal is not in the output state for payout side recognition. After that, in step S1210, the value of the payout side recognition counter is cleared to "0", and then the external output process ends.

<State of external output processing>
Next, the external output of the prize ball completion signal will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing how the prize-ball completion signal is output by the payout-side MPU 112.

  As a result of the game ball being fired toward the game area, a prize is generated in any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper working opening 33, and the lower working opening 34, so that the main MPU 92 pays out. The prize ball command is transmitted to the MPU 112, and the payout device 77 is drive-controlled by the payout side MPU 112, whereby the payout of the game ball is executed. This paid game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h, and accordingly, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is increased, as shown in FIG. 24 (a). .. Then, at the timing of t1, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d reaches the value of the payout side specific number (specifically, "10"), so that the prize ball completion signal becomes the output state for payout side recognition. .. This output state is continued for the payout side recognition continuous output period from the timing t1 to the timing t2. The output continuation period for the payout side recognition is 100 msec. Further, the shortest payout cycle of the game balls when the payout device 77 is continuously driven is 30 msec, and in order for the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d to reach the value of the payout side specific number, the output continuation period for payout side recognition It takes more time. That is, the time from the release of the output state for payout side recognition to the next output state for payout side recognition is equal to or longer than the output continuation period for payout side recognition.

  Here, the total time of the output continuation period (100 msec) for payout side recognition and the output setting limit period (50 msec) on the payout side is 150 msec. Further, the shortest payout cycle of the game balls is 30 msec, and it takes 300 msec (30 msec × 10) for the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d to reach the value of the payout side specific number. That is, in order for the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d to reach the value of the payout side specific number, a time longer than the total of the output continuation period for payout side recognition and the payout side output setting limit period is required. Therefore, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d does not reach the specific value of the payout side within the total time of the payout side output continuation period and the payout side output setting restriction period.

  Further, if the shortest payout cycle of the game balls is shorter than 30 msec or the output continuation period for payout side recognition is shorter than 100 msec, the prize ball completion counter is in the middle of the output continuation period for payout side recognition. Even if the value of 114d can newly reach the value of the payout side specific number, the value of the prize ball completion counter is incremented by 1 and the prize ball completion signal is added each time the payout of one game ball is detected. Since the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is decremented by 10 at the time of new output of, the number of times the payout number of game balls reaches the value of the payout side specific number and the prize ball completion signal from the LOW level to the HI level It is possible to surely match the number of times of switching. However, when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d newly reaches the value of the payout side specific number during the output continuation period for payout side recognition, the output setting of the prize ball completion signal for the arrival of the payout side specific number is This is performed after the output continuation period ends and the payout side output setting restriction period elapses.

<Various processing during power interruption>
Here, in the case of using the prize ball completion signal output to allow the hall computer HC to recognize the information on the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77, the number of balls must be strictly controlled. The problem of not being able to occur can occur. The problem will be described.

  In the configuration in which the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition when the number of newly awarded prize balls becomes the particular number on the payout side set as a plurality of prize balls, When the number of the awarded balls is less than the specified number on the payout side, the state in which the value of the award ball completion counter 114d is 1 or more is continued. In this case, since the power for power-off is not supplied to the payout RAM 114, the business ends or a power failure occurs in the above state, and the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 and the power supply to the launch control device 79 are cut off. The value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is cleared. And such a situation can occur as many as the number of pachinko machines 10 existing in the game hall. For example, since the payout-side specific number is 10, the average number of the pachinko machines 10 that remain in the prize ball completion counter 114d in each pachinko machine 10 is 4.5, and the number of pachinko machines 10 in the game hall is 1000. If there is a table, an error of 4500 pieces can occur on a daily basis regarding the management of the number of game balls. In addition, since the error is an error on the side where the total number of discharges is larger than the total number of payouts, it may be difficult to find a fraudulent act carried in with a game ball. Further, the error is not offset even if the number of game balls is managed evenly over a plurality of business days, and the error tends to increase. How to see this error depends on the business policy of the game hall, but it is not preferable in the game hall where strict control of the game balls is desired.

  Further, as described in the prize ball setting process (FIG. 18), the information on the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a provided in the payout side RAM 114. However, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 and the power supply to the firing control device 79 are cut off in the situation where there are unpaid prize balls, the value in the prize ball storage area 114a is cleared. Therefore, it may be disadvantageous to the player.

  For the above problem, when the power failure signal is received from the power failure monitoring board 95, it is possible to store the information of the number of unpaid and paid prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 114 in the main side RAM 94. If so, the above problems can be solved. The details of the processing for solving the above problems will be described below.

<Power failure information storage processing>
First, the power failure information storage processing executed by the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The power failure information storage process corresponds to the process of step S201 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) executed by the main MPU 92.

  In step S1301, it is determined whether or not a power failure signal corresponding to the occurrence of power shutdown has been received from the power failure monitoring board 95. If the power failure signal has not been received, the power failure information storage processing is ended as it is.

  When a power failure signal is received from the power failure monitoring board 95, a fraction request command is transmitted to the payout MPU 112 in step S1302. The fraction request command is a command for requesting the prize ball number data stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114. In the case of the prize ball number storage area 114a, the stored data is information on the number of unpaid prize balls, and in the case of the prize ball completion counter 114d, the information on the number of paid prize balls.

  In a succeeding step S1303, it is determined whether or not the fraction saving command is received from the payout MPU 112. Details of the fraction saving command will be described later. If the fraction saving command has not been received, it waits until the fraction saving command is received. When the fraction save command is received, the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize ball fraction counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1304 store the information about the number of prize balls transmitted from the payout side MPU 112. To do. The prize ball completion fraction counter 94c is a counter for storing the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114, and the prize ball fraction counter 94d is provided in the payout side RAM 114. It is a counter for storing the value of the storage area 114a.

  Here, as described above, in the power cutoff state (when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off) such as when a power failure occurs, the power supply unit 123 for power cutoff discharges the main RAM 94 for storing data. Power is supplied. Therefore, even when the power is cut off, such as when a power failure occurs, various counter information stored in the main RAM 94 is not erased while the memory holding power is being supplied from the power cut-off power supply 123. It is retained. Therefore, information of the various counters 94a to 94d including the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize ball fraction counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 is stored.

<Command interrupt processing>
Next, the command interruption process executed by the payout MPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the command interrupt process is started by the input of a command from the main MPU 92, and is executed prior to the process executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17).

  In the command interruption process, first, it is determined whether the command input in step S1401 is a fraction request command. As described above, the fraction request command is a command for requesting the prize ball number data stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114. If it is a fraction request command, fraction interruption processing is executed in step S1402. The details of the fraction interrupt processing will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the input command is not a fraction request command, the prize ball command received this time is stored in the ring buffer provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S1403, and this command interrupt processing ends.

