JP2021040777A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of giving a notification on the detection of a game medium appropriately.SOLUTION: A put-out control CPU can execute put-out checking control for checking whether or not game ball put-out is executed normally. The put-out checking control is the control in which a control level is gradually progressed. The put-out control CPU starts the put-out checking control upon establishment of a starting condition, and progresses the control level upon establishment of a progress condition. The progress condition is determined for each control level. A performance display device, a decoration lamp, and a speaker can give a put-out error notification for specifying that a put-out error in which a game ball cannot be put out normally is occurring on the basis of the control level in the put-out checking control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine.

Conventionally, in pachinko game machines and slot machines, which are a kind of game machines, game media have been paid out when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, a gaming ball is paid out when the gaming ball enters a specific entrance. Then, in the conventional game machine, various notifications regarding the detection of the game medium are possible. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the game ball at the next payout stage does not exist and the payout control sensor cannot detect the game ball, a payout unit ball out error (prize ball error) occurs. It is described that an error notification that can identify the occurrence is performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-172849

In a game machine capable of notifying the detection of such a game medium, it is desired to more appropriately notify the detection of the game medium by devising the control related to the notification.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately notifying the detection of a gaming medium.

A game machine that solves the above problems is a game machine in which a game medium is paid out when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied, a detection control means that performs detection control related to detection of the game medium, and a notification that notifies the detection of the game medium. The detection control is a control in which the control level progresses stepwise, and the detection control means starts the detection control when the start condition is satisfied and when the progress condition is satisfied. The control level is advanced, the advance condition is determined for each control level, and the notification means can execute notification regarding detection of the game medium based on the control level. The gist is that.

With respect to the game machine, the progress condition when proceeding from the current control level to the next control level may be a progress condition that is more difficult to be established as the current control level progresses.
With respect to the game machine, the progress condition may include that a predetermined confirmation process is repeated a specific number of times determined for each control level.

Regarding the game machine, the notification related to the detection of the game medium includes an abnormality detection notification capable of identifying that an abnormality related to the detection of the game medium has occurred, and the notification means controls the control level to be specific. The abnormality detection notification may be performed on condition that the level has been reached.

Regarding the game machine, the control level may include a plurality of control levels that do not perform the abnormality detection notification.
Regarding the game machine, the control level may include a control level that does not notify the detection of the game medium.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately notify the detection of the game medium.

A front perspective view schematically showing a pachinko machine. The front view which shows the game board schematically. A rear perspective view schematically showing the middle frame. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the payout operation part. A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. Explanatory drawing which shows the flow of control about payout. Explanatory drawing which shows the start condition of the payout confirmation process. Explanatory drawing which shows the termination condition of a payout confirmation process. Explanatory drawing which shows progress condition and end condition at each control level of payout confirmation processing. A flowchart showing the payout process. A flowchart showing a payout confirmation process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described. In the following explanation, each direction of top, bottom, left, right, front (front), and back (back) shall refer to each direction when viewed from the player Shin-Kiyosu Station, which plays a game with a pachinko machine. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine includes an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the body of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed in a gaming machine installation facility (so-called island facility) such as a game hall via an outer frame 11. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an inner frame 12 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11. The middle frame 12 is assembled to the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a front frame 13 on the front side of the middle frame 12. The front frame 13 is assembled to the middle frame 12 so as to be openable and closable.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board YB. The game board YB is assembled to the middle frame 12. The game board YB is provided with a game area YBa on which a game ball as a game medium flows down on the front side thereof. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a firing handle HD. The launch handle HD is operated when the game ball is launched into the game area YBa.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA can execute various notifications and various effects by emitting light from the light emitting body. In the following description, the effect of emitting light from the light emitting body is referred to as "light emission effect". In addition, "light emission" in this specification includes lighting, blinking, and extinguishing. Further, in the following description, the fact that the light emitting body of the decorative lamp LA emits light may be simply indicated as "the decorative lamp LA emits light". The decorative lamp LA is provided on, for example, the outer frame 11 or the game board YB. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a speaker SP. The speaker SP can execute various notifications and various effects by outputting voice. In the following description, the effect of sound output is referred to as "sound effect". The "voice" in the present specification includes voices of humans and animals, sound effects, music, and the like. The speaker SP is provided on the outer frame 11, for example.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an upper plate 14 for storing a gaming ball as a gaming medium on the front side of the front frame 13. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a lower plate 15 for storing game balls overflowing from the upper plate 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an information display device 16 capable of displaying predetermined information. The information display device 16 is provided at a position on the game board YB so that the player can see it.

The information display device 16 includes a special symbol display unit 16a. The special symbol display unit 16a displays a special symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed and finally the special symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed. In the following description, the special symbol variation game is abbreviated as "special game". The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the big hit lottery described later. The special symbols that can be derived from the special symbol display unit 16a include at least a jackpot symbol as a jackpot display result and a missed symbol as a missed display result. When the jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, the player can recognize the jackpot. When the out-of-order symbol is derived in the special game, the player can recognize the out-of-order. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the jackpot lottery is won, the jackpot game is given after the jackpot symbol is derived in the special game and after the end of the jackpot special game. As will be described in detail later, the jackpot game is in an extremely advantageous state for the player because a predetermined winning opening is opened and the player can obtain a large number of prize balls and other benefits.

The information display device 16 includes a special hold display unit 16b. The special hold display unit 16b recognizablely displays the number of special games whose execution is suspended because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. In the following description, the number of pending special games is referred to as the "special pending number". For example, the maximum value of the number of special reservations is "4".

The information display device 16 includes a normal symbol display unit 16c. The normal symbol display unit 16c displays a normal symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed and finally a normal symbol is derived. The ordinary symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the ordinary winning lottery described later. In the following description, the normal symbol variation game is abbreviated as "normal game". The normal symbols that can be derived from the normal symbol display unit 16c include at least a normal hit symbol and a normal miss symbol. When the normal hit symbol is derived in the normal game, the player can recognize the normal hit. When the normal outlier symbol is derived in the normal game, the player can recognize the normal outlier. In the present embodiment, when the ordinary hit lottery is won, the ordinary hit game is given after the ordinary hit symbol is derived in the ordinary game and after the end of the ordinary hit ordinary game. As will be described in detail later, the normal hit game is in an advantageous state for the player because it is easy for the player to establish the starting condition of the special game.

