JP5305534B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that realizes quick winning ball payout by a winning ball paying unit.

  In a pachinko machine, a ball that has been bulleted flows down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the game ball). In the course of the flow, the game ball rolls while colliding with a game nail or windmill in the game area, and the flow direction changes. As a result, if a game ball wins at various winning holes arranged on the game area, a predetermined winning ball is paid out. On the other hand, if a game ball flows into the out port without winning any of the winning holes, the winning ball Will not be paid out. The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the game ball flowing down and expecting the game ball to be won and paid out.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine, there is a launching device that launches game balls toward the game area, a prize ball payout unit for paying out prize balls to the player, a game ball launch and a prize ball payout Control means and the like for controlling are arranged. This control means executes the payout of a prize ball to the player through the prize ball payout unit when a game ball has entered the prize opening in the game area.

  The game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit are supplied to the ball tray through a ball passage provided in the gaming machine frame. In this award ball payout, for example, when a game ball is not sufficiently replenished to the upstream game ball storage tank or in the middle of the ball path from the game ball storage tank to the prize ball payout unit, In some cases, there may be a shortage of game balls to be paid out as prize balls. In particular, when the number of payout prize balls becomes large, such as when a big hit occurs, the above-mentioned ball shortage state may occur. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, when a ball shortage occurs when a big hit occurs, the winning ball payout operation is stopped and the operation of the game control circuit and the variable winning device is interrupted.

JP-A-11-347216

  However, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the game itself is interrupted and the player is less interested because the prize ball payout operation is stopped when a shortage of balls occurs. In particular, when a shortage of balls occurs during a big hit, a prize ball is stopped and various operations are interrupted at the big hit, which is a phase where the player expects a large amount of profit. Loss and shortage disadvantages occur. Originally, in the case of a shortage of balls, it is necessary to pay out a prize ball even though smoother and quicker than usual in order to compensate for the shortage of balls in order to continue the game smoothly. Decreasing the speed (or stopping) results in an increase in “anxiety” and “irritability” for the player.

  In addition, when the shortage of balls occurs, the payout speed is reduced (or stopped), resulting in a delay in the number of payout balls (the difference between the number of game balls that should be paid out and the number of game balls that were actually paid out). To do. If the number of balls related to this delay is too large, it will be necessary to perform a large amount of prize ball payout processing in order to eliminate the delay, for example, when there is essentially no prize ball payout, such as after the end of a big hit. . For example, “a lot of prize ball payouts with timing delays” for eliminating the delay is, for example, “the prize ball payouts that are not made in time even after the jackpot ends are continuously made, giving the player a sense of incongruity”. “The winning ball is not paid in time even after the jackpot is over, and the number of winning balls per unit time after the jackpot is judged to be an abnormal value by the hall computer.” ”Is caused.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is exemplary to provide a gaming machine capable of realizing a quicker and more reliable payout of a winning ball, particularly when the number of winning balls tends to be insufficient. Let it be an issue.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a gaming machine as an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a gaming board unit provided with a gaming area for realizing a game based on a flow of gaming balls, and a gaming machine including the gaming board unit. Controls the operation of a prize ball payout unit and a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls based on the winning of game balls to a prize area arranged in the game area. A prize ball payout unit that receives a prize ball from the first prize ball path and a first prize ball path that guides the prize balls to the downstream side in a plurality of rows. Detecting a ball shortage state in each of a plurality of rows of the first prize ball path and the second prize ball path for guiding the game balls sent from the prize ball payout apparatus to the downstream side And a prize ball payout device is configured to detect the first prize ball. A ball receiving portion for receiving one game ball guided from the vehicle is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of rows, and a predetermined number of game balls are sequentially received and released one by one in the ball receiving portion. A plurality of prize ball delivery members for delivering game balls to the downstream side one by one; and drive means for driving game ball receiving operation and delivery operation by the prize ball delivery member; When it is determined that all the plurality of rows are not in a shortage state, the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member by the driving means is set to the first speed, and the detection result by the detecting means is used. When the ball shortage state is determined in at least one of the plurality of rows, the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member by the driving means is set to a second speed higher than the first speed.

  According to this configuration, the first prize ball passages are configured in a plurality of rows. A plurality of prize ball delivery members are arranged corresponding to each row. Accordingly, the game balls for each row are sequentially sent out by the award ball delivery member corresponding to each row while receiving and discharging. The prize ball delivery member has a ball receiving portion for receiving one game ball. Typically, the prize ball delivery member is, for example, a sprocket-like rotating body, and a plurality of recesses formed on the periphery thereof are ball receiving portions. The drive means is typically a stepping motor, for example, and rotationally drives the sprocket.

  When the game balls are sufficiently supplied to all of the plurality of rows and the ball is not short, the prize ball delivery member is driven at the first speed. The first speed is a speed set so that the prize ball payout process is properly performed, and in the normal state, the prize ball payout process is executed based on the first speed.

  On the other hand, when at least one of the plurality of rows is in a ball shortage state, the prize ball payout process is executed based on the second speed higher than the first speed. In the case of a shortage of balls, the number of payout prize balls per unit time decreases even if the prize ball payout process is continuously executed at the first speed. As a result, anxiety is given to the player and a payout completion delay occurs. However, in the present invention, the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member is increased when the ball is in shortage state, so even in the ball shortage state, the appropriate payout speed is the same as in the normal state. Prize ball payout can be executed.

  For example, when the first prize ball passage is in two rows and one of the rows is in a shortage of balls, the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member is doubled to reduce the number of balls even in the normal state. Even in the state, the number of payout prize balls per unit time can be made equal.

  If the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member is always set to the second speed, the load on the driving means increases, which may cause problems such as heat generation and insufficient driving torque. However, in the present invention, the second speed is set only when the ball is insufficient, and when the ball is not short (normal state), the first speed is set lower than the second speed. There is little need to consider such concerns.

  When the control unit determines that the ball is in shortage state and then determines that all of the plurality of rows are not in a ball shortage state based on the detection result of the detection unit, the driving unit sends out a prize ball after a predetermined extension time has elapsed. The driving speed of the member may be set from the second speed to the first speed.

  In the case of a shortage of balls, the prize ball delivery member is driven at a second speed that is higher than the first speed, so that there is almost no delay in the prize ball payout process. However, for example, when a certain amount of time is required to determine the ball shortage state, there may be a delay in the prize ball payout process for that time. Even if the prize ball delivery member is driven at the second speed, the payout processing delay that originally occurred may not be easily resolved.

  If the second speed cannot be set much higher than the first speed, the decrease in the number of payout balls per unit time due to the shortage of balls can be sufficiently compensated by increasing the driving speed. In some cases, the delay of the payout process gradually increases during the prize ball payout process in the insufficient ball state.

  In such a case, the elimination of the payout processing delay is promoted by continuing to drive the prize ball delivery member at the second speed for a while (ie, a predetermined extension time) after the shortage of balls is resolved. can do. In other words, during the predetermined extended time, there is no shortage of balls, and the prize ball payout process is performed at the second speed, which is high, so the payout speed (the number of payouts per unit time) is increased compared to the normal state. This contributes to delay elimination.

  The predetermined extension time may be a fixed time, but may be variable by the control means judging according to the situation. That is, the payout processing delay amount (the number of unpaid award balls) at the time when the ball shortage state is resolved, and the game situation at the time when the ball shortage state is resolved (for example, whether or not the big hit is in the probability variation) Depending on whether or not, etc., the control means may set the predetermined extension time after adjusting it to an appropriate time.

  When the control means determines a ball shortage state in at least one of the plurality of rows based on the detection result by the detection means, the order of the winning ball payout by the winning ball payout unit is determined according to the prize winning area. It may be different from the order.

  Normally, the winning ball payout processing is performed in the same order as the order of winning in the winning area. That is, the corresponding number of winning balls is set according to the type of winning area. For example, the number of winning balls is “3 winning areas → 10 winning areas → 5 winning areas → 10”. When the game balls are won in the order of “winning area”, the winning ball payout process is also paid out in the order of “3 → 10 → 5 → 10”.

  However, according to this configuration, even when winning is made in the order as described above, the winning ball payout process can be changed in a different order such as “10 → 10 → 5 → 3”. Of course, the total number of payouts does not change before the order is changed. With this configuration, for example, a payout process with a large number of prize balls can be executed intensively first, and a payout process with a small number of prize balls can be postponed.

  Between the prize ball payout process and the prize ball payout process, a drive stop time of a fixed time (for example, 500 ms) is ensured for stopping the driving means and information communication for confirming the number of payouts. Therefore, in the above example, exactly “10 consecutive payouts → drive stop time → 10 continuous payouts → drive stop time → 5 continuous payouts → drive stop time → 3 continuous payouts” Thus, the payout process proceeds. Since the drive stop time is a time that does not contribute to the prize ball payout when the drive means stops, from the viewpoint of speeding up the payout processing as much as possible in the insufficient ball state and preventing the delay, the number of drive stop times is Less is preferable.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of drive stop times until a certain time elapses after a ball shortage state by preceding a payout process with a large number of consecutive payout prize balls. . As a result, it is possible to contribute to speeding up of the payout processing and prevention of processing delay.

  The detection means includes a passage sensor that detects the passage of the game ball sent from the prize ball delivery member, and the control means detects that the passage sensor passes the game ball regardless of the driving of the drive means by a predetermined amount or more. You may judge a ball shortage state based on not detecting.

  It is possible to reliably detect that the game ball is delivered from the prize ball delivery member by the passage sensor. This passage sensor is usually arranged in the second prize ball passage. Each time the driving means is driven by a predetermined amount, the passage sensor detects passage of the prize ball. Here, the predetermined amount is a driving amount corresponding to one game ball being delivered by the prize ball delivery member.

  For example, when a stepping motor as a driving means rotates a sprocket as a prize ball delivery member once by a driving pulse of 96 pulses and six game balls are delivered by one rotation of the sprocket, 96/6 = 16 pulses One game ball is sent out every time of driving. Therefore, the predetermined amount is 16 pulses.

  If the passing sensor does not detect the passing of the game ball in spite of the driving exceeding this driving amount, it is determined that the winning ball has not been received in the ball receiving portion, that is, a shortage of balls has occurred. Can do. Based on this determination, the occurrence of a shortage of balls is judged, and then the driving means is driven until it reaches a position where the game balls in a row that is not in shortage of balls are received by the ball receiving portion, so that the next prize ball can be paid out quickly. Can be done.

  In addition, if the initial position of the prize ball delivery member and the driving means and the prize ball delivery order of a plurality of rows when driving is started from the initial position are known in advance, it is possible to correctly determine which row is in a shortage state. Judgment can be made. If there is an initial position detecting means for detecting the initial position of the award ball delivery member and the driving means, it is possible to more accurately identify the row that is in a shortage state.

  The detection means may include a passage sensor that detects the passage of the game ball sent from the prize ball delivery member for each of the plurality of prize ball delivery members.

  The passage sensor detects the passage of the game ball sent from the prize ball delivery member for each of the plurality of prize ball delivery members. For example, the passage sensor is arranged for each prize ball delivery member and for each of a plurality of rows. Therefore, when the passing sensor does not detect the passing of the gaming ball at the timing when the gaming ball should pass, it can be easily determined that the row corresponding to the passing sensor is in a shortage state. In general, the passage sensor is disposed in the second prize ball passage on the downstream side of the prize ball delivery member.

  The detecting means may include a ball presence / absence sensor that detects the presence / absence of a ball in the first prize ball passage for each of a plurality of rows.

  A ball presence sensor detects the presence or absence of a ball in the first prize ball passage for each of a plurality of rows. For example, a sphere presence / absence sensor is arranged for each of a plurality of rows. Accordingly, it is possible to directly detect whether or not there is a sphere for each column, and it is possible to easily determine which column is in a shortage of spheres.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the speediness and certainty of a prize ball payout operation in a gaming machine. In particular, when a ball shortage occurs in the ball passage of the prize ball payout unit due to a shortage of supply balls or ball clogging, the prize ball payout speed (number of payouts per unit time) due to the shortage of balls Decline and delay in payout processing can be prevented, and a prize ball payout speed equivalent to that in normal times can be secured. As a result, the player's “anxiety” and “irritation” can be prevented.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the internal structure of the prize ball payout unit shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the ball | bowl processing aspect by the rotary body of the prize ball payout apparatus shown in FIG. 2, (a)-(d) is the left rotary body arrange | positioned on the left side, (e)-(h). The sphere processing mode by the right rotator arranged on the right side is shown. Note that (a) to (d) and (e) to (h) show the processing modes of the left and right rotating bodies at the same corresponding time, respectively (a) and (e) are the same timing, ( b) and (f) are the same timing, (c) and (g) are the same timing, and (d) and (h) are the same timing. It is an operation | movement time chart of the motor at the time of payout of 4 prize balls in a prize ball payout process. It is an operation | movement time chart of a motor when paying-out of 4 prize balls in a prize ball payout process continues. It is a block block diagram which shows the electrical schematic structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional block of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the content of the command and information which are transmitted / received between the main control board and payout control board of the pachinko game machine which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a payout control board of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the communication process with the payout control board performed by the main control board side in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 5 is a flowchart of serial communication error monitoring processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of serial communication data reception monitoring processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of a payout command request process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart of payout command transmission processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of a first command (second command) transmission process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart of first command reception confirmation processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of second command reception confirmation processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of a communication process with the main control board performed by the payout control board side in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 5 is a flowchart of serial communication error monitoring processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of serial communication data reception monitoring processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of a communication process with the main control board performed by the payout control board side in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 1st effect | action (payout command transmission by serial communication) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 1st effect | action (payout command transmission by serial communication) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 2nd effect | action (extension of the ball passage waiting time by payout abnormality) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The internal configuration of the prize ball paying unit of the pachinko machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown, (a) shows the case where the left supply passage is not in a shortage of balls, and (b) shows the left supply passage in a shortage of balls. Shows the case. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a state where the left supply passage shown in FIG. 27 is in a shortage of balls and game balls are not supplied to the rotating body, in which (a) shows the vicinity of the left rotating body at the left initial position, and (b) shows the same. The vicinity of the right rotator at the timing is shown. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a state where the left supply passage shown in FIG. 27 is in a shortage of balls and game balls are not supplied to the rotating body, where (a) shows the vicinity of the left rotating body at the right initial position, and (b) shows the same. The vicinity of the right rotator at the timing is shown. It is a flowchart explaining the detection control of the ball shortage state in the left supply path of the prize ball payout unit of the pachinko machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the operation control of the prize ball payout unit in the ball shortage state. It is an operation | movement time chart of the motor in the ball shortage state in the prize ball payout apparatus of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the detection control of the ball shortage state in the left supply path of the prize ball payout device of the pachinko machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and the operation control of the prize ball payout device in the ball shortage state. It is an operation | movement time chart of the motor in the ball shortage state in the prize ball payout apparatus of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the detection control of the ball shortage state based on the condition (1) in the left supply passage of the prize ball payout unit of the pachinko machine according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and the operation control of the prize ball payout unit in the ball shortage state. . It is a flowchart explaining the detection control of the ball shortage state based on the condition (2) in the left supply passage of the prize ball payout unit of the pachinko machine according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and the operation control of the prize ball payout unit in the ball shortage state. .