<Fraction interrupt processing>
Next, the fraction interruption process executed by the payout MPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1501, the output of the drive signal to the payout motor is stopped. As a result, the rotating body 77e provided in the game ball passage 77c of the payout device 77 is stopped. In a succeeding step S1502, a ball detection process for specifying whether or not one gaming ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h is executed. Then, in step S1503, it is determined whether or not one gaming ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h. When a positive determination is made in step S1503, it is determined in step S1504 whether or not the ball-renting operation is being performed. "While renting a ball" means that the renting state flag of the payout side RAM 114 is set to "1" or the renting ball number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 stores the number of rented balls. Say that. When the ball renting operation is not in progress, the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a provided in the payout side RAM 114 is subtracted by 1 in step S1505, and in the subsequent step S1506, the payout number counter provided in the payout side RAM 114. The value of 114c is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S1507, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by 1.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative decision is made in step S1504, the value of the number of lent-out balls storage area 114b is decremented by 1 in step S1508, and then the value of the payout amount counter 114c is decremented by 1 in step S1509. That is, the game ball existing in the game ball passage 77c when the ball lending operation is in progress means "ball rental", and the game ball existing in the game ball passage 77c when the ball lending operation is not in progress. It means "prize ball".

  Then, in step S1510, it is determined whether the payout ball detection period has ended. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the time derived in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10 has elapsed. As described above, when the game ball flowing down the game ball passage 77c reaches the concave portion 77g of the rotating body 77e provided in the game ball passage 77c, the game ball moves to the downstream side as the rotating body 77e rotates. Derived. Here, the time derived in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10 is a state in which the game ball is housed in the recess 77g of the rotating body 77e and is rotated downstream, so that the game ball is downstream from the recess 77g of the rotating body 77e. It is the longest time required from the timing of falling to the timing when the payout ball detection sensor 77h detects the game ball. That is, even when the output of the drive signal to the payout motor is stopped at the timing when the game ball falls from the recess 77g of the rotating body 77e to the downstream side, the payout ball detection sensor 77h can detect the game ball.

  In a succeeding step S1511, the fraction saving command is transmitted to the main MPU 92, and the fraction interrupt processing is ended. The fraction saving command has a 2-byte structure, and the upper bit of the first byte (7th bit to 4th bit) is set with information that it is a fraction saving command, and the lower bit is (3rd bit to 0th bit), information on the number of paid prize balls stored in the prize ball completion counter 114d is set. In the other byte, information on the number of unpaid prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 114a is set.

  Here, if there is 1 byte, information on the number of unpaid prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 114a can be set, and if there is 4 bits, the number of paid prize balls stored in the prize ball completion counter 114d can be set. Explain the reason why information can be set. The range of numbers that can be represented by 1 byte is "0" to "255", and the range of numbers that can be represented by 4 bits is "0" to "15". First, the prize ball number storage area 114a will be described. Information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is the maximum number of prize balls (15 prize balls) for one winning at the maximum. It is “18” which is the sum of the reference number. Therefore, if there is 1 byte, it is possible to set the information of the number of unpaid prize balls stored in the prize ball storage area 114a.

  Next, the prize ball completion counter 114d will be described. When the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d reaches "10", "0" is cleared. That is, the maximum information on the number of paid prize balls that can be stored in the prize ball completion counter 114d is "10". Therefore, if there are 4 bits, it is possible to set the information on the number of paid prize balls stored in the prize ball completion counter 114d.

<Timing chart of processing during power failure>
Next, the state of the power failure process will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  FIG. 28 (a) shows the timing of transmitting a fraction request command from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112, FIG. 28 (b) shows how the state of the payout motor changes, and FIG. 28 (c) shows payout ball detection. The sensor 77h shows the timing of detecting the game ball, FIG. 28 (d) shows the detection period of the payout ball after the payout side MPU 112 has stopped the output to the payout motor, FIG. 28 (e) is a prize ball completion counter 28D shows how the value of 114d fluctuates, and FIG. 28F shows the timing when the fraction saving command is transmitted from the payout MPU 112 to the main MPU 92. In the initial state, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is "0".

  First, at the timing of t1, the payout of gaming balls is detected as shown in FIG. 28 (c). Specifically, the HI level signal is transmitted from the payout ball detection sensor 77h to the payout side MPU 112. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 28E, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by 1. That is, each time the payout ball detection sensor 77h detects the payout of a game ball, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is incremented by one.

  After that, at the timing of t2, as shown in FIG. 28A, a fraction request command is transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112. As described above, the fraction request command is a command for requesting information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a provided in the payout side RAM 114 and the prize ball completion counter 114d. At the same timing, by stopping the output to the payout motor as shown in FIG. 28B, the payout state of the payout motor is set to the stopped state. As a result, the rotating body 77e provided in the middle portion of the game ball passage 77c is stopped. Further, from the same timing to the timing of t4, a payout ball detection period is provided as shown in FIG. 28 (d). The payout ball detection period is the longest time required from the timing at which the game ball falls from the concave portion 77g of the rotating body 77e to the downstream side to the timing at which the payout ball detection sensor 77h detects the game ball, and the pachinko machine 10 It is the time derived in the design stage. When the payout ball detection sensor 77h detects a game ball within the payout ball detection period at the timing of t3 as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the prize provided in the payout side RAM 114 as shown in FIG. 28 (e). The value of the ball completion counter 114d is incremented by 1. If the payout ball detection sensor 77h does not detect a game ball within the payout ball detection period, 1 is not added to the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d.

  After that, at a timing of t4, as shown in FIG. 28 (f), a fraction saving command is transmitted to the main MPU 92. Further, information on the prize ball number storage area 114a provided in the payout side RAM 114 is also set in the fraction saving command. The information in the prize ball storage area 114a is information on the number of unpaid prize balls.

  After that, when the power is turned off at the timing of t5, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 becomes "0". As described above, the power of the power-off state power supply unit 123 is not supplied to the payout side RAM 114, so the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is erased when the power is turned off.

<Process executed at power-on>
Next, the processing executed when the power is turned on will be described.

<Power-on setting process>
The power-on setting process executed in step S109 of the main process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1601, the values of the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize ball fraction counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 are read. The read value is the value stored at the time of power failure. That is, it is the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 before the power failure.

  In a succeeding step S1602, a fraction return command is transmitted to the payout MPU 112. The fraction return command has a 2-byte structure, and the upper bit of the first byte (7th to 4th bits) is set with the information that it is the fraction return command, and the lower bit is in the lower bit. (3rd bit to 0th bit), information of the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c is set. Information of the prize ball fraction counter 94d is set in the other byte. As described above, the information stored in the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize ball fraction counter 94d is the information stored in the prize ball completion counter 114d and the prize ball number storage area 114a, respectively. Therefore, the data amount of each bit of the fraction return command is the same as that of each bit of the fraction save command. Thereafter, in step S1603, the values of the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize ball fraction counter 94d are cleared to "0". By executing the process of step S1603, it becomes possible to store the information of the fraction saving command transmitted from the payout MPU 112 when the power failure occurs again. After executing the processing of step S1603, the present power-on setting processing ends.

<Process related to fraction return command in payout MPU 112>
Here, the processing of steps S707 and S708 of the main processing executed by the payout MPU 112 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the process of step S707, it is determined whether or not the fraction return command transmitted in the process of step S1602 of the power-on setting process executed by the main MPU 92 is received. In the fraction return command, as described above, the values of the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize ball fraction counter 94d are set. If the fraction return command has not been received, the process waits until the fraction return command is received. By waiting until the fraction return command is received, the information of the unpaid and paid award balls stored in the main RAM 94 is stored in the award ball number storage area 114a and the award ball completion counter 114d, Various processes can be performed.

