JP5362806B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine capable of preventing payout speed of balls from decreasing, even when a shortage of the payout balls occurs while payout processing of the balls is performed. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of a payout motor driving signal sent to a payout device 46 from a payout control section 45, a payout motor 60 is driven just for the number of times in accordance with the number of balls to be paid out in one payout processing, and its rotation operation is detected by a payout motor position detection switch 61. Also, the number of balls actually paid out is counted by a payout counting switch 32. When a shortage of balls to be paid out occurs when one payout processing is performed, payout error processing is not performed immediately but the number of the shortage of the balls to be paid out is accumulatively added, and a normal payout operation continues until the accumulated number reaches the prescribed number. The payout error processing is not performed until the payout shortage continuously occurs and its accumulated number reaches the prescribed number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a pachinko machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, and more particularly to a pachinko machine that can prevent a drop in the speed of paying out balls.

Conventionally, inventions related to pachinko machines equipped with a payout device have been proposed. For example, in a pachinko machine configured to operate a ball dispensing device by an amount corresponding to the number of balls to be dispensed and to dispense a predetermined number of balls, the balls actually dispensed to the ball tray due to a cause such as clogging There is a pachinko machine that performs a payout process as described below for a problem that the number does not reach a predetermined number to be paid out.

That is, a ball detecting means for detecting a ball actually paid out is provided on the ball tray portion, and the ball paying device is operated only for paying out one ball, and whether or not the ball detecting means detects the ball accordingly. After confirming that the ball has been detected, the ball dispensing device is operated again while the ball dispensing device is actuated so as to dispense one ball at a time. Is controlled so that a predetermined number of balls are surely paid out to the ball tray.

However, when such a method of confirming the paid-out balls one by one is employed, it takes time to perform the confirmation operation, resulting in a disadvantage that the speed of paying out the balls becomes slow. Therefore, in order to eliminate the drawbacks, Patent Document 1 shown below discloses a gaming machine that performs control as follows. That is, when a ball payout condition is established by hitting a hit ball in a predetermined winning area or the like, the payout operation is performed by an amount corresponding to a predetermined number to be paid out for the time being. Further, the number of balls actually paid out to the ball storage unit by the payout operation of the ball payout device is counted by the payout ball number counting means. When the number of payout balls counted by the payout ball number counting means is less than the predetermined number to be paid out at the stage when the payout operation corresponding to the predetermined number by the ball payout device is completed, The ball dispensing device is dispensed by a corresponding amount.

Japanese Patent No. 3276656

However, the pachinko machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not perform a payout control in which the ball payout device is repeatedly operated while checking each payout ball as described above. When there is a shortage in the number of payout balls for each payout operation, a new payout operation for paying out the shortage must be performed, which is not sufficient control for performing a quick payout operation.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a pachinko machine capable of realizing quick payout processing when payout balls are insufficient, for example, when payout balls or prize balls are insufficiently paid out. It is intended.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention of the pachinko machine according to claim 1 is based on a payout control unit that transmits a payout drive signal when there is a ball to be paid out to a player, and the payout drive signal. A payout device for paying out balls, and a payout counting switch for counting the balls actually paid out by the payout device, wherein the payout control unit has a total number of prize balls to be paid out to the player. Set as a count value, the set number is a ball total counter to which the number of payout balls counted by the payout counting switch is subtracted, and the value of the ball total counter is equal to or less than a predetermined predetermined ball payout number In this case, the value of the ball total counter is set as a count value, and when the value of the ball total counter is larger than the predetermined ball payout number, the predetermined ball payout number Based on the payout number counter set as a count value and the payout drive signal corresponding to the payout number counter, the payout device pays out balls, and the payout count switch determines the number of balls counted in the payout. A deficiency counter that accumulates the deficiency number in an initial value when the deficiency number is less than the count value set in the payout number counter, and the deficiency counter value is predetermined by the deficiency number counter. The ball payout process based on the payout driving signal corresponding to the payout number counter is performed until the predetermined shortage number set in advance is set to the same number of balls as the predetermined ball payout number, and the value of the shortage counter When a predetermined number of shortages reaches a predetermined number, payout processing as payout mechanism failure processing is performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pachinko machine of the first aspect, the value of the shortage counter is determined when a ball is paid out based on the payout driving signal according to the payout number counter without a shortage. It returns to the initial value.

According to the present invention, when an insufficient ball is generated in a payout ball in a payout process such as a lending ball or a prize ball, a decrease in payout speed can be prevented, and a satisfactory pachinko game can be provided to a player. .

It is a figure showing one form of the whole front view of the pachinko machine concerning the present invention. It is a figure showing one form of a back perspective view of a pachinko machine concerning the present invention. It is a figure showing the receiving part, sending part, and sending mechanism part which comprise a storage part. It is a block diagram showing the control system of the pachinko machine concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure around a payout control part. It is a figure which shows the kind of command data. It is a timing chart which shows one form of basic prize ball payout processing. It is a timing chart which shows one form of processing when a payout insufficient ball reaches a predetermined number. It is a timing chart which shows one form of an error time payout process. It is a timing chart which shows one form of slit error processing. It is a timing chart which shows one form of motor error processing. It is a figure which shows one form of the stop conditions of payout operation | movement. It is a figure which shows one form of the resumption conditions of payout operation | movement. It is a timing chart which shows one form of basic sphere rental payment processing. It is a figure which shows one form of the stop conditions of payout operation | movement. It is a figure which shows one form of the resumption conditions of payout operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the output process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the input processing of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of the payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the payment operation | movement process of a payment control part. It is a flowchart which shows the payout start process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the excitation process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the normal drive process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the drive process at the time of an error of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the weight process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the waiting process at the time of an error of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the counting process of a payout control part.

Embodiments of a pachinko machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a pachinko machine. This pachinko machine 1 is a pachinko machine provided with an image display device 2 as a so-called center object in a substantially central portion of the game area 5. In the image display device 2, for example, a plurality of types of effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner or stopped in a plurality of columns or rows.

When a game ball is launched from an unillustrated launching device and the launched game ball wins a predetermined winning opening (for example, the start winning opening 10), a plurality of symbols (numerals) are displayed on the image display device 2 based on the winning. And characters or pictures) are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. When the predetermined time elapses, the symbol selected by random drawing from the random numbers is stopped and displayed. When the symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a predetermined combination symbol, the special winning opening 3 is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 30). It is possible to obtain a lot of prize balls in a short time because it is in a state where it is easy to win game balls and the game balls are easily won, and a special game state (winning state) advantageous to the player occurs. Further, a winning effect image is displayed on the image display device 2 in accordance with the occurrence of the winning gaming state.

The pachinko machine 1 includes a front frame 21, and a window frame 22 is attached to the front frame 21 so as to be openable and closable. A substantially square gaming board is disposed on the back side of the window frame 22. On the game board, there are provided a substantially arc-shaped outer rail 8a and an inner rail 8b for guiding a game ball launched from the launching device, and a portion surrounded by the two rails 8a and 8b forms a game area 5. doing. A game ball launched from the launching device flows down the game area 5. When a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in a prize opening provided in the game area 5 is satisfied, a predetermined number of prize balls are added from the storage unit provided on the back side to the ball tray unit 13. To be paid out. The image display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) 2 is provided with an image display portion (liquid crystal display portion) 9 for performing symbol variation display and stop display, and a winning effect display by moving images, a distraction effect display, and the like. Yes. In this embodiment, the image display section 9 is provided with a left display section 9a, a middle display section 9b, and a right display section 9c having three rows, and a plurality of types of symbols are independently provided in each display section in the vertical direction. Fluctuation display and stop display are displayed. Further, using the entire image display unit 9, a win effect image is displayed when a special gaming state occurs.

A start winning opening 10 is provided on the lower side of the image display device 2, and on the basis of the winning of a game ball in the starting winning opening 10, a variable display operation of symbols is started on the image display unit 9. When a game ball wins the start winning opening 10 during the variation display operation (while one variation display operation is being performed), the symbol variation display operation for the winning game ball is performed according to the previously won game. It is held (stocked) until the change display operation for the sphere is completed. The fact that the information is held and the number of times of holding are displayed by lighting a holding display 7 (for example, LED) provided on the upper part of the variable display device 2. When a combination of specific symbols is stopped and displayed on the display units 9a to 9c below the start winning opening 10, for example, “6” “6” “6”, “7” “7” “7” A large winning opening (also referred to as an attacker) 3 is provided that changes between an open state and a closed state when three of the same symbols are stopped and displayed (hereinafter also referred to as hits). The big winning opening 3 is provided with a door that opens and closes, and when the door is closed, a game ball is not won from the gaming area 5 into the big winning opening 3 and can be won only when the door is opened.

On both the left and right sides of the big winning opening 3, general winning openings 11 are provided. Further, an out port 12 through which game balls that have flowed down the game area 5 and have not won any of the winning ports, that is, so-called off balls, is discharged below the big winning port 3. An integrated dish 14 having a ball tray part 13 is provided below the window frame 22 covering the front of the game board. A handle grip 15 for adjusting the firing strength of the game ball launched from the launching device by the rotation operation, that is, the flight distance of the game ball, is provided at the lower right side of the integrated dish 14. The number of prize balls for winning a game ball at each prize opening is determined in advance. In this embodiment, for example, 3 prize balls are awarded when entering the start prize slot 10, and 10 prizes are awarded when entering the general prize slot 11. When the winning ball enters the grand prize opening 3, 15 winning balls are paid out.

Also, on the left side of the pachinko machine 1, by inserting an information recording medium (prepaid card) on which valuable value information such as the number of balls that can be rented is recorded, game balls can be rented out. A device (CR unit) 16 is arranged. By depressing a lending button 18 provided on the integrated dish 14, a predetermined number of units of lending balls, for example, 25 lending balls per operation, are controlled from the storage unit by the ball dispensing device. Part 13 is paid out. That is, the number of units of lending balls that are continuously paid out from the storage unit by one lending operation is set to one unit of lending number (for example, 25 lending balls that are paid out for 100 yen). Has been. The valuable value information of prepaid cards decreases with the lending of balls. The prepaid card is discharged and returned from the CR unit 16 by depressing the return button 19.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the pachinko machine 1. A game ball to be paid out for a prize ball or a rental ball is stored in a storage unit 25 provided at the back. The storage unit 25 is set to be replenished when the number of game balls in the storage unit 25 becomes a predetermined number or less by a game ball circulation system provided as a pachinko hall facility. The storage unit 25 and the integrated dish 14 communicate with each other through a payout ball guide path 24 of a payout mechanism unit 26 provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the balls discharged from the storage unit 25 pass through the guide path 24. And is paid out from the communication port 17 connected to the ball tray part 13.