The information display device 16 usually includes a hold display unit 16d. The normal hold display unit 16d recognizablely displays the number of times the normal game whose execution is held is recognizable because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. In the following description, the number of pending normal games is referred to as the "ordinary pending number". For example, the maximum value of the normal hold number is "4".

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display unit as a display area capable of displaying an image, and by displaying an image on the image display unit, various notifications and various effects can be executed. In the following description, the effect of displaying an image is referred to as a "display effect". The image display unit may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like.

In the effect display device EH, as one of the display effects, it is possible to execute an effect symbol variation game in which the effect symbols are variablely displayed in a plurality of columns and finally a combination of the effect symbols is derived. In the effect pattern variation game, display effects such as reach effect and notice effect may be performed. In the following description, the production symbol variation game is abbreviated as "production game".

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first starting winning opening 21 that is open to the gaming area YBa. The first start winning opening 21 is always open so that a game ball can be inserted. In the following description, the entry of a game ball into the winning opening may be referred to as "winning". The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first start sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start winning opening 21 (shown in FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the holding condition of the special game can be satisfied, and the payout condition of the predetermined number of game balls as the prize ball is satisfied.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second starting winning opening 22 that is open to the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second start sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that has entered the second start winning opening 22 (shown in FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the holding condition of the special game can be satisfied, and the payout condition of the predetermined number of game balls as the prize balls is satisfied.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal variable member 23 capable of taking a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second start winning opening 22 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening 22. There is. In the closed state, the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening 22, but it may be difficult to enter the ball as compared with the open state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first actuator A1 that normally operates the variable member 23 (shown in FIG. 5). The normal variable member 23 is operated in the open state in the normal hit game. Therefore, in the normal hit game, it becomes easy to establish the holding condition of the special game.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a large winning opening 24 that is open to the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a count sensor SE3 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the large winning opening 24. In the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, the count sensor SE3 satisfies a condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a prize ball.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special variable member 25 capable of taking a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 24 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening 24. In the closed state, the game ball can enter the large winning opening 24, but it may be difficult to enter the ball as compared with the open state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second actuator A2 that operates the special variable member 25 (shown in FIG. 5). The special variable member 25 is operated in an open state in a predetermined hit game (a big hit game in this embodiment).

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a gate 26 through which a gaming ball can pass (enter) in the gaming area YBa. The gate 26 includes a gate sensor SE4 that detects a game ball passing through the gate 26. In the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, the holding condition of the normal game can be satisfied.

Next, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, some game parts such as the game board YB and the effect display device EH are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a storage unit 30 for storing game balls in the upper part on the back side of the middle frame 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has an alignment unit 31 that aligns the game balls stored in the storage unit 30 in a row at the upper part on the back side of the middle frame 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a guide portion 32 on the back side of the middle frame 12 that guides the game balls aligned by the aligning portion 31 downward. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a payout unit 40 that performs a payout operation of paying out the game ball guided by the guide unit 32 to the upper plate 14 or the lower plate 15. The payout unit 40 has a payout operation unit 41 capable of performing a predetermined operation, and by operating the payout operation unit 41, a payout operation of paying out a game ball is possible. In the present embodiment, the payout unit 40 corresponds to a payout mechanism for paying out the game medium, and the payout operation unit 41 corresponds to an operation unit that operates when paying out the game medium.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 is configured to be able to take any one of a plurality of states. In the present specification, the plurality of states of the payout operation unit 41 refer to a state in which at least one of the positions and postures of the payout operation unit 41 is different.

The payout operation unit 41 is always controlled to the first state. The first state is a state in which the game ball guided from the guide unit 32 to the payout unit 40 is not paid out to the upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15. In the following description, the position of the payout operation unit 41 when controlled to the first state may be referred to as an "original position". The payout operation unit 41 can operate from the first state to the third state via the second state. The second state is a state in which the game ball is not paid out as in the first state. On the other hand, the third state is a state in which the game ball guided from the guide unit 32 to the payout unit 40 is paid out to the upper plate 14 or the lower plate 15. In the following description, the position of the payout operation unit 41 when controlled to the third state may be referred to as a “release position”. Further, the payout operation unit 41 can operate from the third state to the first state via the fourth state. The fourth state is a state in which the game ball is not paid out as in the first state and the second state.

When paying out the game ball from the payout unit 40, the payout operation unit 41 shifts from the first state to the second state, the third state, and the fourth state, and then shifts to the first state again. Operate. At this time, in the payout unit 40, one game ball is paid out when the payout operation unit 41 shifts from the second state to the third state. In the present embodiment, a series of operation modes of transitioning from the first state to the second state, the third state, and the fourth state, and then shifting to the first state again corresponds to a specific operation mode. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout unit 40 pays out the game ball by operating the payout operation unit 41 in a specific operation mode.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a payout sensor SE5 as a payout detection means for detecting a game ball to be paid out by the payout unit 40 (shown in FIG. 5). The payout sensor SE5 is provided in a passage (not shown) that guides the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 to the upper plate 14 or the lower plate 15.

Next, the jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as jackpot symbols of special symbols. The types of jackpot games are defined for each of the plurality of types of jackpot symbols.

In the big hit game, after the opening effect of notifying the start of the big hit game is performed, a round game in which the big winning opening 24 is opened is performed. The round game is performed up to a predetermined maximum number of times. In one round game, the large winning opening 24 is open until either the first condition that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls wins or the second condition that the predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. Open between. In the round game, a predetermined effect is performed. Then, in the jackpot game, when the final round game is completed, an ending effect is performed to notify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the end of the ending effect.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 100 on the back side (rear side) of the gaming board YB. The main control board 100 performs a predetermined process and outputs information (control command) according to the result of the process. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a sub-control board 200 on the back side (rear side) of the gaming board YB. The sub-control board 200 and the main control board 100 are connected so that control commands can be output in one direction from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. The sub-control board 200 executes a predetermined process based on the control command input from the main control board 100. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a payout control board 300 on the back side (rear side) of the gaming board YB. The payout control board 300 and the main control board 100 are connected so that control commands can be output in both directions. The payout control board 300 controls the payout unit 40 based on a control command (hereinafter referred to as a payout designation command) for instructing payout of the game ball input from the main control board 100, and pays out the game ball.

First, the main control board 100 will be described in detail.
The main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 100a, a main control ROM 100b, and a main control RAM 100c. The main control CPU 100a performs a predetermined process by executing the main control program. The main control ROM 100b stores a main control program, a determination value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The main control RAM 100c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the main control RAM 100c is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. Further, the main control board 100 includes a random number generation circuit (not shown), and is configured to be capable of generating hardware random numbers. The main control board 100 may be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process by the main control CPU 100a.

