JP5514286B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine in which a winning opening is provided on a board surface of a game board.

In a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, a game is performed by causing a game ball launched toward a game board to flow down along the board surface. On the game board, there is a winning opening through which game balls can be entered. The winning opening communicates with a flow path through which game balls that enter the winning opening circulate.
A game ball detection sensor for detecting a game ball is disposed in the middle of the flow path. Based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor, the number of game balls entering the winning opening is grasped, and the number of game balls corresponding to the number of game balls is paid out from the prize ball payout device.

  There has been a problem of a goto action in which a game ball detecting sensor is illegally detected to illegally acquire a prize ball (prize ball). Therefore, various measures have been taken to prevent or suppress fraud using the game ball in the game ball detection sensor (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-101244 A

  By the way, in recent years, a new type of goto action called Otama Goto is known. In this large ball goto, a steel ball for a bearing (for example, about 11.5 mm in diameter) that is slightly larger than a commonly used game ball (for example, about 11.0 mm in diameter) is an illegal game ball (hereinafter referred to as “illegal ball”). Used as By partially cutting a plurality of portions of the steel ball, a portion having a diameter of 11.0 mm or less (for example, a portion having a diameter of about 10.8 mm) is provided in the steel ball.

  The illegal balls launched toward the board of the game board flow down along the board. The fraudulent balls that flow down the game board are guided to the winning a prize by operating the magnets by fraudsters. As shown in FIG. 16, the game ball detection sensor 400 is formed with a substantially cylindrical passage hole 401. The diameter of the passage hole 401 (the diameter of the narrowest part) is normally about 11.4 mm. Therefore, the illegal ball 402 entering the winning opening and flowing through the flow passage can pass through the passage hole 401. Instead, the passage hole 401 is clogged. In this state, the illegal ball 402 is irradiated with radio waves and the frequency of the radio waves is switched, so that the passing of the game ball can be erroneously detected many times. Thereby, the fraudulent person can illegally acquire a large amount of balls (prize balls).

It is desired to effectively suppress such a large goto. Further, it is desired to effectively suppress the goto action that causes the game ball detection means (game ball detection sensor) to be falsely detected without being limited to the large ball goto.
In order to prevent the occurrence of such a got action, the inventors of the present invention arrange two game ball detection means in the flow passage with an interval in the flow direction, and the number of detection outputs of these game ball detection means. It is considered to determine the error condition based on the comparison of the differences.
In this case, when the game ball flows through the flow path of the game ball, when a power interruption occurs at a timing after the game ball is detected by one game ball detection unit and then detected by the other game ball detection unit. Since the passing of the game ball is detected only by one game ball detection means, a difference occurs in the number of detection outputs of the two game ball detection means.
When the power interruption and the backup recovery are repeated at the timing as described above, the difference in the number of detection outputs is accumulated every time, and there is a possibility that an error notification is issued even though the go-to action is not performed. There is.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of accurately detecting a goto action.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a ball game machine (1) for playing a game using a game ball launched toward the game board (5), wherein the game board includes: A prize opening (17, 18, 21, 22, 23) that is arranged on the board surface and can receive a game ball fired on the game board, and circulation for circulation of game balls that enter the prize opening A path (164, 171, 101, 102, 103) and first game ball detection means (34, 44; 134, 144) for detecting the passage of a game ball at a first position in the middle of the flow path; Detecting the passing of a game ball at a second position at a predetermined interval (W1; W2) with respect to the flow direction of the first passage and the first passage on the upstream or downstream side of the first position in the first passage. Second game ball detecting means (44, 34; 144, 134) to perform, Based on the output from the first game ball detection means, the ball processing means (71) for executing a predetermined process based on the entrance to the winning opening, and a monitoring counter (74), the first counter A monitoring counter variable means (71) for changing the monitoring counter in response to detection by the game ball detecting means and the second game ball detecting means, and an error state determination means for determining an error state based on the value of the monitoring counter ( 71) and a clearing means (71) for clearing the monitoring counter upon power interruption or backup recovery.

The numbers in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described later, but are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the embodiments.
According to this configuration, the game balls that have entered the winning opening circulate in the flow path, and the game balls are detected by both the first and second game ball detection means. When the passage of the game ball is detected, the first and second game ball detection means respectively generate predetermined detection outputs. Then, based on the output from the first game ball detecting means, it is determined that the game ball has entered the winning opening.

  Then, the monitoring counter is changed in accordance with the detection of the first game ball detection means and the second game ball detection means. Then, an error state is determined based on the value of the monitoring counter. Thereby, it is possible to detect the goto action for the game ball detecting means.

The monitor counter is cleared when the power is turned off or when the backup is restored.
Here, let us consider a case where the power is shut off with respect to the main control unit in a state where game balls are circulating in the portion between the first position and the second position in the flow path. In this case, the passing of the game ball is detected only by one of the first and second game ball detecting means, but the game ball cannot be detected by the other of the first and second game ball detecting means. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter that is backed up when the power is turned off is not a normal value.

  When returning from backup in a ball game machine, the correctness of the backup data is usually determined by comparing the backed-up data error detection code with the data error detection code based on the backup data. Therefore, when the power is shut off at the timing as described above, the data error detection code at the time of backup recovery matches, but the backup is performed in a state where only the signal from one game ball detection means is detected, The game proceeds with data other than the normal value remaining in the monitoring counter. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter fluctuates every time the power interruption and the backup recovery are repeated at the timing as described above, and there is a possibility that an error state will be determined. In this case, there is a risk that an error will be notified even though the go-to action is not performed.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the monitoring counter is cleared when the power is turned off or when the backup is restored. Therefore, even when the power is cut off with respect to the main control unit in a state where game balls are circulating in the portion between the first position and the second position in the flow path, the monitoring counter clear process The excessive error notification as described above can be eliminated. Thereby, it is possible to accurately detect the goto action.

1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the base member of the start winning opening unit shown in FIG. 2 from back. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st game ball detection sensor shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 2nd game ball detection sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a portion related to the main control board shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure for demonstrating the winning counter shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the periodic interruption process in a main control board. It is a flowchart showing one process example of the input management process regarding the entrance into the upper start winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the backup processing program. It is a flowchart showing the other example of an input management process regarding the entrance into a top start winning opening. It is a typical figure showing composition of a normal winning mouth flow path provided in a normal winning mouth unit of a ball game machine concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the example of 1 process of the input management process regarding the entrance into each normal winning opening. It is a flowchart showing the other process example of the input management process regarding the entrance into each normal winning opening. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of Otama Goto.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine 1 according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. The ball game machine 1 includes a substantially square frame-shaped outer frame 2 for mounting (installation) on game islands arranged in a game store, and an inner frame that is attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable in one side. 3 is provided. The inner frame 3 is rotatably held around the rotation axis of the hinge 4 by the left and right hinges 4 of the outer frame 2, for example, the left hinge 4.

  A game board 5 (see FIG. 2) is accommodated and held in the upper part of the inner frame 3. The lower part of the inner frame 3 accommodates and holds firing means (not shown). A safe ball collection unit (not shown) is disposed below the game board 5 in the inner frame 3. A front door 6 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. A lower opening / closing plate 7 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 below the front door 6 so as to be opened and closed. The front door 6 is formed with a substantially circular opening 8 at a position facing the game board 5. A transparent plate 9 such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 8, and the game board 5 (see FIG. 2) on the back side of the transparent plate 9 through the transparent plate 9 with the front door 6 closed. ) Can be visually recognized. A pair of left and right speakers 28 are disposed on the upper portion of the front door 6. In addition, a pair of left and right lamp units 27 is disposed at the lower portion of the front door 6.

  On the lower opening / closing plate 7, an upper plate 10 for storing game balls used for a game and a lower plate 12 for receiving game balls overflowing from the upper plate 10 through an overflow path (not shown) are arranged vertically. Is provided. Further, on the right side of the lower plate 12, a handle 13 that is operated when a game ball is launched into the game board 5 is disposed. A player can launch a game ball from the launching device toward the game board 5 by gripping and rotating the handle 13, and by adjusting the rotation angle of the handle 13, the game board 5 It is possible to adjust the momentum of the game balls that are launched toward the. The game ball is a steel ball having a predetermined diameter (for example, 11.0 mm).

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 5. A substantially circular game area S is set at the center of the board surface of the game board 5 (the front face of the game board 5), and game balls launched from the launching device are played around the periphery of the game area S. A substantially arc-shaped guide rail 14 is disposed to guide the board 5 upward (upper left side). Further, the inner rail 11 is disposed so as to face the guide rail 14. The front end of the inner rail 11 extends to the upper part of the game area S, and the game balls launched by the launching device are guided between the inner rail 11 and the guide rail 14 to the upper part of the game area S.

A large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area S, and the game balls released from the upper left side of the game board 5 obliquely upward to the right along the guide rail 14 and the inner rail 11. Flows down between a number of obstacle nails along the surface of the game board 5.
A liquid crystal display unit 15 is disposed at the center of the game area S. The liquid crystal display unit 15 is for displaying a production symbol, a production for a notice, etc. during the game of the ball game machine 1.

