JP2021083738A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately performing control regarding putout of game media.SOLUTION: A putout control CPU can execute original position returning processing for returning a putout operation part of a putout unit for putting out game balls to an original position. The original position returning processing is executed while including a first process (step S302 to step S306) for putting out one game ball, a second process (step S308) for locating an original position of the putout operation part according to timing when game balls that are putout are detected, and a third process (step S309, step S310) for operating the putout operation part to the located original position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, in pachinko gaming machines and slot machines, which are a type of gaming machines, gaming 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 gaming machine, the gaming ball can be paid out by operating the operating portion of the predetermined payout mechanism. For example, in the pachinko game machine described in Patent Document 1, the game ball can be paid out by operating the ball feed sprocket of the payout unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-172849

In a gaming machine capable of paying out such a game medium, it is desired to control the payout of the game medium more appropriately by devising the control related to the payout.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately controlling the payout of a gaming medium.

The gaming machine that solves the above problems includes a payout mechanism for paying out the game medium, a payout detection means for detecting the game medium to be paid out by the payout mechanism, and a payout control means for controlling the payout mechanism. The mechanism includes an operating unit that operates when the game medium is paid out, and the game medium is paid out by operating the operating unit at the payout position. The payout control means is based on the operating unit. It is possible to execute the original position return control for returning to the position, and the original position return control is performed by the first process of paying out one game medium and the game medium paid out in the first process by the payout detection means. It is executed including a second process of specifying the original position based on the detected timing and a third process of operating the operating unit of the payout mechanism to the original position specified in the second process. The gist is that.

With respect to the gaming machine, the payout mechanism pays out one game medium by causing the moving unit to make one rotation from the original position in a specific rotation direction and perform a payout operation of operating in the original position again. You may.

Regarding the game machine, the position where the operating unit operates includes the payout position and the non-payout position where the game medium is not paid out, and the non-payout position includes the original position and the original position. The moving unit is configured not to rotate in the direction opposite to the specific rotation direction, including different non-payout positions, and when rotating in the specific rotation direction, the original position and the original position. It may be configured to operate in the order of the non-payout position different from the position, the payout position, the non-payout position different from the original position, and the original position.

Regarding the gaming machine, when the operating unit rotates in the specific rotation direction, the amount of rotation when the operating unit rotates from the original position to the payout position rotates from the payout position to the original position. It may be smaller than the amount of rotation at the time.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the payout 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. (A) to (d) are explanatory views schematically showing the internal structure of the payout unit. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the excitation state of the payout motor and the payout operation unit, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the payout operation unit. 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 start condition of the original position return processing. 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. The flowchart which shows the in-situ return processing. (A) and (b) are explanatory views which show the operation mode of the payout operation part in the in-situ return processing. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation mode of the payout operation part in the original position return processing. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation mode of the payout operation part in the original position return processing.

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 launching the game ball 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 special games on hold is referred to as "special hold 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 normally out-of-order symbol is derived in the normal game, the player can recognize the normal out-of-order symbol. 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. 6). 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 balls 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. 6). 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. 6). 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. 6). 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.

As shown in FIG. 4, the payout unit 40 has a payout operation unit 41 capable of performing a predetermined operation. The payout unit 40 can pay out the game ball by operating the payout operation unit 41. 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.

The payout unit 40 has a ball passage 40a as a specific passage through which the game ball can pass. The ball passage 40a is a passage extending in the vertical direction as a whole, and is a passage formed in a width in which two or more game balls are not lined up at the same time in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. Therefore, the game balls are arranged in a row in the ball passage 40a. In the present embodiment, the traveling direction D1 of the game ball in the ball passage 40a is the vertical direction.

The payout operation portion 41 has a columnar shaft portion 42 extending along the ball passage 40a and a protruding portion 43 protruding from the shaft portion 42 into the ball passage 40a. Therefore, the game ball may be held in contact with the protrusion 43 in the ball passage 40a. As described above, since the game balls are arranged in a row in the ball passage 40a, the leading game ball among the aligned game balls is held in contact with the protrusion 43, and the subsequent game is played. The ball is held in contact with the leading game ball. The protruding portion 43 of the present embodiment is a spiral portion extending downward in the vertical direction so as to draw a clockwise (clockwise) spiral when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed in a plan view. In the following description, the end of the protruding portion 43 on the side opposite to the traveling direction D1 of the game ball (upper side of the pachinko gaming machine 10) is referred to as the upper end portion 43a, and the traveling direction D1 side of the gaming ball (pachinko). The end portion (lower side of the gaming machine 10) is referred to as a lower end portion 43b. The protruding portion 43 is a spiral having a length that goes around the shaft portion 42 once, and the length in the vertical direction (spiral pitch) is the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of one game ball.

