JP3038055B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention has a plurality of
A gaming board that is detachably attached to the machine,
Ball game machine having a ball discharging device capable of discharging a number of prize balls
About.

[0002] In the course of playing pachinko machines,
When paying out a prize ball as a prize to a player,
The road (control unit of the game board) is reserved for winning the game ball.
Data on the number of discharge prize balls determined for each winning opening.
When a game ball is detected in the winning opening,
It is stored in the prize number memory and the
The number of prize balls corresponding to the prize mouth is obtained, and the prize ball number signal is discharged.
Transmit to the emission control circuit (control unit) that controls the equipment
I do.

[0003] The ball discharging device is a refilling tank on the back side of the pachinko machine.
Guide trough that guides the game balls in the
Game ball provided on the downstream side and guided from a guiding gutter
To the supply tray (lower plate) or the launcher on the front side
The required number is discharged to the upper plate that guides the
It is controlled by a control circuit.

The game control circuit and the discharge control circuit are bidirectional communication
To send and receive signals, and the discharge control circuit
Prize balls according to the requested number when receiving the prize ball number signal
To control the operation of the ball ejection device. Also, noise
When the prize ball number signal cannot be received normally due to
A retransmission request signal for requesting retransmission of the data is transmitted.

[0005]

However, the game control circuit controls the operation of the electric accessory provided on the game board in addition to the function of controlling the command to discharge the prize ball based on the award of the game ball ( It has an important function of controlling the game played on the game board) and frequently exchanges signals between the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit (bidirectional) as described above. Communication) control system, return signal from emission control circuit
It is thought that fraud that induces malfunction of game control using sending
You. Also, timing control of signal transmission and reception becomes complicated.
As a result, the load on the game control circuit increases.

In addition, the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit
Prize ball discharge
The progress status related to both the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit
Detector related to prize ball discharge control in order to grasp and control with
Input control signal from stage to game control circuit and accessory control circuit
It is desirable to do so. If you do that
Cost must be increased because two detectors must be provided.
It becomes a step.

In order to solve such a problem, the present invention connects the game control circuit and the accessory control circuit with one-way communication means to provide a reliable ball discharge control. And control of the game control circuit.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost ball game machine with reduced burden .

[0008]

[SUMMARY OF To this end, the present invention is double
A ball game machine (for example, a pachinko machine)
A game board (70) provided detachably with respect to 1)
And a ball discharging device (20) capable of discharging a required number of prize balls.
A ball game machine having
Games such as a dynamic game device (for example, a variable winning device 73)
A game control circuit that mainly controls the operation (for example, a game board
Control unit 100) and discharge of the prize ball of the ball discharge device
Discharge control circuit for controlling the operation (for example, control of a ball discharge device)
Control unit 200) separately from the game system.
In the control circuit, the ball discharge device corresponds to the winning area.
Prize ball number setting means for setting the number of prize balls ejected (for example,
First prize ball number determination means 105) is provided, and
Information based on the number of prize balls set by the determining means.
Transmission from the circuit to the emission control circuit in only one direction
Required for prize ball emission control.
The control signal from the ball detecting means (for example, the winning ball detector 28)
And divide it into the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit.
Sphere detection signal dividing means (for example, a winning ball detection signal
Splitting means 111).

[0009]

[Function] The game control circuit is provided in the prize area where the game ball has won.
The number of prize balls is determined accordingly, and prize ball number information is transmitted to the discharge control circuit . The discharge control circuit operates the ball discharge device based on the information on the number of prize balls to discharge the game balls. Such an award
In ball discharge control, required ball inspection related to prize ball discharge control
The control signal from the output means is separated by the sphere detection signal dividing means.
Divided and input to both the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit.
Therefore, the progress state related to the prize ball discharge is checked with the game control circuit.
It can be grasped by both output control circuits.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

FIG . 2 is a perspective view of the front side of the pachinko machine 1, and FIG.
On the right side (left side in the figure) of the dick machine 1, a card dedicated to the machine
A ball rental machine 2 of the type is attached. Front frame 3 of pachinko machine 1
The cover glass 4 covers the front of the game board (not shown).
Above the prize ball discharge indicator lamp 5 and the like, cover glass 4
The pachinko ball supply tray 6 and the tray 7 are provided below the
A ball launcher that launches pachinko balls one by one from the plate 6
An operation unit 8 is provided.