  In the lower part of the game area S, an upper start winning port (winning port) 17 and a lower starting winning port (winning port) 18 are arranged side by side vertically. The upper start winning opening 17 and the lower start winning opening 18 are provided so as to be able to enter a game ball that opens upward and flows down along the surface of the game board 5. In association with the lower start winning opening 18, an electric tulip accessory 19 for opening and closing the lower start winning opening 18 is provided. The electric tulip accessory 19 has a pair of blades. The electric tulip accessory 19 can be displaced between a state in which the tip portions of the blades approach each other (hereinafter referred to as “approached state”) and a state in which the tip portions of the blades are spread apart from each other. Is provided.

  In the approaching state of the electric tulip accessory 19, the game ball flowing down along the surface of the game board 5 is prevented from entering the lower start winning opening 18 by the upper start winning opening 17. The lower start winning opening 18 is closed. On the other hand, in the expanded state of the electric tulip accessory 19, a game ball can enter the lower start winning opening 18, thereby opening the lower start winning opening 18.

  The two start winning ports 17 and 18 and the electric tulip accessory 19 are unitized. In other words, the game board 5 is provided with a start winning port unit 16 having a pair of upper and lower start winning ports. The start winning port unit 16 is detachably fitted from a front side into a start winning port unit mounting hole (not shown) formed in the center of the game board 5 and is fixed to the game board 5 by screwing or the like. ing.

  The start winning opening unit 16 includes a base member 160 (see FIG. 4) described later. The base member 160 has a base plate 161. The base plate 161 is disposed along the board surface of the game board 5 so as to close a start winning opening unit mounting hole (not shown). In a state where the start winning opening unit 16 is mounted on the game board 5, the board surface of the game board 5 and the front surface of the base plate 161 are included in the same plane. On the front surface of the base plate 161, an upper start winning prize combination 162, a lower start winning prize combination 163, and an electric tulip accessory 19 are attached. The upper start prize opening 162 defines the upper start prize opening 17 and the lower start prize opening 163 defines the lower start prize opening 18. On the rear surface of the base plate 161, an upper start port passage 164 (see FIG. 4) and a lower start port passage 171 (see FIG. 4) are formed. The game balls that have entered the upper start winning opening 17 circulate through the upper start opening flow passage 164 and are collected by a safe ball collection unit (not shown). The game balls that have entered the lower start winning opening 18 circulate through the lower start opening flow passage 171 (not shown) and are collected by the safe ball collecting unit.

  When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18, a predetermined number (for example, three balls for the game ball entering the upper start winning port 17, or the lower start winning port 18) 5 prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3). In addition, a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state described below is executed based on the game balls entering the upper start winning opening 17 or the lower starting winning opening 18.

  Below the start winning port unit 16, for example, a large winning port 24 having a long rectangular shape on the left and right is arranged. In relation to the big prize opening 24, a big prize opening opening / closing plate 20 for opening and closing the big prize opening 24 is provided. The big prize opening / closing plate 20 closes the big prize opening 24 in a state along the board surface of the game board 5 and can prevent the game balls from entering the big prize opening 24. A game ball that flows down onto the big prize opening 24 by opening the big prize opening 24 by tilting to the near side about a rotation shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of the mouth 24. Can be introduced into the special winning opening 24. When game balls enter the big prize opening 24, a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50.

  During the special profit state, the big prize opening 24 is opened by swinging (tilting) the big prize opening / closing plate 20, and the big prize opening 24 is thereby opened. In the special profit state, an operation such as opening the grand prize opening 24 until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined maximum number of prizes (for example, 10 balls) enter the big prize opening 24. Such an operation is performed for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) with an interval of a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second).

In the left part of the game area S (left side of the liquid crystal display unit 15), a general gate 25 through which game balls flowing down along the surface of the game board 5 can pass is disposed. When the game ball passes through the general gate 25, a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not the electric tulip accessory 19 is in an expanded state is executed.
In the lower left portion of the game board 5, a first normal winning port 21, a second normal winning port 22, and a third normal winning port 23 are provided in a line in a diagonally downward line. Each of the normal winning ports 21, 22, 23 is open upward. When a game ball enters each of the normal winning ports 21, 22, 23, a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50. These three normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23 are unitized. In other words, the game board 5 is provided with a normal winning port unit 29 having three consecutive winning ports 21, 22, and 23. The normal winning opening unit 29 is arranged along the inner side of the inner rail 11 on the left side of the large winning opening 24 in the game area S. The normal winning hole unit 29 is detachably fitted from the front side into a normal winning hole unit mounting hole (not shown) formed along the inner side of the inner rail 11, and is fixed to the game board 5 by screwing or the like. Has been.

In the outer area of the guide rail 14 in the upper right part of the game board 5, there are special figure display means 111, special figure hold display means 112, general figure display means 113, general figure hold display means 114, and game state display section 115. It is arranged. These display means 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 are arranged in a line in this order from the upper right part of the game board 5 toward the lower right direction.
The special figure display means 111 displays the result of the jackpot lottery executed for the game balls entering the upper start winning opening 17 or the lower starting winning opening 18 by variably displaying special symbols. It is. The special figure display means 111 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18, execution of the symbol changing operation of the special symbol display means 111 is started. This symbol variation operation is stopped after a predetermined symbol variation time has elapsed. When the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot (determined to execute the special profit state), a special jackpot symbol determined in advance is stopped and displayed on the special chart display means 111. On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is lost, the special symbol for loss is stopped and displayed on the special figure display means 111.

When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18 during the symbol variation operation or the special profit state in the special symbol display unit 111, the special symbol display unit 111 for the received ball Up to a predetermined number (for example, four) of symbol variation operations can be suspended.
The symbol variation operation of the reserved special symbol display unit 111 is executed according to the sequence in which it was suspended after the execution of the symbol variation operation of the currently executed special symbol display unit 111 is completed.

The special figure hold display means 112 is for displaying the number of symbol variation operations of the special figure display means 111 that are on hold. The special figure hold display means 112 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display.
The common map display means 113 is composed of two lamps that can emit light and are arranged adjacent to the special figure hold display means 112. When the game ball passes through the usual figure gate 25, the execution of the symbol changing operation of the usual figure display means 113 is started. The symbol changing operation of the general-purpose display means 113 is displayed when one of the two lamps that is lit is alternately switched at a high speed. The symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 113 is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, and only one of the two lamps is lit. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the winning lamp of the two lamps is turned on, and thereafter, the electric tulip accessory 19 is opened and the lower start winning opening 18 is opened for a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is lost, the out of the two lamps are turned on, and the lower start winning opening 18 is kept closed.

  When the game ball passes the normal gate 25 during the symbol changing operation of the general symbol display means 113 or the expanding operation of the electric tulip accessory 19, the symbol of the general symbol display means 113 for the passage of the game ball Up to a predetermined number (for example, four) of variable operations can be suspended. The symbol change operation of the reserved general symbol display means 113 is executed in accordance with the reserved order after the execution of the symbol change operation of the currently executed general symbol display means 113 is completed. The number of symbol change operations of the reserved general-purpose display means 113 is displayed on the general-purpose display display means 114.

The general-purpose hold display means 114 is constituted by two lamps that can emit light and are arranged adjacent to the general-purpose display means 113. Depending on the combination of the lighting / extinguishing patterns of the lamps, the number of reserved symbol variation operations is displayed.
The game state display unit 115 is configured by one lamp capable of emitting light. By switching on / off the lamp, the internal state of the ball game machine 1 is displayed.

  The result of the big win lottery is displayed on the special figure display means 111, but is also displayed not only on the special figure display means 111 but also on the liquid crystal display unit 15. During the special profit state, the special winning opening 24 is opened by swinging the special winning opening / closing plate 20. In the special profit state, the special winning opening 24 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined maximum number of winning balls (for example, 10 balls) enter the special winning opening 24. Such an operation is performed only for a number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) with an interval of a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 second), with the operation of the special prize opening opening / closing plate 20 as one round. The number of prize balls that can be obtained by a player in one first special profit state is, for example, about 1500 balls (10 (balls / entering balls) × 10 (balls / round) × 15 (rounds)).

In addition, a game lamp 41 is provided on the surface of the game board 5 to increase the atmosphere of the game. In FIG. 2, a game lamp 41 provided in association with the liquid crystal display unit 15 (two arranged around the liquid crystal display unit 15) is taken as an example, but the shape, number and arrangement position of the game lamps 25 are illustrated. Can be set as appropriate.
In addition, a game lamp can be provided in association with, for example, the start winning port unit 16, the normal winning port unit 29, and the big winning port 24.

Among the game balls flowing down along the surface of the game board 5, the upper start winning port 17, the lower starting winning port 18, the large winning port 24, the first normal winning port 21, the second normal winning port 22, or the third normal winning port. The game balls (out balls) that have not entered any of the mouths 23 enter the machine from the out ports 26 formed in the lower part of the game area S and are collected by the safe ball collection unit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ball game machine 1. The ball game machine 1 includes a power supply board 61 that receives an AC voltage of 24V AC and outputs various DC voltages, a system reset signal SYS, and the like, and a main control board 30 (main control unit) that controls game operation control (game control) ) 30, an effect control board 31 that controls the effect control, a liquid crystal control board 63 for driving the liquid crystal display unit 15, and a payout control board 32 for driving the prize payout device 50 to pay out game balls. And a launch control board 64 for driving a launch device (not shown) to launch a game ball based on a rotation operation of a player's handle (not shown). Each control board 30, 31, 32, 63, 64 is mounted with a microcomputer having a configuration including, for example, a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM.