The main control CPU 100a is connected to the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4. The main control CPU 100a is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main control CPU 100a and the information display device 16 are connected to each other. The main control CPU 100a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 16. The main control CPU 100a and the first actuator A1 are connected. The main control CPU 100a can usually control the operation of the variable member 23 by controlling the operation of the first actuator A1. The main control CPU 100a and the second actuator A2 are connected. The main control CPU 100a can control the operation of the special variable member 25 by controlling the operation of the second actuator A2.

Next, the sub-control board 200 will be described in detail.
The sub-control board 200 includes a sub-control CPU 200a, a sub-control ROM 200b, and a sub-control RAM 200c. By executing the sub-control program, the sub-control CPU 200a performs a process related to the effect as a predetermined process. The sub-control ROM 200b stores a sub-control program, a determination value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The sub-control ROM 200b stores the display effect data used for the display effect, the light emission effect data used for the light emission effect, the sound effect data used for the sound effect, and the movable body effect data used for the movable body effect. The sub-control RAM 200c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RAM 200c is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. Further, the sub-control board 200 is configured to be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process by the sub-control CPU 200a. The sub-control board 200 may include a random number generation circuit and can generate a hardware random number.

The sub-control CPU 200a and the effect display device EH are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the effect display device EH. The sub-control CPU 200a and the decorative lamp LA are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the light emitting mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 200a and the speaker SP are connected. The sub-control CPU 200a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the sound by the speaker SP.

Next, the payout control board 300 will be described in detail.
The payout control board 300 includes a payout control CPU 300a, a payout control ROM 300b, and a payout control RAM 300c. The payout control CPU 300a performs a process of paying out the game ball by executing the payout control program. The payout control ROM 300b stores a payout control program and the like. The payout control RAM 300c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the payout control RAM 300c is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like.

The payout control CPU 300a and the payout unit 40 are connected. The payout control CPU 300a is configured to be able to control the operation of the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40. The payout control CPU 300a and the payout sensor SE5 are connected. The payout control CPU 300a is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when the payout sensor SE5 detects a game ball.

Further, the payout control board 300 includes an error release switch SW as an operable operating means. The error release switch SW is an operating means operated when the notification of the payout error described later is terminated. The error release switch SW is, for example, a push-type operation means. The payout control CPU 300a is configured to be able to input an operation signal output when the error release switch SW is operated.

Next, the processing performed by the main control CPU 100a will be described.
The main control CPU 100a acquires a random number when the game ball winning the first start winning opening 21 is detected by the first start sensor SE1, and also performs a big hit lottery using the random number. Further, the main control CPU 100a also performs a big hit lottery when the game ball winning in the second start winning opening 22 is detected by the second start sensor SE2. The main control CPU 100a controls the special symbol display unit 16a based on the result of the big hit lottery to execute the special game. When the big hit lottery is won, the main control CPU 100a derives the big hit symbol in the special game, while when the big hit lottery is not won, the main control CPU 100a derives the missed symbol in the special game. When the main control CPU 100a wins the big hit lottery, the main control CPU 100a determines the big hit symbol to be derived in the special game by a lottery using random numbers. Further, the main control CPU 100a generates a control command that can specify a special symbol to be derived in the special game and a control command that can specify the fluctuation time of the special game, and outputs the control command to the sub control board 200.

When the big hit lottery is won, the main control CPU 100a controls to give the big hit game after deriving the big hit symbol in the special game. Specifically, the main control CPU 100a controls the second actuator A2 so that the large winning opening 24 is opened with a predetermined time as the upper limit time in the round game. Then, when the main control CPU 100a finishes the round game a predetermined number of times, the main control CPU 100a ends the big hit game. Further, the main control CPU 100a generates a control command for instructing the execution of the opening effect and a control command for instructing the execution of the ending effect, and outputs the control command to the sub-control board 200.

Further, when the payout condition of the game balls is satisfied, the main control CPU 100a generates a payout designation command instructing the payout of a predetermined number of game balls and outputs the command to the payout control board 300. In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 100a pays out an instruction to pay out the number of game balls corresponding to the winning opening when the game ball enters the winning opening to be paid out. A designated command is generated and output to the payout control board 300. For example, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 21, the main control CPU 100a generates a payout designation command instructing that the game ball of "3 balls" is paid out, and outputs the command to the payout control board 300. .. When the payout condition for a predetermined number of game balls is satisfied, the main control CPU 100a may generate a payout designation command instructing the payout of a predetermined number of game balls and output the command to the payout control board 300. A predetermined number of payout designation commands instructing the payout of one game ball may be generated and output to the payout control board 300.

In addition to the above-mentioned controls, the main control CPU 100a also performs various controls such as a control for performing a normal winning lottery and a control for granting a normal winning game.
Next, the processing performed by the sub-control CPU 200a will be described.

When a control command is input from the main control CPU 100a, the sub-control CPU 200a controls the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP based on the control command. For example, when the sub-control CPU 200a inputs a control command capable of specifying a special symbol to be derived in a special game or a control command capable of specifying a fluctuation time of the special game, the effect display device EH and a decorative lamp are executed so as to execute the effect game. It controls LA and speaker SP. At this time, the sub-control CPU 200a determines the effect content of the effect game based on the input control command, and controls so that the effect game is executed with the determined effect content. Further, when the sub-control CPU 200a inputs a control command for instructing the execution of the opening effect or a control command for instructing the execution of the ending effect, the effect display device EH and the decorative lamp so as to execute the effect according to the input control command. It controls LA and speaker SP.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned control, the sub-control CPU 200a performs various controls such as a control for executing a predetermined effect and a control for executing a predetermined notification.
Next, the outline of the control performed by the payout control CPU 300a will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the payout control CPU 300a can execute normal payout control and payout confirmation control. The normal payout control is a control in which the game ball is paid out when the payout condition is satisfied. The payout confirmation control is a control for confirming whether or not the payout of the game ball is normally performed.

In the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a can always execute normal payout control. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 300a starts the payout confirmation control when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. In the payout confirmation control, the payout control CPU 300a advances the control level when a predetermined progress condition is satisfied. That is, the payout confirmation control is a control in which the control level progresses step by step. In the present embodiment, the control level is information that can specify the control content in the payout confirmation control. Then, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout confirmation control when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and returns to the normal payout control. In the present embodiment, the payout control means is realized by executing the payout confirmation control by the payout control CPU 300a. In the present embodiment, the payout confirmation control is an example of the detection control related to the detection of the game medium. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the detection control means for performing the detection control related to the detection of the game medium is realized by executing the payout confirmation control by the payout control CPU 300a.