  When the fraction return command is received, a process of setting various fractions is executed in the process of step S708. More specifically, the award ball number storage area 114a provided in the payout side RAM 114 stores information on the number of unpaid award balls stored in the award ball fraction counter 94d. Further, the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 stores information on the number of paid prize balls stored in the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c. As a result, the values stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d before the power failure can be set again. In other words, it is possible to add the number of prize balls already paid out again from the value stored in the prize ball completion counter 114d before the power interruption. Further, the information on the number of unpaid prize balls before power interruption is set again in the award ball number storage area 114a, whereby the number of unpaid prize balls can be surely paid out to the player. It is possible to prevent the disadvantage of the.

  According to this embodiment described above, the following excellent effects are achieved.

  The main RAM 94 is provided with a prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and a prize ball fraction counter 94d. When a power failure signal is received from the power failure monitoring board 95, by sending a fraction request command to the payout side MPU 112, the unpaid and paid prizes stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d. It becomes possible to store the value of the number of spheres. Further, when the power is turned on, by transmitting a fraction return command to the payout side RAM 114, it is possible to reset the values of the number of unpaid and paid award balls before the power interruption. As a result, it becomes possible to add the number of paid award balls again from the value stored in the award ball completion counter 114d before the power interruption, and strictly manage the number of paid award balls. You can In addition, the information about the number of unpaid prize balls before power failure is set again in the prize ball number storage area 114a, so that the unpaid prize stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a before power failure is set. Since the number of balls can be paid out to the player, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  Further, by setting the command interrupt process executed by the payout MPU 112, it becomes possible to preferentially execute the fractional interrupt process over the timer interrupt process executed by the payout MPU 112. As a result, it becomes possible to execute the fractional interruption processing immediately after the power failure, and promptly send to the main MPU 92 the fractional saving command in which the information on the number of unpaid and paid award balls before the power failure is set. It becomes possible to send.

  When the payout side MPU 112 receives the fraction request command from the main side MPU 92, the payout side MPU 112 stops the output of the drive signal to the payout motor, and stops the rotating body 77e provided in the game ball passage 77c of the payout device 77. After that, by executing a process of determining whether or not the time derived in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10 has elapsed, when the output of the drive signal to the payout motor is stopped, the downstream side of the game ball passage 77c It is possible for the payout ball detection sensor 77h to detect the game ball stored in the recess 77g of the rotating body 77e at the timing of falling. At this time, by adding 1 to the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d and subtracting 1 from the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a, it is possible to strictly manage the number of unpaid and paid prize balls.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the payout side MPU 112 transmits a one award ball completion signal to the main MPU 92 each time one award ball is paid out. Further, the main RAM 94 is provided with a not-shown one prize ball completed counter. The one prize ball completed counter is provided to store the number of times the one prize ball completed signal is output. Therefore, the value of the one award ball completed counter is incremented by 1 each time the one award ball completed signal is output. Further, when the value of the one award ball completed counter becomes "10", "0" is cleared. That is, the one award ball completed counter is set so as not to be able to store information on the number of paid award balls of "10" or more.

  Here, as described in the electrical configuration relating to the payout of gaming balls, when the power supply from the external power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, all the information stored in the payout side RAM 114 is erased ( Will be destroyed). In this case, if the payout prize RAM number information is stored in the payout side RAM 114 as in the conventional pachinko machine, the power to the pachinko machine 10 is supplied in the situation where the payout prize ball number information is available. If the supply is stopped, the information on the number of paid prize balls is erased.

  If the main MPU 92 can be notified of the above-mentioned problem each time a prize ball is paid out, the above-mentioned problem can be solved. Hereinafter, a configuration for solving the above problem will be described in detail.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the payout side MPU 112 sends a one award ball completion signal to the main MPU 92 every time one award ball is paid out, so that the fraction request command and the fraction save command are not transmitted at the time of power failure. Therefore, the processing relating to the fraction request command and the fraction save command in the first embodiment is not executed in this embodiment. Further, the configurations relating to the payout control process executed by the payout MPU 112, the power-on setting process and the input state monitoring process executed by the main MPU 92 are different from those of the first embodiment. Moreover, other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

<Payout control process>
First, the payout control process of step S808 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) executed by the payout MPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The processes other than step S1709 are the same as the processes of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, after the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is incremented by 1 in step S1708, a single prize ball completion signal is transmitted to the main MPU 92 in subsequent step S1709. That is, each time one prize ball is paid out, one prize ball completion signal is transmitted to the main MPU 92. As a result, it becomes possible to store information on the number of paid prize balls in the main RAM 94.

<Input status monitoring process>
Next, the input state monitoring process of step S213 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) executed by the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The processes other than step S1807 are the same as the processes of the first embodiment. After the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed in step S1806, a single prize ball completed signal monitoring process is executed in subsequent step S1807. The one-award winning signal monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not one award ball completion signal is received from the payout side MPU 112. When the one prize ball completion signal is received, the value of the one prize ball completion counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by 1 in step S1902. This makes it possible to store information on the number of paid prize balls. In a succeeding step S1903, it is determined whether or not the value of the one award ball completed counter is "10". When the value of the one-prize-ball completed counter is "10", the value of the one-prize-ball completed counter is cleared to "0" in step S1904, and then the one-one-prize-ball completed signal monitoring process is ended.

<Output timing of signal for 1 award ball>
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, the manner of outputting the one-prize-ball completed signal will be described.

  FIG. 33A shows how the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d fluctuates, FIG. 33B shows the output state of the one prize ball completed signal, and FIG. 33C shows the one prize ball completed counter. It shows how the value of fluctuates.

  As a result of the game ball being fired toward the game area, a prize is generated in any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper working opening 33, and the lower working opening 34, so that the main MPU 92 pays out. The prize ball command is transmitted to the MPU 112, and the payout device 77 is drive-controlled by the payout side MPU 112, whereby the payout of the game ball is executed. This payout game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 77h, and accordingly, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is added as shown in FIG. .. Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), one award ball completion signal is generated by the number of values set in the award ball completion counter 114d. After that, the main MPU 92 that has received the one prize ball completed signal adds up the value of the one prize ball completed counter provided in the main RAM 94 as shown in FIG.

<Power-on setting process>
Next, the power-on setting process of step S109 of the main process (FIG. 9) executed by the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34.

  First, in step S2001, the value of the one award ball completed counter provided in the main RAM 94 is read. As described above, the value of the one award ball completed counter is the same as the value before the power interruption of the award ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114. In a succeeding step S2002, a fraction return command is transmitted. The fraction return command has a 1-byte configuration, and information indicating that it is a fraction return command is set in the upper bits (7th to 4th bits), and the lower bits (3 bits (1st to 0th bits), information of the one-prize-ball-finished counter is set. When the value of the one award ball completed counter becomes "10", "0" is cleared. That is, the maximum value that can be stored in the one award ball counter is “10”. Therefore, if there are 4 bits, it is possible to set the value stored in the one prize ball completed counter.

  According to this embodiment described above, the following excellent effects are achieved.

  The payout-side MPU 112 sends a prize-ball completion signal to the main MPU 92 each time one payout ball is paid out. In addition, the main MPU 92 is provided with a single prize ball counter. This makes it possible to store information on the number of paid prize balls in the main RAM 94. Further, as described above, since the power for power interruption is supplied to the main MPU 92, even if the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 and the power supply to the launch control board 121 are cut off, the power is provided in the main RAM 94. The value of the one award ball completed counter is never cleared. By using the above-mentioned one prize ball completed signal, the fraction request command transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112 or the fraction transmitted from the payout MPU 112 to the main MPU 92 during the power interruption in the first embodiment. Since it is not necessary to use the save command, it is possible to simplify the processing when a power failure occurs.