The payout operation unit 41 rotates in a predetermined rotation direction R1 about a rotation axis extending along the traveling direction D1 of the game ball, so that the position of the protrusion 43 protruding into the ball passage 40a (hereinafter referred to as the protrusion position P1). (Shown) is configured to be displaced toward the traveling direction D1 side of the game ball. In the present embodiment, the rotation direction R1 is a direction that is counterclockwise (counterclockwise) when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed in a plan view. Specifically, the payout operation unit 41 comes into contact with the leading game ball in the ball passage 40a in a state where the upper end portion 43a of the protruding portion 43 projects into the ball passage 40a (FIG. 4A). Further, the payout operation unit 41 is configured so that the protrusion position P1 of the protrusion 43 is displaced toward the traveling direction D1 as it rotates in the rotation direction R1 (FIGS. 4 (b) and 4 (c)). ). Therefore, in the payout unit 40, the game ball in contact with the protruding portion 43 of the payout operation portion 41 also moves to the traveling direction D1 side. Then, the payout operation portion 41 further rotates in the rotation direction R1 from the state where the lower end portion 43b of the protruding portion 43 protrudes into the ball passage 40a, so that the lower end portion 43b does not protrude into the ball passage 40a, while the upper end portion. 43a is configured to project into the ball passage 40a (FIG. 4D). Therefore, in the payout unit 40, when the lower end portion 43b of the protruding portion 43 of the payout operation portion 41 is further rotated in the rotation direction R1 from the state where the lower end portion 43b is in contact with the game ball, the payout operation portion 41 comes into contact with the lower end portion 43b. While the existing game ball is paid out, the next game ball is held in contact with the upper end portion 43a.

The payout operation unit 41 of the present embodiment pays out the game ball that has been in contact with the upper end portion 43a by rotating once in the rotation direction R1 from the state where the upper end portion 43a of the protruding portion 43 is in contact with the game ball. It is configured. That is, the payout unit 40 of the present embodiment pays out the first game ball among the game balls arranged in a row in the ball passage 40a by rotating the payout operation unit 41 once in the rotation direction R1. , It is configured to hold the next game ball of the first game ball. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the payout operation unit 41 is rotated once in the rotation direction R1, the payout unit 40 pays out one game ball, but does not pay out two or more game balls. It is configured in.

Further, the payout unit 40 has a payout motor 44 that operates the payout operation unit 41 (shown in FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the payout motor 44 corresponds to a driving means for operating the moving unit.

Here, the relationship between the operation of the payout operation unit 41 and the payout motor 44 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the payout motor 44 includes a plurality of windings (coils), and is configured to generate a magnetic force by switching the windings that are energized (passing current). It is a motor. In the following description, a state in which a magnetic force is generated by energizing the winding is referred to as an "excited state". The payout motor 44 of the present embodiment has a total of four phases of windings, that is, a first winding to a fourth winding. In the following description, a state in which the first winding and the second winding of the plurality of windings are energized is referred to as a "first and second excitation state". Similarly, a state in which the second winding and the third winding of the plurality of windings are energized is referred to as a "second third excitation state", and the third winding and the fourth winding are energized. The state is referred to as a "third and fourth excited state", and the state in which the first winding and the fourth winding are energized is referred to as a "fourth first excited state". In the figure, "ON" indicates a state in which the winding is energized, and "OFF" indicates a state in which the winding is not energized. That is, the state in which the first winding and the second winding are "ON" corresponds to the first and second excitation state. Similarly, the state in which the second winding and the third winding are "ON" corresponds to the second and third excitation states, and the third winding and the fourth winding are "ON". This state corresponds to the third and fourth excitation state, and the state in which the first winding and the fourth winding are “ON” corresponds to the fourth first excitation state.

The payout operation unit 41 is always located at a predetermined in-situ position. The excitation state of the payout motor 44 when the payout operation unit 41 is located at the original position is the first and second excitation state. Then, in the payout operation unit 41, the excitation state of the payout motor 44 is the first second excitation state → the second third excitation state → the third fourth excitation state → the fourth first excitation state → the first second excitation state →. Every time it is switched in the order of ..., It rotates in the rotation direction R1 by a predetermined amount of movement (rotation amount). At this time, the amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 is when the first and second excitation states are switched to the second and third excitation states, and when the second and third excitation states are switched to the third and fourth excitation states. It is the same when switching from the third and fourth excited states to the fourth and first excited states and when switching from the fourth first excited state to the first and second excited states. In the present embodiment, the payout motor 44 is always in the first second excited state → the second third excited state → the third fourth excited state → the fourth first excited state → the first second excited state → ... -The excitation state can be switched in the order of. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is configured not to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1.

In the following description, a predetermined amount of operation in which the payout operation unit 41 operates when the excitation state of the payout motor 44 is switched only once is indicated as "1 step", and the payout operation unit 41 has N steps (N is N). Operating in the rotation direction R1 by (a positive integer) is indicated as "N-step operation". Further, in the following description, the original position of the payout operation unit 41 is referred to as a “0 step position”. Further, in the following description, the position when the payout operation unit 41 is rotated from the original position by N steps in the rotation direction R1 is referred to as an “N step position”. For example, the position when the payout operation unit 41 is operated four steps from the original position is the "four-step position". In the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is configured to make one rotation and return to the original position when the payout operation unit 41 is operated 20 steps from the original position. That is, in the present embodiment, the 20-step position is the original position (0-step position).