[Embodiment 1]
<Description of pachinko machine configuration>
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 2 as a gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame unit 3, a gaming board unit 5, a glass 10, a launch unit (not shown), a ball tray 14, and the like. The launch units are configured to be able to launch game balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko machine 2, when a player operates a launcher handle 15 to be described later, a ball is launched by the launch unit toward the game area 16, and a game by the flow of the ball is realized. In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be an arcade machine such as a pachinko slot machine or a coin game machine, and various game machines. In short, a gaming area that realizes a game by the flow of gaming media. Any gaming machine you have is included.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine, any pachinko machine such as a combination pachinko machine such as an arrangement ball machine or a sparrow ball machine, a so-called digipachi type (one type) or a honey mono type (two types) pachinko machine can be conceptualized. In this embodiment, a so-called one-type pachinko machine that realizes a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The gaming machine frame unit 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is for holding a gaming board unit 5 described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface and the front of the pachinko machine 2. In addition to the game board unit 5, various mechanism parts such as various control boards, a path for game balls, and a launching device for game balls are arranged on the inner side of the game machine frame unit 3. Therefore, unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from the peripheral side surface and the front is prevented.

  The outer frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko machine 2, the front frame 9 that is supported by swinging via a hinge 22 so as to be able to be opened and closed forward inside, and the front frame 9 that holds the game board unit 5. The gaming machine frame unit 3 is configured to have a glass frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that is supported and decorates the glass 10 and its surroundings.

  The glass 10 is a transparent member for allowing the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the gaming machine frame unit 3 from the front. The glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glasses and is held on the back side of the glass frame 12, and has a function of forming a flowing-down space for the game ball 23 to flow between the game board 6 and the player through the glass 10. The function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized and the function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6 are exhibited.

  The ball tray 14 is a tray member disposed on the front surface of the front frame 9 for storing the player's ball, and in the present embodiment, has an upper ball tray 14a and a lower ball tray 14b. Yes. The upper ball tray 14a has a ball punching member 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, a lower portion of the glass frame 12, and the lower ball tray 14b is disposed further below the upper ball tray 14a. . A game ball 23 paid out from a prize ball payout unit 60 mounted on the front frame 9 is guided to the ball tray 14.

  The launch unit (not shown) directs the game ball 23 paid out to the launch position from the upper ball tray 14a as a part of the ball tray 14 by the ball feeder (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. It is for firing (bullet ball). The launch unit is attached to the lower part of the front frame 9, and generates a ball force by energizing the launch rod for driving the launch ball, the launch motor for driving the launch rod, and the launch rod. It has a firing spring.

  The game board unit 5 has a game board 6 in which a center accessory 7 as a game accessory is arranged in the approximate center of the game board surface (surface of the game board) 6a, and the game board surface 6a includes a number of game boards 6a. A game nail 27 is also arranged. An effect display device 7a as an image display means is disposed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a display opening 7d for exposing the display portion 7b of the effect display device 7a is formed.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the game ball 23 on the surface side thereof, so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held by a front frame 9 as a part of the gaming machine frame unit 3.

  A rail decoration 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 so as to surround the periphery in a substantially circular shape, and an outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. The game area 16 is a substantially circular area defined by the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the outer rail 26a. A speaker 8 is attached to the outside of the rail decoration 26, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state or the like is output.

  The game nails 27 are flow-down changing members that collide with the game balls 23 flowing down the game area 16 and change the flow-down direction thereof, and many of them are arranged in the game area 16. Also, in the game area 16, a winning member (out prize area) 28, a start winning opening (winning area) 29, a big winning opening (winning area) 31, etc., and a ball entry member and an out mouth 30 are arranged. Each winning member is provided with a winning mouth sensor 25 for detecting a game ball that has entered. Furthermore, a gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the game balls 23 that flow down flow into each ball entry member, pass through the gate 33, and rotate the windmill 34. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the down-flow game by the game ball 23.

  The effect display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, and the like, and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and displays an image on the display unit 7b. It is. A display symbol 7c interlocked with the first symbol is displayed on the display unit 7b of the effect display device 7a. The display symbol 7c is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result of the first lottery means. Further, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display unit 7b. An effect control board 1600 is electrically connected to the effect display device 7a via a relay board, and image display is controlled by the effect control board 1600.

  On the back side of the game board 6, there are a main control board case 35 containing a main control board (a part of the control means) 1000 that controls the entire pachinko machine 2, and control of image display of the effect display device 7a. An effect control board case 36 containing an effect control board 1600 to be performed, a payout control board case 37 containing a payout control board (part of control means) 2000 for controlling the payout of game balls by the prize ball payout unit 60, and a power source A power supply substrate case 38 that accommodates a substrate (not shown) is disposed. A game is realized by each control board accommodated in each control board case. Furthermore, an external output terminal plate 39 for outputting game information such as the gaming state of the pachinko machine 2 to the outside is provided on the back side of the game board 6.

  In addition, on the back surface of the pachinko machine 2, a game ball 23 supplied from a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided on a game machine island in which a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are arranged adjacent to each other is temporarily stored. There are provided a game ball storage tank 40 and a prize ball payout unit 60 through which the game balls 23 from the game ball storage tank 40 flow in and pass through the game balls 23 one by one.

  The game balls 23 paid out from the prize ball payout unit 60 are guided to the ball tray 14 through the prize ball passage. The prize ball passage is provided with a full detection sensor 24 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) that detects a full state in which a plurality of game balls stay in the ball tray. When the full detection sensor 24 detects a full state, a process for limiting the payout control of the game ball 23 by the prize ball payout unit 60 is executed.

  The prize ball payout unit 60 is configured to be driven and controlled by the payout control board 2000, and responds to a request for entering the game ball 23 into various winning holes and a request for lending the game ball 23 via the card unit C. Thus, the game balls 23 are paid out toward the ball tray 14 mounted on the glass frame 12.

  Specifically, when a game ball 23 enters each ball entry member, passage of the game ball 23 is detected by a winning opening sensor 25 attached to the ball entry member. This detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 1000, and in response to this, a predetermined payout command is sent from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 side. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) 23 are paid out by the prize ball payout unit 60. In addition, when a game ball rental request is made by a player via the card unit C, this request signal is transmitted to the payout control board 2000. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls (rented balls) 23 are paid out by the prize ball payout unit 60.

<Description of configuration of prize ball payout unit 60>
Next, the configuration of the prize ball payout unit 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the prize ball payout unit 60. The prize ball payout unit 60 has two rows of supply passages (first prize ball passages) 61 arranged in the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3). A sprocket-like rotating body (prize ball delivery member) 62 is arranged corresponding to each supply passage 61. The rotating body 62 and a motor 50 described later constitute a prize ball payout device. As a result, the prize ball payout unit has a supply path 61, a prize ball payout device, a payout path 65 described later, and detection means (64, 66) described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the prize ball payout unit 60 may be a component in which a supply passage 61, a prize ball payout device, a payout passage 65, and detection means (64, 66) are integrally formed. In addition, the prize ball payout unit 60 includes the supply passage 61, the prize ball payout device, the payout passage 65, and the detection means (64, 66) as separate parts, or at least two of these parts. In a state where the two are combined, it may be attached to the gaming machine frame unit 3 or attached to a base member attached to the back side of the gaming machine frame unit 3. That is, it does not matter in what division form and attachment form the supply path 61, the prize ball payout device, the payout path 65, and the detection means (64, 66) are included in the prize ball payout unit 60.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a ball processing mode by the rotator 62 of the prize ball payout device, wherein (a) to (d) are left rotators 62L and (e) to (h) arranged on the left side. ) Shows a ball processing mode by the right rotating body 62R arranged on the right side. Note that (a) to (d) and (e) to (h) show the processing modes of the left and right rotating bodies at the same corresponding time, respectively (a) and (e) are the same timing, ( b) and (f) are the same timing, (c) and (g) are the same timing, and (d) and (h) are the same timing.

  The prize ball payout unit 60 is attached to the front frame 9 that holds the game board 6, and includes a supply passage 61 (a left supply passage 61L and a right supply passage 61R) through which the game balls 23 from the game ball storage tank 40 flow. Rotating bodies (left rotating body 62L, right rotating body 62R) 62 that receive and send the gaming balls 23 one by one as the game balls 23 that have passed through the supply passage 61 flow in, and are sent out by the rotating body 62. A passage sensor (detection means) 66 for detecting the passage of the game ball and a ball presence sensor (ball presence sensor, detection means) 64 for detecting the presence of the game ball 23 in the supply passage 61 are provided. The passage sensor 66 may be configured to be included in the prize ball payout device, or in the prize ball payout unit 60 (for example, in a payout passage 65 described later) as a separate body from the prize ball payout device. It may be provided.

  The left and right supply passages 61 are configured to guide the game balls 23 supplied from the game ball storage tank 40 toward the left and right rotating bodies 62, respectively. In order to detect the presence of the game ball 23 in the left and right supply passages 61L and 61R, the ball presence sensor 64 has a left ball presence sensor 64L in the left supply passage 61L and a right ball presence sensor 64R in the right supply passage 61R. Each is arranged.

  The sensor with a sphere 64 includes a detection piece 64a that moves in the rotation direction about the rotation axis, and a detection unit 64b that detects the position of the detection piece 64a. The detection piece 64 a is configured to interfere with the game ball 23 in the supply passage 61. When the game ball 23 is in the supply passage 61, the detection piece 64 a is pressed by the game ball 23. The detection unit 64 b detects the detection piece 64 a pressed by the game ball 23. The ball presence sensor 64 is configured to transmit a detection signal to the payout control board 2000, and the payout control board 2000 performs a payout control process described later based on the detection signal of the ball presence sensor 64. The configuration of the ball presence sensor 64 is substantially the same for the left and right sides.

  The left and right rotators 62 are respectively arranged corresponding to the left and right supply passages 61, and the game balls (prize balls) 23 guided by the left supply passage 61L are received by the left rotator 62L, and the right supply passage 61R. The game ball (prize ball) 23 guided by is received by the right rotating body 62R. The configuration of the rotator 62 is substantially the same on the left and right, but the phase to be arranged is different. That is, the left rotator 62L and the right rotator 62R are coaxial, but their arrangement angles in the circumferential direction are shifted by 60 °.

  In the first embodiment, two passage sensors 66 are also arranged on the left and right, and the left passage sensor 66L detects the passage of the game ball 23 sent from the left rotator 62L, and the right rotator 62R detects the passage. The right passage sensor 66R detects the passage of the sent game ball 23. The game ball 23 sent out by the rotating body 62 is guided to the ball tray 14 through the outlet 65a through the payout passage (second prize ball passage) 65 arranged on the downstream side thereof. The passage sensor 66 is disposed in the payout passage 65.

  The game ball 23 that has passed through the supply passages 61L and 61R is guided to the rotating bodies 62L and 62R. The two rotating bodies 62L and 62R are rotated by a motor (driving means) 50 in synchronization with the rotation shaft 62b. Each of the rotating bodies 62L and 62R is formed with three holding portions (ball receiving portions) 63, and is configured to hold the game ball 23 of each supply passage 61 every time it rotates 120 °. Further, the holding portions 63 of the two rotating bodies 62L and 62R are formed so as to be shifted by approximately 60 °, and are configured to alternately receive the game balls 23 every time the rotating shaft 62b rotates 60 °. .

  A payout passage 65 for discharging the game ball 23 to the outside of the winning ball payout unit 60 is connected downstream of the rotating body 62 and reaches the outlet 65a. In addition, two passage sensors 66L and 66R for detecting the passage of the game ball 23 are arranged on the upstream side of the outlet 65a corresponding to the two rotating bodies 62L and 62R, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4H, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R are rotated in the forward direction (X direction shown in the figure), the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63 is moved to the outlet 65a. Flow down. The passage sensors 66L and 66R detect the game balls 23 passing toward the outflow port 65a, respectively, and count the number of game balls paid out by the prize ball payout unit 60.

  Note that when the passage of the game ball 23 is detected by the passage sensor 66, a detection signal is transmitted to the payout control board 2000. The payout control board 2000 performs a payout control process to be described later based on the detection signal of the passage sensor 66.

<Explanation of prize ball payout operation procedure by rotating body>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a procedure for a prize ball payout operation by the rotating body 62 will be described. 4A to 4D show the vicinity of the left rotator 62L, and FIGS. 4E to 4H show the vicinity of the right rotator 62R. First, in the state shown in FIG. 4A, the left rotating body 62L is positioned such that the holding portion 63a faces the left supply passage 61L, and receives the game ball 23 from the left supply passage 61L.

  Since the phase of the right rotator 62R is approximately 60 ° out of phase with the left rotator 62L, the holding portions 63a to 63c of the right rotator 62R are in the state of FIG. 4 (e) at the same timing as FIG. 4 (a). Does not face the right supply passage 61R. The protrusion between the holding portion 63c and the holding portion 63a of the right rotator 62R is positioned so as to face the right supply passage 61R, and the right rotator 62R does not accept the game ball 23.

  The holding parts 63 a to 63 c are formed with a depth of about half or more of the diameter of the game ball 23. Therefore, at this time, the game ball 23 received by the holding portion 63a of the left rotating body 62L is approximately hemispherical (half pitch) than the game ball 23 that is not received by contacting the protruding portion of the right rotating body 62R. Min), it will be located below.

  Subsequently, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R rotate about 60 ° in the X direction, the state shown in FIGS. 4B and 4F is obtained. In FIG. 4B, the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63a of the left rotating body 62L is about to be sent out toward the payout passage 65. In this state, the protruding portion between the holding portion 63a and the holding portion 63b of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, and the game ball 23 cannot be received. Therefore, in the left supply passage 61L, the game ball 23 following the game ball 23 received in the holding portion 63a falls by about a half pitch and is in contact with the protruding portion.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4F at the same timing as FIG. 4B, when the right rotating body 62R also rotates 60 ° in the X direction, the holding portion 63a is opposed to the right supply passage 61R instead of the protruding portion. It becomes the position to do. As a result, the game ball 23 that has been in contact with the protruding portion falls by approximately half a pitch and is received into the holding portion 63a.