  The main control board 30 is connected to the power supply board 61 and the payout control board 32 via the main board relay board 62. The main control board 30 is connected to the effect control board 31 and the liquid crystal control board 63 via the command relay board 66 and the effect interface board 67, respectively. The effect control board 31 and the liquid crystal control board 63 are connected via an effect interface board 67. In addition, the power supply board 61 is connected to the effect interface board 67 via the power supply relay board 65.

  The main control board 30 is connected to various game parts of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 39. Specifically, the game board relay board 39 has an on / off signal from the usual gate passing sensor for detecting that the game ball has passed to the ordinary gate 25, and that the game ball has entered the big prize opening 24. ON / OFF signal from the big prize opening entrance ball sensor for detecting the game, ON / OFF signal from the first normal prize opening entrance ball sensor for detecting that the game ball has entered the first normal prize opening 21, An on / off signal from the second ordinary winning opening entrance ball sensor for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the normal winning slot 22 and detecting that a gaming ball has entered the third ordinary winning slot 23 While receiving the on / off signal from the third ordinary winning opening entrance sensor (in FIG. 3, the first to third ordinary winning entrance entrance sensors are collectively described as the ordinary winning entrance sensor), the electric tulip Electric chain that drives the accessory 19 Rippu (including, for example solenoids.) Drive mechanism or driving the winning opening closing mechanism for opening and closing the winning opening closing plate 20 (eg, including solenoids.). As will be described later, the main control board 30 does not pass through the game board relay board 39 for the on / off signals from the sensors 34, 44, 40 for detecting the balls entering the start winning holes 17, 18; Is entered directly into.

  The speaker 28 and the game lamp 41 are connected to the effect interface board 67 via the first frame relay board 69 and the second frame relay board 70, respectively. Further, a lamp board 68 for driving the lamp unit 27 is connected to the effect interface board 67. A system reset signal SYS and a power supply voltage from the power supply board 61 are input to the liquid crystal control board 63 and the lamp board 68 via the effect interface board 67, respectively.

The payout control board 32 is connected to an external terminal board 33 for outputting a predetermined signal (information) to the outside of the ball game machine 1. The external terminal board 33 is communicably connected to, for example, a hall control of an amusement store.
Among the substrates shown in FIG. 3, the payout control substrate 32, the launch control substrate 64, the power supply substrate 61, the second frame relay substrate 70, and the external terminal substrate 33 are frame side members (in FIG. 3) provided on the so-called inner frame 3. (Indicated by a dashed line).

On the other hand, the main control board 30, the production control board 31, the liquid crystal control board 63, the production interface board 67, the lamp board 68, the main board relay board 62, the command relay board 66, the power relay board 65, the first frame relay board 69, and the game The board relay board 39 is a board side member attached to the back surface of the game board 5.
The main control board 30 outputs a control command CMD toward the effect control board 31. A control command CMD from the main control board 30 is given to the effect control board 31 via the command relay board 66 and the effect interface board 67.

  The effect control board 31 turns on / off the game lamp 41 and turns off the speaker 28 via the first frame relay board 69 and the second frame relay board 70 based on the control command CMD from the main control board 30. Control audio output respectively. Further, the effect control board 31 determines the specific effect contents of the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the control command CMD from the main control board 30, and sends the control command CMD ′ on which the effect contents are described to the liquid crystal control board 63. Send to. The control command CMD ′ output from the effect control board 31 is given to the liquid crystal control board 63 via the effect interface board 67. The liquid crystal control board 63 controls the display of the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the control command CMD ′ (in this case, a liquid crystal control command) sent from the effect control board 31.

  The payout control board 32 is connected to the main board relay board 62 and is connected to the main control board 30 via the main board relay board 62. A power supply board 61 is directly connected to the payout control board 32, and the power supply board 61 provides the payout control board 32 with a system reset signal SYS, a voltage drop signal DWN, a power supply voltage, and a backup power supply voltage BU. . The main control board 30 outputs a control command CMD ″ toward the payout control board 32. The control command CMD ″ output from the main control board 30 is given to the payout control board 32 via the main board relay board 62. The payout control board 32 controls the payout operation of the prize payout device 50 based on the control command CMD ″ from the main control board 30.

  The power supply board 61 supplies a system reset signal SYS, a RAM clear signal DEL, a voltage drop signal DWN, DC12V and DC32V voltages, and a backup power supply voltage BU to the main control board 30 via the main board relay board 62. . The power supply board 61 also applies a system reset signal SYS and AC and DC power supply voltages to the effect interface board 67 via the power supply relay board 65. The effect interface board 67 gives the power supply voltage from the power supply board 61 and the system reset signal SYS to the effect control board 31.

The system reset signal SYS is a signal indicating that the AC power supply 24V has been turned on (supplied) to the power supply board 61.
The RAM clear signal DEL is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize all the RAM areas of the microcomputer of the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32.
A backup power supply BU of DC 5V is supplied from the power supply board 61 to the microcomputers of the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32. Therefore, the RAM data in each microcomputer is retained even after the AC power supply 24V is shut off (power supply is stopped) due to business termination or power failure. In the present embodiment, the storage contents of the RAM are designed to be retained for at least several days.

The backup power supply voltage BU is used to hold the data in the RAM 72 of the main control board 30 and the RAM of the payout control board 32 even after the voltage from the AC power supply 24V to the power supply board 61 is shut off due to the end of business or a power failure. It is a DC voltage of DC5V.
The power supply board 61 is configured to output a voltage drop signal DWN to the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32 when the AC power supply 24V is shut off. The voltage drop signal DWN is a signal indicating that the AC power supply 24V has started to drop, and is supplied to the input port of each microcomputer. Based on the input of the voltage drop signal DWN, the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32 respectively save necessary data in the RAM by the backup process (FIG. 11). In response to receiving the voltage drop signal DWN, the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32 start necessary termination processing prior to a power failure or business termination. As a result, coupled with the effect of power supply by the backup power supply BU described above, the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32 are in the gaming state (or operation) immediately before the power is shut off at the start of business or after recovery from a power failure. You can return to However, the backup power supply BU is not supplied to other control boards such as the effect control board 31 and the liquid crystal control board 63. Therefore, in these control boards, the operation in the initial state is started at the start of business or at the time of recovery from a power failure, regardless of the operation and the state before the power is shut off. These control boards may also be provided with such a backup function.

  The power supply board 61 is provided with a RAM clear switch (not shown) for zero-clearing the data in the RAM 72 (initializing the stored contents of the RAM 72). When an operator (for example, an employee of an amusement shop) pushes the RAM clear switch by hand to turn it on, the RAM clear signal DEL is turned on (low level). When the hand is released from the RAM clear switch, the RAM clear signal DEL returns to the off state (high level).

  In a state where the RAM clear signal DEL is in an on state (low level) (that is, while the RAM clear switch is being operated), a power on switch (not shown) provided on the power supply board 61 is turned on to turn on the power. Then, the data stored in the RAM 72 of the main control board 30 and the data stored in the RAM of the payout control board 32 are each zero-cleared (initialized). On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal DEL is in the off state (high level) (that is, the RAM clear switch is not operated) and the power on switch is turned on to turn on the power, the data in the RAM 72 of the main control board 30 and Neither the RAM data of the payout control board 32 is cleared to zero.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base member 160 as seen from the rear. The upper start opening passage 164 will be described with reference to FIG. The base member 160 includes a base plate 161, a pair of bowl-shaped guide rails 162, and two sensor holders 166 and 167. The base plate 161, the guide rail 162, and the sensor holders 166 and 167 are integrally formed using a synthetic resin material. The base plate 161 is formed with an inlet 163 through which game balls that have entered the upper start winning opening 17 flow. The upstream end of the guide rail 162 is connected to the inflow port 163. The downstream end of the guide rail 162 is open above the safe ball collection part.

  The upper start flow passage 164 is defined by the guide rail 162. The upper starter flow passage 164 communicates with the inflow port 163. The upper start-port flow passage 164 includes a first portion 168 extending in a left-right direction (for example, right direction (left direction shown in FIG. 4)) from a rear position of the inflow port 163, and a downstream end ( A second portion 169 bent from the right end) and extending vertically downward, and a third portion 170 extending from the lower end of the second portion 169 toward the one direction (for example, the right direction (left direction shown in FIG. 4)). And. The first portion 168 and the third portion 170 are gently inclined so as to descend toward the downstream side.

  An upper sensor holder 166 for mounting the game ball detection upper sensor (one of the first and second game ball detection means) 34 is provided at an intermediate portion of the second portion 169 of the upper start opening passage 164. . Further, a second sensor holder 167 for mounting a game ball detection lower sensor (the other of the first and second game ball detection means) 44 is provided at the downstream end of the third portion 170 of the upper start-up flow passage 164. It has been. A detection position (one of the first position and the second position) by the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and a detection position by the game ball detection lower sensor 44 (the other of the first position and the second position) in the upper start opening passage 164 Is a predetermined interval W1 (refer to FIG. 4; hereinafter referred to as “predetermined interval W1 in the upper start-up flow passage 164”) with respect to the distribution direction (along the distribution direction). NA (described later) game balls can be accommodated in a portion between the two detection positions in the upper starter passage 164.