  Further, when the value of the one-prize-ball completed counter becomes “10”, the value of the one-prize-ball completed counter is cleared to “0”. Further, the payout side RAM 114 sends a prize ball completion signal to the hall computer HC when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d becomes "10", and also subtracts "10" from the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d. That is, the conditions for subtracting the values of the prize ball completion counter 114d and the one prize ball completed counter (“10” is subtracted when both counters have the value “10”) are equal. As a result, the prize ball completion counter 114d can be counted again from the value stored in the one prize ball completed counter. As a result, it is possible to strictly manage the information on the number of paid balls.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the payout side MPU 112 transmits a prize ball completion signal to the hall computer HC and the main side MPU 92. A configuration in which the payout side MPU 112 transmits the prize ball completion signal to the hall computer HC and the main side MPU 92 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration relating to the payout of gaming balls.

  As described above, the main control board 91 is connected to the payout control board 111 using the connection unit 105, and the electric wiring of the connection unit 105 is connected to the external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal in the payout side MPU 112. The electrical wiring for setting the output is included. The main control board 91 is electrically connected to the connector 106 to which the connection unit 105 on the payout control board 111 side is connected, and to the connector 142 to which the connection unit 141 on the external terminal board 81 side is connected. The relay circuit 143 is formed. The relay circuit 143 is branched midway, and the prize ball completion signal line 144 transmits the prize ball completion signal to the main MPU 92.

  Further, as in the second embodiment, the main RAM 94 is provided with a not-shown one prize ball completed counter. The one award ball completed counter is provided to store the number of times of the one award ball completed signal output from the payout side MPU 112.

  As in the second embodiment, the main RAM 94 is supplied with power for power interruption, so that the value of the one award ball completed counter is the power supply and the power supply to the firing control board 121 is stopped. It is stored and retained even in the situation where it is being done. Further, the configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, except for the configuration related to the input state monitoring process executed by the main MPU 92.

<Input status monitoring process>
First, the input state monitoring process of step S213 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) executed by the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The processes other than steps S2107 and S2108 are the same as the processes of the second embodiment. After the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed in step S2106, the one prize ball completed signal monitoring process is executed in subsequent step S2107. The above-mentioned one-award-ball completed signal monitoring processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S2201, it is determined whether or not a single award ball completion signal has been received from the payout side MPU 112. The one prize ball completion signal is transmitted from the payout side MPU 112 to the main side MPU 92 every time one prize ball is paid out. When the one award ball completed signal is received, the value of the one award ball completed counter is incremented by 1 in the following step S2202, and the one award ball completed signal monitoring process is ended.

  Returning to the explanation of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 36), the prize ball completion signal monitoring process is executed in step S2108. The prize ball completion signal monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not a prize ball completion signal is received from the payout side MPU 112. The prize ball completion signal is sent to the hall computer HC and the main MPU 92 when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 reaches the value of the payout side specific number (10 in the present embodiment). This is a signal to be transmitted, and is provided to specify information on the number of paid prize balls. When the prize ball completion signal is received, the value of the one prize ball completed counter provided in the main RAM 94 is decremented by "10" in the succeeding step S2302, and the prize ball completion signal monitoring process is ended.

  According to this embodiment described above, the following excellent effects are achieved.

  Since the prize ball completion signal transmitted from the payout side MPU 112 is transmitted to not only the hall computer HC but also the main side MPU 92, the main side MPU 92 can clear the value of the one prize ball completed counter to “0”. Becomes This allows the main MPU 92 to recognize that ten prize balls have been paid out to the player.

  In addition, the prize ball completion signal is not separately transmitted from the payout side MPU 112 to the hall computer HC and the main side MPU 92, but is branched by the relay circuit 143 provided on the main control board 91, and the hall computer HC and the main computer HC are connected. It is transmitted to the side MPU 92. This eliminates the need to provide an electric wire for transmitting the prize ball completion signal from the payout side MPU 112 to the main side MPU 92 separately from the electric wire used for transmitting the prize ball completion signal to the hall computer HC, thereby reducing the cost of the pachinko machine 10. It is possible to reduce.

<Other Embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, you may change as follows. By the way, the configurations of the following different modes may be applied individually or in combination with the configurations of the above respective embodiments.

  (1) In the first embodiment, when transmitting the fraction saving command, the number information set in the prize ball command may be used. More specifically, it is assumed that the payout side ROM 113 is provided with a prize ball command table for reading the number information from the prize ball command. In the prize ball command table, various prize ball commands and number information are set in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, the number information is “3” and the three prize ball commands are in a one-to-one correspondence, and the number information is “10” and the ten prize ball commands are in a one-to-one correspondence. The information is "15" and the 15 prize ball commands have a one-to-one correspondence. The payout side MPU 112 reads the corresponding prize ball command from the number information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d when the power is cut off, based on the prize ball command table. Further, since the prize ball command in the pachinko machine 10 is composed of 2 bytes, the information which is the fraction save command is set in the upper bit of the 1st byte (7th bit to 4th bit). , The lower bit (3rd bit to 0th bit), which indicates which of the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d corresponds as the number information of the fraction save command this time. Set. Information on the number of prize balls is set in the other byte. Then, two types of fraction saving commands are transmitted to the main MPU 92. More specifically, for example, it is assumed that the values of the prize ball completion counter 114d and the prize ball number storage area 114a are both “3” at the time of power interruption. In this case, the two prize ball commands are read out by referring to the prize ball command table, and the one 3-byte command has a 1-byte content in which information indicating the prize ball command is set. , Information indicating that the information itself is a fraction save command, and information indicating that information corresponding to the prize ball number storage area 114a is set as the number information, and the other three prize ball commands are the prize ball commands. The contents of the first byte in which the information indicating that there is is set is rewritten to the information indicating that it is a fraction save command and the information indicating that the information corresponding to the prize ball completion counter 114d is set as the number information. Then, each command after rewriting them is transmitted to the main MPU 92. In addition, for example, when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is “3” and the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a is “10” at the time of power interruption, the prize ball command table is referred to and three pieces are referred to. The award ball command and the ten award ball command are read, the contents of the first byte of the award ball command are rewritten as described above, and the rewritten commands are transmitted.

  Further, for example, when the values of the prize ball completion counter 114d and the prize ball number storage area 114a are both “8” at the time of power interruption, the prize ball command table is referred to by referring to the prize ball command table (“8”). The pachinko machine 10 reads out two 10 prize ball commands), rewrites the contents of the first byte of these two prize ball commands as described above, and transmits each command after the rewriting. That is, when at least one of the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d and the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a does not correspond to the prize ball command defined in the prize ball command table, the number close to these values. It is also possible to use a prize ball command corresponding to the information to transmit the fraction saving command.