On the cut surface on the outer periphery of the supply tray 6, a balance indicator 9 to be read from the inserted card of the ball lending machine 2, a ball lending button 10 for urging the lending balls to be discharged, and a card return button 11 for instructing the card to be returned. And a button operation valid indicator 12 which lights when the operation of these buttons 10 and 11 is valid.
Is arranged. The ball lending machine 2 has a magnetic card insertion portion 13
(Reader), a display LED 14 for reader operation which lights up when a card is inserted, and a display lamp 15 for confirmation which lights up when the ball lending machine 2 is normal.

When the ball lending button 10 is pressed while a card is inserted into the insertion portion 13 of the ball lending machine 2, a predetermined number of lending balls will be described for each turn-on of the button 10 within the range of the balance of the card. When the card is discharged to the supply tray 6 or the receiving tray 7 via the ball discharging device and the card return button 11 is pressed, the inserted card of the ball lending machine 2 is discharged. Further, on the mounting panel of the supply plate 6, there is provided a discharge ball number display 16 for displaying the number of lent balls and prize balls when the balls are discharged. Reference numeral 17 denotes a display conversion button for switching the balance of the inserted card between a frequency display in units of a minimum ball loan conversion amount (for example, 100 yen) and an amount display including a digit less than one.

Here, the cover glass 4 is attached to the front frame 3 via a glass frame so as to be openable and closable, and the front frame 3 is also hinged to the machine frame 18. The game board is detachably mounted in the frame of the front frame 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a ball discharging device 20 is provided on the rear surface of the front frame 3 from the upper portion to the right portion and the lower portion, and a winning ball processing device 22 is provided at a lower portion of the frame 21.
A ball launching device 23 including a ball supply mechanism, a launch lever, a motor, and the like is attached to a lower right portion of the back surface of the front frame 3.

The prize ball processing device 22 processes a prize ball from a collecting gutter on the back of the game board, and includes a guiding gutter 24 connected to the collecting gutter, a straightening gutter 25 continuous with the guiding gutter 24, and a straightening gutter 25. It is composed of a continuous outlet gutter 26, a stopper mechanism 27 installed on the straightening gutter 25, and a winning ball detector 28. Although these gutters 24 to 26 have a slight difference, they are formed to have a downward slope that promotes the natural flow of the winning ball.

As shown in FIG. 5, the stopper mechanism 27 (payout mechanism) includes two locking claws 30a and 30b which enter the gutter 25 from the side of the straightening gutter 25 to regulate the flow of the winning ball, and a locking claw. A solenoid 31 is provided as driving means for 30a and 30b.

The locking claw 30a is formed in a hook shape, and
8 is supported by a swing shaft 32 via a support shaft 32 on the downstream side. The tip of the claw 30a is formed on an arc-shaped ball blocking surface coinciding with the swing locus, and the solenoid 31 is pin-connected in the vicinity thereof (at a position offset with respect to the support shaft 32).
The locking claw 30b is formed in a semicircular shape having an engagement portion with the outer periphery of the locking claw 30a at a rear portion, and is swingably supported via a support shaft 33 diagonally above the locking claw 30a. The tip of the claw 30b is formed on an arc-shaped ball blocking surface that coincides with the swing locus, and a weight 34 that biases in the opening direction is attached to the rear end side of the support shaft 33.

The locking claws 30a, 30
A slit corresponding to b is formed, and the interval between the slits is set such that only one winning ball is sandwiched between the engaging claws 30a and 30b in the approaching state.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the solenoid 31 is not energized.
As shown in (A), while the locking claw 30a enters the straightening gutter 25, the locking claw 30b is retracted from the gutter 25 by the weight 34, and the winning ball in the gutter 25 is moved by the ball blocking surface of the locking claw 30a. The flow is prevented. When the solenoid 31 is energized from this state, the locking claw 30a is moved to the gutter 2 as shown in FIG.
5 and the locking claw 30b is pushed toward the approach side, whereby the first prize ball in the gutter 25 is released from the locking claw 30a, while the following prize ball is changed to the locking claw 30b. The flow-down is prevented by the ball blocking surface.

When the energization of the solenoid 31 is cut off, the locking claw 30 is energized by the return spring 35.
a returns to the initial state and enters the gutter 25, while the locking claw 30b retreats from the gutter 25 by the weight 34, and the subsequent prize balls are prevented from rolling down to the locking claw 30a.

The winning ball detector 28 is installed in a storage unit 36 formed integrally with the gutter 25 in the middle of the upper and lower slits of the rectifying gutter 25. If there is a winning ball in the detector 28, an ON signal is output. Is output.