The game balls that have entered the upper start winning port 17 flow through the upper start port flow passage 164 through the inflow port 163 and are detected by both of the game ball detection sensors 34 and 44. After detection by the game ball detection sensors 34 and 44, the game ball is recovered by a safe ball recovery unit (not shown).
On the other hand, the game balls that have entered the lower start winning opening 18 circulate through the lower start opening flow passage 171 and are detected by the lower start winning opening entrance ball sensor 40 (not shown in FIG. 4, refer to FIG. 7). After detection by the lower start winning opening entrance ball sensor 40, the game balls are collected by a safe ball collection unit (not shown).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the game ball detection upper sensor 34. FIG. 5A shows a plan view of the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34, and FIG. 5B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34. The game ball detection upper sensor 34 is constituted by, for example, a high-frequency oscillation type penetrating proximity sensor. The game ball detection upper sensor 34 has a casing 37 made of a synthetic resin having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction. A tapered surface 38 that connects the left end surface of the casing 37 and the rear side surface is formed at the rear portion of the left end of the casing 37. The casing 37 has a left / right length that is about 2.5 times the diameter of the game ball, a front / rear width that is about half of the left / right length, and a vertical thickness that is about 1/4 of the front / rear width. Combining the tapered surface 38 with a convex portion (not shown) on the upper sensor holder 166 (see FIG. 4) side prevents the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 from being turned upside down and attached to the upper sensor holder 166. Can do.

  A cylindrical first passage hole 35 that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 37 is formed in the left portion of the casing 37. The first passage hole 35 is for a game ball to pass through. The first passage hole 35 has a regular octagonal shape. A diameter D1 of an inscribed circle 36 (shown by a two-dot chain line) on the outer periphery of the first passage hole 35 is, for example, 11.4 mm. A coil (not shown) is wound around the outer portion of the outer periphery of the first passage hole 35. The right portion of the casing 37 accommodates an oscillation circuit (high frequency oscillation circuit, not shown) connected to the coil. The coil and the oscillating circuit constitute a first detection unit for detecting the game ball passing through the first passage hole 35. The first detection unit outputs an on / off signal to the main control board 30. When the passing of the game ball to the first passage hole 35 is detected, the signal output from the first detection unit is once turned on, and then returns to the off state.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the game ball detection lower sensor 44. FIG. 6A shows a plan view of the game ball detection lower sensor 44, and FIG. 6B shows a partial cross-sectional view of the game ball detection lower sensor 44. The game ball detection lower sensor 44 is constituted by, for example, a reflective photosensor (light sensor).
The game ball detection lower sensor 44 has a synthetic resin casing 47 having a substantially rectangular shape elongated in the left-right direction. The casing 47 has a left / right length that is about 2.5 times the diameter of the game ball, a front / rear width that is about half of the left / right length, and a vertical thickness that is about 1/4 of the front / rear width.

A cylindrical second passage hole 45 that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 47 is formed in the right portion of the casing 47. The second passage hole 45 is for a game ball to pass through. The second passage hole 45 is, for example, a round hole. The diameter D2 of the second passage hole 45 is 11.4 mm, for example.
The left portion of the casing 47 accommodates a circuit board (not shown) on which electronic components (not shown) such as transistors are mounted. A light emitting element 48 for emitting light and a light receiving element 49 for receiving light emitted from the light emitting element 48 are mounted on the circuit board. Examples of the light emitting element 48 include a light emitting diode that emits infrared light, and examples of the light receiving element 49 include a photodiode that receives infrared light. The light emitting element 48 and the light receiving element 49 are arranged adjacent to each other along the peripheral edge of the second passage hole 45 and face the space defined by the second passage hole 45. A reflecting mirror 50 for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting element 48 to the light receiving element 49 is disposed at the peripheral portion of the second passage hole 45 at a portion facing the elements 48 and 49. The circuit board is electrically connected to the main control board 30.

  The circuit board constitutes a second detector for detecting the passing of the game ball through the second passage hole 45. The light emitting element 48 always emits light when supplied from the main control board 30. At this time, the light from the light emitting element 48 is specularly reflected by the reflecting mirror 50 and guided to the light receiving element 49. When the game ball passes through the second passage hole 45 in this state, the optical path from the light emitting element 48 to the light receiving element 49 is temporarily interrupted. The second detector detects the passage of the game ball by detecting the interruption of the optical path. The second detection unit outputs an on / off signal to the main control board 30. When the passage of the game ball to the second passage hole 45 is detected, the signal output from the second detection unit is once turned on, and then returns to the off state.

The game ball detection lower sensor 44 is not limited to the diameter D2 of the second passage hole 45 equal to the diameter D1 of the first passage hole 35, and may be a sensor having a diameter larger than the diameter D1. The photosensor may be a transmissive photosensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a portion related to the main control board 30.

A microcomputer is mounted on the main control board 30 as described above. This microcomputer includes a CPU 71, a RAM 72 and a ROM 73. For example, a Z80 CPU (manufactured by Zilog) is adopted as the CPU 71 of the main control board 30.
The RAM 72 is provided with a monitoring counter 74, an abnormality flag 75, a winning counter 76, and a random number storage area 77.

  The monitoring counter 74 increments (+1) each time the detection output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 is input to the main control board 30, and the detection output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 is the main. The value is decremented (−1) every time it is input to the control board 30. In other words, the monitoring counter 74 counts the difference between the number of detection outputs generated from the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and the number of detections based on the number of detection outputs generated from the game ball detection lower sensor 44. The value of the monitoring counter 74 indicates the difference number.

The abnormality flag 75 is for storing whether or not the ball game machine 1 is in an error state, and “0” is stored in a normal state (when not in an error state). . When an error state is determined from the state, the value of the abnormality flag 75 is switched from “0” to “1”.
When a game ball enters the upper start winning port 17 or the lower start winning port 18, a predetermined number (for example, three balls for the game ball entering the upper start winning port 17, or the lower start winning port 18) 5 prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50. In addition, a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state described below is executed based on the game balls entering the upper start winning opening 17 or the lower starting winning opening 18.

The winning counter 76 is a counter for storing the number of balls that have entered (winned) the winning openings 17, 18, 21 to 23 but have not yet been paid out.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the winning counter 76. The winning counter 76 includes a counter area 76A for 3-ball prize balls, a counter area 76B for 5-ball prize balls, and a counter area (not shown) for 10-ball prize balls. Each counter area 76A, 76B stores “0” as an initial value. The value of the counter area 76A for the 3-ball prize ball is incremented every time a game ball enters the 3-ball prize-winning slot such as the upper start winning hole 17 and the normal prize-winning holes 21 to 23, and the 5-ball prize is awarded. Each time a game ball enters the lower start winning port 18 which is a ball winning port, the value of the counter area 76B for 5 ball award is counted up. Further, every time a game ball enters the large winning opening 24 which is a winning hole for 10 ball prize balls, the value of a counter area (not shown) for 10 ball prize balls is counted up.

  Then, a control command for payout is created based on the values of the counter area 76A for 3-ball prize balls, the counter area 76B for 5-ball prize balls, and the counter area for 10-ball prize balls. Then, in a command transmission process executed in a periodic interrupt process described later, the control command is transmitted toward the payout control board 32. When a command transmission process is performed based on the value of a certain counter area, the value of the counter area is decremented (−1).

Referring to FIG. 7, in random number storage area 77, various random numbers (for example, a jackpot determination random number, a jackpot symbol related to the execution of a jackpot lottery executed for the game ball entering the start winning holes 17 and 18). A random number for determination, a random number for determining a missing symbol, a random number for determining a variation pattern, etc.) are stored.
As described above, the RAM 72 is supplied with the backup power supply voltage BU (DC power supply voltage of DC5V) from the power supply board 61. Thereby, after the power supply to the power supply board 61 with respect to the main control board 30 is cut off, the RAM 72 holds the backup data. Specifically, when the AC power supply 24V applied to the power supply board 61 starts to drop, a DWN signal is transmitted from the power supply board 61 to the main control board 30. When the voltage drop signal DWN is received, the CPU 71 executes a backup process (FIG. 11). The CPU 71 supplies the backup power supply voltage BU from the power supply board 61 to the RAM 72 and holds the data stored in the RAM 72. In addition, the CPU 71 performs a checksum (data error detection code) calculation of data stored in the RAM 72 and stores the calculation result in a SUM storage area (not shown) of the RAM 72.

As described above, the main control board 30 receives the on / off signal from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34, the on / off signal from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44, and the on / off signal from the lower start winning opening entrance ball sensor 40. Yes.
In addition, the ROM 73 is provided with a determination value storage unit 78 for storing a determination value serving as a reference value for error determination. For example, “NA (for example, 2)” is set as the error determination value for the ball entering the upper start winning opening 17. This determination value “NA” has a relationship represented by the following equation between a predetermined interval W1 in the upper start-up flow passage 164 and a game ball diameter D (for example, about 11.0 mm).
D · NA <W1 <D · (NA + 1) (1)
Next, the program of the main control board 30 will be described. The control program of the main control board 30 includes a maskable periodic interrupt process that is activated every predetermined time (4 msec). The periodic interrupt process is started by interrupting the system reset process, which is the main process that is activated based on the restoration or input of the power supply voltage.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the periodic interrupt process in the main control board 30. When the periodic interrupt process is started, the power supply abnormality check process is promptly executed without saving the register of the CPU 71 (step S0). In the power supply abnormality check process in step S0, the level of the voltage drop signal supplied from the power supply board 61 to the main control board 30 is determined. When it is detected over one or a plurality of periodic interruption processes that the level of the voltage drop signal indicates a level indicating power-off, the process proceeds to the backup process (FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the voltage drop signal is at a level that does not indicate power interruption, the process proceeds to a random number update process (step S1) described below. In this random number update process, the value of a random number counter for general winning (not shown) used in a normal symbol determination process (step S6), which will be described later, or a big win winning random number counter used in a big hit determination process (step S7). The value (not shown) is updated (S1: random number update process).

