JP2020175279A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

Pachinko machines are known as a type of game machine. Specifically, the pachinko machine is provided with a game board in which a game area in which the game ball flows down is formed, and the game board is provided with a plurality of ball entry sections in which the game ball flowing down the game area can enter. ing. When a game ball enters the ball entry section, the player is given benefits such as paying out the game ball and executing an internal lottery. In addition, the game ball that has entered the ball entry portion is discharged to the back side of the game board. Further, the game board is provided with a discharge unit for discharging a game ball that has not entered any of the entry units to the outside of the game area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2006-6412

Here, a large number of game machines are installed in the game hall, and a large amount of game media is used in the game hall accordingly. 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.

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

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 measures the number of game media discharged from a game machine by using a medium detection means provided in the game machine, and stores the measurement result as a discharge information storage means. Emission measurement means to be stored in
Power supply means during power failure that supplies power to the emission information storage means and enables the emission information storage means to store and retain information even when the supply of power to the emission measurement means is stopped. When,
When the number of game media corresponding to the discharge number information stored in the discharge information storage means exceeds the specified number of discharges, which is two or more, the discharge recognition signal can be output to the outside of the game machine. Discharge side output means to
It is characterized by having.

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

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a perspective view which shows the main structure of a pachinko machine in development. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content on the display surface of the symbol display apparatus (a), (b). It is a vertical sectional view which shows the passage structure formed in the payout device. (A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the discharge passage portion, and (b) is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 7 (a). It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the contents of various counters used for a winning or failing lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure about payout of a game ball. It is a flowchart which shows the input state monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize-winning monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal monitoring processing executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the output process for payout executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing executed in the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball setting process executed by the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the ball lending setting process executed by the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the payout quantity setting process executed by the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control process which is executed in the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the payout state setting process executed by the payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball permission signal setting process which is executed in payout side MPU. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the outline of the electric structure of the game hall where a lot of pachinko machines are installed. It is a rear view of (a) an enlarged view of the external terminal board and its periphery, and (b) is a block diagram for explaining the electrical structure of the external terminal board. It is a flowchart which shows the emission monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the external output processing for discharge executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the external output processing for the prize ball schedule executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the external output processing of the payout side executed by the payout side MPU. It is a timing chart which shows the state of an external output. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process for individual discharge executed in the main MPU in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the external output process of the payout side executed by the payout side MPU in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for individual output executed in the payout side MPU. (A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the emission detection sensor and its surroundings in the fourth embodiment, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing a lower region of the game board. It is a flowchart which shows the emission monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the configuration of the emission detection sensor and its surroundings in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the emission monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a figure which shows typically the lower area of the game board in 6th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the emission monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the out-ball monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a figure which shows typically the lower region of the game board in 7th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the stop monitoring process which is executed in the main MPU.

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

The pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine main body 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11 in the forward direction. The outer frame 11 is formed by connecting wooden plates on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment.

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 a number of game balls corresponding to the amount stored in the card can be rented by inserting the card into the card insertion slot H. It has become. It should be noted that what is inserted into the ball lending device Y when receiving a loan of a game ball is not limited to a card, and may be cash or a coin in which cash information is stored.

The game 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. The inner frame 13 of the game machine main body 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can rotate forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation tip side in front view.

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

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

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

The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 21 having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 21. A game board 24 is 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 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. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper operating port 33, a lower operating port 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a main display unit 43, an accessory display unit 44, and the like. ing.

When a ball enters the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) arranged on the back side of the game board 24. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. In this case, when the ball enters the upper operating port 33 and when the ball enters the lower operating port 34, three prize balls are paid out, and the ball enters the general winning opening 31. When it occurs, 10 prize balls are paid out, and when a ball is entered into the variable winning device 32, 15 prize balls are paid out. However, the number of these prize balls is arbitrary, for example, the number of prize balls related to the lower operating port 34 is larger than the number of prize balls related to the upper operating port 33, and the number of prize balls of both operating ports 33 and 34 is large. It may be different. Further, the number of prize balls related to the variable winning device 32 is not limited to a configuration larger than the number of other prize balls, and for example, the number of prize balls related to the general winning opening 31 may be smaller.

In addition, an out port 37 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 24, and game balls that do not enter various winning openings or the like are discharged from the game area through the out port 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 ball, and various members such as a windmill are arranged.

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

The upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are unitized as an operating port device and installed on the game board 24. Both the upper actuating port 33 and the lower actuating port 34 are opened upward. Further, both operating ports 33 and 34 are arranged in the vertical direction so that the upper operating port 33 faces upward. The lower operating 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 drive unit 34b mounted on the back side of the game board 24, and is driven by the electric accessory drive unit 34b and arranged in either a closed state or an open state. .. When the electric accessory 34a is closed, the game ball cannot win the lower operating port 34, and when the electric accessory 34a is opened, the lower operating port 34 can be won.

Not limited to this, it is possible to obtain a state in which a game ball is likely to win a prize in the lower operating port 34, and a state in which a prize is more difficult to occur than in a state in which a prize is not impossible but the above-mentioned prize is likely to occur. The accessory 34a may be switched. Further, the electric accessory 34a may be inadequate, and switching between a state in which winning is likely to occur and a state in which winning is less likely to occur may be performed by displacement of the lower operating port 34 itself.

The variable winning device 32 includes a large winning opening (not shown) leading to the back side of the game board 24, and also includes an opening / closing door 32a for opening and closing the large winning opening. The opening / closing door 32a is connected to a variable winning drive unit integrally provided as the variable winning device 32, is driven by the variable winning drive unit, and is arranged in either a closed state or an open state. Specifically, it is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot win a prize, and when the transition to the open / close execution mode is won in the internal lottery, the game ball is switched to an open state in which a prize can be won. By the way, the open / close execution mode is a mode in which the player shifts to a big hit or a special loss. It should be noted that, although it is not impossible to win a prize in the closed state, it may be configured in a state in which it is more difficult to generate a prize than in the open state.

In the main display unit 43, the variation display of the pattern is performed by triggering the winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is performed. The result of the internal lottery based on this is clearly indicated by the display. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the winning of the upper operating port 33 and the winning of the lower operating port 34 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and the winning is based on the winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. The result of the internal lottery is clearly shown on the main display unit 43, which is a common display area. Then, when the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the main display unit 43. After being displayed and the variable display is stopped, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode.

The main display unit 43 is composed of a segment display unit in which a plurality of segment light emitting units 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, and the like. It may be composed of other types of display devices such as a CRT or a dot matrix display. Further, as the pattern to be variablely displayed on the main display unit 43, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variablely displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variablely displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variablely displayed, or a plurality of patterns are displayed. It is conceivable that the seed colors are switched and displayed.

In the accessory display unit 44, the variation display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the through gate 35 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 35 is obtained. Explicitly indicated by the display. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through gate 35 is the winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric service open state, the predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display unit 44 and the variable display is displayed. After being stopped, it shifts to the electric service open state. In the electric service open state, the electric accessory 34a provided in the lower operating port 34 is in the open state in a predetermined mode.

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

In the symbol display device 41, the variable display of the symbol is started based on the winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. That is, when the main display unit 43 performs the variable display, the symbol display device 41 performs the variable display 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 not shown, a design that is a type of design is composed of nine types of main designs with numbers "1" to "9" and sub-designs consisting of shell-shaped designs. .. More specifically, nine types of character symbols such as an octopus are assigned numbers "1" to "9" to form a main symbol.

As shown in FIG. 5A, three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 of an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row are set as a plurality of display areas on the display surface G of the symbol display device 41. Each symbol row 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 order of numbers, 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 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 string Z2, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and then between the main symbol of "9" and the main symbol of "1". The main symbol of "4" is additionally arranged in the above, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and composed of 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 nine symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It has become like. Further, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right-down line L4, and a right-up line L5 are set on the display surface G.

When the effect for game rotation is performed on the display surface G based on the winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, the symbols in 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 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 symbols are statically displayed in the respective symbol rows Z1 to Z3 for game use. The production of is finished.

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

It should be noted that, based on the winning of any of the operating ports 33 and 34, the variation display is started on the main display unit 43 and the symbol display device 41, the predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variation display is stopped. Corresponds to one game.

Further, the mode of variable display of symbols in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary, such as the number of symbol rows, the direction of variable display of symbols in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row, and the like. Can be changed as appropriate. Further, the pattern to be variablely displayed by the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above-mentioned symbol, and for example, only numbers may be variablely displayed as the symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first holding lamp unit 45 corresponding to the main display unit 43 and the symbol display device 41 is provided on the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 42. The maximum number of game balls that have won a prize in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is reserved, and the reserved number is displayed by lighting the first holding lamp unit 45.

A second holding lamp portion 46 corresponding to the accessory display portion 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 held up to four times, and the number of times the game ball is held is displayed by lighting the second holding lamp unit 46. It should be noted that the functions of the holding lamp units 45 and 46 may be fulfilled by the display in a part of the 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 a guide rail is formed by the inner rail portion 48 and the outer rail portion 49, and the game is launched from the game ball launch mechanism 51. The ball is guided to the upper part of the game area. As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball launch mechanism 51 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21, and is stored in the launch rail 52 extending toward the guide rail and the upper plate 61a described later. It includes a ball feeding device 53 that supplies a game ball onto the launch rail 52, and a solenoid 54 that is an electric actuator that launches the game ball supplied on 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 driven and controlled, and the game ball is launched.

The 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 formed with a window portion 56 so that almost the entire area of the game area can be visually recognized from the front. The window portion 56 has a substantially elliptical shape, and the window panel 57 is fitted therein. The window panel 57 is formed colorless and transparent by glass, but is not limited to this, and may be formed colorless and transparent by synthetic resin, and the game area can be visually recognized through the window panel 57 from the front of the pachinko machine 10. If possible, it may be formed to be colored and transparent.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window 56. An indicator lamp portion 58 is provided above the window portion 56 as a part of various lamp portions. Further, on both the left and right sides of the indicator lamp unit 58, speaker units 59 for outputting sound effects and the like according to the game state are provided.

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 vertically. An upper plate 61a that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 61, and a lower plate 62a that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 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 arranging them in a row. Further, the lower plate 62a has a function of storing excess game balls in the upper plate 61a.

A ball lending operation device 65 is provided on 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 unit 68. With the card or the like inserted in the ball lending device Y, the ball lending operation device 65 can perform a ball lending operation, a card return operation, and a 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 the remaining amount exists on the card or the like. The return button 67 is operated when requesting the return of the card or the like inserted in the ball lending device Y. The frequency display unit 68 displays the balance information of the card or the like.

Next, the configuration on the back side of the game machine main 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 that controls the main control of the game, and a voice or lamp display and a display control device (not shown) are controlled. The voice emission control device 72, which controls the sound emission control device 72, is installed.

The substrate box 71a of the main control device 71 may be provided with a trace means for leaving a trace of its opening, or may be provided with a trace structure for leaving a trace of its opening. As the trace means, a plurality of case bodies constituting the substrate box 71a are inseparably bonded, and a bonding portion (caulking portion) that requires destruction of a predetermined portion at the time of separation is formed, and an adhesive layer is adhered at the time of peeling. It is conceivable that a sealing sticker that leaves a trace of being peeled off by remaining on the case is attached so as to straddle the boundary between a plurality of case bodies. Further, as the trace structure, a configuration in which an adhesive is applied to the boundary between a plurality of case bodies constituting the substrate box 71a can be considered. In addition, such a trace structure may be provided in the board box of the payout control device 78, which will be described 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 voice emission control device 72. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 73 formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and a payout mechanism portion 74 and a control device collecting unit 75 are attached to the back pack 73.

The payout mechanism unit 74 includes a tank 76 in which game balls supplied from the island equipment 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 payout device 77 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing a passage structure formed inside the payout device 77. In FIG. 6, the game ball flowing down inside the payout device 77 is shown by a chain double-dashed line.

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

The game ball passage 77c leads to the game ball outlet 77d formed at the lower end of the housing 77a, and the game balls entering from the game ball entrance 77b flow down one by one toward the game ball outlet 77d. An accommodating portion whose passage width is widened to the left and right is provided in the middle portion of the game ball passage 77c, 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, recesses 77g are formed at two positions at 180 ° intervals on the peripheral edge of the rotating body 77e. When the game ball flowing down the game ball passage 77c reaches the recess 77g of the rotating body 77e, the game ball is led out 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 driven and controlled by the payout control device 78, which will be described later. In this case, if the payout motor is continuously driven at a normal speed while 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 downstream of the accommodating portion. The payout ball detection sensor 77h is composed of 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 signal. The payout ball detection sensor 77h is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect the 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 between the output levels may be reversed. With the payout ball detection sensor 77h, the number of game balls paid out via the payout device 77 can be confirmed.

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

The control device collective unit 75 generates and outputs a predetermined power required by the payout control device 78 having a function of controlling the payout device 77 and various control devices, and a game associated with the operation of the launch handle 55 by the player. It includes a power supply and a launch control device 79 for controlling the launch of the ball. The payout control device 78 and the power supply and 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.

In addition to the above-mentioned control devices 78 and 79, the control device collective unit 75 is a game ball that is launched by the game ball launching mechanism 51 and reaches the game area and is discharged to the back side of the game board 24. A discharge passage portion 85 is provided for collecting the game balls and discharging the game balls to the island equipment of the game hall. The configuration of the discharge passage portion 85 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the discharge passage portion 85, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 7A.

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

As shown in FIG. 7A, the discharge passage portion 85 is provided so as to exist below the collection passage portion 86. The discharge passage portion 85 is formed so that the inlet portion faces the outlet portion of the discharge passage portion 85 from below, and the inlet portion of the discharge passage portion 85 is discharged from the outlet portion of the discharge passage portion 85. While the wide mouth is formed so that all the game balls can be received, the exit side of the discharge passage portion 85 is narrow so that the game balls are not arranged in a direction orthogonal to the passage direction. It is formed in the mouth. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, an inclined portion 87 is formed so that the passage cross section is narrowed at an intermediate position in the vertical direction, and the game ball moves in the passage direction after the inclined portion 87. It is an aligned passage region 88 that cannot be arranged in a direction orthogonal to each other. Since the inclined portion 87 is inclined downward toward the entrance of the aligned passage region 88, the game ball that has reached the inclined portion 87 will flow down toward the aligned passage region 88 due to its own weight.

The aligned passage area 88 leads to the exit of the discharge passage portion 85, and the game balls that have passed through the aligned passage area 88 are discharged to the island facility. The alignment passage region 88 is provided with an discharge detection sensor 89 so as to detect game balls passing through the alignment passage region 88 one by one.

The emission detection sensor 89 is composed of a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes within the detection range and outputs it as an electric signal. The emission detection sensor 89 is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect the game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. The emission detection sensor 89 outputs an electric signal to the main control device 71. 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 between the output levels may be reversed.

With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B, all the game balls introduced into the discharge passage portion 85 pass through the aligned passage region 88. Then, the game balls passing through the aligned passage area 88 are detected one by one by the discharge detection sensor 89, and after being detected by the discharge detection sensor 89, they are discharged to the island facility.

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

<Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 8 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 control of the 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 is a ROM 93 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 92, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 93 is executed. A certain RAM 94, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like 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 individually chipped. This also applies to the MPU of the control device other than the main control device 71.

The MPU 92 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A power failure monitoring board 95 and a payout control device 78 provided in the main control device 71 are connected to the input side of the MPU 92. In this case, a power supply and a launch control device 79 having a function of supplying operating power are connected to the power failure monitoring board 95, and power is supplied to the MPU 92 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 with one-to-one detection for winning winning portions such as a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper operating port 33, a lower operating port 34, and a through gate 35. A sensor is included, and the MPU 92 makes a winning determination for each ball entry portion. Further, in the MPU 92, various lottery is executed based on the winning of the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34.

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

Further, on the output side of the MPU 92, a variable winning drive unit 32c for opening and closing the opening / closing door 32a of the variable winning device 32, an electric accessory driving unit 34b for opening / closing the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34, and a main display unit. 43 and the display unit 44 for the accessory 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, the drive control of the variable winning drive unit 32c is executed in the MPU 92 so that the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed in the opening / closing execution mode. Further, when the electric accessory 34a is won in the open state, the drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 34b is executed in the MPU 92 so that the electric accessory 34a is opened and closed. Further, at each game round, the display control of the main display unit 43 is executed in the MPU 92. Further, when the lottery result of whether or not to open the electric accessory 34a is clearly indicated, 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 launch control device 79, and monitors the DC stable 24 volt voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 79. The payout control device 78 controls the payout of prize balls and rental 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 are 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 source, the operating power required for each of the main control board 91, the payout control device 78, and the like is generated, 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 are 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 voice emission control device 72 drives and controls 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 commands to execute display control of the symbol display device 41.

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

The MPU 92 uses various counter information during the game to perform a big hit generation lottery, a display setting of the main display unit 43, a symbol display setting of the symbol display device 41, a display setting of the accessory display unit 44, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery for generating jackpots, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 41 are displaced and fluctuate. The 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 variable type counter for determining the display duration in the main display unit 43 and the symbol display device 41. CS and are to be used. Further, the electric accessory opening counter C4 used for the lottery as to whether or not the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34 is set to the electric service open 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 the counter is updated, and the counter returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a 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 prize is generated in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. It is stored in a holding ball storage area provided as a storage means.

The hold ball storage area includes a hold 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, according to the winning history of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. , The combination of each 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 as hold information in any of the hold areas RE1 to RE4.

In this case, in the first holding area RE1 to the fourth holding area RE4, when the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is awarded a plurality of times in succession, the first holding area RE1 → the second holding area RE1 Each numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of RE2 → 3rd holding area RE3 → 4th holding area RE4. By providing the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 in this way, up to four winning histories of the game ball in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 can be reserved and stored. Further, the hold area RE is provided with a hold number storage area NA, and the hold number storage area NA is used to specify the number of winning histories stored in the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34. Information is stored.

The number that can be stored on hold is not limited to 4, and may be any other number such as 2, 3, or 5 or more, or may be a single number.

The execution area AE is an area for moving each numerical information stored in the first hold area RE1 of the hold area RE when starting the variable display of the main display unit 43, and at the start of one game round. Is determined based on 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 has a configuration in which, for example, 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 599, and after reaching the maximum value, it 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 jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the holding ball storage area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34.

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

The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to add 1 in order within the range of 0 to 29, reach the maximum value, and then return to 0. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34.

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

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

The open / close execution mode is a mode in which a round game is performed 15 times. A round game is a game that continues until either a predetermined upper limit duration elapses or a predetermined upper limit number of game balls wins a prize in 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 launch handle 55 is operated by the player, the game ball launch mechanism 51 is driven and controlled so that one game ball is launched toward the game area every 0.6 sec. .. Then, in each round game, the upper limit duration is set for a time longer than the product of the firing cycle of the game ball and the upper limit number of one round game. Therefore, in each round game, it can be expected that the variable winning device 32 will be awarded a maximum 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 operating port 34 is opened is different per unit time, and is different from the high frequency support mode so that the frequency is 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 of winning the electric role open state in the electric accessory open lottery using the electric accessory release 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 opened when the electric accessory open state is won is set more than in the low-frequency support mode, and one more opening. The time is set long. In this case, when the electric accessory open state is won in the high frequency support mode and the electric accessory 34a is opened multiple times, the electric accessory 34a is closed from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state. The time is set shorter than the one-time opening time. In addition, in the high-frequency support mode, a shorter time is required as the minimum secured time for the next electric accessory opening lottery to be performed after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed, as compared with the low-frequency support mode. It is set to be selected.

As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability that the lower operating port 34 is won is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning the upper operating port 33 is higher than that of the lower operating port 34, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operating port 34 is more likely than the upper operating port 33. The probability of winning a prize increases. Then, when a prize is won in the lower operating port 34, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high frequency support mode, the player plays the game while not reducing the number of balls held so much. be able to.