The ball discharging device 20 discharges a prize ball based on a prize to each winning port of the game board and a lending ball based on a command from the ball lending machine 2. A prize ball tank 40 for storing pachinko balls, a discharge gutter 42 for guiding pachinko balls from the tank 40 to the supply tray 6 and the receiving tray 7 on the front side, and a stopper mechanism for regulating the flow of the balls upstream of the discharge gutter 42 41 and the like.

An opening facing the upstream of the guide gutter 43 is formed at the lowermost part of the inclined bottom wall of the supply tank 40, and the downstream side of the guide gutter 43 is connected to the upper part of the discharge gutter 42. The guiding gutter 43
In order to flow down the pachinko balls from the replenishing tank 40 while rectifying them in two rows, a ball retaining device 44 also serving as a ball fly is disposed downstream of the gutter 43.

The ball retaining device 44 includes a warp plate rotatably supported by a support shaft provided on the gutter 43, and the warp plate normally forms a pachinko ball flowing down the gutter 43 with the weight of the tip side. While falling down to prevent the balls from overlapping,
At the time of maintenance inspection of the pachinko ball or failure, when the warped plate is raised almost upright, it is held by the spring force, and the rear end side of the warped plate intrudes into the gutter 43 to prevent the pachinko ball from flowing down. I have. A partial bottom wall of the guide gutter 43 is formed of a movable plate that swings with the weight of the ball immediately downstream of the ball retaining position of the warp plate, and a detector 45 that detects a ball break from the swing of the movable plate.
Is provided.

The discharge gutter 42 is formed on the upstream side in two parallel paths corresponding to the guide gutter 43, and on the downstream side as a joint flow path connected to these. The parallel path is an introduction gutter 4 connected to the guiding gutter 43.
6, a flow straightening gutter 48 connected to the introduction gutter 46 via a U-turn path 47, and an inclined gutter 49 having a predetermined angle for opening the flow straightening gutter 48 to a merging flow passage. Is done.

The merging flow path includes a meandering gutter 50 for reducing the falling velocity of the discharge sphere from the parallel path, and a distribution gutter 5 connected to the meandering gutter 50.
1, an outlet 52 is formed upstream of the distribution gutter 51 and connected to the supply tray 6 on the front of the pachinko machine 1. Distribution gutter 51
On the downstream side of the tray 7 through a gentle inclined gutter 53
Connected to. A movable wall 54 is provided on the gutter wall immediately below the outlet 52 of the distribution gutter 51 so as to tilt by the pressing force when the inside of the gutter 51 becomes full of discharge spheres. A detector 55 for detecting the state is provided. Reference numeral 56 denotes a bell which makes a bell sound upon hitting the discharge ball.

As shown in FIG. 6, the stopper mechanism 41 (discharge mechanism) includes a pair of locking members 60a, 60b which can be respectively advanced and retracted in the parallel path of the inclined gutter 49, and solenoids 61a, 61b which respectively advance and retract them. Etc. The locking members 60a and 60b are formed in a fan shape, and are swingably supported by a support shaft 62 via a main part at a downstream side of the gutter. The outer periphery of the locking members 60a and 60b is formed on an arc-shaped sphere blocking surface coinciding with the swing locus, and a link 63 is provided in the vicinity thereof (at a position offset with respect to the support shaft 62).
Solenoids 61a and 61b are pin-connected via a and 63b.

The locking members 60a, 6
A slit corresponding to 0b is formed. The positional relationship between the locking members 60a and 60b and the slit relative to the gutter 49 is set such that two pachinko balls are lined up in the gutter 49 when the locking members 60a and 60b enter the gutter 49.

When the solenoids 61a and 61b are not energized, the locking members 60a and 60b enter the inclined gutter 49 and regulate the flow of the pachinko ball by the ball blocking surface. When the solenoids 61a and 61b are energized from this state, the locking members 60a and 60b retreat from inside the gutter 49 via the links 63a and 63b, and allow the pachinko balls to flow down. When the power supply to the solenoids 61a and 61b is cut off,
The locking members 60a, 60b return to the initial state by the urging forces of the return springs 64a, 64b, enter the gutter 49, and regulate the flow of the pachinko balls again.