In the payout confirmation control, for example, an in-situ return process for returning the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 to the first state (original position), or a payout error in which the game ball cannot be normally paid out have occurred. A payout error notification that can identify is executed. In other words, the state in which a payout error in which the game ball cannot be paid out normally occurs corresponds to a state in which an abnormality related to the payout of the game ball has occurred.

Here, the in-situ return processing will be described.
In the in-situ return processing, the payout control CPU 300a controls to return to the first state (original position) regardless of the current state of the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40. At this time, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout operation unit 41 to operate in the order of the first state → the second state → the third state → the fourth state → the first state. Therefore, for example, when the payout operation unit 41 is in the second state, the payout control CPU 300a controls to operate in the order of the second state → the third state → the fourth state → the first state. Further, the payout control CPU 300a controls, for example, that when the payout operation unit 41 is in the third state, it operates in the order of the third state → the fourth state → the first state. Then, the payout control CPU 300a controls, for example, that when the payout operation unit 41 is in the fourth state, it operates in the order of the fourth state → the first state.

As described above, the payout unit 40 pays out one game ball when the payout operation unit 41 shifts from the second state to the third state. Therefore, when the payout operation unit 41 is in the first state or the second state at the start of the in-situ return processing, the payout unit 40 returns the payout operation unit 41 to the first state to play one ball. Pay out the ball. On the other hand, when the payout operation unit 41 is in the third state or the fourth state at the start of the in-situ return process, the payout unit 40 may return the payout operation unit 41 to the first state. Do not pay out game balls.

Then, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the payout operation unit 41 is controlled to return to the first state in the in-situ return process. When the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5, the payout control CPU 300a ends the original position return process. Here, the case where the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 is the case where the payout operation unit 41 is in the first state or the second state at the start of the in-situ return processing. On the other hand, when the payout sensor SE5 does not detect the game ball, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 again in the order of the first state → the second state → the third state → the fourth state → the first state. Control to do. Here, the case where the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 is the case where the payout operation unit 41 encounters the third state or the fourth state at the start of the in-situ return processing. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing. According to such an original position return process, one game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40.

In the present embodiment, the in-situ return processing is a process in which one game ball is paid out by returning the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 to the first state (original position). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the payout operation unit 41 is not in the first state and the game ball cannot be normally paid out, the game ball can be normally paid out by executing the in-position return process. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the in-situ return process can be grasped as an abnormality elimination process for eliminating the payout error.

In the payout confirmation control of the present embodiment, various controls are performed according to the control contents according to each control level. For example, when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to the control level "4", the in-situ return processing is executed. At this time, the in-situ return processing is executed at different time intervals according to the control level and different times depending on the control level. In the present embodiment, as the control level progresses, the number of executions of the in-situ return processing increases. Further, in the present embodiment, as the control level progresses, the time interval in which the in-situ return processing is executed becomes longer. For example, in the case of the control level "0 (zero)", the in-situ return processing is executed once 0.2 seconds after the control level becomes "0 (zero)". Further, the in-situ return processing is executed twice at 2-second intervals when the control level is "1", is executed three times at 5-second intervals when the control level is "2", and is executed three times at 5-second intervals when the control level is "3". It is executed 4 times at 10-second intervals, and when the control level is "4", it is executed 27 times at 20-second intervals. In the following description, the time from when the control level becomes "0 (zero)" until the in-situ return processing is executed, and once in the control level "4" from the control level "1". The time from the execution of the process to the execution of the next in-situ return process is referred to as the "confirmation standby time".

Further, in the present embodiment, when the control level in the payout confirmation control is from the control level "3" to the control level "5", a payout error occurs in the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP. The payout error notification is executed as the payout abnormality notification that can identify the fact. That is, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP can execute the payout error notification based on the control level. In the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP execute the payout error notification on condition that the control level has advanced to "3". On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP do not execute the payout error notification when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to the control level "2". In other words, in the present embodiment, the control level of the payout confirmation control includes a plurality of control levels that do not perform the payout error notification. As described above, in the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP in the present embodiment, it can be said that the mode of payout error notification changes as the control level progresses.

Although the details will be described later, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a payout error command capable of identifying that a payout error has occurred to the main control CPU 100a, and the main control CPU 100a inputting the payout error command starts the payout error notification. By outputting the payout error notification command instructing to the sub-control CPU 200a, the payout error notification is executed. In the present embodiment, the payout error notification is a notification related to the detection of the game ball, and can also be grasped as an abnormality detection notification capable of identifying that an abnormality related to the detection of the game machine has occurred. In the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP correspond to the notification means.

In the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP perform payout error notification, but do not notify the current control level. In particular, in the present embodiment, the notification mode of the payout error notification is the same regardless of the control level "3" to the control level "5". Therefore, in the present embodiment, not only the current control level is not notified, but also the current control level cannot be specified from the notification mode of the payout error notification. Further, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP do not notify the progress condition at the current control level. Further, in the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP do not notify that the control level has progressed even when the progress condition is satisfied and the control level has progressed.

Further, in the payout confirmation control, when the control level is "5", the payout operation is stopped. That is, in the present embodiment, when the control level reaches "5" in the payout confirmation control, the game ball is not paid out.

The conditions for starting the payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, there are a plurality of start conditions for the start condition of the payout confirmation control. The start condition of the payout confirmation control is that when the payout operation of the game ball is performed in the normal payout control, the predetermined detection waiting time elapses without detecting the payout of the game ball after the payout operation. There is a non-detection condition that holds. In other words, the non-detection condition is satisfied when the payout sensor SE5 does not detect the game ball within a predetermined detection standby time from the time when the payout unit 40 performs the payout operation of the game ball when the payout condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the detection standby time is set to a time sufficiently longer than the time required for the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 by the payout operation to be detected by the payout sensor SE5.

Further, the start condition of the payout confirmation control includes an in-situ return condition that is satisfied when the in-situ return process is executed and the detection standby time elapses without detecting the payout of the game ball thereafter. is there. In other words, the in-situ return condition is satisfied when the in-situ return process is executed and the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5.

Further, as a start condition of the payout confirmation control, the continuous payout is established when the number of game balls continuously paid out reaches a specific number (100 in the present embodiment) and the payout of the game balls continues thereafter. There are conditions. In the present embodiment, "continuously paid out" means that the remaining payout number indicating the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40 becomes "0 (zero)" in the payout process described later. It is intended to be paid out continuously without any.