The configuration for increasing the frequency of the high-frequency support mode to be in the electric service open state per unit time is not limited to the above, for example, the electric accessory open lottery. It may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric service open state in. In addition, the securing time secured for the next electric accessory opening lottery after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed (for example, on the accessory display unit 44 based on the winning of the through gate 35). In a configuration where multiple types of variable display times are prepared, the high-frequency support mode is set so that a shorter reservation time is easier to select or the average reservation time is shorter than the low-frequency support mode. May be done. Furthermore, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is lengthened, and the securing time secured for the next electric accessory opening lottery after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed is shortened (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 any combination of conditions is applied. By doing so, the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode may be enhanced.

The reach random number counter C3 has a configuration in which, for example, 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 238, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the holding ball storage area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34.

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

In the reach display, a combination of jackpot symbols may be established by stopping and displaying a part of the symbol rows among the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display surface of the symbol display device 41. A display state in which a combination is displayed and a variable display of symbols is performed in the remaining symbol rows in that state is included. In addition, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image in the background image to produce a reach effect. , A combination of reach symbols is reduced or hidden, and then a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on substantially the entire display surface to perform a reach effect.

The reach display is executed regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game times corresponding to the jackpot result. Further, in the game round corresponding to the deviation result, the game is executed when the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing corresponds to the occurrence of the reach display by referring to the reach table stored in the ROM 93. That is, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is used to determine whether or not to execute the reach display. However, the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 is not used when determining the type of reach display.

The variation type counter CS has a configuration in which, for example, 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 198, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 92 to determine the display duration on the main display unit 43 and the display duration of the symbol on the symbol display device 41. The variation type counter CS is updated by each of the timer interrupt processes described later, and the value of the variation type counter CS is determined at the start of the variation display on the main display unit 43 and at the start of the symbol variation 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 determined to generate the reach display based on the numerical information acquired from the reach random number counter C3, or because the game times shift to the open / close execution mode, the reach display may be generated. If it is determined, the type of reach display is determined using the numerical information acquired from the variable type counter CS. Each reach display differs in the types of characters that appear in the reach display and the period during which the reach display is executed.

The electric accessory release counter C4 has a configuration in which, for example, 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 250, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The electric accessory opening counter C4 is periodically updated and stored in the electric service holding area provided in the RAM 94 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 35. Then, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the electric accessory 34a to the open state according to the value of the stored electric accessory opening counter C4 at a predetermined timing.

<About various processes executed by the main controller 71>
Next, timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed for advancing the game by the MPU 92 in the main control device 71 will be described. In the MPU 92, in addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the main process activated when the power is turned on and the NMI interrupt process activated by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal) are executed. The description of these processes will be omitted.

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

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

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

After that, in step S104, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S105, 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. ..

In the following step S106, a winning process for thru accompanying the winning of the thru gate 35 is executed. In the through winning process, if the through gate 35 has been won, the number of reserved items stored in the electric service holding area is less than the upper limit (for example, "4"). Is a condition, and the value of the electric accessory opening counter C4 updated in step S105 is stored in the electric accessory holding area. In addition, the voice emission control device 72 is subjected to a process for turning on the second hold lamp unit 46 corresponding to the number of reserved characters.

After that, in steps S107 to S110, the winning process for the operating port is executed. In the winning process for the operating port, first, in step S107, it is determined whether or not a winning is generated in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. If no prize has been won, this timer interrupt process is terminated as it is.

If a prize has been won, in step S108, whether or not the number of start hold storages stored in the hold number storage area NA of the hold ball storage area is less than the upper limit value (for example, “4”). To judge. If the start hold storage number is the upper limit value, the timer interrupt process is terminated as it is, and if the start hold storage number is less than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the number of stored start hold is added by 1. In the following step S110, each numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S105 is stored as hold information in the hold area RE of the hold ball storage area. In this case, it is stored in the first hold area of the free hold areas RE1 to RE4 of the hold area RE, that is, the hold area corresponding to the current number of start hold storages. In addition, the voice emission control device 72 is subjected to a process for lighting the first hold lamp unit 45 corresponding to the number of start hold storages. After executing the process of step S110, the timer interrupt process ends.

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

Specifically, in step S201, the variation type counter CS is updated. In the following step S202, a game time control process for advancing the game of each game time is executed. In the game time control process, the hold information stored in the first hold area RE1 of the hold area RE is executed on condition that the hold information that is not the start target of the game time is stored in the hold area RE. Along with shifting to the area AE, a process of shifting each hold information stored in the second to fourth hold areas RE2 to RE4 to a higher area is executed. Then, when the shift process is executed, the hit / fail determination of whether or not the jackpot is achieved is executed by using the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE. If the jackpot is won, the numerical information of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE is used to determine which of the high-accuracy jackpot result and the low-accuracy jackpot result is to be the jackpot result. Perform a distribution determination to do so. If the jackpot is not won, a lottery is executed to determine whether or not to generate the reach display in the game times that result in the loss by using the numerical information of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE. ..

In the game time control process, after executing these various lottery, the numerical information of the variable type counter CS at that time is acquired, and the acquired numerical information and the various lottery results are used to be used as the main display unit of the game time. The display continuation period of the variable display of the pattern on the 43 is selected, and the variable display of the pattern on the main display unit 43 is started. Further, the MPU 92 transmits a variation command including information on the display continuation period and a type command including information on the result of the hit / miss determination process and the result of the distribution determination process to the voice emission control device 72. The voice emission control device 72 determines the effect pattern of the game times according to the content of the received command, executes the light emission control of the indicator lamp unit 58 according to the effect pattern, and controls the sound output of the speaker unit 59. Run. Further, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the content of the effect pattern determined by itself to the display control device 101 as a command. In the display control device 101, the symbol display device 41 executes the display effect of the game times according to the received command.

In the game time control process, the mode of the pattern displayed on the main display unit 43 is changed according to a regular pattern until the display continuation period elapses during the execution of the game time. Then, when the display continuation period has elapsed, the variation display of the pattern on the main display unit 43 is terminated in a state in which the display is in a mode corresponding to the results of the hit / fail determination process and the distribution determination process. Further, in this case, the final stop command is transmitted to the voice emission control device 72. Upon receiving the final stop command, the voice emission control device 72 ends the light emission control and the sound output control according to the effect pattern of the game times. Further, the final stop command is transmitted from the voice emission control device 72 to the display control device 101, and the display control device 101 ends the display control according to the effect pattern of the game times by receiving the final stop command.

Returning to the description of the normal process (FIG. 11), in the following step S203, the game state transition process is executed. In the game state transition process, the game state is shifted to the open / close execution mode on the condition that the game times that result in the big hit are completed. In the opening / closing execution mode, the variable winning device 32 is opened / closed in the manner described above. Then, when one game ball wins in the variable winning device 32, 15 game balls are paid out, so that a large number of game balls can be expected to be acquired in the opening / closing execution mode, which is advantageous for the player. .. Further, in the game state transition process, when the open / close execution mode ends, the transition setting of the win / fail lottery mode and the support mode is performed according to the type of the jackpot result that triggered the transition of the open / close execution mode.

In the following step S204, an electric service support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 34a provided in the lower operating port 34 is executed. In this electric service support process, an electric service opening lottery for whether or not to open the electric service 34a using the numerical information acquired from the electric service release counter C4 stored in the electric service holding area of the RAM 94 is used. And, when the electric service open state is won, the electric accessory 34a is opened and closed. In addition, the display control of the accessory display unit 44 is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric service opening lottery.

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

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

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

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 208 that the power failure flag is set, it means that the power supply has been cut off, so the power failure processing after step S212 is executed. That is, in step S212, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, then the RAM determination value is calculated and saved in step S213, access to the RAM 94 is prohibited in step S214, and then the power supply is completely shut off for processing. Continues an infinite loop until can no longer be executed.

<Electrical configuration for paying out game balls>
Next, the electrical configuration and the processing configuration regarding the payout of the game ball will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 12, the power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and the 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 by using the connection unit 105. In this case, the connection unit 105 is provided with a plurality of (for example, 14) electric wires (or signal lines) between the pair of connectors, and one of the pair of connectors is provided on the main control board 91. The other 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 enables parallel transmission of commands having a plurality of bits of data from the main control board 91 to the payout control board 111, and is transmitted from the main control board 91 through the command line. A 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 types of electric wirings from the payout control board 111 to the main control board 91 through the various electric wirings. Signal is transmitted.

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

In addition, a part or all of MPU 112, ROM 113 and RAM 114 may be provided as separate chips. Further, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, the MPU 92, ROM 93 and 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, ROM 113 and RAM 114 of the payout control board 111 are paid out. These are referred to as a side MPU 112, a payout side ROM 113, and a 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 and launch control board 121 provided in the power supply and launch control device 79, and a ball rental 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, so that 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 rental connection terminal board 125 are connected to the output side of the payout side MPU 112.

The ball rental connection terminal board 125 is a board for relaying the electrical connection between the payout control board 111 and the ball rental device Y. The payout side MPU 112 controls the ball lending by inputting and outputting an electric signal to and from the ball lending device Y.

As described above, the power supply and the launch control board 121 generate the operating power required for each of the main control board 91, the payout control board 111, and the like based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, and generate the power. Supply the operating power. Specifically, the power supply and the emission control board 121 are provided with a power supply unit 122 for power on and a power supply unit 123 for power failure.

The power supply unit 122 at the time of power-on is connected to a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like, and generates operating power in a situation where external power is supplied from the commercial power source, and the generated power source unit 122 is generated. It has a function to supply operating power. The power supply unit 123 for power failure is composed of a capacitor, and the power supplied from the power supply unit 122 for power supply when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is ON (when power is supplied from an external power supply). Is charged by. Further, in a power cut state (when the power supply from the external power supply is cut off) such as when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is OFF or when a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply, the power is discharged from the power supply unit 123 for power failure. The storage 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 retained without being erased while the storage and holding power is being supplied from the power supply unit 123 at the time of power failure.

More specifically, the electric power from the power supply unit 122 at the time of power-on is supplied to the VCS terminal of the main MPU 92 and the VCC terminal of the payout side MPU 112. In a situation where power is being supplied from an external power source by the power supplied to the VCS terminal, various control processes are executed by the MPUs 92 and 112, and information is stored and held by the RAMs 94 and 114. Will be.

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

The VBB terminal of the payout side MPU 112 is grounded or not connected to any electrical wiring. Further, instead of the configuration in which the power supplied to the VCS terminals in each MPU 92 and 112 is supplied to both the arithmetic unit and the RAMs 94 and 114, the power supplied to the VCS terminals is supplied only to the arithmetic 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 RAM 94 from being supplied with power for power interruption and the payout side RAM 114 not to be supplied with power for power interruption as described above, the power supply unit 122 for power supply is used. Power is supplied to the VCS terminal and VBB terminal of the main MPU 92, and the power is supplied to the VCS terminal and VBB terminal of the payout side MPU 112, and further, from the power supply unit 123 at the time of power failure. While the power is supplied to the VBB terminal of the main MPU 92, it is not supplied to the VBB terminal of the payout side MPU 112.

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

The power supply unit for power failure is not limited to the capacitor, and may be a battery, a non-rechargeable battery, or the like. In the case of a non-rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to store electricity in the power supply means for power failure when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is ON, but it is necessary to replace the battery periodically. Further, the power supply and the emission control board 121 are provided with a power supply unit for power failure processing (not shown), which is different from the power supply unit 123 for power failure. In the power supply and emission control board 121, even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volts, the power supply unit discharges from the power supply unit for power failure processing for a sufficient period of time to execute the power failure processing described later. , It is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive power supply for the control system, at a normal value. As a result, the main control board 91 and the like can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

<Processing configuration for paying out game balls and processing configuration on the main MPU 92>
Next, the processing configuration in the main MPU 92 regarding the payout of the game ball will be described. In the following description, the value of the counter area means a value in which the value of the counter area configured in byte units is virtually expressed in decimal numbers.

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

In the input state monitoring process, first, the winning monitoring process is executed in step S301. In the winning monitoring process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not any of the operating ports 33 and 34 has been won. If any of the operating ports 33 and 34 has been won, in step S402, the values of the three prize ball counters provided in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94 are added by 1. To do. The three-prize ball counter is for counting the number of times that a three-prize ball command for instructing the payout side MPU 112 to pay out three game balls should be output. In the following step S403, the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 3. The prize ball schedule counter 94c is for counting the number of prize balls instructed to the payout side MPU 112, and the number of the instructed prize balls is externally output to the hall computer HC of the game hall as described in detail later. Used to do.

In addition, since the winning of the upper operating port 33 and the winning of the lower operating port 34 can occur at the same time within the range of one processing of the normal processing, three prize balls are obtained in the processing of steps S401 to S403. The process of adding 1 to the prize ball schedule counter 94c and the process of adding 3 to the prize ball schedule counter 94c may be performed twice.

When a negative determination is made in step S401, or after the process of step S403 is executed, it is determined in step S404 whether or not a prize has been generated in the general winning opening 31. When a prize has been generated in the general winning opening 31, the value of the 10 prize ball counters provided in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94 is added by 1 in step S405. The 10-prize ball counter is for counting the number of times that a 10-prize ball command for instructing the payout side MPU 112 to pay out 10 game balls should be output. In the following step S406, the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c of the main RAM 94 is added by 10.

When a negative determination is made in step S404, or after the process of step S406 is executed, it is determined in step S407 whether or not a prize has been generated in the variable winning device 32. When a prize has been generated in the variable winning device 32, the values of the 15 prize ball counters provided in the various prize ball counters 94a of the main RAM 94 are added by 1 in step S408. The 15 prize ball counter is for counting the number of times to output the 15 prize ball command instructing the payout side MPU 112 to pay out 15 game balls. In the following step S409, the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c of the main RAM 94 is added by 15. When a negative determination is made in step S407, or after the process of step S409 is executed, the main winning monitoring process is terminated.

Returning to the description of the input state process (FIG. 13), after the winning 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 an abnormality signal is input from the payout side MPU 112, a payout abnormality command is output to the voice emission control device 72 to execute the abnormality notification. The payout abnormality referred to here includes a ball-free state of the tank 76, and a signal from the ball-less detection sensor for detecting whether the tank 76 is in the ball-free state is received by the payout side MPU 112. Will be done.

In the following step S303, a full tank signal monitoring process for identifying whether or not the lower plate 62a is full is executed. In the full tank signal monitoring process, when the full tank signal is received from the payout side MPU 112, the voice emission control device 72 outputs a full tank status command to execute the full tank notification. The signal from the full tank detection sensor for detecting whether the lower plate 62a is full is received by the payout side MPU 112.

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

In the following step S305, the front door frame opening 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 on 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, the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed in step S306, the discharge monitoring process is executed in step S307, and then the input state monitoring process is terminated. The emission monitoring process in step S307 will be described in detail later. First, the prize ball permission signal monitoring process in step S306 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

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

However, in this configuration, when the power supply from the external power source 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 on the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 114 as in the conventional pachinko machine, the power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10 in the situation where there are unpaid prize balls. If it is stopped, all the unpaid prize balls will be deleted without being paid out. Then, it will cause a great disadvantage to the player.

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

By the way, 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. When the prize ball permission signal is received, in step S502, it is determined whether or not 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 stored due to the fact that the prize ball permission signal is actually output from the payout side MPU 112 when the prize ball permission signal is received, noise, etc. The purpose is to specify in the main MPU 92 whether it is stored due to the cause of.

If the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is "5" or more, an affirmative determination is made in step S502, and the main prize ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if 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, after adding 1 to the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b, the main prize ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated.

Here, since the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, the execution cycle is about 4 msec. Therefore, when the prize ball permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 112 and the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is less than "5", the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is incremented by 1 in a cycle of about 4 msec. .. Further, when the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b becomes "5" or more 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. Does not execute the addition processing of the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b.

If 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 the main prize ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated. That is, in the situation where the prize ball permission signal is not output from the payout side MPU 112, the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is maintained at "0".

<Output processing for payout>
Next, the payout output process executed in step S207 of the normal process (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The payout output process is a process for outputting various commands from the main MPU 92 to the payout side 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, in step S602, after outputting the front door frame opening command or the front door frame closing command to the payout side MPU 112 according to the side where the state change has occurred. The output processing for this payout is terminated.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S601, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether or not the front door frame 14 is open. If the front door frame 14 is open, the main payout output process is terminated as it is. When the front door frame 14 is closed, in step S604, it is determined 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 prize ball permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 112 and the value of the prize ball permission counter 94b is less than "5". 1 is added in the cycle. Further, 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 continuously reached 20 msec as the output permission continuation period.

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

If the value of any 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. Then, in step S607, after executing the prize ball command output process, the payout output process is terminated.

In the prize ball command output process, it is first determined whether or not the value of the 15 prize ball counter is 1 or more, and if it is 1 or more, the 15 prize ball commands are output to the payout side MPU 112. At the same time, the value of the counter for 15 prize balls is subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated. When the value of the 15 prize ball counter is "0", it is determined whether or not the value of the 10 prize ball counter is 1 or more, and when it is 1 or more, 10 pieces are determined. The prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112, and the value of the 10 prize ball counters is subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated. 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 pieces are used. The prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 112, and the values of the three prize ball counters are subtracted by 1. After that, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

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

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

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

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

First, in step S701, an external output process on the payout side for setting an external output for the hall computer HC of the game hall is executed. The details of the processing will be described later.

In the following step S702, 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 has started, the state return operation is executed.

In the following step S703, the command determination process is executed. In the command determination process, the command stored in the storage area to be read this time is read from the storage area (for example, ring buffer) in which the command received from the main MPU 92 is stored in the payout side RAM 114, and the command is read. If the command is a front door frame open command, a process that enables the payout side MPU 112 to identify the fact by setting a flag or the like is executed, and if it is a front door frame close command, the flag is cleared. A process that makes the fact identifiable by the payout side MPU 112 is executed.

In the following step S704, a full tank processing 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 S705, no ball is detected. Based on the detection result of the sensor, a ball-free process for determining whether or not the tank 76 is in a ball-free state is executed.

After that, the prize ball setting process is executed in step S706, the ball lending setting process is executed in step S707, the payout quantity setting process is executed in step S708, the payout control process is executed in step S709, and the step. After executing the prize ball permission signal setting process in S710, the timer interrupt process is terminated. Each of these processes will be described below individually.

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

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

If the prize ball command has been received, the calculation process for the prize ball command is executed in step S802. Here, three types of prize ball commands are set: 3 prize ball commands, 10 prize ball commands, and 15 prize ball commands, and each of these prize ball commands consists 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 S802, the above addition calculation is executed for the prize ball command to be processed this time.

In the following step S803, the prize ball command to be processed this time is deleted from the payout side RAM 114. In the following step S804, it is determined whether or not the result calculated in step S802 is normal. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is "FF" in hexadecimal. If it is "FF", it means that the prize ball command this time is normal, so the process proceeds to step S805.

On the other hand, if it is not "FF", it means that the prize ball command this time has been rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like in the middle of the command transmission path from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112. , The main prize ball setting process ends as it is. In this case, the prize ball command this time is deleted without being added to the prize ball number storage area 114a as information on the number of prize balls. As a result, it is possible to reduce the damage to the game hall or the like when the prize ball command is rewritten due to the influence of noise or the like. That is, in the prize ball command, the lower information corresponds to the information on the number of prize balls, but the lower information is rewritten. For example, the number of prize balls is 100 even though the number of prize balls should be three. There is a risk that it will end up. On the other hand, by not adding the prize ball command to the prize ball number storage area 114a as the prize ball number information as described above, the information rewritten by the noise or the like is not added. Damage to game halls, etc. is reduced.