The game balls in the storage unit 25 are sequentially paid out by the operation of the delivery mechanism unit 26. As described above, the payout includes a payout for a prize ball that is paid out when a game ball wins a predetermined winning opening according to the progress of the game, and a payout when the game ball is lent to a player. There are two types of payout for rented balls, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the operation of the sending mechanism unit 26. The storage unit 25 includes a receiving unit 27 that stores a plurality of game balls in a stacked state, and a sending unit 28 that sends out the game balls received by the receiving unit 27 in an aligned manner. The lower part of the receiving part 27 has a gradient having a predetermined angle, and the stored game balls gradually flow toward the sending part 28.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the delivery mechanism section 26 cut in the vertical direction along the left-right direction of the pachinko machine 1. A sprocket 29 that constitutes a part of the delivery mechanism section 26 is provided at a downstream portion in the flow direction of the delivery section 28. The sprocket 29 is provided with a plurality of semicircular recesses 30 (six in this embodiment) on its peripheral surface. The rotating shaft 31 of the sprocket 29 is connected to a payout motor (not shown). A stepping motor is used as the payout motor, and the rotation speed can be adjusted by changing the speed of one step. When the payout motor rotates, the sprocket 29 rotates counterclockwise, and the game balls (a part of the game balls) flowing in the delivery unit 28 are sequentially accommodated in the recesses 30. Thereby, each time the sprocket 29 rotates by a predetermined angle, the game balls accommodated in the respective recesses 30 are sent one by one to the downstream portion.

The game ball delivered from the recess 30 of the sprocket 29 is detected by a payout counting switch 32 provided at the downstream end of the delivery unit 28. The rotation state of the payout motor is detected by the payout motor position detector. For example, the rotating shaft 31 of the sprocket 29 is provided with a slit plate in which slits are uniformly formed along the periphery, and a photoelectric sensor is provided so as to sandwich the slit plate. The slit plate and the photoelectric sensor constitute a pulse encoder (dispensing motor position detecting unit), and a signal of one pulse is generated from the photoelectric sensor by the rotation of the rotation shaft 31 by a predetermined angle (in this embodiment, 1/2 pitch of the recess 30). It is transmitted to a payout control unit (described later). That is, it can be said that this one-pulse signal is an operation frequency signal for paying out one game ball from the delivery path 28 by the payout motor. Based on the number-of-operations signal, the game balls are paid out, and by comparing the actual number of paid-out balls detected by the number-of-payout counting switch 32 with the number of times-of-operations signal, it is possible to determine whether or not the number of paid-out balls is appropriate. it can. When the payout balls are paid out without any shortage, one game ball is paid out from the delivery path 28 every time one operation number signal is output, and the actual number of payout balls is equal to the number of operation number signals. It is determined that the number of balls is appropriate.

For example, when the stepping cycle for driving the payout motor is output at a cycle of 2 msec, it is possible to pay out 600 to 800 gaming balls per minute. That is, the operation frequency signal is output in the range of 600 to 800 per minute. At the start of driving of the payout motor, the rotation speed of the payout motor, that is, the step cycle is set to ½ of the normal step cycle in order to ensure more reliable payout. This prevents sudden start of movement of the payout ball at the start of payout, and allows the payout balls that flow along the gentle slope of the delivery path 28 to flow in a state of being in close contact with each other so as not to generate a gap. Therefore, the sprocket 29 can be prevented from being fed in the idle state.

FIG. 4 is one form of a block diagram showing the main configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine according to the present invention.
The control unit includes a main control unit 40 that controls the main game, an effect control unit 41 that is controlled based on a control command from the main control unit 40, and a payout control unit 45. Yes. The effect control unit 41 analyzes the control command transmitted from the main control unit 40 and controls the symbol / sound control unit 42, the indicator lamp 43, and the like. The symbol / sound control unit 42 controls the display unit (image display device) 2 related to the rendering symbol (demo symbol) and the speaker 44 based on the control command from the rendering control unit 41. The payout control unit 45 analyzes the control command transmitted from the main control unit 40 and controls the game ball payout device 46, the launch device 47, and the lending device (CR unit) 16. Each control unit includes a CPU having a ROM and a RAM. Each control program and various effect design data are written in the ROM, and the RAM is used as a data writing and reading area.

The main control unit 40 includes a start winning switch 50 for detecting a winning ball that has won a winning winning opening 10, a count switch 51 that detects the number of winning balls that have won a large winning opening 3, and a general winning opening 11. A winning opening switch 52 for detecting a winning ball that has won a prize is connected. Further, a V winning zone for continuing the opening / closing operation of the big winning opening is provided in the big winning opening 3, and the V switch 53 for detecting a winning ball winning in the V winning zone is also the main control unit 40. It is connected to the. Further, the main control unit 40 includes a start prize opening solenoid 55 for opening and closing an electric tulip as a movable member provided in the start prize opening 10 and a big prize opening solenoid 56 for opening and closing the big prize opening 3. It is connected. In addition, a board external terminal 57 is connected to the main control unit 40 in order to output information indicating the game progress state of the pachinko machine 1 to the hall computer.

When a game ball launched from the launching device 47 by operating the handle 15 wins the start winning opening 10, the game ball is detected by a start winning switch 50 provided in the start winning opening 10. The detection signal of the start winning switch 50 is input to the main control unit 40 as a start winning signal. Based on the input of the start winning signal, the main control unit 40 starts the effect symbol variation display for the winning of the game ball on the image display device 2 and performs random number lottery processing to win the effect symbol variation display. / Determine out of place.

Based on the determined display pattern variation display mode (win / fail), the main control unit 40 performs a variation mode (normal variation, time variation 1 variation, time variation 2 variation), reach variation, and normal per case. / A variation pattern including information such as probability variation is transmitted to the effect control unit 41 as a variation pattern command. Further, the main control unit 40 is information indicating the disparity, or information indicating the hit and its type (for example, hit with probability fluctuation, single hit, big hit, medium hit or small hit). Designation symbol information is designated and transmitted to the production control unit 41 as a symbol designation command. Here, the winning with probability variation means that the probability of the winning lottery game after the winning game is set different from the normal time (for example, higher than the normal winning probability). Further, “one-shot hit” means that the probability of winning a lottery game after the end of winning game is set to a normal winning probability. In addition, the big hit, the middle hit, and the small win are wins with different winning ball numbers.

The effect control unit 41 receives a variation pattern command from the main control unit 40 to detect the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening 10. The effect control unit 41 transmits a variation pattern command to the symbol / sound control unit 42 based on this detection. Then, the symbol / sound control unit 42 displays the variation of the effect symbol on the image display device 2 based on the variation pattern command, and outputs the effect sound from the speaker 44.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the payout control unit 45 in the block diagram shown in FIG.
A game ball lending device connection signal indicating that the lending device 16 is connected to the payout control unit 45 is transmitted to the launching device 47. By receiving this signal, the function of the launching device 47 becomes effective. The payout device 46 includes a payout motor 60 that is a drive source of the delivery mechanism unit 26 and a payout motor for detecting the position of the payout motor 60 (corresponding to the number of operations for discharging one payout ball). A position detection switch 61 is provided. The payout motor 60 starts to be driven when a payout drive signal is sent from the payout control unit 45 to the payout motor 60, and the drive state of the payout motor 60 is detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61. Feedback to 45. Further, the payout control unit 45 includes a payout path ball turning switch 62 for detecting that the payout ball flowing in the payout route is out of ball, and a fullness detecting for detecting that the ball tray portion 13 is in a full state. A tongue switch 63 and a payout counting switch 32 for detecting a payout ball actually paid out from the payout device 46 are connected.

The lending device 16 is installed separately from the pachinko machine 1, and determines the power-on state of the lending device 16 from the lending device 16 to the payout control unit 45 in order to establish a mutual communication protocol. Power supply + 18V signal, a card unit READY signal (BRDY) for transmitting that the lending device 16 is processing lending, and a terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal (BRQ) for requesting lending for the lending device 16 ). On the other hand, the payout control unit 45 sends to the lending device 16 a stand terminal lending completion signal (EXS) for notifying that the lending for the basic unit has been completed, and a stand READY signal for notifying that the payout operation is possible ( PRDY) is being sent. When a lending operation is performed (for example, 100 yen is thrown into the lending device 16), the lending device 16 transmits a stand READY signal (PRDY) to notify that a payout operation is possible from the payout control unit 45. After confirming that the loan device 16 is in the process of lending, the BRDY is turned on and the BRQ is turned on to notify that there is a lending request for the basic unit. To do. In response to this, the payout control unit 45 transmits to the lending device 16 an ON of EXS that notifies that lending for the basic unit has not ended. Then, the lending device 16 transmits to the payout control unit 45 the BRQ that requests lending for the basic unit. In response to this signal, the payout control unit 45 performs a ball lending payout operation for the basic unit, and when the payout operation is completed, sends off to the lending device 16 an EXS that notifies that the loan for the basic unit has ended. To do. Further, when the lending operation is continuously performed (for example, the next 100 yen is thrown into the lending device 16), the turn-on of the BRQ is transmitted from the lending device 16 to the payout control unit 45. The ball lending payout process is performed. On the other hand, when the next lending operation has not been performed, the payout control unit 45 receives the BRDY off signal transmitted from the lending device 16 and indicating that the lending device 16 is not in the lending process. To finish the process.

The payout control unit 45 performs control of prize balls, lending, etc. based on a command from the main control unit 40. As a response signal of the control result, for example, the ball tray unit 13 is full. Is transmitted to the main control unit 40. As a result, for example, a command is transmitted from the main control unit 40 to the effect control unit 41, and the speaker 44, the image display device 2, the display lamp 43, and the like are notified that the command is full. Further, although not shown in the drawing, the main control unit 40 also outputs a payout path ball-out state signal for notifying that the payout path is out of ball, and a payout error signal for notifying that when an error occurs in payout. The counting signal of the payout ball counted by the payout counting switch 32 is also transmitted to the main control unit 40. In this case, the main control unit 40 may perform payout management based on these signals.

Further, the payout control unit 45 controls a state indicator lamp provided in the payout control unit. When the lending device 16 such as a gaming ball is not connected, the gaming ball lending device not connected state indicator light is lit or blinking, and when an error occurs in the paying ball, the dispensing error status indicator light is lit / flashing, Control is performed such that when the payout path is out of ball, the payout path ball out status indicator is lit / flashed, and when the power is supplied, the power indicator is lit. Further, the frame left state indicator lamp 65 or the frame right state indicator lamp 66 provided on the left side or the right side of the pachinko machine 1 is controlled corresponding to these indicator lights.