The termination condition of the payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, there are a plurality of end conditions for the end condition of the payout confirmation control. The end condition of the payout confirmation control includes a detection condition that is satisfied when the payout of the game ball is detected in the payout confirmation control. In other words, the detection condition is satisfied when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the payout confirmation control. Further, the end condition of the payout confirmation control includes a power supply recovery condition that is satisfied when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off (power cutoff) and then the power supply is restarted (power recovery). Further, the end condition of the payout confirmation control includes a release operation condition that is satisfied when the error release switch SW is operated.

Of the end conditions, the detection condition is a condition that is satisfied by the payout confirmation control. On the other hand, among the end conditions, the power failure recovery condition and the release operation condition are conditions that are satisfied by a control different from the payout confirmation control. In the present embodiment, the detection condition corresponds to the first end condition, and the release operation condition corresponds to the second end condition.

The progress condition and end condition at each control level of the payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the progress condition is the payout sensor SE5 when the in-situ return processing is executed for the number of times specified for each control level at the time interval specified for each control level. It is established when the game ball is not detected. That is, in the present embodiment, the progress condition includes that the in-situ return processing is repeated a number of times determined for each control level. As described above, the number of times the in-situ return processing is executed and the time interval in which the in-situ return processing is executed at each control level are determined for each control level. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the progress condition is determined for each control level.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, as the control level progresses, the number of times the in-situ return processing is executed increases, and the time interval during which the in-situ return processing is executed becomes longer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it can be said that the progress condition becomes more difficult to be established as the control level progresses. In other words, the progress condition when progressing from the current control level to the next control level becomes a progress condition that is more difficult to be established as the current control level progresses.

Further, in the present embodiment, the termination condition is defined for each control level. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the control level is from "0 (zero)" to the control level "2", at least one of the detection condition and the power failure recovery condition is satisfied as an opportunity. The payout confirmation control is terminated. Further, when the control level is "3" and the control level is "4", the payout confirmation control is performed when at least one of the detection condition, the power failure recovery condition, and the release operation condition is satisfied. It will be terminated. Then, when the control level is "5", the payout confirmation control is terminated when at least one of the power failure recovery condition and the release operation condition is satisfied.

In other words, in the present embodiment, the detection condition among the end conditions of the payout confirmation control is the end condition when the control level is “0 (zero)” to the control level “4”. Further, among the end conditions of the payout confirmation control, the power failure recovery condition is the end condition at all control levels. Then, among the end conditions of the payout confirmation control, the release operation condition is the end condition when the control level is "3" to the control level "5".

Hereinafter, specific processing performed by the payout control CPU 300a to execute the payout control and the payout confirmation control of the game ball will be described.
First, the payout process for executing the payout control of the game ball will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the payout process, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the remaining payout number indicating the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40 is larger than 0 (step S101). The remaining number of payouts is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c, and is updated based on the payout designation command when the payout designation command is input from the main control CPU 100a. Further, the remaining number of payouts may be updated when a ball lending switch (not shown) is operated. When the number of remaining payouts is 0 (step S101: NO), the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout process.

When the number of remaining payouts is larger than 0 (step S101: YES), the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout unit 40 so as to execute one payout operation (step S102). Specifically, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout unit 40 so as to pay out one game ball by operating the payout operation unit 41 in a specific operation mode. After that, the payout control CPU 300a starts measuring the detection standby time predetermined by starting the update of the detection standby time timer of the payout control RAM 300c (step S103).

After that, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 is detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104). At this time, the payout control CPU 300a makes an affirmative determination when the payout sensor SE5 inputs a detection signal to be output when the game ball is detected, while makes a negative determination when the detection signal is not input. When the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the detection standby time has elapsed (step S105). If the detection standby time has not elapsed (step S105: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S104. On the other hand, when the detection standby time has elapsed (step S105: YES), the payout control CPU 300a executes the payout confirmation process for executing the payout confirmation control (step S106). That is, in the present embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a positively determines step S105, the non-detection condition among the start conditions of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, and the payout confirmation process is executed. In the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a executes the processes of steps S103 to S105 each time the payout operation (step S102) is executed. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the non-detection condition is satisfied each time a single payout operation is performed, even when a plurality of game balls are continuously paid out. .. The payout confirmation process will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, when the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 is detected by the payout sensor SE5 (step S104: YES), the payout control CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the remaining number of payouts (step S107). That is, when the payout control CPU 300a detects the payout of the game ball before the detection standby time elapses after executing the payout operation in step S102, the remaining payout number is subtracted by 1. Subsequently, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the number of consecutive payouts indicating the number of game balls continuously paid out in the series of payout processes (step S108). The number of continuous payouts is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends updating the detection standby time timer of the payout control RAM 300c, erases the value of the timer, and ends the measurement of the detection standby time (step S109).

When the process of step S106 is completed and the process of step S109 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the number of remaining payouts is larger than 0 (step S110). When the number of remaining payouts is larger than 0 (step S110: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether the number of continuous payouts is 100 (step S111). When the number of continuous payouts is 100 (step S111: YES), the payout control CPU 300a erases the number of continuous payouts (step S112). After that, the payout control CPU 300a executes the payout confirmation process (step S113). That is, in the present embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a positively determines step S111, the continuous payout condition among the start conditions of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, and the payout confirmation process is executed. Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, when the affirmative determination is made in step S111, the payout control CPU 300a counts the continuous payout number every time the payout operation is executed again after erasing the continuous payout number. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the continuous payout condition is satisfied every time the number of continuously paid out game balls reaches 100.

When the number of continuous payouts is not 100 (step S111: NO) and when the process of step S113 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S102. On the other hand, when the remaining number of payouts is 0 (step S110: NO), the payout control CPU 300a erases the number of continuous payouts (step S114). After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout process.

By the payout process as described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 when the payout condition is satisfied.
Next, the payout confirmation process will be described. The payout confirmation process is a process executed when the start condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied. Specifically, the payout confirmation process is executed when the non-detection condition is satisfied in the payout process (step S105: YES) and when the continuous payout condition is satisfied (step S111: YES). Further, the payout confirmation process is a condition for returning to the original position, which is satisfied when a return to the original position process different from the payout process is executed, and then the detection standby time elapses without detecting the payout of the game ball. Is also executed when is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the payout confirmation process, the payout control CPU 300a sets the control level stored in the predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c to “0 (zero)” (step S201). After that, the payout control CPU 300a starts the measurement of the predetermined confirmation standby time by starting the update of the confirmation standby time timer of the payout control RAM 300c (step S202). As described above, in the present embodiment, the confirmation waiting time differs depending on the current control level. Subsequently, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the confirmation waiting time has elapsed (step S203). If the confirmation waiting time has not elapsed (step S203: NO), the payout control CPU 300a waits until the confirmation waiting time elapses. First, when the confirmation waiting time has elapsed (step S203: YES), the payout control CPU 300a executes the in-situ return processing (step S204).