  Further, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R rotate about 60 ° in the X direction, the state shown in FIGS. 4C and 4G is obtained. FIG. 4C shows a state in which the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63a of the left rotating body 62L is released and flows down and is detected by the left passage sensor 66L. In this state, the holding portion 63b of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, and the next game ball 23 falls by about a half pitch and is received by the holding portion 63b.

  As shown in FIG. 4G at the same timing as FIG. 4C, when the right rotator 62R also rotates 60 ° in the X direction, the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63a faces the payout passage 65. It is about to be sent out. In this state, the protruding portion between the holding portion 63a and the holding portion 63b of the right rotating body 62R faces the right supply passage 61R, and the game ball 23 cannot be received. Accordingly, in the right supply passage 61R, the game ball 23 following the game ball 23 received in the holding portion 63a falls by about a half pitch and is in contact with the protruding portion.

  Further, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R rotate about 60 ° in the X direction, the state shown in FIGS. 4D and 4H is obtained. In FIG. 4D, the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63b of the left rotating body 62L is about to be sent out toward the payout passage 65. In this state, the protruding portion between the holding portion 63b and the holding portion 63c of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, and the game ball 23 cannot be received. Therefore, in the left supply passage 61L, the game ball 23 following the game ball 23 received in the holding portion 63b falls by about a half pitch and comes into contact with the protruding portion.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4H at the same timing as FIG. 4D, when the right rotating body 62R also rotates 60 ° in the X direction, the game ball held by the holding portion 63a of the right rotating body 62R. 23 is discharged and flows down, and is detected by the right passage sensor 66R. In this state, the holding portion 63b is opposed to the right supply passage 61R, not the protruding portion. As a result, the game ball 23 that has been in contact with the protruding portion falls by approximately a half pitch and is received into the holding portion 63b.

  As described above, when the rotating body 62 rotates in the X direction based on the control command from the payout control board 2000, the left rotating body 62L and the right rotating body 62R alternately receive and release the game balls 23. Repeat the sending operation. Six game balls (prize balls) 23 are paid out to the payout passage 65 by one rotation of the rotating body 62, that is, one game ball (prize ball) 23 is discharged every 1/6 rotation.

  Note that the initial position (also referred to as home position (HP)) of the rotating body 62 is a state where the holding portion 63 faces the supply passage. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the holding portion 63 of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L (hereinafter referred to as the left initial position), or FIGS. As shown in h), one of the states where the holding portion 63 of the right rotating body 62R faces the right supply passage 61R (hereinafter referred to as the right initial position) is the initial position. The rotator 62 is stopped after being rotated by the motor 50 to any one of the initial positions after completing the prize ball payout processing. At this time, whether the ball receiving portion of the right or left rotating body stops in a state of facing the supply passage differs depending on the number of awarded balls. The initial position where the initial position stops after paying out an odd number of prize balls from the state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C is the state shown in FIGS. 4F and 4H.

  For example, the motor shaft of the motor 50 is directly connected to the rotating body 62, and a disk member (not shown) in which six slits are formed is attached to the motor shaft. The six slits are cutout portions formed at six equal positions in the radial direction from the motor shaft center, and each of the three holding portions 63a to 63c of the left rotating body 62L and the three holding portions of the right rotating body 62R. This corresponds to a total of six holding portions 63 of 63a to 63c.

  The disk member is arranged so as to shield the sensor light of a light projection / reception type position sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the motor 50 and its position, and the sensor light is projected only when a slit is positioned in the sensor light portion. The rotation / stop of the motor 50 and the rotation angle position can be detected by illuminating. That is, the output of the position sensor is turned on when the holding portion 63 of one of the rotating bodies 62 is in a position facing the supply passage 61, and the output of the position sensor is turned off when the holding portion 63 is in any other position. Thus, it is possible to detect the initial position of six times during one rotation of the rotating body 62.

  Of course, the left-side initial position and the right-side initial position may be discriminated by further contrivance. For example, the radial position of the three slits corresponding to the left initial position on the disk member and the radial position of the three slits corresponding to the right initial position are made different so that light projection / light shielding at each radial position is performed. You may arrange | position the position sensor to detect so that sensor light may become a different radial direction position. Also, whether the ON signal detected corresponding to the slit corresponds to the left initial position also by making the slit width of the slit corresponding to the left initial position different from the slit width corresponding to the right initial position. It can be determined whether the position corresponds to the right initial position.

  Further, the same effect can be achieved even if a slit is formed in the rotating body 62 itself and a slit is detected by the position sensor without providing a disc member separately. If the position sensor can be arranged at the phase (angular position) where the slit is positioned when the rotator 62 is at the initial position, the rotator 62 is moved to the initial position when the position sensor detects an ON signal (light projection). It becomes. However, if the slit angular position (phase) when the rotator 62 is at the initial position is different from the angular position (phase) of the position sensor, a certain step is performed after the position sensor detects an ON signal (light projection). It is determined that the rotating body 62 is in the initial position when driven.

<Description of motor drive>
The motor 50 drives the rotating body 62 in the X direction on the basis of a drive signal (a signal indicating the number of steps) from the payout control board 2000 to execute a prize ball payout process. 5 and 6 are operation time charts of the motor 50. FIG. FIG. 5 shows a case where a payout process with 4 prize balls is performed. In FIG. 6, a drive signal requesting a payout process with 4 prize balls is continuously sent from the payout control board 2000. Shows the case.

  5 and 7, (a) shows on (rotation) and off (stop) of the motor 50. (B) shows the position sensor output of the motor 50. As described above, the position sensor of the motor 50 is, for example, a known sensor composed of a light projecting / receiving sensor and a slit for detecting the rotation angle position of the shaft of the motor shaft or the rotating body 62, Each time one is paid out, one pulse (ON signal) is output. (C) is a signal sent out from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side to indicate “whether the prize ball payout process is in progress (ON signal) or not (OFF signal)” (D) is a sensor output from the winning port sensor 25 indicating the winning of the game ball 23 to the starting winning port 29, and an ON signal is output when there is a winning. Of course, even when the game ball 23 wins the other winning holes 28 and 31, an ON signal is output from the corresponding winning hole sensor 25.

  4C is sent out from the payout control board 2000 when the signal transmission from the payout control board 2000 to the main board 1000 is performed in a parallel format. When signal transmission from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side is performed in a serial format, a prize ball payout signal is not continuously sent, but the payout control board 2000 from the main control board 1000 side. An inquiry signal is periodically sent to the side. Then, a prize ball paying out signal is returned from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side in response to the inquiry signal.

  (E) shows the transmission timing of a prize ball payout command transmitted from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000. FIG. Here, “A” is a prize ball payout command transmitted in response to winning of the game ball 23 and includes information on the number of prize balls (in this example, four). “B” is a prize ball payout command for starting the prize ball payout operation, and the driving of the motor 50 is started by the command of “B”.

  (F) and (g) are output signals detected when the passage sensor 66 detects the passage of a ball (that is, normal payout of a game ball), for example, (f) is an output signal of the left passage sensor 66L, (g) Indicates an output signal of the right passage sensor 66R. When the game ball 23 passes the passage sensor 66, an ON signal is output. (H) indicates a count value of a payout counter 2322 (see FIG. 10) described later. The payout counter 2322 is set with a prize ball payout start (that is, with the completion of sending of the prize ball payout command “A”, and a planned number of payout prize balls to be paid out (for example, 4). Each time the passing of the game ball 23 is detected, the planned payout winning ball number is decremented by one.

  When the winning opening sensor 25 transmits a sensor output (ON signal) indicating winning of the game ball 23, a winning ball payout command “A” is sent from the main control board 1000. Upon receipt of the prize ball payout command “A”, the planned payout prize ball number of 4 is set in the payout counter 2322.

  The subsequent prize ball payout command “B” is sent as a trigger, the drive of the motor 50 is started, and the payout operation is started. If the number of scheduled payout balls is not 0, the motor 50 is rotated at a speed of 1 step 3 ms (9 ms at the time of the position sensor inspection of the motor 50) and driven by 16 steps to pay out one prize ball. Do. When the signal transmission from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 is in parallel format, when the winning ball payout signal in response to the inquiry signal from the main control board 1000 is turned off. The main control board 1000 recognizes that the four prize ball payout processes have been completed, and sends the next prize ball payout command to the payout control board 2000. A pause time of 100 ms is set between the recognition of the completion of the winning ball payout process and the next sending of the winning ball payout command. Further, the position of the motor 50 is determined by the position sensor of the motor 50 to detect whether or not the motor 50 is rotating normally.

  Each time a game ball is paid out, one pass sensor 66 is detected (in this example, the left and right pass sensors 66L and 66R are alternately). The passing of the game ball 23 is detected. The number is subtracted one by one. The passage detection confirms that the payout process is normally performed.

  In one continuous payout process, the number of payout balls (maximum 15 in this example, 4 in this example) specified by sending out a single prize ball payout command is paid out. By sending a signal from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000, the main control board 1000 is notified that the winning ball is being paid out. In addition, after one continuous payout operation, a motor pause time of at least 100 ms is set until the next payout operation is started.

  FIG. 5 shows a case where the main control board 1000 has not detected the next prize during the winning ball payout operation, and FIG. 6 shows that the main control board 1000 has detected the next prize during the prize ball paying operation. Is the case. In FIG. 6, the sending of the second prize ball payout command resulting from the winning detection of the game ball 23 by the second prize opening sensor 25 ends the first prize ball payout process (rotation drive of the motor 50). Has been deferred until. In addition, the second rotational start of the motor 50 is started after a 100 ms rest period has elapsed since the end of the first rotational rotation of the motor 50.

<Description of pachinko machine system configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the pachinko machine 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine 2. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the pachinko machine 2. In the pachinko machine 2, a control means having a main control board 1000, an effect control board 1600, and a payout control board 2000 performs operation control of the pachinko machine 2, effect control of the display device, game progress control, game ball payout control, and the like. Do. The control means includes a normal winning port 28 as a winning port, a starting winning port 29, a winning port sensor 25 for a ball receiving member such as a grand winning port 31, a first symbol display device 17, an effect display device 7a, and a ball presence sensor 64. The full detection sensor 24 and the passage sensor 66 are electrically connected (see FIG. 7).

  The main control board 1000 includes a lottery unit 201, a symbol determination unit 203, a holding storage unit 204, a symbol display control unit 205, a prize ball determination unit 206, a pattern storage unit 207, a ball entry determination unit 208, Special game control means 209 and error processing means 212 are provided. The effect control board 1600 includes an effect determination means 221, an effect control means 222, and an effect pattern storage means 223.

  The payout control board 2000 includes payout control means 2300. Each function included in the main control board 1000 may be configured to be mounted on the effect control board 1600 or the payout control board 2000, or the function included in the effect control board 1600 or the payout control board 2000 is You may comprise so that it may mount in the main control board 1000. FIG.

  The lottery means 201 acquires a random value for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by the game ball 23 entering the start winning opening 29. . The lottery means 201 holds a plurality of success / failure determination tables that are referred to in the determination of whether or not to shift to a special game based on a random number value. In the plurality of success / failure determination tables, a lottery result of winning or losing and a random value are associated with each other, and the success / failure probability is determined according to the range setting of the random value associated with the winning. The lottery means acquires a lottery result based on the random value. The acquired lottery result is temporarily stored in the hold storage unit 204.

  The lottery means 201 refers to the normality probability determination table at the normal time, and refers to the normality probability determination table at a higher probability than the normal probability when the probability variation is higher than the normal probability. The lottery means 201 appropriately selects and refers to any one of the plurality of success / failure determination tables, and determines whether or not the random number value is a win.

  The random value can be configured to be acquired from a value in a range from “0” to “65535”, for example. The random number may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like.

  The holding storage unit 204 stores the lottery result of the lottery unit 201. The number of holds in the holding means has an upper limit, and the lottery result is stored until the number of holds in the holding means reaches a predetermined upper limit. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the upper limit of the number of holds of the holding means is 4. The number of holds held by the holding means is displayed with a lamp or the like so that the player can check the number of holds.

  The lottery result of the lottery means 201 is displayed as the first symbol on the first symbol display device 17. In conjunction with the first symbol, the effect display device 7a performs an effect display including the display symbol 7c. The symbol determination means 203 determines the stop symbol of the first symbol and the display symbol 7c displayed on the first symbol display device 17 and the effect display device 7a and the variation display pattern of the symbol according to the lottery result of the lottery means 201.

  The pattern storage means 207 includes a symbol pattern table 207a to be referred to in order to determine the stop symbol pattern of the first symbol, and a symbol variation display pattern table 207d to be referred to in order to determine the symbol variation display pattern. The symbol pattern table 207a stores the first symbol and the lottery result in association with each other, and the symbol variation display pattern table 207d stores the symbol variation display pattern and the lottery result in association with each other.

  The symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which the variation mode from the variation start to the stop when the symbol is variably displayed is defined. The variation mode includes a design variation mode and a variation time. The variation time is the time from when the symbol starts to vary until the symbol stops, and is defined as a symbol variation end condition. When the fluctuation time elapses, the symbol fluctuation is stopped. The variation time is set to be different for each symbol variation display pattern.

  The symbol determination unit 203 acquires the lottery result of the lottery unit 201, refers to the symbol pattern table 207a, and determines the stop symbol of the first symbol. In addition, the symbol determining unit 203 in the present embodiment also has a function of a variation display pattern selecting unit, and selects any symbol variation display pattern with reference to the symbol variation display pattern table 207d. The symbol determination unit 203 sends information indicating the determined stop symbol and symbol variation display pattern to the symbol display control unit 205 and the effect control unit 222.

  The ball entering determination unit 208 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. When receiving the winning detection information from the winning opening sensor 25 of the starting winning opening 29, the winning determination means 208 determines that the starting winning opening 29 has been won. The winning entry determining means 208 determines that the winning prize opening 31 has been won when receiving the winning detection information from the winning prize sensor 25 provided in the winning prize opening 31. The winning ball determination means 208 sends the determined winning information to the winning ball determination means 206 and the lottery means 201.

  The winning ball determining means 206 determines the number of winning balls to be paid out to the player by the winning ball paying unit 60 based on the winning information determined by the winning determination means 208. The winning ball determining unit 206 includes a winning ball number storage unit 206a for determining the number of winning balls. The winning ball number storage means 206a stores each winning opening information and the number of winning balls in association with each other. Specifically, the number of prize balls 3 is associated with the normal prize opening 28, the number of prize balls 15 is associated with the large prize opening 31, and stored in the prize ball number storage means 206a. .

  When receiving the winning information of the normal winning opening 28 from the winning determination means 208, the winning ball determination means 206 determines the number of winning balls 3 based on the winning ball number storage means 206a. The prize ball determination means 206 sends a prize ball command including the determined number of prize balls to the payout control board 2000. The payout control means 2300 of the payout control board 2000 controls the payout of game balls by the prize ball payout unit 60 based on the prize ball command. Specifically, the rotating body 62 of the prize ball payout device is driven and controlled, and a predetermined number of game balls 23 are paid out toward the ball tray 14.