  Further, a plurality of prize ball commands may be used to transmit a fraction saving command corresponding to one of the prize ball completion counter 114d and the prize ball number storage area 114a. For example, when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is "8" and the three prize ball commands and the five prize ball commands are set as the kinds of prize ball commands, the prize ball completion is completed. In order to transmit the fraction save command corresponding to the value of the counter 114d, the three award ball commands and the five award ball commands are read out, and the contents of the first byte of each award ball command are rewritten as described above. Each command after the rewriting may be transmitted as one fraction saving command. Further, for example, when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is “8” and one prize ball command is set as the kind of prize ball command, eight prize ball commands are read out. The contents of the first byte of each prize ball command may be rewritten as described above, and each rewritten command may be transmitted as a fraction save command.

  (2) In the first embodiment, when the payout side MPU 112 receives a fraction request command, the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a and the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 are composed of 2 bytes. Although it is transmitted to the main MPU 92 as one command (fraction saving command), it is not limited to this and may be transmitted separately, for example.

  (3) In the first embodiment, the main-side MPU 92 sets the value of the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c and the prize-ball fraction counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 to one command consisting of 2 bytes (fraction return command). However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be transmitted separately, for example.

  (4) In the first embodiment, when the power is cut off, the payout-side MPU 112 transmits the prize-ball number information stored in the prize-ball number storage area 114a and the prize-ball completion counter 114d to the main MPU 92 as a fraction save command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the ball rental information stored in the ball rental number storage area 114b may be transmitted to the main MPU 92. In this case, a main ball RAM fraction counter is provided in the main RAM 94, and information of the number of loan ball storage area 114b provided in the payout side RAM 114 is set in the main ball fraction counter and the power-on setting process executed in the main MPU 92. At, the information of the ball rental fraction counter is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112. This makes it possible to store information on the number of lent balls before the power interruption in the lent number storage area 114b.

  (5) In the fraction interruption process (FIG. 27) executed by the payout MPU 112 of the first embodiment, the fraction saving command is transmitted to the main MPU 92 at the timing when the payout ball detection period ends. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fraction saving command may be transmitted to the main MPU 92 at the timing when the output of the drive signal to the payout motor is stopped. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly send the fraction saving command to the main MPU 92 when the power is cut off.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the payout-side MPU 112 receives the fraction request command transmitted from the main-side MPU 92 and transmits the fraction save command to the main-side MPU 92 after the payout-ball detection period has elapsed. However, the fraction saving command may be transmitted to the main MPU 92 at the timing when the fraction request command is received. Further, the power outage signal from the power outage monitoring board 95 may be transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, and the fraction saving command may be transmitted to the main side MPU 92 at the timing when the power outage signal is received. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly send the fraction saving command to the main MPU 92 when the power is cut off.

  (7) In the first embodiment, when the power is turned on, the main MPU 92 reads the value of the prize ball fraction counter 94d in which the number of undistributed prize balls is stored, sets it as a fraction return command, and transmits it to the payout side MPU 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of unpaid prize balls may be transmitted to the payout side MPU 112 as a prize ball command instead of being set in the fraction return command. More specifically, for example, when the value of the prize ball fraction counter 94d is “10” when the power is turned on, a 10 prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112. When the value of the prize ball fraction counter 94d is “8” when the power is turned on, a prize ball command (10 prize ball command in the pachinko machine 10) closer to “8” is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112. .. Here, when the ten prize ball command is not set in the pachinko machine 10 and the one prize ball command is set, the one prize ball command may be transmitted eight times, or 4 When the individual prize ball command is set, the four prize ball command may be transmitted twice.

  Further, when the value stored in the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c at the time of power-on is “3”, the three prize ball commands are read, and the information indicating that the prize ball command is itself is the fraction return command. It is replaced with certain information and transmitted to the payout MPU 112. Further, when the value stored in the prize ball completion fraction counter 94c at power-on is "8", a prize ball command (10 prize ball command in the pachinko machine 10) closer to "8" is read out. , May be configured to replace information that is a prize ball command with information that is a fraction return command and transmit the information to the payout side MPU 112. Here, when the 10 prize ball command is not set in the pachinko machine 10 and the 1 prize ball command is set, the 1 prize ball command is read out and the information that the player is the prize ball command is displayed. The information itself may be replaced with the information that is the fraction return command, and the fraction return command may be transmitted to the payout MPU 112 eight times. Further, when the four prize ball command is set, the four prize ball command may be transmitted twice. Thereby, by using the prize ball command, it is possible to set information on the number of unpaid and paid prize balls.

  (8) In the second embodiment, the information on the number of unpaid award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a at the time of power interruption is not transmitted to the main MPU 92, and the information on the number of unpaid award balls is erased. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main RAM 94 may store information on the number of unpaid prize balls, for example. Specifically, the main RAM 94 is provided with a prize ball schedule counter for storing information on the number of prize balls scheduled for prize balls. When the three prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball schedule counter is incremented by "3". When the 10 prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball scheduled counter is incremented by "10". Similarly, when the 15 prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball scheduled counter is incremented by “15”. Then, each time the payout side MPU 112 transmits one award ball completion signal, the value of the award ball schedule counter provided in the main RAM 94 is decremented by one. As a result, even if the information on the number of unpaid award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 114a at the time of power interruption is deleted, the number of unpaid award balls can be determined by referring to the value of the award ball expected counter. It becomes possible to grasp information. Further, in the process of step S2002 of the power-on setting process (FIG. 34) in the main MPU 92, the information on the number of unpaid prize balls is set in the fraction return command transmitted to the payout MPU 112, so that the power is cut off. Information on the number of unpaid prize balls before the time can be stored again in the prize ball number storage area 114a. Further, the timing of setting the value in the prize ball expected counter of the main RAM 94 is not limited to the timing at which the winning occurs, and for example, the main MPU 92 transmits a prize ball command to the payout MPU 112. It may be timing.

  Using the value of the one award ball completed counter provided in the main RAM 94 and the award ball command transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112 before the power failure, the number of award balls is stored before the power failure. The payout side MPU 112 may grasp the number of unpaid prize balls stored in the area 114a. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the main MPU 92 clears the value of the one-award-ball counter when the value of the one-award-ball counter is "10". However, even if the value of the one prize ball completed counter becomes "10", "0" is not cleared. Further, when the prize ball command is transmitted from the main MPU 92, the transmitted prize ball command is sequentially written in each area of the ring buffer provided in the main RAM 94. Then, at the time of power-on, all the prize ball commands stored in the ring buffer are transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112 as a fraction return command corresponding to the number of unpaid prize balls, and at the same time, one prize ball completed counter. The fraction return command in which the value is set is transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 112. Further, when the main side MPU 92 transmits these fraction return commands at the time of power-on, it clears all the transmitted prize ball commands stored in the ring buffer and clears the value of the one prize ball completed counter to “0”. To do. The payout side MPU 112 subtracts the total number of prize balls specified from the fraction return command in which the value of the one prize ball completed counter is set from the total number of prize balls specified from the prize ball command received as the fraction return command. By doing so, it becomes possible to specify the number of unpaid prize balls at the time of power interruption. Further, the payout side MPU 112 divides the total number of award balls specified by the fraction return command in which the value of the one award ball completed counter is divided by the payout side specified number, that is, the remaining number at the time of power interruption. It can be specified as a fraction of the number of completed prize balls. In addition, in this configuration, in order to reduce the total number of commands transmitted at the time of charging, the total value of the number information corresponding to the plurality of transmitted prize ball commands stored in the ring buffer is a natural number of the payout side specific number. In the case of double, the transmitted prize ball command may be deleted from the ring buffer, and a natural multiple of the payout side specific number may be subtracted from the one prize ball completed counter. For example, it is assumed that the total value of the number information corresponding to a plurality of transmitted prize ball commands stored in the ring buffer is “30”. The value of “30” is a value obtained by multiplying the payout side specific number (specifically, “10”) by three. In this case, the transmitted prize ball command stored in the ring buffer is deleted and the value of the one prize ball completed counter is decremented by "30".