With the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the positions of the payout operation unit 41 in the first and second excitation states are the 0-step position, the 4-step position, the 8-step position, the 12-step position, and the 16-step position. It becomes either. Similarly, the position of the payout operation unit 41 in the second and third excitation states is any of the 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17 step positions, and the payout operation unit 41 in the third and fourth excitation states. The position of 41 is any of the 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18 step positions, and the position of the payout operation unit 41 in the fourth first excitation state is the 3, 7, 11, 15, and 19 step positions. It becomes either.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the payout operation unit 41 of the present embodiment makes one rotation in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position), any step of 3 to 6 step positions is performed. When the position is reached, the lower end portion 43b does not protrude into the ball passage 40a, so that the leading game ball is paid out and then returned to the original position again. That is, the payout position for paying out the game ball is any of the 3 to 6 step positions. In the present embodiment, the payout unit 40 is configured to pay out one game ball by operating the payout operation unit 41 at a position of 3 to 6 steps. Which of the 3 to 6 step positions becomes the payout position may differ depending on the individual difference of the payout operation unit 41 and the like. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the payout operation unit 41 is in the 0 to 2 step position and in the 7 to 19 step position, the protruding portion 43 comes into contact with the leading game ball, so that the leading game is played. It is configured not to pay out the ball. That is, in the present embodiment, the 0 to 2 step positions and the 7 to 19 step positions correspond to non-payout positions in which the game ball is not paid out. In the present embodiment, the state of the payout operation unit 41 when it is located at the payout position corresponds to the first state where the game ball can pass through the ball passage 40a, and the payout when it is located at the non-payout position. The state of the moving unit 41 corresponds to a second state in which the game ball cannot pass through the ball passage 40a. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 corresponds to an operation means capable of taking a first state in which the game ball can pass through the ball passage 40a and a second state in which the game ball cannot pass through the ball passage 40a.

As described above, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position (0 step position) in the rotation direction R1, the payout operation unit 41 has an original position → a non-payout position different from the original position → a payout position → an original position. It is configured to operate in the order of non-payout position, which is different from the position, and then the original position. Further, in the present embodiment, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement when operating from the original position to the payout position is the payout regardless of the payout position at any of the 3 to 6 step positions. It is smaller than the amount of movement when rotating from the position to the original position.

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. 6). In other words, in the present embodiment, the payout sensor SE5 corresponds to a detection means for detecting a game ball that has passed through the ball passage 40a. 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 for winning a predetermined upper limit number of game balls or the second condition for elapse of the predetermined upper limit time 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. 6, 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 by driving the payout motor 44 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. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a corresponds to the control means for controlling the payout of the game ball and also corresponds to the payout control means for controlling the payout unit 40.

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. 7, 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 payout confirmation control, for example, the original position return process as the original position return control for returning the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 to the original position is executed. As will be described in detail later, in the in-situ return processing, one game ball is paid out. That is, in the present embodiment, the in-situ return processing corresponds to a specific payout control accompanied by payout of the game ball. Further, in the payout confirmation control, a payout error notification that can identify that a payout error in which the game ball cannot be paid out normally has occurred is executed. In the present embodiment, the payout confirmation control corresponds to the specific error control. Details of the in-situ return processing and payout error notification will be described later. 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 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. A payout error notification that can identify this is executed. 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 that can identify that a payout error has occurred to the main control CPU 100a, and the main control CPU 100a that inputs 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 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. 8, 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, 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 in the payout process described later, the remaining payout number indicating the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40 does not become "0 (zero)". Is intended to be paid out.

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. That is, the original position return condition is satisfied when the original position return process is executed and the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5. In other words, the payout confirmation control may be executed after the end of the in-situ return process when the payout of the game ball is not detected in the in-situ return process.

As shown in FIG. 9, the start condition of the in-situ return processing includes a power-on payout condition that is satisfied when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on for the first time. In other words, the payout condition at the time of turning on the power is a condition that is satisfied when the payout condition of the game ball is first satisfied after the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on. Further, the start condition of the original position return process includes the initial payout condition that is satisfied when the payout of a new game ball is started from the state in which the payout of the game ball is stopped. In other words, the initial payout condition is a condition that is satisfied when the payout condition is satisfied when the remaining payout number indicating the number of remaining game balls to be paid out from the payout unit 40 is "0 (zero)".

Further, as described above, in the payout confirmation control of the present embodiment, the in-situ return processing is executed. Therefore, the start condition of the payout confirmation control can be grasped as the start condition of the in-situ return processing.

The termination condition of the payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, 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 in-situ return processing executed during the payout confirmation control. In other words, the payout confirmation control ends when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the in-situ return processing. 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. In particular, the detection condition is satisfied when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the in-situ return process executed during 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.

The progress condition and end condition at each control level of the payout confirmation control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, 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 executions of the in-situ return processing increases and the time interval in 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. 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 will be described.
First, the payout process for executing the normal payout control will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, 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. That is, the payout control CPU 300a updates the remaining number of payouts when the payout condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the remaining number of payouts corresponds to payout information that can specify the number of game balls to be paid out, and the payout control RAM 300c corresponds to a storage means that stores payout information that can specify the number of game balls to be paid out. To do. 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). That is, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout unit 40 so as to execute the payout operation based on the number of remaining payouts. Specifically, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so as to rotate the payout operation unit 41 once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position, thereby causing the payout unit 40 to pay out one game ball. Control. That is, the payout operation in the present embodiment is performed in an operation mode in which the payout operation unit 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position (0 step position) and operates in the original position again in the payout unit 40. 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. The payout confirmation process will be described in detail later. 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. ..

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 number of continuous payouts each time the payout operation is executed again after erasing the number of continuous payouts. 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.

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). The payout confirmation process is also executed when the in-situ return condition is satisfied in the in-situ return process described later.

As shown in FIG. 13, 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). As will be described in detail later, when the payout of the game ball is not detected in the in-situ return process, the payout control CPU 300a pays out an in-situ return process abnormality flag indicating that the in-situ return process has not been normally completed. It is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 300c. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 300a does not store the original position return processing abnormality flag when the payout of the game ball is detected in the original position return processing.

Then, when the payout control CPU 300a finishes the in-situ return process, it determines whether or not the in-situ return process error flag is stored in the predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c (step S205). When the original position return processing abnormality flag is not stored (step S205: NO), 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. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the payout of the game ball is detected in the in-position return process executed in the payout confirmation process, the payout confirmation process is terminated. That is, in the present embodiment, the detection condition among the end conditions of the payout confirmation control is satisfied by detecting the payout of the game ball in the in-position return process executed in the payout confirmation process.