After completion of the random number update process in step S1, a timer subtraction process is performed for each timer managing the game operation time (step S2). The timer subtracted here is mainly used for managing the expansion time of the electric tulip accessory 19, the opening time of the special winning opening 24, and other game performance times.
Next, an input management process is executed (step S3). The input management process is a process of storing the state of signals from various sensors provided in the ball game machine 1 (for example, whether it is on or off) and periodically updating data based on the signal. It is. The signals from the various sensors include, for example, a large winning opening entrance sensor (not shown), first to third ordinary winning entrance entrance sensors (not shown), a lower start winning entrance entrance sensor 40, and a game ball detection upper sensor. 34 and an on / off signal output from each of the game ball detection lower sensors 44.

After the switch input process is completed, an error management process is performed (step S4). In the error management process, whether or not the supply of game balls to the ball supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying game balls to the prize ball dispensing device 50 is stopped, whether or not the game balls are clogged, and abnormalities inside the ball game machine 1 The presence or absence of occurrence is also determined.
Next, confirmation of winning information and creation of command data are performed in order to instruct the number of payouts to the winning ball payout device 50 corresponding to the number of payout of game balls won to the winning holes 17, 18, 21, 22, 23. After executing the prize management process (step S5), a normal symbol determination process (equivalent to the above-described normal symbol lottery) for determining whether or not the electric tulip accessory 19 is to be expanded is executed (step S6). More specifically, the value of the random number counter for normal winning updated by the random number updating process in step S1 is compared with the winning value. If the value of the random number counter for the regular symbol win matches the winning value, the operation mode is changed to the normal symbol winning mode. In this operation mode, a process for expanding the electric tulip accessory 19 is executed.

Next, jackpot determination processing for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state is performed (step S7). Then, when the lottery result is a big hit, the operation mode is changed to the special profit state. Further, in the operation mode in the special profit state, processing for opening the special winning opening 24 (opening / closing operation of the special winning opening / closing plate 20) is executed.
After the jackpot determination process, a lamp lighting process is executed for a predetermined lamp managed by the main control board 30 (step S8), and the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded and the prize winning opening / closing plate 20 is opened / closed. After executing the opening / closing accessory driving process to be realized (step S9), the CPU 71 is returned to the interrupt permission state, and the timer interruption is finished (step S10). As a result, the routine of the periodic interrupt process is exited, and an infinite loop main process (system reset process) is executed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of input management processing related to entering a ball into the upper start winning opening 17. In this processing example, the game ball detection lower sensor 44 is handled as a first game ball detection means, and the game ball detection upper sensor 34 is handled as a second game ball detection means. Then, in response to the detection of the game ball by the game ball detection lower sensor 44, it is assumed that the game ball has won (entered) the upper start winning port 17.

  The CPU 71 constantly monitors whether or not the abnormality flag 75 is “1” (step S11). If the abnormality flag 75 is “0” (NO in step S11), whether or not the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 is turned on, or the signal from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 is detected. It is monitored whether or not the output is turned on (steps S12 and S14). When the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 is turned on (YES in step S12), the CPU 71 increments (+1) the value of the monitoring counter 74 (step S13). When the signal output is turned on (YES in step S14), the CPU 71 decrements (-1) the value of the monitoring counter 74 (step S15).

In addition, when there is a detection output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 (when the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 is once turned on, YES in step S14), the value of the monitoring counter 74 after decrementing Is referred to (steps S16 and S17).
When the value of the monitoring counter 74 is greater than or equal to “0” and less than the determination value “NA (for example, 2)” (YES in step S16 and NO in step S17), the CPU 71 determines various random numbers (eg, A jackpot determination random number, a jackpot symbol determination random number, a loss symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, etc.) are stored in the random number storage area 77 (step S18), and the counter area for the three-ball prize ball in the winning counter 76 The value of 76A is updated (incremented (+1)) (step S19). If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” (NO in step S16) or exceeds the determination value “NA” (YES in step S17), the value of the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S21). . Thereafter, the input management process is returned.

  On the other hand, when the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 remains in the OFF state (NO in step S14), the value of the monitoring counter 74 is then referred to (step S20). If the value of the monitoring counter 74 exceeds the determination value “NA” (YES in step S20), the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S21), and then the input management process is returned. If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is equal to or smaller than the determination value “NA” (NO in step S20), the input management process is returned as it is.

  That is, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NA”, various random numbers are acquired and stored in the random number storage area 77, and the counter area for the three-ball prize ball in the winning counter 76 is obtained. Although the value of 76A is updated, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” or exceeds the determination value “NA”, various random numbers are not acquired, and the value of the winning counter 76 is also Not updated.

Then, a control command for payout is created based on the value of the counter area 76A in the winning counter 76, and in the command transmission process executed in the periodic interrupt process executed thereafter, the control command is sent out to the payout control board. 32 is transmitted.
Further, based on the values of various random numbers stored in the random number storage area 77, the jackpot determination process in step S7 is executed.

  Further, when the value of the abnormality flag 75 is “1”, in the command transmission process, the CPU 71 of the main control board 30 notifies an error notification for an error state notification to a peripheral board (for example, the effect control board 31). Send a command. The error notification command output from the main control board 30 is transmitted to the effect control board 31 via the command relay board 66. When receiving the error notification command, the effect control board 31 transmits a control command for error notification to the liquid crystal control board 63 and the lamp board 68 via the effect interface board 67. The liquid crystal control board 63 that has received this control command displays a predetermined error screen (for example, a message such as “an error has occurred”) on the liquid crystal display unit 15. Further, the lamp board 68 that has received this control command turns on the lamp unit 27 in a predetermined error mode. Further, when receiving the error notification command, the effect control board 31 controls the sound output of the speaker 28 to output a predetermined alarm sound from the speaker 28 and turns on the game lamp 41 in a predetermined error mode. These error notifications cannot be canceled unless the power is turned off and then turned on again.

Furthermore, the CPU 71 outputs an error signal (information) indicating that an error state has occurred toward the external terminal board 33. The error signal output from the main control board 30 is input to the hall control of the game store via the external terminal board 33.
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, consider a case where a so-called large goto is performed at the upper start winning opening 17. In this large ball goto, an illegal ball that is one size larger than a genuine game ball (for example, about 11.0 mm in diameter) is used. As this fraudulent ball, for example, a steel ball for bearings that is one size larger than a genuine game ball (for example, about 11.5 to 12 mm in diameter) is used. By partially cutting a plurality of portions of the steel ball, a portion having a diameter of 11.0 mm or less (for example, a portion having a diameter of about 10.8 mm) is provided in the steel ball.

A player (in this case, a cheating person) guides a game ball that is fired toward the board surface of the game board 5 and flows down along the board face toward the upper start winning opening 17 by operating a magnet.
The game balls that have entered the upper start winning opening 17 circulate in the upper start opening flow passage 164. Since the diameter of the first passage hole 35 of the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 (the diameter of the inscribed circle 36) is about 11.4 mm as described above, the illegal ball that has reached the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 is The first passage hole 35 cannot be passed, and the first passage hole 35 is clogged. In order to erroneously detect the passing of the game ball many times, the radio wave is irradiated toward the illegal ball and the frequency of the radio wave is switched. By switching the frequency, the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 constituted by the proximity sensor is turned on many times. Each time the signal output is turned on (YES in step S12), the value of the monitoring counter 74 is incremented (+1).

  The radio wave irradiated toward the illegal ball is also given to the game ball detection lower sensor 44. However, the game ball detection lower sensor 44 is constituted by a photo sensor, and the detection principle thereof is different from that of the game ball detection upper sensor 34. Therefore, even if the frequency of the radio wave is switched, the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 remains in the OFF state, and the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not decremented (−1). As a result, the value of the monitoring counter 74 quickly exceeds the determination value “NA (for example,“ 2 ”)” (YES in step S17), the value of the winning counter 76 is not updated, and the value of the abnormality flag 75 is “1”. become. Thereby, it is possible to accurately detect a large ball for the game ball detection upper sensor 34.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the backup processing program. This backup process occurs when the power supply voltage drops due to a power failure or the like.
The state of the voltage drop signal DWN input to the input port is monitored, and if the voltage drop signal DWN is at a voltage level indicating a power-on state, the process proceeds to backup processing, and monitoring counter clear processing (step S33) is first executed. The

  Next, in the monitoring counter clear process, the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 are cleared to zero, and these values are stored after being cleared to zero (steps S33 and S34). Thereafter, a checksum (data error detection code) is calculated (step S35). Specifically, 8-bit addition is continuously performed on the work area of the RAM 72, and the calculation result is stored in the SUM storage area as a checksum value. It is desirable that the area to be subjected to the 8-bit operation is wide, and is the entire area in the RAM 72 except the SUM storage area and the backup flag area. Note that a backup flag (5A [H]) for indicating whether or not a backup has been made is set in the backup flag area before the checksum calculation (step S35), and this backup flag area is included. A checksum value may be calculated. In this way, the entire area excluding the SUM storage area becomes the target area for the checksum calculation.