Returning to the description of the prize ball setting process, in step S805, the prize ball number specifying process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the payout side ROM 113, it is specified which number of prize balls the prize ball command to be processed this time corresponds to. 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 the following step S806, the mask processing at the time of addition is executed. In the addition mask processing, the logical product is such that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is equal to or less than a predetermined number of prize balls for correction at the time of addition (specifically, 3). Performs the operation of.

Here, as will be described later, the payout side MPU 112 starts outputting the prize ball permission signal when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is 3 or less as the permission reference number. , The prize ball command for it is input from the main MPU 92, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes four or more. Therefore, when the prize ball command is input from the main MPU 92 and the information on the number of prize balls is added to the prize ball number storage area 114a, it is equal to or less than the permitted reference number stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a (specifically). It should be 3 or less).

However, in the pachinko machine 10, noise or the like may be generated at various timings, and the number of prize balls is counted from the start of the output of the prize ball permission signal on the payout side MPU 112 to the execution of the prize ball number addition process. The information in the storage area 114a may be rewritten. Then, for example, if the information in the prize ball number storage area 114a is originally 3 pieces, but is rewritten to 131 pieces or the like, it will cause a great disadvantage to the game hall. It ends up.

On the other hand, in the addition mask processing in step S806, the logical product is such that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is 3 or less as the number of prize balls for correction at the time of addition. Perform the operation. In this configuration, the number of prize balls for correction at the time of addition matches the number of permission criteria.

After that, in step S807, 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 S805 is 1 or more. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is "0", the main prize ball setting process is terminated as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is not "0", the process proceeds to step S808.

In step S808, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls to be added is less than "16". If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is "16" or more, the main prize ball setting process is terminated as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls to be added is less than "16", the process proceeds to step S809. By executing the processes of steps S807 and S808 as described above, if the information on the number of prize balls to be added is abnormal, it can be invalidated.

In the following step S809, the process of adding the number of prize balls is executed. In the addition process, the information on the number of prize balls specified in step S805 is added to the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a after the mask processing at the time of addition in step S806.

In the following step S810, whether or not the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a after the addition process is executed in step S809 exceeds the upper limit number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 114a. Is determined. 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 proceeds to step S812 as it is. If the information on the number of prize balls is "19" or more, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, the post-addition correction process is executed. Specifically, the information on the number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 114a is corrected to "18". As a result, when the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a exceeds the upper limit prize ball number due to the influence of noise or the like, it can be corrected to the upper limit prize ball number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game hall from suffering a disadvantage. Also, if the maximum number of prize balls is exceeded, the player may suffer a disadvantage by modifying the maximum number of prize balls instead of invalidating it (that is, setting it to "0"). Absent.

By executing each of the processes of step S806, step S807, step S808, and step S811, the abnormality in the number of prize balls can be carefully resolved. However, it is not essential to execute all of these processes, and for example, it is not necessary to execute the processes of steps S807 and S808. Even in this case, the abnormality in the number of prize balls can be resolved by executing the processes of step S806 and step S811.

In the following step S812, 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 becomes the switching reference number (specifically, "2") stored in advance in the payout side ROM 113. It is a flag that is stored in and erased when the number of switching reference numbers 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 in the normal cycle up to that point. It is configured to change from to low speed cycle. This is due to the following reasons. That is, in the situation where the information on the number of prize balls is not stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a, the driving of the payout device 77 is stopped. In this case, if the single-shot winning is repeatedly generated at a predetermined interval, it becomes necessary to repeatedly start and stop the drive of the payout device 77. Since driving start of the payout device 77 requires a larger driving force than when maintaining the drive state of the payout device 77, it is not preferable that the drive start and drive stop of the payout device 77 are repeatedly performed 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 a low speed cycle, so that a single prize can be won. Even if the prize balls are repeatedly generated at predetermined intervals, the possibility that the next prize will be generated while executing the prize balls of the switching reference number in a low speed cycle increases, and the drive start and drive stop of the payout device 77 are repeated. The possibility of being done is reduced.

A configuration is also conceivable in which the payout speed of the payout device 77 is always low, but in this case, the payout speed of the game ball becomes chronically slow, and the player receives a prize for the prize ball. It takes a considerable amount of time to receive the award, which is not preferable.

If "1" is not set in the prize ball low speed flag in step S812, the process proceeds to step S814 as it is. On the other hand, when the prize ball low speed flag is set to "1", the process proceeds to step S814 after clearing the prize ball low speed flag "0" in step S813. When the prize ball low speed flag is cleared to "0", the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes the switching reference number, and the payout speed of the payout device 77 set in the low speed cycle. Will return to the normal cycle.

In step S814, the error flag clearing process is executed. The error flag is a flag stored when, for example, an unanalyzable command is input from the main MPU 92. The error flag is deleted in step S814 when the prize ball command is normally input and the prize ball setting process for the prize ball command is executed. After executing the error flag erasing process in step S814, the prize ball setting process ends.

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

In step S901, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the ball lending state flag of the payout side RAM 114. The ball lending state flag is a flag used in the payout side MPU 112 to specify 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 ball lending state flag is in the input standby state. , It is deleted when it is no longer necessary to receive the ball rental request signal.

If "1" is not set in the ball lending state flag, the process for setting the ball lending state in steps S902 to S906 is executed, and if "1" is set in the ball lending state flag, the ball lending state flag is set. The process during the ball lending state of steps S907 to S911 is executed.

In the ball lending state setting process, first, in step S902, 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 communication is possible with the payout side MPU 112 in the ball lending device Y. Further, as for the ball lending standby signal, the ball lending device Y holds the information of the unpaid ball lending (specifically, the card in which the unpaid ball lending information is stored and held is stored in the ball lending device Y. It is a signal for the payout side MPU 112 to grasp that the ball lending button 66 of the ball lending operation device 65 is operated in the situation (inserted). The connection confirmation signal may not be provided.

If either the connection confirmation signal or the ball rental standby signal is not input, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when both the connection confirmation signal and the ball rental standby signal are input, it is determined in step S903 whether or not there is a payout error state. The payout error state is a state corresponding to any of the front door frame open state, the lower plate full tank state, the tank ball no state, and the payout device abnormal state.

If there is a payout error state, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined in step S904 whether or not the payout operation is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the payout device 77 is stopped. The situation in which the ball lending status flag is not stored and the payout device 77 is operating means that the prize ball is being paid out, or the ball lending based on one ball lending operation has already been performed. It means that the payout is being executed. That is, it can be said that in step S904, it is determined whether or not the prize ball operation is in progress or the ball lending operation based on one ball lending operation is in progress.

If the payout operation is in progress, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. If the payout operation is not in progress, the output state of the ball lending permission signal is set in step S905. As a result, the payout side MPU 112 starts outputting the ball lending permission signal to the ball lending device Y, and the ball lending device Y inputs the ball lending permission signal to lend the ball based on one operation of the ball lending button 66. Output the request signal. After that, in step S906, the ball lending status flag of the payout side RAM 114 is set to "1", and then the ball lending setting process is completed. The ball lending device Y did not operate the ball lending button 66 when the ball lending permission signal was not input for a predetermined period (for example, 2 sec) after outputting the ball lending standby signal. Treat as.

In the ball lending state processing of steps S907 to S911, first, in step S907, 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 the ball lending device. If the ball rental request signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S909 as it is. When the ball lending request signal is input, the process proceeds to step S909 after executing the addition process of the payout side RAM 114 to the ball lending number storage area 114b in step S908. In the addition process, information on the number of rented balls corresponding to 25 pieces corresponding to 100 yen is added to the number of rented balls storage area 114b. That is, the ball lending device Y periodically outputs a ball lending request signal in response to the ball lending operation in the ball lending state, and the payout side MPU 112 reaches a predetermined number of units each time the ball lending request signal is input. Information on the corresponding number of rented balls is added to the number of rented balls storage area 114b.

In step S909, 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 one ball lending operation is completed. This is a signal to be recognized by the MPU 112. If the end signal has not been input, the main ball rental setting process is terminated as it is. When the end signal is input, the ball lending status flag of the payout side RAM 114 is cleared to "0" in step S910, and the output stop state of the ball lending permission signal is set in step S911. The sphere setting process ends.

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 The ball lending request signal based on the ball lending operation is not output until the output of the ball lending permission signal is newly started. Therefore, only the information on the number of balls rented based on one ball renting operation is stored in the rented ball number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114. 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 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 payout error state is not obtained and the payout operation is not in progress in the situation where the ball lending standby signal is input from the ball lending device Y. In particular, by preventing the ball lending state from being set during the payout operation, even if the ball lending operation is performed by the ball lending operation device 65 while the prize ball is being paid out. The payout of prize balls can be prioritized.

Assuming a configuration in which the ball lending operation is prioritized when the ball lending operation is performed while the prize balls are being paid out, the prize ball number information is stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114. Despite this, it becomes necessary to stop the payout of prize balls. In this case, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the power cut-off state, the information on the number of prize balls is erased because the power for power failure 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 holding function at the time of power failure (that is, the information of the unpaid ball lending is stored in the card), the prize ball is paid out. In this situation, by not inputting the ball lending request signal from the ball lending device Y, the information on the number of ball lending is held by the ball lending device Y, and even if the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, it can be rented. The information on the number of balls is not erased. In the above circumstances, even if the ball lending operation is performed in the situation where the prize balls are paid out, by giving priority to the prize ball payout, the information on the number of prize balls is deleted without actually being paid out. Is prevented.

<Payout quantity setting process>
Next, the payout number setting process in step S708 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the payout number setting process, the information stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a or the loan number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is sent to the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114, which is an execution area when paying out the game balls. The process of storing is executed.

In the payout quantity setting process, first, in step S1001, the payout setting time mask process is executed. In the payout setting mask processing, the logical product is calculated so that 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 predetermined number of prize balls for correction at the time of payout. Run.

Here, as will be described later, the payout side MPU 112 starts outputting the prize ball permission signal when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is 3 or less, which is the permission reference number. , The prize ball command for it is input from the main MPU 92, and the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a becomes 4 or more as the disapproval reference number, so that the prize ball permission signal is output. To stop. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, the maximum number of prize balls for one prize is 15. In the above configuration, the maximum number of prize balls in the prize ball number storage area 114a is 18, which is the sum of the permission reference number and the maximum number of prize balls corresponding to winning.

However, in the pachinko machine 10, noise or the like may be generated at various timings, and information on the number of prize balls is set in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 in the prize ball setting process (FIG. 18). There is a possibility that the information in the prize ball number storage area 114a may be rewritten at a later stage before the payout of the game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls is completed. Then, for example, the information in the prize ball number storage area 114a was originally 10 pieces, but if it is rewritten to 131 pieces or the like, it will cause a great disadvantage to the game hall. It ends up.

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

In the following step S1002, it is determined whether or not the ball is being pulled out. The ball pulling operation is an operation for discharging the game balls stored in the tank 76 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. If the ball is not being pulled out, it is determined in step S1003 whether or not it is in a payout error state. The payout error status has already been described. If there is a payout error state, the main payout quantity setting process is terminated as it is. As a result, the payout of the game ball is prevented from being executed in the payout error state.

If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined in step S1004 whether or not it is in the retry state. The retry state is a state in which the rotating body 77e of the payout device 77 is subjected to a process of alternately repeating a forward rotation performed at the time of normal payout and a reverse rotation opposite to the normal rotation. In a situation where the payout operation is being executed by the payout device 77, the retry state is set when the payout side MPU 112 does not specify that the payout of the game ball has been detected for a predetermined period.

If it is in the retry state, the main payout quantity setting process is terminated as it is, and if it is not in the retry state, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the ball lending operation is in progress. The ball lending operation means that "1" is set in the ball lending status flag of the payout side RAM 114, or the ball lending number information is stored in the ball lending number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114. Say that. When "1" is set in the ball lending status flag or the ball lending number information is stored in the ball lending number storage area 114b, the information of the ball lending number storage area 114b is paid out in step S1006. After updating to the payout number counter 114c of the side RAM 114, the main payout number setting process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the ball lending state flag is not stored and the ball lending number information is not stored in the ball lending number storage area 114b, the information of the prize ball number storage area 114a of the RAM 114 is stored in step S1007. After updating to the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114, the main payout number setting process is terminated. Further, even when the ball removal state is set in step S1002, the main payout number setting process ends after updating the information of the prize ball number storage area 114a to the payout number counter 114c in step S1007.

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

In step S1101, the payout state setting process is executed. In the payout state setting process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not there is a payout error state. In the case of a payout error state, in step S1207, the stop state is set in order to stop the payout operation of the payout device 77, and then the present payout state setting process is terminated. As a result, the payout operation of the payout device 77 is stopped.

If it is determined in step S1201 that the payout error state is not present, it is determined in step S1202 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. Therefore, after the payout device 77 is set to the stopped state in step S1207, the payout state is set. End the setting process.

If it is determined in step S1202 that the value of the payout number counter 114c is not "0", it is determined in step S1203 whether or not it is in the retry state. In the retry state, the payout device 77 executes the operation dedicated to the retry, so that the payout state setting process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes. If it is not in the retry state, it is determined in step S1204 whether or not "1" is set in the prize ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114.

If "1" is not set in the prize ball low speed flag, in step S1206, after setting the normal state so that the payout speed of the payout device 77 is set to the normal cycle, the main payout state setting process is performed. finish. 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", in step S1205, 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 is set. End the process. If the low-speed cycle is already set, that state is maintained.

Returning to the description of the payout control process (FIG. 21), after the payout state setting process is executed in step S1101, the drive signal output process is executed in step S1102. In the drive signal output process, the drive signal is output to the payout device 77 according to the state set in the payout state setting process in step S1101, so that the drive signal is output in a manner corresponding to the set state. The payout of the game ball is executed.

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

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1104, it is determined in step S1105 whether or not the ball lending operation is in progress. If the ball lending operation is not in progress, the payout control process ends after the prize ball subtraction process of steps S1106 to S1111 is executed. On the other hand, when the ball lending operation is in progress, the payout control process ends after the ball lending subtraction process of steps S1112 to S1113 is executed.

In the prize ball subtraction process, first, in step S1106, the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is subtracted by 1, and in the subsequent step S1107, the value of the payout number counter 114c of the payout side RAM 114 is subtracted by 1. .. Further, in step S1108, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the payout side RAM 114 is added 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 used for the game. It is used for external output to the hall computer HC in the hall.

After that, in step S1109, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball number storage area 114a is "2" or less. If it is not "2" or less, the main payout control process is terminated as it is. If it is "2" or less, it is determined in step S1110 whether or not "1" is set in the prize ball low speed flag of the payout side RAM 114. If "1" is set in the prize ball low speed flag, the main payout control process is terminated as it is, and if "1" is not set in the prize ball low speed flag, the prize ball low speed flag is set in step S1111. After setting "1", the main payout control process is terminated.

Further, in the ball lending subtraction process, first, in step S1112, the value of the ball lending number storage area 114b of the payout side RAM 114 is subtracted by 1, and in the subsequent step S1113, 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 ends.

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

In step S1301, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a of the payout side RAM 114 is 3 or less, which is the permitted reference number. If there are four or more, the prize ball permission signal setting process ends after setting the prize ball disapproval state in step S1305.

Regarding the setting of the prize ball disapproval state Specifically, when the prize ball permission status flag of the payout side RAM 114 is set to "1", the prize ball permission status flag is cleared to "0" to clear the prize ball permission status flag. Stop the output of the permission signal. In the situation where 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 that state is maintained.

In this 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 output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped is the LOW level signal output state. .. However, when the state in which the prize ball permission signal is output is the output state of the LOW level signal, the state in which 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 S1301, if the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 114a is 3 or less, which is the permitted reference number, whether or not the ball removal operation is in progress in step S1302. To judge. If the ball is not being pulled out, it is determined in step S1303 whether or not it is in a payout error state.

If the payout error state is set, the prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the prize ball disapproval state in step S1305. By setting the prize ball disapproval state in the payout error state in this way, 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, the payout of the game ball is stopped in the payout error state. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power source is stopped, the information stored in the payout side RAM 114 is erased. Therefore, if the prize ball command is output in the payout error state, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command will be deleted without being paid out if the power supply is stopped while the payout error state is continued. .. 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 balls corresponding to the prize ball command will be deleted without being paid out. On the other hand, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such inconvenience.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1302 or a negative determination is made in step S1303, the prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the prize ball permission state in step S1304.

Regarding the setting of the prize ball permission state Specifically, when "1" is not set in the prize ball permission state flag of the payout side RAM 114, "1" is set in the prize ball permission state flag and the prize ball permission signal is set. Starts outputting. When the prize ball permission status flag is set to "1", the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 112 to the main side MPU 92 is started, and that state is maintained. That is, in the state where the ball removal operation is not 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 3 or less, which is the permitted reference number, and further, it is not in the payout error state. In that case, the output of the prize ball permission signal is continued.

<About external output from pachinko machine 10 to hall computer HC>
Next, the configuration of the external output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC will be described. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the electrical configuration of the game hall in which a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed.

As shown in FIG. 24, an island facility S is provided in the game hall, and a large number of pachinko machines 10 are installed on the island facility S. Further, in the island facility S, a data counter DC is installed so as to correspond one-to-one with each pachinko machine 10. 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 the game has been executed and a first display unit DC1 for displaying the number of times the predetermined opening / closing execution mode has been executed. Two display units 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. In the MPU 201, a ROM 202 storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 201, and various data and information input from the pachinko machine 10 when executing the control program stored in the ROM 202 are temporarily stored in the MPU 201. It is provided with a RAM 203, which is a memory for storing the data.

The hall computer HC is electrically connected to each pachinko machine 10 through the electric wiring group EL1 and is 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 the signal corresponding to the result of the management process is transmitted to each data counter DC.

Here, the configuration for transmitting information to the hall computer HC in the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25A is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10 in which the external terminal plate 81 and its surroundings are enlarged, and FIG. 25B is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the external terminal plate 81. ..

As shown in FIG. 25 (a), the external terminal plate 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 output externally 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 in progress based on the jackpot winning in the winning / losing lottery of the main 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 progress. The external terminal 81a for the jackpot and the external terminal 81b for the open / close execution mode are both used to output information indicating that the open / close execution mode is in progress, but the conditions for outputting the information are different. ing.

In addition to the above-mentioned external terminals 81a and 81b, the external terminals 81a to 81h include an external terminal 81c for the support mode used for outputting information indicating that the support mode is in the high-frequency support mode. External terminal 81d for the number of games used to output information indicating that the game times have been completed, and external terminal 81e used to output information indicating that the occurrence of a predetermined fraud has been detected. ,It is included. Further, in addition to these, the external terminal 81f used for outputting the information (emission signal) of the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S and the payout side MPU 112 from the main side MPU 92 are paid out. The external terminal 81g used to output the information on the number of designated prize balls (prize ball schedule signal) and the information on the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 (prize ball completion signal) are output. An external terminal 81h used for this is provided.

The types of the external terminals 81a to 81h are not limited to those described above. For example, the external terminals used to output information indicating that the game machine main body 12 is open, and the front door frame 14 An external terminal used to output information indicating that the door is open may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 25B, each of the external terminals 81a to 81h is provided with a photocoupler 131 in order to prevent the reverse flow while enabling transmission of an electric signal from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. It is configured. The light emitting diode 132 on 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 on 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 terminals 81a to 81h to which the signal is output emits light, and the light emits light from the external terminals 81a to 81h. It is received by the light receiving element 134 of the above and converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is output to the hall computer HC.

The mode of the electric signal output to the hall computer HC is arbitrary, and in a situation where no external output is made from the pachinko machine 10 side, a 0V signal is output, and the external output is made to be larger than 0V. The signal of the voltage of (1) may be output, or the output pattern of the signal may have the opposite 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 when the external output is made, a signal having a voltage larger or lower than the reference voltage is output. May be.