On the other hand, when the original position return processing abnormality flag is stored (step S205: YES), 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 S209, 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 return condition in addition to the detection condition that is satisfied when the payout of the game ball is detected in the in-situ return process executed in the payout confirmation process. Or there is a release operation condition. 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).

Next, the in-situ return processing will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the start condition of the in-situ return processing is satisfied, the payout control CPU 300a first controls the payout motor 44 to the first and second excitation states (step S301). Next, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 in two steps by switching the excitation state of the payout motor 44 (step S302). That is, the payout control CPU 300a rotates the payout operation unit 41 from the current position in the rotation direction R1 by two steps. Therefore, for example, when the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 0-step position, it rotates to the 2-step position, and when the current position is the 12-step position, it rotates to the 14-step position. In the present embodiment, the amount of operation when the payout operation unit 41 operates by the two-step operation corresponds to a predetermined unit operation amount, and the two-step operation operates by the unit operation amount predetermined by the payout operation unit 41. Corresponds to the unit operation to be performed. Further, the payout control CPU 300a starts measuring a predetermined payout standby time in the process of step S302. Subsequently, the payout control CPU 300a adds 1 to the number of operations stored in the predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c and updates the payout control CPU 300a (step S303). In the present embodiment, the number of operations corresponds to the number of times the payout operation unit 41 is operated in two steps in the in-situ return processing.

Next, the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the payout of the game ball is detected based on whether or not the detection signal is input from the payout sensor SE5 (step S304). When the payout of the game ball is not detected (step S304: NO), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the payout waiting time has elapsed (step S305). If the payout waiting time has not elapsed (step S305: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S304. As a result, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 in two steps, and then waits until the payout of the game ball is detected or the payout waiting time elapses.

When the payout waiting time has elapsed (step S305: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the number of operations has reached 20 (step S306). As described above, in the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is configured to make one rotation when it is operated in 20 steps. Therefore, when the number of operations of the two-step operation reaches 20 times, it corresponds to two rotations of the payout operation unit 41. If the number of operations has not reached 20 (step S306: NO), the payout control CPU 300a returns to the process of step S302. That is, if the payout control CPU 300a does not detect the payout of the game ball within the payout standby time after performing the two-step operation, the payout control CPU 300a repeats the two-step operation until the payout operation unit 41 makes two rotations.

On the other hand, when the number of operations has reached 20 (step S306: YES), the payout control CPU 300a sets a payout control RAM 300c with an in-situ return processing error flag that can identify that the in-situ return processing has not been normally completed. Is stored in a predetermined storage area (step S307). After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing. That is, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a determines that the original position return process has not been normally completed when the payout operation unit 41 rotates twice without the game ball being paid out. Set the position return processing error flag and end the position return processing.

If the payout of the game ball is detected before the payout waiting time elapses (step S304: YES), the payout control CPU 300a determines whether or not the number of operations is an even number (a multiple of 2) (step S308). ). In step S308, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the current position of the payout operation unit 41 by determining whether or not the number of operations when the payout of the game ball is detected is an even number, and the payout operation The original position of the part 41 can be specified.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the positions that the payout operation unit 41 can take are determined according to the excitation state of the payout motor 44. Here, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, in order to control the payout motor 44 to the first and second excitation states in step S301, the positions of the payout operation unit 41 when step S301 is performed are 0, 4, It will be one of the 8, 12, and 16 step positions. Then, in the in-position return process, the two-step operation of the payout operation unit 41 is repeated in steps S302 to S306. Therefore, when the number of operations, which is the number of times the two-step operation is performed in the original position return processing, is an even number, the position of the payout operation unit 41 is any of the 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 step positions. When the number of operations is an odd number, the position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 2,6,10,14,18 step position. Then, as described above, in the present embodiment, the position (payout position) of the payout operation unit 41 when the game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 is a 3 to 6 step position. Therefore, when the payout of the game ball is detected in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the position of the payout operation unit 41 at that time is a 4-step position when the number of operations is an even number, and the number of operations is an odd number. At one point, it is in the 6-step position.

Thereby, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the current position of the payout operation unit 41. Further, as described above, the payout operation unit 41 of the present embodiment is configured to make one rotation in a 20-step operation. Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a can specify the original position of the payout operation unit 41 by specifying the current position of the payout operation unit 41.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the number of operations is an even number (step S308: YES), the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 in 16 steps (step S309). That is, in step S309, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by operating the payout operation unit 41 from the 4 step position to the original position (0 step position). On the other hand, when the number of operations is not an even number (step S308: NO), the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 in 14 steps (step S310). That is, in step S310, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by operating the payout operation unit 41 from the 6-step position to the 14-step operation.

As described above, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the operation of the payout operation unit 41 changes according to the timing when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. Specifically, in the in-position return process, the amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 changes according to the timing when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. The amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 differs depending on the number of two-step operations repeated until the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the in-situ return processing. In particular, in the in-position return processing, the amount of operation of the payout operation unit 41 after that, when the number of two-step operations repeated until the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 is an even number and an odd number. Is different.

When the process of step S309 or step S310 is completed, the payout control CPU 300a erases the in-position return process error flag (step S311). In step S311, the payout control CPU 300a performs a process of erasing the in-situ return processing error flag regardless of whether or not the in-situ return processing error flag is stored in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing.