The detector 65 detects a prize ball in a parallel path.
At positions a and 65b, in the state where the locking members 60a and 60b enter, they are installed in the storage portion 66 integrally formed with the inclined gutter 49 at a position surrounding substantially the center of the second pachinko ball following the head, and discharge the prize balls. An on-off signal is output accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 4, a ball drain gutter 67 is formed in the merging channel of the discharge gutter 42 so as to branch off from the lower part of the meandering gutter 50, and an opening / closing door 68 is provided at the branch. Door 68
Is driven by a solenoid (not shown) to shut off the ball drain gutter 67 in the closed state, while connecting the ball drain gutter 67 to the meandering gutter 50 and opening the downstream side of the meandering gutter 50 when opened. I have. Note that the pachinko balls flowing down the ball drain gutter 67 are discharged to a collection gutter (not shown) at the rear of the pachinko machine, similarly to the payout prize balls of the prize ball processing device 22 and the out balls from the out ball lead-out gutter 69. .

Here, the game board 70 mounted on the front frame 3 of the pachinko machine 1 has a guide rail 71 as shown in FIG.
A plurality of symbols (for example, 0 to 0)
A variable display device 72 that variably displays (number 9) and a variable winning device 73 (electrically-operated accessory) below the variable display device 72 that can be converted to an open state in which game balls can be easily received.

A first specific winning opening 74 is provided between the variable display device 72 and the variable winning device 73, and the variable winning device 73 is provided.
A second specific winning opening 75 is provided on the left and right sides of the box, and detectors 76 and 77 for detecting a winning ball are installed in these specific winning openings 74 and 75, respectively. Reference numeral 78 denotes a general winning opening on the upper left and right sides of the game area, and 79 denotes a general winning opening on the lower left and right (including mechanically operated opening / closing wings, which are changed into a closed state and an open state each time a game ball wins).

When the pachinko ball is hit in the game area and the first specific winning opening 74 is won, the variable display 7
2 is converted into a display, and a special game right is generated when the combination of the display symbols at the time of stop is a specific jackpot mode.
When the player wins the special winning opening 75, the variable winning device 73 is changed to an open state, and a special game with a high winning rate is performed. Note that all winning balls enter the collecting gutter on the back side of the game board 70 and are guided to the winning ball processing device 22 thereunder.

In this case, for example, the number of prize balls is set to be different between the first specific prize, the second specific prize, and the general prize including the prize in the variable prize device 73.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the whole control system of the pachinko machine 1, wherein 100 is a control unit of the game board 70, 200 is a control unit of the ball discharging device 20, and 300 is a control unit of the ball lending machine 2. is there.

The control unit 100 of the game board controls the game control.
Functions as road, winning the first and second specific prize detectors 76, 77 and the various detectors (variation such as winning counters winning device 73) and the winning ball processing apparatus as safe ball dispensing mechanism 22 of the game board 70 Based on the signal from the ball detector 28, the variable display 72 of the game board 70 and the variable winning device 7
3 and a control unit as an emission control circuit described later.
For example, output of a prize ball number signal for winning is controlled.

The control unit 200 of the ball discharge device responds to a signal of the number of prize balls from the control unit 100 of the game board or a request signal to discharge the loaned ball from the control unit 300 of the ball lending machine. The discharged ball detectors 65a and 65b. And control the ejection of pachinko balls based on the signal of

The control unit 300 of the ball lending machine comprises a card reader control device 301 and a ball lending control device 302. When the ball lending button 10 is pressed, a predetermined number of buttons are turned on once within the range of the balance of the inserted card. And discharge of the loaned ball is controlled, and at the end of the discharge, the subtraction processing of the card balance frequency and the like are controlled.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the control unit 100 of the game board. The accessory control means 101 is the first
Control of the display of the variable display device 72 based on the detection of the specific winning, and also determines whether the combination of the display symbols at the time of the stop is a specific jackpot mode, and generates a special game right when the jackpot is determined. On the other hand, during the right generation, the variable winning device 73 is opened based on the detection of the second specific winning, and is controlled so as to close when a predetermined time elapses or a winning of a predetermined count of game balls is detected. Even if the number of activations of the winning device 73 does not reach the prescribed value, the second
When the number of times that the specific winning is detected reaches a predetermined number, or when the jackpot of the combination of stop symbols on the variable display device 72 is determined, the right to generate is canceled.