  Further, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the payout processing by the prize ball payout unit 60 is normally completed, and determines the presence or absence of an error based on this determination. If it is determined that there is an error, an error signal is transmitted to the main control board 1000. The error processing means 212 of the main control board 1000 performs error processing including game stop and error notification based on the error signal from the payout control board.

  The symbol display control means 205 causes the first symbol display device 17 to variably display the first symbol based on the variation display pattern determined by the symbol determination means 203. The symbol display control unit 205 transmits a variation start command and a variation stop command to the effect control unit 222 at the timing of starting and stopping the variation display of the first symbol. By sending this command, the variable display by the symbol display control means 205 and the effect control means 222 can be synchronized and kept in sync.

  When the lottery result by the lottery means 201 is a win, the special game control means 209 executes the special game by opening the special winning opening 31. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 31 is continuously performed a plurality of times, and is configured by one or a plurality of unit games with one opening / closing unit. The unit game is repeated, for example, up to 15 times, and the special winning opening 31 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. The special game control means 209 terminates the special game when the unit game is consumed a predetermined number of times.

  The effect determination means 221 determines the stop symbol and the display symbol variation display pattern of the display symbol 7c based on the first symbol and the symbol variation display pattern of the first symbol. The effect pattern storage means 223 includes a decorative symbol variation display pattern table 223a to be referred to in order to determine a decorative symbol variation display pattern. The decorative symbol variation display pattern table 223a has a display symbol variation display pattern for determining the stop symbol of the display symbol 7c. The decorative symbol variation display pattern is a symbol variation display of the first symbol and the first symbol. Associated with a pattern.

  The decorative symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which a variation mode from the variation start to the stop when the ornamental symbol is variably displayed is defined. The variation mode includes a design variation mode, a variation time, and an effect display mode in each region of effect display. The effect determining unit 221 selects a decorative symbol variation display pattern in which a variation time equal to the symbol variation display pattern is set according to the symbol variation display pattern determined by the symbol determination unit. For example, when a symbol variation display pattern is selected from a fixed time pattern, a decoration variation display pattern having the same variation time is selected. The effect determining means sends information on the determined decorative symbol variation display pattern to the effect control means 222. The effect control means 222 displays the lottery result by the lottery means 201 on the effect display device 7a in a variable manner based on the selected decorative symbol change display pattern.

<Operation Principle of Prize Ball Dispensing Unit 60>
Next, the operation principle of the winning ball payout unit 60 will be described. As described above, the prize ball payout device has the motor 50 that is driven at the time of payout. The motor shaft of the motor 50 is connected to the rotating shaft 62b of the rotating body 62 directly or via a speed reducing means such as a gear or a transmitting means. The prize ball payout unit 60 having such a structure operates according to the following principle. First, when the game ball 23 enters the winning holes 28, 29, and 31 in the game area 16, a winning signal is sent to the main control board 1000, the main control board 1000 determines the number of payouts, and the payout control board 2000 is reached. Send a signal of a prize ball. Alternatively, a ball lending request is made from the gaming ball lending device such as the card unit C to the payout control board 2000. In response to this, the payout control board 2000 operates the prize ball payout device, and the motor 50 in the prize ball payout device executes the payout of the game ball 23. As shown in FIG. 4, when the motor 50 rotates, the rotating body 62 rotates and the game balls 23 are paid out one by one. The game balls 23 that have been paid out are detected by a passage sensor 66 provided in the prize ball payout unit 60, and the payout control board 2000 counts the number of game balls 23 to be paid out.

  FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine 2. As described above, the pachinko machine 2 includes a main control board 1000 that controls the progress of the game, a payout control board 2000 that controls the payout of the game ball 23 based on a command from the main control board 1000, and a decorative pattern. Sub-control board (a part of the effect control board 1600) 3000 for controlling various effects on the effect display device 7a such as change / stop, etc., and general effects such as lighting of the sound / game effect lamp 190 from the speaker 8, and effects A sub-sub control board (part of the effect control board 1600) 4000 that controls the decorative symbol variation display / stop display, the hold display, the advance notice display, and the like on the display device 7a. Here, the payout control board 2000 includes a prize ball payout unit 60 (of which the motor 50 is included) that executes payout of the game ball 23, and a state display unit 130 that displays a state relating to payout of the game ball 23 to the outside by means of LEDs. Connected to.

  The main control board 1000, the payout control board 2000, the sub-control board 3000, and the sub-sub-control board 4000 include a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores programs that prescribe the arithmetic processes of the CPU, and data handled by the CPU (games) A RAM for temporarily storing various data generated therein, a computer program read from the ROM, and the like) is mounted.

  Information transmission is executed in the form of serial transmission between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. That is, one transmission line is provided from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000, and one transmission line is provided from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000. Here, as will be described later, commands between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 are configured in units of 2 bytes, and are transmitted serially in units of 1 byte.

  On the other hand, information and commands from the main control board 1000 to the sub control board 3000 are transmitted in parallel. The same applies to information and commands from the sub-control board 3000 to the sub-sub-control board 4000.

<Contents of commands and information transmitted / received via serial communication>
Next, the contents of commands and information transmitted / received between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, commands from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 are configured in units of 2 bytes, and are transmitted serially in units of 1 byte. Similarly, information (command correspondence information) from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 is also configured in units of 2 bytes, and is transmitted serially in units of 1 byte.

  Therefore, first, a payout command transmitted from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 will be described. First, the first command to be transmitted includes information specifying the first command, information about the saucer fullness, and the number of prize balls. Specifically, bits 7 to 5 are fixed to 100 (identification information indicating that the command is the first command).

  Next, bit 4 relates to the saucer full state, "0" means not full, and "1" means full. Next, bits 3 to 0 relate to the number of prize balls. For example, 0 (0000B) means 0 prize balls and 15 (1111B) means 15 prize balls. .

  In the first embodiment, the sensor output of the ball presence sensor 64 is input to the payout control board 2000. For example, the sensor output of the ball presence sensor 64 is supplied to the main control board 1000. It may be configured such that information on the presence or absence of a sphere is included in the first transmission command. For example, 1-bit information may be added to the transmission 1 command, and for example, when the added bit is “0”, it means that there is a sphere, and when it is “1”, it means that there is no sphere.

  Next, in the second transmission command, bits 7 to 4 are a fixed value (1111) of the confirmation signal, and bits 3 to 0 relate to the number of divided payouts. Here, Table 1 shows the correspondence between bit information and the number of divided payouts. As can be seen from this table, for example, 3 (0011E) means that the number of divided payouts = 3, and 5 (0101E) means that the number of divided payouts = 5. In the first embodiment, even when there is no prize ball payout, at the timing when the first command transmission process is executed, the first command, which is zero prize balls, is always sent to the payout control board 2000 (for example, a scheduled interrupt). Keep throwing) In the first embodiment, the command related to the number of divided payouts is added to the second transmission command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if it is added to the first transmission command, the first transmission command and the second transmission command You may comprise so that it may transmit to a payout control board as a command different from eyes.

次に、払出制御基板２０００からメイン制御基板１０００側に送信される払出関連情報を説明することとする。まず、送信１情報目は、メイン制御基板１０００からの送信１コマンド目と同一である。次に、送信２情報目は、固定値、払出装置異常情報及び賞球払出中情報からなる。具体的には、ビット７〜２は、０１０１０１固定である（当該情報が送受信完了情報であることの識別情報）。次に、ビット１は、払出装置異常に関するものであり、「０」は払出装置異常ではないことを意味し、「１」は払出装置異常中であることを意味する。次に、ビット０は、賞球払出中に関するものであり、「０」は賞球払出中でないことを意味し、「１」は賞球払出中であることを意味する。球有りセンサ６４の出力が払出制御基板２０００に入力される場合は、ビット３を用いて、メイン制御基板１０００に遊技球の有無を出力する。また、メイン制御基板１０００側に球有りセンサ６４の出力が入力される場合は、メイン制御基板１０００から送信される送信１コマンド目のコマンドのビット５を用いて払出制御基板２０００に遊技球の有無を出力する。

Next, payout related information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 will be described. First, the first transmission information is the same as the first transmission command from the main control board 1000. Next, the second transmission information includes a fixed value, payout device abnormality information, and prize ball payout information. Specifically, bits 7 to 2 are fixed to 010101 (identification information indicating that the information is transmission / reception completion information). Next, bit 1 relates to the dispensing device abnormality, “0” means that the dispensing device is not malfunctioning, and “1” means that the dispensing device is malfunctioning. Next, bit 0 relates to a prize ball being paid out, “0” means that a prize ball is not being paid out, and “1” means that a prize ball is being paid out. When the output of the ball presence sensor 64 is input to the payout control board 2000, the presence / absence of a game ball is output to the main control board 1000 using the bit 3. Further, when the output of the ball presence sensor 64 is input to the main control board 1000 side, whether or not there is a game ball on the payout control board 2000 using the bit 5 of the command of the first transmission command transmitted from the main control board 1000. Is output.

  In the first embodiment, a certain command is periodically transmitted to the payout control board side. Accordingly, even when the prize ball is being paid out on the payout side, a command or the like whose number of prize balls is “0” is transmitted. If the payout device is abnormal on the payout side, there may be cases where payout is actually possible, so in the first embodiment, a normal command (a predetermined number of sets when there is a prize ball payout) is issued. Send.

  As shown in the <Modification> column of FIG. 9, information (first information) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side regarding the first byte is sent from the main control board 1000 side. The 1's complement or 2's complement of the first command may be used. The 2's complement is generated by adding 1 after performing bit inversion of the first command.

<Functional configuration>
Next, the function of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The functions mainly shown here are the functions between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, the functions between the payout control board 2000 and the card unit C, the main control board 1000 / the hall computer HC, which are particularly related to the present invention. It is a function between.

<Main control board 1000>
First, the main control board 1000 is a transmission / reception control means 1100 for controlling transmission / reception of commands and information between the game control means 1050 that controls the progress of the game and the payout control board 2000 and the like, and information transmission to the hall computer HC. A transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1200 for temporarily storing a state relating to transmission / reception between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, and whether a payout command from the main control board 1000 has been normally transmitted to the payout control board 2000 side. Normal transmission determination means 1300 for determining whether or not, error control means 1400 for executing control of errors related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 side, and power resumption when power is cut off due to a power failure or the like A backup to restore the gaming machine to the power-off state when the power is turned on. Includes a means 1500, the.

  The game control means 1050 has a well-known configuration that the conventional machine has. For example, taking the case of a conventional type 1 gaming machine as an example, the game control means 1050 is based on random number generation, random number acquisition triggered by the starting entrance ball, lottery using the acquired random number, lottery result When a symbol (special symbol) variation or a lottery is won, a well-known process such as a special game for opening a variable winning opening that is normally closed is executed. Hereinafter, each characteristic means of the present invention will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control means 1100 includes transmission control means 1110 that controls transmission from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 and the hall computer HC, and reception control that controls reception from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000. Means 1120.

  Here, the transmission control means 1110 has a payout control side transmission control means 1111 that controls transmission to the payout control board 2000, and an HC side transmission control means 1114 that controls transmission to the hall computer HC. ing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

  The payout control side transmission control means 1111 sends two commands (first command and second command) to be sent to the payout control board 2000 side for one prize ball payout to predetermined temporary storage means (transmission command temporary storage means described later). 1111c) transmission command setting means 1111a for setting, transmission command management means 1111b for managing the set transmission command including transmission command transmission completion / uncompleted, and two commands transmitted to the payout control board 2000 And a transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c for temporarily storing the prize ball payout corresponding to the command. Note that the transmission command setting means 1111a refers to the game side information temporary storage means 1121a and determines whether or not a winning ball payout command can be set, as will be described later in the processing item. Function. The transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c further includes a first command temporary storage area 1111c-1 for temporarily storing the first command, a second command temporary storage area 1111c-2 for temporarily storing the second command, have.

  Next, when receiving a winning signal from the winning opening sensor 25, the HC side transmission control unit 1114 plans to cumulatively add the counter value of the scheduled payout number related counter 1114c (described later) by the amount of the winning ball corresponding to the winning opening. When a counter value of a payout amount adding means 1114a and a later-described expected payout number related counter 1114c reaches a predetermined value (for example, 10), a predetermined value (for example, 10) is calculated from the counter value of the expected payout number related counter 1114c (described later). There is a scheduled payout number subtracting means 1114b for subtracting, and a scheduled payout number related counter 1114c for temporarily storing the planned payout number. As will be described later in the processing item, when the count value of the scheduled payout number related counter 1114c reaches a predetermined value, information to the hall computer HC (scheduled payout amount = predetermined number (for example, 10)). The pulse signal corresponding to the minute) is transmitted.

  In addition, the reception control means 1120 receives information from the game side reception control means 1121 for receiving game information including prize ball information (entrance signal) and an upper plate full signal, and information from the payout control board 2000 side. Payout control side reception control means 1122. Here, the game-side reception control means 1121 has a game-side information temporary storage means 1121a for temporarily storing information on prize balls for which payout processing has not been executed and upper plate full information. Also, the payout control side reception control means 1122 includes a payout control side reception data management means 1122a that manages the information including temporary storage and deletion of information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side, and a payout control board 2000. The payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b in which the information transmitted from the side is temporarily stored for the first time and the data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b are processed in subsequent processing (for example, normally Payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c for storing the command for determination).

  The transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1200 includes a main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 for temporarily storing a transmission / reception state (ST = 0 to 4) on the main control board 1000 side, and a payout state on the payout control board 2000 side. The payout control side payout state temporary storage unit 1220 temporarily stores (for example, whether or not paying out or whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred).

  The normal transmission determination unit 1300 manages the time from when the command is transmitted from the main control board 1000 until the reception of information corresponding to the command (information corresponding to the command transmitted from the payout control board 2000). Communication time management means 1310. Here, the communication time management means 1310 further includes a timer 1311 for counting time.

  The error control means 1400 monitors game-related errors including errors related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 side (for example, door opening errors other than errors related to transmission / reception) and manages game-related errors including error states related to transmission / reception. Error flag management means 1420. Here, the error flag management unit 1420 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 1421 for temporarily storing an on / off state of a game-related error flag including an error flag related to transmission.

  The backup unit 1500 temporarily stores data on the main control board 1000 when the power is turned off so that the state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Backup information temporary storage means 1510 for storing the stored data, backup power supply means 1520 for supplying backup voltage to the backup information temporary storage means and holding the data even after the gaming machine is turned off, have. Note that writing to the backup information temporary storage unit 1510 is executed when the power is turned off by a normal process, and on the contrary, restoration of each information written to the backup information temporary storage unit 1510 is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. .