As described above, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the payout operation unit 41 is operated to the payout position and then returned to the original position again. That is, the original position return processing of the present embodiment corresponds to a specific control in which the payout operation unit 41 is controlled to the payout position and then returned to the original position again. Then, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout operation unit 41 so as to repeat the two-step operation until one game ball is paid out, and operates when the game ball is paid out. By operating the payout operation unit 41 according to the number of times, the payout operation unit 41 can be returned to the original position. Specifically, the payout control CPU 300a pays out the game ball of 1 from the payout unit 40 by repeating steps S302 to S306. That is, the payout unit 40 pays out one game ball by executing the payout operation in which the payout operation unit 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position and operates in the original position again. Further, the payout control CPU 300a specifies the position of the payout operation unit 41 when the game ball is paid out and also specifies the original position of the payout operation unit 41 by the determination in step S308. Then, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 in the original position in step S309 and step S310.

In the present embodiment, steps S302 to S306 of the in-situ return processing correspond to the first processing of paying out one game ball. Further, step S308 of the in-situ return processing corresponds to the second processing of identifying the in-situ position based on the timing when the game ball paid out in the first processing is detected by the payout sensor SE5. Then, step S309 and step S310 of the in-situ return processing correspond to the third processing in which the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 is operated to the in-situ position specified in the second process.

Further, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the control from the current position to the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 from the current position corresponds to the control of the first stage, and the payout operation unit 41 moves from the original position. The control when operating again corresponds to the control of the second stage. In the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the control of the second stage ends when the payout operation unit 41 returns to the original position or the two-step operation is repeated 20 times without detecting the payout of the game ball. ..

Here, a specific example of the operation mode of the payout operation unit 41 when the in-position return process is executed, and its operation will be described.
First, with reference to FIG. 15, a case where the game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 between the current position and the first movement of the payout operation unit 41 to the original position in the in-situ return processing will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in the in-situ return processing, the payout control CPU 300a first controls the payout motor 44 to the first and second excitation states. As a result, the position of the payout operation unit 41 becomes any of the 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 step positions. In this example, it is assumed that the payout operation unit 41 is in the 0 step position (original position). After that, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation. In this example, it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of operations of the two-step operation in the original position return process is two. In this case, since the payout control CPU 300a has an even number of operations in the in-situ return processing, it is possible to specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is a 4-step position. Then, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by controlling the payout motor 44 so as to operate the payout operation unit 41 in 16 steps. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of operations of the two-step operation in the in-situ return processing becomes three times. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 6-step position because the number of operations in the in-situ return processing is an odd number. Then, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by controlling the payout motor 44 so as to operate the payout operation unit 41 in 14 steps. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing.

As described above, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball between the current position and the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 to the original position, the payout operation unit 41 Ends the in-situ return processing when it first operates in the in-situ. That is, the original position return processing of the present embodiment is the first stage when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball in the first stage from the current position to the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 to the original position. It ends with the end.

Next, in the in-situ return processing, the game ball is not paid out from the payout unit 40 between the current position and the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 to the in-situ position, and then the payout operation unit 41 rotates again to the original position. A case where the game ball is paid out from the payout unit 40 before moving to the position will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, it is assumed that the payout operation unit 41 is in the 12-step position when the payout motor 44 is first controlled to the first and second excitation states. After that, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation. In this example, the payout operation unit 41 operates at the original position (0 step position) when the number of operations of the two-step operation in the original position return process becomes four times. However, at this time, the payout control CPU 300a, in which the game ball is not paid out from the payout unit 40 and the detection signal is not input from the payout sensor SE5, cannot specify the current position of the payout operation unit 41. Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a continues to control the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation even after the payout operation unit 41 first operates in the original position. Then, in this example, it is assumed that the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 when the number of operations of the two-step operation in the original position return process is six times. In this case, since the payout control CPU 300a has an even number of operations in the in-situ return processing, it is possible to specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is a 4-step position. Then, the payout control CPU 300a returns the payout operation unit 41 to the original position (0 step position) by controlling the payout motor 44 so as to operate the payout operation unit 41 in 16 steps. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the game ball is not paid out during the period from the current position to the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 in the in-situ return process, and then the payout operation unit 41 rotates again. When the game ball is paid out before it moves to the original position, the payout operation unit 41 ends the original position return process when it moves to the original position for the second time.

Next, a case where the game ball is not paid out from the payout unit 40 while the payout operation unit 41 operates in 20 steps in the in-position return process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 17, in this example, when the payout motor 44 is first controlled to the first and second excitation states, it is assumed that the payout operation unit 41 is in the 0 step position. After that, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout motor 44 so that the payout operation unit 41 repeats the two-step operation. In this example, it is assumed that the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 even if the number of operations of the two-step operation in the original position return process is 20 times. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a stores the in-situ return processing error flag in a predetermined storage area of the payout control RAM 300c. After that, the payout control CPU 300a ends the in-situ return processing.

As described above, in the original position return processing of the present embodiment, the operation of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5. In particular, in the in-situ return processing, when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5, the payout operation unit 41 is operated by the amount of movement corresponding to the number of movements when the game ball is detected to return to the in-situ position. On the other hand, when the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5, the two-step operation of the payout operation unit 41 is performed only 20 times. In other words, when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball in the in-situ return process, the payout operation unit 41 returns to the original position, but the payout sensor SE5 does not detect the game ball in the in-situ return process. At that time, it is operated by a predetermined amount of operation. That is, in the in-position return process, the amount of movement of the payout operation unit 41 changes depending on whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5.