Further, the first and second specific winnings are instructed in order to output different numbers of award balls in the first specific winning, the second specific winning, and the general winning including the winning in the variable winning device 73. First and second specific winning counting means 1 for storing numbers respectively
02, 103 and the winning ball detector 2 of the winning ball processing device 22
Emission priority control means 10 for instructing the discharge of the number of prize balls of the first priority at that time according to a predetermined priority order according to the presence or absence of the specific winning memory at the time of detecting the presence of the ball 8.
4, prize ball data determination means 105 for receiving the first priority discharge command when the prize ball detector detects the presence of a ball, and determining the number of discharge prize balls of the transmission data, prize ball data transmission control means 106, and the like. Provided.

In this case, if there are the first and second specific prize memories, they are sequentially determined as prize ball data from the number of prize balls for the first specific prize, and the prize ball detector has no second specific prize memory. When only the presence of 28 balls is detected, the number of prize balls for a general prize is determined as prize ball data. In addition,
Although the number of prize balls set for each winning opening, the first discharge ball cannot be detected by the detectors 65a and 65b from the positional relationship with the locking members 60a and 60b in the stopper mechanism 41 in FIG. Is set.

The first and second specific winning counting means 10
Reference numerals 2 and 103 denote prize ball detectors 2 associated with the payout of prize balls each time the discharge process corresponding to the prize memory is completed.
In response to the ball absence detection of No. 8, the count value of the winning memory is decremented (-1).

The prize ball data transmission control means 106 includes a synchronizing signal generating means 108 for generating a timing signal (clock pulse) for setting and reading the number of prize balls based on the reset pulse of the accessory control system as shown in FIG. A transmission interval control means 109 for outputting a clock control pulse for providing a predetermined interval (for example, for one character) between transmission data, and repeating the award ball number data into serial data in synchronization with these pulse signals The serial conversion control means 110 converts the serial data during the detection of the presence of a sphere by the winning sphere detector 28 in accordance with the synchronization signal. The data transmission processing ends.

The winning sphere detection signal dividing means 111 divides the detection signal (on-off signal) indicating the presence or absence of a sphere from the prize sphere detector 28 into the transmitting side and the receiving side of the prize sphere data and inputs the divided signals. FIG. 11 shows a specific circuit configuration. In this example, the output level of the signal to the receiving side, that is, the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device is amplified.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a control unit 200 for the ball discharging device.
A transmission unit 112 for transmitting a winning prize ball detection signal, prize ball number data (serial data) and a synchronizing signal thereof, and for transmitting game sound data corresponding to the game situation from the accessory control unit 101 also. Driver).

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of the inside of the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device. In addition to the receiving units 201 and 202 (receivers) corresponding to the transmitting units 107 and 112 of the control unit 100 of the game board, respectively. To
Receiving means 203 (receiver) for a request signal for discharging a loaned ball from the control unit 300 of the ball lending machine and a discharge operation signal thereof, and a transmitting means 204 for processing a signal for enabling discharge of a loaned ball to the control unit 300 and an end signal for discharging the same.
(Driver).

The prize ball number data reception control means 205 generates a request for discharging the prize ball (when the prize ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball).
Then, the number of prize balls is read from the received data (serial data) in accordance with the synchronizing signal, and a command such as a discharging process is issued. Upon receiving the emission request signal from the ball lending machine 2, the number-of-emitted-balls storage means 206 outputs predetermined number-of-emitted-ball data. Then, these emission number data are input to the emission control means 208 via the emission priority control means 207 which performs priority control of the emission processing (priority is given to emission of the lending ball except during the award ball emission processing). The emission priority control means 2
07 outputs a control sound (discharge sound) command for discriminating the discharge of the prize ball and the loaned ball together with the discharge number data.

The discharge control means 208 controls the discharge of pachinko balls based on the input data from the prize ball number data reception control means 205 or the input data from the rental ball discharge number storage means 206. When the prize balls are discharged, the ball discharge device 20 is used. Solenoid 6
1a and 61b are driven and the number of discharges is counted based on the signals from the detectors 65a and 65b. When the number reaches the required number, the driving of the solenoids 61a and 61b is stopped. At the end of discharging the prize ball, a payout ball payout command is output.
9 is a winning ball processing device 2 based on a signal from the detector 28.
The solenoid 31 is controlled so as to discharge one winning prize ball.

At the time of discharging the lent ball, the driving of the solenoids 61a and 61b of the sphere discharging device is controlled in accordance with the requested number, and at the end of the discharging, the control unit 3 of the ball rental machine is controlled.
At 00, a discharge end signal for instructing a subtraction process of the card balance frequency is output.