<Prize ball payout control board 2000>
Next, the payout control board 2000 includes transmission / reception control means 2100 that controls transmission / reception of commands and information with the main control board 1000 side, the card unit C side, etc., and errors related to transmission / reception on the payout control board 2000 side Error control means 2200 for executing control, and payout control means 2300 for receiving a payout command and a lending command and executing a predetermined number of game balls to be awarded. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control unit 2100 transmits reception information to the main control board 1000 and the card unit C, and reception control means 2110 that controls reception of information (for example, commands and signals) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C. Transmission control means 2120 for controlling the control.

  Here, the reception control unit 2110 controls reception of information (for example, signals) from the main side reception control unit 2111 that controls reception of information (for example, commands) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C. Card unit side reception control means 2112. The main reception control means 2111 is transmitted from the main control board 1000 and the main reception data management means 2111a for managing the information including temporary storage and erasure of information received from the main control board 1000. Temporarily stores the received data temporarily stored in the main-side received data temporary storage unit 2111b until the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the second command is received). A payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 2111c for temporarily storing the first command until the first command is received.

  Further, the card unit side reception control means 2112 is transmitted from the card unit C side with the card unit side reception data management means 2112a which manages the management processing of the information including temporary storage and deletion of the information received from the card unit C. Card unit side received information temporary storage means 2112b, in which the received information is temporarily stored for the first time.

  The error control unit 2200 includes an error flag management unit 2220 that monitors errors related to transmission / reception on the payout control board 2000 side and manages error states related to transmission / reception. Here, the error flag management unit 2220 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 2221 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag related to transmission.

  The payout control means 2300 includes payout information temporary storage means 2310 for temporarily storing a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000, information relating to a ball rental request from the card unit C, and information relating to game ball payout control. The payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 for temporary storage, the payout abnormality determination means 2340 for determining whether or not an abnormal payout smaller than the planned payout number has occurred, and the waiting time between divided payouts are set Waiting time control means 2350 for doing this.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the number of payouts is less than the planned payout is “abnormal payout”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be.

  Here, the payout information temporary storage means 2310 includes a buffer A for temporarily storing the full plate information, and a buffer B for temporarily storing the number of prize balls based on the prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000 side. , And a buffer C for temporarily storing the number of payouts based on a ball rental request from the card unit C. Furthermore, a buffer D may be provided for temporarily storing information on the presence / absence of a sphere in the supply passage 61 based on the output of the sphere presence sensor 64.

  Also, the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 is a payout state flag temporary storage means 2321 for temporarily storing a state related to payout (for example, whether payout is being performed or whether a payout abnormality has occurred). , A payout counter 2322 in which the number of game balls to be paid out is set at the time of payout processing, and for counting the number of abnormal payouts less than the planned payout number in divided payout (unit divided into multiple payouts) An abnormal payout counter 2323, an abnormal payout counter 2324 for counting the number of abnormal payouts in one payout, and a ball pass wait for measuring a ball pass waiting time (motor stop time) between divided payouts Temporary storage of divided payout number for temporarily storing the time payout 2325 and the divided payout number designated from the main control board 1000 Has a 2326, a.

<Processing>
Next, a prize ball payout control process executed by the pachinko machine 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, FIGS. 11 to 18 are flowcharts showing processing on the main control board 1000 side. 19 to 23 are flowcharts showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. Hereinafter, it will be described in order.

<Processing on the main control board side (communication processing with the payout control board)>
The communication processing with the payout control board 2000 executed on the main control board 1000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of scheduled interrupt processing related to communication control, which is executed on the main control board 1000 side. First, in step 1100, the main control board 1000 executes an error monitoring process for bidirectional communication (serial communication) between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 1200, the main control board 1000 executes a serial communication data reception monitoring process for monitoring whether information is received from the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 1300, the main control board 1000 executes a payout command request process for setting a payout related command (first command and second command) to be sent to the payout control board 2000 to the transmission command temporary storage means 1111c. . In step 1400, the main control board 1000 executes a payout command transmission process for transmitting the payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111 c to the payout control board 2000, and returns to step 1100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1102, the error control unit 1400 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 1421 and determines whether an overrun error (AORE), a framing error (AFE), and a parity error (APE) have occurred. Specifically, it is monitored whether or not these flags are on.

  Here, the overrun error is a case where the next data is received before the already received data is read by the user program. Specifically, the overrun error is temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage unit 1122b. An error that occurs when the payout control side reception control means 1121 receives the next data before the information from the payout control board 2000 is read and moved to the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c side. is there. The framing error is an error that occurs when 0 is detected in the stop bit of the received payout command corresponding data. The parity error is an error that occurs when the parity of the received data does not match the parity bit of the data.

  When an error occurs, the error flag management unit 1420 executes a process of setting 1 to the corresponding error bit in the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 1421. In step 1104, the error control unit 1400 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and determines whether any error is detected. In the case of Yes in step 1104, in step 1106, the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the error flag that is turned on in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 (clears it to 0), and cancels the serial communication error.

  Further, in step 1108, the error control means 1400 clears the data received by serial communication (data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b) and performs the next processing (serial communication of step 1200). Move to data reception monitoring process. On the other hand, also in the case of No in step 1104, the processing shifts to the next processing (serial communication data reception monitoring processing in step 1200).

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the data reception monitoring process of serial communication in step 1200 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1202, the payout control side received data management means 1122a refers to the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b (data reception monitoring process). In step 1204, the payout control side received data management means 1122a determines whether or not the payout command corresponding data has been received from the payout control board 2000 side.

  In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the payout control side received data management means 1122a uses the payout command corresponding data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b as the payout command information related temporary storage means. 1122c, and the process proceeds to the next process (payout command request process in step 1300). Even in the case of No in step 1204, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command request process in step 1300).

  Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the payout command request process in step 1300 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1302, the transmission command setting unit 1111a refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 (inspection of an untransmitted command). In step 1304, the transmission command setting unit 1111a determines whether the processing state temporarily stored in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is ST = 0, that is, all previous transmission commands have been transmitted. Therefore, it is determined whether or not an unsent command does not exist.

  In the case of Yes in step 1304, in step 1306, the transmission command setting unit 1111a sets the identification code (100) in the upper 3 bits of the transmission data in the first command temporary storage area 1113a in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. . This “100” is a fixed value and means that this command is the first command.

  Next, at step 1308, the transmission command setting means 1111a refers to the game side information temporary storage means 1121a and considers whether or not the full signal from the saucer full detection sensor 15 has been received. Set the full state. Note that “1” is full, and “0” means not full. Next, in step 1310, the transmission command setting unit 1111a refers to the payout control side payout state temporary storage unit 1220 (inspects the prize ball state of the payout control). In step 1312, the transmission command setting unit 1111a determines whether or not the payout control board 2000 is paying out a prize ball.

  In the case of Yes in step 1312, in step 1314, the transmission command setting means 1111a refers to the game side information temporary storage means 1121a and sets the number of winning balls corresponding to the next winning ball payout to bits 0-3. As for the number of winning balls, the number of winning balls for each winning opening is inspected, and the number of winning balls for the winning ball to be paid this time is subtracted, and then the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is set. To do. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1312, that is, when the payout control device is in the winning ball, the number of winning balls is not set to bits 0 to 3 (therefore, all bits remain 0). The process proceeds to step 1316. Steps 1306 to 1314 described above are the setting process for the first command.

  The following steps 1316 to 1322 are the setting process for the second command. Specifically, in step 1316, the transmission command setting unit 1111a stores the identification code (in the upper 4 bits of the transmission data in the second command temporary storage area 1113 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 as transmission data of the second command. 1111) is set. This “1111” is a fixed value and means that this command is the second command.

  Next, in step 1318, the transmission command setting unit 1111a refers to the error flag management unit 1420 and determines whether or not a predetermined error (for example, a door opening error) has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1318, in step 1320, the transmission command setting unit 1111a sets a predetermined number A (for example, three) divided payout numbers in the bit 0 to 0 in the second command temporary storage area 1113 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113. 3. Then, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400). The predetermined number A is set in advance for each model of the main control board, for example.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1318, that is, if a predetermined error has occurred, the transmission command setting unit 1111 a stores the second command temporary storage area 1113 in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 in step 1322. A predetermined number B (for example, 1) of divided payouts is set to bits 0 to 3, and the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400). It should be noted that the predetermined number A> the predetermined number B, and the predetermined number B is a divided payout number that causes the payout speed to become extremely slow when a predetermined error occurs and an illegal operation can be executed. Is preferred. Also in the case of No in step 1304, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400).

  Next, FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the payout command transmission process in step 1400 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402, the main control board 1000 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 (inspects the command transmission state). When the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is “0”, the main control board 1000 proceeds to step 1400-1 to execute the first command transmission process, and the main control side transmission / reception is performed. When the ST in the state temporary storage unit 1210 is “1”, the process proceeds to step 1400-2 to execute the first information reception confirmation process, and the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is “2”. ”, The process proceeds to step 1400-3 to execute the second command transmission process. If the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 is“ 3 ”, the process proceeds to step 1400-4. The second information reception confirmation process is executed, and the process proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the first command transmission process (second command transmission process) in step 1400-1, which is the subroutine of FIG. Note that the processing in step 1400-3 is basically the same as the processing in step 1400-1 (the parentheses indicate the processing in step 1400-3). First, in step 1402-1 (step 1402-3), the payout control side transmission control unit 1111 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 and checks the transmission state of serial communication. Next, in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), the payout control side transmission control unit 1111 determines whether or not the transmission state of the serial communication can be transmitted.

  In the case of Yes in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), in step 1406-1 (step 1406-3), the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and performs communication. Execute the process to cancel the error. Here, the “communication error flag” is a flag that is turned on when the transmission of the first command (or the second command) from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side is reserved. .

  In step 1408-1 (step 1408-3), the payout control side transmission control unit 1111 stores the first command temporarily stored in the first command temporary storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. Transmission data (transmission data of the second command temporarily stored in the second command temporary storage area 1111c-2 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c) is transmitted.

  Next, in step 1410-1 (step 1410-3), the communication time management unit 1310 sets the reception waiting timeout time in the timer 1311. In step 1412-1 (step 1412-3), the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 to “1” (“3”), and performs the next processing (step 1100 serial communication error monitoring processing). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), in step 1414-1 (step 1414-3), the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421. After executing the process of setting a communication error, the process proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100).

  Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the first information reception confirmation process in step 1400-2 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402-2, the payout control side reception control means 1122 determines whether or not the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the payout control board 2000 side. judge.

  In the case of Yes in step 1402-2, in step 1404-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 transmits the transmission data of the first command temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. The contents of the payout command correspondence information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c are compared. In step 1406-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether the comparison result in step 1402-2 matches.

  In the case of Yes in step 1406-2, in step 1408-2, the error flag management unit 1420 executes processing for turning off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1420 and canceling the communication error. In step 1410-2, the main control board 1000 sets ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to “2”, and proceeds to the next processing (serial communication error monitoring processing in step 1100). To do.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1402-2, that is, if no information is received from the payout control board 2000 side, the communication time management means 1310 waits for reception in the timer 1311 in step 1412-2. Subtract the timeout time. In step 1414-2, the error flag management unit 1420 refers to the timer 1311 and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1414-2, in step 1416-2, the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for setting a communication error.

  Next, in step 1418-2, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to "0", and proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100). Transition. With this process, if the information is not received for a predetermined time from the payout control board 2000 after the first command is transmitted, the first command is transmitted again.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the second command reception confirmation process in step 1400-4 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402-4, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether or not the payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the payout control board 2000 side. .

  In the case of Yes in step 1402-4, in step 1404-4, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 transmits the second command transmission data temporarily stored in the second command temporary storage area 1111c-2 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. The contents of (upper 6 bits) and the information (upper 6 bits) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command related information temporary storage means 1122c are compared. In step 1406-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether the comparison result in step 1402-2 matches.

  In the case of Yes in step 1406-4, in step 1408-4, the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for canceling the communication error. In step 1410-4, the payout control side received data management means 1122a refers to the information (lower 2 bits) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command related information temporary storage means 1122c. Whether or not a prize ball is being paid out (ascertained from bit 0) and whether or not the payout device is abnormal (ascertained from bit 1) are temporarily stored in the payout control side payout state temporary storage means 1220. In step 1412-4, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 to “0” and proceeds to the next processing (serial communication error monitoring processing in step 1100). To do.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1402-4, that is, if no information is received from the payout control board 2000, the communication time management means 1310 waits for reception in the timer 1311 in step 1414-4. Subtract the timeout time. In step 1416-4, the error flag management unit 1420 refers to the timer 1311 and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred.

  In the case of Yes in step 1416-4, in step 1418-4, the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for setting a communication error. Next, in step 1420-4, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to “2” and proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100). Transition. By this process, if the information is not received for a predetermined time from the payout control board 2000 after the second command is transmitted, the second command is transmitted again.

<Processing on the payout control board>
Next, control processing executed on the payout control board 2000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing related to communication processing with the main control board 1000 and communication processing with the lending device such as a gaming machine (card unit) C executed on the payout control board 2000 side. First, in step 2100, the payout control board 2000 executes communication processing with the main control device 1000 side. Next, in step 2200, the payout control board 2000 executes communication processing with the card unit C. In step 2300, the payout control board 2000 drives the payout unit to execute payout control of the game ball, and returns to step 2100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of communication processing with the main control apparatus 1000 in step 2100, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2100-1, the payout control board 2000 executes an error monitoring process for bidirectional communication (serial communication) between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 2100-2, the payout control board 2000 executes serial communication data reception monitoring processing for monitoring whether information is received from the main control board 1000. Next, in step 2100-3, the payout control board 2000 executes payout command correspondence information transmission processing for sending information corresponding to the payout command received from the main control board 1000 side to the main control board 1000 side. Return to -1. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the serial communication error monitoring process in step 2100-1, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-1, the error control unit 2200 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 2221, and an overrun error (AORE), a framing error (AFE), and a parity error (APE) occur. It is monitored whether or not, specifically, whether or not these flags are on.

  In step 2104-1, the error control unit 2200 determines whether any error has been detected. When an error occurs, the error flag management unit 2220 executes a process of setting 1 to the corresponding error bit in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221. If YES in step 2104-1, in step 2106-1, the error flag management unit 2220 turns off the error flag that is on in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221 (clears it to 0), and serial communication. Cancel the error.

  Further, in step 2108-1, the error control means 2200 clears the data received by serial communication (data temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage means 2111b) and performs the next processing (in step 2100-2). Shift to serial communication data reception monitoring process. On the other hand, also in the case of No in step 2104-1, the processing shifts to the next processing (serial data reception monitoring processing in step 2100-2).

  Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the serial communication data reception monitoring process in step 2100-2 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-2, the main-side received data management unit 2111a refers to the main-side received information temporary storage unit 2111b (data reception monitoring process). In step 2104-2, the main-side received data management unit 2111a determines whether or not a payout command has been received from the main control board 1000 side.

  In the case of Yes in step 2104-2, in step 2106-2, the main side received data management means 2111a uses the payout command temporary storage means to store the payout command correspondence data temporarily stored in the main side received information temporary storage means 2111b. 2111c, and proceeds to the next process (payout related information transmission process of step 2100-3). In addition, also when it is No at step 2104-2, it transfers to the following process (payout relevant information transmission process of step 2100-3).

  Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the payout related information transmission / reception process in step 2100-3 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-3, the payout control board 2000 determines whether or not the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the main control board 1000 side.

  In the case of Yes in Step 2102-3, in Step 2104-3, the main-side reception control unit 2111 determines whether or not the upper 3 bits temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is “100”, that is, It is determined whether or not the command received from the main control board 1000 this time is one command.

  In the case of Yes in step 2104-3, in step 2106-3, the transmission control unit 2120 transmits the information temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c to the main control board 1000 side. In step 2108-3, the main-side reception data management unit 2111 a stores the saucer full state in the buffer A based on whether or not the saucer full signal is received. Next, in step 2110-3, the main-side received data management unit 2111a stores the prize ball number information in the buffer B based on the information (particularly bits 3 to 0) temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c. Then, the process proceeds to the next process (communication process with the card unit in step 2200).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2104-3, in step 2112-3, the main-side reception control unit 2111 determines whether the upper 4 bits of the command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is “1111”. That is, it is determined whether or not the command received from the main control board 1000 this time is two commands.

  In the case of Yes in step 2112-3, in step 2113-3, the payout control means 2300 divides into divided payout number temporary storage means 2326 based on the lower 4 bits of the command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Set the number of payouts (see Table 1). In step 2114-3, the transmission control means 2120 confirms whether or not there is an abnormality in the payout device and whether or not a prize ball is being paid out prior to transmission of the confirmation information to the main control board 1000 side. .

  In step 2116-3, the transmission control means 2120, as confirmation information to the main control board 1000 side, bits 7 to 2 are fixed values (“010101”), bit 1 is a dispensing device abnormality, bit 0 is a prize ball Information indicating that the payout is in progress is transmitted. In step 2118-3, the payout control board 2000 temporarily stores the contents of the buffer A and the buffer B in the payout processing related information temporary storage unit 2320 as the tray full information and the number of prize balls.

  In response to the fact that these pieces of information are set in the payout process related information temporary storage unit 2320, a payout process based on the contents of the set is executed in the payout control process described later. In step 2120-3, the payout control board 2000 clears the buffer A and the buffer B, and proceeds to the next process (payout control process in step 2400).

<Action>
Next, the effect | action which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. First, the first operation (payout command transmission by serial communication) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 25, and then the present operation will be described with reference to FIG. The second action according to the first embodiment of the invention (extension of the ball passage waiting time due to a payout abnormality) will be described.

<Transmission command transmission by serial communication>
<When normal>
First, the uppermost part of FIG. 24 is an operation diagram when transmission / reception is normally performed. First, the main control board 1000 transmits to the payout control board 2000 the payout command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, tray full information, prize ball number information) having the contents shown in FIG. . On the payout control board 2000 side, the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received and stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c.

  The payout control board 2000 transmits the same information as the received command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, saucer full information, prize ball number information) to the main control board 1000 side. On the main control board 1000 side, the information (one command correspondence information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received and stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c.

  Here, on the main control board 1000 side, the first command transmission data temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage means 1111c and the one command received from the current payout control board 2000 side are associated. As a result of comparing the information and determining whether or not they are the same, it is determined that the current reception is normal reception. In response to this, the main control board 1000 transmits the payout command of the second command having the contents shown in FIG. 9 to the payout control board 2000 side. On the payout control board 2000 side, the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received.

  In response to this, the payout control unit 2000 executes award ball payout based on the content of the first command received from the main control board 1000 side. Furthermore, the payout control board 2000 transmits the information shown in FIG. 9 (identification information indicating that it is transmission / reception completion information, information relating to payout abnormality, and information relating to prize ball payout). On the main control board 1000 side, the information (two information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received, and the current transmission / reception is completed.

<If abnormal, 1: 1 command receiving side error>
Next, a case where the first command received by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the first command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the second column of FIG. First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the first command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, tray full information, prize ball number information) to the payout control board 2000 side as shown in FIG. To do. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (for example, information having different prize ball number information) and stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Then, the payout control board 2000 transmits the same information as the received command (for example, information with different prize ball number information) to the main control board 1000 side.

  On the main control board 1000 side, the information (1 command correspondence information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received and stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c. However, on the main control board 1000 side, the transmission data of the first command temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage means 1111c is compared with the information received from the current payout control board 2000 side. As a result of the determination whether or not they are the same, it is determined that the current reception is an erroneous reception.

  Accordingly, in response to this, the main control board 1000 transmits the first command having the same content again to the payout control board 2000 side. On the payout control board 2000 side, the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received and stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c in the form of overwriting the first command received last time. Thereafter, it is the same as the normal case.

<In case of abnormality 2: Abnormality on receiving side of 1st command>
Next, a case where the payout control unit 2000 cannot normally receive the first command will be described with reference to the third column in FIG. First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the first command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, tray full information, prize ball number information) to the payout control board 2000 side as shown in FIG. To do. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (for example, reception error) and discarded without being stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c.

On the other hand, the main control board 1000 waits for information corresponding to the command (1-command correspondence information) to be transmitted from the payout control board 2000 after transmitting the first command, but for a predetermined time (T _max )), it is determined that the payout control board 2000 has received an error. In response, the main control board 1000 transmits the first command having the same content again to the payout control board 2000 side. Thereafter, it is the same as the normal case.

<In case of abnormality 3: Abnormal reception of 1st command>
Next, a case where the first information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the first command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the fourth column of FIG. Basically, it is the same as “1 when abnormal”, but the difference is that the payout control board 2000 has normally received the first command, but the information corresponding to the command (1-command correspondence information) is the main. This is a case where the main control board 1000 receives erroneous information (for example, information with a different number of prize balls) different from the information corresponding to the normal first command when transmitted to the control board 1000 side. Other than that, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 1”.

<In case of abnormality 4: 1 Information receiving side abnormality>
Next, a case where the first information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the first command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the fifth column of FIG. Basically, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 3”, except that the payout control board 2000 itself normally received the first command, but the information corresponding to the command (1 command correspondence information) is the main. This is a case where the main control board 1000 receives an abnormality (for example, a reception error) when transmitting to the control board 1000 side. Otherwise, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 3”.

<In case of abnormality 5: Abnormality on the second command receiving side>
Next, with reference to the first column in FIG. 25, a case where the payout control unit 2000 cannot normally receive the second command will be described. The process up to the transmission of the second command from the main control board 1000 is the same as the “normal case”, and will be described below.

  First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the second command having the contents shown in FIG. 9 to the payout control board 2000. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (incorrect fixed value information), and the information is stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Then, the payout control board 2000 transmits the same information as the received command to the main control board 1000 side.

  On the main control board 1000 side, the information (2 information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received and stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c. However, on the main control board 1000 side, the transmission data of the second command temporarily stored in the second command storage area 1111c-2 of the transmission command temporary storage means 1111 is compared with the information received from the current payout control board 2000 side. As a result of the determination whether or not they are the same, it is determined that the current reception is an erroneous reception.

  Accordingly, in response to this, the main control board 1000 transmits the second command again to the payout control board 2000 side. On the payout control board 2000 side, the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received. In response to this, the payout control unit 2000 executes award ball payout based on the content of the first command received from the main control board 1000 side. Then, the payout control board 2000 transmits the second command received this time to the main control board 1000 again. As a result, on the main control board 1000 side, the information (2 information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received, and the current transmission / reception is completed.

<In case of abnormality 6: Abnormality on receiving side of second command>
Next, a case where the payout control unit 2000 cannot normally receive the second command will be described with reference to the second column of FIG. The process up to the transmission of the second command from the main control board 1000 is the same as the “normal case”, and will be described below.

  First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the second command having the contents shown in FIG. 9 to the payout control board 2000. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (for example, reception error) and discarded without being stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c.

On the other hand, the main control board 1000 waits for information corresponding to the command (2-command correspondence information) to be sent from the payout control board 2000 side after sending the second command, but for a predetermined time (T _max )), it is determined that the payout control board 2000 has received an error. In response, the main control board 1000 transmits the second command having the same content again to the payout control board 2000 side. Thereafter, it is the same as “5 if abnormal”.

<In case of abnormality 7: Abnormality on receiving side of second information>
Next, a case where the second information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the second command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the third column of FIG. Basically, it is the same as “5 if abnormal”, but there are two differences. The first point is that the payout is executed when the payout control board 2000 normally receives the second command. Second, the payout control board 2000 itself received the second command normally, but when the information corresponding to the command (two information) is transmitted to the main control board 1000 side, the main control board 1000 receives an abnormal reception (for example, Incorrect fixed value information). Other than that, it is the same as “5 when abnormal”.

<An abnormal case 8: Abnormality on the second information receiving side>
Next, a case where the second information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the second command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the fourth column of FIG. Basically, this is the same as “7 if abnormal”, but the difference is that the payout control board 2000 itself normally received the second command, but the information (2 information) corresponding to the command is sent to the main control board. This is a case where the main control board 1000 receives an abnormal reception (for example, reception error) when transmitting to the 1000 side. Other than that, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 7”.

<Extension of ball passage waiting time due to payout abnormality>
Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the state of extension of the ball passage waiting time due to the payout abnormality will be described. Here, in this example, a description will be given by taking as an example a process in which a payout control command for 25 balls is received from the card unit C and the payout control board 2000 pays out 25 balls at a time. First, in this example, the 25-ball payout is divided into a plurality of times, and a maximum of 3 balls are paid out in each division unit (split payout). Here, this divided payout unit is designated by a payout command (second command = 11110011) from the main control board 1000. A predetermined ball passage waiting time is set between the division units. Here, when there is a payout abnormality in a certain division unit, the subsequent ball passage waiting time becomes longer, and the ball passage waiting time becomes longer stepwise according to the number of past payout abnormalities recorded in the counter value. It is comprised so that it may become.

  According to the first embodiment, the payout control board that has received the payout command is configured to transmit information corresponding to the payout command rather than a simple ACK signal to the main control board side. There is an effect that the main control board can recognize whether or not the command is received.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, just because the payout control board receives the payout command, the payout-related control corresponding to the payout command is not performed immediately, but the information corresponding to the payout command is received. The payout related control corresponding to the payout command is executed only when the confirmation command from the main control board is further received. There is an effect that the payout-related control based on the changed payout command can be surely prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since information is transmitted from the payout control board side to the main control board side by serial communication, it is assumed that the information transmission is performed by parallel communication. It is possible to further prevent changes in information due to abnormalities and fraud.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, when the main control board does not receive information corresponding to the payout command within the specified time, the payout command is retransmitted, while the payout command is supported within the specified time. When the received data is received, the determination process by the payout command normal transmission determination means is executed, so that it is scheduled to be executed later, with waiting until the information corresponding to the payout command is received. As a result, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of data of payout commands related to payout control.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the command transmission from the main control board to the payout control board and the information transmission from the payout control board to the main control board are both serial communication with one transmission line. There is also an effect that the score can be reduced.

  Further, when a payout command is received when the payout command is temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means, the previous payout command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means is newly received. Since the payout command is rewritten, it is possible to prevent the payout control process based on the previous payout command, which is unknown whether the command is correct, from being executed.

<Example of changes related to serial communication>
Next, a modified example related to the serial communication described above will be described. In the first embodiment, when an error occurs in reception processing of a certain command or information, the command or information is retransmitted from the sender side, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in Table 2, when an error occurs in the reception process of two commands, the first command that was normally received before that is discarded, and the first command is sent again. Good. In such a configuration, for example, a command for setting ST on the main side to 0 is transmitted from the payout control device to the main control device side so that the first command is transmitted again from the main control device side.

  Specifically, the reception control unit 2110 discards the one command information temporarily stored in the main side reception information temporary storage unit 2111b when the second command cannot be normally received. Thereafter, the transmission control means 2120 transmits a command for returning the ST on the main side to 0 to the main control board 1000 side. When the payout control side reception control means 1122 receives a command for returning ST to 0 from the payout control board 2000 side, the payout control side payout state temporary storage means 1220 executes processing for returning ST to 0. To do.

＜球不足時の賞球払出ユニット６０の動作制御１＞
続いて、供給通路６１内が球不足状態となった場合の、賞球払出ユニット６０の動作制御について説明する。なお、この実施の形態１においては、左右の供給通路６１Ｌ，６１Ｒに各々対応して左右の球有りセンサ６４Ｌ，６４Ｒが配置され、各々の供給通路６１Ｌ，６１Ｒ内の球の有無が検知できるようになっている。また、左右の供給通路６１Ｌ，６１Ｒに各々対応して左右の回転体６２Ｌ，６２Ｒが配置され、その左右の回転体６２Ｌ，６２Ｒに各々対応して左右の通過センサ６６Ｌ，６６Ｒが配置されている。

<Operation control 1 of the prize ball payout unit 60 when there is a shortage of balls>
Next, the operation control of the winning ball payout unit 60 when the supply passage 61 is in a shortage of balls will be described. In the first embodiment, left and right sphere sensors 64L and 64R are arranged corresponding to the left and right supply passages 61L and 61R, respectively, so that the presence or absence of a sphere in each of the supply passages 61L and 61R can be detected. It has become. In addition, left and right rotating bodies 62L and 62R are arranged corresponding to the left and right supply passages 61L and 61R, respectively, and left and right passage sensors 66L and 66R are arranged corresponding to the left and right rotating bodies 62L and 62R, respectively. .

  In addition, when the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of spheres and the right supply passage 61R is in a shortage of spheres, the operation control is substantially the same except that the left and right are interchanged. The case where the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage state will be described, and the description in the case where the right supply passage 61R is in a shortage state will be omitted.

  FIG. 27A is a diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration when the game ball 23 is sufficiently supplied to the left supply passage 61L of the prize ball payout unit 60 (not in a shortage state). When the game ball 23 supplied to the left supply passage 61L presses the detection piece 64a, and the detection unit 64b detects the detection piece 64a, the presence of a ball in the passage is detected.

  When the winning ball payout process proceeds and the game balls are sequentially paid out, the game balls 23 in the left supply passage 61L sequentially flow downward. Here, normally, the game balls 23 are supplied from the game ball storage tank 40 located above the prize ball payout unit 60, and there is no shortage of balls. However, when there is not enough game balls 23 in the game ball storage tank 40 for some reason, or when a ball blockage occurs between the game ball storage tank 40 and the prize ball payout unit 60, FIG. ), The absence of a sphere is detected by the left sphere presence sensor 64L when the detection piece 64a enters the passage.