Further, the payout control unit 45 is provided with a plurality of counters for storing the number of balls related to the control in order to perform payout control of prize balls and rental balls. Specifically, the number of award balls acquired by the player with the winning of the game ball at the winning opening or the rented ball obtained by the player with the ball lending operation, that is, paying out to the player “Number-of-balls counter” (including a number-of-balls counter that stores prize balls and a number-of-lending-counter counter that stores lending balls) “75” that stores the number of power balls; “76, a“ payout motor operation number counter ”77 for storing the number of operation of the payout motor, and an“ insufficient counter ”78 for storing the number of shortage of the payout balls.

In addition, the payout control unit 45 is connected to a power supply unit 67 that supplies necessary power to each control unit. A RAM clear signal and a power-off detection signal can be transmitted from the power supply unit 67 to the payout control unit 45. When a RAM clear switch provided in the power supply unit 67 is operated, a RAM clear signal indicating that fact is transmitted from the power supply unit 67 to the payout control unit 45. Further, when it is detected that the power supply supplied from the power supply unit 67 has been cut off, a power-off detection signal indicating that fact is transmitted from the power supply unit 67 to the payout control unit 45.

For the game ball payout operation by the payout device 46, the command received from the main control unit 40 is analyzed, and the operation by the prize ball payout control for paying out the prize balls for the stored acquired game balls, and the game ball lending device, etc. There is an operation by ball lending control which receives a signal from 16 and pays out a lending ball requested by the player. Hereinafter, these payout controls will be described in detail.

First, the prize ball payout control includes a process for analyzing a command received from the main control unit 40, a basic prize ball payout process for paying out award balls for the number of acquired game balls, a prize ball payout retry process, There are a process for setting a payout state transmitted from the control unit 40, a payout operation stop process, and a payout operation restart process.

(1) Analysis processing of received command The payout control unit 45 receives the command data transmitted from the main control unit 40, analyzes the command data, stores the number of acquired game balls, and sets the designated state To do. Specifically, the payout control unit 45 receives a command 70 of the type shown in FIG. The command 70 is composed of a command of 2 bytes in total including 1 byte of MODE data and 1 byte of EVENT data. There are 15 types of commands (MODE 80H, EVENT 01H to 0FH) for specifying the number of payouts, and 1 type of data (MODE 90H, EVENT 20H) for setting the payout status. It can be determined that the command is a prize ball system command by receiving MODE 80H, and it can be determined that the command is a power-on command by receiving MODE 90H.

For example, when a game ball wins the big winning opening 3, the number of winning balls is 15, so commands (80H, 0FH) for designating the number of payouts (15) from the main control unit 40 to the payout control unit 45 Is sent. Upon receiving this command (80H, 0FH), the payout control unit 45 adds the payout number (15) to the number of acquired game balls having a 2-byte length (0 to 65535) provided on the RAM, and stores it. The number of award balls for one payout from the payout device 16 is set in advance to a predetermined number (for example, a maximum of 20 balls), and the payout process is completed before receiving the payout number designation command based on the next win Pays out 15 memorized prize balls. On the other hand, when a payout number designation command based on the next winning is received before the above-described 15 prize ball payout processing, the number of payouts designated by the command is added to the number of acquired game balls. I will remember it. When the number of acquired game balls exceeds 20 at the time of payout processing, 20 balls that are the maximum payout balls are paid out.

When the payout control unit 45 receives a command (90H, 20H) for setting a payout state, the payout control unit 45 cancels the payout prohibition state set when the power is turned on, and sets the payout state. This corresponds to processing for setting the payout state transmitted from the main control unit 40 of the prize ball payout control.

(2) Basic prize ball payout process FIG. 7 shows one form of a timing chart of the basic prize ball payout process. When a command from the main control unit 40 is received and the number of acquired game balls is stored in the “award ball total counter” 75 provided in the payout control unit 45, a predetermined number N as a unit of the payout number Are set in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 provided in the payout control unit 45. In this embodiment, the maximum number of N is set to 20, and if the number of acquired game balls stored in the prize ball total counter 75 at the time of payout is 20 or less, the same number as the stored count value Are set in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 as count values (as a unit of the number of payouts). On the other hand, when the number of acquired game balls exceeds 20, the maximum number of 20 is set as one unit of the number of payouts.

First, the payout motor 60 is driven in the forward rotation direction at a speed of 2.500 msec per step by the control of the payout control unit 45 (payout drive signal). Next, the speed of the payout motor is set to 1.250 msec per step from the time when the turn-on edge of the payout motor position detection switch 61 is confirmed from the first off. After detecting the turn-on to turn-on edge of the dispensing motor position detection switch N times including the first time, the excitation state of the motor at that time is held for a predetermined time (for example, 300 msec). In the form shown in FIG. 7, N = 4 is set, and after the four on-edges are detected, the excitation of the payout motor driven in the forward rotation direction is maintained, that is, the rotation of the payout motor about to rotate forward. Is forcibly locked and stopped. This series of control is one unit of award ball payout operation. When there is no next payout after the excitation holding time has elapsed (when there is no acquired game ball number), the payout motor is stopped.

The sprocket 29 (FIG. 3) driven by the payout motor 60 is provided with recesses 30 on the peripheral surface thereof at intervals of 32 steps. Accordingly, each time the payout motor 60 is driven 32 steps, the payout balls accommodated in the recess 30 are sent out one by one. Further, every time the payout motor 60 is driven 32 steps, the count value set in the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 is decreased by one count. The payout ball actually sent out by the sprocket 29 is detected by the payout counting switch 32. Therefore, when the payout ball is sent out by the sprocket 29 without a shortage, the count value decreased by the operation number counter 77 of the payout motor, the number of on-edges indicating the number detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61, and the payout The number is equal to the number of on-edges indicating the number of payout balls detected by the counting switch 32.

In FIG. 7, the four paying balls are normally paid out without any shortage, and the four paying balls are turned off by the payout counting switch 32 corresponding to the four on-edges detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61. Has been detected. When four balls are detected by the payout counting switch 32, the count value of the “prize ball total counter” 75 is decreased by four counts. In addition, the payout motor is stopped after 300 msec excitation holding, indicating that the number of acquired game balls is 4 balls. If the stored number of acquired game balls remains, after a 300 msec excitation hold, a series of one-unit winning ball payout operations (A period processing) are repeated without stopping the payout motor.

(3) Prize ball payout retry process The prize ball payout retry process is a process performed when an abnormal payout process occurs. The processing at the time of a failure of the payout mechanism performed when the number detected by is not normal (the number of short payouts is generated), and the cumulative total obtained by adding the shortage numbers exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 20), (Ii) Slit error processing performed when the turning-off edge of the dispensing motor position detection switch 61 is not confirmed for 48 steps during rotation of the dispensing motor 60, (iii) Even if the slit error processing is performed There is a motor error process that is performed when the slit does not return.

(I) Processing at the time of failure of the payout mechanism FIG. 8 shows one form of a timing chart of processing at the time of payout mechanism failure. When a one-unit prize ball payout operation (basic prize ball payout process) is performed and a payout insufficient ball occurs, that is, a payout ball detected by the count number of the “number-of-payout motor operation counter” 77 and the payout count switch 32. When there is a difference between the numbers, the shortage of balls is added to a “shortage counter” 78 provided in the payout control unit 45. When the cumulative number of added balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20), a stop time of 5 seconds is secured after the basic prize ball payout process (B period process) is completed, and then an error time payout process is performed. “Processing at the time of failure of the payout mechanism” is started. However, if it is confirmed in the payout process at the time of error that the payout has been performed normally, it is determined that there is no mechanical failure in the payout device, and then the normal payout process is returned to the normal payout process. Resumed. When normal payout cannot be confirmed in the payout process at the time of error, the payout process at the time of error (“process at the time of payout mechanism failure”) is repeated after a 5 sec stop time is secured again. As a result, the number of error processings associated with a lack of prize balls (payout) can be reduced, and the missing prize balls can be reliably paid out.

In the basic prize ball payout process (B period process) shown in FIG. 8, since the two on-edges are detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61, a payout drive signal for paying out two prize balls is paid out. It is transmitted from the control unit 45 to the payout device 46. In this case, a value of 2 is set in the “payout number counter” 76. Every time the payout motor 60 is driven, the count value of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 is decremented, and every time the payout count switch 32 detects a payout ball, the count value of the “payout number counter” 76 is decremented. . When the count value of the “dispensing motor operation number counter” 77 reaches 0, the driving of the dispensing motor is stopped and the dispensing process is completed. When one basic prize ball payout process is completed, the subtracted number of “payout motor operation number counter” 77 (here, 2 counts as the payout ball to be paid out) and the actual payout ball detected by the payout count switch 32. When the number (change in the count value of the “payout number counter” 76) is compared and a difference occurs in the number, the number of balls of the difference is cumulatively added to the “insufficient counter” 78.

The change in the count value of the payout number counter “76” may be incremented, for example, every time the payout counting switch 32 detects a payout ball. The payout drive signal for paying out two prize balls is used. Based on the transmission, a value of “0” is set in the “payout number counter” 76, and increments every time the payout counting switch 32 detects a payout ball. And a change in the count value of the “payout number counter” 76, and if there is a difference in the number, the number of balls of the difference may be cumulatively added to the “insufficient counter” 78.

In FIG. 8, since the number of operations of the payout motor 60 is two, two payout balls must be detected by the payout counting switch 32 when normal payout processing is performed. However, the on-edges of the two prize balls to be paid out (on-edges of the pulses 80 and 81 indicated by broken lines) are not detected. Accordingly, in this case, two balls corresponding to the difference in number of balls are added to the “shortage counter” 78 as the number of shortage balls. The addition of the number of deficient balls is accumulated with respect to a predetermined initial value (for example, “0”). Then, when the cumulative number of balls after the addition reaches 20, as shown in the drawing, after a stop time of 5 seconds is secured, the payout process at the time of error (“process at the time of payout mechanism failure”) is performed.

However, when the cumulative number of balls after the addition has not reached 20, the processing at the time of failure of the payout mechanism is not performed, and the next basic prize ball payout processing is continued. In the next basic prize ball payout process, if a new game ball has not been acquired, the number of game balls to be obtained is set as “total prize ball counter” in the same manner as the basic prize ball payout process (the process shown in FIG. 8 here). Two balls stored in “75” are set in the “payout number counter” 76 as the number of payout balls. In the next basic prize ball payout process, if an insufficient payout ball number occurs, the number of balls is added to the “shortage counter” 78. In this basic prize ball payout process (in this case, the process shown in FIG. 8), two balls are added to the “insufficient counter” 78 as the number of shortage balls. If the value of the ball is 2 balls, if there are insufficient payout balls in the next basic prize ball payout process, for example, if there are 2 payout shortage balls, the two balls are added and the “insufficient counter” The value of “78” is 4 balls.