  (9) In the second embodiment, the unpaid prize balls number stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a may be transmitted to the main MPU 92 when the power is cut off. As a result, the number of unpaid prize balls before the power failure can be stored in the main RAM 94, and the unpaid prize ball number is not erased at the time of power failure. By transmitting the prize ball command corresponding to the number of unpaid prize balls to the payout side MPU 112 when the power is turned on, the prize balls can be surely paid out to the player.

  (10) The main side MPU 92 is configured to send the fraction return command to the payout side MPU 112 when the power is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at the timing of transmitting the prize ball command to the payout side MPU 112, the fraction return The command may be transmitted to the payout MPU 112. Further, specifically, the timing of transmitting the fraction return command is the timing of transmitting the first prize ball command to the payout side MPU 112 after the power is turned on again.

  (11) The power from the power supply unit 123 for power failure is supplied to the main RAM 94 and is not supplied to the payout RAM 114, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the payout RAM 114 is also powered off. Electric power may be supplied from the hour power supply unit 123. In this configuration as well, the fraction saving command may be transmitted to the main MPU 92, and information about the number of unpaid and paid award balls may be stored in the main RAM 94. In this case, the information on the number of unpaid and paid award balls stored in the main RAM 94 when the power is restored is set in the fraction return command and transmitted to the payout MPU 112. In the payout side MPU 112, the information of the number of unpaid and paid award balls stored in the payout side RAM 114 matches the information of the number of unpaid and paid award balls set in the fraction return command. It is determined whether or not In the case of a positive determination, the values stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d are added again. On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination, the values of the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d are cleared to "0". This makes it possible to increase the reliability of the information on the number of unpaid and paid awards balls stored in the payout side RAM 114 before the power interruption. Further, whether or not the information of the unpaid and paid award balls stored in the payout side RAM 114 matches the information of the unpaid and paid award balls set in the fraction return command. Information of the fraction return command may be stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a and the prize ball completion counter 114d without performing the determination.

  (12) The output setting of the prize ball completion signal is performed by the payout side MPU 112, but instead of this, the output setting of the prize ball completion signal may be performed by the main side MPU 92. Specifically, a prize ball completion counter 114d is provided on the main RAM 94, and the payout side MPU 112 transmits a one prize ball completion signal to the main MPU 92 each time one game ball is paid out. When the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d becomes “10”, the main MPU 92 transmits the prize ball completion signal to the hall computer HC. That is, by receiving the one prize ball completed signal ten times, the main MPU 92 specifies the timing of transmitting the prize ball completion signal to the hall computer HC and the timing of clearing the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d to "0". It becomes possible. Further, the main RAM 94 is provided with a prize ball schedule counter for storing information on the number of prize balls scheduled for prize. When the three prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball schedule counter is incremented by "3". When the 10 prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball scheduled counter is incremented by "10". Similarly, when the 15 prize ball command is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball scheduled counter is incremented by “15”. Then, each time the payout side MPU 112 transmits one award ball completion signal, the value of the award ball schedule counter provided in the main RAM 94 is decremented by one. As a result, it becomes possible for the main MPU 92 to grasp the number of unpaid and paid award balls. Further, even if the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a provided in the payout side RAM 114 is erased at the time of power interruption, the value of the prize ball schedule counter is set as a fraction return command when the power is turned on and is transmitted to the payout side MPU 112. By doing so, it is possible to store again the information of the number of unpaid award balls before the power interruption in the award ball number storage area 114a.

  When the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 reaches the payout side specific number "10", a signal is transmitted to the main MPU 92, and the main MPU 92 receives the signal. By doing so, the prize ball completion signal may be externally output to the hall computer HC. More specifically, the payout-side MPU 112 sends an output start signal to the main MPU 92 when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d reaches the payout-side specific number. Further, the payout-side MPU 112 transmits the output start signal to the main-side MPU 92, and then subtracts “10” from the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d. The main MPU 92 that has received the output start signal switches the prize ball completion signal to the HI level. Further, in this configuration, the payout side RAM 114 is provided with the prize ball completion counter 114d. Therefore, as shown in the seventh embodiment and another example, at the time of saving and charging the number of prize balls already paid out at the time of power interruption. It is better to have a structure in which the number of paid prize balls is restored. Further, the output setting of the prize ball completion signal may be performed in a control device different from the main MPU 92 and the payout MPU 112.

  (13) Other types of pachinko machines 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 area of a special device, or a game ball in a specific area of a special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a right when a player enters a game and wins a jackpot, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball.

  Further, a non-ball-ball type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels provided with a plurality of kinds of symbols in the circumferential direction is provided, the reel is started to rotate by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. After the reels stop after a predetermined time has passed, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window, a bonus such as payout of medals is given to the player. The present invention can be applied to a slot machine.

  Further, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame to be openable and closable includes a storage section and a loading device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage section are loaded by the loading apparatus. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, in which the reel starts to rotate.

<Regarding invention groups extracted from the above-described embodiment>
The features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described below, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in brackets or the like.

<Feature A group>
Features A1. Main control means (main side MPU 92) for outputting payout command information for paying out the game medium,
A payout control unit (payout-side MPU 112) that drives and controls the payout unit (payout device 77) so as to pay out the game medium when the main control unit outputs the payout command information.
A power supply unit during power cut (power supply unit for power cut 123) that supplies power during power cut to the storage unit of the main control unit;
Equipped with
The payout control means is provided with specific information for causing the main control means to store information on the number of paid-out game media in a predetermined period or number information that is information that enables derivation of the information about the number. It is provided with a specific output means (a function for executing the processing of step S1511 in the payout-side MPU 112 in the first embodiment, a function for executing the processing of step S1709 in the payout-side MPU 112 in the second embodiment) for outputting to the means. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the characteristic A1, the specific information is output from the payout control means to the main control means, and the number information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media is stored in the main control means to which the power during the power interruption is supplied. It is possible to prevent the information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media from being lost even when the supply of operating power to the gaming machine is stopped. This makes it possible to suitably manage the number of paid-out game media.

  Feature A2. The main control means outputs a return information corresponding to the number information after the supply of the power being supplied to the main control means is started (in the first embodiment, a step in the main MPU 92). The gaming machine according to feature A1, which has a function of performing the process of S1602, and a function of performing the process of step S2002 in the main MPU 92 in the second embodiment).

  According to the characteristic A2, when the supply of operating power is restarted, information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media saved in the main control means is output to the payout control means as return information. Thereby, even if the information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media is lost in the payout control means when the supply of the operating power is restarted, the operation is performed by using the return information from the main control means. It is possible to start the management of the number of paid-out game media from the state before the power supply is stopped.

Features A3. The payout control means outputs predetermined information when the number of paid-out game media reaches a reference number defined as a plurality of numbers (a function of executing the process of step S1205 in the main MPU 92). Equipped with
Characteristic A1 or A2 characterized in that the specific output means outputs the specific information so that information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media less than the reference number can be stored in the main control means. Gaming machine described in.