Of the external terminals 81a to 81h, a part of the output setting process is executed on the main MPU 92, and the rest is executed on the payout side MPU 112. Specifically, of the eight external terminals 81a to 81h, seven external terminals 81a to 81g including the external terminal 81f for the discharge signal and the external terminal 81g for the prize ball scheduled signal are output by the main MPU 92. The setting process is executed, and the output setting process is executed on the payout side MPU 112 for the remaining one external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal. However, in the connection unit 141 having a plurality of (8) electric wires electrically connected to each of the external terminals 81a to 81h, the connector on the opposite side to the external terminal plate 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 a prize ball command is issued from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112 for the electrical wiring of the connection unit 105. Not only 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, but also for setting the output for the external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal on the payout side MPU 112. Electrical wiring is also included.

The main control board 91 is relayed by electrically connecting the connector 106 to which the connection unit 105 on the 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. 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 the hall computer from the external terminal 81h. It will be ready for output toward HC. That is, the prize ball completion signal is output from the main control board 91 toward the external terminal board 81, although the processing of the main MPU 92 is not involved in the output setting. With this configuration, in a configuration in which the output is set to the external terminal board 81 on both the main MPU 92 and the payout side MPU 112, the external terminal board 81 is set so as not to affect the processing load of the main MPU 92. It is possible to consolidate the connector portions to which the electrical wiring is connected into one connector. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the work of electrically connecting the pachinko machine 10 to the external terminal plate 81 during manufacturing and the work of attaching and detaching the electrical connection to the external terminal plate 81 during 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 lending from the ball lending device Y to the payout side MPU 112 (ball lending instruction). The signal) is output to the hall computer HC.

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

<Processing for setting the output of the discharge signal>
First, a process for performing external output on the main MPU 92 through the external terminal 81f for the emission signal will be described. As described above, the discharge signal is output so that the hall computer HC can recognize the information on the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S. Therefore, prior to the description of the process for executing the external output, the discharge monitoring process for monitoring the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S will be described.

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

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

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

If "1" is not set in the discharge detection flag, the value of the discharge detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is incremented by 1 in step S1403. When the discharge detection counter receives a signal from the discharge detection sensor 89 that the game ball is being detected, one game ball can be used on the condition that the main MPU 92 confirms the reception state multiple times. It is a counter for identifying that it has been discharged.

In the following step S1404, it is determined whether or not the value of the emission detection counter is 2 or more. If it is not 2 or more, the present emission monitoring process is terminated as it is, and if it is 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1. The discharge ball counter 94d is for counting the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, and as will be described in detail later, the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S is counted. It is used for external output to the hall computer HC. After that, in step S1406, the emission detection flag is set to "1", and in step S1407, the value of the emission detection counter is cleared to "0", and then the emission monitoring process is terminated.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1401, the emission monitoring process is terminated after the emission detection flag is cleared to "0".

Next, in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 10), the execution timing is earlier than the processing in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each processing time (for example, the counter update processing), more specifically, the first execution. The external output process for discharge executed in step S101, which is the timing, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27.

In the external output process for discharge, first, in step S1501, the value of the discharge recognition counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1. When the hall computer HC is made to recognize the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S, the discharge signal is an HI level signal which is an output state for discharge recognition, whereas the hall computer HC recognizes it. If not, it is regarded as a LOW level signal. The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. When the emission signal is set to the output state for emission recognition, the main MPU 92 maintains that state for a predetermined period, and when the output state for emission recognition is released, the state is maintained for a predetermined period. Prevent resetting to the output state for emission recognition. In this case, the emission recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

Further, as already described, the external output process for discharge is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) at the execution timing before the process in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each process time. As a result, the process of adding 1 to the emission recognition counter is basically executed periodically (specifically, at 2 msec), and it is possible to accurately measure each period described later.

After executing the process of step S1501, in step S1502, by checking the state of the flag provided in the main RAM 94, it is determined whether or not the output state is for discharge recognition. When it is not the output state for emission recognition, the timing at which the output state for emission recognition was previously released by determining whether or not the value of the emission recognition counter is 25 or more in step S1503. It is determined whether or not 50 msec or more has passed since. If a negative determination is made in step S1503, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for emission recognition is released, other conditions for setting the output state for emission recognition are set, at least until 50 msec, which is the output setting restriction period on the discharge side, elapses. Even if it is established, it is restricted to set the output state for the emission recognition.

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

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1504, the output state for emission recognition is set by setting the flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1505. As a result, the emission signal becomes the output state for emission recognition. After that, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is subtracted by 10 in step S1506, and the value of the discharge recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1507, and then the external output process is terminated.

On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, that is, when the discharge signal is in the discharge recognition output state, whether or not the value of the discharge recognition counter is 50 or more in step S1508 is determined. By determining, it is determined whether or not the output state for emission recognition is continued for 100 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1508, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for emission recognition is set, the emission signal is maintained in the output state for emission recognition until 100 msec, which is the output continuation period for emission recognition, elapses.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1508, the output state for emission recognition is released by clearing the flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1509. As a result, the emission signal is not in the output state for emission recognition. After that, in step S1510, the value of the emission recognition counter is cleared to "0", and then the external output process is terminated.

<Process for setting the output of the prize ball schedule signal>
Next, a process for performing external output on the main MPU 92 through the external terminal 81 g for the prize ball schedule will be described. As described above, the prize ball schedule signal is output so that the hall computer HC can recognize the information on the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112. Then, the output setting of the prize ball schedule signal is set at the execution timing prior to the processing (for example, counter update processing) in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each processing time in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 10). There, more specifically, it is executed by the external output process for the prize ball schedule started in step S102. The external output process for the prize ball schedule will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28.

In the external output process for the prize ball schedule, first, in step S1601, the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1. When the hall computer HC recognizes the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112, the prize ball schedule signal is an HI level signal which is an output state for the prize ball schedule recognition. On the other hand, when the hall computer HC is not recognized, it is regarded as a LOW level signal. The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. In the main MPU 92, when the prize ball schedule signal is set to the output state for prize ball schedule recognition, that state is maintained for a predetermined period, and when the output state for prize ball schedule recognition is canceled, the state is maintained. The output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is not reset for a predetermined period. In this case, the prize ball schedule recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

Further, as described above, the external output processing for the prize ball schedule is executed at the execution timing before the processing in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each processing time in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 10). To. As a result, the process of adding 1 to the prize ball schedule recognition counter is basically executed periodically (specifically, at 2 msec), and it is possible to accurately measure each period described later. ..

After executing the process of step S1601, in step S1602, by checking the state of the flag provided in the main RAM 94, it is determined whether or not the output state is for recognizing the prize ball schedule. If it is not the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition, the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition is determined in step S1603 by determining whether or not the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter is 5 or more. It is determined whether or not 10 msec or more has passed since the timing when was released last time. If a negative determination is made in step S1603, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is released, the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is set at least until 10 msec, which is the output setting restriction period on the prize ball schedule side, elapses. Even if the other conditions in the above are satisfied, it is restricted to set the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule. The output setting restriction period on the scheduled prize ball side is shorter than the output setting restriction period of 50 msec on the discharge side.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1603, it is determined in step S1604 whether or not the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c of the main RAM 94 is 1 or more. Here, when the main MPU 92 sets the prize ball schedule signal to the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition, the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112 is newly one or more. In this case, when the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is set, the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c is subtracted by 1 as described later. That is, when the prize ball schedule signal is set to the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition, the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112 becomes a predetermined number of prize balls scheduled to be paid out. This is notified to the hall computer HC.

If a negative determination is made in step S1604, the external output process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1604, the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is set by setting the flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1605. As a result, the prize ball schedule signal becomes the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition. After that, the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c is subtracted by 1 in step S1606, and the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1607, and then the external output process is terminated.

On the other hand, when an affirmative judgment is made in step S1602, that is, when the prize ball schedule signal is in the output state for prize ball schedule recognition, the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter is 5 or more in step S1608. By determining whether or not the prize ball schedule is recognized, it is determined whether or not the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is continued for 10 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1608, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition is set, the prize ball schedule signal is in the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition until 10 msec, which is the output continuation period for the prize ball schedule recognition, elapses. Will be maintained at. The output continuation period for recognizing the prize ball schedule is shorter than the output continuation period of 100 msec on the discharge side.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1608, the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule is released by clearing the flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1609. As a result, the prize ball schedule signal is not in the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition. After that, in step S1610, the value of the prize ball schedule recognition counter is cleared to "0", and then the external output process is terminated.

<Process for setting the output of the prize ball completion signal>
Next, a process for performing external output on the payout side MPU 112 through the external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal will be described. As described above, the prize ball completion signal is output so that the hall computer HC can 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, the payout control processing) in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each processing time in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 17). More specifically, it is executed by the external output process on the payout side started in step S701, which is the first execution timing. The external output processing on the payout side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the external output process on the payout side, first, in step S1701, the value of the payout side recognition counter provided in the payout side RAM 114 is added by 1. The prize ball completion signal is an HI level signal that is an output state for payout side recognition when the hall computer HC is made to recognize the number of prize balls actually paid out from the payout device 77. When the hall computer HC is not recognized, it is regarded as a LOW level signal. The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. In the payout side MPU 112, when the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition, that state is maintained for a predetermined period, and when the output state for payout side recognition is released, it is predetermined. Prevent resetting to the output state for payer recognition over a period of time. 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 in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 17) at the execution timing before the process in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each process time. As a result, the process of adding 1 to the payout side recognition counter is basically executed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it is possible to accurately measure each period described later.

After executing the process of step S1701, in step S1702, by checking the state of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114, it is determined whether or not the output state is for the payout side recognition. If it is not the output state for payout side recognition, the output state for payout side recognition is released last time by determining whether or not the value of the payout side recognition counter is 25 or more in step S1703. It is determined whether or not 50 msec or more has passed from the timing. If a negative determination is made in step S1703, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for payout side recognition is released, other methods for setting the output state for payout side recognition are performed, at least until 50 msec, which is the output setting restriction period of the payout side, has elapsed. Even if the condition is satisfied, it is restricted to set the output state for the payout side recognition. The output setting restriction period on the payout side is longer than the output setting restriction period on the prize ball schedule side, and is the same as the output setting restriction period on the discharge side.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1703, it is determined in step S1704 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 to 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 the payout side recognition is set, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is subtracted by 10 as described later. That is, when the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition, the hall computer HC indicates that a specific 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 notified to. In this case, in step S1704, 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 process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is less than 10, the prize ball completion signal can be prevented from being set to the output state for payout side recognition.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1704, the output state for payout side recognition is set by setting the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S1705. As a result, the prize ball completion signal becomes the output state for payout side recognition. After that, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is subtracted by 10 in step S1706, and the value of the payout side recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1707, and then the external output process is terminated.

On the other hand, when an affirmative judgment is made in step S1702, 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 S1708. By determining whether or not, it is determined whether or not the output state for payout side recognition is continued for 100 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1708, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for payout side recognition is set, the prize ball completion signal is maintained in the output state for payout side recognition until 100 msec, which is the output continuation period for payout side recognition, elapses. Will be. The output continuation period for the payout side recognition is longer than the output continuation period of 10 msec for the prize ball schedule recognition, and is the same period as the output continuation period of 100 msec on the discharge side. ..

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1708, the output state for recognizing the payout side is released by clearing the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S1709. As a result, the prize ball completion signal is not in the output state for payout side recognition. After that, in step S1710, the value of the payout side recognition counter is cleared to "0", and then the external output process is terminated.

<About the state of external output and the action and effect of this embodiment>
Next, the state of the external output and the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 30 (a) is a timing chart for explaining the state of external output of the discharge signal, FIG. 30 (a1) shows how the value of the discharge ball counter 94d fluctuates, and FIG. 30 (a2) shows the discharge signal. Indicates the output status of. Further, FIG. 30 (b) is a timing chart for explaining the state of external output of the prize ball completion signal, and FIG. 30 (b1) shows how the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d fluctuates. b2) indicates the output state of the prize ball completion signal. Further, FIG. 30 (c) is a timing chart for explaining the state of external output of the prize ball schedule signal, and FIG. 30 (c1) shows how the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c fluctuates. c2) indicates the output state of the prize ball schedule signal.

First, the state of the external output of the discharge signal will be described with reference to FIG. 30 (a).

The launch operation is performed by the player on the launch handle 55, and the launch of the game ball toward the game area is continued, so that the game ball is continuously discharged to the island facility S through the discharge passage portion 85. Then, when the discharged game balls are detected by the discharge detection sensor 89, the value of the discharge ball counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94 increases, as shown in FIG. 30 (a1). In this case, as described above, the discharged game balls include the game balls that have won in the winning portions such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33, and the lower operating opening 34, and are out. A game ball that has entered the mouth 37 is also included. Then, at the timing of t11, when the value of the discharge ball counter 94d reaches the value of the specified number on the discharge side, the discharge signal becomes the output state for discharge recognition. This output state is continued for an output continuation period for emission recognition from the timing of t11 to the timing of t12. The output duration for this emission recognition is 100 msec. Further, when the firing operation by the player is continued with respect to the firing handle 55, the firing cycle of the game ball is 600 msec, and the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is required to reach the value of the specific number on the discharge side for discharge recognition. It takes more time than the output duration. That is, the time from the release of the output state for emission recognition to the next output state for emission recognition is longer than the output continuation period for emission recognition.

Next, the state of the external output of the prize ball completion signal will be described with reference to FIG. 30 (b).

As a result of the game ball being launched toward the game area, a prize is generated in any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34, so that the payout side is paid out from the main MPU 92. A prize ball command is transmitted to the MPU 112, and the payout device 77 is driven and controlled by the payout side MPU 112 to execute the payout of the game ball. The paid-out game ball is detected by the pay-out ball detection sensor 77h, and the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d provided in the pay-out side RAM 114 increases accordingly, as shown in FIG. 30 (b1). .. Then, at the timing of t21, when the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d reaches the value of the specified number on the payout side, the prize ball completion signal becomes the output state for the payout side recognition. This output state is continued for an output continuation period for payout side recognition from the timing of t21 to the timing of t22. The output duration for this payout side recognition is 100 msec. Further, the shortest payout cycle of the game ball when the payout device 77 is continuously driven is 30 msec, and the output continuation period for payout side recognition is required for the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d to reach the value of the specific number of payout side. 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 longer than the output continuation period for payout side recognition.

As described above, for each of the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal, the period during which the output state for recognition continues and the period from the release of the output state to the next setting to the output state are relatively long. By setting the period, even if the hall computer HC has a relatively slow processing speed such as a signal monitoring cycle of 40 msec, the emission signal is in the output state for emission recognition, and It becomes possible for the hall computer HC to recognize that the prize ball completion signal has reached the output state for payout side recognition.

In addition, when the number of newly discharged game balls reaches a specific number on the discharge side set as a plurality of numbers, the discharge signal is set to the output state for discharge recognition, so that each pachinko machine It is possible to reduce the frequency with which the emission signal is in the output state for emission recognition in the machine 10. Similarly, when the number of newly paid out prize balls reaches the specific number of payout side set as a plurality of pieces, the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for payout side recognition in each pachinko machine 10. In the hall computer HC of the game hall that uses the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal, it is necessary to process all of the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal transmitted from each pachinko machine 10 existing in the game hall. In this case, by reducing the frequency with which the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal are set to the output state for recognition as described above, these signals are used even in the hall computer HC whose processing speed is relatively slow. It becomes possible to preferably perform the above-mentioned treatment.

Here, the hall computer HC manages the number of game balls existing in the game hall. Specifically, in the hall computer HC, information on the number of game balls to be paid out (for example, a prize ball completion signal) transmitted from each pachinko machine 10 and the number of game balls to be rented from each ball lending device Y. By summing up the information of the above, the number of game balls paid out to the player in each pachinko machine 10 is totaled (hereinafter, this total number is also referred to as the total number of payouts).

In addition, the game hall is provided with one or more counting devices for counting the number of game balls paid out to the player when they are returned to the island facility S, but the result of counting by the counting device is , Is transmitted to the game hall as a recovery signal. In the hall computer HC, the information on the number of collected game balls transmitted from this counting device and the information on the number of ejected game balls transmitted from each pachinko machine 10 (emission signal) are summed up to make an island. The number of game balls returned to the equipment S is totaled (hereinafter, this total number is also referred to as the discharge total number).

The hall computer HC manages the total number of game balls existing in the game hall by comparing the total number of payouts and the total number of emissions, for example, at the start of business or the end of business. For example, if there is no abnormality in the game balls existing in the game hall, the total number of payouts and the total number of discharges match, or depending on the size of the game hall, an error of about 100, for example, In this case, the hall computer HC notifies that the management result of the game ball is normal (for example, output to the display).

On the other hand, if a player or the like brings a game ball into the game hall or illegally obtains the game ball from the game hall and supplies the game ball to the game area, the above-mentioned The total number of emissions is larger than the total number of payouts. When such an event occurs, there is a possibility that a great disadvantage will occur in the game hall. On the other hand, the hall computer HC notifies (for example, output to a display) that the game balls are excessive as a result of managing the game balls.

In addition, when the player returns home with a large number of game balls left in the pachinko machine 10, or when the player removes the game balls from the game hall, the total number of payouts is the total number of emissions. More than. In particular, in recent years, there have been many business forms in which the number of game balls lent to a unit amount is different. In this case, in the game hall, for example, a pachinko machine of an island facility S in which a large number of rents is set. It is necessary to manage whether or not the game ball obtained in 10 is used in the pachinko machine 10 of the island facility S, which is set to have a small number of rented balls. Then, the game balls of the island facility S having different numbers of rented balls It becomes necessary to manage the total number. In this case, if the management result is that the total number of payouts is larger than the total number of emissions in the island facility S where the number of loans is set to be large, the number of loans is increased from the island facility S side which has a large number of loans. There is a possibility that game balls have been brought into the small number of island facilities S side. When each of the above events occurs, there is a possibility that a great disadvantage will occur in the game hall. On the other hand, the hall computer HC notifies (for example, output to a display) that the game ball is insufficient as a result of managing the game ball.

As described above, even in the hall computer HC whose processing speed is relatively slow, it is possible to manage the number of game balls existing in the game hall by using the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal. .. However, when the prize ball completion signal is used, there may be a problem that the number of balls cannot be strictly managed. The problem will be described with reference to FIG. 30 (b).

In the configuration in which the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition when the number of newly paid out prize balls reaches the specific number of payout side set as a plurality of pieces, FIG. 30 ( In b), as shown after the timing of t23, when the number of newly paid out prize balls is less than the specified number on the payout side, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d continues to be 1 or more. Will be done. In this case, since the power for power failure is not supplied to the payout side RAM 114 as described above, the business is closed in the state after the timing of t23, and the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 and the power supply to the launch control board 121 are supplied. When blocked, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is cleared. Then, such a situation may occur for the number of pachinko machines 10 existing in the game hall. For example, since the specific number on the payout side is 10, the average number of pachinko machines 10 remaining in the prize ball completion counter 114d is 4.5, and 1000 pachinko machines 10 are in the game hall. If there are machines, an error of 4,500 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 emissions is larger than the total number of payouts, it may be difficult to detect fraudulent acts carried out by bringing in 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 on the contrary, 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 the game ball is to be strictly managed.

On the other hand, the pachinko machine 10 can solve the above problem by being able to output a prize ball schedule signal in addition to the prize ball completion signal. The state of the external output of the prize ball schedule signal will be described with reference to FIG. 30 (c).

As a result of launching the game ball toward the game area, a prize is generated in any of the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34, and as a result, FIG. 30 (c1) shows. As shown, at the timing of t31, information on the number of prize balls is set in the prize ball schedule counter 94c provided in the main RAM 94. In this case, a prize is generated in the general prize opening 31, and the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c is set to 10. Then, the combination of the setting of the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule and the release of the output state of the prize ball schedule signal is generated for the number of values set in the prize ball schedule counter 94c. Further, at the timing of t32, a prize is generated in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, so that the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c is set to 3. Even in this case, the combination of setting the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule and canceling the output state for the prize ball schedule signal is generated for the number of values set in the prize ball schedule counter 94c.