After that, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the payout of the game ball is detected (step S205). At this time, the payout control CPU 300a positively determines step S205 when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball within the predetermined standby time, while the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball within the predetermined wait time. If not, step S205 is negatively determined. Here, the predetermined waiting time may be, for example, the same time as the detection waiting time or the same time as the confirmation waiting time.

When the payout of the game ball is detected (step S205: YES), the payout control CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the remaining payout number (step S206). Next, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the number of continuous payouts (step S207). Then, the payout control CPU 300a erases the control level (step S208). After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the payout confirmation process and returns to the payout process. That is, in the present embodiment, when the payout control CPU 300a positively determines step S205, the detection condition among the end conditions of the payout confirmation control is satisfied.

On the other hand, when the payout of the game ball is not detected (step S205: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the progress condition is satisfied (step S209). As described above, in this embodiment, the progress conditions differ depending on the current control level. Specifically, in step S205, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the in-situ return processing of the number of times determined according to the current control level has been completed. When the payout control CPU 300a has completed the in-situ return processing of the number of times determined according to the current control level, the payout control CPU 300a positively determines step S209, while the source of the number of times determined according to the current control level. If the position return process has not been completed, the negative determination in step S209 is made.

If the progress condition is not satisfied (step S209: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S202. On the other hand, when the progress condition is satisfied (step S209: YES), the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the control level (step S210). After that, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the control level is "3" (step S211). When the control level is "3" (step S211: YES), the payout control CPU 300a generates a payout error command and outputs it to the main control CPU 100a (step S212). At this time, when the main control CPU 100a inputs the payout error command, the main control CPU 100a outputs the payout error notification command to the sub control CPU 200a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a controls the effect display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP so as to start the payout error notification when the payout error notification command is input. After that, the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S202.

On the other hand, when the control level is not "3" (step S211: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the control level is "5" (step S213). If the control level is not "5" (step S213: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S202. On the other hand, when the control level is "5" (step S213: YES), the payout control CPU 300a stops the payout operation (step S214). After that, the payout control CPU 300a waits until the end condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, and ends the payout confirmation process when the end condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied, thereby ending the payout confirmation control. As described above, the end condition of the payout confirmation control includes a power failure recovery condition or a release operation condition in addition to the detection condition that is satisfied when the payout confirmation process step S205 is positively determined. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout confirmation process inputs an operation signal indicating that the error release switch SW has been operated when the current control level is any of the control level "3" to the control level "5". This also ends when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off (power cutoff) and then the power supply is restarted (power recovery).

The operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1) In the payout confirmation control started when the start condition is satisfied, the control level advances when the progress condition is satisfied, and the payout error notification is executed based on the control level. Therefore, depending on the current game situation. The payout error notification can be executed appropriately. Since the progress condition is determined for each control level, the progress of the control level can be controlled in more detail according to the situation of the game, and the payout error notification can be appropriately executed.

(2) In payout confirmation control, as the control level progresses, it becomes more difficult to establish a progress condition for progressing to the next control level. Therefore, in the process of progressing the control level, the next payout error notification is not sufficiently performed. It is possible to suppress the progress to the control level. Therefore, the control level can be appropriately advanced according to the situation of the game.

(3) In the payout confirmation control, the control level can be advanced after the in-situ return processing is executed a number of times specified for each control level, so that the control level advances while the in-situ return processing is insufficient. It can be suppressed. Therefore, the control level can be appropriately advanced according to the situation of the game.

(4) In the payout confirmation control, the payout error notification can be performed until the control level "3" is reached, while the payout error notification can be performed after the control level "3" is reached. For this reason, as compared with the case where the payout error is notified when the payout confirmation control is started, for example, it is possible to suppress the player from feeling annoyed until the control level "3" is reached. After reaching the control level "3", it is possible to notify that a payout error has occurred by notifying the payout error.

(5) In the payout confirmation control, between the control level "0 (zero)" and the control level "2", various processes related to the payout confirmation control can be executed without notifying the payout error, so that the control level "3" It is possible to determine in more detail the process until the control level “3” is reached, while suppressing the player from feeling annoyed until the player reaches the control level “3”.

(6) In the present embodiment, when the payout operation of the game ball is performed in the normal payout control, the predetermined detection waiting time elapses without detecting the payout of the game ball after the payout operation. Even if the detection condition is satisfied and the payout confirmation control is started, the payout error notification is not executed until the control level "3" is reached. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the payout error notification is immediately executed when the non-detection condition is satisfied and the payout confirmation control is started, the payout error is accurately determined after determining whether or not the payout error has occurred. Notification can be executed.

(7) The payout control CPU 300a is more accurate because it can confirm whether or not a payout error has occurred each time a single payout operation is performed, even when a plurality of game balls are paid out in succession. You can check whether or not a payout error has occurred.

(8) Since the start condition includes the original position return condition that is satisfied when the detection standby time elapses without detecting the payout of the game ball after the original position return process, the non-detection condition is not satisfied. Even if there is, it is possible to confirm whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the payout unit 40 when the original position return process is executed.

(9) Since the start condition includes the continuous payout condition that is satisfied when the number of consecutively paid out game balls reaches 100 and the payout of the game balls continues thereafter, the game balls are normally paid out. Even when the playing balls are being paid out, when 100 or more game balls are continuously paid out, the state of the payout unit 40 can be confirmed by the payout confirmation control. In particular, since the payout confirmation control executes the in-situ return processing, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an abnormality in the payout unit 40 in advance.

(10) Since the continuous payout condition is executed every time the number of game balls continuously paid out reaches 100, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of an abnormality in the payout unit 40.
(11) Since there are a plurality of end conditions for terminating the payout confirmation control, it is possible to control the end trigger of the payout confirmation control in more detail. Therefore, the payout confirmation control can be appropriately executed according to the situation of the game.