Similarly, as long as the cumulative number of balls after the addition does not reach 20, the basic prize ball payout process is repeated. Then, when the payout process with insufficient balls continues and the cumulative number of balls reaches 20, the process when the payout mechanism fails is performed. However, when normal payout processing is performed without insufficient balls in the repeated basic prize ball payout processing, that is, the number of balls of the payout drive signal transmitted from the payout control unit 45 is paid out by the payout device 46 without any shortage. If it is issued, it is determined that there is no failure in the mechanism of the payout device at that time, and the accumulated ball number of the “insufficient counter” 78 stored so far is set to an initial value (for example, 0 (zero)). Cleared). As a result, the number of error processings associated with a lack of prize balls (payout) can be reduced, and the missing prize balls can be reliably paid out. In addition, the cumulative number of balls “20” of the shortage counter that is processed when the payout mechanism is faulty is the same as the maximum payout ball number (one time) of award balls that are continuously paid out from the payout device 16. Is set to By setting in this way, when 20 payout shortage balls are generated in one payout process (the number of prize balls to be paid out continuously is set to the maximum payout number, and one payout is also made in the payout process. In the case where it cannot be issued), it is immediately determined that a failure of the payout mechanism has occurred, so the determination period of the occurrence of the mechanism failure is not unnecessarily extended.

In addition, when the cumulative number of balls after the addition does not reach 20 and a new game ball is acquired before the next basic prize ball payout process, for example, there are 10 acquired game balls. In this case, the number of game balls is added to the “award ball total counter” 75, and the total number becomes 12 balls together with the number of balls stored so far (2 balls). Accordingly, in the next basic prize ball payout process, the 12 balls (the maximum number of N (20 or less)) are set in the “payout number counter” 76 as the number of payout balls. In the same manner as described above, when a shortage of payout balls occurs in the next basic prize ball payout process, the number of balls is added to the “shortage counter” 78. The accumulation of the number of shortage balls is not limited to means for adding to the initial value. For example, the initial value is set to “20”, and the number of shortage balls generated is sequentially subtracted from the initial value. When the cumulative number reaches 20, that is, when it reaches “0”, the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure may be performed.

Further, for example, when 100 acquired game balls (value of the winning ball total counter 75) have been stored, the following processing is performed. In the next basic prize ball payout process, a payout drive signal for paying out 20 prize balls is transmitted from the payout control unit 45 to the payout device 46. In this case, a value of 20 is set in the “payout number counter” 76. Each time the payout motor 60 is driven, the count value of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 is decremented, and when the count value reaches 20, the drive of the payout motor is stopped. When one basic prize ball payout process is completed, the subtraction number of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 (here, 20 counts that are payout balls to be paid out) and the actual payout ball detected by the payout count switch 32. When the number is compared and a difference occurs in the number, the number of balls of the difference is cumulatively added to the “insufficient counter” 78. If the cumulative number of balls has not reached 20, the next basic prize ball payout process is continued. Then, when the cumulative number of balls reaches 20, processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure is performed. When the normal payout process is performed without the insufficient balls in the repeated basic prize ball payout process, the accumulated ball number of the “insufficient counter” 78 is cleared to 0 (zero) at that time.

Next, “error payout process” performed in the process at the time of payout mechanism failure will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example of a timing chart of the payout process at the time of error.
In the payout process at the time of an error, a predetermined number of balls is set as the number of payouts per unit. In order to reduce the number of balls that can be paid out even when the error state continues and the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure is repeated, this number of balls is determined in advance to reduce the number of balls that can be paid out (described above, For example, the number of balls is set to be less than 20). If the set number of balls is equal to or less than the count value of the winning ball total counter 75, the set number of balls is counted in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 as count values. Is set. On the other hand, if the set number of balls is larger than the count value of the winning ball total counter 75, the count value of the winning ball total counter 75 is set in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77. Set as count value.

Thereby, the payout process of the winning ball based on the payout drive signal corresponding to the count value of the payout number counter 76 is performed. In this embodiment, N = 2 is set in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 as a predetermined number of payout balls. However, if only one acquired game ball number is stored at that time, one is set in the “payout motor operation number counter” 77. Then, the payout motor 60 is driven in the normal rotation direction at a speed of 1 step 5 msec, and a winning ball payout process is performed. After detecting the turning-on edge of the dispensing motor position detection switch N times (twice in FIG. 9), the motor excitation state at that time is held for a predetermined time (for example, 300 msec).

Although not shown (in FIG. 3), the payout device 46 of this embodiment is provided with two sprockets 29 arranged side by side and each having a passage for guiding a sphere to the sprockets, that is, 2 It is a form provided with a number of passages. And the mutual position of the recessed part 30 provided in the surrounding surface of two sprockets is provided in the position shifted rather than the same position which opposes the direction which sends out a ball | bowl, and it is 2 from one payout apparatus. Each sprocket is configured to pay out balls alternately. In such a configuration, N = 2 is set, and at least two balls are paid out corresponding to the number of sprockets or the number of guide paths of balls (payout of at least one ball in each sprocket). When the operation is performed and a normal payout is performed by the payout, it is determined that there is no failure in the mechanism of the payout device. By performing such processing, the ball payout speed is increased. However, the number of balls to be paid out may correspond to the form of the payout device, that is, the number of sprockets or the number of ball guide paths. That is, if the number of sprockets and passages is one dispensing device, N = 1, and if the number of sprockets and passages is three, N = 3 is predetermined. The “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 are set as the payout numbers of the balls, and the minimum number of balls may be paid out.

When a single payout process is performed and an insufficient payout ball is generated, that is, there is a difference between the subtraction number of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 and the number of payout balls detected by the payout counting switch 32. In this case, it is determined that the error is continuing, and the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure (the payout processing at the time of the error after the stop time of 5 sec) is repeated. On the other hand, if there is no payout insufficient ball, it is determined that there is no failure in the payout mechanism, that is, the error state has been resolved, and the process proceeds to basic prize ball payout processing after the excitation holding time has elapsed. To do. In the payout process at the time of error, the predetermined number, which is one unit of the payout number, is set to N = 2, so that even when the error state continues and the process at the time of the payout mechanism failure is repeated, the payout can be made. The number of balls can be reduced as much as possible.

As a result, even if it is determined that an error has occurred in the payout process once the cumulative number of balls in the “insufficient counter” 78 has reached 20, normal processing in the payout mechanism failure performed after the determination is normal. If the payout is short, if the shortage of the prize ball is temporary, it will return to the normal payout process sooner. It is possible to prevent a decrease in payout speed when payout is insufficient. The form shown in FIG. 9 shows a case where a normal payout is performed in the payout process at the time of error. That is, with respect to the operation of the payout motor 60 performed twice with N = 2, two on-edges are detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61, and two payout balls are detected by the payout counting switch 32. ing. Accordingly, in this case, it is determined that there is no obstacle in the payout mechanism, that is, the error state has been resolved, and the basic prize ball payout process is started after the excitation holding time 82 has elapsed.

(Ii) Slit Error Processing FIG. 10 shows one form of a timing chart of processing at the time of slit error. The basic award ball payout process is performed, and during the rotation of the payout motor, the turn-on edge of the payout motor position detection switch 61 is between 48 steps (the number of steps of the payout motor for paying out one ball is 32 steps, If the rotation of the payout motor is 6 × 32 = 192 steps) and cannot be confirmed, it is determined that an error has occurred in the payout process, and the slit error process is started. A broken line pulse 83 shown in FIG. 10 indicates a pulse detected in the normal state. As described above, the driving speed of the payout motor in the basic prize ball payout process is set, for example, to 1 step 2.500 msec or 1 step 1.250 msec (see FIG. 7). Accordingly, the 48 steps in this case are 120 msec or 60 msec.

In the slit error processing, first, the excitation state of the payout motor at that time is held for 300 msec. After 300 msec, the payout motor is driven in the reverse direction for 4 steps at a speed of 5 msec per step, and then the excitation state of the reverse drive is maintained for 300 msec. By this reverse rotation direction driving, for example, the biting of the winning ball can be released. Then, after the payout motor is stopped for 500 msec, the payout process at the time of the error described above is performed. In the payout process at the time of error, when the on-edge 84 is detected from the OFF state of the payout motor position detection switch 61, it is determined that the error state has been resolved at that time, and the error is returned. Basic prize ball payout processing is performed. FIG. 10 shows a timing chart when the error state is resolved as the on-edge 84 is shown.

In the error payout process, if the turn-on edge of the payout motor position detection switch 61 cannot be confirmed for 48 steps, the slit error process is repeated. However, if the on-edge is not detected from the turn-off of the payout motor position detection switch even after the slit error process is repeated three times, the process proceeds to the following process for a motor error.

(Iii) Motor Error Processing FIG. 11 shows one form of a timing chart of processing at the time of motor error. The motor error process is basically the same process as the slit error process. First, after the excited state of the payout motor at that time is held for 300 msec, the payout motor is driven in the reverse direction for 4 steps at a speed of 5 msec, and then the excited state of the reverse drive is held for 300 msec. Then, in the motor error processing, after the payout motor is stopped for 5 seconds, the above payout processing at the time of error is performed.

In the error payout process, when the turn-on edge 85 of the payout motor position detection switch 61 is detected, it is determined that the error state has been resolved at that time, and an error is returned. After the error payout process ends Basic prize ball payout processing is performed. FIG. 11 shows a timing chart when the error state is resolved, as the on-edge 85 is shown. On the other hand, in the payout process at the time of the error, if the turning-on edge of the payout motor position detection switch 61 cannot be confirmed for 48 steps, the motor error process is repeated.

(4) Stopping operation of payout operation When the state of conditions 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 12 is confirmed by the payout control unit 45, the payout operation of the prize ball is stopped. The condition that the payout path ball is out of condition 1 refers to the off period of the payout path ball cut switch provided in the payout path of the prize ball, for example, the period during which the prize ball does not flow through the receiving unit 27 (see FIG. 3). Is a state that occurs when 300 msec or more continues. The full tank state in condition 2 means that the full tank switch provided in the ball tray 13 is on, for example, the award ball (game ball) paid out and stored in the ball tray is full. This is a state that occurs when the period continues for 200 msec or longer. The payout count switch abnormal state referred to as condition 3 is an on period of the payout count switch 32 provided at the position shown in FIG. 3, for example, the award ball stops in the payout path downstream of the payout count switch and does not flow. This is a state that occurs when the switch remains on for 200 msec or longer. The condition 4 in which the power is not turned on is a state that occurs when a command indicating that the power from the main control unit 40 is turned on is not received by the payout control unit 45.