The discharge control means 208 controls the operation of the discharge ball number display 16 on the front of the pachinko machine 1 in accordance with the discharge of the prize balls and the lending balls, and further controls the lighting of the display lamp 5 during the discharge of the prize balls. The solenoid 61 of the ball discharging device 20
In accordance with the number of discharge requests for a and 61b, it is preferable to perform discharge control either sequentially from only one of the locking members 60a or 60b or simultaneously using both of the locking members 60a and 60b.

The control sound storage means 210 stores data such as the sound of the prize ball and the sound of the loaned ball and the error sound.
The control sound data corresponding to the emission discrimination signal from the emission priority control means 207 and the reception error signal from the reception monitoring means 211 are output. The reception monitoring means 211 monitors the reception of prize ball data from the control unit 100 of the game board. When the detection of the presence of a ball from the prize ball detector 28 is received, the prize ball number data is received within a predetermined time from that point. Reception control means 2
When the reception completion signal has not been input from step 05, a reception error signal is output. The sound priority control unit 212 stores the sound effect data from the control unit 100 of the game board and the control sound storage unit 21.
It performs priority processing with respect to control sound data starting from 0 (priority is given to processing of emission sound data), and controls the driving of the speaker 214 via the sound effect generating means 213. The reception error signal is also input to the discharge control means 208, so that the prize ball discharge display lamp 5 is turned on during the reception error. Reference numeral 215 denotes an amplifier for amplifying the output to the speaker 214.

Further, award ball number data reception control means 205
As shown in FIG. 13, data reading control means 216 for reading the number of award balls from received data (serial data) from the control unit 100 of the game board in accordance with the synchronization signal, and a plurality of reading data (in this example, sequentially stored in this example) The received data storage means 217 to 219 are compared with the data contents (the number of prize balls) of these storage means 217 to 219. If the same data contents are repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the prize ball data is received. A reception data determining means 220 for outputting the number of prize balls together with a completion signal;
When the absence of a ball is detected, the storage of received data is cleared.

In FIG. 3, the control unit 10 of the game board
0 is on the back of the collecting gutter and the control unit 20 of the discharge device.
Numerals 0 are attached to the back of the front frame 3, respectively, and these are connected by a serial line or the like. 80 is the discharging device 2
0 control unit 200 and ball rental machine 2 control unit 3
It is a relay board such as a signal line connecting 00.

Next, discharge control of the prize ball will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 14 shows a main flow on the control unit 100 side of the game board. When the first or second specific winning detector 76 or 77 detects a winning of a game ball, the respective winning memories are added (+1) ( 1.01 to 1.04). When the winning ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball, the process starts the transmission start process following the process of determining the number of winning balls (1.10 to 1.12). The transmission process is performed in accordance with the start of transmission of the prize ball data, and when the prize ball detector 28 detects that there is no ball, the process proceeds to a termination process of the transmission. The subtraction process (-1) of the winning memory is performed (1.05 to 1.0).
9).

In the process of determining the number of prize balls, when the prize ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball, if there is a first specific prize memory as shown in FIG. 15, the number of prize balls for the first specific prize is determined. If there is no prize memory and there is a second specific prize memory, the number of prize balls for the second specific prize is determined as prize ball data if there is no first and second specific prize memory, and if there is no first and second specific prize memory, the number of prize balls for general prize is determined. (2.01 to 2.05).

In the transmission start process, when the number of winning balls is converted into 4-bit (D3 to D0) serial data as shown in FIG. 16, the data set of D3 is output simultaneously with the determination of the number of winning balls, and The reset counter of the control system reset pulse and the clock counter of the data set read clock pulse are cleared (3.01 to 3.0, respectively).
3).

In the award ball data transmission process, as shown in FIG. 17, the reset counter is activated after the transmission start process is completed, and when the reset counter becomes "2", the reset counter is cleared and the clock counter is activated simultaneously (4. 01-4.04). When the clock counter is 8 or less, the clock output is inverted, and when the clock counter is "2", "4", or "6", a data set of D2, D1, or D0 is output (4.05).
To 4.12). When the clock counter becomes "8", the data output is fixed at "H" and the transmission data is spaced by one character, and when the clock counter becomes "16", the clock counter is cleared and the D3 data set is output at the same time. (4.13 to 4.17), and the transmission operation of the winning ball number data is repeated until the winning ball detector detects the absence of a ball.

When the winning ball detector 28 detects the absence of a ball, both the clock output and the data output are fixed to "H" as shown in FIG. 18 (5.01, 5.0).
2).