  Thereafter, the flag value 5A [H] is stored in the backup flag area (step S36). After storing the backup flag area, access to the RAM 72 is prohibited (step S37) and the CPU 71 waits for the power supply voltage to drop and the CPU 71 to become inoperative. After that, the CPU is in an inoperative state, but since the backup power BU is supplied to the RAM, the backed up data continues to be stored as it is. That is, the contents of the RAM 72 are maintained as they are even after the power supply is completely shut off.

  In this embodiment, the voltage drop signal DWN is input to the input port as an example. However, the voltage drop signal DWN may be input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 71, for example. In the backup process in this case, first, the contents of each register of the CPU 71 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 72. Specifically, the value of the interrupt permission flip-flop of the CPU 71 is set, and the I register and the F register (P / V flag) in which the value of the permission flip-flop is copied are stored in the stack area. After the saving of each register is completed, the stack pointer value (SP value) is stored in the SP storage area of the RAM 72, and then the process proceeds to the monitor counter clear process (step S33) shown in FIG. Procedures are set up.

Next, power recovery processing on the main control board 30 will be examined. This power recovery process is executed by turning on the power without performing a RAM clear operation when recovering from the power failure state. This power recovery process is executed in the system reset process described above.
This power recovery process is started based on the input of the above-described system reset signal SYS to the main control board 30. In this case, the CPU 71 first sets itself to the interrupt disabled state and sets the interrupt mode 2. Next, the value of the stack pointer inside the CPU 71 is set to the final address of the stack area, and the value of each register built in the CPU 71 is initialized. When the main control board 30 receives the RAM clear signal DEL from the power supply board 61, the CPU 71 then reads the RAM clear signal DEL and checks the level of the RAM clear signal DEL.

  Thereafter, the CPU 71 stops the progress of the process at the timing before permitting writing to the RAM 72 until the initial setting of the peripheral boards (for example, boards such as the payout control board 32 and the effect control board 31) is completed. Wait while clearing the watchdog timer circuit (not shown). Then, after the voltage drop signal DWN reaches the voltage level indicating the power-on state, the CPU 71 enables the RAM 72 to write and sends a standby screen display command to the effect control board 31. Thereafter, the CPU 71 monitors the reception of the power-on command indicating that the main control board 30 has started up the payout control board 32.

  When receiving the power-on command, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the read RAM clear signal DEL is at a low level. When the read RAM clear signal DEL is at a low level, it is assumed that the RAM clear operation was performed at the time of power-on (the power was turned on while the RAM clear switch was pressed), and the entire area of the RAM 72 was cleared to zero (the RAM 72 The stored contents are initialized). As the RAM is cleared, “5A [H]” is stored in the RAM clear flag area. Then, main control board 30 transmits a RAM clear command for RAM clear notification to peripheral boards (for example, boards such as payout control board 32 and effect control board 31). Thereafter, a return command process and various processes at the time of return are executed. In this return command processing, a return command for notifying that the power supply is restored is transmitted to peripheral boards (for example, boards such as the payout control board 32 and the effect control board 31). Further, in various processes at the time of return, a state command for specifying a gaming state (probability state and whether or not the electric tulip accessory 19 (ordinary electric accessory) is activated, etc.) at the time of power-off is displayed on a peripheral board (for example, effect control) When the process for transmitting to the circuit board 31) and the operating state of the symbol at the time of return are in the demo state, the process for transmitting the demo command and the command for transmitting the command according to the error state at the time of return Various processes such as processes are executed.

  When the RAM clear signal read by the CPU 71 is at a high level, it is determined whether or not the data (backup data) stored in the RAM 72 is valid. Specifically, whether the backup data is valid is determined as follows. The CPU 71 collates the checksum obtained by calculating the checksum (data error detection code) of the data stored in the RAM 72 at that time with the backup checksum stored in the SUM storage area. The calculated checksum value should essentially match the backup checksum value. However, if the checksum operation cannot be executed when the voltage drops, or if the checksum operation can be executed but data is damaged in the work area, the values of these two checksums do not match. . In this case, assuming that the backup data is invalid, the RAM clear process is performed and the state of the pachinko machine 1 is returned to the initial state.

On the other hand, if the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value stored in the SUM storage area, the backup data is treated as valid, and then the return command process and various processes at the time of return are executed. .
In the above description, since the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 are cleared to zero during the backup process, it is not necessary to clear the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 in the system reset process. When such a zero clear is not performed in the backup process, the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 may be cleared after the checksum match determination.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the game balls that have entered the upper start winning opening 17 circulate in the upper start opening flow passage 164, and the game balls are detected by both the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and the game ball detection lower sensor 44. The signal output from the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and the game ball detection lower sensor 44 is turned on. Then, in response to the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 being turned on, it is determined that the gaming ball has entered the upper start winning opening 17.

Since the game ball detection upper sensor 34 is a magnetic sensor and the game ball detection lower sensor 44 is a photo sensor, the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and the game ball detection lower sensor 44 have different detection principles. Yes.
For this reason, when the game ball detection upper sensor 34 is subjected to large ball goto, that is, the illegal ball is clogged in the first passage hole 35 of the game ball detection upper sensor 34, and the radio ball is irradiated and irradiated with radio waves. When an illegal act of switching the frequency of radio waves is performed, only the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 turns on the signal output, and the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 remains off. Therefore, when the above-described large ball goto is performed on the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34, the number of times the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 is turned on and the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 are A difference occurs between the number of times the switch is turned on.

Then, an error state is determined based on the difference number. Thereby, it is possible to accurately detect a large ball for the game ball detection upper sensor 34.
Further, the determination value “NA” is the same number as the number of game balls that can be accommodated in a portion between the two detection positions in the upper start-up mouth flow passage 164. Therefore, when the difference number exceeds the number of game balls that can be accommodated in a portion between the two detection positions in the upper start-up mouth flow passage 164, it is determined that an error state has occurred. In such a case, it is unlikely that the cause of the difference number is the game ball clogging in the portion between the two detection positions in the upper starting flow passage 164. Thereby, it is possible to detect a large ball for the game ball detection upper sensor 34 with higher accuracy.

In the backup process, the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 are cleared to zero (steps S33 and S34) prior to the execution of the checksum calculation (S35).
Here, the detection position (one of the first position and the second position) by the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and the detection position (the first position and the second position) by the game ball detection lower sensor 44 in the upper starting flow passage 164. Let us consider a case where the power source is cut off with respect to the main control board 30 in a state where game balls are circulating in the portion between the other and the other. In this case, since the passing of the game ball is detected only by the game ball detection upper sensor 34, the value of the monitoring counter 74 is “1”. However, the game ball detection lower sensor 44 cannot detect a game ball. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter 74 to be backed up is “1”.

  Therefore, when the power is shut off at such timing, the checksum at the time of the power recovery process described above matches, but the backup is performed in a state where only the signal from the game ball detection upper sensor 34 is detected. Therefore, the game proceeds while data other than “0” remains in the monitoring counter 74. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter 74 increases each time the power supply is shut off and the power supply is repeated at such timing, and there is a possibility that the determination value will be exceeded. In this case, an error notification is issued despite the fact that no goto action is performed, which is not desirable.

  In contrast, in this embodiment, prior to the execution of the checksum calculation (S35), the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 are cleared to zero. Therefore, in the state where the game balls are circulating in the portion between the detection position by the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and the detection position by the game ball detection lower sensor 44 in the upper start opening passage 164, On the other hand, even when the power is shut off, the excessive error notification as described above can be eliminated by the clearing process when the power is restored.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the input management process related to entering a ball into the upper start winning opening 17. The processing example shown in FIG. 12 is different from the processing example of FIG. 10 in that the game ball detection upper sensor 34 is the first game ball detection means, and the game ball detection lower sensor 44 is the second game ball detection means. It is a point treated as. Then, in response to the detection of the game ball by the game ball detection upper sensor 34, it is assumed that the game ball has won (entered) the upper start winning port 17. This will be specifically described below.

  The CPU 71 constantly monitors whether or not the abnormality flag 75 is “1” (step S41). If the abnormality flag 75 is “0” (NO in step S41), whether or not the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 is turned on, and the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 It is monitored whether or not the signal output is turned on (steps S42 and S45). When the signal output from the game ball detection upper sensor 34 is turned on (YES in step S42), the CPU 71 determines various random numbers related to the execution of the jackpot lottery (for example, the jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol determination random number, the off symbol determination) (Random number for fluctuation, random number for variation pattern determination, etc.) are acquired (provisionally acquired) and stored in the random number storage area 77 (step S43), and the value of the monitoring counter 74 is incremented (+1) (step S44). Further, when the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 34 remains in the OFF state (NO in step S42), the CPU 71 skips the processing in step S43 and the processing in step S44.