(12) Of the end conditions of the payout confirmation control, the detection condition can be satisfied in the payout confirmation control, while the power failure recovery condition and the release operation condition can be satisfied by a control different from the payout confirmation control. According to this, while the end condition may be satisfied as a result of the payout confirmation control and the payout confirmation control may be terminated, even if the end condition is not satisfied in the payout confirmation control, another end condition may be set. It may be established and the payout confirmation control may be terminated. Therefore, it is possible to control the end trigger of the payout confirmation control in more detail according to the situation of the game.

(13) The payout confirmation control ends when the detection condition among the end conditions is satisfied when the payout of the game ball is detected in the payout confirmation control. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the payout confirmation control is continued even though the payout of the game ball is normally performed, so that, for example, the payout of the game ball is normally performed. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed, such as continuous error notification.

(14) The payout confirmation control ends when the release operation condition among the end conditions is satisfied when the error release switch SW is operated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, the manager of the game machine can operate the error release switch SW to promptly end the payout confirmation control according to the situation of the game.

(15) Since the end condition is determined for each control level, it is possible to control the end trigger of the payout confirmation control in more detail according to the progress of the control level.
(16) In the present embodiment, the payout error notification is executed when the control level "3" is reached in the payout confirmation control, but the current control level is not notified. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the control level from being intentionally adjusted, for example, by preventing the payout error notification from being executed when performing a fraudulent act.

(17) Since the notification mode of the payout error notification when the control level is “3” to the control level “5” is the same, it is possible to make it difficult to estimate the control level from the notification mode of the payout error notification.

(18) In the present embodiment, in addition to not notifying the control level, even if the progress condition is satisfied and the control level progresses, the progress of the control level is not notified, so that the current control level is not notified. Can be made even more difficult to guess.

(19) In the payout confirmation control, the in-situ return process is performed. Therefore, for example, even if the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 is stopped at a position other than the in-situ position and the game ball is not normally paid out, the in-situ return process is performed in the payout confirmation control. The payout error can be eliminated by returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position.

(20) Since the number of times the original position return process is executed is determined for each control level, the original position return process can be executed an appropriate number of times according to the situation of the game.
(21) In particular, in the present embodiment, as the control level progresses, the number of times the in-situ return process is executed increases. Therefore, as the control level progresses, the in-situ return process before proceeding to the next control level. You can try to eliminate the payout error by executing many.

(22) Since the time interval when executing the in-situ return processing a plurality of times is determined for each control level, the in-position return process is performed a plurality of times with an appropriate time interval according to the situation of the game. Can be executed.

(23) In particular, in the present embodiment, as the control level progresses, the time interval when the in-situ return processing is executed a plurality of times becomes longer. Therefore, as the control level progresses, the process progresses to the next control level. It can be expected that the payout error will be resolved naturally before the payment is made.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows.
The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

-The content of the original position return processing may be changed as appropriate. Further, in the payout confirmation control, a payout operation of paying out one game ball may be executed instead of or in addition to the in-situ return processing. That is, in the payout confirmation control, it is sufficient that the abnormality elimination process for eliminating the payout error is executed, and the abnormality elimination process does not have to be the in-situ return process. Further, in the payout confirmation control, it is not necessary to execute the abnormality elimination process.

-The control content in the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of in-situ return processes and the time interval at each control level may be changed. Further, in the payout confirmation control, it is not necessary to execute the in-situ return processing. In this case, in the payout confirmation control, the normal payout control is stopped for a predetermined waiting time, and during that time, it is confirmed whether or not the payout sensor SE5 has detected the game ball, so that the abnormality related to the payout of the game ball is naturally resolved. You may check whether or not you have done so.

-The start condition of the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, the start condition of the payout confirmation control is an over-detection condition that is satisfied when two or more game balls are detected by the payout sensor SE5 between the time when the payout operation is performed and the detection standby time elapses. There may be. Further, it is not necessary to satisfy some of the non-detection condition, the in-position return condition, and the continuous payout condition. For example, the start condition of the payout confirmation control may be only the non-detection condition.

-When paying out a plurality of game balls in succession, the payout control CPU 300a does not have to determine whether or not the non-detection condition is satisfied each time the payout operation is performed. In this case, for example, the payout control CPU 300a may determine whether or not the non-detection condition is satisfied each time a predetermined payout operation is performed, or the first payout operation out of a plurality of consecutive payout operations. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the non-detection condition is satisfied in the final payout operation.

The payout control CPU 300a may have a different control level when starting the payout confirmation control according to the established start condition. For example, when the payout confirmation control is started when the non-detection condition is satisfied, the payout confirmation control is started from the control level "3", while the in-situ return condition or the continuous payout condition is satisfied. When starting the payout confirmation control, the payout confirmation control may be started from the control level "0 (zero)".

-The number of control level steps in the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate.
-The control content at each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the notification mode of the payout error notification may be different between the control level "3" and the control level "5". In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command capable of specifying the current control level to the sub control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a may execute the payout error notification in a different notification mode according to the control level based on the input control command.

-The payout error notification may be executed regardless of the control level in the payout confirmation control. In other words, the payout control CPU 300a may be controlled so that the payout error notification is executed when the payout confirmation control is started.

-The number of times the original position return processing is executed at each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of executions of the in-situ return processing may be the same for each control level, or may decrease as the control level progresses.

-The time interval when executing the in-situ return processing a plurality of times at each control level may be changed as appropriate. For example, the time interval when executing the back-to-back processing a plurality of times may be the same time at each control level, or may become shorter as the control level progresses.

-The progress conditions for progressing to each control level may be changed as appropriate. Further, the progress condition when progressing to each control level does not have to be configured to be a progress condition that is more difficult to be established as the control level progresses. For example, a progress condition that is more likely to be satisfied as the control level progresses. It may be configured to be.

-There may be a plurality of progress conditions when progressing to each control level. That is, in the payout confirmation control, the control level may be configured to advance when at least one of a plurality of progress conditions is satisfied.

-The end condition of the payout confirmation control may be changed as appropriate. For example, an end condition different from the detection condition, the power return condition, and the release operation condition may be provided, or some of the detection condition, the power return condition, and the release operation condition may not be provided. For example, the end condition of the payout confirmation control may be only the detection condition.

-The end conditions of the payout confirmation control may be the same regardless of the current control level.
-The control of the payout control CPU 300a when either the power return condition or the release operation condition is satisfied may be changed. For example, when either the power return condition or the release operation condition is satisfied, the payout control CPU 300a may update the control level in the payout confirmation control to "0 (zero)". According to this, when either the power return condition or the release operation condition is satisfied, the payout error notification can be terminated, while the payout confirmation control is continued until the abnormality related to the payout of the game ball is resolved. Can be made to. In this case, the power return condition and the release operation condition can be grasped as an initialization condition for initializing the control level in the payout confirmation control, not as an end condition for terminating the payout confirmation control.