In the subtraction processing of the prize memory, the first specific prize memory is stored when the prize ball data is the number of prize balls corresponding to the first specific prize as shown in FIG. Similarly, when the number of prize balls for the second specific prize is the number of prize balls, the second specific prize memory is subtracted (-1) (6.0).
1-6.04).

FIG. 20 shows a control unit 200 of the ball discharging device.
The main flow of the game is performed by first reading out a discharge request signal from the ball lending machine 2, and then, when the winning ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball, the control unit 100 of the game board.
From the award ball data (7.05 to 7.
07). Then, when the lending ball is discharged, the lending ball discharge processing is performed, and when the prize ball is discharged, the prize ball discharging processing is performed (7.01 to 7.04).

In the award ball data reading process, as shown in FIG. 21, the serial data D3 to D0 are sequentially read in synchronization with the falling edge of the clock, and the reception counter is incremented (+1).
Then, these data are stored in a bit position corresponding to the reception counter in the storage unit corresponding to the storage counter (8.01 to 8.04). When the reception counter is "5", that is, when the storage of the data D3 to D0 in one storage unit is completed, the reception counter is returned to "1" and the storage counter is added (+1). Is repeated when the data contents of the storage sections corresponding to the storage counters 1 and 2 are the same and the data contents of the storage sections corresponding to the storage counters 1 and 3 are the same. The discharge processing according to the number of balls is started (8.05 to 8.12). When the storage counter is 4, the storage counter is returned to "1" (8.09).

The discharge processing of the prize ball controls the operation of the discharge solenoids 61a and 61b while counting the ON / OFF signals of the discharge ball detectors 65a and 65b in accordance with the number of discharge requests, and as shown in FIG. When the ejection is completed, the payout ball payout solenoid 31 is turned on (9.05 to 9.5).
07). As a result, one winning ball is ejected, and when the winning ball detector 28 detects that there is no ball, the payout ball payout solenoid 31 is turned off, all received data storage is cleared, and the receiving counter is set to "1". "(9.01 to 9.04).

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of the data reading process as well as the transmission start and transmission process of the prize ball data. In the control unit 100 of the gaming board, a clock pulse having a half frequency of the reset pulse is generated at the start of transmission. In the serial conversion of the prize ball data, the output of D3 at the start of transmission is "2" of the clock counter,
Outputs of D2, D1 and D0 are set in synchronization with "4" and "6", respectively. The clock counter is "1"
6 ", the data output between" 8 "and" 16 "is cleared to" H ", that is, no data set is performed, and at the same time when the clock counter is cleared, data is similarly set again from the output of D3. This data set is repeated until the transmission ends, for example, the number of award balls 1
In the three data sets, the output of D3 is high, the output of D2 is high, the output of D1 is low, and the output of D0 is high.

In the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device, the received data is read in synchronization with the clock pulse at the time of the falling edge, and these data are stored in the storage section corresponding to the storage counter at the bit position corresponding to the reception counter. You. Then, when the data contents of each storage unit (in this case, a data read with 13 prize balls) are all the same, the number of discharge prize balls is determined. The storage unit corresponding to the storage counter 3 is not shown for convenience.

Next, the overall operation will be described. Gaming board 7
When the game ball wins in each of the winning ports 73-75, 78, 79 of No. 0, all the winning balls enter the collecting gutter on the back side of the game board 70 and are guided to the winning ball processing device 22 below the same, and the stopper mechanism 27 The flow is stopped once.

In the control unit 100 of the game board, when the winning ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball, a predetermined prize is determined for each winning port according to whether or not the first and second winning detectors 76 and 77 are on-memory. Prize sphere data is determined from the number of spheres in accordance with a predetermined priority, and the prize sphere data is converted into serial data and transmitted continuously along with a synchronization signal.

The control unit 200 of the ball discharging device reads the number of award balls from the received data in accordance with the synchronization signal, and the solenoids 61a and 61b open the stopper mechanism 41 of the ball discharging device 20 for an operation time corresponding to the read data.
Control. In that case, the stopper mechanism 41 is converted to an open state by turning on the solenoids 61a and 61b, and the count value of the discharge balls (sling balls flowing down the gutter) detected by the prize-ball detectors 65a and 65b becomes the required number. When it reaches
When the solenoids 61a and 61b are turned off, they are returned to the closed state. When the ejection of the prize ball is completed, a payout command of the prize ball is output. When the solenoid 31 of the prize ball processing device 22 is turned on and off once,
One winning ball is ejected from the stopper mechanism 27.