As described above, in a game hall in which game balls are to be strictly managed and a game hall having a hole computer HC having a relatively high processing speed, a prize ball schedule signal is used for managing the number of prize balls. As a result, it is possible to prevent the event that the game ball is actually paid out but not recognized by the hall computer HC, and it is possible to strictly manage the game ball. Become.

Further, the prize ball schedule signal has an output duration of 10 msec for recognizing the prize ball schedule and an output setting time limit of 10 msec on the prize ball schedule side, and the sum of these periods is the game ball from the payout device 77. Is shorter than 30 msec, which is the shortest payout cycle when is paid out continuously. As a result, the deviation between the timing at which the prize ball schedule signal becomes the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition and the timing at which the corresponding game ball is actually paid out by the payout device 77 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the time when the prize balls are actually paid out in the hall computer HC.

Further, even if the game ball can be strictly managed by using the prize ball schedule signal as described above, the external terminal plate 81 has an external terminal 81g for the prize ball schedule signal. Separately, an external terminal 81h for the prize ball completion signal is provided, and since the prize ball completion signal can be output, the game hall and processing that do not require strict management of the game ball. In a game hall having a hall computer HC having a relatively slow speed, it is possible to use a prize ball completion signal instead of a prize ball schedule signal. Therefore, it is possible to deal with the diversity of game halls. Further, for the game hall, since the signal used in the hall computer HC can be performed through the selection of the external terminals 81g and 81h, the selective use in the game hall becomes easy.

In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the following excellent effects are obtained according to the present embodiment.

An discharge detection sensor 89 is provided so as to detect each game ball that is led out from the game area to the back side of the game board 24 and is discharged to the island facility S through the discharge passage portion 85, and the game ball discharged to the island facility S is provided. Since the pachinko machine 10 itself has a configuration in which it is detected, it is possible to reliably detect the game ball discharged to the island facility S. For example, in the configuration for detecting the game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 in the island facility S, a receiving portion for the discharging balls is provided below each pachinko machine 10 and the gaming balls are detected at the receiving portion, or the island. It is conceivable that a region for arranging the game balls in a row is set in the circulation path of the equipment S, and the game balls are detected in the aligned region. However, in the former configuration, it is necessary to configure the receiving portion to have versatility so as to be compatible with various manufacturers and various models, and such a versatile configuration is required. In the pachinko machine 10, the game ball ejected from the pachinko machine 10 may jump on the receiving portion, and a situation may occur in which the gaming ball cannot be detected as the ejected ball. Further, in the latter configuration, there may be a problem that the configuration of the circulation path of the island facility S becomes complicated and a problem that the circulation speed of the game ball decreases. On the other hand, as described above, by configuring the pachinko machine 10 itself to detect the game balls discharged to the island facility S, the discharged balls are reliably detected without causing such inconvenience. It becomes possible.

Further, the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S is measured by the main MPU 92, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge ball counter 94d provided in the main RAM 94. Since the main RAM 94 is supplied with power for power interruption, the information of the discharge ball counter 94d is stored and retained even if the power supply to the power supply and the emission control board 121 is stopped after the business is closed. .. As a result, even if the predetermined business day ends with the value of the discharge ball counter 94d being 1 or more and an error occurs in the management of the discharge ball on the predetermined business day, the information of the discharge ball counter 94d Is stored in memory and used in the next business day, so by managing the number of ejected balls evenly over multiple business days, the above error is offset and the management of the number of ejected balls is accurate. It becomes possible to do it.

By using both the prize ball schedule signal and the prize ball completion signal in the hall computer HC, the planned number of prize balls set based on the occurrence of winning and the number of prize balls actually paid out for the planned number of prize balls. It is possible to manage whether or not the items match.

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

Since the main RAM 94 is supplied with power for power interruption as in the first embodiment, the value of the individual discharge ball counter is such that the power supply to the power supply and the emission control board 121 is stopped. Memory is retained even in the situation. Further, the same as the above-mentioned first embodiment except for the configuration related to the output setting of the individual emission signal.

Hereinafter, the external output process for individual discharge executed by the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 31. The external output process for individual discharge is executed immediately after the external output process for discharge (step S101) is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10).

In the external output process for individual discharge, first, in step S1801, the value of the individual discharge recognition counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1. The individual discharge signal is an HI level signal, which is an output state for individual discharge recognition, when the hall computer HC is made to recognize the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S. When the hall computer HC is not recognized, it is regarded as a LOW level signal. The relationship between HI and LOW may be reversed. In the main MPU 92, when the individual emission signal is set to the output state for individual emission recognition, that state is maintained for a predetermined period, and when the output state for individual emission recognition is released, the predetermined period. To prevent resetting to the output state for individual emission recognition. In this case, the individual emission recognition counter is used to count each of these predetermined periods.

Further, the external output process for individual discharge is executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) at an execution timing prior to the process in which the processing time fluctuates greatly at each process time when the process is executed. As a result, the process of adding 1 to the individual emission recognition counter is basically executed periodically (specifically, in 2 msec), and it is possible to accurately measure each period described later.

After executing the process of step S1801, in step S1802, by checking the state of the flag provided in the main RAM 94, it is determined whether or not the output state is for individual discharge recognition. If it is not the output state for individual emission recognition, the output state for individual emission recognition is released last time by determining whether or not the value of the individual emission recognition counter is 5 or more in step S1803. It is determined whether or not 10 msec or more has passed from the timing. If a negative determination is made in step S1803, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for individual emission recognition is released, other than setting the output state for individual emission recognition, at least until 10 msec, which is the output setting restriction period on the individual emission side, elapses. Even if the condition of is satisfied, it is restricted to set the output state for the individual emission recognition. The output setting limit period on the individual discharge side is shorter than the output setting limit period on the discharge side and the output setting limit period on the payout side, which is 50 msec, and is the same as the output setting limit period on the prize ball schedule side. It has become.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1803, it is determined in step S1804 whether or not the value of the individual discharge ball counter of the main RAM 94 is 1 or more. Here, when the main MPU 92 sets the individual discharge signal to the output state for individual discharge recognition, it is the case where one game ball is discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, and the individual discharge recognition is performed. When the output state is set to, the value of the individual discharge ball counter is subtracted by 1 as described later. That is, when the individual discharge signal is set to the output state for individual discharge recognition, the number of game balls newly discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S becomes a predetermined number specified on the individual discharge side. Is notified to the hall computer HC.

If a negative determination is made in step S1804, the external output process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1804, the output state for individual discharge recognition is set by setting the flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1805. As a result, the individual emission signal becomes the output state for individual emission recognition. After that, the value of the individual discharge ball counter is subtracted by 1 in step S1806, and the value of the individual discharge recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S1807, and then the external output process is terminated.

On the other hand, if an affirmative judgment is made in step S1802, that is, if the individual discharge signal is in the output state for individual discharge recognition, is the value of the individual discharge recognition counter 5 or more in step S1808? By determining whether or not, it is determined whether or not the output state for individual emission recognition is continued for 10 msec or more. If a negative determination is made in step S1808, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for individual emission recognition is set, the individual emission signal is maintained in the output state for individual emission recognition until 10 msec, which is the output continuation period for individual emission recognition, elapses. It will be. The output continuation period for individual emission recognition is shorter than the output continuation period on the discharge side and the output continuation period on the payout side, which is 100 msec, and is the same as the output continuation period on the prize ball schedule side. There is.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1808, the output state for individual discharge recognition is released by clearing the flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S1809. As a result, the individual emission signal is not in the output state for individual emission recognition. After that, in step S1810, the value of the individual emission recognition counter is cleared to "0", and then the external output process is terminated.

According to the above configuration, in the game hall, either a discharge signal or an individual discharge signal can be selected as a signal for managing the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S. It will be possible. When the individual discharge signal is selected, each time one discharge ball is generated, the individual discharge signal is in the output state for individual discharge recognition. Therefore, the hall computer HC manages the discharge balls in units of one. It becomes possible to do. In the discharge signal, when the number of discharge balls reaches a specific number on the discharge side defined as a plurality of numbers, the output state for discharge recognition is set. Therefore, the discharge ball counter 94d remains in the state of 1 or more. The day may end, in which case the discharge balls cannot be strictly controlled on a business day basis. On the other hand, by using the individual discharge signal, as described above, the hall computer HC can manage the discharge balls in units of one, so that the discharge balls can be strictly managed. Become.

Further, even if the configuration is such that the discharge balls can be strictly managed by using the individual discharge signals as described above, the external terminal plate 81 is separately from the external terminals for the individual discharge signals. Since the external terminal 81f for the discharge signal is provided and the discharge signal can be output, it is not necessary to strictly manage the discharge ball, or a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed. In the game hall having HC, it is possible to use the discharge signal instead of the individual discharge signal. Therefore, it is possible to deal with the diversity of game halls. Further, for the game hall, since the signal used in the hall computer HC can be performed through the selection of the external terminal, the selective use in the game hall becomes easy.

Further, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, a game hole having a hole computer HC having a relatively high processing speed and for which it is desired to strictly manage the game balls will be awarded as a management of the number of prize balls. By using the signal and using the individual discharge signal to manage the number of discharged balls, it is possible to manage both the number of prize balls and the number of discharged balls in units of one game ball. This makes it possible to accurately manage the number of game balls in units of one business day. On the other hand, in a game hall having a hall computer HC having a relatively slow processing speed, the prize ball completion signal is used to manage the number of prize balls, and the discharge signal is used to manage the number of discharged balls. Regarding both the management of the number of balls and the management of the number of ejected balls, it is possible to reduce the signal output frequency and the signal switching frequency, and it is possible to manage the number of game balls.

In this embodiment, the prize ball completion counter 114d may also be configured to be supplied with power for power failure. In this case, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is also stored and retained even if the supply of the operating power to the power supply and the launch control board 121 is stopped. Therefore, in a game hall having a hall computer HC having a relatively slow processing speed, the prize ball completion signal is used to manage the number of prize balls, and the discharge signal is used to manage the number of discharged balls. When the management of the number of game balls is averaged over a plurality of business days, the error is offset and the management can be performed strictly.

<Third embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the output mode of the prize ball completion signal changes depending on the situation. The different configurations will be described below. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the different configurations.

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

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

Conditions for making a new setting to the output state for payout recognition when a negative determination is made in step S1904 or step S1905 in the process of steps S1902 to S1911, that is, when the output state is not for payout recognition. If is not satisfied, it is determined in step S1912 whether or not the individual output condition is satisfied. The individual output condition is a condition that is satisfied when the state in which the game is not performed by the player continues for the switching reference period (for example, 60 sec). Specifically, the operation of the firing handle 55 is the switching reference period. If it continues for a long time, it is determined that the individual output condition is satisfied. The individual output conditions are not limited to this, and for example, when the demo screen is displayed on the symbol display device 41, it may be determined that the individual output conditions are satisfied.

If a negative determination is made in step S1912, the external output process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1912, the external output process is terminated after setting the individual output state by setting the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S1913. ..

By setting the individual output state, in the next external output process, an affirmative determination is made in step S1901, and the individual output process is executed in step S1914. The individual output process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 33.

First, in step S2001, the value of the individual recognition counter provided in the payout side RAM 114 is added by 1. The individual recognition counter is used to count the period in which the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for individual recognition in the individual output state and the period after the output state is released.

After executing the process of step S2001, in step S2002, the state of the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is confirmed to determine whether or not the output state is for individual recognition. If it is not the output state for individual recognition, the timing at which the output state for individual recognition was previously released by determining whether or not the value of the individual recognition counter is 25 or more in step S2003. It is determined whether or not 50 msec or more has passed since. If a negative determination is made in step S2003, the external output process is terminated as it is. As a result, when the output state for individual recognition is released, other conditions for setting the output state for individual recognition are set, at least until 50 msec, which is the output setting restriction period on the individual side, elapses. Even if it is established, it is restricted to set the output state for the individual recognition. The output setting restriction period on the individual side is the same as the output setting restriction period on the payout side, but may be shorter or longer than this.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2003, it is determined in step S2004 whether or not the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d of the payout side RAM 114 is 1 or more. Here, the case where the payout side MPU 112 sets the prize ball completion signal to the output state for individual recognition is the case where the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 77 is one or more. When the output state for individual recognition is set, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is subtracted by 1 as described later. That is, when the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for individual recognition, the hole is that the individually specified number of game balls, which is determined to be less than the specified number on the payout side, is newly paid out from the payout device 77. Notified to computer HC.

If a negative determination is made in step S2004, the external output process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2004, the output state for individual recognition is set by setting the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S2005. As a result, the prize ball completion signal is in the output state for individual recognition. After that, the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is subtracted by 1 in step S2006, and the value of the individual recognition counter is cleared to "0" in step S2007, and then the external output process is terminated.

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

If an affirmative determination is made in step S2008, the output state for individual recognition is released by clearing the flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 in step S2009. As a result, the prize ball completion signal is not in the output state for individual recognition. Then, after clearing the value of the individual recognition counter to "0" in step S2010, the process proceeds to step S2011.

In step S2011, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is 10 or more, or whether or not it is "0", and whether or not the condition for canceling the individual output state is satisfied. To judge. If a negative determination is made in step S2011, the external output process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S2011, a flag provided in the payout side RAM 114 is cleared in step S2012. Then, after canceling the individual output state, the external output process is terminated.

According to the present embodiment, in the situation where the game is being played by the player, the individual output state is not set, so that the number of prize balls paid out becomes a specified number on the payout side. In that case, the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition, and the hall computer HC is notified that the specific number of prize balls on the payout side has been paid out. On the other hand, in a situation where the game is not performed by the player, the individual output state is set, so that the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for individual recognition in units of one prize ball, and in units of one prize ball. Notification to the hall computer HC is performed. With this configuration, in the situation where the game is played by the player, the frequency at which the prize ball completion signal is set to the output state for payout side recognition is suppressed, and in the situation where the game is not played by the player. , The state in which the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is 1 or more is output externally in units of one so that the state is not continued until the end of the business day. The hall computer HC can identify each of the signal output in the former case and the signal output in the latter case because the signal output modes are different. Therefore, even when the hall computer HC, which has a relatively slow processing speed, manages the number of prize balls by using the prize ball completion signal, it operates with the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d being 1 or more. The occurrence of the event that the day ends is prevented, and the number of prize balls can be strictly managed.

Further, instead of using a signal different from the prize ball completion signal, the output mode of the prize ball completion signal is switched between the individual output state and the non-individual output state while using the prize ball completion signal. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the above-mentioned excellent effect without increasing the number of external terminals of the external terminal plate 81.

Further, since the above switching is performed by different the period when the prize ball completion signal is continued in the output state for recognition, the processing configuration for performing the switching and the switching can be identified. The processing configuration of is simplified.

Further, when the individual output state is reached, the period in which the prize ball completion signal is held in the output state for recognition is longer than before, so that the hall computer HC has a relatively slow processing speed. However, it is possible to cope with the above switching.

Further, the switching to the individual output state is performed when the state in which the firing handle 55 is not operated by the player continues. As a result, switching to the individual output state is performed in a state where the frequency of the prize ball completion signal being in the output state for recognition is reduced, so that the frequency of being in the output state for recognition is suppressed as described above. It is possible to produce excellent effects.

When the prize ball command is received in the situation of the individual output state, even if the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d at the time before receiving the prize ball command is 1 or more, the individual output state It may be configured to release. As a result, basically, it is possible to set the prize ball completion signal to the output state for recognition when a specific number of prize balls on the payout side are generated, and the output state is set to the output state. It is possible to reduce the frequency of setting.

In addition, the specific method for switching the output mode of the prize ball completion signal is the voltage value or current when the output state for recognition is set instead of the configuration for changing the output duration for recognition as described above. The value may be changed, or the output setting limit period may be changed.

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

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

FIG. 34 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the discharge detection sensor 89 and its surroundings, and FIG. 34 (b) is a diagram schematically showing a lower region of the game board 24.

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

Here, in the above configuration, when an illegal ball B2 having a diameter smaller than the passage width of the aligned passage area 88 and a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole 89a is launched into the game area, the illegal ball B2 is launched. By being caught on the stepped portion 89b of the discharge detection sensor 89, the passage of the game ball B1 in the aligned passage region 88 is hindered. Then, the game ball B1 subsequently launched toward the game area will stop in the aligned passage area 88 with the illegal ball B2 at the head. If the firing of the game ball B1 is continued in that state, the game ball B1 overflows from the out port 37 of the game board 24 to the game area side, as shown in FIG. 34 (b). In this case, when the game ball B1 overflows around the general winning opening 31 and around the upper operating opening 33, the game ball B1 launched thereafter wins the general winning opening 31 and the upper operating opening 33. It becomes easy, and it becomes possible for a fraudster to obtain an unfair profit.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the emission monitoring process is executed by the main MPU 92, so that the above fraudulent activity can be prevented. The emission monitoring process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 35. The emission monitoring process is executed in step S307 of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13), as in the first embodiment.

In the emission monitoring process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the emission detection sensor 89 is ON. If it is ON, the value of the discharge detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1 in step S2102. The discharge detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times that the main MPU 92 has confirmed that a signal indicating that the game ball is being detected has been received from the discharge detection sensor 89.

In the following step S2103, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the discharge detection detected flag provided in the main RAM 94. Similar to the first embodiment, when the discharge detection sensor 89 continuously detects one game ball, the discharge detection flag sets the detection state of the plurality of game balls in the main MPU 92. It is a flag to prevent it from being specified as passing through.

If "1" is not set in the discharge detection flag, it is determined in step S2104 whether or not the value of the discharge detection counter of the main RAM 94 is 2 or more. If a negative determination is made in step S2104, the present emission monitoring process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2104, the value of the discharge ball counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1 in step S2105. The discharge ball counter is for counting the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, as in the first embodiment, and is the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S. Is used for external output to the hall computer HC. After that, in step S2106, the emission detection flag of the main RAM 94 is set to "1", and then the emission monitoring process is terminated.

When the discharge detection flag of the main RAM 94 is set to "1" while the discharge detection sensor 89 continues to be ON, a positive determination is made in step S2103 and the process proceeds to step S2107. In step S2107, it is determined whether or not the value of the discharge detection counter of the main RAM 94 is equal to or higher than the stagnation determination reference value “500”. Since the emission monitoring process is started in the main MPU 92 at a cycle of 4 msec, in step S2107, whether or not the state in which the emission detection sensor 89 is in the ON state continues for 2 sec or more, which is the retention determination reference period. It means that it is judged.

During the stop determination reference period, after the illegal ball B2 is caught at the position of the discharge detection sensor 89, the game ball moves from the position of the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 to the position of the out port 37 of the game board 24. It is set as a period shorter than the minimum period assumed as the time required for filling. As a result, even if the illegal ball B2 is caught at the position of the discharge detection sensor 89, the notification indicating that the game ball B1 is in the discharge error state can be started before the game ball B1 overflows from the out port 37 to the game area side. It will be possible.

If a negative determination is made in step S2107, the present emission monitoring process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, "1" is set in the discharge error flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S2108, and a voice emission control device 72 issues a discharge error command in step S2109. Output to. After that, this emission monitoring process is completed.

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

The discharge error command is a command output for causing the sound emission control device 72 to recognize that the discharge error state has occurred, and the sound emission control device 72 receives the discharge error command to display the indicator lamp unit 58. Is lit in a predetermined manner, and a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 59. Further, when the voice emission control device 72 receives the discharge error command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of a discharge error state is not limited to the above, and a configuration in which only a part of the notification mode is performed instead of all of the above notification modes may be performed. A signal for notification may be output to the outside.