Further, as described above, in the in-situ return processing of the present embodiment, when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball in the first stage from the current position to the first operation of the payout operation unit 41 in the in-situ position. After that, the payout operation unit 41 is operated to the original position, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the payout sensor SE5 does not detect the game ball in the first stage, the in-position return process of the present embodiment ends with the end of the second stage performed after the end of the first stage. At this time, the control of the second stage ends when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball in the second stage, while the payout operation unit 41 returns to the original position, while the second stage controls. When the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5, the payout operation unit 41 ends with repeating the two-step operation 20 times. As described above, in the in-situ return processing of the present embodiment, the first step in which the payout operation unit 41 operates from the current position to the in-situ position and the second step in which the payout operation unit 41 operates again from the in-situ position. Of these, at least the first stage is included in the execution.

The operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1) When the payout of the game ball is detected in the first stage in which the payout operation unit 41 operates from the current position to the original position, the in-situ return processing ends with the end of the first stage. On the other hand, in the in-situ return processing, when the payout of the game ball is not detected in the first step, the second step in which the payout operation unit 41 operates again from the in-situ is executed after the end of the first step. When the payout of the game ball is detected in the second stage, it ends with the end of the second stage. According to this, it is possible to prevent a mixture of when the game ball is paid out and when it is not paid out in the in-position return process, so that it is possible to appropriately control the payout of the game ball.

(2) The start condition of the payout confirmation control is the 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. There is. Therefore, the payout control CPU 300a can execute the payout confirmation control when the payout of the game ball is not detected even in the second stage of the in-situ return processing. Then, in the payout confirmation control, it is possible to execute the payout error notification that can identify that a payout error in which the game ball cannot be paid out normally has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the payout of the game ball.

(3) The payout unit 40 pays out one game ball by a payout operation in which the payout operation unit 41 rotates once in the rotation direction R1 from the original position and operates in the original position again. According to this, the payout operation unit 41 is located at the original position where the next payout operation can be started at the end of one payout operation. Therefore, when paying out a plurality of game balls, it is not necessary to perform a preparatory operation between one payout operation and the next payout operation, and the game balls can be paid out promptly. ..

(4) Since the payout operation unit 41 passes through a non-payout position different from the original position until it operates from the original position to the payout position, the payout operation unit 41 may mistakenly operate from the original position. However, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being paid out immediately. Further, since the payout operation unit 41 does not rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1 that rotates in the payout operation, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being clogged due to the game ball moving in the opposite direction.

(5) When the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of operation when the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position to the payout position is larger than the amount of operation when the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position to the original position. small. According to this, when the game ball is paid out by the payout operation, the time from the start of rotation of the payout operation unit 41 in the rotation direction R1 until the game ball is paid out can be shortened, so that the game ball can be quickly paid out. You can pay out game balls.

(6) The start condition of the payout confirmation control includes a continuous payout condition that is satisfied when the number of game balls continuously paid out reaches 100 and the payout of the game balls continues thereafter. Then, in the payout confirmation control, the in-situ return processing is executed. Therefore, even when the game balls are normally paid out, when 100 or more game balls are continuously paid out, the payout operation unit 41 is executed by executing the in-situ return processing in the payout confirmation control. Can be operated in place. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an abnormality from occurring in the payout operation unit 41 in advance.

(7) The start condition of the in-situ return processing includes a power-on payout condition that is satisfied when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on for the first time after the power is turned on. According to this, when the payout condition is first satisfied after the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10, the in-position return process is executed, so that an abnormality occurs in the payout unit 40 after the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on. It is possible to prevent the payout operation from being started as it is.

(8) The start condition of the original position return process includes the initial payout condition that is satisfied when the payout of a new game ball is started from the state in which the payout of the game ball is stopped. According to this, when the payout of a new game ball is started from the state where the payout of the game ball is stopped, the original position return process is executed, so that the payout operation starts with the payout unit 40 having an abnormality. It can be suppressed that it is done.

(9) In the in-situ return processing, the payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 according to the timing when the game ball is detected during the in-situ return process. According to this, even when a plurality of timings at which the game ball is detected in the in-situ return processing can be considered, the payout operation unit 41 can be appropriately returned to the in-situ.

(10) In particular, in the in-situ return processing, the payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 by an appropriate amount of operation according to the timing when the game ball is detected during the in-situ return process. .. According to this, even if there are a plurality of possible step positions of the payout operation unit 41 when the game ball is detected in the original position return process, the payout operation unit 41 can be appropriately returned to the original position. it can.

(11) In the in-position return process, the payout control CPU 300a controls the payout operation unit 41 so that one game ball is paid out, and the current payout operation unit 41 is based on the timing at which the game ball is paid out. Identify the position and in-situ. Then, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 based on the specified result to operate the payout operation unit 41 in the original position. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can return the payout operation unit 41 to the original position even when the current position and the original position of the payout operation unit 41 cannot be specified.

(12) The payout control CPU 300a can operate the payout operation unit 41 by an appropriate amount of operation according to the number of operations of the two-step operation repeated until the game ball is detected in the in-situ return process.

(13) In particular, the payout control CPU 300a pays out only an appropriate amount of movement according to whether the number of operations of the two-step operation repeated until the game ball is detected in the in-situ return processing is an even number or an odd number. The operating amount of the operating unit 41 can be increased.

(14) In the in-position return process, the payout control CPU 300a may operate the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 in an appropriate operation mode depending on whether or not a game ball is detected during the in-situ return process. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the payout of the game ball.