When a payout operation for 1 unit N of prize balls, that is, one basic prize ball payout process is started, first, regardless of whether or not the conditions 1 to 3 are satisfied, Continue until N payout operations are completed. After completion of the payout operation for N units, if any of the above conditions 1 to 4 is satisfied, the payout operation of the prize ball is stopped without performing a new payout operation. A notification means (for example, lighting or blinking of a status indicator lamp) notifies that an error state has occurred. In the condition 4, the payout operation is stopped even during the payout operation for N units of prize balls. However, since the payout operation is not started if the power is not turned on (command not received state), the payout operation is stopped under the condition 4 only when the power is restored.

(5) Dispensing operation resuming processing In the dispensation processing stopping processing state, when all of the conditions 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 13 are satisfied, the award ball dispensing processing is resumed. The condition where the payout path ball break switch is released in the condition 1 means that an on period of the payout path ball break switch continues, for example, a period in which the payout path ball break switch is turned on by a prize ball stored in the receiving unit 27 continues for 300 msec or more. It is a state that sometimes occurs. The full tank release state referred to as condition 2 is a state in which the full tank switch provided in the ball tray section 13 is off, for example, the award ball (game ball) of the ball tray section that is full is not full. It is a state that occurs when the period continues for 1 second or longer. The payout count switch abnormality release state referred to as condition 3 is a state that occurs when the off-period of the payout count switch 32 provided at the position shown in FIG. The power-on state in condition 4 is a state that occurs when the payout control unit 45 receives a command indicating that the power from the main control unit 40 has been turned on.

Next, in the ball lending / dispensing control, a basic sphere lending / dispensing process for receiving a signal from the gaming ball lending device 16 and paying out N (for example, 25) lending balls corresponding to one lending, There are a ball lending payout retry process, a payout operation stop process by setting each state transmitted from the main control unit 40, and a payout operation restart process.

(1) Basic sphere lending / dispensing process FIG. 14 shows one form of a timing chart of the basic sphere lending / dispensing process. In this embodiment, one unit of the number of balls that are continuously paid out in the payout of the rented balls is set as one unit of the number of lent balls. For example, when a lending ball number of 25 balls is set for 100 yen as a unit of lending ball number, the continuous payout ball number of one unit is set to 25 balls. When a ball lending operation is performed (100 yen is inserted) and a signal requesting lending from the gaming ball lending device 16 is received, the number of lending balls as a unit of the number of balls to be paid out (for example, as described above) 25 balls) is stored in the “total number of rented counters” 75 provided in the payout control unit 45, and the same number of balls as the total number of rented balls 75 is also provided in the payout control unit 45. The payout number counter 76 and the payout motor operation number counter 77 are set.

Upon receiving the card unit READY signal (see FIG. 5) and the terminal terminal rental request completion confirmation signal from the gaming ball lending apparatus 16 via the payout control unit 45, the payout apparatus 46 receives the terminal terminal lending completion signal. “ON” is transmitted to the lending device 16 such as a game ball via the payout control unit 45. Thereafter, when the payout control unit 45 receives the terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal, it drives the payout motor 60 in the normal rotation direction at a speed of 2.500 msec per step. When the turning-on edge of the dispensing motor position detection switch 61 is confirmed from the first off to the on-time, the dispensing motor 60 is driven at a speed of 1.250 msec per step. After detecting the turn-on edge of the dispensing motor position detection switch 61 25 times including the first time, the excitation state of the motor at that time is held for a predetermined time (for example, 300 msec). In the form shown in FIG. 14, N = 25 is set, and after 25 on-edges are detected, the excitation of the payout motor driven in the normal rotation direction is maintained, that is, the rotation of the payout motor about to rotate forward Is forcibly locked and stopped. This series of controls is a lending ball payout operation of one unit.

As in the case of the award ball payout process described above, the sprocket 29 (FIG. 3) is driven by the payout motor 60 and the payout balls accommodated in the recesses 30 are sent one by one. Further, every time the dispensing motor 60 is driven, the count value set in the “dispensing motor operation number counter” 77 is decreased by one count. The payout ball actually sent out by the sprocket 29 is detected by the payout counting switch 32. Therefore, when the payout ball is sent out by the sprocket 29 without a shortage, the count value decreased by the operation number counter 77 of the payout motor, the number of on-edges indicating the number detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61, and the payout The number is equal to the number of on-edges indicating the number of payout balls detected by the counting switch 32. When the payout is normally performed without a shortage, the payout control unit 45 stops the payout motor, and transmits an off of the terminal terminal lending completion signal to the gaming ball lending device 16.

In FIG. 14, 25 payout balls are normally paid out without any shortage, and 25 payout balls are set by the payout counting switch 32 in response to the 25 on-edges detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61. It has been detected. When 25 balls are detected by the payout counting switch 32, the count value of the “total number of lending counter” 75 is decreased by 25 counts. However, when there is a continuous lending request, the turn-on of the terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal from the gaming ball lending device 16 is received, and the next series of one-unit ball lending / discharging operations (C period processing) ) Is repeated. If there is no lending request, the card unit READY signal is turned off from the gaming ball lending device, and the ball lending process ends.

In this embodiment, as described above, the same number of balls as the number of balls stored in the “total number of lending counter” 75 is set in the “number-of-payout counter” 76 and the “number-of-operations counter of the dispensing motor” 77. That is, when the number of balls to be paid out of 25 balls is stored in the total number of loan counter 75, 25 balls are set in the number of payout counter 76 and the number of operation counters 77 of the payout motor. When the number of balls to be paid out is stored, the number of the three balls is set in the counters 76 and 77. However, in this embodiment, the number of balls that are larger than one unit of the number of balls lent, for example, if the number of balls lent out is 25 for 100 yen, the number of balls that is larger than 25 balls The number is set not to be stored. This is because the lending payout process is controlled so that lending for 100 yen, that is, the lending ball number is processed for each unit. Therefore, for example, even if 200 yen is thrown in the lending operation (two 100-yen coins are thrown in succession), if the payout process for lending for the first 100 yen thrown is not completed, the second one is thrown. The lending payout process for the paid 100 yen is not performed.

A specific form of the payout process (basic ball payout process) when 200 yen is inserted in the lending operation is shown below.
If it is set so that 25 balls are paid out for 100 yen, 50 balls will be paid out to the player when 200 yen is inserted. First, in order to perform a payout process (basic ball lending / dispensing process) for 25 balls for the 100 yen that was initially inserted, the number of lending balls to be dispensed of 25 balls is stored in the lending total counter 75. The payout number counter 76 and the payout motor operation number counter 77 are also set to 25 balls. Here, it is assumed that a payout shortage of 3 balls occurs in the payout process for 25 balls, and only 22 balls are paid out in the first payout process. In this case, because the 25-ball payout process for the first 100 yen inserted is not completed, the payout process for the next 100 yen (200th yen) is not yet performed, and the first 100 yen inserted. A payout process (basic ball lending / dispensing process) of 3 balls, which are insufficient lending balls, is performed. Accordingly, the number of rented balls counter 3 stores 3 balls as the number of rented balls to be paid out, and the number of balls rented out 76 and the number of operation times counter 77 of the payout motor also have the same number of balls as the number of rented balls counter 75 Is set. The payout process for the next inserted 100 yen is not started until the payout process for 25 balls for the first input 100 yen is completed. As will be described later, the shortage lending ball is added to the “shortage counter” 78.

Next, another form of the payout process (basic sphere payout process) when 200 yen is inserted in the lending operation, that is, when there are multiple lending requests at one time will be described below.
In this embodiment, control is performed so that the payout processing of the number of rented balls (50 balls) for a plurality of times (here, when 200 yen is inserted and there is a request for renting twice) is performed at a time. Therefore, when a ball lending operation is performed (200 yen is inserted) and a signal requesting lending from the gaming ball lending device 16 is received, the number of lending balls as one unit of the number of balls to be paid out (50 balls) is stored in the “total lending counter” 75. However, in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77, the number of balls that are larger than one unit of the number of balls lent, for example, 25 balls for 100 yen is set. In this case, the number of balls more than 25 is not set, and in this case, 25 is set. That is, if the number of lent balls stored in the total number of rented balls counter 75 is 25 or less at the time of payout, the same number as the stored count value is used as the count value (as a unit of the number of paid-out balls). The “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 are set. On the other hand, if the number of balls lent exceeds 25, the number of balls lent out is set as one unit of the number of balls paid out.

Specifically, if it is set so that 25 balls are paid out for 100 yen, 50 balls will be paid out to the player when 200 yen is inserted. First, in order to perform a payout process (basic ball lending / dispensing process) for 50 spheres for 200 yen that has been thrown in, the number of rented balls to be paid out of 50 balls is stored in the sphere lending counter 75, and the number of payout counters is stored. Since the number of lent balls stored in the rented ball counter 75 exceeds 25 balls, 25 balls are set as one unit of the number of paid-out balls. Here, in the payout process (basic ball payout process) for 25 balls according to the payout counter 76, there is a shortage of 3 payouts and only 22 balls are paid out in the first payout process. Suppose not. In this case, the value of the total ball counter 75 is 28 balls obtained by subtracting 22 balls paid out from 50 balls. In this state, the payout counter 76 and the payout motor operation count counter 77 are stored in the payout total counter 75 in order to perform payout processing for 50 balls for the 200 yen thrown in. Since the number of balls exceeds 25, 25 balls are set again as one unit of the number of paid-out balls. Here, it is assumed that a payout shortage of 3 balls occurs in the payout process for 25 balls lent according to the payout number counter 76 and only 22 balls are paid out in the first one payout process. In this case, the value of the total rental counter 75 is 6 balls obtained by subtracting 22 balls paid out from 28 balls. In this state, the payout counter 76 and the payout motor operation count counter 77 are stored in the payout total counter 75 in order to perform payout processing for 50 balls for the 200 yen thrown in. Since the number of balls is 25 or less, 6 balls of the count value stored in the rented total counter 75 are set as one unit of the number of paid-out balls. Then, a payout process (basic sphere lending process) of 6 balls that were insufficient lending balls is performed.

(2) Ball lending payout retry process The ball lending payout retry process is performed when an abnormal payout process occurs, and has the same processing contents as the award ball payout retry process in the award ball payout process described above. It is. The outline is as follows: (i) Even if a ball lending / dispensing operation of one unit is performed, the number detected by the payout counting switch 32 is not normal (a shortage payout occurs), and a cumulative total obtained by adding the shortage is predetermined. Processing when the payout mechanism failure occurs when the predetermined number (for example, 20) or more, (ii) during the rotation of the payout motor 60, the turn-on edge of the payout motor position detection switch 61 is between 48 steps. FIG. 8 shows a slit error process that is performed when it cannot be confirmed, and (iii) a motor error process that is performed when the slit error does not return even after the slit error process is performed. -It demonstrates based on FIG.