-The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify the current control level in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command capable of specifying the current control level to the sub control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a may control a predetermined notification means so as to notify the current control level based on the input control command.

-The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify that the control level has progressed in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command capable of identifying the progress of the control level to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a, triggered by the progress of the control level. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a may control a predetermined notification means so as to notify that the control level has progressed based on the input control command.

-The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify the progress condition when proceeding from the current control level to the next control level in the payout confirmation control. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a outputs a control command capable of specifying the progress condition when proceeding from the current control level to the next control level to the sub-control CPU 200a via the main control CPU 100a. Then, the sub-control CPU 200a may control a predetermined notification means so as to notify the progress condition when proceeding from the current control level to the next control level based on the input control command.

The configuration of the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the payout operation unit 41 may be configured to be capable of paying out the game ball by changing its posture, or may be configured to be able to pay out the game ball by changing its position. Alternatively, the payout operation of paying out the game ball may be possible by changing both the posture and the position.

The payout sensor SE5 may be composed of a plurality of sensors. For example, the first sensor arranged in the passage leading the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 to the upper plate 14 and the game ball paid out from the payout unit 40 are arranged in the passage leading to the lower plate 15. It may be composed of a second sensor and a second sensor.

The payout sensor SE5 may be configured to output a detection signal to be output when the game ball is detected to the main control CPU 100a. In this case, the main control CPU 100a may generate a control command indicating that the detection signal has been input from the payout sensor SE5 and output it to the payout control CPU 300a.

The error release switch SW may be configured to output an operation signal to be output to the main control CPU 100a when the error release switch SW is operated. In this case, the main control CPU 100a may generate a control command indicating that the operation signal has been input from the error release switch SW and output it to the payout control CPU 300a.

-The notification means for executing the payout error notification may be changed as appropriate. For example, a notification means electrically connected to the payout control CPU 300a may be provided, and the payout error notification may be executed by the notification means. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a does not have to generate a payout error command that can identify that a payout error has occurred. Further, the notification means for executing the payout error notification may be a dedicated notification means for executing the payout error notification, or may be also used as an execution means for executing a notification or effect different from the payout error notification. ..

-As a control for gradually advancing the control level, a control different from the payout confirmation control may be provided. At this time, as the control for gradually advancing the control level, for example, it is preferable to adopt the detection control related to the detection of the game ball performed by the main control CPU 100a. The detection control related to the detection of a game ball is, for example, a control for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in a predetermined winning opening. In this case, in the detection control, various processes may be executed based on the control level, and for example, the notification regarding the detection of the game ball may be executed based on the control level. In this case, the notification regarding the detection of the game ball may be, for example, a winning notification indicating that the game ball has won a prize in the winning opening. Further, the notification regarding the detection of the game ball may be an illegal winning error notification indicating that the game ball has entered the winning opening controlled in the closed state.

-The special game may be displayed on the effect display device EH. In this case, the production game may not be displayed.
-The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be capable of executing a first special symbol variation game for deriving the first special symbol and a second special symbol variation game for deriving the second special symbol as special games. In this case, the first special symbol change game is performed when the game ball enters the first start winning opening 21, and the second special symbol changes when the game ball enters the second start winning opening 22. Play the game. The first special symbol variation game and the second special symbol variation game may be executed in the order of holding or may be executed alternately.

-The function of the main control board 100 may be realized by being divided into a plurality of boards.
-The function of the sub-control board 200 may be realized by being divided into a plurality of boards. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may include a display board that specially controls the effect display device EH, an audio board that specially controls the speaker SP, and a lamp board that specially controls the decorative lamp LA. A control board that controls the board group in a unified manner may be further provided.

-The function of the payout control CPU 300a may be realized by being divided into a plurality of substrates.
-It may be embodied in a slot machine as a game machine. In a slot machine, a plurality of reels rotate with the operation of the start lever (start operation). Further, in the slot machine, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button among the plurality of reels is stopped in accordance with the operation of the stop button (stop operation). In such a slot machine, the conditions for paying out medals as a game medium are satisfied by stopping a plurality of reels at specific positions. Then, for such a slot machine, as detection control related to medal detection, payout confirmation control in which the control level progresses stepwise may be executed.

The technical idea that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified example will be described.
(B) Regarding a game machine in which a game medium is paid out when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied, a payout mechanism for paying out the game medium, a payout control means for performing payout confirmation control regarding the payout of the game medium, and payout of the game medium. The payout confirmation control is a control in which the control level progresses step by step, and the payout control means is provided with a notification means for notifying a payout abnormality capable of identifying the occurrence of an abnormality, and the payout control means has a start condition. When the payout confirmation control is satisfied, the payout confirmation control is started, and when the progress condition is satisfied, the control level is advanced. The progress condition is determined for each control level, and the notification means. Is a gaming machine characterized in that the payout abnormality notification is performed on condition that the control level has progressed to a specific control level.

EH ... effect display device (notification means), LA ... decorative lamp (notification means), SE5 ... payout sensor (payout detection means), SP ... speaker (notification means), SW ... error release switch (operation means), 40 ... payout Unit (payout mechanism), 41 ... payout operation unit (operation unit), 300 ... payout control board, 300a ... payout control CPU (detection control means, payout control means).

Claims (6)

In a game machine in which a game medium is paid out when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied,
Detection control means that performs detection control related to detection of game media,
It is equipped with a notification means for notifying the detection of the game medium.
The detection control is a control in which the control level progresses stepwise.
The detection control means starts the detection control when the start condition is satisfied, and advances the control level when the progress condition is satisfied.
The progress conditions are defined for each control level.
The notification means is a game machine capable of executing notification regarding detection of a game medium based on the control level. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the progress condition when advancing from the current control level to the next control level is a progress condition that is more difficult to be established as the current control level progresses. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the progress condition includes repeating a predetermined confirmation process for a specific number of times determined for each control level. The notification regarding the detection of the game medium includes an abnormality detection notification that can identify that an abnormality related to the detection of the game medium has occurred.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means performs the abnormality detection notification on condition that the control level has progressed to a specific control level. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the control level includes a plurality of control levels that do not perform the abnormality detection notification. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control level includes a control level that does not notify the detection of the game medium.

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