(15) In particular, in the in-situ return processing, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 of the payout unit 40 by an appropriate amount of operation depending on whether or not a game ball is detected during the in-situ return process. Can be done.

(16) In the payout confirmation control, the control level advances when the progress condition is satisfied, and the payout error notification is executed based on the control level. Therefore, the payout error notification can be appropriately executed according to the current game situation. .. 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.

(17) In the payout confirmation control, as the control level progresses, it becomes difficult to establish the 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.

(18) In the payout confirmation control, the control level can be advanced after the in-situ return processing is executed a number of times determined 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.

(19) 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.

(20) 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”.

(21) 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.

(22) 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.

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) 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 game ball is normally paid out, so that, for example, the game ball is paid out even though the game ball is normally paid out. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed, such as continuous error notification.

(26) 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 gaming machine can operate the error release switch SW to promptly terminate the payout confirmation control according to the situation of the gaming.

(27) 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.
(28) 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.

(29) 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.

(30) 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.

(31) 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 original position and the game ball is not paid out normally, the payout confirmation control performs the in-situ return process. The payout error can be eliminated by returning the payout operation unit 41 to the original position.

(32) 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.
(33) 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 is performed before proceeding to the next control level. You can try to eliminate the payout error by executing many.

(34) 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.

(35) 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.

-In the original position return process, the maximum number of operations in which the payout operation unit 41 performs a two-step operation when the payout of the game ball is not detected may be appropriately changed. For example, the payout control CPU 300a terminates the operation of the payout operation unit 41 when the total number of operations reaches a predetermined number of times greater than 20 in step S306 of the in-situ return process, and stores the in-situ return process error flag. You may let it. At this time, the predetermined number of times is preferably a multiple of 10. According to this, if the position of the payout operation unit 41 at the start of the in-situ return processing is the original position, the game ball is not detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the in-situ return processing, and the current payout operation unit 41 Even if the position and the original position cannot be specified, the payout operation unit 41 will eventually return to the original position. In this case, in the control of the second stage, a series of operations from the operation of the payout operation unit 41 from the original position to the payout position and then to the operation of the original position again are executed a plurality of times. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can suppress that the payout operation unit 41 is not returned to the original position due to the game ball not being paid out, and the original position return process is completed without being returned to the original position. Further, the payout control CPU 300a terminates the operation of the payout operation unit 41 when the total number of operations reaches a predetermined number less than 20 in step S306 of the in-situ return process, and stores the in-situ return process error flag. You may let it.

-In the in-situ return processing, the amount of operation when the payout operation unit 41 is operated once may be appropriately changed. For example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 to operate in one step in step S102 of the in-situ return processing. According to this, since it is possible to reduce the amount of one movement of the payout operation unit 41 in the original position return process, it is possible to accurately grasp at which position the game ball is paid out. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a terminates the operation of the payout operation unit 41 when the total number of operations reaches 40 in step S106 of the in-situ return processing, and stores the in-situ return processing abnormality flag. May be good. Further, in this case, when the payout sensor SE5 detects the game ball in the in-position return process, the payout control CPU 300a has the current position of the payout operation unit 41 and the current position of the payout operation unit 41 according to the total number of operations when the game ball is detected. It is preferable to control the payout operation unit 41 so as to specify the original position and return to the specified original position. In this case, the payout control CPU 300a can specify that the current position of the payout operation unit 41 is the 4-step position if the total number of operations when the game ball is detected is a multiple of 4. Further, the payout control CPU 300a performs a 3-step position if the total number of operations is 1 less than a multiple of 4, and a 6-step position if the total number of operations is 2 less than a multiple of 4. If is 3 less than a multiple of 4, the 5-step position can be specified as the current position of the payout operation unit 41. Further, for example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 to operate in four steps in step S102 of the in-situ return processing. According to this, in the in-situ return processing, the payout operation unit 41 can be rotated once with a small number of operations, so that the in-position return processing can be executed quickly.

The speed at which the payout operation unit 41 is operated in the in-position return process and the speed at which the payout operation unit 41 is operated in normal payout control may be different. For example, the payout control CPU 300a may control the payout operation unit 41 so that the operation speed of the payout operation unit 41 is slower in the in-situ return process than in the normal payout control. According to this, since the payout control CPU 300a can more accurately specify the timing at which the game ball is paid out in the in-situ return processing, the payout operation unit 41 can be returned to the in-situ position more accurately. Further, the payout control CPU 300a may be controlled so that the payout operation unit 41 operates at a higher speed in the in-situ return process than in the normal payout control. According to this, the payout control CPU 300a can quickly execute the in-situ return processing.

-The positional relationship between the payout position and the non-payout position of the payout operation unit 41 may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement when operating from the original position to the payout position may be larger than the amount of operation when operating from the payout position to the original position. That is, the payout position of the payout operation unit 41 may be a position after the position when half a rotation is made in the rotation direction R1 from the original position. According to this, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position in the rotation direction R1, the amount of operation until reaching the payout position can be increased, so that the payout operation unit 41 mistakenly rotates in the rotation direction R1. Even if this is the case, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being paid out. Further, when the payout operation unit 41 rotates in the rotation direction R1, the amount of movement when operating from the original position to the payout position and the amount of operation when operating from the payout position to the original position may be the same. .. That is, the payout position of the payout operation unit 41 may be the position when half a rotation is made in the rotation direction R1 from the original position. According to this, regardless of whether the payout operation unit 41 rotates from the original position in the rotation direction R1 or in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1, the operation until the payout position is reached. Since the amount can be increased, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being paid out even if the payout operation unit 41 is accidentally rotated.