(I) Processing at the time of failure of the payout mechanism FIG. 8 shows one form of a timing chart of processing at the time of payout mechanism failure. When one unit of lending payout operation (basic prize ball payout processing) is performed and a payout insufficient ball is generated, that is, the payout ball detected by the count number of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 and the payout count switch 32. When there is a difference between the numbers, the shortage of balls is added to a “shortage counter” 78 provided in the payout control unit 45. When the cumulative number of added balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20), a stop time of 5 seconds is secured after the basic lending payout process (B period process) is completed, and then an error payout process is performed. “Processing at the time of failure of the payout mechanism” is started. However, if it is confirmed in the payout process at the time of the error that the payout has been performed normally (paid without a deficient ball), it is determined that there is no mechanical failure in the payout device. The basic rental payout process is resumed. When normal payout cannot be confirmed in the payout process at the time of error, the payout process at the time of error (“process at the time of payout mechanism failure”) is repeated after a 5 sec stop time is secured again. As a result, the number of error processings associated with shortage of balls (payout) can be reduced, and the shortage of balls can be reliably paid out.

In the basic lending payout process (B period process) shown in FIG. 8, the payout motor position detection switch 61 detects two on-edges, so that a payout driving signal for paying out two lending balls is paid out. It is transmitted from the control unit 45 to the payout device 46. In this case, a value of 2 is set in the “payout number counter” 76. Every time the payout motor 60 is driven, the count value of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 is decremented, and every time the payout count switch 32 detects a payout ball, the count value of the “payout number counter” 76 is decremented. . When the count value of the “dispensing motor operation number counter” 77 reaches 0, the driving of the dispensing motor is stopped and the dispensing process is completed. When one basic rental ball payout process is completed, the subtraction number of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 (here, 2 counts as the payout ball to be paid out) and the actual payout ball detected by the payout counting switch 32. When the number (change in the count value of the “payout number counter” 76) is compared and a difference occurs in the number, the number of balls of the difference is cumulatively added to the “insufficient counter” 78.

Note that the change in the count value of the payout counter 76 may be incremented as in the case of a prize ball.

In FIG. 8, since the number of operations of the payout motor 60 is two, two payout balls must be detected by the payout counting switch 32 when normal payout processing is performed. However, the on-edges of the two rental balls to be paid out (on-edges of the pulses 80 and 81 indicated by the broken lines) are not detected. Accordingly, in this case, two balls corresponding to the difference in number of balls are added to the “shortage counter” 78 as the number of shortage balls. The addition of the number of deficient balls is accumulated with respect to a predetermined initial value (for example, “0”). Then, when the cumulative number of balls after the addition reaches 20, as shown in the drawing, after a stop time of 5 seconds is secured, the payout process at the time of error (“process at the time of payout mechanism failure”) is performed.

However, if the cumulative number of balls after the addition has not reached 20, the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure is not performed, and the next basic lending payout processing is continued. In the next basic rental payout process, as in the current basic loan payout process (here, the process shown in FIG. 8), two balls stored in the “total rental counter” 75 are paid out as the number of rental balls. It is set in the “payout number counter” 76 as the number of balls. In the next basic lending payout process, if an insufficient payout ball number occurs, the number of balls is added to the “shortage counter” 78. This is the same even when a new loan request is made (when the next 100 yen is inserted), and the payout for the previous loan request (payment of 25 balls for 100 yen insertion) has been completed. If there is not, the payout process for the next lending request is not performed (25 balls for the next 100-yen insertion are not stored in the lending total counter), and the basic lending payout process for the deficient number of balls in the previous payout Is done. Since two balls are added to the “insufficient counter” 78 as the insufficient number of balls in the current basic lending payout process (the process shown in FIG. 8 here), the “insufficient counter” 78 until the current basic lending payout process is added. If the value of is, for example, 2 balls, the number of insufficient payout balls in the next basic lending payout process (for example, if there are 2 shortage payout balls is added) is added. The value of the shortage counter “78” is 4 balls. Even when the payout process for the previous loan request is not completed, the addition process of the “insufficient counter” is performed in the same manner also in the case of receiving the next loan request (paragraphs [0072] to [0073]). .

As described above, the basic lending payout process is repeated unless the cumulative number of balls after the addition reaches 20. Then, when the cumulative number of balls reaches 20, processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure is performed. However, when normal payout processing is performed without insufficient balls in the repeated basic lending payout processing, that is, the payout device 46 pays out the number of balls of the payout drive signal transmitted from the payout control unit 45 without any shortage. If it is issued, it is determined that there is no failure in the mechanism of the payout device at that time, and the accumulated ball number of the “insufficient counter” 78 stored so far is set to an initial value (for example, 0 (zero)). Cleared). As a result, the number of error processings associated with shortage of balls (payout) can be reduced, and the shortage of balls can be reliably paid out. The accumulation of the number of shortage balls is not limited to means for adding to the initial value. For example, the initial value is set to “20”, and the number of shortage balls generated is sequentially subtracted from the initial value. When the cumulative number reaches 20, that is, when it reaches “0”, the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure may be performed.

The cumulative number of balls “20” of the shortage counter that is processed when the payout mechanism fails is set to the same value as the cumulative number of balls of the shortage counter that is processed when the payout mechanism fails in the award ball payout process described above. This value is the maximum number of payout balls per unit (one time) of payout balls that are continuously paid out from the payout device 16. In this way, by setting the same value (20 balls) for paying out the lending ball and paying out the prize ball, the shortage counter provided in the payout control unit 45 can be shared between the payout of the lending ball and the payout of the prize ball. it can.

The cumulative number of shortage counters to be processed when the payout mechanism failure is not limited to the above-described form. For example, in a payout process for lending balls, 25 payout shortage balls are generated in one payout process. If it occurs (if one of the units of the loaned ball is not paid out), it is immediately determined that a failure has occurred in the payout mechanism, and the determination period for the occurrence of the mechanism failure is inconsequential. In order not to stretch, the shortage cumulative number of rented balls is set to “25”, that is, the same number as the number of consecutive payout balls of one lent ball, and the shortage cumulative number of prize balls is also the same value “25”. It may be set to “sphere”. Also in this case, the shortage counter provided in the payout control unit 45 can be shared by the payout of the rented ball and the payout of the prize ball.

In addition, the cumulative number of shortage counters that are processed when the payout mechanism fails is set to the same number (25) as the number of consecutive payout balls in the case of loaned ball payout. In the case of payout, the maximum payout ball number (20 balls) of one unit to be paid out continuously may be set. By setting in this way, in the case of lending ball payout processing, if there is a shortage of 25 payout balls in one payout process (1 ball out of the number of consecutive payout balls per unit of lending balls) If the payout mechanism cannot be paid out), it is immediately determined that a payout mechanism failure has occurred, so that the determination period for the occurrence of a mechanical failure is not unnecessarily extended. In the case of a prize ball payout process, if 20 payout shortage balls occur in one payout process (the number of prize balls to be paid out continuously is set as the maximum payout ball number, and one ball is set in the payout process) If the payout mechanism cannot be paid out), it is immediately determined that a payout mechanism failure has occurred, so that the determination period for the occurrence of the mechanism failure is not unnecessarily extended.

Furthermore, the maximum number of balls to be paid out in one unit (one time) in the award ball payout processing is set to 25 balls, that is, set to the same number of balls as one unit of consecutive payout balls in the lending ball. Then, the 25 balls may be set as the cumulative number of shortage counters in which processing at the time of payout mechanism failure in payout of lending balls and payout of prize balls is performed. Also in this case, the shortage counter provided in the payout control unit 45 can be shared by the payout of the rented ball and the payout of the prize ball. In addition, in the lending ball payout process and the prize ball payout process, when 25 payout shortage balls occur in one payout process (the number of prize balls to be paid out continuously is set as the maximum payout ball number, In the case where one ball could not be paid out in the payout process and in the case where one ball out of the number of consecutive payout balls of the rented ball could not be paid out), a payout mechanism failure occurred immediately. Therefore, the determination period for occurrence of a mechanical failure is not unnecessarily extended.

Next, “error payout process” performed in the process at the time of payout mechanism failure will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example of a timing chart of the payout process at the time of error.
In the payout process at the time of an error, a predetermined number of balls is set as the number of payouts per unit. In order to reduce the number of balls that can be paid out even when the error state continues and the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure is repeated, this number of balls is determined to be a predetermined predetermined number of balls (for example, as described above) The number of balls is less than 25 balls for 100 yen). If the set number of balls is equal to or less than the count value of the rented total counter 75, the set number of balls is counted as a count value in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77. Is set. On the other hand, if the set number of balls is larger than the count value of the total number of lending counter 75, the count value of the total number of lending counter 75 is set in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “number-of-operations counter of payout motor” 77. Set as count value.

As a result, a lending payout process based on a payout driving signal corresponding to the count value of the payout number counter 76 is performed. In this embodiment, N = 2 is set in the “payout number counter” 76 and the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 as a predetermined number of payout balls. However, if only one lent number is stored at that time, one is set in the “payout motor operation number counter” 77. Then, the payout motor 60 is driven in the normal rotation direction at a speed of 1 step 5 msec, and the lending payout process is performed. After detecting the turning-on edge of the dispensing motor position detection switch N times (twice in FIG. 9), the motor excitation state at that time is held for a predetermined time (for example, 300 msec). The form of the sprocket 29 provided in the payout device 46 is the same as that in the above-described prize ball payout.

When a single payout process is performed and an insufficient payout ball is generated, that is, there is a difference between the subtraction number of the “payout motor operation number counter” 77 and the number of payout balls detected by the payout counting switch 32. In this case, it is determined that the error is continuing, and the processing at the time of the payout mechanism failure (the payout processing at the time of the error after the stop time of 5 sec) is repeated. On the other hand, if there are no payout shortage balls, it is determined that there is no failure in the payout mechanism, that is, the error state has been resolved, and the process proceeds to basic lending payout processing after the excitation holding time has elapsed. To do. In the payout process at the time of error, the predetermined number, which is one unit of the payout number, is set to N = 2, so that even when the error state continues and the process at the time of the payout mechanism failure is repeated, the payout can be made. The number of balls can be reduced as much as possible.