  The arrangement position of the sensor with the left sphere 64L can be selected as appropriate as long as it is upstream of the rotating body 62L. For example, in the first embodiment, the game ball is located between the rotating body 62L and the sensor with the left sphere 64L. A sensor 64L with a left sphere is arranged at a position where 23 spheres are aligned. That is, after the absence of a ball is detected by the left ball presence sensor 64L, a shortage of balls on the left rotating body 62L occurs after a total of 50 left and right supply passages have been awarded.

  Of course, the ball presence sensor 64 is included in the prize ball payout device and is disposed at a position directly above the rotating body 62, and the ball presence sensor 64 directly detects whether or not the game ball 23 is held in the holding portion 63. You may be able to.

  In this ball shortage state on the left supply passage 61L side, when the rotary body 62 stops at the initial position (left initial position) where the holding portion 63 of the left rotary body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, the left rotary body 62L The holding unit 63 is stopped in a state where the game ball 23 to be paid out next is not supplied. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the rotating body 62 in this state, where (a) shows the vicinity of the left rotating body 62L in a shortage of balls, and (b) shows the vicinity of the right rotating body 62R at the same timing. In that case, the first game ball will not be paid out until the game ball from the right rotating body 62R is subsequently paid out, and the first game ball (from the right rotating body 62R side in the next prize ball payout process) will not be paid out. Payout of game balls is delayed.

  Therefore, if a ball shortage state is detected on the left supply passage 61L side, the stop position of the rotating body 62 after completion of the prize ball payout process is set until the game ball 23 is received by the holding portion 63 of the right rotating body 62R. The position is controlled to rotate. In other words, the rotation is controlled by 16 steps, which is the number of steps required to pay out one game ball 23, and the initial position (right initial position) where the holding portion 63 of the right rotating body 62R faces the right supply passage 61R. And Thereby, when starting the next prize ball payout process, the game ball is paid out from the right rotating body 62R without delay. FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the rotating body 62 stopped at the right initial position when the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of spheres. FIG. 29A shows the vicinity of the left rotating body 62L, and FIG. The vicinity of the body 62R is shown.

  Next, detection of the insufficient ball state in the left supply passage 61L of the winning ball payout unit 60 and operation control of the winning ball payout unit in the insufficient ball state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The payout control board 2000 monitors the sensor output of the left sphere presence sensor 64L (S.11). When the left ball presence sensor 64L is in the ball presence state (S.12), it is determined that the sensor is in the normal state, and normal prize ball payout processing is performed (S.13). On the other hand, when the left ball presence sensor 64L detects the absence of a ball, it is determined that the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of balls (S.14).

  Although not described in detail, the same sphere presence state confirmation process is executed for the right sphere presence sensor 64R. When either or both of them detect a no-ball state, it is determined whether there is a shortage of balls in the corresponding supply passage.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the total number of payout prize balls after detecting the shortage of balls has become 50 or more (S.15). Loop to step. If the ball shortage state is canceled (the left ball presence sensor 64L detects the presence of a ball), the process proceeds to a normal prize ball payout process (S.13). However, when the total number of paid-out prize balls after detecting a shortage of balls is 50 or more (S.15), the initial position of the rotating body 62 that stops when the prize-ball payout process is completed is determined. The motor 50 is stopped so as to be “an initial position where the holding portion 63 of the right rotating body 62R is opposed to the right supply passage 61R (right initial position)” (S.16).

  In addition, although the number counting of the number of payout prize balls after determining the ball shortage state can also be realized by counting the number of ball passing by the passage sensor 66, in the first embodiment, the ball shortage by the ball presence sensor 64 is performed. This is realized by counting the number of motor drive steps from the state detection. That is, in the first embodiment, since one game ball 23 is paid out every time the motor 50 is driven for 16 steps, it may be determined whether or not 50 balls have been paid out by driving 800 steps. Further, the completion of the 50 ball payout process can also be determined by counting 50 pulses of the position sensor output of the motor 50 (1 pulse output for each ball payout; see FIG. 5 or 6B). it can.

[Embodiment 2]
<Operation control 2 of the prize ball payout unit 60 when there is a shortage of balls>
In the second embodiment, when the supply passage 61 is in a shortage of balls, the motor 50 performs the prize ball payout process at a second speed different from the first speed during the normal prize ball payout process. The case where it performs is demonstrated. In the second embodiment, left and right sphere sensors 64L and 64R are arranged corresponding to the left and right supply passages 61L and 61R, respectively, so that the presence or absence of a sphere in each of the supply passages 61L and 61R can be detected. It has become. In addition, left and right rotating bodies 62L and 62R are arranged corresponding to the left and right supply passages 61L and 61R, respectively, and left and right passage sensors 66L and 66R are arranged corresponding to the left and right rotating bodies 62L and 62R, respectively. .

  In addition, when the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of spheres and the right supply passage 61R is in a shortage of spheres, the operation control is substantially the same except that the left and right are interchanged. The case where the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage state will be described, and the description in the case where the right supply passage 61R is in a shortage state will be omitted.

  FIG. 27A (common to the first embodiment) shows an outline of the internal configuration when the game ball 23 is sufficiently supplied to the left supply passage 61L of the prize ball payout unit 60 (not in a shortage of balls). It is a figure. When the game ball 23 supplied to the left supply passage 61L presses the detection piece 64a, and the detection unit 64b detects the detection piece 64a, the presence of a ball in the passage is detected.

  When the winning ball payout process proceeds and the winning balls are sequentially paid out, the game balls 23 in the left supply passage 61L sequentially flow downward. Here, normally, the game balls 23 are supplied from the game ball storage tank 40 located above the prize ball payout unit 60, and there is no shortage of balls. However, when there is not enough game balls 23 in the game ball storage tank 40 for some reason, or when a ball blockage occurs between the game ball storage tank 40 and the prize ball payout unit 60, FIG. ) (Common to the first embodiment), when the detection piece 64a enters the passage, the absence of a sphere is detected by the left sphere presence sensor 64L.

  The arrangement position of the sensor with the left sphere 64L can be selected as appropriate as long as it is upstream of the rotating body 62L. For example, in the second embodiment, a game ball between the rotating body 62L and the sensor with the left sphere 64L. A sensor 64L with a left sphere is arranged at a position where 23 spheres are aligned. That is, after the absence of a ball in the left supply passage 61L is detected by the left ball presence sensor 64L, a shortage of balls on the left rotating body 62L occurs after a total of 50 left and right supply passages after the winning ball payout process. Will be.

  The payout control board 2000 determines the occurrence of a shortage of spheres on the left supply passage 61L side based on the sensor output of the left sphere presence sensor 64L. For example, the payout control board 2000 is provided with a buffer D in the payout control means 2300 for temporarily storing information on the presence / absence of a sphere in the supply passage 61 based on the output of the ball presence sensor 64, and there is insufficient sphere in this buffer It has a flag F. This ball shortage flag F is set to “1” when the supply passage is in a ball shortage state, and is set to “0” when the supply passage is in a normal state (a state where there is no ball shortage). The ball shortage flag F includes a left ball shortage flag FL corresponding to a ball shortage state in the left supply passage 61L and a right ball shortage flag FR corresponding to a ball shortage state in the right supply passage 61R.

  FIG. 31 is an operation time chart of the motor 50 when the prize ball payout unit 60 is in a shortage of balls. FIG. 31 exemplifies a case where a shortage of balls occurs during a prize ball payout process for paying out 10 prize balls. As shown to (a), the motor 50 is rotatingly driving the rotary body 62 at the 1st speed | rate in the case of an initial normal state. Thereby, prize balls are paid out alternately from the left rotating body 62L and the right rotating body 62R, and the left passing sensor 66L and the right passing sensor 66R detect the game balls 23 alternately.

  However, at the time 46 balls before the start of the winning ball payout process, the left ball presence sensor 64L detects the absence of a ball in the left supply passage 61L. Accordingly, only two prize balls remain in the left supply passage 61L at the start of the prize ball payout process, and the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of balls when a total of four prize balls are paid out. ing.

  The payout control board 2000 determines the shortage state of the left supply passage 61L and sets “1” to the left shortage flag FL as shown in (j). Along with this, the driving speed of the motor 50 is increased from the first speed to the second speed that is twice the speed. Since the left supply passage 61L side is in a shortage state, the prize ball is not paid out from the left rotating body 62L in the fifth and subsequent payouts. However, since the motor 50 drives the rotator 62 at a second speed that is twice the first speed, the payout from the right rotator 62R is performed at a double payout speed. Therefore, as a result, the number of prize balls to be paid out per unit time does not change between the time before the fourth and the time after the fifth. Processing delay prevention is realized.

  Next, detection of the insufficient ball state in the left supply passage 61L of the winning ball payout unit 60 and operation control of the winning ball payout device in the insufficient ball state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The payout control board 2000 monitors the sensor output of the left sphere presence sensor 64L (S.11). When the left ball presence sensor 64L is in the ball presence state (S.12), it is determined that the sensor is in the normal state, and normal prize ball payout processing is performed (S.13). The normal prize ball payout process means driving of the motor 50 at the first speed. On the other hand, when the left ball presence sensor 64L detects the absence of a ball, it is determined that the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of balls (S.14).

  Although not described in detail, the same sphere presence state confirmation process is executed for the right sphere presence sensor 64R. When either or both of them detect a no-ball state, it is determined whether there is a shortage of balls in the corresponding supply passage.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the total number of payout prize balls after detecting the shortage of balls has become 50 or more (S.15). Loop to step. If the ball shortage state is canceled (the left ball presence sensor 64L detects the presence of a ball), the process proceeds to a normal prize ball payout process (S.13). However, when the total number of payout prize balls after detecting the shortage of balls is 50 or more (S.15), the driving speed of the motor 50 is set to the second speed. (S.16).

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 33 is an operation time chart of the motor 50 in the insufficient ball state in the prize ball payout unit 60 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the left supply passage 61L is in a shortage of spheres and then the shortage of spheres is resolved.

  The winning mouth sensor 25 outputs an ON signal when the game ball 23 wins the winning opening. Thereby, the winning ball payout process is started, and the motor 50 drives the rotating body 62 to rotate at the first speed. In this normal state, “0” is set in the left sphere shortage flag. Thereafter, when the left supply passage 61L becomes in a shortage state, “1” is set in the left shortage flag FL. In response to this, the driving speed of the motor 50 is set to a second speed that is higher than the first speed. Thereafter, when the ball shortage state in the left supply passage 61L is resolved, the left ball shortage flag FL is set to “0” again.

  However, even if “0” is set again in the left sphere shortage flag FL, the second driving speed of the motor 50 is maintained until a predetermined extension time tc elapses thereafter. Thereby, the delay of the payout process caused by the occurrence of the ball shortage state is eliminated. After the elapse of the predetermined extension time tc, the driving speed of the motor 50 is set again to the first speed.

  The predetermined extended time tc is set as a time necessary for recovering a delay in paying out a prize ball caused by the occurrence of a ball shortage state. That is, the number of game balls B actually paid out during the shortage of balls and the number of game balls A that should be paid out during the shortage of balls (the game that would have been paid out when it was assumed that there was no shortage of balls) This is the time required to recover the payout delay of the number of differences A−B from the number of balls A) by the second speed after the ball shortage state is resolved.

  For example, when the supply passage 62 has two rows and a shortage of balls occurs in one of the rows, if the second speed is twice the first speed, there is almost no payout delay. Therefore, the predetermined extension time tc is 0, or a relatively short time required for switching from the first speed to the second speed when a ball shortage occurs. However, if the second speed is, for example, 1.5 times the first speed, even if the payout is performed at the second speed, the payout number delay gradually accumulates during the shortage of balls. In this case, even after the shortage of balls is resolved, the number (AB) of the balls that could not be paid out during the shortage of balls during the shortage of the balls is obtained by performing the second extended speed at a higher speed than usual. ).

[Embodiment 4]
In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which the payout control board 2000 changes the order of winning ball payout processing from the winning order. When the player launches the game balls 23 toward the game area 16, several game balls 23 win the winning opening. Each winning opening is associated with a different number of prize balls by the prize ball number storage means 206a. More specifically, for example, five prize balls are associated with the normal prize opening 28, three with the start prize opening 29, and 15 with the big prize opening 31. As a result, when the game ball 23 wins the normal winning slot 28, five prize balls are paid out. When the game ball 23 wins the start winning slot 29, three prize balls are paid out. When the game ball 23 wins the winning opening 31, fifteen prize balls are paid out.

  The main control board 1000 transmits prize ball number data to the payout control board 2000 in accordance with the order of winning in each winning opening. Here, after the main control board 1000 transmits the winning ball number data to the payout control board 2000, the main control board 1000 receives data indicating completion of the winning ball payout process from the payout control board 2000, and then receives the next winning ball number data. It may be configured to transmit to the payout control board 2000. However, in the fourth embodiment, the main control board 1000 waits for payout processing completion data from the payout control board 2000 every time there is a winning of the game ball 23 to each of the winning ports 28, 29, 31. Instead, the award ball number data is sequentially transmitted to the payout control board 2000.

  Therefore, for example, when the game ball 23 wins in the order of “winning to the start winning opening 29 → winning to the big winning opening 31 → winning to the normal winning opening 28 → winning to the big winning opening 31” The prize ball number data is transmitted to the payout control board 2000 in the order of “3 → 15 → 5 → 15”.

  When the payout control board 2000 receives the above-mentioned prize ball number data, the payout control board 2000 determines whether or not there is a shortage of balls in the left or right supply passage 61 (that is, the left shortage flag FL or the right shortage flag FR). If “1” is set in at least one of them), the prize ball payout order is not “3 → 15 → 5 → 15” but “15 → 15 → 5 → 3” "

  By causing the payout process with a large number of prize balls to be executed intensively first and postponing the payout process with a small number of prize balls as much as possible, a drive stop time between the prize ball payout process and the prize ball payout process is generated as much as possible. It can be postponed. It is possible to reduce the number of drive stop times that occur before the shortage of balls is resolved. As a result, processing with a large number of consecutive payout prize balls is performed first, speeding up the payout processing, and payout processing. Can be prevented.

[Embodiment 5]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the left and right sphere presence sensors 64L and 64R detect the insufficient sphere state has been described. In the fifth embodiment, the left and right passage sensors 66L and 66R detect the insufficient sphere state. An example will be described. In the following description, a shortage of spheres in the left supply passage 61L will be described, but the same is true for a shortage of spheres in the right supply passage 61R.