The payout control CPU 300a may be able to rotate the payout operation unit 41 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1.
The amount of movement when the payout operation unit 41 pays out one game ball may be appropriately changed. For example, the payout operation unit 41 may be configured to pay out one game ball by rotating half a turn in the rotation direction R1.

-It may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine equipped with an in-situ sensor capable of identifying whether or not the payout operation unit 41 is in the in-situ position, or it may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine not provided. When embodied in a gaming machine equipped with an in-situ sensor, the payout control CPU 300a operates the payout operation unit 41 at a specified in-situ position according to the timing when the game ball is detected by the payout sensor SE5 in the in-situ return process. Nevertheless, when the payout operation unit 41 is not detected by the in-situ sensor, it may be controlled to store the in-situ return processing abnormality flag. Further, it may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have an in-situ sensor capable of identifying whether or not the payout operation unit 41 is in the in-situ position.

-The start condition of the original position return processing may be changed as appropriate. For example, the start condition of the in-position return process is an over-detection that is established 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 conditions. In addition, some or all of the power-on payout conditions and the initial payout conditions may not be provided. If all the conditions are not satisfied, the in-situ return processing will be started only when the start condition of the payout confirmation control is satisfied.

-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 continuous payout condition, and the in-situ return 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 of the payout confirmation control. 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 executions of the in-situ return processing 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 at 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 recovery 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 recovery condition or the release operation condition is satisfied may be changed. For example, when either the power recovery 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 able to pay 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.

-It may be embodied in a gaming machine capable of executing an original position return process for returning an operation means different from the payout operation unit 41 to the original position. For example, the operating means may be an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening 24 and a special variable member 25 in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 24. In this case, the main control CPU 100a that operates the special variable member 25 by controlling the second actuator A2 corresponds to the control means, and the count sensor SE3 that detects the game ball that has entered the grand prize opening 24 corresponds to the detection means. To do. In the jackpot game, the main control CPU 100a starts the round game by controlling the special variable member 25 from the closed state to the open state, and then ends the round game by returning the special variable member 25 to the closed state again. .. At this time, the main control CPU 100a controls the special variable member 25 to the closed state when the number of game balls that have entered the large winning opening 24 in the round game reaches the upper limit. Therefore, in the control of giving one round game, the operation of the special variable member 25 changes according to the timing when the game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3 in the round game. Further, when the number of game balls that have entered the large winning opening 24 in the round game does not reach the upper limit, the main control CPU 100a closes the special variable member 25 when the upper limit time elapses from the start of the round game. Control to state. Therefore, in the control of giving one round game, the operation of the special variable member 25 changes depending on whether or not the game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3 in the round game.

-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 gaming 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, with respect to such a slot machine, the original position return process may be executed as a control for returning the operating unit that operates when paying out the medal to the original position, or as a detection control related to the detection of the medal. 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) The start condition of the in-situ return control is when the number of game media continuously paid out reaches a specific number, and after the specific number of game media is paid out, the game medium There is a continuous payout condition that is satisfied when the payout continues.

(B) The payout control means executes a predetermined payout control when the payout condition is satisfied, and the start condition of the in-situ return control is set after the power of the gaming machine is turned on. There is a power-on payout condition that is satisfied when the payout condition is first satisfied.

(C) The payout control means is provided with a storage means for storing payout information capable of specifying the number of game media to be paid out, and the payout control means updates the payout information when the payout condition is satisfied and is based on the payout information. A predetermined payout control is executed, and the start condition of the in-situ return control is when the payout condition is satisfied when the number of game media that can be specified from the payout information is 0. There is an initial payout condition that holds.

EH ... effect display device (notification means), LA ... decorative lamp (notification means), R1 ... rotation direction (specific rotation direction), SE5 ... payout sensor (payout detection means), SP ... speaker (notification means), 40 ... Payout unit (payout mechanism), 41 ... payout operation unit (moving unit), 44 ... payout motor (drive means), 300 ... payout control board, 300a ... payout control CPU (payout control means), 300c ... payout control RAM (memory) means).

Claims (4)

A payout mechanism that pays out game media,
A payout detection means for detecting a game medium to be paid out by the payout mechanism,
A payout control means for controlling the payout mechanism is provided.
The payout mechanism includes an operating unit that operates when the game medium is paid out, and the game medium is paid out by operating the operating unit at the payout position.
The payout control means can execute the in-situ return control for returning the operating unit to the in-situ position.
In the in-situ return control, the first process of paying out one game medium and the first process of specifying the in-situ position based on the timing when the game medium paid out in the first process is detected by the payout detection means. A gaming machine characterized in that it is executed including two processes and a third process of operating the operating unit of the payout mechanism to the original position specified in the second process. The game according to claim 1, wherein the payout mechanism pays out one game medium by executing a payout operation in which the moving unit makes one rotation from the original position in a specific rotation direction and operates in the original position again. Machine. The position in which the moving unit operates includes the payout position and the non-payout position in which the game medium is not paid out.
The non-payout position includes the in-situ position and a non-payout position different from the in-situ position.
The operating unit is configured so as not to rotate in a direction opposite to the specific rotation direction, and when rotating in the specific rotation direction, the original position, a non-payout position different from the original position, and the above. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine is configured to operate in the order of a payout position, a non-payout position different from the original position, and the original position. When the moving unit rotates in the specific rotation direction, the amount of rotation when the moving unit rotates from the original position to the payout position is larger than the amount of rotation when the moving unit rotates from the payout position to the original position. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, which is also small.

Images