  When the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 is turned on (YES in step S45), the CPU 71 decrements the value of the monitoring counter 74 (-1) and then the value of the monitoring counter 74 after the signal input is confirmed. Is referred to (steps S47 and S48). When the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NA” (YES in step S47 and NO in step S48), the random number temporarily acquired in the random number storage area 77 is the above-described various random numbers. (Step S49). Further, the CPU 71 updates (increments (+1)) the value of the 3-ball prize counter area 76A in the winning counter 76 (step S50). If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” (NO in step S47) or exceeds the determination value “NA” (YES in step S48), the value of the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S52). In addition, when the contents of the random number storage area 77 are cleared to zero and random numbers are stored in the random number storage area 77 by provisional acquisition, the random numbers are discarded and invalidated (step S53). Thereafter, the input management process is returned.

  On the other hand, if the detection signal from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 44 is not input for a predetermined period (NO in step S45), the value of the monitoring counter 74 is then referred to (step S51). When the value of the monitoring counter 74 exceeds the determination value “NA”, the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S52), the contents of the random number storage area 77 are cleared to zero, and the random number storage area 77 is temporarily acquired. If a random number is stored, the random number is discarded and invalidated (step S53). Thereafter, the input management process is returned. If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is equal to or smaller than the determination value “NA” (NO in step S51), the input management process is returned as it is.

  That is, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NA”, the random number stored in the random number storage area 77 is valid, and the winning ball counter 76 has a counter for 3-ball prize balls. Although the value of the area 76A is updated, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” or exceeds the determination value “NA”, the random number stored in the random number storage area 77 becomes invalid. Also, the value of the winning counter 76 is not updated.

Then, a control command for payout is created based on the value of the winning counter 76, and the control command is directed to the payout control board 32 in the command transmission processing executed in the periodic interrupt processing executed thereafter. Sent.
Further, based on the values of various random numbers stored in the random number storage area 77, the jackpot determination process in step S7 is executed.

  Further, when the value of the abnormality flag 75 is “1”, in the command transmission process, the CPU 71 of the main control board 30 notifies an error notification for an error state notification to a peripheral board (for example, the effect control board 31). Send a command. Thereby, error notification using the liquid crystal display unit 15, the lamp unit 27, the speaker 28, and the game lamp 41 is executed.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the normal winning port flow passages 101, 102, 103 provided in the normal winning port unit 29 of the ball game machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, parts corresponding to those shown in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.
The normal winning opening unit 29 is provided with a first normal winning opening channel 101, a second normal winning port channel 102, and a third ordinary winning port channel 103. The first ordinary winning opening flow passage 101 is a flowing passage through which game balls that have entered the first ordinary winning opening 21 circulate. The second ordinary winning opening flow passage 102 is a flowing passage through which game balls that have entered the second ordinary winning opening 22 circulate. The third ordinary winning opening flow passage 103 is a flowing passage through which game balls that have entered the third ordinary winning opening 23 circulate.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a pair of game ball detection sensors 134 and 144 are disposed in the middle of the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, and 103.
In each of the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103, a game ball detection upper sensor (one of the first and second game ball detection means) 134 and a game ball detection lower sensor (first and second game ball detection means). On the other hand, 144 are arranged in this order in the flow direction. The detection position (one of the first position and the second position) by the game ball detection upper sensor 134 and the detection position (the first position and the first position) by the game ball detection lower sensor 144 in each of the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103. The other of the two positions is separated from the distribution direction (along the distribution direction) by a predetermined interval W2 (hereinafter, referred to as “predetermined interval W2 in the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103”). . NB (to be described later) game balls can be accommodated in the portion between the two detection positions in each of the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103.

  In FIG. 13, for convenience of explanation, a case where the portion between the two detection positions in the first to third ordinary winning mouth passages 101, 102, 103 is linear is illustrated. It goes without saying that the portion may be bent like the portion between the two detection positions in the upper start-up flow passage 164. Of course, the portion between the two detection positions in the first to third ordinary winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103 may be curved.

In addition, in the determination value storage unit 78 of the ROM 73, for example, “NB (for example, 2)” is set as an error determination value for entering the normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23. This determination value “NB” has a relationship represented by the following equation between the predetermined interval W2 in the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, and 103 and the game ball diameter D.
D · NB <W2 <D · (NB + 1) (2)
The game balls that have entered the respective normal winning ports 21, 22, and 23 flow through the corresponding normal winning port flow passages 101, 102, and 103, and are detected by both of the game ball detection sensors 134 and 144. After detection by the game ball detection sensors 134 and 144, the game ball is recovered by a safe ball recovery unit (not shown).

  The game ball detection upper sensor 134 is constituted by, for example, a high-frequency oscillation type penetrating proximity sensor, and has the same configuration as the game ball detection upper sensor 34 described above. The game ball detection lower sensor 144 is constituted by, for example, a reflective photosensor (light sensor), and has the same configuration as the game ball detection lower sensor 44 described above. An on / off signal from each game ball detection upper sensor 134 and an on / off signal from each game ball detection lower sensor 144 are input to the game board relay board 39.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of input management processing related to entering a ball into each of the normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23. In this processing example, the game ball detection lower sensor 144 is handled as the first game ball detection means, and the game ball detection upper sensor 134 is handled as the second game ball detection means. Then, in response to the detection of the game ball by the game ball detection lower sensor 144, it is assumed that the game ball has won (entered) the upper start winning port 17.

  The CPU 71 constantly monitors whether or not the abnormality flag 75 is “1” (step S61). If the abnormality flag 75 is “0” (NO in step S61), whether or not the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134 is turned on, or the signal from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 is detected. It is monitored whether or not the output is turned on (steps S62 and S64). When the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134 is turned on (YES in step S62), the CPU 71 increments (+1) the value of the monitoring counter 74 (step S63), and the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 When the signal output is turned on (YES in step S64), the CPU 71 decrements (-1) the value of the monitoring counter 74 (step S65).

In addition, when there is a detection output from the game ball detection lower sensor 144 (when the signal output from the game ball detection lower sensor 144 is once turned on; YES in step S64), the value of the monitoring counter 74 after decrementing Is referred to (steps S66 and S67).
When the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NB (for example, 2)” (YES in Step S66 and NO in Step S67), the CPU 71 counters the three-ball prize ball in the winning counter 76. The value in area 76A is updated (increment (+1)) (step S69). If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” (NO in step S66) or exceeds the determination value “NB” (YES in step S67), the value of the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S71). . Thereafter, the input management process is returned.

  On the other hand, when the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 remains in the OFF state (NO in step S64), the value of the monitoring counter 74 is then referred to (step S70). When the value of the monitoring counter 74 exceeds the determination value “NB” (YES in step S70), the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S71), and then the input management process is returned. If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is equal to or smaller than the determination value “NB” (NO in step S70), the input management process is returned as it is.

That is, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NB”, the value of the counter area 76A for the three-ball prize ball in the winning counter 76 is updated, but the value of the monitoring counter 74 is When the value is less than “0” or exceeds the determination value “NB”, the value of the winning counter 76 is not updated.
Then, a control command for payout is created based on the value of the winning counter 76, and the control command is directed to the payout control board 32 in the command transmission processing executed in the periodic interrupt processing executed thereafter. Sent.

  Further, when the value of the abnormality flag 75 is “1”, in the command transmission process, the CPU 71 of the main control board 30 notifies an error notification for an error state notification to a peripheral board (for example, the effect control board 31). Send a command. Thereby, error notification using the liquid crystal display unit 15, the lamp unit 27, the speaker 28, and the game lamp 41 is executed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another process example of the input management process related to entering a ball into each of the normal winning openings 21, 22, and 23. The processing example shown in FIG. 15 is different from the processing example of FIG. 14 in that the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134 is used as the first gaming ball detection means, and the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 is the second gaming ball detection means. It is a point treated as. Then, in response to the detection of the game ball by the game ball detection upper sensor 134, it is assumed that the game ball has won (entered) the upper start winning port 17. This will be specifically described below.

  The CPU 71 constantly monitors whether or not the abnormality flag 75 is “1” (step S81). If the abnormality flag 75 is “0” (NO in step S81), whether or not the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134 is turned on, and the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 It is monitored whether or not the signal output is turned on (steps S82 and S85). When the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134 is turned on (YES in step S82), the CPU 71 increments (+1) the value of the monitoring counter 74 (step S84). Further, when the signal output from the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134 remains in the OFF state (NO in step S82), the CPU 71 skips the processing in step S83 and the processing in step S84.

  When the signal output from the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 is turned on (YES in step S85), the CPU 71 decrements the value of the monitoring counter 74 (-1) and then the value of the monitoring counter 74 after the signal input is confirmed. Is referred to (steps S87 and S88). When the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NB” (YES in step S87 and NO in step S88), the CPU 71 sets the counter area 76A for the 3-ball prize ball in the winning counter 76. The value is updated (increment (+1)) (step S90). If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” (NO in step S87) or exceeds the determination value “NB” (YES in step S88), the value of the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S92). ). Thereafter, the input management process is returned.

On the other hand, when the detection signal from the game ball detection lower sensor 144 is not input for a predetermined period (NO in step S85), the value of the monitoring counter 74 is then referred to (step S91). When the value of the monitoring counter 74 exceeds the determination value “NB”, the abnormality flag 75 is set to “1” (step S92). Thereafter, the input management process is returned.
If the value of the monitoring counter 74 is equal to or smaller than the determination value “NB” (NO in step S91), the input management process is returned as it is.