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

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

By receiving the error release command, the voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the discharge error state in the indicator lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59. When the voice emission control device 72 receives the error release command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 ends the notification of the discharge error state in the symbol display device 41.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, when the period during which the game ball B1 is continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 becomes the stop determination reference period, an error notification is performed for the period. As a result, even if an illegal ball B2 larger than the game ball B1 is stopped at the position of the discharge detection sensor 89 and the game ball B1 is overflowed to the game area side, the stoppage occurs. Since the hall manager is notified, the game hall manager can deal with it.

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

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the processing configuration of the emission monitoring process is different from that of the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the different configurations will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment is basically omitted.

Prior to the explanation of the emission monitoring process, first, the contents of the fraudulent acts that can be dealt with in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the emission detection sensor 89 and its surroundings.

As shown in FIG. 36, the discharge passage portion 85 is formed with an aligned passage region 88 so as to be continuous on the downstream side with respect to the inclined portion 87, and the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided in the aligned passage region 88. ing. In this case, when an illegal ball B3 having a diameter larger than the passage width of the aligned passage area 88 that can flow into the discharge passage portion 85 is launched into the game area, the illegal ball B3 is the aligned passage area 88. By being caught at the entrance portion, the inflow of the game ball B1 into the aligned passage area 88 is hindered. Then, the game ball B1 subsequently launched toward the game area will stop at the discharge passage portion 85 with the illegal ball B3 at the head. Then, when the firing of the game ball B1 is continued in that state, the game ball B1 overflows from the out port 37 of the game board 24 to the game area side as in the case described in the fourth embodiment. turn into. Further, since the illegal ball B3 is caught at the entrance portion of the alignment passage region 88, the illegal ball B3 is not detected by the discharge detection sensor 89.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the emission monitoring process is executed by the main MPU 92, so that the above fraudulent activity can be prevented. The emission monitoring process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 37. The emission monitoring process is executed in step S307 of the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13), as in the first embodiment.

In the emission monitoring process, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the emission detection sensor 89 is ON. If it is OFF, the process at the time of non-detection of emission is executed in step S2202. In the process when the emission is not detected, the same process as in steps S210 to S2114 of the emission monitoring process (FIG. 35) in the fourth embodiment is executed.

In the following step S2203, the value of the non-detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1. The non-detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times that the main MPU 92 has confirmed that the emission detection sensor 89 has received a signal indicating that the game ball has not been detected.

After that, in step S2204, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, and in step S2205, any of the general winning opening 31, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34, and the through gate 35 is awarded. It is determined whether or not, and in step S2206, it is determined whether or not the value of the non-detection counter of the main RAM 94 is equal to or higher than the non-detection determination reference value "1000". By the way, since the emission monitoring process is started in the main MPU 92 at a cycle of 4 msec, did the state in which the emission detection sensor 89 is in the OFF state continued for 4 sec or more, which is the non-detection determination reference period, in step S2206? It means that it is judged whether or not.

In the open / close execution mode (step S2204: YES), when no winning has occurred (step S2205: NO), or when the value of the non-detection counter is not 1000 or more (step S2206: NO). This emission monitoring process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the mode is not the open / close execution mode (step S2204: NO), a prize has been generated (step S2205: YES), and the value of the non-detection counter is 1000 or more (step S2206: YES), step S2207 In step S2208, after setting the discharge error flag at the time of non-detection provided in the main RAM 94 to “1” and outputting the discharge error command at the time of non-detection to the voice emission control device 72, this End the emission monitoring process.

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

The discharge error command at the time of non-detection is a command output to make the sound emission control device 72 recognize that the discharge error state at the time of non-detection has occurred, and the sound emission control device 72 discharges at the time of non-detection. By receiving the error command, the indicator lamp unit 58 is turned on in a predetermined manner, and the speaker unit 59 outputs a notification sound. Further, when the voice emission control device 72 receives the discharge error command at the time of non-detection, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of a discharge error state at the time of non-detection is not limited to the above-mentioned ones, and even if only a part of the above notification modes is performed instead of all of the above-mentioned notification modes. Often, a signal for notification may be output externally to the game hall.

On the other hand, when the discharge detection sensor 89 is ON, a positive determination is made in step S2201 to proceed to step S2209. In step S2209, the process at the time of emission detection is executed. In the process at the time of emission detection, the same process as in steps S2102 to S2109 of the emission monitoring process (FIG. 35) in the fourth embodiment is executed. After that, in step S2210, the value of the non-detection counter of the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0".

In the following step S2211, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the discharge error flag when the main RAM 94 is not detected. If "1" is not set in the discharge error flag at the time of non-detection, this discharge monitoring process is terminated as it is. When "1" is set in the non-detection discharge error flag, the non-detection discharge error flag is cleared to "0" in step S2212, and the non-detection error release command is performed in step S2213. Is output to the voice emission control device 72, and then the emission monitoring process is terminated.

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

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

In a situation where the period during which the game ball B1 is not continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 is equal to or longer than the non-detection determination reference period, the general winning opening 31, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34, and the through gate 35 If any of the prizes is won, an error notification will be sent to them. As a result, even if an illegal ball B3 larger than the game ball B1 is stopped at the entrance portion of the aligned passage area 88 and the game ball B1 is overflowed to the game area side, the stoppage may occur. Since the game hall manager is notified, the game hall manager can deal with it.

Further, in the open / close execution mode, the variable winning device 32 existing directly above the out port 37 is in the open state, so that the game ball is used by the discharge detection sensor 89 even when the game is being played normally. A situation may occur in which the period during which B1 is not continuously detected is equal to or longer than the non-detection determination reference period. On the other hand, in the open / close execution mode, even if a prize is generated in a situation where the period during which the game ball B1 is not continuously detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 is equal to or longer than the non-detection determination reference period, it is not possible. Since the discharge error state at the time of detection is not set, the possibility of being set to the discharge error state at the time of non-detection is reduced even though a regular game is being played.

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

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

In this embodiment, the emission detection sensor 89 is not provided. Instead, as shown in FIG. 38, an out-ball detection sensor 37a for detecting one game ball passing through the out-port 37 is provided on the back side of the game board 24. The out ball detection sensor 37a detects only the game balls that have passed through the out port 37, and the game balls that have entered the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34. Does not detect.

The out-ball detection sensor 37a is a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, which detects a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes within the detection range and outputs it as an electric signal. The out-ball detection sensor 37a is not limited to the magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and is arbitrary as long as it can detect the game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. .. The out-ball detection sensor 37a outputs an electric signal to the main control device 71. 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 between the output levels may be reversed.

On the back side of the game board 24, as in the first embodiment, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33, and the lower operating opening 34 are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis to detect winning. Sensors 171 to 176 are provided. These prize detection sensors 171 to 176 are magnetic detection type proximity sensors, and a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes within the detection range is detected and output as an electric signal. The winning detection sensors 171 to 176 are not limited to magnetic detection type proximity sensors, and are arbitrary as long as they can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. Good. The winning detection sensors 171 to 176 output an electric signal to the main control device 71. 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 between the output levels may be reversed. Similar to the first embodiment, the main MPU 92 uses the detection results of the prize detection sensors 171 to 176 to win prizes for the general prize opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34. If the presence or absence of a prize is specified and the occurrence of a prize is specified, processing for generating a prize ball and various internal lottery are executed.

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

First, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the out detection flag provided in the main RAM 94. The out detection flag is a flag for the main MPU 92 to specify that one game ball has been detected by the out ball detection sensor 37a. When "1" is set in the out detection flag, the value of the discharge ball counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1 in step S2302, and the out detection of the main RAM 94 is detected in the subsequent step S2303. Clear the flag "0". The discharge ball counter is for counting the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S, as in the first embodiment, and is the number of game balls discharged to the island facility S. Is used for external output to the hall computer HC.

When a negative determination is made in step S2301 or when the process of step S2303 is executed, whether or not "1" is set in any of the winning detection flags provided in the main RAM 94 in step S2304. Is determined. The winning detection flag is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with the winning detection sensors 171 to 176, and the main MPU 92 indicates that one game ball is detected by the corresponding winning detection sensors 171 to 176. It is a flag to identify.

If all the winning detection flags are "0", the emission monitoring process is terminated as it is, and if any of the winning detection flags is set to "1", the process proceeds to step S2305. In step S2305, the value corresponding to the number of winning detection flags in which "1" is set is added to the discharge ball counter of the main RAM 94. After that, in step S2306, the value of each winning detection flag is cleared to "0", and then the emission monitoring process is terminated.

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

Here, even if the out ball detection sensor 37a is provided in the out port 37, as in the case where the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided, an illegal ball having a diameter larger than that of the game ball is used for out. It is assumed that the position of the ball detection sensor 37a obstructs the flow of the game ball and causes the game ball to overflow from the out port 37 to the game area side. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a processing configuration for preventing the fraudulent activity is adopted in the out-ball monitoring process.

The out-ball monitoring process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 40.

In the out-ball monitoring process, first, in step S2401, it is determined whether or not the out-ball detection sensor 37a is ON. If it is ON, the value of the out detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1 in step S2402. The out detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times that the main MPU 92 has confirmed that the signal indicating that the game ball is being detected is received from the out ball detection sensor 37a.

In the following step S2403, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the out detection detected flag provided in the main RAM 94. The out-detected flag is for preventing the main MPU 92 from identifying the detection state as the passage of a plurality of game balls when the out-ball detection sensor 37a continuously detects one game ball. Flag of.

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

When the out-ball detection sensor 37a continues to be ON, the out-detection flag of the main RAM 94 is set to "1", so that a positive determination is made in step S2403 and the process proceeds to step S2407. In step S2407, it is determined whether or not the value of the out detection counter of the main RAM 94 is equal to or higher than the stagnation determination reference value “300”. Since the out-ball monitoring process is started in the main MPU 92 at a cycle of 4 msec, in step S2407, the out-ball detection sensor 37a is in the ON state for 1.2 sec or more, which is the stop determination reference period. It means that it is judged whether or not it has continued.

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

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

The out-error flag is a flag for the main MPU 92 to identify that it is in an out-error state. Although the main MPU 92 can specify whether or not it is in the out-error state by the out-error flag, it does not stop the progress of the game even if it is in the out-error state. That is, even if it is in the out-error state, the same processing as in the situation other than the out-error state is executed.

The error command is a command output for causing the sound emission control device 72 to recognize that an out-error state has occurred, and the sound emission control device 72 receives the out-error command to display the indicator lamp unit 58. It is turned on in a predetermined manner, and a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 59. Further, when the voice emission control device 72 receives the out error command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image. In addition, the notification mode in the case of an out-error state is not limited to the above-mentioned ones, and a configuration in which only a part of the above notification modes is performed instead of all of the above-mentioned notification modes may be performed. A signal for notification may be output to the outside.

On the other hand, when the out-ball detection sensor 37a is OFF, the process proceeds to step S2410 by making a negative determination in step S2401. In step S2410, the value of the out detection counter of the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0". Further, in step S2411, the out detection flag of the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0". After that, in step S2412, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the out error flag of the main RAM 94.

If "1" is not set in the out error flag, the out ball monitoring process is terminated as it is. If "1" is set in the out-error flag, the out-error flag is cleared to "0" in step S2413, and an error release command is sent to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2414. The out-ball monitoring process is terminated.

By receiving the error release command, the voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the out-error state in the indicator lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59. When the voice emission control device 72 receives the error release command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 ends the notification of the out-error state in the symbol display device 41.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating opening, which enable the game ball flowing down the game area to be led out to the back side of the game board 24. Game ball detection sensors 171 to 176, 37a are provided corresponding to each of the mouth 34 and the out port 37, and based on the detection results of the respective detection sensors 171 to 176, 37a, the pachinko machine 10 to the island equipment The number of game balls discharged to S is measured. By measuring the number of discharged balls by using the individual detection sensors 171 to 176, 37a in this way, it is not necessary to individually detect the game ball in the discharge passage portion 85 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to measure the number of discharges while not causing restrictions on the passage design of the discharge passage portion 85.

Further, when the period during which the game ball is continuously detected by the out-ball detection sensor 37a becomes the stop determination reference period, an error notification is performed for it. As a result, even if an illegal ball larger than the game ball is stopped at the position of the out ball detection sensor 37a and the game ball is overflowed to the game area side, the stoppage occurs in the game hall. Since the manager is notified, the manager of the game hall can deal with it.

Further, since it is possible to identify whether or not the above-mentioned fraudulent activity has occurred by using the out-ball detection sensor 37a, it is possible to deal with the above-mentioned fraudulent activity while simplifying the configuration. It will be possible.

It should be noted that a fraudulent act that obstructs the passage of the game ball is assumed on the upstream side of the out-ball detection sensor 37a. For example, a fraudulent act that blocks the out port 37 is assumed. On the other hand, by using the processing configuration shown in the fifth embodiment in the out-ball monitoring process in the present embodiment, it is possible to deal with the fraudulent act.

<7th Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration for detecting that a fraudulent act of overflowing the game ball from the out port 37 of the game board 24 to the game area side has been performed is different from the fourth to sixth embodiments. The different configurations will be described below. The description of the same configuration as that of the fourth to sixth embodiments will be basically omitted.

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

On the back side of the game board 24, a pair of left and right stops are located below the variable winning device 32 and above the out port 37, and further behind the area where the game ball flows down in the game area. Detection sensors 181, 182 are provided. The occupancy detection sensors 181, 182 are photo sensors, and output an electric signal corresponding to the presence of the game ball within the detection range. The stagnation detection sensors 181 and 182 are not limited to the photo sensor and are arbitrary. For example, a magnetic detection type proximity sensor or a limit sensor may be used. Each occupancy detection sensor 181, 182 outputs an electric signal to the main control device 71. 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 between output levels may be reversed.

By providing the stop detection sensors 181, 182, for example, when the game ball overflows to the game area side due to the out port 37 being illegally blocked, it is possible to detect it. Further, since the stop detection sensors 181, 182 are provided at positions below the variable winning device 32 and above the out port 37, before the game ball overflows to the position of the variable winning device 32. , The overflowing game ball can be detected by the stop detection sensors 181, 182.

Next, a processing configuration for monitoring the stop of the game ball using the stop detection sensors 181, 182 will be described with reference to FIG. 42. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the stop monitoring process. The stop monitoring process is executed by the input state monitoring process (FIG. 13) of the main MPU 92. Further, the stagnation monitoring process is executed individually for the pair of stagnation detection sensors 181, 182. In the following description, the stop monitoring process using one of the stop detection sensors 181 will be described. The processing content of the occupancy monitoring process using the other occupancy detection sensor 182 is the same as the following processing content.

In the stop monitoring process, first, in step S2501, it is determined whether or not the stop detection sensor 181 is ON. If it is ON, the value of the stagnation detection counter provided in the main RAM 94 is added by 1 in step S2502. The stop detection counter is a counter for specifying the number of times that the main MPU 92 has confirmed that a signal indicating that the game ball is being detected has been received from the stop detection sensor 181.

In the following step S2503, it is determined whether or not the value of the stagnation detection counter is equal to or higher than the stagnation determination reference value "500". Since the occupancy monitoring process is started in the main MPU 92 at a cycle of 4 msec, in step S2503, whether or not the occupancy detection sensor 181 is in the ON state continues for 2 sec or more, which is the occupancy determination reference period. It means that it is judged.

If a negative determination is made in step S2503, the main stop monitoring process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2503, "1" is set in the stagnation error flag provided in the main RAM 94 in step S2504, and the stagnation error command is issued to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2505. Output to. After that, the main stop monitoring process is terminated.

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

The stagnation error command is a command output for causing the voice emission control device 72 to recognize that a stagnation error state has occurred. When the voice emission control device 72 receives the stagnation error command, the indicator lamp unit 58 Is lit in a predetermined manner, and a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 59. When the voice emission control device 72 receives the stop error command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 causes the symbol display device 41 to display the notification image. It should be noted that the notification mode in the case of a stop error state is not limited to the above, and a configuration in which only a part of the above notification modes is performed instead of all of the above notification modes may be performed. A signal for notification may be output to the outside.

On the other hand, when the stagnation detection sensor 181 is turned off, a negative determination is made in step S2501 to proceed to step S2506. In step S2506, the value of the stagnation detection counter of the main RAM 94 is cleared to "0". After that, in step S2507, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the stagnation error flag of the main RAM 94.

If "1" is not set in the stagnation error flag, the stagnation monitoring process is terminated as it is. If "1" is set in the stagnation error flag, the stagnation error flag is cleared to "0" in step S2508, and an error release command is transmitted to the voice emission control device 72 in step S2509. Ends the stagnation monitoring process.

By receiving the error release command, the voice emission control device 72 ends the notification of the stop error state in the indicator lamp unit 58 and the speaker unit 59. When the voice emission control device 72 receives the error release command, the voice emission control device 72 transmits the corresponding command to the display control device 101. Upon receiving the command, the display control device 101 ends the notification of the stop error state in the symbol display device 41.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, when the period during which the game ball is continuously detected by the occupancy detection sensors 181, 182 becomes the occupancy determination reference period, an error notification is performed for the period. .. As a result, even if a fraudulent act of blocking the passage of the game ball at the out port 37 and causing the game ball to overflow to the game area side is performed, the game hole is managed by the fact that the game ball is stopped in the game area. Since the person is notified, the manager of the game hall can deal with it.

In addition, it is assumed that a fraudulent act that obstructs the passage of the game ball on the upstream side of the stop detection sensors 181, 182 and the game ball accidentally stops on the upstream side of the stop detection sensors 181, 182. .. On the other hand, by using the processing configuration shown in the fifth embodiment in the stagnation monitoring processing in the present embodiment, it is possible to deal with the above event.

<Other embodiments>
It should be noted that the description is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. By the way, the following configurations of other embodiments may be applied individually or in combination to the configurations of the above embodiments.

(1) When a prize is generated in any of the general prize opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34, the value is set in the prize ball schedule counter 94c of the main RAM 94. The timing is not limited to the timing at which the prize is generated, and may be the timing at which the prize ball command is transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the payout side MPU 112. For example, in the prize ball command output process of step S607 in the payout output process (FIG. 16), when the output of the 15 prize ball commands is set, the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c is added by 15 and the 10 prize ball commands are added. The value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c may be added by 10 when the output of the prize ball schedule counter 94c is set, and the value of the prize ball schedule counter 94c may be added by 3 when the output setting of the three prize ball commands is set. In this case, it is possible to bring the timing at which the prize ball schedule signal becomes the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition closer to the timing at which the corresponding prize ball is actually paid out.

(2) Prize ball schedule signal When the sum of the output continuation period for recognizing the prize ball schedule and the output setting restriction period on the prize ball schedule side is continuously paid out from the payout device 77. The configuration may be the same as the normal payout cycle. In this case, it is possible to bring the timing at which the prize ball schedule signal becomes the output state for the prize ball schedule recognition closer to the timing at which the corresponding prize ball is actually paid out.

(3) Instead of the configuration in which the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided in the discharge passage portion 85, only the game balls that have passed through the out port 37 are detected among the game balls that flow down the game area and are led out to the back side of the game board 24. A detection sensor for the out port may be provided so as to do so. In this case, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33 and the lower operating opening 34 are won, and the number of game balls drawn out to the back side of the game board 24 is to detect these winnings. The discharge detection sensor 89 is provided by detecting the number of game balls that have passed through the out port 37 by the provided winning detection sensors 96a to 96e and by detecting the number of game balls that have passed through the out port 37 by the detection sensor for the out port. Even without it, it is possible to measure the number of game balls discharged from the pachinko machine 10 to the island facility S.