  According to the characteristic A3, the payout control unit is configured to output the predetermined information when the information on the number of paid-out game media is the reference number defined as a plurality of numbers, and thus the output frequency of the predetermined information. Can be suppressed. In this case, since the specific information is output so that the information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media that is less than the reference number can be stored in the main control means, the information about the number of paid-out game media is the reference. Even if the supply of operating power to the gaming machine is stopped in a situation where the number is less than the number, it is possible to prevent the information on the number of paid-out items from being lost.

  Features A4. Characteristic A1 characterized in that the specific output means outputs the specific information to the main control means based on the occurrence of a predetermined trigger that occurs in a situation where the supply of operating power to the gaming machine is stopped. A gaming machine according to any one of A to A3.

  According to the characteristic A4, it is possible to store information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media at the timing when the supply of operating power is stopped in the storage means of the main control means. Further, since the specific information is output at the timing when the supply of the operating power is stopped, the output frequency of the specific information can be suppressed.

Features A5. The payout control means,
A payout stop means for stopping the payout operation of the payout means when the predetermined trigger occurs (a function of the payout control means 112 for executing the process of step S1501);
When the predetermined trigger occurs, it is monitored whether or not a new payout of the game medium is made during the monitoring period, and when it is specified that the payout has been made, the paid-out measuring means (prize ball completion counter 114d) Update means for updating the information on the number of paid-out game media measured in (1) by the specified pay-out quantity (a function for executing a fraction interruption process in the pay-out control means 112),
The specific output means outputs, as the specific information, information corresponding to the information measured by the paid-out measuring means after the monitoring period has elapsed, and the gaming machine according to the characteristic A4. ..

  According to the characteristic A5, when a predetermined trigger occurs, not only the payout operation of the payout means is stopped, but also the occurrence of a new payout of the game medium is monitored over the monitoring period, and when a new payout occurs. The specific information is output to the main control means in a state in which the information of the paid-out number is reflected. As a result, even if the supply of operating power is stopped in the situation where the game medium is being paid out, the storage means of the main control means determines the number of game media already paid out while measuring the game medium during the payout. Therefore, it is possible to accurately manage the number of paid-out game media.

Features A6. The payout means is
A payout operation executing means for executing a payout operation for guiding the game medium to the downstream side (function of executing the processing of step S1002 in the payout control means 112);
A payout detection means (payout ball detection sensor 77h) for detecting the game medium guided to the downstream side by the payout operation execution means,
Equipped with
The monitoring period is set as a period equal to or longer than the longest period expected as a period required until the payout detecting unit detects the game medium that has reached the flow-down start position by the payout operation of the payout operation executing unit. The gaming machine according to feature A5.

  According to the characteristic A6, even if the supply of the operating power is stopped in the situation where the game medium is being paid out, the game medium in the middle of the payout can be reliably measured as the number of paid game media. Becomes

  Features A7. The gaming machine according to any one of features A4 to A6, wherein the predetermined trigger is that power failure information is output from the main control means.

  According to the characteristic A7, since the specific information is output from the payout control means when the power failure information is output from the main control means, it is possible to output the specific information in a receivable state in the main control means. .

Feature A8. A power failure monitoring means for outputting power failure occurrence information to the payout control means when the occurrence of a power failure is specified,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A4 to A6, wherein the predetermined trigger is that the power failure occurrence information is output from the power failure monitoring means.

  According to the characteristic A8, the specific information is output from the payout control means to the main control means when the power outage information output from the power outage monitoring means is received. Therefore, when the power outage occurs, the specific information is output early. It becomes possible to do.

Feature A9. The payout control means includes a payout grasping means (prize ball storage area 114a) for grasping information on the number of game media which has not yet been paid out, which is information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout command information,
Characteristic A4, characterized in that the specific output means outputs information corresponding to the information on the number of game media grasped by the payout grasping means when the specific information is outputted upon the occurrence of the predetermined trigger. The gaming machine according to any one of A to A8.

  According to the feature A9, it is possible to accurately manage information on the number of unpaid game media.

  Feature A10. The main control means is measured by the payout measuring means after the supply of the power being supplied to the main control means is started and before the supply of the information corresponding to the number information and the operating power is stopped. Characteristic A9 characterized by having a return output means (function of executing the process of step S1602 in the main MPU 92) for outputting return information including information corresponding to the information of the number of game media Game machine.

  According to the characteristic A10, when the supply of the operating power is restarted, the information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media saved in the main control means and the information of the number of unpaid game media are dealt with. The information is output to the payout control means as return information. Thereby, even if the information corresponding to the number of paid-out game media and the information corresponding to the number of unpaid game media in the payout control means are lost when the supply of the operating power is restarted, the main control By using the return information from the means, it becomes possible to manage the number of paid-out game media and start paying out unpaid game media from the state before the supply of the operating power is stopped.

  Features A11. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, wherein the specific output unit outputs the specific information each time a transmission trigger occurs in a situation where operating power is supplied.

  According to the characteristic A11, since the specific information is output in the state where the operating power is being supplied, it is possible to manage the number of paid-out game media without executing a special process when the supply of the operating power is stopped. It becomes possible to do it appropriately.

Feature A12. The specific output means outputs the specific information each time a game medium is paid out from the payout means,
The gaming machine according to Feature A11, wherein the main control unit includes a specific measurement unit (one award ball completed counter) that measures the number of times the specific information is output.

  According to the characteristic A12, the number of output of the specific information output each time the game medium is paid out from the payout means is measured by the main control means, so that the number of paid-out game media is mainly determined by one unit. It becomes possible to manage by the control means.

Feature A13. The payout control means outputs predetermined information when the number of paid-out game media reaches a reference number defined as a plurality of numbers (a function of executing the process of step S1205 in the main MPU 92). Equipped with
The game according to feature A12, wherein the specific measurement means performs the measurement so that information on the number of times of measurement is initialized when the predetermined information is output from the predetermined output means. Machine.

  According to the characteristic A13, the number of paid-out game media measured by the payout control means in a range less than the reference number and the number of paid-out game media managed by the main control means can be matched. It will be possible.

Features A14. The predetermined output means outputs the predetermined information to both the management means (hall computer HC) outside the gaming machine and the main control means,
The gaming machine according to feature A13, wherein the specific measurement means initializes information on the number of times of measurement when the predetermined information is received.

  According to the characteristic A14, it is possible to produce the effect based on the configuration described in the characteristic A13 while utilizing the configuration for outputting the predetermined information to the management means outside the gaming machine.

  Feature A15. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A14, wherein the power supply during power cut does not supply the power during power cut to the storage unit of the payout control unit.

  According to the characteristic A15, even if the storage means of the payout control means is not supplied with electric power during power interruption, the configuration of the above characteristic A1 allows the management of the number of paid-out game media appropriately. It becomes possible to do it.

  According to the invention of the characteristic group A, the following problems can be solved.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. In these gaming machines, as a result of the game played by the player, when the condition for paying out the game medium is satisfied, the payout device is used to pay out the game medium to the player. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, there is one that includes a symbol display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols on the display surface, and the variable display of symbols is started when a ball enters a predetermined operating port provided in the game area. It In addition, a winning lottery is performed at the time of entering the working opening, and at the time of winning, a display to that effect is displayed on the symbol display device, the predetermined winning opening is opened, and the number of balls entering the predetermined winning opening. The number of game balls corresponding to is paid out using the payout device.