When the detector 28 detects that there is no ball in accordance with the payout of the winning ball, the control unit 100 of the game board stops the transmission of the winning ball data in response to the detection, and
The prize memory corresponding to the discharge processing is subtracted. When the detector 28 detects the presence of a ball by the next prize ball, a request for discharging the prize ball is generated again.

The solenoid 61 of the ball discharging device 20
a and 61b, the solenoids 61a and 61b on both sides are operated when the number of balls is large, and only the solenoids 61a or 61b on one side are operated when the number of balls is small, that is, combined discharge and alternate discharge are selectively performed according to the number of balls. It is good to

As described above, the control unit 2 of the ball discharging device
00 corresponds to received data only by receiving continuous transmission of prize ball data from the control unit 100 of the game board, and without having to dare to transmit a data retransmission request signal even when a part of the data cannot be normally received. Since the end signal of the discharging process is not returned, there is no room for trying to use the return of these signals to the control unit 100 of the game board to perform fraud. In addition, since serial communication is used to transmit the prize ball data to the control unit 200 of the ball discharge device, it is not necessary to increase the number of lines even if the number of prize ball data (winning types having different prize ball numbers) increases. It is easy to deal with, and it is effective in terms of noise countermeasures since only a single serial line is required.

The control unit 100 of the game board continuously sends prize ball data at predetermined intervals, while the control unit 200 of the ball discharge device reads the prize ball data and compares the data contents to compare the same data. The number of prize balls to be ejected is determined on the condition of the predetermined number of consecutive times, so even if a part of the transmitted data may be disturbed due to the influence of noise, etc. Can be secured.

Further, a prize ball discharge request is generated by the detection of the presence of the ball by the prize ball detector 28, and the transmission end processing of the prize ball data and the subtraction processing of the prize memory are performed by the detection of the absence of the ball accompanying the payout of the prize ball. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a separate command means for these processes, and it is possible to accurately detect the end of the prize ball discharge.

When a request to discharge a lent ball is issued based on a command from the control unit 300 of the ball lending machine, the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device causes the solenoids 61a and 61b to operate in the same manner as described above based on the data on the number of discharged balls. Thus, the set number of loaned balls is discharged via the stopper mechanism 41. By pressing the ball lending button 10 on the front of the pachinko machine 1, the lending balls can be repeatedly discharged within the range of the balance frequency of the inserted card.

As described above, in the present invention, award ball discharge
The control signal from the required ball detection means
Divided by outgoing signal dividing means, game control circuit and discharge control
Since it is input to both control circuits, progress related to prize ball ejection
The state can be grasped by both the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit,
The reliability of prize ball discharge is improved. Also, there is only one ball detection means
Cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine front side.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a partially cut back view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation state of a stopper mechanism of the winning ball processing device.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a stopper mechanism of the ball discharging device.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the entire control system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control unit of the game board.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the award ball data transmission control means.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a winning ball detection signal dividing means.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control unit of the ball discharging device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the award ball data receiving means.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating control contents.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a control operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 ball discharging device 22 winning ball processing device 28 winning ball detector 31 winning ball payout solenoid 61a, 61b ball discharging solenoid 65a, 65b discharging ball detector 76 first specific winning detector 77 second specific winning detector 100 game Board control unit 102 First specific prize counting means 103 Second specific prize counting means 105 Prize ball data determination means 106 Prize ball data transmission control means 111 Prize ball detection signal division means 200 Control unit of ball discharge device 205 Prize ball Data reception control means 208 Ejection control means 209 Winning ball payout control means

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A ball game machine having a plurality of winning areas.
A ball-and-ball game having a game board detachably provided and a ball discharge device capable of discharging a required number of prize balls
In a gaming machine, a gaming operation such as an electrical gaming device provided on the gaming board
Game control circuit that mainly controls
The discharge control circuit that controls the discharge operation of the ball is separately separated from the discharge control circuit.
The game control circuit includes the ball corresponding to the winning area.
Prize ball number setting means for setting the number of prize balls discharged by the discharge device
Is provided, and information based on the number of prize balls set by the prize ball number setting means is provided.
Single direction from the game control circuit to the discharge control circuit
Become configured to transmit only the direction, control signals from the required sphere detection means involved in prize balls emission control
Divided and output to the game control circuit and the discharge control circuit
Characterized by providing a sphere detection signal dividing means that performs
Gaming machine.