(4) Information on the number of rented balls paid out from the payout device 77 may be externally output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. In this case, the timing of setting the lending signal to the output state for lending recognition may be the case where the number of lending balls being measured is a specified number on the lending side, for example, 10 or so. It may be the case that the number of rented balls is one. Further, an external terminal corresponding to each of the lending signal output at the former timing and the lending signal output at the latter timing may be provided on the external terminal plate 81 so that each signal can be output individually. Good. In this case, the former lending signal has a longer processing output duration and output setting limiting period than the latter lending signal, so that the former lending signal has a relatively slow processing speed in a game hall having a hall computer HC. It becomes easier to use the rental signal. Further, the main body that sets the output of the lending signal may be the payout side MPU 112, the main side MPU 92, or another control device. Further, the information for measuring the number of rented balls may be stored in the RAM to which the power for power failure is supplied, or may be stored in the RAM to which the power for power failure is not supplied. ..

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

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

(7) A configuration in which an emission signal does not exist as a signal that can be output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC may be used. In this case, the number of ejected balls is measured on the island facility S side, and the measurement result is output to the hall computer HC, so that the signal and the prize ball schedule signal or the prize ball completion signal are used. This makes it possible to manage the number of game balls.

(8) There may be a configuration in which the prize ball schedule signal does not exist as a signal that can be output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. Even in this case, the number of game balls can be managed in the hall computer HC by using the discharge signal and the prize ball completion signal.

(9) The prize ball completion signal may not exist as a signal that can be output from the pachinko machine 10 to the hall computer HC. Even in this case, the number of game balls can be managed by the hall computer HC by using the discharge signal and the prize ball schedule signal.

(10) The trigger for setting the discharge signal to the output state for recognition is not limited to the configuration in which the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is 10, and the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is other than 10. It may be a configuration in which a plurality of values of the above are obtained, or a configuration in which the value of the discharge ball counter 94d is 1. Further, the discharge ball counter 94d is not limited to the configuration provided in the RAM to which the power for power failure is supplied, and may be provided in the RAM to which the power for power failure is not supplied. .. Further, the output setting of the discharge signal is not limited to the configuration performed by the main MPU 92, and the configuration may be performed by the payout side MPU 112 or may be performed by another control device.

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

(12) The trigger for setting the prize ball completion signal to the output state for recognition is not limited to the configuration in which the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is 10, and the prize ball completion counter 114d The configuration may be a case where the value is a plurality of values other than 10, or the configuration may be a case where the value of the prize ball completion counter 114d is 1. Further, the prize ball completion counter 114d is not limited to the configuration provided in the RAM to which the power for power failure is not supplied, and may be provided in the RAM to which the power for power failure is supplied. Good. Further, the output setting of the prize ball completion signal is not limited to the configuration performed by the payout side MPU 112, and the configuration may be performed by the main side MPU 92 or may be performed by another control device. When the output setting of the prize ball completion signal is performed by the main MPU 92, the output settings of both the prize ball completion signal and the prize ball scheduled signal are set by the main MPU 92.

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

(14) The output setting limit period may not be set for the discharge signal. Even in this case, the trigger for setting the discharge signal to the output state for recognition is set as the case where the number of discharge balls is the specified number on the discharge side, which is defined as a plurality of discharge balls. Since it takes a period longer than the output continuation period on the discharge side from the time when the output state of is released to the next setting to the output state for the recognition, the discharge signal is emitted even if the hall computer HC has a relatively slow processing speed. It becomes possible to recognize that is in the output state for recognition.

(15) The output setting limit period may not be set for the prize ball completion signal. Even in this case, the trigger for setting the prize ball completion signal to the output state for recognition is set as the case where the number of prize balls is the specified number on the payout side, which is defined as a plurality of prize balls. Since it takes a period longer than the output continuation period on the payout side from the release of the output state for recognition to the next setting to the output state for recognition, even the hall computer HC whose processing speed is relatively slow It becomes possible to recognize that the prize ball completion signal has reached the output state for recognition.

(16) The output setting limitation period of the emission signal is shorter than that of the output duration, but the emission signal is not limited to this, and the output setting limitation period and the output duration may be the same. The output setting limit period may be longer than the output duration.

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

(18) The prize ball scheduled signal has the same output setting limit period and output duration, but the output setting limit period may be shorter than the output duration, and the output setting limit period May be configured to be longer than the output duration.

(19) Specific values of the output setting restriction period and the output continuation period are arbitrary for each of the discharge signal, the prize ball schedule signal, and the prize ball completion signal. Further, for each of the discharge signal, the prize ball schedule signal, and the prize ball completion signal, the specific number of triggers for setting the output state for recognition is arbitrary.

(20) For the discharge signal, the number of discharge balls that triggers the setting of the output state for recognition is set to a plurality of numbers such as 10, and the trigger for setting the prize ball completion signal to the output state for recognition. The number of prize balls to be used may be set to a plurality of numbers such as 10, and the power for power failure may be supplied to both the discharge ball counter 94d and the prize ball completion counter 114d. As a result, even if the supply of the operating power to the power supply and the launch control board 121 is stopped, the values of the discharge ball counter 94d and the prize ball completion counter 114d are stored and retained, so that the processing speed of the hall computer HC is relatively slow. Even so, while it is possible to manage the number of game balls, if the management of the number of game balls is averaged over a plurality of business days, the error is offset and the management can be performed strictly. In this configuration, the output mode of the scheduled discharge signal is arbitrary, but for example, the number of discharged balls that triggers the setting of the output state for recognition is set to a plurality of numbers such as 10, and the prize balls are scheduled. The counter 94c may be configured to be supplied with power for power failure.

(21) The number of game balls that trigger the setting of the output state for recognition for all of the discharge signal, the prize ball completion signal, and the prize ball scheduled signal is set to one, and the discharge ball counter 94d and the prize ball are further set. The completion counter 114d and the prize ball schedule counter 94c may be configured to be supplied with power for power failure. This makes it possible to strictly manage the number of game balls in the hall computer HC, which has a relatively high processing speed, in units of one business day.

(22) In the power failure processing in the main MPU 92, the discharge signal may be set to the output state for recognition by the value remaining in the discharge ball counter 94d. In this case, by setting the output duration to a period different from the case where the processing is not in progress during a power failure, it is possible to identify in which situation the hall computer HC is set to the output state for recognition. Become. Similarly, in the power failure processing on the payout side MPU 112, the prize ball completion signal may be set to the output state for recognition by the value remaining in the prize ball completion counter 114d. In this case, by setting the output duration to a period different from the case where the processing is not in progress during a power failure, it is possible to identify in which situation the hall computer HC is set to the output state for recognition. Become.

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

(24) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, for example, pachinko machines in which the electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when the game ball enters a specific area of the special device, or a game ball in a specific area of the special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine, which is a big hit when a right is entered, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arrange ball machine, a game machine such as a sparrow ball, and the like.

In addition, a non-bullet type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction is provided, the reels are started to rotate by inserting medals and operating the start lever, and the stop switch is operated. After the reels have stopped after a predetermined time has passed, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line that can be seen from the display window, a privilege such as a medal payout is given to the player. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines.

In addition, the game machine main body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts the rotation of the reel.

(25) A launch detection sensor for detecting that the game ball is being launched is provided, and the discharge detection sensor 89 or the out ball detection sensor 37a is provided in a situation where the launch detection sensor detects the continuous launch of the game ball. When the game ball is not detected for a predetermined period of time, a special process such as notification of an error state may be executed. In this configuration, although it is necessary to separately provide a launch detection sensor, it is accurately identified that the game ball is stopped on the upstream side of the discharge detection sensor 89 or the out ball detection sensor 37a. It becomes possible to do.

(26) In the fifth embodiment, if any of the prizes is awarded in a situation where the discharge detection sensor 89 does not continuously detect the game ball for a predetermined period or longer, opening / closing is executed. Even during the mode, a special process such as notification of an error state may be executed.

(27) In the fifth embodiment, the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 may be set to a region where the game ball does not pass when the game ball flows down toward the variable winning device 32. For example, a game ball that is flowing down so as to pass through an area to the right of the symbol display device 41 can enter, and is flowing down so as to pass through an area to the left of the symbol display device 41. In a configuration in which the variable winning device 32 is provided at a position where the ball cannot enter, the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 may be set in the left region. In this case, in the situation where the game ball is launched toward the variable winning device 32, the situation in which the game ball is not detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 will continue. Therefore, in the configuration, it is preferable that the error state is not set in the open / close execution mode regardless of the detection result of the discharge detection sensor 89, as in the fifth embodiment.

(28) In the fifth embodiment, the game ball flowing down so as to pass through the area to the right of the symbol display device 41 can enter the area to the left of the symbol display device 41. A lower operating port 34 is provided at a position where the game ball flowing down so as to pass through cannot enter, and the game ball flowing down so as to pass through the area to the left of the symbol display device 41. In a configuration in which the upper operating port 33 is provided at a position where the ball can enter, the detection range of the discharge detection sensor 89 may be set in the left region. In this case, in the situation where the game ball is launched toward the lower operating port 34, the situation in which the game ball is not detected by the discharge detection sensor 89 will continue. Therefore, in this configuration, it is preferable that the error state is not set regardless of the detection result of the discharge detection sensor 89 during the high frequency support mode in which the lower operating port 34 is likely to win a prize. ..

(29) In the seventh embodiment, the occupancy detection sensors 181 and 182 may be provided so as to detect a game ball on the upstream side of the game area with respect to the variable winning device 32. For example, by providing the stop detection sensors 181, 182 so that the detection range includes a place where the game ball is likely to stop even in a situation where the game is normally played, the game ball stops at the place. If this is the case, it will be possible to notify the user.

(30) When a discharge error state, an out error state, or a stop error state occurs, the progress of the game may be stopped instead of or in addition to the configuration in which the pachinko machine 10 notifies. In this case, the execution of a part of the process for advancing the game may be blocked, or the execution of the entire process for advancing the game may be blocked. For example, the process for launching the game ball may be at least not executed, and the game ball enters the ball entry portions such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34. The process of monitoring whether or not the game may be at least not executed may be configured, or the process of the internal lottery based on the entry of the game ball into the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 may be at least not executed.

(31) A plurality of out ports 37 may be provided on the game board 24. For example, in a configuration in which a decorative member is provided on the game board 24 so that the game area is divided into left and right, an out port 37 for the left area and an out port 37 for the right area are individually provided. May be good. In this case, the out port 37 formed in either the left side region or the right side region is provided with a ball entry portion (for example, a general winning opening 31, upper operating port 33, lower operating) provided in the other area. The configuration may be provided on the upper side of the game area (that is, on the upstream side of the game area) with respect to the mouth 34).

Even if a plurality of out ports 37 are provided as described above, in the configuration in which the discharge detection sensor 89 is provided in the discharge passage portion 85 as in the first to fifth embodiments, any of the outs is provided. Even a game ball that has entered the mouth 37 can be detected by the discharge detection sensor 89. Further, by applying the configuration of the fourth embodiment, even if an illegal ball enters any of the out ports 37, it can be specified. Further, by applying the configuration of the fifth embodiment, it is possible to identify that the fraudulent act is being performed even if any of the outlets 37 is fraudulently blocked.

Further, in the configuration in which a plurality of out ports 37 are provided as described above, the out ball detection sensor 37a may be individually provided for each out port 37 as in the sixth embodiment. In this case, it is possible to individually detect the game ball that has entered each out port 37, and an act of fraudulently using an illegal ball larger than the game ball or an act of illegally closing the out port 37 is performed. In this case, it is possible to identify which out port 37 is the target of fraud.

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

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

<Feature A group>
Features A1. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d). Emission measurement means (function to execute emission monitoring processing in the main MPU 92) and
A power supply means during power failure that supplies power to the emission information storage means and enables the emission information storage means to store and retain information even when the supply of power to the emission measurement means is stopped. (Power supply unit 123 for power failure) and
When the number of game media corresponding to the emission number information stored in the emission information storage means exceeds the specified emission number, which is two or more, the emission recognition signal (output state for emission recognition is set. Discharge side output means (function to execute external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92) that can output the discharge signal) to the outside of the game machine.
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

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

In this case, since the number of game media discharged from the game machine is detected by the game machine, the number of game media discharged can be measured without complicating the configuration on the island facility side. Can be done accurately.

In addition, since the discharge recognition signal is output when the number measured as the discharged game medium exceeds the specified number of discharges, which is 2 or more, the frequency with which the discharge recognition signal is output is determined. It is possible to reduce it. As a result, for example, even a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed can recognize the emission recognition signal without difficulty.

In addition, since the emission information storage means is configured to supply electric power during power interruption, the emission measurement means can be used in a situation where emission number information corresponding to a number of 1 or more and less than the specified emission number is stored. Even if the power supply is cut off, the information is retained. This makes it possible to strictly manage the number of ejected game media even in the configuration in which the frequency of outputting the emission recognition signal is reduced as described above.

Feature A2. When the number of game media ejected from the game machine becomes less than the specified number of discharges or more, another discharge recognition signal (individual discharge signal in the output state for individual discharge recognition) is transmitted to the game machine. The gaming machine according to feature A1, characterized in that it is provided with another discharge side output means (a function of executing an external output process for individual discharge in the main MPU 92) that enables output to the outside.

According to the feature A2, in the game hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the emission recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, the number of discharged game media is managed more finely. It is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using a separate emission recognition signal if desired. This makes it possible to support various business forms of the game hall.

By setting "a number smaller than the specified number of discharges" to 1, it is possible to strictly manage the number of game media to be discharged.

Feature A3. When the discharge recognition signal is output, the discharge side output means maintains the output state of the discharge recognition signal for the discharge side continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least the discharge side regulation period elapses. Until this is done, the output state will not be reset.
When the separate discharge side output means outputs the separate discharge recognition signal, the output state of the separate discharge recognition signal is maintained for the duration of the separate discharge side, and when the output state is released, at least another discharge is performed. This is to prevent resetting to the output state until the side regulation period has elapsed.
The gaming machine according to feature A2, wherein the discharge side continuation period is longer than the separate discharge side continuation period, and the discharge side regulation period is longer than the separate discharge side regulation period.

According to the feature A3, when the emission recognition signal is used, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of another emission recognition signal. Therefore, for a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed, it becomes easier to recognize the emission recognition signal. On the other hand, when another emission recognition signal is used, both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the emission recognition signal, so that the processing speed is reduced. For a hall computer, which is relatively fast, when the game medium is discharged, it is possible to quickly recognize that the game medium is discharged.

Feature A4. As terminals to which electrical wiring for outputting signals to a device provided outside the game machine can be connected, a terminal for signals output by the discharge side output means and a terminal for signals output by the separate discharge side output means are output. The gaming machine according to the feature A2 or A3, wherein the terminal for the signal is provided separately.

According to the feature A4, for the game hall, it is possible to select the side to be used from the emission recognition signal and another emission recognition signal only by selecting the type of the terminal to which the electric wiring is connected. Therefore, the complexity of the work when selecting and using the signal is suppressed.

Feature A5. The payout measuring means (in the main MPU 92) that measures the number of game media paid out or paid out to the player and stores the measurement result in the payout information storage means (prize ball schedule counter 94c, prize ball completion counter 114d). The function of executing the processing of step S403, step S406 and step S409, the function of executing the processing of step S1108 on the payout side MPU 112), and
When the number of game media corresponding to the number of payout information stored in the payout information storage means exceeds the specified number of payouts, the payout recognition signal (the prize ball schedule in the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule) A function to execute an external output process for the prize ball schedule in the payout side output means (main side MPU 92) that enables the output of the signal and the prize ball completion signal in the output state for the prize ball completion recognition to the outside of the game machine. , A function to execute the external output processing of the payout side in the payout side MPU 112),
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A4, characterized in that

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

Feature A6. The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein the specified number of payouts is 1.

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

Feature A7. The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein the specified number of payouts is two or more.

According to the feature A7, the payout recognition signal is output when the number measured as the payout or the payout game medium becomes 2 or more, which is the payout specified number or more. It is possible to reduce the frequency with which the recognition signal is output. As a result, for example, even a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed can recognize the payout recognition signal without difficulty.

Feature A8. When the number of game media measured by the payout measuring means is less than the specified number of payouts and is equal to or greater than the specified number of separate payouts, a separate payout recognition signal (a prize ball in an output state for recognizing a prize ball schedule) The description according to the feature A7, wherein the payout side output means (a function of executing the external output process for the prize ball schedule in the main MPU 92) that enables the output of the schedule signal) to the outside of the game machine is provided. Amusement machine.

According to the feature A8, in the game hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, the payout recognition signal is used, and the frequency is increased, but the number of game media paid out or paid out is increased. If you want to manage more finely, you can select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using a separate payout recognition signal. This makes it possible to support various business forms of the game hall.

Feature A9. When the payout side output means outputs the payout recognition signal, the payout recognition signal output state is maintained for the payout side continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least the payout side regulation period elapses. Until this is done, the output state will not be reset.
When the separate payout side output means outputs the separate payout recognition signal, the output state of the separate payout recognition signal is maintained for the duration of the separate payout side, and when the output state is released, at least the separate payout side is paid out. This is to prevent resetting to the output state until the side regulation period has elapsed.
The gaming machine according to feature A8, wherein the payout side continuation period is longer than the separate payout side continuation period, and the payout side regulation period is longer than the separate payout side regulation period.

According to the feature A9, when the payout recognition signal is used, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of the separate payout recognition signal. Therefore, for a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed, it becomes easier to recognize the payout recognition signal. On the other hand, when the separate payout recognition signal is used, both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the payout recognition signal, so that the processing speed is reduced. For a hall computer, which is relatively fast, it is possible to promptly recognize when the game medium is paid out or when it is paid out.

Feature A10. As terminals to which electrical wiring for outputting signals to a device provided outside the game machine can be connected, a terminal for a signal output by the payout side output means and a terminal for a signal output by the separate payout side output means are output. The gaming machine according to feature A8 or A9, wherein the terminal for the signal is provided separately.

According to the feature A10, for the game hall, it is possible to select the payout recognition signal and the separately payout recognition signal to be used by simply selecting the type of the terminal to which the electric wiring is connected. Therefore, the complexity of the work when selecting and using the signal is suppressed.

Feature A11. The payout side output means can output the payout recognition signal when a game medium equal to or larger than the payout specified number is paid out.
The separate payout side output means can output the separate payout recognition signal even before the payout of the game media is completed when the condition for paying out the game media equal to or more than the separate payout specified number is satisfied. The gaming machine according to any one of features A8 to A10, which is characterized by being a thing.

According to the feature A11, when the payout recognition signal is used, it is possible to recognize the number of game media actually paid out, the accuracy of management is improved, and when the payout recognition signal is used, the payout recognition signal is used. It becomes possible to perform management in the hall computer at an early stage.

Feature A12. The main control means (main side MPU92) that outputs the payout command information when the conditions for paying out the game medium are satisfied, and
When the main control means outputs the payout command information, the payout control means (payout side MPU112) that drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the game medium, and
With
The gaming machine according to feature A11, wherein the main control means has the separate payout side output means, and the payout control means has the payout side output means.

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

Feature A13. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d). Emission measurement means (function to execute emission monitoring processing in the main MPU 92) and
Even in a situation where the supply of electric power to the game machine is stopped, the electric power supply means during power failure (power supply means during power failure) that supplies electric power to the emission information storage means and enables the emission information storage means to store and retain information. Power supply unit 123) for power failure and
When the number of game media corresponding to the emission number information stored in the emission information storage means exceeds the specified emission number, which is two or more, the emission recognition signal (output state for emission recognition is set. Discharge side output means (function to execute external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92) that can output the discharge signal) to the outside of the game machine.
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

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

In this case, since the number of game media discharged from the game machine is detected by the game machine, the number of game media discharged can be measured without complicating the configuration on the island facility side. Can be done accurately.

In addition, since the discharge recognition signal is output when the number measured as the discharged game medium exceeds the specified number of discharges, which is 2 or more, the frequency with which the discharge recognition signal is output is determined. It is possible to reduce it. As a result, for example, even a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed can recognize the emission recognition signal without difficulty.