That is, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is not less than “0” and not more than the determination value “NB”, the value of the counter area 76A for the 3-ball prize ball in the winning counter 76 is updated, but the value of the monitoring counter 74 is “ When the value is less than 0 or exceeds the determination value “NB”, the value of the winning counter 76 is not updated.
Then, a control command for payout is created based on the value of the winning counter 76, and the control command is directed to the payout control board 32 in the command transmission processing executed in the periodic interrupt processing executed thereafter. Sent.

Further, when the value of the abnormality flag 75 is “1”, in the command transmission process, the CPU 71 of the main control board 30 notifies an error notification for an error state notification to a peripheral board (for example, the effect control board 31). Send a command. Thus, error notification using the liquid crystal display unit 15, the speaker 28, and the game lamp 41 is executed.
Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 are cleared to zero prior to the execution of the checksum calculation in the NMI interrupt processing. ing. This will be specifically described below.

  Here, the detection position (one of the first position and the second position) by the game ball detection upper sensor 134 and the detection position (first position) by the game ball detection lower sensor 144 in each of the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103. Let us consider a case where the power is cut off with respect to the main control board 30 in a state where game balls are circulating in the portion between the position and the second position). In this case, since the passing of the gaming ball is detected only by the gaming ball detection upper sensor 134, the value of the monitoring counter 74 is “1”. However, when the power is restored, the gaming ball detection lower sensor 144 cannot detect the gaming ball. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter 74 to be backed up is “1”. Therefore, when the power is shut down at such timing, the checksum at the time of the power recovery process described above matches, but the backup is performed in a state where only the signal from the game ball detection upper sensor 134 is detected. Therefore, the game proceeds while data other than “0” remains in the monitoring counter 74. Therefore, the value of the monitoring counter 74 is increased each time the power supply interruption and the power supply recovery are repeated at such timing, and there is a possibility that the determination value will be exceeded. In this case, an error notification is issued despite the fact that no goto action is performed, which is not desirable.

  On the other hand, also in the second embodiment, the value of the monitoring counter 74 and the value of the abnormality flag 75 are cleared to zero prior to the execution of the checksum calculation. Therefore, in the state where the game ball is circulating in the portion between the detection position by the game ball detection upper sensor 134 and the detection position by the game ball detection lower sensor 144 in each of the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103. Even when the power is cut off from the main control board 30, the excessive error notification as described above can be eliminated by the clearing process when the power is restored.

As mentioned above, although two embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented also with another form.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the number of detection outputs generated from the game ball detection upper sensors 34 and 134 and the number of detection outputs based on the number of detection outputs generated from the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144 are between. The monitoring counter 76 that is an addition / subtraction counter is used as a difference number deriving means for counting the difference number, and the difference number is monitored by one counter. However, the difference number may be counted by a plurality of counters. For example, a first counter that counts the number of detection outputs issued from the game ball detection upper sensors 34 and 134 and a second counter that counts the number of detection outputs issued from the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144 are provided. The difference number may be obtained based on the addition ratio (the number of additions per time) of each counter. In this case, as in the above-described embodiments, the values of the first and second counters may be cleared to zero prior to the execution of the checksum operation during the backup process. As a result, the game balls circulate in the flow passages 164, 101, 102, 103 between the detection positions by the game ball detection upper sensors 34, 134 and the detection positions by the game ball detection lower sensors 44, 144. When the power is cut off from the main control board 30 in a state where the power is on, it is possible to avoid unnecessary execution of RAM clear notification at the time of power recovery when power is restored.

As the game ball detection upper sensors 34 and 134, a high-frequency oscillation type proximity switch, which is one of magnetic sensors, is adopted, but other magnetic sensors such as a magnetic type proximity switch and a capacitance type proximity switch should be adopted. You can also.
In addition, a transmissive photosensor may be employed as the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144.

  Further, as the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144, mechanical sensors can be used instead of the photo sensors. In this case, the mechanical sensors employed as the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144 are provided, for example, in a box-shaped main body and detachable with respect to the main body, and when the game ball passes around the main body, An actuator that contacts the ball and is pushed toward the main body; a biasing member that biases the actuator in a direction away from the main body; and a third detector that detects the amount of movement of the actuator. ing.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the magnetic sensor is applied to the game ball detection upper sensors 34 and 134 is described as an example. However, the magnetic sensor such as the proximity switch described above is applied to the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144. You can also In this case, a sensor whose detection medium is not an alternating magnetic field, such as an optical sensor (photo sensor) or a mechanical sensor, is employed as the game ball detection lower sensors 44 and 144.

In the first embodiment described above, a pair of sensors 34 and 44 can be provided in the lower starting port flow passage 171. That is, the pair of sensors 34 and 44 are used in place of the lower start winning opening entrance ball sensor 40.
The pair of sensors are disposed in this order in the flow direction in the lower starting port flow passage 171. A detection position (one of the first position and the second position) detected by the game ball detection upper sensor 34 and a detection position (the other one of the first position and the second position) detected by the game ball detection lower sensor 144 in the lower start mouth passage 171. Is a predetermined interval with respect to the flow direction. A determination value storage unit 78 of the ROM 73 is provided. As an error determination value for a ball entering the lower start winning opening 18, the same number as the number of game balls that can be accommodated in a portion between the two detection positions in the lower start opening flow passage 171 may be set.

  It should be noted that the countermeasure for the lower start winning opening 18 may be performed by software processing. That is, one game ball detection sensor is provided for the lower start winning opening 18, and the input from the game ball detection sensor is an effective signal only when the electric tulip accessory 19 (ordinary electric accessory) is operating. It should be handled. If the number of game ball detection sensors is appropriately selected according to the function of the winning opening, the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the case where the first position and the second position are provided at a sufficient interval in the flow direction of the flow passage, as the first and second game ball detection means, a sensor having a common detection medium ( Detection means) may be employed. In this case, for example, a high frequency oscillation type proximity switch can be employed for both the first and second game ball detecting means.
In the second embodiment described above, the case where a pair of sensors 34, 44 are provided in all the normal winning mouth flow passages 101, 102, 103 is taken as an example, but the configuration of the pair of sensors 34, 44 is not adopted. There may be a regular winning mouth flow passage.

  In each embodiment, the value of the winning counter 76 may be updated when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” or exceeds the determination value. Further, when the value of the monitoring counter 74 is less than “0” or exceeds the determination value, the random number may be stored in the random number storage area 77 (the stored random number is made valid). . As a result, even if it is determined to be in an error state, execution of the jackpot lottery and / or payout of prizes is secured. However, even in this case, the ball game machine is still in an error state, and the value of the abnormality flag 75 is changed from “0” to “1”, and an error indicating that an error state has occurred. A signal is input to the hall control through the external terminal board 33.

Moreover, although it demonstrated as the game ball detection upper sensor 34, the game ball detection lower sensor 44, the usual figure gate passage sensor, and the 1st-3rd normal winning opening entrance ball sensor output an on-off signal, these sensors are Other types of signal output may be performed.
In addition, as an example, the error determination value is set to the same number as the number of game balls that can be accommodated in the portion between the two detection positions in each flow passage 164, 171, 101, 102, 103. Another value can be set as the determination value. For example, the determination value can be made different depending on the type of the winning prize opening. In this case, the determination value corresponding to the start winning opening flow paths 164 and 171 and the determination corresponding to the normal winning opening flow paths 101, 102 and 103 are used. The value can be different from the value. Also, the judgment value can be varied according to the number of prize balls for entering the prize opening. In this case, the judgment values corresponding to the prize winning openings 17, 21, 22, 23 for the three-ball prize balls and the five balls The value can be made different from the judgment value corresponding to the prize winning opening 18.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ball game machine 5 Game board 17 Upper start prize opening 18 Lower start prize opening 21 1st normal prize opening 22 2nd normal prize opening 23 3rd normal prize opening 34 Game ball detection upper sensor (1st and 2nd game ball One of detection means)
44 Game ball detection lower sensor (the other of the first and second game ball detection means)
74 Monitoring Counter 101 First Normal Winning Port Flow Path 102 Second Normal Winning Port Flow Path 103 Third Normal Winning Port Flow Path 134 Game Ball Detection Upper Sensor (One of First and Second Game Ball Detection Means)
144 Game ball detection lower sensor (the other of the first and second game ball detection means)
164 Upper start flow passage 171 Lower start flow passage

Claims (1)

A ball game machine that performs a game using a game ball that is fired toward a game board,
A prize opening that is arranged on the surface of the game board and into which game balls fired on the game board can enter;
A flow path for the game balls that have entered the prize opening to circulate;
First game ball detection means for detecting the passage of a game ball at a first position in the middle of the flow path;
Second game ball detection for detecting the passage of a game ball at a second position at a predetermined interval in the flow path upstream or downstream of the first position with respect to the flow direction of the first position and the flow path. Means,
Based on an output from the first game ball detecting means, a ball processing means for executing a predetermined process based on the ball entering the winning opening;
A monitoring counter variable unit that has a monitoring counter and changes the monitoring counter in response to detection by the first game ball detection unit and the second game ball detection unit;
Error state determination means for determining an error state based on the value of the monitoring counter;
And a clearing means for clearing the monitoring counter at the time of power interruption or backup recovery.

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