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

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. Main control means (main side MPU 92) for outputting payout command information for paying out the game medium,
A payout control unit (payout-side MPU 112) that drives and controls the payout unit (payout device 77) so as to pay out the game medium when the main control unit outputs the payout command information.
A power supply unit during power cut (power supply unit for power cut 123) that supplies power during power cut to the storage unit of the main control unit;
Equipped with
The payout control means,
A payout grasping means (prize ball storage area 114a) for grasping information on the number of game media which has not yet been paid out, which is information on the number of game media corresponding to the payout command information.
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined trigger that occurs when the supply of operating power to the game machine is stopped, the payout correspondence information corresponding to the information on the number of game media grasped by the payout grasping means is provided as the main information. Withdrawal correspondence output means for outputting to the control means (function for executing the processing of step S1511 in the payout side MPU 112),
Equipped with
When the main control means receives the payout correspondence information, the main control means stores unpaid information corresponding to the payout correspondence information in the storage means (prize ball fraction counter 94d).

  According to the characteristic B1, since the payout control information is output from the payout control means to the main control means, information corresponding to the number of unpaid game media is stored in the main control means to which the power during the power interruption is supplied. Is possible. This makes it possible to prevent the information corresponding to the number of unpaid gaming media from being lost even when the supply of operating power to the gaming machine is stopped. This makes it possible to accurately pay out the game medium.

  Feature B2. The main control means outputs the return information corresponding to the unpaid information after the supply of the power being supplied to the main control means is started (return output means (executes the process of step S1602 in the main MPU 92). The game machine according to feature B1 having a function of performing).

  According to the feature B2, when the supply of the operating power is restarted, information corresponding to the number of unpaid game media saved in the main control means is output to the payout control means as return information. Thereby, even if the information corresponding to the number of unpaid game media is lost in the payout control means when the supply of the operating power is restarted, the operation is performed by using the return information from the main control means. It is possible to start paying out the game medium from the state before the power supply is stopped.

Feature B3. The payout control means,
A payout stop means for stopping the payout operation of the payout means when the predetermined trigger occurs (a function of the payout control means 112 for executing the process of step S1501);
When the predetermined trigger has occurred, it is monitored whether or not a new payout of the game medium has been made during the monitoring period, and when it is specified that the payout has been made, the payout grasping means has not grasped it. Updating means for updating information on the number of payouts by the specified number of payouts (a function for executing a fractional interruption process in the payout control means 112);
Equipped with
A feature B1 characterized in that the payout correspondence output means outputs information corresponding to information on the number of game media grasped by the payout grasping means, as the payout correspondence information, after the monitoring period has elapsed. Alternatively, the gaming machine described in B2.

  According to the feature B3, when a predetermined trigger occurs, not only the payout operation of the payout means is stopped, but also the occurrence of a new payout of the game medium is monitored over the monitoring period, and when a new payout occurs. The payout correspondence information is output to the main control means in a state in which the information for the paid-out number is reflected. As a result, even if the supply of operating power is stopped in the situation where the game medium is being paid out, the storage means of the main control means determines the number of unpaid game media while measuring the game medium during the payout. Can be stored in the memory, and the number of unpaid game media can be accurately managed.

Feature B4. The payout means is
A payout operation executing means for executing a payout operation for guiding the game medium to the downstream side (function of executing the processing of step S1002 in the payout control means 112);
A payout detection means (payout ball detection sensor 77h) for detecting the game medium guided to the downstream side by the payout operation execution means,
Equipped with
The monitoring period is set as a period equal to or longer than the longest period expected as a period required until the payout detecting unit detects the game medium that has reached the flow-down start position by the payout operation of the payout operation executing unit. A gaming machine described in Feature B3.

  According to the feature B4, even if the supply of the operating power is stopped in the situation where the game medium is being paid out, it is possible to reliably measure the game medium in the middle of the payout as the number of paid-out game media. Becomes

  Feature B5. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4, wherein the predetermined trigger is that power failure information is output from the main control means.

  According to the feature B5, since the specific information is output from the payout control means upon the output of the power failure information from the main control means, it is possible to output the specific information in a receivable state in the main control means. ..

Feature B6. A power failure monitoring means for outputting power failure occurrence information to the payout control means when the occurrence of a power failure is specified,
The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4, wherein the predetermined trigger is that the power failure monitoring unit outputs the power failure occurrence information.

  According to the characteristic B6, since the payout control means outputs the specific information to the main control means when the power outage information output from the power outage monitoring means is received, the specific information is output early when the power outage occurs. It becomes possible to do it.

  Feature B7. The gaming machine according to any one of the features B1 to B6, wherein the power-on-power-supply means does not supply the power during power-off to the storage means of the payout control means.

  According to the characteristic B7, even if the storage means of the payout control means is not supplied with electric power during power interruption, by providing the structure of the characteristic B1 described above, it is possible to appropriately manage the number of paid-out game media. It becomes possible to do it.

  According to the invention of the characteristic group B, the following problems can be solved.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. In these gaming machines, as a result of the game played by the player, when the condition for paying out the game medium is satisfied, the payout device is used to pay out the game medium to the player. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, there is one that includes a symbol display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols on the display surface, and the variable display of symbols is started when a ball enters a predetermined operating port provided in the game area. It In addition, a winning lottery is performed at the time of entering the working opening, and at the time of winning, a display to that effect is displayed on the symbol display device, the predetermined winning opening is opened, and the number of balls entering the predetermined winning opening. The number of game balls corresponding to is paid out using the payout device.

  Here, a game machine such as the above example is required to have a configuration capable of accurately paying out a game medium, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

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

  Pachinko gaming machine: operating means operated by a player, game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, a ball passage for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and a game A gaming machine that includes each game component arranged in the area, and gives a bonus to the player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage portion of each of the game components.

  Rotating drum type game machines such as slot machines: The rotation of the revolving body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the revolving body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player is responsive to the design after the stop. A gaming machine that gives benefits to.

  77 ... Payment device, 77h ... Payout ball detection sensor, 92 ... Main side MPU, 94d ... Award ball fraction counter, 112 ... Payout side MPU, 114a ... Award ball number storage area, 114d ... Award ball completion counter, 123 ... Power supply

Claims (1)

Main control means for outputting payout command information,
A payout control means for driving and controlling the payout means so as to pay out the game medium when the main control means outputs the payout command information;
A power supply during power cut, which supplies power during power cut to the storage means of the main control means,
Equipped with
The payout control means,
Means for outputting predetermined information to the outside of the gaming machine when the number of paid-out game media reaches a reference number defined as a plurality of numbers;
Means for outputting specific information to the main control means each time a game medium is paid out from the payout means,
Means for outputting completion information to the main control means when the predetermined information is output to the outside of the gaming machine,
Equipped with
The main control means,
By updating the information in the specific storage area of the storage means based on the output of the specific information, means for measuring the number of times the specific information is output,
A means for updating the information in the specific storage area so that when the completion information is input, the value corresponding to the reference number is subtracted from the value of the number of times the specific information is output,
Means for outputting corresponding information corresponding to the information stored in the specific storage area to the payout control means based on the start of the supply of the operating power,
A gaming machine characterized by being equipped with.

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