In addition, since the emission information storage means is configured to supply electric power during power interruption, the electric power to the game machine is stored in a situation where the emission number information corresponding to the number of 1 or more and less than the specified emission number is stored. Even if the supply is cut off, the information is retained. This makes it possible to strictly manage the number of ejected game media even in the configuration in which the frequency of outputting the emission recognition signal is reduced as described above.

Feature A14. The number of game media discharged from the game machine is measured by using the medium detection means (discharge detection sensor 89) provided in the game machine, and the measurement result is stored in the discharge information storage means (discharge ball counter 94d, individual discharge). Emission measuring means (function to execute emission monitoring processing in the main MPU 92) stored in the ball counter),
When the number of game media corresponding to the emission number information stored in the emission information storage means exceeds the emission specified number, the corresponding emission recognition signal (emission signal in the output state for emission recognition). , Discharge side output means (function to execute external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92, for individual discharge) that enables output of the individual discharge signal in the output state for individual discharge recognition to the outside of the game machine. Function to execute external output processing) and
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

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

In this case, since the number of game media discharged from the game machine is detected by the game machine, the number of game media discharged can be measured without complicating the configuration on the island facility side. Can be done accurately.

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

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

In this case, since the number of game media discharged from the game machine is detected by the game machine, the number of game media discharged can be measured without complicating the configuration on the island facility side. Can be done accurately.

<Characteristic B group>
Feature B1. Specific measuring means for measuring the number of game media paid out to the player (function of executing the processes of steps S403, S406 and S409 in the main MPU 92),
When the number of game media measured by the specific measuring means exceeds the specified specified number, a specific recognition signal (prize ball schedule signal in the output state for prize ball schedule recognition) is sent to the outside of the game machine. Specific output means that enables output (a function that executes external output processing for the prize ball schedule on the main MPU 92),
With
The specific output means is capable of outputting the specific recognition signal even before the payout of the game media is completed when the condition for paying out the specified number or more of the game media is satisfied. A game machine featuring.

According to the feature B1, by using the specific recognition signal, it is possible not only to manage the number of payouts of the game media in the hall computer of the game hall, but also when the condition for paying out the game media is satisfied. The management can be performed at an early stage.

Feature B2. A predetermined measuring means (a function of executing the process of step S1108 in the payout side MPU 112) for measuring the number of game media paid out to the player, and
When the number of game media measured by the predetermined measuring means exceeds a predetermined specified number, a predetermined recognition signal (a prize ball completion signal in an output state for prize ball completion recognition) corresponding to the predetermined number is transmitted to the game machine. Predetermined output means (function to execute external output processing on the payout side in the payout side MPU 112) that enables output to the outside of
The gaming machine according to the feature B1, which is characterized by the above.

According to the feature B2, when the specific recognition signal is used, the management in the hall computer can be performed at an early stage, and when the predetermined recognition signal is used, the number of actually paid out game media is recognized. It becomes possible and the accuracy of management is improved.

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

According to the feature B3, in the game hall, if it is desired to reduce the frequency at which the recognition signal is output, a predetermined recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, the number of payouts of the game medium is managed more finely. If so, it is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using a specific recognition signal. This makes it possible to support various business forms of the game hall.

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

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

Feature B5. As terminals to which electrical wiring for outputting signals to a device provided outside the game machine can be connected, a terminal for a signal output by the specific output means and a terminal for a signal output by the predetermined output means. The gaming machine according to any one of features B2 to B4, characterized in that the terminals of the above are provided separately.

According to the feature B5, for the game hall, it is possible to select the side to be used from the specific recognition signal and the predetermined recognition signal only by selecting the type of the terminal to which the electric wiring is connected. Therefore, the complexity of the work when selecting and using the signal is suppressed.

Feature B6. The main control means (main side MPU92) that outputs the payout command information when the conditions for paying out the game medium are satisfied, and
When the main control means outputs the payout command information, the payout control means (payout side MPU112) that drives and controls the payout means so as to pay out the game medium, and
With
The gaming machine according to any one of features B2 to B5, wherein the main control means has the specific output means, and the payout control means has the predetermined output means.

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

Feature B7. Specific measuring means for measuring the number of game media paid out to the player (function of executing the processes of steps S403, S406 and S409 in the main MPU 92),
A specific output means (a specific output means capable of outputting a specific recognition signal (a prize ball schedule signal in an output state for award ball schedule recognition) corresponding to the number of game media measured by the specific measurement means to the outside of the game machine. A function to execute external output processing for the prize ball schedule in the main MPU 92) and
With
The specific output means is capable of outputting the specific recognition signal even before the payout of the game media is completed when the condition for paying out the specified number or more of the game media is satisfied. A game machine featuring.

According to the feature B7, by using the specific recognition signal, it is possible not only to manage the number of payouts of the game media in the hall computer of the game hall, but also when the condition for paying out the game media is satisfied. The management can be performed at an early stage.

<Characteristic C group>
Feature C1. When the number of game media targeted for a specific event, which is either the discharge of the game medium from the game machine or the payout of the game medium to the player, becomes the first specified number or more, the first recognition signal (for discharge recognition). First output means (external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92) that enables output of the discharge signal in the output state of, and the payout completion signal in the output state for recognition of the payout side) to the outside of the game machine. (Function to execute external output processing on the payout side in the payout side MPU 112),
When the number of game media targeted for the specific event becomes the second specified number or more, which is smaller than the first specified number, the second recognition signal (individual discharge signal in the output state for individual discharge recognition, award A second output means (a function of executing an external output process for individual discharge in the main MPU 92, a payout side MPU 112) that enables the output state of the prize ball schedule signal for ball schedule recognition to be output to the outside of the game machine. (Function to execute external output processing for prize ball schedule) and
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

According to the feature C1, in the game hall, if the frequency at which the recognition signal is output is to be reduced, the first recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, the game medium is managed more finely. For example, it is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using the second recognition signal. This makes it possible to support various business forms of the game hall.

Feature C2. When the first output means outputs the first recognition signal, the output state of the first recognition signal is maintained for the first continuation period, and when the output state is released, at least the first regulation period. Is to prevent resetting to the output state until the elapse of.
When the second output means outputs the second recognition signal, the output state of the second recognition signal is maintained for the second duration period, and when the output state is released, at least the second regulation period. Is to prevent resetting to the output state until the elapse of.
The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the second duration period is shorter than the first duration period, and the second regulation period is shorter than the first regulation period.

According to the feature C2, when the first recognition signal is used, both the period in which the output of the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are longer than in the case of the second recognition signal. Therefore, for a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed, it becomes easier to recognize the first recognition signal. On the other hand, when the second recognition signal is used, both the period in which the signal is continued and the period in which the output state is restricted are shorter than in the case of the first recognition signal. For a hall computer having a relatively high speed, it is possible to quickly recognize that a specific event will occur.

Feature C3. As terminals to which electrical wiring for outputting signals to a device provided outside the game machine can be connected, a terminal for a signal output by the first output means and a terminal for a signal output by the second output means are output. The gaming machine according to feature C1 or C2, wherein a terminal for a signal is provided separately.

According to the feature C3, for the game hall, it is possible to select the side to be used from the first recognition signal and the second recognition signal only by selecting the type of the terminal to which the electric wiring is connected. Therefore, the complexity of the work when selecting and using the signal is suppressed.

Feature C4. When the number of game media targeted for a specific event, which is either the discharge of the game medium from the game machine or the payout of the game medium to the player, becomes the first specified number or more, the first recognition signal (for discharge recognition). First output means (external output processing for discharge in the main MPU 92) that enables output of the discharge signal in the output state of, and the payout completion signal in the output state for recognition of the payout side) to the outside of the game machine. (Function to execute external output processing on the payout side in the payout side MPU 112),
In a situation where the number of game media targeted for the specific event is a second specified number less than the first specified number or a situation larger than the second specified number, the second recognition signal (output state for individual emission recognition). The second output means (external output processing for individual discharge in the main MPU 92) that enables the output of the individual discharge signal and the prize ball schedule signal in the output state for recognizing the prize ball schedule to the outside of the game machine. (A function to execute external output processing for prize ball schedule in the payout side MPU 112),
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

According to the feature C4, in the game hall, if the frequency at which the recognition signal is output is to be reduced, the first recognition signal is used, and although the frequency is high, the game medium is managed more finely. For example, it is possible to select a desired signal in the game hall, such as using the second recognition signal. This makes it possible to support various business forms of the game hall.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1. A special recognition signal (a prize ball that is in an output state for payout side recognition) provides information on the number of game media for a specific event, which is either the discharge of the game medium from the game machine or the payout of the game medium to the player. A special output means (a function of executing an external output process on the payout side of the payout side MPU 112 in the third embodiment) that can be output to the outside of the game machine as a completion signal) is provided.
The special output means
When the number of game media targeted for the specific event is 2 or more, which is a special number or more, the first special output means for outputting the special recognition signal in the first aspect (steps S1902 to S1911 in the payout side MPU 112). Function to execute the processing of) and
Even if the number of game media targeted for the specific event has not reached the special number, the second special output means for outputting the special recognition signal in the second aspect (function for executing individual output processing in the payout side MPU 112) ,
When a specific situation is reached, the switching means for switching the target for outputting the special recognition signal from the first special output means to the second special output means (processes in steps S1912 and S1913 on the payout side MPU 112 are executed. Function) and
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

According to the feature D1, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the special recognition signal is normally output to the hall computer, and to make the hall computer individually recognize the number of game media targeted for a specific event in a specific situation. It will be possible. As a result, even in a hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed, it is possible to manage the number of game media for a specific event, and to strictly manage the management.

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

According to the feature D2, an excellent effect as described in the feature D1 can be obtained by a simple configuration of adjusting the period for maintaining the output state of the special recognition signal.

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

According to the feature D3, the special recognition signal can be recognized by the hall computer having a relatively slow processing speed in both the case where the special recognition signal is output in the first mode and the case where the special recognition signal is output in the second mode. It will be possible.

Feature D4. The switching means is characterized in that, as the specific situation, the switching is performed when a special event that occurs in the process of performing the game has not occurred over a special period. The gaming machine according to any one of D3.

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

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

For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine, the gaming medium is paid out to the player by using the payout device when the condition for paying out the game medium is satisfied as a result of the game by the player. For example, some pachinko gaming machines are provided with a symbol display device that variablely displays a plurality of symbols on the display surface, and the variable display of the symbols is started when the ball enters a predetermined operating port provided in the game area. To. In addition, a winning lottery is performed when the ball enters the operating port, and when the winning is won, a display to that effect is displayed on the symbol display device, the predetermined winning opening is opened, and the number of balls entered in the predetermined winning opening. The number of game balls corresponding to the above is paid out using the payout device.

The game machine will be installed and used in the game hall, and in the game hall, the game machine is installed in the island facility. The island facility is provided with a circulation facility for circulating the game media discharged from each game machine, so that the game medium discharged from each game machine can be used again in each game machine.

Here, a large number of game machines are installed in the game hall, and a large amount of game media is used in the game hall accordingly. 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 E group>
Feature E1. A game board (game board 24) in which a game area is formed, and
Bonus ball-entry section (general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, upper operating port 33, lower operating port 34) provided on the game board and generating a privilege when a game ball flowing down the game area enters. When,
A discharge unit (out port 37) provided on the downstream side of the game area from the privilege entry unit and for discharging a game ball that has not entered the privilege entry unit from the game area.
Discharge detection means capable of detecting the game ball discharged from the discharge unit or the game ball flowing down toward the discharge unit (emission detection sensor 89 in the fourth and fifth embodiments, and an out ball in the sixth embodiment). The detection sensor 37a, the stagnation detection sensor 181 and 182) in the seventh embodiment,
Special processing execution means (fourth) that executes special processing based on the fact that the situation in which the emission detection means is in the detection state continues or the situation in which the emission detection means is in the non-detection state continues. , The function of executing the emission monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the fifth embodiment, the function of executing the out-ball monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the sixth embodiment, and the function of executing the out-ball monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the sixth embodiment, and the stop monitoring in the main MPU 92 in the seventh embodiment. Function to execute processing) and
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

According to feature E1, special processing is executed based on the fact that the state in which the emission detection means is in the detection state continues or the situation in which the emission detection means is in the non-detection state continues, so that it is illegal. If the game ball stops in the game area due to an act, or if the game ball stops in the game area in the process of regular game, it is possible to urge the manager of the game hall to deal with it. Will be.

The special process execution means may be configured to execute the notification process as a special process, or may be configured to execute a process for blocking the execution of a part of the process for advancing the game as a special process. As a special process, a process for blocking the execution of all the processes for advancing the game may be executed.

Feature E2. The gaming machine according to feature E1, wherein the special processing executing means executes the special processing based on the fact that the state in which the emission detecting means is in the detection state continues for a predetermined period or longer.

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

Feature E3. The detection range of the discharge detection means is set to the downstream side of the discharge portion.
The predetermined period is shorter than the shortest period assumed as the period required for the game balls to be connected from the detection range of the discharge detection means to the position of the discharge part and the game balls to overflow from the discharge part to the game area side. The gaming machine according to feature E2, characterized in that

According to the feature E3, even if the game ball stays in the detection range of the discharge detection means, a special process is executed until the game ball overflows from the discharge unit to the game area side, and it is possible to deal with it.

Feature E4. The special process executing means has one of the features E1 to E3 characterized in that the special process is executed based on the fact that the state in which the emission detecting means is in the non-detection state continues for a predetermined period or longer. The game machine described.

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

Feature E5. A ball entry specifying means (a function of executing the process of step S2205 in the main MPU 92) for identifying that a game ball has entered the privilege entry section is provided.
In the special processing executing means, when the state in which the discharge detecting means is in the non-detection state continues for a predetermined period or longer, the entering of the game ball into the privilege entering portion is specified by the entering ball specifying means. The gaming machine according to feature E4, characterized in that the special processing is executed based on what has been done.

According to the feature E5, the game is performed normally because the special process is executed based on the game ball entering the privilege entry portion even though the game ball is not detected by the discharge detecting means. The possibility that special processing will be executed in the situation is reduced.

Feature E6. As the privilege ball entry unit, a variable ball entry means (variable winning device 32) that can be switched between an open state and a closed state, and
A lottery means for executing a lottery process for whether or not to generate a special game state (a function for executing a game turn control process in the main MPU 92) and
When the special game state is won in the lottery process, the transition means for shifting the game state to the special game state in which the variable ball entry means is controlled to open and close (the game state transition process in the main MPU 92). Function to execute) and
With
The gaming machine according to feature E4 or E5, wherein the special processing executing means does not execute the special processing in the special gaming state regardless of the detection result of the discharge detecting means.

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

In addition, in the configuration in which the detection range of the discharge detecting means is set to the area downstream of the variable ball entering means or the area where the game ball flowing down toward the variable ball entering means does not pass, the above-mentioned feature. It is preferable to apply the configuration of E6.

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

According to the feature E7, it is specified whether or not there is a possibility that the game ball is staying in the game area by using the discharge detection means for measuring the number of the game balls discharged from the game ball. Is possible.

Feature E8. The discharge detecting means according to any one of features E1 to E7, wherein the discharge detecting means is provided on the downstream side of the discharge unit so as to detect a game ball discharged from the discharge unit. Game machine.

In the configuration in which the game ball discharged from the discharge unit can be detected, a ball jam is generated at the position of the discharge detection means by throwing an illegal ball larger than the game ball into the game area, and the game area is generated through the discharge unit. It is assumed that cheating will cause the game balls to overflow on the side. On the other hand, by providing the configuration of the above-mentioned feature E1, it is possible to urge the manager of the game hall to deal with such a fraudulent act.

The discharge detection means may be configured to detect the game ball discharged from the discharge unit and not to detect the game ball that has entered the privilege entry unit, and the discharge detection means may be configured. The game ball discharged from the discharge unit may be detected, and the game ball that has entered the privilege entry unit may also be detected.

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

Even if the game ball is stopped in the game area by improperly blocking the discharge part, the game hall manager can be urged to deal with it by having the configuration of the above feature E1. It will be possible.

Feature E10. The discharge detecting means is a game ball that exists on the downstream side of the bonus ball entry section (variable winning device 32) that exists on the most downstream side of the bonus ball entry section and on the upstream side of the discharge section. The gaming machine according to feature E9, which is provided so as to detect.

According to the feature E10, when the game ball is stopped from the discharge portion toward the upstream side, it is possible to detect it at an early stage.

Feature E11. A game board (game board 24) in which a game area is formed, and
Bonus ball-entry section (general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, upper operating port 33, lower operating port 34) provided on the game board and generating a privilege when a game ball flowing down the game area enters. When,
A discharge unit (out port 37) for discharging the game ball from the game area, and
Discharge detection means capable of detecting the game ball discharged from the discharge unit or the game ball flowing down toward the discharge unit (emission detection sensor 89 in the fourth and fifth embodiments, and an out ball in the sixth embodiment). The detection sensor 37a, the stagnation detection sensor 181 and 182) in the seventh embodiment,
Special processing execution means (fourth) that executes special processing based on the fact that the situation in which the emission detection means is in the detection state continues or the situation in which the emission detection means is in the non-detection state continues. , The function of executing the emission monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the fifth embodiment, the function of executing the out-ball monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the sixth embodiment, and the function of executing the out-ball monitoring process in the main MPU 92 in the sixth embodiment, and the stop monitoring in the main MPU 92 in the seventh embodiment. Function to execute processing) and
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

According to the feature E11, since the special processing is executed based on the continuation of the situation where the emission detection means is in the detection state or the situation where the emission detection means is in the non-detection state, it is illegal. If the game ball stops in the game area due to an act, or if the game ball stops in the game area in the process of regular game, it is possible to urge the manager of the game hall to deal with it. Will be.

The special process execution means may be configured to execute the notification process as a special process, or may be configured to execute a process for blocking the execution of a part of the process for advancing the game as a special process. As a special process, a process for blocking the execution of all the processes for advancing the game may be executed.

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

According to the invention of the feature E group, the following problems can be solved.

Pachinko machines are known as a type of game machine. Specifically, the pachinko machine is provided with a game board in which a game area in which the game ball flows down is formed, and the game board is provided with a plurality of ball entry sections in which the game ball flowing down the game area can enter. ing. When a game ball enters the ball entry section, the player is given benefits such as paying out the game ball and executing an internal lottery. In addition, the game ball that has entered the ball entry portion is discharged to the back side of the game board. Further, the game board is provided with a discharge unit for discharging a game ball that has not entered any of the entry units to the outside of the game area.

Here, in a pachinko machine such as the above example, a fraudulent act that intentionally obstructs the smooth flow of a game ball in the game area is assumed, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

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

Pachinko game machine: An operating means operated by a player, a 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 gaming component arranged in an area and gives a privilege to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each gaming component.

Rotating game machines such as slot machines: Equipped with a picture display device that variably displays a plurality of pictures, the variable display of the plurality of pictures is started due to the operation of the start operation means, and is caused by the operation of the stop operation means. A gaming machine in which the variable display of the plurality of symbols is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a privilege is given to the player according to the symbols after the stop.

10 ... Pachinko machine, 24 ... Game board, 31 ... General winning opening, 32 ... Variable winning device, 33 ... Upper operating port, 34 ... Lower operating port, 37 ... Out port, 37a ... Out ball detection sensor, 89 ... Emission detection Sensor, 91 ... Main control board, 92 ... Main side MPU, 93 ... Main side ROM, 94 ... Main side RAM, 181, 182 ... Stagnant detection sensor.

Claims (1)

Emission measuring means for measuring the number of game media discharged from the game machine using the medium detecting means provided in the game machine and storing the measurement result in the discharge information storage means.
Power supply means during power failure that supplies power to the emission information storage means and enables the emission information storage means to store and retain information even when the supply of power to the emission measurement means is stopped. When,
When the number of game media corresponding to the discharge number information stored in the discharge information storage means exceeds the specified number of discharges, which is two or more, the discharge recognition signal can be output to the outside of the game machine. Discharge side output means to
A game machine characterized by being equipped with.

Images