  That is, when the winning ball payout process is performed by the left and right rotating bodies 62L and 62R, when the supply of the balls in the supply passage is sufficient, the left and right passage sensors 66L and 66R detect the paid-out game balls. To do. At this time, the left rotator 62L and the right rotator 62R alternately pay out the game ball 23 at substantially equal intervals, so that the game ball 23 passes to the left passage sensor 66L and the game ball 23 passes to the right passage sensor 66R. Is also detected at equal intervals substantially alternately in time.

  However, for example, if there is a shortage of balls in the left supply passage 61L and no prize ball is paid out from the left rotating body 62L, the passage of the game ball 23 is not detected by the left passage sensor 66L. By detecting this situation, it is possible to determine the occurrence of a ball shortage state on the left supply passage 61L side. For example, when the passing detection of the game ball 23 by the left and right passage sensors 66 in the normal state (the state where the shortage of balls has not occurred) is alternately at the timing of every predetermined time interval (for example, 100 ms) It is possible to determine the shortage state of the left supply passage 61L with conditions.

(1) When there is no passage detection by the left passage sensor 66L after passage detection by the right passage sensor 66R and there is passage detection by the right passage sensor 66R again (2) After a passage detection by the right passage sensor 66R, a predetermined time interval tb In the case where there is no passage detection by the left passage sensor 66L even after the time exceeding 60 seconds has elapsed, Next, in a shortage state of balls based on the condition (1) in the supply passage 61 of the prize ball payout unit 60 in the fifth embodiment. The operation control of the winning ball payout unit in the detection and ball shortage state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 34, it is assumed that the right passage sensor 66R first detects the passage of the game ball 23. When the left passage sensor 66L detects the passage of the game ball 23, the processing based on the flowchart of FIG.

  The right passage sensor 66R detects the passage of the game ball 23 (S.21). Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the left passage sensor 66L detects passage of the game ball 23 (S.22). When the left passing sensor 66L detects the passing of the game ball 23, it is checked whether or not the number of payout winning balls by the series of winning ball payout processing has reached a predetermined number (S.23). Finishes the payout process (S.24). When the number of payout prize balls has not reached the predetermined number, it is confirmed whether or not the right passage sensor 66R detects the passage of the game ball 23 (S.25). When the right passing sensor 66R detects the passing of the game ball 23, it is checked whether or not the number of payout winning balls by the series of winning ball payout processing has reached a predetermined number (S.26). Finishes the payout process (S.24).

  On the other hand, if the left passage sensor 66L does not detect the passage of the game ball 23 in (S.22), it is checked again whether the right passage sensor 66R detects the passage of the game ball 23 (S.27). When the right passage sensor 66R detects the passage of the game ball 23, the payout control board 2000 determines whether or not the left supply passage 61L has a shortage of balls (S.28). Here, the right passage sensor 66R also does not detect the passage of the game ball 23, and if a certain time has elapsed, it determines a shortage of balls in both the left and right supply passages 61 (S.29).

  When the right passage sensor 66R does not detect the passage of the game ball 23 in (S.25), it is confirmed again whether the left passage sensor 66L detects the passage of the game ball 23 (S.30). When the left passage sensor 66L detects the passage of the game ball 23, the payout control board 2000 determines whether the right supply passage 61R is in a shortage of balls (S.31). Here, the left passage sensor 66L also does not detect the passage of the game ball 23, and if a certain time has elapsed, it determines a shortage of balls in both the left and right supply passages 61 (S.29).

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 35 is shown about the detection of the ball shortage state based on the said condition (2) in the supply path 61 of the prize ball payout unit 60 in this Embodiment 5, and operation control of the prize ball payout unit 60 in a ball shortage state. It explains using.

  It is confirmed whether or not the left passage sensor 66L has detected the passage of the game ball 23 (S.41). When the left passing sensor 66L detects the passing of the game ball 23, it is confirmed whether or not the number of payout winning balls by the series of winning ball payout processing has reached a predetermined number (S.42). In this case, the payout process is terminated (S.43). If the number of payout prize balls has not reached the predetermined number, it is confirmed whether or not the elapsed time after the left passage sensor 66L detects the passage of the game ball 23 is within the predetermined time interval tb (S.44). Here, when the elapsed time exceeds tb, the payout control board 2000 determines the insufficient ball state on the right supply passage 61R side (S.45).

  If it is within the predetermined time interval tb in (S.44), it is confirmed whether or not the right passage sensor 66R has detected the passage of the game ball 23 (S.46). When the right passage sensor 66R does not detect the passage of the game ball 23, the process loops again to (S.44). On the other hand, when the right passing sensor 66R detects the passing of the game ball 23, it is checked whether or not the number of payout winning balls by the series of winning ball payout processing has reached a predetermined number (S.47). If so, the payout process is terminated (S.43). If the number of payout prize balls has not reached the predetermined number, it is confirmed whether or not the elapsed time after the right passage sensor 66R detects the passage of the game ball 23 is within the predetermined time interval tb (S.48). Here, if the elapsed time exceeds tb, the payout control board 2000 determines a shortage of balls on the left supply passage 61L side (S.49), while (S.48) within the predetermined time interval tb. If there is, it loops again to (S.41).

  In the first embodiment, the sphere shortage state is determined based on the sensor output from the ball presence sensor 64. In the fifth embodiment, the sphere shortage state is determined based on the sensor output from the passage sensor 66. However, it is of course possible to more reliably determine the shortage of balls by using both sensor outputs. For example, the determination of the ball shortage state by the ball presence sensor 64 and the ball shortage state determination by the passage sensor 66 are logically operated by “OR”, and when the ball shortage is detected by any one of the sensors, the ball shortage state is determined. You may judge. In addition, the determination of the shortage state of the ball by the sensor 64 with a ball and the determination of the shortage state of the ball by the passage sensor 66 are logically performed by “AND”, and the shortage state of the ball is determined only when the shortage of the ball is detected by both sensors. May be.

  Of course, when detecting the shortage of spheres using the right and left sphere sensors 64, it is not necessary to arrange two passage sensors 66 on the left and right. If one pass sensor 66 is arranged in the payout passage 65 and both the payout winning balls from the left and right rotating bodies 62 pass through the pass sensor 66, the left and right two-ball sensors 64 and 1 A detection means for detecting which supply passage is in a shortage state of the sphere can be configured by the individual passage sensors 66, and the effects of the present invention are sufficiently exhibited.

[Modification]
A detecting means for detecting which supply passage is in a shortage state of balls can be configured by the position sensor output of the motor 50 and one passing sensor for detecting a payout winning ball from the left and right rotating bodies 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the position sensor of the motor 50 detects the motor position and outputs a pulse every time one game ball is paid out. That is, when the position sensor is ON output at the initial position (the position where the holding portion 63 of either the left rotating body 62L or the right rotating body 62R faces the supply passage 61) (the slit of the disk member at the sensor light position). When the motor starts driving, the position sensor output is turned off, and the signal is turned on again after driving 16 steps from the initial position. After that, the position sensor output becomes an off signal, and after the 16-step driving, it becomes an on signal. In this way, an ON signal pulse is output every 16 steps. Since the rotating body 62 pays out one winning ball every 16-step driving of the motor, the pulse output of the position sensor is calculated every 16-step driving of the motor 50 based on the initial position unless the ball is in a shortage state. One prize ball will be paid out.

On the other hand, when the motor 50 is driven and the rotator 62 rotates, the passage sensor 66 also outputs a sensor indicating the passage of the ball every time the game ball passes, that is, every payout. That is, the position sensor output of the motor 50 and the sensor output of the passage sensor 66 are output in a one-to-one correspondence, and the time lag (time pitch) is considered to be substantially constant. Therefore,
(1) When there is no sensor output of the passage sensor 66 even though the position sensor output of the motor 50 is output (that is, when two position sensor outputs continue without the sensor output of the passage sensor 66)
(2) When the time pitch between the position sensor output of the motor 50 and the sensor output of the passage sensor 66 is delayed from the time of normal processing (for example, 10 ms) (for example, twice 20 ms)
In addition, the payout control board 2000 can determine the ball shortage state.

  In this case, it can also be determined from the relationship between the output pulse of the position sensor and the output pulse of the passage sensor 66 which supply passage is in a shortage of spheres. That is, the pulse output of the position sensor corresponds to each prize ball payout, and the correspondence relationship between which pulse corresponds to the right payout or the left payout remains unchanged. Accordingly, the correspondence between the sensor output of the passage sensor 66 corresponding to the pulse output of the position sensor on a one-to-one basis is also uniquely determined. Therefore, if the correspondence between the pulse output of the position sensor and the left and right rotating bodies 62 is grasped in advance, when the ball shortage is detected, whether the ball shortage has occurred in the left or right supply passage 61. Can be judged.

  For example, in the initial position state, if it is previously determined whether the initial position is the left side initial position or the right side initial position, it is possible to easily determine which supply passage 61 is in a shortage of balls. Further, as described above, the disk member slit is formed so that the slit corresponding to the left initial position is different from the slit corresponding to the right initial position, and the output corresponds to the left initial position by the pulse output of the position sensor. If it is possible to determine whether the output is an output corresponding to the right initial position, it is possible to easily determine which supply passage 61 is in a shortage of balls. Of course, if the left passage sensor 66L and the right passage sensor 66R are respectively arranged so as to correspond to the left rotator 62L and the right rotator 62R, it can be easily determined which supply passage 61 is in a shortage of balls. be able to.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

C: card unit F: ball shortage flag FL: left ball shortage flag FR: right ball shortage flag tb: predetermined time interval tc: predetermined extension time 2: pachinko machine (game machine)
3: Gaming machine frame unit 4: Outer frame 5: Game board unit 6: Game board 6a: Game board surface (surface of the game board)
7: Center character 7a: Effect display device 7b: Display unit 7c: Display pattern 7d: Display opening 8: Speaker 9: Front frame 10: Glass 12: Glass frame 14: Ball tray 14a: Upper ball tray 14b: Lower ball Dish 14c: Ball removal member 15: Launcher handle 16: Game area 17: 1st symbol display device 22: Hinge 23: Game ball 24: Full detection sensor 25: Winning mouth sensor 26: Rail decoration 26a: Outer rail 27: Game Nail 28: Ordinary winning opening (winning area)
29: Start prize opening (winning area)
30: Out entrance 31: Grand prize exit (winning area)
32: decoration member 33: gate 34: windmill 35: main control board case 36: production control board case 37: payout control board case 38: power supply board case 39: external output terminal board 40: game ball storage tank 50: motor (drive) Means, part of prize ball dispensing device)
60: Prize ball dispensing unit 61: Supply passage (first prize ball passage)
61L: Left supply passage 61R: Right supply passage 62: Rotating body (award ball delivery member, part of award ball dispensing device)
62L: Left rotator 62R: Right rotator 62b: Rotating shaft 63, 63a to 63c: Holding part (ball receiving part)
64: Sensor with ball (ball presence sensor, detection means)
64L: sensor with left sphere 64R: sensor with right sphere 64a: detection piece 64b: detection unit 65: payout passage (second prize ball passage)
65a: Outlet 66: Pass sensor (detection means)
66L: Left passing sensor 66R: Right passing sensor 130: Status display unit 190: Sound / game effect lamp 201: Lottery means 203: Symbol determining means 204: Holding storage means 205: Symbol display control means 206: Prize ball determining means 206a: Prize ball number storage means 207: Pattern storage means 207a: Symbol pattern table 207d: Symbol variation display pattern table 208: Entry determination means 209: Special game control means 212: Error processing means 221: Effect determination means 222: Effect control means 223 : Production pattern storage means 223a: decorative design variation display pattern table 1000: main control board (part of control means)
1050: Game control unit 1100: Transmission / reception control unit 1110: Transmission control unit 1111a: Transmission command setting unit 1111b: Transmission command management unit 1113a: Temporary storage area for first command 1114: HC side transmission control unit 1114a: Scheduled payout number addition unit 1114b : Planned payout number subtracting means 1114c: Scheduled payout number related counter 1120: Reception control means 1121a: Game side information temporary storage means 1122: Payout control side reception control means 1122a: Payout control side received data management means 1122b: Control side received data temporarily Storage means 1200: Transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210: Control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1220: Discharge control side payout state temporary storage means 1300: Normal transmission determination means 1310: Communication time management means 1311: Timer 1400: Error control means 500: Backup unit 1510: Backup information temporary storage means 1520: backup power supply unit 1600: performance control board 2000 (part of the control means) dispensing control board
2100: Transmission / reception control unit 2110: Reception control unit 2111: Main side reception control unit 2111a: Main side reception data management unit 2112 Card unit side reception control unit 2112a: Unit side reception data management unit 2112b: Unit side reception information temporary storage unit 2120 : Transmission control means 2200: error control means 2220: error flag management means 2221: error flag temporary storage means 2300: payout control means 2310: payout information temporary storage means 2320: payout processing related information temporary storage means 2321: payout state flag temporary storage Means 2322: payout counter 2325: ball passage waiting time counter 2326: divided payout number temporary storage means 2340: payout abnormality determination means 2350: wait time control means 3000: sub control board 4000: sub sub control board

Claims (1)

A game board unit provided with a game area for realizing a game based on the flow of game balls;
A gaming machine frame unit containing the gaming board unit;
A winning ball paying unit for paying out a predetermined number of gaming balls as winning balls based on winning of the gaming balls to a winning area arranged in the gaming area;
A gaming machine having control means for controlling the operation of the prize ball payout device,
The prize ball payout unit is
A first prize ball passage for guiding the prize balls in a plurality of rows to the downstream side;
A prize ball payout device for receiving the game ball from the first prize ball passage and sending it to the downstream side;
A second prize ball path for guiding the game ball sent from the prize ball payout device to the downstream side;
Detecting means for detecting a shortage of balls in each of the plurality of rows of the first prize ball passages,
The prize ball payout device is:
A ball receiving portion for receiving one of the game balls guided from the first prize ball passage is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of rows, and the game balls are sequentially placed in the ball receiving portion one by one. A plurality of prize ball delivery members for delivering a predetermined number of the game balls one by one to the downstream side by receiving and releasing;
Drive means for driving the receiving operation and the delivery operation of the game ball by the prize ball delivery member,
The control means is
Based on the detection result by the detection means, when it is determined that there is no shortage of balls in all of the plurality of rows, the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member by the driving means is set to a first speed,
When the ball shortage state is determined in at least one of the plurality of rows based on the detection result by the detection unit, the driving speed of the prize ball delivery member by the driving means is higher than the first speed. Set to a second speed , and
After determining the ball shortage state, when it is determined that all the plurality of rows are not in a ball shortage state based on the detection result by the detection unit, the prize ball by the driving unit after a predetermined extension time has elapsed. A gaming machine that sets the drive speed of the delivery member from the second speed to the first speed .

Images