As a result, even if it is determined that an error has occurred in the payout process once the cumulative number of balls in the “insufficient counter” 78 has reached 20, normal processing in the payout mechanism failure performed after the determination is normal. If the payout is made temporarily, it will return to the basic lending process at that time, so even if there is a shortage of lending, if the shortage payment is temporary, it will return to the normal payout process sooner. It is possible to prevent a decrease in payout speed when payout is insufficient. The form shown in FIG. 9 shows a case where a normal payout is performed in the payout process at the time of error. That is, with respect to the operation of the payout motor 60 performed twice with N = 2, two on-edges are detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61, and two payout balls are detected by the payout counting switch 32. ing. Accordingly, in this case, it is determined that there is no failure in the payout mechanism, that is, the error state has been resolved, and the basic lending payout process is started after the excitation holding time 82 has elapsed.

Since the slit error processing and the motor error processing are the same as those for paying out a prize ball, a description thereof will be omitted.

(3) Stopping operation of payout operation When the state of conditions 1 to 7 shown in FIG. 15 is confirmed by the payout control unit 45, the payout operation of the ball rental is stopped. The state referred to as Condition 1 to Condition 4 is the same as the state described in the award ball payout operation (the state referred to as Condition 1 to Condition 4 in FIG. 12). The payout case abnormal state referred to as condition 5 is a state in which a payout mechanism failure has occurred, that is, a payout operation for 1 unit N of prize balls is performed, and the cumulative number of shortage payouts counted by the payout counting switch is In this state, for example, the processing performed when there are 20 or more is continued. The payout motor abnormal state referred to in condition 6 is a state in which a payout motor error has occurred, that is, the processing (processing at the time of motor error) that is performed when the slit error is not returned even if the slit error processing is performed. It is in a state of being. Condition 7 indicates that there is still a prize ball to be paid out, for example, there is still a prize ball to be paid out, for example, an error condition has occurred and the prize ball has been paid out and there has been an unpaid prize ball remaining. State.

When a lending operation for 25 units of lending balls, that is, one basic sphere lending / dispensing process is started, first, it is determined whether the conditions 1 to 3 and conditions 5 to 7 are satisfied. Regardless, it continues until the payout operation for 25 units is completed. Then, after the payout operation for 25 units is completed, if any of the above conditions 1 to 7 is satisfied, the ball lending payout operation is stopped without performing a new payout operation. In the condition 4, the payout operation is stopped even during the payout operation for 25 units of lending balls. However, since the payout operation is not started if the power is not turned on (command not received state), the payout operation is stopped under the condition 4 only when the power is restored.

(4) Dispensing operation resuming process In the dispensation operation stopping process state, when all of the conditions 1 to 7 shown in FIG. 16 are satisfied, the award ball dispensing process is resumed. The state referred to as Condition 1 to Condition 4 is the same as the state described in the award ball payout operation (the state referred to as Condition 1 to Condition 4 in FIG. 13). The payout case normal state referred to as condition 5 is a state in which a normal payout process can be confirmed and the payout mechanism failure state is canceled in the process when the payout mechanism fails. The payout motor normal state referred to as condition 6 is a state in which the normal payout process can be confirmed and the payout motor error state is canceled in the process at the time of motor error. The condition of no prize ball payout remaining in the condition 7 is, for example, a state in which the error state has been resolved and a prize ball has been paid out and no unpaid prize ball remains.

17 to 28 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the pachinko machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing main processing in the payout control unit 45.
When power is applied to the pachinko machine, stack pointer setting (step 90), interrupt mode setting (step 91), RAM access permission (step 92), built-in device register setting (step 93), power-on Various initial settings such as weight processing (step 94) are performed. In step 95, the state of the RAM clear switch is determined. If the RAM clear switch is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step 98 and the RAM area is completely cleared. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is in the OFF state, the routine proceeds to step 96, where it is determined whether or not the information on the occurrence of power interruption is valid. If it is determined that the power-off occurrence information is not valid, the process proceeds to step 98 and the RAM area is completely cleared.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the checksum is valid, the routine proceeds to step 97 where it is determined whether or not the checksum is normal. If it is determined that the checksum is not normal, the process proceeds to step 98 and the RAM area is completely cleared. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data is normal, the process proceeds to step 101, and the data at the time of return is initialized in the RAM, and the process proceeds to step 100. When the RAM is completely cleared in step 98, the process proceeds to step 99, where the data at the time of initial power-on is initially set in the RAM, and the process proceeds to step 100. After the counter timer interrupt (1.25 msec) is initialized in step 100, output processing (step 102), input processing (step 103), timer processing (step 104), command processing (step 105), card unit Subroutine processes of processing (step 106), payout processing (step 107), counting processing (step 108), information output setting processing (step 109), and power interruption processing (step 110) are sequentially performed.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of the output process. In the output process, in step 111, each output buffer is set to the corresponding output port. For example, the motor output buffer is output to the motor data output port. Next, FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of input processing. In the input process, the input state of the switch is detected. In step 112, the on / off state of the payout counting switch 32 is detected. When the payout counting switch is on, that is, in the high level state, the process proceeds to step 113, the payout counting switch H time counter is incremented by "1", and the process proceeds to step 115. On the other hand, when the payout counting switch is off, that is, in the low level state, the process proceeds to step 114, the payout counting switch H time counter is cleared, and the process proceeds to step 115.

Since the input process (step 102) is performed every 1.25 msec depending on the interrupt setting of the timer counter, the payout count switch H time counter is not cleared (does not proceed to step 114), for example, at least “2” is added. (In order to proceed to step 113), the payout counting switch must be in the high state for 1.25 msec or more. This “2” is a value set in a counting process (step 108) described later, but by setting “2”, it is possible to reliably count the payout balls passing through the payout counting switch. That is, when the payout ball passes through the payout counting switch, the payout counting switch is in the high state for at least 1.25 msec or more, and the passage can be counted reliably. Further, it is possible to eliminate the turn-on of the payout counting switch for a short period due to noise or the like.

Subsequently, in step 115, the on / off state of the dispensing motor position detection switch 61 is detected. When the payout motor position detection switch is on, that is, in the high level state, the routine proceeds to step 116 where the slit H time counter is incremented by "1" and the routine returns to the main routine (FIG. 17). On the other hand, when the payout motor position detection switch is OFF, that is, in the low level state, the process proceeds to step 117, the slit H time counter is cleared, and the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 17). In the case of the payout motor position detection switch 61 as well as the payout counting switch 32, reliable detection, in this case, reliable rotation of the payout motor can be detected.

Returning to FIG. 17, in the timer processing of step 104, the time setting of each timer or the counting processing of the set time is performed. Next, if a command is received from the main control unit 40 in the command processing in step 105, the command content is analyzed. For example, when an acquired game ball command is received, the number of acquired game balls is added to the prize ball total counter 75. Subsequently, in the card unit process in step 106, if there is a rental ball request from the lending device 16, the lending process is performed.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the payout process. In the payout process, a payout operation process (step 120), a payout start process (step 121), and an excitation process (step 122) are performed. FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the payout operation process. In step 125, the set value of the motor processing mode is determined. If the motor processing mode is set to “00H” in step 125, the process returns to the payout process (FIG. 20) and the payout start process in step 121 (process in FIG. 22) is performed. On the other hand, if the motor processing mode is not “00H”, the process proceeds to step 126 and processing according to the set motor processing mode is performed. Specifically, if the motor processing mode is “01H”, a normal drive process (the process of FIG. 24) is performed, and if “02H”, an error time drive process (the process of FIG. 25) is performed. If "", the wait process (process of FIG. 26) is performed, and if "04H", the error wait process (process of FIG. 27) is performed.

FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of the payout start process. In the payout start process, it is determined in step 130 whether or not the motor processing mode is a mode other than “00H”, and other than “00H”, that is, any process is performed and the motor is driven. When the payout operation is in progress, the process returns to the payout process (FIG. 20), and the excitation process (the process of FIG. 23) in step 122 is performed. On the other hand, if the processing mode is “00H” (the motor is not operating), the process proceeds to step 145, and whether or not the lending ball counter is “00H”, that is, the remaining lending amount of the lending ball is stored in the RAM. A determination is made as to whether it is stored. If it is determined that the lending ball counter is not “00H”, in step 146, “00H”, that is, a value indicating that the current payout is lending is set in the flag for the award ball. At 147, the value of the lending ball counter is set as the number cut value, and the routine proceeds to step 135. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lending ball counter is “00H”, the process proceeds to step 131, where the set value of the winning ball counter is “00H”, that is, the winning ball total counter value (the number of acquired game balls) is It is determined whether or not it is zero (“0”). If the number of acquired game balls is zero, the process returns to the payout process (FIG. 20), and the excitation process of step 122 (process of FIG. 23) is performed. On the other hand, if the acquired number of game balls is not zero, the winning ball flag is set to “01H” in step 148, that is, a value indicating that the current payout is a winning ball is set, and then the flow proceeds to step 132. The predetermined number N as a unit of the number cut value, that is, the number of prize balls to be paid out is set to 20.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 133, where it is determined whether or not the number of acquired game balls is 20 or more. If it is determined that the number is not 20 or more, in step 134, the acquired game balls less than 20 The number is set to the rounding value and the process proceeds to step 135. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of acquired game balls is 20 or more, the process proceeds to step 135 as it is. Next, in step 135, it is determined whether or not the set number cut value is less than 3. If it is determined that the set number cut value is not less than 3, the process proceeds to step 137 and "2" is set as the number cut value. Then, the process proceeds to step 138. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number is less than 3, the process proceeds to step 138 as it is.

In step 138, the count value is set in a count counter, that is, “dispensing motor operation number counter” 77. The count value set in this counter is subtracted based on the number of times of driving of the payout motor detected by the payout motor position detection switch 61. Subsequently, in step 139, the number cut value is set in a payout remaining number counter, that is, a “payout number counter” 76. The count value set in this counter is subtracted based on the number of payout balls detected by the payout counting switch 32.

Next, in step 140, “1” (normal drive processing mode) is set as the motor processing mode value. Proceeding to step 141, it is determined whether the payout mechanism error flag is “00H”, that is, whether an error has occurred in the payout mechanism. If it is determined that no error has occurred, the process proceeds to step 142 where “01H” is saved in the slow flag. As a result, the rotation step speed of the first payout motor during the normal driving process (basic prize ball payout process) becomes a slow step (1 step 2.500 msec in FIG. 7). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 141 that an error has occurred in the payout mechanism, the process proceeds to step 143 to set “2” (error-time drive process) as the motor process mode value. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 144 where the set mode value is saved in the motor processing mode and the process returns to the excitation process (step 122) of the payout process (FIG. 20).

FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of the excitation process. The excitation process is an excitation pattern setting process for performing excitation control of the motor. In step 150, “0” indicating a non-excitation state is set as an excitation pattern value. Subsequently, in step 151, it is determined whether or not the motor processing mode is “00H” (other than during the payout operation). If it is determined that the motor processing mode is “00H”, the process proceeds to step 154 and the excitation pattern value is determined. To the motor output buffer. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 151 that it is not “00H”, the process proceeds to step 152 to determine whether or not the motor processing mode is “04H” or higher. If it is determined that the value is “04H” or more, the process proceeds to step 154 to save the excitation pattern value in the motor output buffer. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than “04H”, the process proceeds to step 153 to select the excitation pattern data corresponding to the excitation pattern pointer and set it as the excitation pattern value. To the motor output buffer.

24 to 27 are flowcharts of the motor processing modes. In the normal driving process shown in FIG. 24, “2” is set as the determination value in step 160. This determination value is a value for determining in what state the dispensing motor position detection switch 61 is turned on. Since the normal driving process (step 126) is performed every 1.250 msec by setting the interrupt of the timer counter, setting the determination value to 2 starts the normal driving process twice (the number of set values). If the payout motor position detection switch is on during the period, it is determined that the detection is performed once and counted.

In step 161, it is determined whether or not the slow flag is "01H", that is, whether or not the payout motor step is set to 1 step 2.500 msec. If it is determined that the slow flag is set, the process proceeds to step 162 and “4” is set as the determination value, and the process proceeds to step 163. By setting the determination value to 4, if the payout motor position detection switch is in the ON state during the period when four normal drive processes are started, it is determined that the detection is performed once and counted. On the other hand, if the slow flag is not set, the process proceeds to step 163 as it is.

In step 163, it is determined whether or not the value of the slit H time counter (FIG. 19), that is, the number of times the high period is detected by the payout motor position detection switch is the same as the determination value. If it is determined that they are the same, it is determined in step 164 that the payout motor has rotated by one payout ball, and the value of the count counter, that is, the value of the operation number counter 77 of the payout motor is set to “1”. Subtract. Subsequently, in step 165, it is determined whether or not the subtraction result is “0”. If it is determined that it is “0”, in step 166, the motor processing mode to be processed next is determined. The wait process (“03H”) is set and the process proceeds to step 169. On the other hand, if it is determined that the subtraction result is not “0”, it is determined in step 167 whether or not the processing of the payout ball is the first payout, and it is determined that the payout is the first payout. If so, the slow flag is cleared in step 168 and the process proceeds to step 169. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the first payout, the process proceeds to step 169 as it is. If it is determined in step 163 that the determination value is not the same, the process directly proceeds to step 169.

In step 169, it is determined whether or not the slow flag is “01H”. If it is determined that the value is “01H”, the process proceeds to step 170 to determine whether the excitation switching time has elapsed, that is, whether the set timer counter has been interrupted twice. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not “01H”, the process proceeds to step 171 to load the value of the excitation pattern pointer (FIG. 23). In step 172, the loaded excitation pattern pointer value is incremented by "1". In step 173, the addition result and "07H" are obtained. In step 174, the logical product result is saved in the excitation pattern pointer. To complete the error-time drive process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the excitation switching time has not elapsed, the normal drive process is terminated as it is. After completion, the payout operation process (FIG. 21) returns to the payout process (FIG. 20).

In the error time driving process shown in FIG. 25, “8” is set as the determination value in step 180. Since the error time driving process (step 126) is performed every 1.250 msec depending on the interrupt setting of the timer counter, if the payout motor position detection switch is in the ON state during the period when eight error time driving processes are started, 1 is set. It is judged to be detected once and counted.

In step 181, it is determined whether or not the value of the slit H time counter (FIG. 19), that is, the number of times of high period detected by the payout motor position detection switch is the same as the determination value. If it is determined that they are the same, it is determined in step 182 that the payout motor has rotated by one payout ball, and the value of the count-off counter, that is, the value of the payout motor operation number counter 77 is set to “1”. Subtract. Subsequently, in step 183, it is determined whether or not the value of the count-down counter is “0”. If it is determined that the value is not “0”, the process proceeds to step 185. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the count-down counter is “0”, the process proceeds to step 184, the motor processing mode to be processed next is set to the wait process (“03H”), and the process proceeds to step 185. .

In step 185, it is determined whether the excitation switching time has elapsed, that is, whether the set timer counter has been interrupted four times. If it is determined that the excitation switching time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 186, and the value of the excitation pattern pointer (FIG. 23) is loaded. In step 187, the value of the loaded excitation pattern pointer is incremented by "1". In step 188, a logical product of the addition result and "07H" is obtained. In step 189, the logical product result is saved in the excitation pattern pointer. To complete the error-time drive process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the excitation switching time has not elapsed, the error time driving process is terminated. After completion, the payout operation process (FIG. 21) returns to the payout process (FIG. 20).

In the wait process shown in FIG. 26, it is determined in step 190 whether the wait time has elapsed, specifically, whether the 300 msec time in the timing chart of FIG. 7 has passed. If it is determined that the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 191 to determine whether the value of the payout remaining number counter, that is, the value of “current payout counter” is zero (“0”). Is determined. If the value of this counter is zero, it means that the winning ball has been paid out without any shortage, and if it is not zero, it means that the winning ball has become insufficient. On the other hand, if it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the wait process is terminated and the process returns from the payout operation process (FIG. 21) to the payout process (FIG. 20).

If it is determined in step 191 that the payout remaining number counter is not zero, the process proceeds to step 192, in which whether or not the payout mechanism error flag is “01H”, that is, the cumulative number of payout shortages is a predetermined number ( For example, it is determined whether or not the number exceeds 20). On the other hand, if it is determined that the payout remaining number counter is zero, the process proceeds to step 198, where the data set when the payout is successful, that is, each data is returned to the initial state. Specifically, the motor processing mode is set to a mode other than the payout operation (“00H”), the continuous shortage counter, that is, the “shortage counter” 78 value is set to zero, and the payout mechanism error flag is set to zero. set.

If it is determined in step 192 that the payout mechanism error flag is not “01H”, that is, if the cumulative shortage of payout does not exceed 20, the process proceeds to step 193, where the data set at the time of payout failure, The motor processing mode is set to a mode other than the payout operation (“00H”). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 194 where the value of the remaining payout counter, that is, the value of “current payout counter” is added to the continuous shortage counter, ie, “shortage counter” 78, as the current payout shortage number. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the continuous shortage counter is less than 20. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 192 that the payout mechanism error flag is “01H”, the process proceeds to step 197.

If it is determined in step 195 that the continuous shortage counter is 20 or more, “01H” is saved in the payout error flag. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 197, where the data at the time of payout mechanism error is set, that is, the motor processing mode is set to the error wait process ("04H"), and the wait process ends.

In the error wait process shown in FIG. 27, in step 200, it is determined whether or not the wait time has elapsed, specifically, whether or not 5 sec in the timing chart of FIG. 8 has elapsed. If it is determined that the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 201 to set data when the error wait time has elapsed, that is, set the motor processing mode to a mode other than the payout operation ("00H"). Then, the error wait process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the error wait process is terminated.

FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of the counting process. In the counting process, in step 210, whether or not the payout counting switch H time counter is “2”, that is, the payout counting switch 32 is in the on state during the period when the counting process is started twice by the interruption of the timer counter. A determination is made as to whether or not. If it is determined that the counter is “2”, the process proceeds to step 211 to determine whether or not the value of the payout remaining number counter, that is, the “payout number counter” 76 is “0”. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter is not “2”, the counting process is terminated.

If it is determined in step 211 that the value of the payout remaining number counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to step 212 where 1 is subtracted from the value of the payout remaining number counter and the process proceeds to step 215. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the payout remaining number counter is “0”, the process proceeds to step 215 as it is. In step 215, it is determined whether or not the winning ball flag is “01H”, that is, whether or not the current payout is being loaned. Proceeding to 216, it is determined whether or not the lending ball counter is zero, that is, whether or not the remaining lending amount of the lending ball is stored in the RAM. If it is determined that the lending ball counter is not zero, the process proceeds to step 217, where the lending ball counter is decremented by 1, and the counting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the lending ball counter is zero, the counting process is terminated as it is. If it is determined in step 215 that the loan is in progress, the process proceeds to step 213, where it is determined whether or not the value of the winning ball counter, that is, the “winning ball total counter” 75 is “0”. . If it is determined in step 213 that the value is not “0”, the process proceeds to step 214 where 1 is subtracted from the value of the prize ball counter. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the prize ball counter is “0”, the counting process is terminated as it is. Then, the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 17).

In the information output setting process in step 109, the number of payout balls paid out from the payout device of each pachinko machine is transmitted to the hall computer. Next, when it is detected in the power-off process in step 110 that the power of the pachinko machine has been cut off, a game information backup process is performed and the power-down is awaited. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the power supply has been shut off (it has not been detected that the power has been shut off), the process returns to step 102 upon completion of the power interruption process, and thereafter, the above-described processes are repeated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Image display device 3 Large prize opening 5 Game area 10 Start prize opening 13 Ball tray part 16 Rental apparatus (CR unit)
25 Reserving part 26 Sending mechanism part 27 Receiving part 28 Sending part 29 Sprocket 30 Recessed part 32 Dispensing counting switch 40 Main control part (CPU)
45 Dispensing control unit 46 Dispensing device 47 Launching device 60 Dispensing motor 61 Dispensing motor position detection switch 62 Discharge path ball cut switch 63 Full switch 75 Ball total counter (awarded ball total counter, ball rental total counter)
76 Discharge counter 77 Discharge motor operation counter 78 Shortage counter

Claims (2)

A payout control unit for sending a payout driving signal when there is a ball to be paid out to the player;
A payout device for paying out a ball based on the payout drive signal;
A payout counting switch for counting the balls actually paid out by the payout device;
The payout control unit
The total number of prize balls to be paid out to the player is set as a count value, and the set number is a ball total counter to which the number of payout balls counted by the payout counting switch is subtracted,
When the value of the total ball counter is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ball payout number, the value of the total ball counter is set as a count value, and the value of the total ball counter is set to the predetermined ball payout If the number is larger than the number, the predetermined number of balls paid out is a payout number counter that is set as a count value;
Based on the payout driving signal corresponding to the payout number counter, the payout device pays out the balls, and the number of balls counted by the payout counting switch in the payout is based on the count value set in the payout number counter. If there are too few, it has a shortage counter that accumulates the number of shortages to the initial value,
The payout driving according to the payout number counter until the value of the shortage counter reaches a predetermined predetermined shortage number set to the same number of balls as the predetermined ball payout number of the payout number counter. A pachinko machine that performs ball payout processing based on a signal and performs payout processing as payout mechanism failure processing when the value of the shortage counter reaches a predetermined shortage number. 2. The pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein the value of the shortage counter returns to the initial value when the balls are paid out based on the payout driving signal corresponding to the payout number counter without any shortage. .

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